My Little Pony: The Claymore Legacy

Chapters

Report #1: It Begins
Report #2: Meeting With Myself
Report #3: A Glitch In The System
Report #4: PMS(Personal Memory Sequence)
Report #5: Into The Fire, Part 1
Report #6: Into The Fire, Part 2
Epilougue

Report #1: It Begins

Hi. My name is Joshua Grimm. No, I'm not a Grimm like in that show on TV. I like the show My Little Pony, despite that it got canceled a few years back, but I think of myself as an otaku, as well. I especially liked the manga/Anime, Claymore. But one day, when I pitched my idea of crossing the two series, Claymore with My Little Pony, and creating a Virtual Reality game out of it, I got more than I bargained for. It might be a little cliché, but it went a little like this: Shit happened, shit blew up and broke down, and now I'm stuck in a shit situation. I'll leave this memory thing behind in case something happens to me. I think Twilight called it a 'Memory Magical Celestial Sequencer', or 'Memory MCS' for short.

This, is my story.

***Microsoft Development Center, Location: Somewhere in New Mexico, Time: 11:23am***

"GRIMM! GET OVER HERE!"

I got up from my workspace and trudged over to my boss' office, staring at the plaque briefly: John Joseph Jordan, CEO. Everyone just called him 'Mr J.J', or 'Mr. Jordan'. I opened his office door, and was greeted with the first 'compliment' I've ever gotten on the job. From the boss-man, anyway.

"Congratulations, Grimm. I want you on Beta testing for the My Little Claymore project. You pitched the idea, it's your problem, now," He stopped talking to take a puff of his cigar, and bellowed, "GET TO WORK!"

I bowed, and hurriedly said, "Yes sir!" bolting towards the top floor, where the project was handled.

"Joshua, what are you doing here?" A man with dark brown hair asked. Said man's name was Samuel Smith. I immediately stopped running, and turned facing him. "I've just been reassigned head of the MLP/Claymore crossover project. Beta Testing, so, I need the gear." The gear. The first VR testing system in America. Sam looked shocked.
"But Joshua, the project was-" Before he could finish, I turned it on, put on the visors, in the earpieces, and started up the system. That's when something went horribly wrong. It malfunctioned, sending a jolt through me, and the last thing I heard before passing out was Sam screaming for help and the police.

***Equestria, Everfree Forest***

I groaned, and rolled onto my side. "Damn Virtual Reality System...." I cursed under my breath, as I tried to sit up, when I realized something. The system had a Heads-Up Display, or HUD for short. The HUD was always visible, even when my eyes were closed. Something is wrong, very wrong. I could barely hear, but despite the fact that I was near-deaf, I could somewhat make out what they were saying.

"Is..t....d?"

"Do....th.....mi.......cious?"

Than one of the voices was right in my ear.

"CAN YOU HEAR ME?" The voice was incredibly loud, and I could only groan in response. That's when I realized, my clothes felt different. I shouldn't be able to feel clothes in Virtual Reality. Which means....
"Am I dreaming?" I managed to sputter, as my breathing, no longer long and deep, began to even out.

"Oh! It's awake!" A yellow pony exclaimed quietly. Wait, pony? Yellow, and it had wings. Definitely female, but this doesn't explain...It hit me. This was that show that got canceled a while back, My Little Pony. I voiced my thoughts, although I toned the language down several notches.
"The hell? How'd I get here?"

Another pony spoke, this one purple. "Hi, my name is Twilight Sparkle, and I want to welcome you to Equestria, despite your....arrival." I tried to sit up, but found myself buried in timber.

"Can't you help me?" I ask, trying to seem strong, but actually, I was aching all over. I could hardly move my head as is, which means I couldn't see the next pony who spoke.
"Hey, are you some sort of alien? A spy? Are you a spy?" The pony said accusingly, as the purple one used the magic she had to lift the wood. I slowly, painfully sat up, and took the time to examine myself.

"This is real....This is fu-er....this is really real." I stopped myself from saying 'fuck', because I wasn't sure if I wanted to toss around human terms, especially one with a sexual meaning, as well as it simply being a curse word. I looked at my chest, now adorned with a pair of medium-small breasts. "Well, this oughta be fun," I exclaimed sarcastically, as I rose to my feet, a little unsteady. A quick look, and I saw that my scrawny arms were now slender, but still felt extremely muscular, and my lithe legs looked like they could move really quickly. I looked around, my eyes adjusting to the low levels of light. I saw something move quickly in the shadows, but paid no heed to it. Big mistake. I looked at the purple pony, who was apparently called Twilight Sparkle, because, hey, why should I trust TV? Talk to the real deal.

"So...any....ponies acting odd?" I asked, reaching over my shoulder, feeling the hilt of the broadsword. That's when I was slammed into from the side, by something lightning quick. "Oof!" I gasped for breath, being knocked into a wall. "What the hell!?" I pulled the sword off my back, the wicked blade glinting in the moonlight. I could sense it. A Yoma. I swung the sword down, as the Yoma lunged, but something was different. In the Anime, and the Virtual Reality Game, all the Yoma were humanoid. So why does this one feel, and look, like a pony? My sword connected with the Yoma's left...fore-leg, and sliced through like a hot knife through frozen butter. The Yoma lashed out, it's horn piercing my gut. I took in a sharp breath, slamming my free fist into the base of its neck. The Yoma began to grow in size, and I couldn't help it. I swore like a sailor. "Holy fucking shit! You're a damn Awakened Being!? FUCK NO! That's not fair! I'm brand new at this, you fucking bitch!" The Yoma, now at full size, was menacing. And I was terrified. She reached her full height, the Yoma's sheer size making her stare down at me.
"Alicia..." I whispered, feeling fear and a little confidence. I had read the Manga, I was certain I could- Wait, I stopped after Volume 24 because I couldn't find Volume 25. Shit. I don't have a fail-safe strategy, so..."The Organization will be happy to have your head, bitch!"

"You are a Claymore? Than I shall kill you, like I have so many back on Earth!" Well, I was screwed. I couldn't afford to die, not here, not now. I was not going to hold back. She used to be like me, like what I am now, before she lost control. I focused, raising my Youki to 76%. My veins bulged, and my silver iris' turned gold, tell-tale signs that I was not holding back. I raised my sword, and leaped, slamming down behind her neck, my sword clattering against her armour-like flesh. I kept swinging, my sword and arm nothing but a blur. The Quicksword technique, created by Ilane, in the Manga.

My Youki slowly rose, surpassing a Claymore's normal limits, which was around 80%. My Youki kept climbing, until it stopped at 90%. At my limit, I could now confirm it was indeed a very arousing sensation, so close to the edge. But I was strong. I kept slamming the sword into her, striking everywhere I possibly could, without getting diced myself. She split my side, pierced my gut, and nicked my back, as I swung one final time, spinning the sword in my grip. It glided through her face, and she collapsed, dead, without a brain to keep going. I landed on the ground, chest heaving.

"It can't be that easy..." I gasped between breaths. The Awakened Being had completely ruined my clothes, one breast exposed. But that wasn't what mattered. What mattered was getting back in control of my Youki. I gradually decreased my Youki levels to 80%, than 70%, until it dropped completely. My last conscious thought was, 'I should have checked the data-card! There's gotta be corrupt programming on it, somewhere!' I couldn't remain conscious any longer, and fell, the last thing I remember being the sound of metal on stone, and screaming. Maybe it was my own...

Elsewhere, a mysterious entity received a communication from an unknown observer.

Assessment: The subject has poor mastery of her Youki. Her reckless behavior almost cost the girl her humanity. Proper training instructor is advised to be sent. Recommendation is not yet found.

Awaiting further instructions.

Author's Note

OK, this is my first go with HiE. Also, this is not a self insert! DON'T SAY IT IS! First Person View is not always Self-Insert.

The 'Assessments' will be at the end of every chapter, until the one who is sending the assessments is revealed.

Also: For the choppy speech when Josh was gaining consciousness, this is what was said:
"Is it dead?"

"Do you think it's unconscious?"

Also, I'm hoping to get the ball rolling so Josh can fight in the War of Understanding, but I'd have to ask Thadius0 first. I'll get that done once things are rolling well.

Report #2: Meeting With Myself

I groaned, and sat up. All around me, was a blank whiteness. Definitely NOT what I wanted to see. There was someone facing away from me, hands in their pockets. I looked around, and suddenly felt very aware that there was something missing: my clothes. I covered myself up with one arm, and stretched out my other, ready to say something, when the person turned around.

"Finally came to for the most part? Nah. Near death experience...that isn't something you recover from so quickly."

His facial features were familiar to me. Too familiar. Because they were my own. He kept talking, and my focus snapped to what he was saying, as I tried to ignore how odd it was to see myself.

"You almost died. Now, let me explain something: You're still recovering. Right now, you're unconscious, but neither of us; you, the conscious, me, the subconscious; know where you are right now. But this gives us some time to reflect on life. So, here's the first thing: Obviously, you aren't on Earth anymore. But with how real everything is, and the fact that there's no Heads-Up Display, it is safe to say that this isn't Virtual Reality." He dusted off his shirt, and I thought about it.

Those are all observations I made...Its like he really is me. But how much so, or is this some crazy dream induced by an all-powerful entity? I thought, and almost immediately, I found myself asking something completely different. "If this is Equestria, which variation? How much of an influence do I have? And why would there be Yoma here?" I pressed him with questions, knowing that either way, I wouldn't get answers that I wanted the answer to, if I didn't know them. But I was given a surprise.

"Common sense would dictate that this is a hybrid variation, most likely the Claymore variation. A possible sub-variation would be the Nyxverse, but that's highly unlikely. You most likely won't have much of an influence, until you start making a name for yourself. I suggest choosing a new identity, though."

"Why's that?" I asked, before remembering. "Oh, yeeeaaaah..." I face-palmed, telling myself off for forgetting such a key detail. "Maybe something that reflects who I am now?"

"Or you could use the name your character had for the game."

"Or that." Everything around me slowly started to blur, and I felt confused. "So...Tell them my name is Tamora, and try to make it convincing?" I asked him, falling to the ground, dizzy.

"Pretty much. Oh, and whatever you do, try not to lose control. If there's more Yoma than the one, these ponies will need you more than they think."

With my subconscious's last remark, my thoughts slipped, and I woke up.

*****Castle of the Two Sisters*****

Twilight Sparkle was a genius. She had read every book Princess Celestia had ever provided for her, but never in any of the books had they mentioned anything like the two creatures that had fought in a deadly battle. She was pacing back and forth, fretting nervously. "What do we do!? I don't know what these...things are! I've never read about them!" she started rambling about her lack of knowledge in panic, when Rainbow Dash grabbed her firmly.

"Twi! Get a hoof of yourself!" She said firmly. "That pon...uh...whatever, is bleeding!" Dash pointed at the bleeding, crumpled figure on the ground. Everypony was staying away in fear of the creature, having witnessed the uncanny power it had exhibited.

"R-right. Except I don't know anything about it!" Twilight said, extremely worried.

"What if we brought it to the Princesses?" Rarity said, looking rather disgusted. "Let them decide what to do with this ruffian?"

"I suppose we don't have a choice…" Twilight agreed thoughtfully. The five(Because Rarity wasn't willing to risk getting covered in blood) hauled the unconscious being out of the ruins, and eventually pulled it to Ponyville. Thankfully, they didn't have to take a train, as Princess Celestia stopped by for yet another unexpected visit. "Princess!" Twilight cried out, gasping for breath. Even with her magic, and her friends aiding her, carrying the creature had been taxing. The royal mare opened her mouth to speak, but that was when the creature stirred, and awoke.

*****Josh's POV*****

As soon as I woke up, I realized I was floating. I fell to the ground, and looked around, grimacing in pain. My injuries hadn't healed fully, and I was certain I wasn't a defensive fighter, like my character Rachael. Which honestly sucked big time, but I wasn't focusing on that.

"What might you be?" A voice, like that of a minor goddess(Or something similar in power) said from in front of me.

I looked up, and scowled. "The name is…" I paused, thinking. Should I use Tamora? Yeah. What the hell. "My name is Tamora," I said, rolling onto my side, and slowly getting to my feet. I continued to speak, focusing my Youki on recovery. My side slowly sealed up, leaving a scar. "I am a Claymore. Half-human, half-Yoma." I watched the regal mare study me, when I realized my clothes were still in tatters. "Trust me…this is NOT"- I put emphasis on 'not'- "how I wanted to meet you."

The pony smiled, when I realized something: My memories of the show were slipping away. I was so distracted with that realization, I didn't notice her speaking.
"-You here. Do you have any questions about Equestria, or what my expectations of you are?"

"Yeah. Can you repeat that?" I rubbed the back of my neck, and tried to adjust my uniform so I didn't gel so exposed. Great. Now I'm more modest than before.

"Very well. As I had said, my name is Princess Celestia, one of two leaders of Equestria. My sister, Princess Luna, rules with me. I wish to understand you, and would be honored to have you here."

"Yeah, but any funny business, and we'll kick your butt!" Rainbow Dash said, hooves up like she was ready to fight.

"Uh huh. I'm guessing before anything else happens, you'll need me to explain who/what I am, how I got here, and what I plan on doing, exactly?" I said, feeling, and hopefully looking, extremely bored.

"Yes. We've never seen anything quite like you, and so we shall hear your tale." Princess Celestia said, most likely on behalf of everybody in the vicinity. I checked to see if I was sitting, and nodded approvingly: My habit of sitting without notice had struck again! I took a deep breath, getting my thoughts back on track, and nodded again.

"June 22nd, 2015. I went to a convention called ComiCon. I decided to cosplay a character I had created for a game I was beta-testing, called My Little Claymore." Twilight interrupted me, with a question. Predictable.

"What is this 'game' supposed to be?" She asked, jotting notes down furiously.

"I'd explain, but I honestly don't feel like it." I responded lazily. "Anyway, I bought a prop for my cosplay, and attended. Everything was working out fine, but something about the prop felt off. I didn't notice who had sold me it, except it was some chick who was hot as hell."

"What?" Rarity and Princess Celestia asked simultaneously.

"It's a way of saying she was really good-looking."

"Oh."

"So, a few weeks later, I was given the position of head beta-tester for the My Little Claymore project. Things went screwy with the Virtual Reality system, and when I woke up, I found myself in that old, ruined castle."

Twilight flipped the page of her notepad, probably again, as I hadn't been paying attention, when Pinkie asked, "What about magic? Do you have any magic? What kind? Ooh, ooh, can you do a magic trick!?" She asked, firing off questions about as fast as I could draw an arrow from the quiver.

"Well..It's not really magic, but a Claymore, and the Yoma, which I don't think I've explained, but I'll explain in a second, has what's called 'Youki'. It's a form of supernatural energy that flows through Yoma blood. It's origin is relatively unknown, to me at least, but Youki is like..." I paused, thinking, before finding a nice comparison, "Hyper adrenaline: It increases your strength to unrealistic levels, increases your reaction time, and enables you to move faster. There is, however, a major downside." I paused, letting Twilight jot down another page of notes, before continuing. Of course, Rainbow Dash butted in before I could keep talking.

"What, being awesome?" She said. I thought I heard an egotistical tone in her voice, but dismissed the thought.

"No. Youki has a limit as to how much you can exert before you go over the limit. The average Claymore has to stop at 80%, otherwise they become a more powerful version of a Yoma, called an Awakened Being."

"That's what you called that monster back at the castle, right?" Fluttershy asked softly, hiding behind Rarity.

"Yes. I'm a bit worried, but I need a better arsenal if I'm to declare war on the Yoma."

Celestia narrowed her eyes, and said, "You've mentioned these...'Yoma', multiple times now. What are they, and what makes them so dangerous?"

"A Yoma is basically a parasite, but it can alter the physical form of it's host to accommodate it's Youki when it reveals itself. The result is normally beefed up muscles, and increased speed."

Princess Celestia seemed to be trying hard not to vomit, but I continued. "Then there's Voracious Eaters, also known as Awakened Beings. Often times, they exist because a Claymore lost control of her Youki, and went past her limit. Only one has ever Awoken to the point of change and pulled back from it. Her name was Clare."

Pinkie burst in on the conversation, and looked up at the sky. "Hey Mr. Author? Are you sure it's spelled like that?"

Everypony blinked, and I gave the classic 'What the fuck?' face.

I am quite certain Pinkie. Please do not break the fourth wall like that again, though! It compromises the story!

"Okie dokie lokie!" She bounced up, and vanished, only to reappear sitting down.

I shifted uncomfortably, and asked, "What in the name of the gods was that about?"

"Nothing you need to worry your silly head about, silly-willy!"

"Uh...anyways...an Awakened Being often has traits that reflect a Claymore's strengths. For example, a fast Claymore who Awakens would most likely have a streamlined body, with slender limbs, whereas a strong Claymore would have a muscular body and weapons as part of her body." Everything I said of course, was speculation on my part, but I needed to sound confident. After all, I WAS a Claymore now! "The normal limit is measured in percentiles, and a regular Claymore's limit is eighty percent. At ten percent, the eyes change to gold. At twenty, veins bulge, and teeth become sharp, as well as speed increasing. Thirty, the muscles visibly change, growing larger to compensate the additional strength. After that, there isn't much record of visible changes."

"So..." Princess Celestia said, her eyes narrowed, "You must be rather new, correct?"

"Uh..yeah. By the way, do you know anyone who can fix my uniform? And maybe help me up my arsenal?" I replied hesitantly. "I'm good with a sword, but I have a technique in mind that might be even more useful."

Assessment: The girl seems to be adjusting, and has not realized what has been stolen. She has shared information with the Elements, and may compromise the plan. Retracting statement concerning an instructor.

A figure sat in a dark room, surrounded by monitors, smiling maliciously. "Soon...soon you will be tested, child, and war will ensue." The figure smiled darkly, and turned around, his golden eyes shining with malice.

Author's Note

Well, this has been eventful, and insightful, and other things! And there is lots of information, too! How will Josh(Now known as Tamora) handle things from now on?

Sorry for the changes in past/present tense. I'm no good with that thing. Until I can get an editor, it'll be that way. Hope you guys don't mind...

Report #3: A Glitch In The System

I nodded, having been presented with a new outfit; obsidian in color, and almost an exact match to my initial outfit. I had kept the cloak from the original, and polished my sword, but what I needed was a crossbow, or a bow. I had been ticking off the seconds, and counted forty-five minutes. Forty-five minutes for Rarity to mend my outfit, and forty-five minutes I ended up wearing a blanket.

"Is everything to your liking, dear?" Rarity asked, her work glasses rimming her eyes.

I looked blankly at her, confused. "You do know what a nod of approval is, right?" I asked, checking that the bracers were still in good shape.

Rarity had a shine of offense in her eyes, but instead of speaking out on it, she said, "Of course. I just want to make sure everything turned out well."

I smiled, and did a few stretches, before answering. "Yeah, it's fine. I have a feeling the fabric will need reinforcing, but I can do that myself, once I figure out how." I snapped the cloak on, and slid the giant sword into the sheathe, swinging my arms back and forth. "Is there a blacksmith that you can refer me to?" I asked, resting a hand on my hip.

"If you need a smith, we can have the smith for the Royal Guard forge what you need, but we need you to investigate something, first." Luna said from behind me.

I jumped, and when my feet hit the floor, I spun on my heel to face her. "What the hell? Do you sneak up on people often?" I scowled, and sat down, the blade of my sword driving into the ground.

"My apologies. I did not intend to frighten you," Luna said. "But there has been a rash of foalnappings in a small village to the south. It is peculiar, yet no pony has requested help. My sister and I have reason to believe it is the actions of a criminal, but we do not have the ponies to spare for an investigation." Her ethereal mane flowed gently, and I raised a brow.

"South? Well, that's intriguing." I looked towards the southern end of town, and focused, but I couldn't sense anything. "If it's a Yoma, they're out of my range. I can go take a look, but I won't be upholding the vow most half-breeds take upon joining the organization."

Rarity looked confused, and her boutique seemed to darken, while Luna narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean by that?" Asked the Night Princess.

"If it is a pony, I'll kill them. The vow is to only take the lives of Yoma, but I don't really care what I kill." I replied coldly, standing up. The sword slid out of the ground as I rose, and my armor clinked gently with my movement.

"Dear, I must admit, that seems a bit extreme. Why would you be so unbothered by the prospect of murder?" Rarity asked, looking worried.

I said nothing, and started walking south, when Luna said, stifling a giggle, "The southern border is the other way."

I turned around and continued walking, not caring what Luna thought.

When I arrived, the town was in ruins. "This looks like Pieta, minus the snow..." I mumbled, looking around for a signpost. With no post in sight, I wandered around, shaking my head at the destruction. "How many ponies lived here?" I asked myself, before hearing the 'clip-clop' of hooves behind me.

"Excuse me?" A small voice asked, sounding frightened.

I stood still, and stretched out my Youki, trying to sense if the one behind me was a Yoma or not. After hesitantly deciding not, I turned around, one hand resting on the hilt of the sword, just in case. "Yes, little one?" I inquired, kneeling slightly. I thought to myself, The Youki aura here is overwhelming. I'll have to wing it. Not something I want to do, but right now, I don't have a choice. I can't pick out an individual aura!

"Can I eat you?" The filly asked, before revealing her sharp teeth. She started to grow in size, until she was two meters tall, and her hooves erupted into clawed hands and feet, while her body contorted into a more humanoid shape. "I'm so hungry!" With a swipe, the Yoma attacked me, and I decided to strike.

"Sorry, but I'm not on the menu!" I declared, jumping backwards. Her claws hooked the fabric of my uniform, but the material didn't tear. My sword was drawn from the sheathe, and swinging at the Yoma. I focused, my Youki rising to eleven percent.

"I don't care, half-breed! I'll enjoy feasting on your guts!" yelled the Yoma, vanishing and appearing behind me. She dug her claws into my back, piercing the cloth, my flesh, and my muscle. Blood sprayed from the wound, and I collapsed, wheezing.

"You...bitch," I spat, between gasping breaths. Slowly, I rose to my feet, but the monster knocked me back down to my feet. I rolled over, and as soon as I was on my back, I kicked the Yoma, sending her into a face-plant a meter away. I staggered to my feet again, and raised the sword, when something gray and pointed shot through my chest, just barely missing my lungs.

"Having trouble?" Asked my new assailant, as he lifted me up, and hurled me against the nearest building. He was far more muscular than the first Yoma, as his finger retracted and assumed it's natural form. His feet weren't clawed, like the other, but his back was covered in spikes.

"I just wanted some dinner, but she won't let me eat her!" wailed the first Yoma. She approached me, when the sign of the store landed on top of me. I groaned, and tried to push the sign off, but I wasn't strong enough.

I need more power...But I barely pulled back last time. I may not be near my limit now, but these two will definitely push me hard, I thought. The hell with it. I don't have a choice right now! I closed my eyes, feeling my Youki jump from eleven percent, to seventy-nine percent. Barely under the average limitation for a Claymore.

I shoved hard on the sign, sending it flying towards the male Yoma. A purple whirlwind of energy was surrounding me, as I stood up, wielding a piece of timber. "Playtime's over, asshole." I snarled, feeling my sharp teeth with my tongue. I had a feeling my veins were bulging, and when I looked at my hand, I saw it was an ashen gray. "I must look hideous..." I muttered, before bolting over to the female, who was standing over my sword. I slammed the timber against her head, knocking her sideways, before skidding to a stop, blocking the attack from the male. The female stood up, and in an instant, fell back down, her mutilated head rolling on the ground.

"You stupid bitch," snarled the remaining Yoma. "You can't kill us all, not without-" he didn't get a chance to finish his sentence, as his head fell from his neck. I blinked, and looked around, sensing a mixed aura nearby. I didn't see anybody, but I knew I hadn't killed him.

Fountains of purple Yoma blood erupted from inside the buildings, and I spun around, confused. "Who's there!?" I shouted. Nobody answered, so I started to walk around the ruined town, looking to see if there was anything I could salvage. I found several hundred bits in the market, and a few spare parts in the forge. When I returned to the center of the town, I found a special surprise lying in wait.

"It seems you have yet to master your Youki, girl." A tall man stood in front of me, his long hair unkempt, a broadsword at his side. I didn't think it was possible, but I asked anyway.

"Isley? Why would an Abyssal help a half-breed like myself?" I wasn't feeling certain about him being the Isley, yet I could feel my Youki gradually lowering.

"Because here, in this world, I am nowhere near as powerful as I would like to be. I would prefer not to fight, but you have something I have not seen in a long time. Tell me, what is your name, girl?"

I hesitated, debating in my head. This is Isley, an Abyssal Being. He's one of the most powerful Awakened Beings in the Claymore Manga, which means right now, he's the most powerful creature here. Why should I trust him? But, on the other hand, he could help me improve my abilities as a Claymore. But... fuck it. I barely pulled back the first time, and I almost pushed my limit this time. I took a deep breath, and said, "My name is Tamora."

Isley raised his sword slowly, and drove it into the ground. "Tamora. Very well, then." He calmly nodded at me, and offered a handshake. "A truce, Tamora? Or will you foolishly attack me?"

I had started to step forward, but froze. After composing myself, I continued walking to Isley, and accepted his handshake, thinking I was going to regret it later. "Truce. Just until the allegiance is no longer required."

Isley smiled, and pulled his sword from the ground. "Than let us begin your training."

Twilight paced around her home worriedly. "What could be taking so long? She didn't run into any trouble, did she? Somepony should have gone with her, to make sure nothing bad happened, and helped her. Somepony should have-"

Princess Celestia interrupted Twilight gently, resting her wing around her student. "I am certain Tamora is doing fine. The likelihood of her encountering something more powerful than she...I have faith that such an instance is unlikely," The regal mare wished she could believe the words she uttered, but Celestia honestly had no idea what happened to the southern town when it was removed from the map. Tamora...I pray by the Creator you are safe. Faust only knows how much we, Equestria, need your aid. The sun deity looked out the window of the Treebrary, continuing her thoughts. Equestria is on the brink of war once again, but our greatest strength is our greatest weakness now. How can we trust each other, when we have no idea who will kill whom next?

I grunted, and slid backwards to a stop. "I don't see how this will let me develop my own ability, Isley!" I snarled. I darted forward, ducking down, and rolling over my shoulder, when Isley went on the offensive. I parried, and countered with a vertical slice, but Isley parried perfectly.

"Your power does not simply come from your Youki, Tamora. A warrior is only as sharp as his or her blade." Isley sent me flying with a swung of his blade, hitting me with the flat side of his sword.

"I can't win only by using my sword, dumbs. You and your kind fight to win, and a sword alone doesn't always work. I'm not Teresa, for God's sake!" I stood up, not bothering to dust myself off. I was pissed, and lunged forward, driving my blade into the ground where Isley stood. I had yet again underestimated him, as he jumped up, easily dodging my attack.

"I know you are not Teresa. I do not care. You will develop your unique ability when you find yourself." Isley slammed down from the sky, narrowly avoiding a kill shot, as he sheared my outfit. "Prove you are ready, Tamora, and show that you are truly powerful. Show yourself how strong you are!" He kept backwards, and stood in a defensive stance.

I snarled, and ran forward, intending to run Isley through. When I reared back my arm to swing my claymore, an arc of energy bolted from the blade, spearing Isley's chest. I instantly stopped running, and tripped, rolling over myself to a stop. The energy was Youki. My Youki. How was I projecting it in that manner? Shaking my head, I forgot about being pissed, and swung the sword around experimentally, not caring what Isley was saying. Sure enough, with each swing, my Youki arced outwards, impaling the ground where the sword pointed. I felt something tap on my head, and I turned around. "What?"

"How are you doing that, Tamora?" Isley asked. He sounded, and looked, bewildered.

I smiled, and shrugged. "Not a clue! But I like how it works. This definitely is title-worthy, right?"

Isley looked unsure, and stepped back as an arc of Youki speared the ground in front of him. He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped, and pointed at my sword arm. "Perhaps that is why?" He looked worried, which I understood, when I looked at my arm and actually paid attention.

My entire arm had Awoken, with blade-like joints sticking out at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. The blade-like things jutting from my wrist were curved back, and reminded me of a two-prong grappling hook. The joints at my elbow and shoulder were shorter, but more plentiful, as there was four at my shoulder, and three at my elbow. The skin had hardened and taken the color of solid carbon, yet it retained complete flexibility.

Directing my gaze to my hand, I saw that the hilt of the sword seemed to have melted into my hand, with tendrils of carbon flesh wrapping around the base of the blade like veins. What little I could see of my fingers were demon-like, and reminded me of Tōta Konoe's Magia Erebea(A character from UQ Holder, a manga I once enjoyed reading). They looked like they were encased in a gauntlet, with razor sharp tips.

"Whoa," was all I could come up with. I continued to gaze at my arm, before finally saying, "How come I didn't notice?"

"You may have been pushing your limits in just your sword arm, because that was what needed so much power to overcome me," Isley noted, sheathing his own sword. "But the question now, is whether or not you can pull your arm back from its Awoken status."

I nodded, and focused, feeling exactly how much Youki was being directed into my arm. Just barely over ninety-percent, I understood why my arm had Awoken, but I needed to pull back that Youki. I focused on channeling my Youki throughout my entire body, and felt my Youki slowly begin to spread from my arm, throughout my entirety. Soon, my Youki was back to normal, and my arm returned to a human shape. Sadly, the arm of my outfit had born torn to shreds. "Rarity's gonna kill me." I said in a monotone. I waved at Isley, and turned around, ready to start my journey back to Ponyville.

"I wish you luck, and when we cross paths again, Tamora, we shall cross swords in a true battle." Isley's Youki flared up, and vanished.

Show off, I thought, trudging back into the barren desert of Equestria.

Assessment: Your work with the Claymore was impressive, if unsuccessful. Forcing her to completely Awaken would have been preferable, as she would have become one of our own.

"I know. You needn't criticize me. Besides, I wish to see how she utilizes that new power." Isley smiled calmly, and added, "Number One, Tamora the Impaler. This will be interesting." Isley shrugged, before adding, "I might as well call her by the rank of Number One, since there seem to be no other half-breeds on this world."

Report #4: PMS(Personal Memory Sequence)

May 22nd, 2015, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2:35pm

I laughed, pressing the trigger buttons repeatedly as I shot up an enemy player, whose username read as 'CoDBAWS1811'. "Hey, CoDBAWS, I hope you enjoyed the taste of lead!" I jeered, grabbing the red DogTag icon that fell from his corpse.

"Screw you, Chaos! If you weren't using that damned Pytaek, I'd have gotten your tags!" His voice cracked over my headset, full of anger.

"Sometimes you just can't go wrong with high fire rates!" I retorted, swapping weapons. I checked the scores, and frowned. "Damn noobs. Why does the score have to be so unbalanced? sixty-five to one-thirteen?"

The phone started to ring, and I swore. "Dammit! What's with the timing, huh?" I jabbed at the Options button on my controller, and said, "Hang on guys. Somebody's calling me. I'll be back in a minute." I watched, as a friend of mine on PlayStationNetwork killed me with his over-powered XMG. "Damn it..." I said again, picking up the phone as the ringing became more insistent.

"Hello? Is this Joshua Grimm?" asked the caller. It sounded like a girl, which wasn't much of a surprise; Most of my friends were girls. I didn't get along well with the other guys at school, or anywhere. I couldn't figure out why, and neither could my dad.

"Yeah, it is. Who's calling?" I replied, sounding bored. It was something I did a lot, and it helped in ending phone calls really quickly.

"I'm just somebody who knows you like anime. There's a convention in town this week, and I thought I'd mention the gift shop has props for almost any cosplay. If you're interested, I'll email you the venue." She sounded sincere, but something felt off.

"Uh, yeah. My email address is..." As I told her my email address(One of them, since I had four or five to keep spammers away), I thought about the possibilities. One, this lady was telling the truth, in which I needed to put together a cosplay, or two, she's lying, and I need to report her to the cops.

"Thanks! I'll send you the address now." The girl hung up, and in seconds, my computer pinged with a new email notification. I looked, and sure enough, the girl held true: The subject said 'Anime Venue'.

"Nice!" I tapped the circle button on my controller, and went back to playing Call of Duty. "Delta! Give me some cover! I'm calling in a ScoreStreak!" I said, selecting my second ScoreStreak: The XS1 Goliath. It landed several seconds after, and I had to laugh. "Ouch! What happened, BAWS? You were standing in a bad spot!" I pressed the square button, claiming my Goliath.

Almost immediately, a rocket flew my way, demolishing me. I swore, and tapped the X button quickly. I respawned, but it was too late. "You're here to win, Sentinels. Not play." My team had lost, ninety to one-twenty-five.

"Shit. Well, that's it. I'm done with CoD for now. Later, guys. Be sure to win next round, okay?" I left the lobby, and turned off the game with a sigh, turning my chair to my computer. "Alright, Mrs. Mysterious. Where is this place?"

"So, this is it, huh?" I looked up at the Convention Center, adjusting my clothes. I was cosplaying a character from Claymore, and feeling a bit odd. My cosplay was Isley, one of the Abyssal Beings, with only my backpack being out of place. I knew exactly what was inside the bag, but no one else did. I still needed a sword, so my first stop after paying admission was the gift shop. As soon as I went in the gift shop, I was awe-struck at how many props were in stock. Ignoring the props for the moment, I snuck into the employee bathroom, and locked the door, changing out of my Isley cosplay and into a custom cosplay of my Claymore character, Tamora. I took a deep breath, and made sure no one was watching, and snuck out of the bathroom, carrying my Isley cosplay in my bag.

"Hello! Is there something you're looking for?" An employee jumped out from behind one of the shelves, and I jumped in response, startled. "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

Something about her voice was familiar, when I pieced it together. Wordlessly, I pulled out my cell phone, and hit redial. As my call went through, I looked around, before my attention snapped to the employee who startled me. Her phone started ringing, and I shouted, "Ah ha! You're the one who called me!"

She blushed, and smiled faintly. "Who, me?"

"Yeah, you." I stared at her, before shrugging. "I'm looking for a prop styled after the Claymore manga. Clare's sword, to be exact. Do you have one in stock?" I asked.

"Go check the front. I honestly wouldn't know." The girl shrugged, and started sorting the shelf we were standing next to.

"Alright. And next time, don't try to hunt me down." I went to the front counter, and asked the guy standing behind it if he had the prop I needed.

"Hmm...Yes, we have something like that." He turned around, and pulled the prop from the display shelf behind him.

How come I didn't notice that sitting there? I thought to myself. It was confusing, but when the guy told me the price, I wasn't gonna argue.

"Twenty dollars and it's yours." He looked at me questioningly, as if to say, You need it for your cosplay, but how badly do you want it?

"Deal." I forked over the twenty bucks and accepted the prop and receipt. Sliding the sword into the slot on the cloak, I stepped out of the gift shop, ready to see just what the convention was all about.

Seven Days Later...May 29th, 2015, Santa Fe, New Mexico

I was sitting in my bedroom, kicking ass(And getting my ass kicked) on Call of Duty. I didn't have the mic on this time, because I had Linkin Park blaring in the background. I was just sitting in a corner with my XMGs on Lockdown, and every time someone was stupid enough to run past me, they got shot up. Eventually, I grew bored, since the match was set to no time limit, and no score limit. I left the match, and the lobby, before turning on another game on my console. I didn't have time to play it, because the phone started ringing. I checked it, and grimaced. My dad was calling. I picked up the phone, and made sure to hold it away from my ear.

"How are you failing your Computer Applications class? You should be passing with flying colors, not flunking!" My father's voice was still understandable, even from the distance the phone was from my ear. I waited a second, and held it to my ear.

"Sorry, Dad. The teacher rushes through explaining the assignments, so I can't really understand what he's explaining."

"I don't want to hear your excuses anymore, Joshua. Call Tiffany, tell her to arrange a trip to the building. Make sure she knows it's an order from the top. One of the game devs for that Virtual Reality idea of yours is screwing up the system. I want you to come and see how we fix that sort of thing, if you'll ever take my place as President of the company." My dad sounded pissed, still, but at least he wasn't shouting.

"Alright. I'll call her and let her know." I hung up the phone, and hit the speed dial for my dad's assistant.

"Hello, Microsoft Offices, this is Tiffany speaking. What can I help you with?" Tiffany sounded bored, like she'd said that line a hundred times already. Which, she probably had.

"It's Josh. Dad wants me down at the complex immediately." I knew better than to argue with my dad, so I didn't bother trying to lie or prank call Tiffany.

"Oh, hey Josh! I'll send a car to go get you then. Did he say why?"

"I don't think it really matters. Just something about the VR idea I pitched to him."

"Oh. Okay. Somebody should be there in about an hour, so you've got some time. Is there anything else?"

I was tempted to ask if she could send me some emulators, but I decided against it. "No, nothing else. You have a nice day, Tiffany."

"You too, Josh. I'll see you in a while." Tiffany hung up the call, and I set my phone down.

"Now what?" I asked myself, before realizing what I could do. I went over across the room, sitting at my computer desk. I logged onto my computer, and signed into my favorite website, the best place to still find Pony fan fiction anywhere on the web: ponyfic. I checked the current listings, and fell into reading.

Almost too soon, someone was knocking at the door. I turned around, and pressed the power button on my computer, putting it in sleep mode. "Alright, hang on!" I shouted, going from my room, to the door.

"Better hurry. We all know how your dad gets when he doesn't get immediate results." I opened the door, and shrugged at the man, whose Eurasian complexion looked out of place when you compared him to the blue of the door.

"Yeah, and we know from personal experience, Dominic. You the chauffeur?"

"Yep."

I locked the door behind me, and walked quickly to the car, a 2014 Chevy Camaro, colored crimson red with black racing stripes. I was heading off to the offices, and had no idea what was laying ahead of me.

With a scream, I jolted upright, breathing hard. "Just a dream...just a dream." I muttered to myself, but I knew I was lying. That was barely seven days ago, two if I hadn't walked the five day journey to that Yoma-infested town. I checked over myself with a tremor of unease. Weapon, check. All of my limbs were attached? Check. Was I still a girl? Check. So why did something feel like it was missing, like I had forgotten something important?

With a shiver, I couldn't help but wonder: If I had just lied, or not even made the call, I wouldn't even be here, would I?

Assessment: I shall continue to watch the Claymore. But if things get out of hand, I will send one of the others in to exterminate her. Do not expect mercy, should killing her become necessary.

Isley frowned upon receiving the latest assessment. "You would jeopardize the plan just because you think you know what needs to happen? You have no orders to intervene if required. Thus, I forbid you to intervene. Let things unload on their own. She will destroy herself, and we will feast on the blood of these horses, in place of humans, until we can return to our true feeding stock."

Author's Note

The XMG Pytaek, and ScoreStreak: XS1 Goliath are property of Sledgehammer Games, licensed under Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare.

CoDBAWS1811 is a false username. Any relation to an existing username is entirely coincidental, and unintended.

PlayStationNetwork is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment.

All rights are reserved to the copyright owners.

So please don't sue me!

Report #5: Into The Fire, Part 1

As I followed the path, I couldn't help but keep staring at my arm. I was still trying to figure out how my Youki was capable of being projected in such a way, as arcs of energy. It was weird, and not what I had in mind for my unique ability. It was too late for that, however. I had an ability, one that was extremely dangerous.

I tore my vision, and thoughts, away from my newfound skill, as I saw Ponyville come into view. Five days. Five days I had been walking again. I sped up, going into a full sprint, before turning onto the main road, skidding into the turn. As soon as I could, I tore away from the edge of the village, speeding towards the center, where the library was. After about four minutes, I reached the door, pushing it open slowly. What I saw, was not what I expected, as I was tackled by a bubbly pink pony. Or, at least, would have been tackled, had I been standing in front of the door. Out of habit, I pushed the door open from the side, which caused the pink pony to rocket into the wall across the street.

"Pinkie!" Twilight's disapproving voice sounded, and I suppressed a snicker. "You shouldn't tackle her like that!"

I stepped from beside the door, and waved, smiling slyly. "Miss me?" I asked, careful to keep my arm hidden. I spotted an already familiar white pony, her purple mane giving her away. She opened her mouth to speak, when Pinkie Pie somehow was suddenly hanging in front of me.

"What happened to the sleeve, huh, huh? Why's it all torn up?" She pulled a piece of paper from her mane, and looked over it, while everyone(Myself included) stared at her, puzzled.

"What do you mean, dear?" Rarity asked, sounding ready to let loose a torrent of fashion advice.

"Oh! So that's what happened! Okie dokie!" Pinkie Pie stuffed the paper back in her mane, and I couldn't help but wonder aloud.

"Did you just do something completely unexpected and break the boundaries of reality?" I asked.

"Yep!"

"Well, shit." I stepped into the library, and rolled my eyes, watching Rarity summon her fainting couch and falling onto it. I thought she was going to get back up, but hell broke loose in that instant. Something crashed through the door, smashing it to smithereens. A giant fist rushed through, and slammed into me, sending myself flying. "Well, shit!" I shouted, slamming into a bookshelf. The shelf exploded, and I didn't hesitate. I channeled all of my Youki into my arms, thinking, Fuck, it's not like this can get any worse, right? Both of my arms exploded, looking like a pair of demonized gauntlets, but this time, instead of hook-like appendages, my arms were more streamlined, and a slender blade-like protrusion erupted from my wrists. I took a good look at my assailant, and grimaced. "I hope I don't Awaken completely..." I muttered, taking note of the lion-like Yoma, Rigaldo the Silver-Eyed Lion.

"You're the girl Isley is interested in? Peh. Some Awakened state you've got. This'll be a-" Rigaldo was cut off, as my fist cut into his arm. In the next instant, he was gone, and I flew through the wall, and demolished yet another bookshelf. I winced, standing up quickly, when I was sent flying again. I swung my arm up, and purple blood spattered my figure, as I rose to my feet again. Rigaldo had a large gash across his gut, and a silver lance of energy jutting out of his heart. "Shit." Rigaldo swore, as I rushed him, slamming my fist into his leg.

"Never again!" I shouted. I was going to say more, but I fell to the ground, and the shock was numbing the pain. "Why...why can't I stand anymore?" I asked, trying to sound furious.

"Look at your legs, bitch."

I looked down at my legs, and gagged at the sight. From the knees down, my legs were gone. Not just cut off, but completely gone, shredded to pieces. There was a massive pool of blood already, and it was still growing in size. I felt vomit trying to rise up my throat, but I fought it down. Now was not a time for weakness. I needed to be faster, which meant one thing: Forcing myself to Awaken further. But could I do it? I knew there was only one way to find out.

"Fuck...my...life." I managed to sputter, pushing myself upright. My Youki was pulsating through my arms and legs, and I could feel my legs slowly regenerating. But I needed to buy some time.

"Any last words, half-breed?" Rigaldo sneered. His massive arm rose up, ready to strike me down, his veins pulsing with his Youki.

"Yes...What do you have planned?" I asked, watching my legs rebuild layer by layer. Seeing the naked bones was disturbing me, but I had to stay focused.

Rigaldo laughed. "Why? So you can do something cliché and kill me after I tell you? I do happen to be intelligent."

I smirked, and looked back at my legs. The muscles were regenerated, and all I needed to move were the tendons. I could regenerate my skin as I fought, but first, I needed the Silver-Eyed Lion asshat to get closer. "Really? But doesn't Isley still consider like a kid? He told me not to tell you, but he still mocks you behind your back. Him and all the Awakened's do."

Rigaldo staggered comically, and got right in my face, snarling. "What!? You're lying. You have to be lying! Isley said he respected me now! I'm gonna kill you-augh!" He shouted in pain, as I drove my left arm into his chest, puncturing a lung. I could feel something drawing inside of me through the spot I stabbed him with my hand, but I didn't stop to ponder, standing up, screaming in pain at the sensation of my exposed muscles being forced to do work.

"No...you...won't! Impaling Spikes!" I shouted, as I felt my hand expand and erupt into a complex lattice of spikes, which ripped Rigaldo's torso apart. He screamed, and my arm was no longer attached to my body.

I went flying again, this time, through the open doorway, tumbling head over heels in the dirt. "Shit!" I shouted in pain, skidding to a stop, using my remaining arm as a brake. Charging forward, I drew my sword, and watched, as adrenaline made it seem like time had slowed down to a crawl.

Rigaldo was bolting out of the library, charging just like a lion. He obliterated the door's frame, and I watched, taking note of the fact that his speed had dropped dramatically. I noticed that the ponies were buried underneath rubble, and Celestia was nowhere to be found. Had she fled at the first sign of battle, or was she not there when I had returned?

Rigaldo swung at me, and I swung the sword down, enraged. He had injured the ponies who had rescued me, and that made me pissed. The sword flashed in the day's light, and a silver flash of light bolted out of the blade. Rigaldo's Youki vanished, as I felt reenergized. The so-called 'Lion King' collapsed, his head rolling on the ground. I sheathed the sword, and stood up straight, looking down at him coldly.

"You have failed in your mission, Rigaldo. Today, I declare war against all Yoma, regular and Awoken alike. I will not rest, I will not surrender, until I have fulfilled this vow: I vow to protect Equestria against the Yoma; The Awakened Beings, the Abyssals, and all like them. Today, the War of Awakening begins!" I shouted, raising my fist. My Youki was dropping, and my knees buckled. "But maybe a quick nap wouldn't hurt." I said meekly, before falling face-first in the dirt, unconscious.

Several Days Later...

The first thing I could notice when I woke up, was that I heard a steady beeping. I wasn't sure what it was at first, but the smell of antiseptics gave it away instantly: A heart monitor. I jolted upright, and let out a scream of pain, as several blurred shapes rushed into the room. As my vision cleared, I was able to recognize the shapes as the same ponies who seemed so interested with me: Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Twilight was saying something, but my ears were ringing so much, I couldn't focus on what she was saying.

"Hang on...I need to think." I said, as an excuse. When my ears stopped ringing, I looked over at the six. "What were you saying?" I asked, removing the medical instruments from me.

"I was asking how you could be up like that! You shouldn't even be alive, and the blood stains are proof! I did the math, and the amount of blood you lost should have lead you to bleeding out!" Twilight ranted. Fluttershy cringed, hiding behind Rarity, and I couldn't help but smile. "Why in Celestia's mane are you smiling!? You should be dead! This entire situation just isn't possible!"

I smiled more, and ripped off the last of the cords attached to me, pulling the spreadsheet on the bed to use as a makeshift robe. "I'm just tough to kill. Calm down, Twilight-san." I was going to continue speaking, when I realized that I had just used an honorific.

"What? What does 'san' mean?" Twilight asked, sounding irritated.

A familiar sounding voice rang from the entrance of the room. "It's a Japanese honorific. 'San' is a polite term, but why she would use it, I wouldn't know."

It clicked in my head, as soon as the new pony stopped talking. "David...Tennant?" I asked, before face palming. "No, wait...The Doctor. Tenth, if I'm right." I leaned against the heart monitor, looking at the stallion with amusement. "How in the name of Zeus did you get here? Fall through the Void again?"

He recoiled slightly, but cleared his throat. "Er...Yes. I am in fact, The Doctor. And yes, I did go through the Void again. But it was an accident, I swear! Wait. How did you even know about me?"

I laughed, and replied humorously, "Back on my Earth, because I'm assuming you come from a parallel version, the concept of 'The Doctor' is a TV show. The show was called 'Doctor Who', and I'm going to have to ask this, so I know what I can, and cannot, say about you." I took a quick breath, before asking, stone cold serious, "Where's Rose Tyler?"

The Doctor winced at the name, and I knew instantly: This Doctor was shortly after he lost Rose, letting her go to an alternate version of Earth, where she could live with her family.

"So...it hasn't been very long since she left, has it?" I asked soothingly.

"No. But right now, we need to focus on what exactly is causing you to adopt Japanese customs, and why they haven't fully developed yet."

I nodded in agreement. "I'm also going to need some custom weapons."

When I was given clearance to leave the hospital(Which didn't take long, because the staff was terrified of how I had looked when I was admitted), I was already drawing out schematics in my head for a semi-auto crossbow, a new sword that could be lighter and more evenly balanced, and a collapsable shield. My thoughts were disturbed by The Doctor, as he seemed to encircle me, looking curious. "Curious...So very curious." He looked up and down me, still circling me like a hawk.

"Do you mind, Doctor?" I asked irritably. I reached behind my back for the sword, and instantly, The Doctor backed away.

"Is your first response always violence?" he asked, sounding grumpy. He continued to observe me, this time from a safer distance.

"Maybe." I started forward, looking around town. I thought I might have been in the western portion of Ponyville, but I honestly had no idea. The town was certainly confusing when you didn't take the time to memorize where everything was, which was surprising. After all, it was smaller than Rio Rancho!

I wrapped my head in thought, and walked aimlessly for at least a good hour or so, when I finally bumped into a wall. I snapped out of my trance, reflecting only briefly on my thoughts. A crossbow would be effective for long distance, but the bolts would need to go faster than 3,246 meters per second, otherwise a Yoma could outpace the bolt. The bolt would also need a wire attached to the tail end so I can channel my Youki along the wire, and theoretically, if I'm right, control where the bolt ends up. I would need at least 10,000 meters of wire per bolt, for maximum range, but would that be too much? I need to know the maximum range of a crossbow before I can figure out the really advanced stuff...

Looking up at the wall I ran into, I smiled, seeing a sign shaped like an anvil. Walking around to the front, my thoughts strayed from crossbows to blades, the ideas racing through my head as I pushed open the door. I need a blade that has the same effectiveness as a claymore, but it needs to be more along the lines of a long sword or a short sword. The materiel will need to be able to conduct Youki with next to no loss of energy, but I don't know what kinds of metals can transfer Youki effectively.

The blacksmith was busy in the back hammering away, so when I spoke the first time, he didn't hear me, or the bell. "Hello? I'm here to borrow your forge." When I realized he didn't hear me, I spoke louder. "Oi! I need to borrow your tools!" I tapped my foot impatiently, when a critical detail finally dawned on me: I was still in the hospital robe, and it was a little short on me. I tugged down on the robe, and crossed my legs nervously. "I also need to borrow some fire-resistant cloth." I said, feeling embarrassed.

The pony in the forge finally came out from the back of the shop, and nodded, not yet noticing I wasn't a pony. "What kind of metal you want used, and what kind of item you want?" he asked, finally looking up. "What in Celestia...You ain't a pony, are you?" His eyes were focused on my face, something of which I was thankful for. "Mind explaining who, and what you are, and why you want to use my forge?" The stallion narrowed his grey eyes at me. I noticed his coat seemed to be covered in black soot, but there were flecks of muddy brown showing.

Remembering he asked me a question, I answered as honestly as possible. "My name is Tamora, and I am a Claymore, although in standard circumstances, I do not refer to myself as such. I am half-human, half-Yoma. I came to request-" The blacksmith cut me off with a wave of his hoof, nodding.

"Alright, so you'd be the creature the Princess mentioned. Princess Celestia told me a funny-lookin' creature might stop by my shop soon, and I was told to tell you you've got full use of my forge. Feel free to make what'cha want. I won't charge a bit." He lifted the folding counter, and gestured for me to go behind the counter. "And I'll be sure to get you something that covers you better. Don't want a bad rap, eh?" He chuckled, and closed his eyes in what I hope was respect, as I walked past.

Several hours later, I had a decent cloak wrapped around me, covering everyone but my head, and several new toys to play with: A longsword, made out of a unique metal that the ponies called 'Arcadium'. Apparently, it was very good at conducting any form of energy. A short sword, made from the same metal, a hunting knife, the blade forged to look like a lick of fire, and a full-metal pistol-grip crossbow. Everything had my ranking insignia engraved into it, and my reasoning for engraving the insignia was, 'why the hell not?'

The crossbow was rather slim to begin with, but the limbs could fold back against the fore grip. The retention spring was a little larger than normal, to hold the 500 meter coil of carbon fiber wire. The stock was made to be detachable, and was concealing a short but deadly knife inside, in case of close-quarters combat. All together, the weapon weighed around twenty kilograms, so the weight would slow me down a little, but not enough to be worrisome, considering my strength.

Walking out of the blacksmith's shop with my new arsenal in tow, I had just one objective now: It was time to test out my new toys.

Report #6: Into The Fire, Part 2

Almost instantly, I was bowled over, and I swung my arm out. Instead of my attacker flying away, they held fast, and when I finally got a good look, I snorted in annoyance. "For a dog, you have quite the jump...especially for a dog your size."

I shoved the mutt away, hearing galloping hooves heading my way. I wasn't sure who it was, so I rested my right hand at my side, ready to draw the crossbow. As the sound grew closer and louder, my muscles tensed, and my arm ripped through the air, pointing straight out, while my left arm stabilized my aim. Then, I saw the source of the sound, and hastily hid my arm behind my back, trying to keep it from being obvious that I had just pointed a weapon at her.

"Winona! What'd Ah say about runnin' off like that?" Applejack slowed to a halt in front of me and Winona. "Sorry, sugar cube. She loves runnin'." Applejack looked at me quizzically, noticing I had my arm behind my back. "You hidin' something?"

I looked down, and exhaled; I hadn't realized I was holding my breath. "I thought you might've been something else."

Applejack narrowed her eyes, and snorted. "Ya think Ah'd turn into one o' them monsters?" She looked somewhat hurt, and I couldn't blame her; I would probably feel hurt to, if I were accused of being a monster. Of course, I was, in a way, a monster.

"Sorry, Applejack. Something just doesn't seem right. With how many Yoma were in that town, I've been wondering why there haven't been more reports of attacks or ponies vanishing."

"So you think something is up?" A voice sounded above me, the arrogant tone all-too familiar. I realized the pulsing beats I was hearing was actually wingbeats, and I looked up.

"Right. But next time, don't try to sneak up on me. You might regret it."

I started to walk away from the two ponies, when Applejack asked worriedly, "What're you gonna do, sugar cube?"

I didn't answer, or look back. They didn't need to know that I was going to get some answers, from the best source I can think of: The Princesses.

The twelve hour walk had minor disturbances, mostly being wildlife that was a little too curious, but other then that, I had little trouble walking to Canterlot. I had plenty of time to think, but all I could think of was what the Princesses could be hiding. My entrance to the castle, however, was less than pretty.

When I could see the city, I started dashing, and covered the last few kilometers with little trouble, but I couldn't slow down fast enough. I jumped, and stumbled, flipping head over heels, and pummeled the wall of the throne room with my ass. Well, this is a hell of a way to make an entrance, I thought. When I was no longer in the air, I was laying on the ground, and I couldn't help but make a reference to a song I like. "I'll be laying on the ground before you're even in my view..."

Both- No, all three Princesses- Three? "What? Did I miss the invitation to this meeting?" I said, a cocky attitude evident in my voice. "Or did you not send an invite?"

Princess Luna seemed the most disturbed, followed closely by her sister. "We have been...discussing your situation, Tamora." She looked helplessly at Princess Celestia, and the elder Princess spoke.

"We have reason to believe you may pose a threat to our nation's peace, and we cannot allow destruction to reign. Which means, we will do whatever is deemed necessary to protect Equestria."

Princess Cadence and Princess Luna both nodded in agreement, but Luna hesitated to voice her agreement, instead saying something that made Celestia whip her head so fast, I thought it was going to fly off the white Princess's neck.. "I...I am only in partial agreement."

"Sister! She is a militaristic threat!" Celestia's gaze was so filled with false conviction, I thought she didn't whole heartedly believe it either.

Why are they lying? Something is definitely not right...Perhaps Cadence. I feel like there's something I'm missing, but one thing is for certain: I can't keep faking that I don't know who everyone is. Twilight isn't a princess yet, and I don't think Discord has returned, so...Is Cadenza Mi Amoré really this heartless when it comes to military situations? I began to fume, and pointed a finger accusingly at the pink pony princess. "You!" She jumped, and I pressed on, stepping forward three times. "Yes, you, Cadenza!" I could feel my teeth sharpening, my muscles growing, my senses enhancing. I could feel my Youki pulsing, and I was frozen instantly by a new realization. My Youki is forcing me to Awaken beyond my control! I thought, terrified, but my lips kept moving against my will. I had lost control of myself now. "You have twisted the truth, haven't you? You must have thought it would be simple to get rid of me, but I won't be going anywhere easily."

Cadence shouted, and I took advantage; my heightened senses caused whatever was controlling my Youki, and in turn, me. "Enough! You are jumping to conclusions!" Her voice was shrill with fear, and shit went downhill fast.

I stole control back, and as my Youki flared up even more, I screamed. "Run!"

A tail sprouted from my tailbone, long and spiked. At the same time, my fingers extended and were honed to points. I felt my teeth become like giant reptile feet, and after that, I lost consciousness, my mind consumed by the fiery anger that was swelling up inside me.

When I awoke again, I was in shackles, and a breeze was very obvious in places a breeze shouldn't blow. "Hey!" I tried to shout, but the shout came out as a weak cry. I coughed, and tried again. "Hey!"

A minute passed. Then another. No answer. I was alone. Completely alone.

A rock fell, and I jumped at the echoing sound, ringing, ringing against the stone walls. Hoofsteps echoed, and I looked up. A Guard. His expression was blank, like a chalk board wiped clean. "Shut up, prisoner. You know what you've been charged with." He levitated something that was out of sight, and when I saw it, my mouth went dry, and my skin paled. "Scared? Well, you'll be feeling nothing soon enough." He jabbed me with the object; a spear, and the wind was knocked out of me, my shackles coming undone.

I fell to the floor, wheezing, the dust that had settled stirring for the first time in an unknown timeframe. "Where...where are you taking me?" I wheezed, my fingers passing over something. Metallic, short, sharp. A shiv. I had a weapon again.

"Where? To your execution, of course." said the Guard. He poked at me with the spear again, and I curled my fingers around the shiv, hiding it flat against my palm.

Standing up defiantly, I tilted my head back and forth, my neck cracking and popping loudly, the Guard shivered instinctively at the sound.

I lunged. Blood spattered, and the Guard was dead, the shiv in the artery in his neck. "Hesitating will only kill you." My voice was cold, hoarse, unfeeling, and alien. What had I done, to be ordered dead?

I picked up the spear, spinning it slowly. I planted the tip in the ground, and looked up. "May the Dark Lord guide my hate, so I may destroy they who betray!"

I had no idea why I had said it. But I could feel, deep down inside, that I was furious, furious at the Princesses. I didn't know why, or what for, but I had to release my anger. My anger was a bomb, ready to explode, and my Youki, the blast contained within.

In an instant, the cell that I had been sealed within was turned to rubble, my Youki erupting outwardly, letting the light of the sun shine through. For a moment, I felt a pang of sorrow, but just as quickly as it had come, it was gone, replaced by my all-consuming need for vengeance. "I will-" I cut off, doubling over. These thoughts were not my own, how had I accepted them so quickly? Where had the thoughts come from?

My hands started shaking, as I remained hunched over. I saw the shiv, and grimaced, one clear thought running through my head. Quaking, I thought I must've dropped it when the wall was decimated. I lunged for the shiv, but my right hand suddenly exploded with power, my Youki channeling through and forcing my arm to Awaken. The entirety of my right arm became barbed, and I struggled with using my left hand to reach the shiv.

My right arm swung down upon my left arm, ripping the flesh to pieces. I screamed, and barely wrapped my fingers around the shiv. In one, desperate motion, I drove the shiv into my chest, and the pain was even greater than when my arm was impaled.

My scream was so high, I was certain I heard glass shatter. My own heart was now betraying me, but I knew I couldn't let my existence threaten Equestria. The ponies didn't need me the way I needed them, but they couldn't protect themselves from me, if I was being controlled.

One solid truth was in my head, and as much as it pained me, I knew what had to happen, and I had acted without any second thoughts.

I had to die. In the hopes Equestria would reset, I had to give my life, and as I felt my blood quickly drain from the large gash in my chest, as my vision started to fade, I uttered my last words. "Gods forgive me, for I have wrought destruction upon those who are undeserving. Claim my soul, as I am deserving of Death's touch. Forgive those I have harmed, and cleanse the blood of the innocent..."

With those words, I drew my final breath, and let go of life.

Elsewhere, in Equestria...

Author's Note

The writing style for this chapter was partially inspired by reading Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. The repetition drove me mad at first, but I wanted to try the style out myself, after I finally realized it was all in my head, the madness was.

Epilougue

'So this is what Death looks like... An empty void of nothing. Is this why so many fear it? The silence... It's peaceful. I have to admit, it's truly not so bad. Does my family miss me? Is Equestria safe? Did I die for nothing? I... don't know. I might not ever know. But that's ok...because I was not likely to succeed.'

My voice echoed everywhere, yet nowhere.

Death was just a void. Complete nothingness. Was I trapped in my own mind? Or was I still dying?

'There's no way I'm still alive...'

****Three Years Later****

Isley smiled, lounging in the throne. Three years ago, he and the other Awakened Beings had taken Equestria by storm. Isley remembered it so clearly...

"Princesses of Equestria. I have a proposition for you." He stepped out from his hiding place within the throne room, his hand and a half sword drawn.

"Who are you!?" Celestia demanded. She went to say more, but her fool of a sister made the reckless choice of hurling a spell at him. Slicing the orb of magic in two, Isley vanished, and a fountain of pony blood erupted from the sun princess. Her head fell to the floor, and her body collapsed.

"Sister!" Luna had cried out, stricken by the sudden loss. Then she too, was dead, the sword driven through the moon princesses heart. War was now upon the kingdom, and Isley had drawn first blood.

In the months that had followed the murder of the Princesses, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was slain by Priscilla, and Shining Armor was consumed by a Yoma posing as one of the Guard. The first city to finally fall, surprisingly, was Manehattan, but the Crystal Empire fell shortly after. With the fall of the empire, finally came the fall of Canterlot, the pathetic ponies battling with a determination that Isley had found amusing for the time they had rebelled. But, the Awakened Army, as the new King of Equestria had taken to call his forces, stomped out the Canterlot resistance after capturing the six ponies Tamora had aligned herself with.

The girl's disappearance was unusual, but Isley's worry had faded when he found the Claymore dead in the dungeons. "You have done me a great favor, Princesses, killing the half-breed for me," he had said.

Now, Isley was running Equestria with an iron fist, his fellow Yoma getting to feast freely upon the pony populace.

"Everything has worked out perfectly, but soon, we will move on to a more suitable place to conquer. Perhaps there is a way to find a human civilization..."

Isley pondered on that thought, and smiled cruelly. "It would seem, I may have use for the prisoners, after all."

Yet, as the King thought of getting to Earth, somewhere on the very same planet, a new destiny was being woven, for a young woman, whose future was interwoven with the very future of Equestria.

Author's Note

Look out for My Little Pony: The Claymore Legacy: Equestrian Warlords, coming this June/July!

Apologies for those who read this, I published it by accident the first time. It wasn't complete then, and there was still the two chapters before it. Sorry!

Keep watch for the sequel sneak peek, here on FiMfiction!