World of Ponies: The Rise of Change.

by ShadowWalking18

Rating: teen
Tags: Discord, Princess Celestia, Dark, Alternate Universe, Human, Anthro, Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Romance
Length: 94837

When a human is brought from his world to Equestria, he must survive a world where humans are kept either in zoos or pets. All while the world around him begins to change, with him at the center of it all.

When a human from Earth, by an unknown set of circumstances, ends up in a world upon a separate path of history and evolution, not only must he survive the different species that call it home, but the change in which his species, humans, are seen and treated.

But as he moves day by day, he will find he will play a role in the future of the world of Equestria, one that will determine the fate of both ponies and humans.

((Inspired by MadMaxtheBlack))

Published 2014-08-07 17:20:03 UTC
Last updated 2015-05-14 01:26:35 UTC

The Pound

Castus found himself being lifted by that same aura of green after a short ride in the iron cart. If he hadn't been a mute, he felt sure he wouldn't have been able to speak anyway, so shocked and confused by this strange occurrence.

'How is this possible?' He thought, unsure of what to call this ability. ESP? Telekinesis? It didn't seem like it, in fact just being around this aura made his hair stand on end and made him feel a slight tingle on his skin.

As he was carried, he spotted a building with the words. PonyVille Pound and Animal Control Center, on it.

'Pound? Do they think I'm an animal?' Castus thought, but after his little ride and how the pony people had acted with him; he felt pretty sure they did.

Entering the building the guards brought Castus into a hall with several types of cages within. To the one side were rather large cages, in fact some had a large dog or two in them, and in one an especially big two headed dog thing that slathered and growled about. Then there were others with blanketed covered bodies of something crouching under them. To the other side, there were small cages holding a cat or two, or a small dog. Though most of the cages, if not nearly all, were empty.

'They must not have a lot of strays.' Castus thought as he was placed into one of the larger cages. Thankfully he was alone in it.

'Thank you god.' He thought, glad to know he wasn't sharing his room with the two headed monster dog. It didn't look friendly.

"There ya go. Now try not to cause trouble ya hear." The guard said, the aura around Castus vanishing and appearing around the rope which removed itself from Castus.

The guard closed the door and left Castus alone. Castus rubbed at his neck and wrists, which had gotten scratched and rubbed by the rope, so now they were a bit itchy. Thankfully his jeans had kept his legs less rubbed, but they were still sore.

'Darn pony girl can sure tie a knot.' He thought as he looked around his surroundings.

It looked like any other pound he would have seen on his world, save the strange dog with two heads.

'Looks like a Cerebus reject.' He thought with a silent chuckle before looking at the other cage beside him.

'Hmm...what is that?' Castus wondered as he noticed a slightly huched over creature under the blanket within. Castus crawled over and leaned against the fence of his cage and looked closer.

He could make out a hair, and what looked like...feet. Castus tilted his head, and his eyes widened as he saw something shift under the blanket and saw two pairs of dark eyes staring at him, a human head slowly appearing as the blanket slipped.

'A human, I'm not alone then.' Castus thought, but his surprise and relief soon turned to fear as the human before him suddenly growled and charged him with a roar, hitting the fence and causing Castus to leap back.

The human shook the fence and made loud guttural growling noises as it looked at him with rage and hate filled eyes. Castus stared at the creature with shock, unsure if he could even call this behavior human. It acted more like a wild animal.

The human continued to try and get at him, shaking the fence some before snorting and going back to sitting down, this time ignoring its blanket. Though it at times cast a glance and growled at Castus every so often, but largely ignored him now.

'Is that how humans here act? No wonder they threw me in here.....but now that I get a good look at him.' Castus thought as he got onto his knees and looked closer at the human before him.

This human didn't look like him at all. He could tell it was male, and the lack of clothes only made that more apparent. The brow ridge was a bit larger then his, and it's cheeks were a bit more angled. It's body seemed a bit more stockier then his, evidence of a lot of muscle power in the body.

'I don't even think this is a Homo Sapien,' Castus thought, 'It looks more like a Homo Heidelbergensis....or maybe a Homo Neanderthalensis.'

Castus had spent a lot of his college time studying the human fossil record, and he had seen enough to know that what he was looking at was not Homo Sapien. Did that mean that this world's human population consisted of the earlier versions? If it was Neaderthalensis, then he was looking at his species closest living relative in the flesh; an amazing experience.

'But why the growling? And this wild behavior?' Castus thought. It didn't make sense.

The human, then suddenly leapt at him again, and Castus felt the fence hit him. The human growl at him again before moving away, apparently his staring had gotten annoying.

Castus rubbed his face before getting up and giving plenty of space between him and the human before him. While interested, he felt that wondering on the evolutionary path of humanity in this world wouldn't do him any good on getting out of this place. If he even could.

'I guess I just have to prove I'm not like these guys here.' He thought, looking at the wild human one last moment.

But was that wise?

Castus rubbed his chin as he thought on that. If the humans here did indeed act like this, then showing he was intelligent might have its draw backs. Would he be let free, or would he be taken for study? Castus felt sure that the study part would be the most likely, if they treated an unknown occurrence of an animal the same way humans on his world did.

'Bah, worry on it later. I can't speak anyway, and I doubt these pony folk know sign language so unless I can get my hands on some paper and a pencil I'm relatively left speechless.' Castus thought with a silent sigh. He would just have to wait and see what presented itself.

The sound of a door opening caught Castus' attention and he moved toward the gate of the cage and leaned as much as he could to get a good view of the hall.

"Here to adopt some more animals Miss Fluttershy?" A voice called, this one different from the guard that had brought him in.

"Oh yes. I just can't stand the thought that some of these poor dears don't have a warm and loving home to live in." A soft female voice said.

"Well, we only have a few strays in. But you're welcome to see what you want." The other voice said.

"Oh thank you. I won't be long." The female voice, Fluttershy, said.

Castus watched as another pony person walked out, only this one had a yellow coat with a pink mane that hung over half her face; and wings. Wings.

'Horn....unicorn.....wings....Pegasus. Seriously.' He thought rolling his eyes. What was next? One with both?

Castus looked at Fluttershy again. She wore a dark green sweater, her wings folded at her back, and blue jeans. Her eyes were a vibrant cyan blue color. He watched her as she went to each cage, even the one with the two headed dog. When she had slowly stuck her hand into the one with the two headed dog, he expected to see something from when Animals Attack, but all he got was a two headed dog laying on the floor, tail wagging, as it got the belly rub of its life.

As Fluttershy went to each cage, a frown always was on her face when she looked at the animals in them, but she always smiled when she pet them and talked to them, as she jotted down something's on a notepad with her.

'Hey! If I could just get my hands on that....' Castus thought. Though he was a bit curious on why she was taking notes. She wasn't going to adopt all these animals? Was she?

Then she approached the cage with the wild human in it, who growled low at her. Fluttershy held her notepad close and looked at the human in fear, hiding herself in her mane. Despite all of it, Castus found the effect incredibly cute.

"Becareful Miss Fluttershy. That one's dangerous." The other pony person called, stepping into the hall some and allowing Castus to get a better view of him. This one without a horn or wings, and his coat was a basic brown with black mane and he wore a uniform with the same symbol and words as a patch on the shirt. An employee here Castus thought.

"Oh, sorry Platinum Bolt, I didn't think he would be so territorial. Umm....what will happen to him?" Fluttershy asked.

Platinum frowned, "We will probably have to gas him. We tried everything we could to rehabilitate him, but he just can't get use to anypony coming near him."

Fluttershy gasped, and gave the wild human a look of great sadness as he growled and moved away from the fence. Castus could swear he saw tears in her eyes.

Then she turned and saw him. Fluttershy looked surprised, and slowly got kneeled down and walked over.

"Oh...h-hello there." She said slowly, approaching cautiously.

"That's our latest arrival. Found him causing a stir in town, but your friend Applejack managed to subdue him. Not sure who he belongs to, but he was wearing those pants when he found him so we think he escaped from someponys place. We'll be sending out information concerning him before we placed him up for adoption." Platinum said, approaching and looking at him as well.

"Oh, the poor dear must be scared. Don't worry, I'm sure your owner is looking frantically for you." Fluttershy said, extending her hoof slowly through the fence.

Platinum seemed to be ready to yank Fluttershy back, but was surprised when she gently placed her hoof on Castus' head and pet him. Frankly Castus just stood there, looking at Fluttershy as she pet him.

'I feel like a dog.' He thought, feeling a bit degraded.

"He is very well behaved. I don't think I've ever seen a human be so comfortable around new ponies." Fluttershy said, a smile on her face.

"Yeah. Odd thing, he certainly don't look like most humans I've seen." Platinum said.

Flutttershy giggled and patted Castus' head once more before standing up and going to the other cages, making notes on her notepad. Finally she turned and handed it to Platinum, he rolled his eyes as he looked at it.

"I see you will be taking the ones who aren't set for adoption. Again." Platinum said.

"Yes. Sorry, I hope it's no trouble." FLuttershy said, hiding in her mane again.

Platinum shook his head, "No problem. This is frankly routine by now. I'll get the paper work." With that he left the hall, chuckling to himself.

Fluttershy rubbed her arm, blushing a bit and muttered a sorry as she watched Platinum go. Castus just stared at her.

'She is really going to adopt all these guys? Even the two headed dog?' He thought. This girl was one heck of an animal lover. Still, she did have a kind air about her.

Fluttershy looked over and spotted him staring at her, "Hello." She said, and moved over to him again.

'Maybe I should let her know I'm not like other humans here. She seems like someone who could help him. He didn't know why, he just had a feeling. Maybe it was her eyes, there was some deep feeling of kindness and caring in those eyes.

"You know, I don't think I've ever seen a human like you at all. Your eyes have a brightness to them I've never seen before." She said as she smiled at him.

Castus held out his palm and slowly scribbled his index finger across the palm in the sign of writing. Fluttershy gasped, "Oh! Yes, here you go."

Castus watched as Fluttershy reached into a pocket and pulled something out before placing it in his hand. Castus looked at it and blinked.

It looked like....caramel? A caramel candy?

"You must be hungry, I'm sure you'll get some food soon. The ponies here are very nice towards the animals here, but you deserve something after your traumatic arrival. I bet you were so scared, being separated from your owner and lost in town." She said, gently stroking his head again.

Castus stared at the candy and sighed. Fluttershy frowned, as if picking up on his disappointment.

"Oh...is something wrong? I'm sure your owner is looking everywhere for you and you won't have to be here long. I mean it's not like you were abandoned. Please don't be sad." She said, looking distraught.

Castus silently sighed again and flopped onto his back. Unless he could get his hands on some paper and pencil, or maybe some chalk, he was left to be viewed as an animal.

Fluttershy frowned as she got up. She looked at the human laying on the ground. He looked so lonely and sad. It pained her to see a human who was so docile to be kept in a cage like this. She hoped that his owner was found soon.

"Miss Fluttershy. I got the papers, if you can just come and sign a few things." Platinum called.

"Oh. Yes." Futtershy said, giving one last wave to the human before walking off. She wished she could do more for it.

Castus watched her go, before looking at the caramel candy in his hand.

'Well....its better then nothing.' he thought and tossed it into his mouth.

Fluttershy signed at the papers covering the different animals she was adopting. She smiled as she thought of giving all the poor dears a warm home. But then she thought of the humans she had seen.

She felt her heart break at the thought of the one who had to be put down. It was such a terrible thing, but she knew that humans were dangerous, even for a pony good with animals as she was. Still it was always sad to see a living creature being put down, even if there was no choice.

But what about the other one? The docile and odd looking one. He didn't seem aggressive at all, he even seemed calm around strange ponies. His owner must have taken good care around him and acclimated him to strange ponies. Surely the owner was out there looking for him...but what if he had been abandoned? Humans were expensive pets, considering most were either too aggressive to be kept as such and were mostly just kept in zoos, so she felt sure that he wasn't.

Still, just seeing such a sweet creature sitting in that cage broke her heart, and the thought of leaving him there brought a tear to her eyes.

"Say um...Platinum Bolt." She said as she finished signing the papers.

"Yes?" Platinum said, taking the papers and looking them over.

"That human. The docile one...what will you do if you can't find the owner?" She asked.

Platinum frowned, "Well, if we can't find its owner we will probably have to find him a new place, or send him to the zoo in Canterlot. Why, did you want to adopt him if his owner can't be found?" Platinum finished with a knowing smile.

Fluttershy hid in her mane and said, "Um...well...maybe. Yes. If that's not a problem."

Platinum smiled, "Well we will wait a week, and send out word to other pounds to see if anyone reported in a miss human matching him. If nopony shows up, he is up for adoption."

Fluttershy smiled, "Okay. I hope you do find his owner, he was such a sweet one."

"I'm sure. Well if that is all, I'll go get your new pets. See you in a week." Platinum said.

Fluttershy nodded. She always came by every week to the pound to see if any animals were in need of a home. Mostly none didn't but ever so often she found one or two that nopony else wanted. Naturally she would take them home to take care of them.

"Right then. Thank you." Fluttershy said, standing up and following to go greet her new pets and friends.

The next few hours were rather crazy for Castus. He had been taken from his cage and stripped of his pants and left with a girl pony person in a similar uniform Platinum had been in and given what he would call the equivalent of a vet check up. Frankly he didn't feel comfortable letting a female so close to his junk.

After that he was washed down, which had been embarrassing when he felt the vet pony washing his crotch. She actually giggled when he jumped, and thankfully left that area alone from her scrubbing there after. Then his hair was brushed and his teeth brushed as well, before being placed back into his cage. Sadly his pants were not returned to him, as the employees had taken it, in what Castus assumed was an attempt to find any clue of who his 'owner' had been.

So he spent the remainder of the day sitting in a cage with only a blanket to cover him.

'I guess it is the waiting game, until either I can figure a way out of here or till somepony....adopts me.' He thought, rubbing his head. It was going to be a long wait.

Platinum sat at his desk at the Pound, tapping a pencil against the surface as he stared at the items before him.

'What is this?' He thought, tapping the strange small black box. No matter what they had done they could not find an opening or figure out what it was. But it had been in the human's possession so perhaps it was something from his owner? And what were the cords attached to it of?

As for the other box, Platinum found a series of strange cards with things like Credit Card and one with a picture of the human's face on it. It looked like an identification card, with basic information such as hair and eye color as well as a series of numbers. It was all a bit confusing.

"Castus.....you are one strange human." Platinum said as he wrote down a few things in his report. He would send copies of this to other shelters and pounds to see if anypony was reporting a missing human matching his description.

'Must be one of those designer humans. Probably somepony from Canterlot owns him.' He thought. it would explain his strange appearance from other humans.

Finishing the report, Platinum took the items and placed them into a box for keeping. The black box with the cords on it was the most mysterious, and if it turned out that Castus had no owner looking for him, he felt it would be the best to contact the Academy in Canterlot to better examine it. Just to make sure, whatever it was, wasn't dangerous.

Checking the clock, Platinum decided to wait for tomorrow to send off the reports. It was getting late. Besides, if this was a designer human, it shouldn't be long before they found the owner.

Adoption

The next week felt more like a year to Castus. Naked. Alone. In a cage surrounded by anthropomorphic ponies who saw him as an animal. Or well, more like the way humans saw cats and dogs, or exotic pets. He was usually left alone, save when a pony came to clean his cage, in which he was moved to a small field and closed off area outside to walk around. Castus took notice that while he used the corner, his other human companion seemed to not fully grasp this idea. It only made him more curious of the humans of this world. They looked so similar to the ones that had lived on his world, yet showed not the same intelligence that was hypothesized they possessed.

Of course he did not have much time with this wild human counterpart, as he was taken not three days later. He never saw him again, though Castus felt he never would based on what he had heard about gassing him. It actually was a sad thing, losing the only thing that was at least familiar to his world.

After that, he was pretty much left alone. Apparently, the search for his owner was proving fruitless. As it should, since he didn't have one. So it was that Castus spent the next week alone, save for momentary sightings of the pound employees when they came to feed him, wash him and clean out his cage.

'I can see why cats get so fat. Despite it all this is actually pretty funny.' Castus thought one day after being taken for a bath. Still, the food could be more then apples and veggies and a single pill of something. Though all and all he kind of liked having everything brought for him.

His bite wound had even been properly bandaged during his initial examination and now the bite was completely gone, one of the employees, a unicorn, had simply used that strange aura thing on her horn and the wound had sealed up with only a minor trace of scaring. And he hadn't turned into a vampire bunny. Win-win.

Still, Castus could feel himself growing more and more board by the second. Without t.v., laptop access or even music, he had found the day went by a lot slower without something to occupy him. It was almost capable of driving someone insane.

'Someone! Anyone! Just get me out of here!' Castus thought as he dragged his hands down his face.

Luckily, on the final day of the week, his desperate pleadings had been answered. When Fluttershy returned.

"Hello again Fluttershy. We don't have any new animals, but our human friend is still here." Platinum said, as he lead the Pegasus mare down the hall and stopped at the cage in question.

"He is? You never found an owner?" Fluttershy asked, shock in her voice as she turned to Castus and offered a smile and a wave.

Platinum nodded, "Yeah. Apparently there hasn't been any reported missing humans, especially from Canterlot. We'll keep an ear out for awhile long, but since you showed and interest in him, you can take him now if you still want. Frankly I think he might like getting out of this place."

Fluttershy seemed absolutely excited, "Oh yes, yes. I will."

Platinum smiled, "Well I'll go get the needed papers, and we will just run a few tests to be sure that he is safe for living with ponies. Though so far he hasn't shown any hostile behavior and he goes along with the employees easily without fuss."

Castus thanked whatever god or gods were watching him. If he had to spend anymore time in this cage, he felt sure he was going to start talking to an imaginary friend name Wilson; sadly he had no coconuts to carve.

Platinum unlocked the cage and slowly ushred Castus out. Castus allowed himself to be lead along, walking next to Fluttershy, who smiled at him and patted his head every so often gently. Leaving the hall of cages, Castus was taken away from Fluttershy, who waved bye to him, and taken into a separate room with another vet.

Castus watched in great confusion as he was given an apple, and had it snatched from him several times. Sometimes when he was in the middle of eating it. And then others poking him in the head and sides, sometimes rather roughly. If they were trying to get a reaction from him, the only one he gave was a jump when they poked his sides. He was ticklish there. This got a giggle from the vet, as she continued her work, check his teeth and his heart beat.

After that she filled out some papers and placed a collar around his neck, along with a leash, and lead him out of the room and into the main hall, where Fluttershy was busy signing a few papers.

"Here he is. He is in perfect health as far as I can see. His teeth are very health, not yellow or rotten at all, and his pulse seems normal. Though he isn't in the best physical condition, but some exercise can fix that. All in all he has a clean bill of health." The vet said, passing the leash to Fluttershy once she finished signing some papers.

"Oh good. Is there anything else I should know?" Fluttershy asked.

"Nothing important at the moment. He had a few strange items with him that we assume was either an collar tag with the name Castus Evans and a strange black box that we will be sending to the academy in Canterlot to study." Platinum said.

Fluttershy blinked, "That's odd. And is Castus his name?"

Platinum nodded, "We think so. He seems to respond to it when he call him. Right Castus?"

Castus looked to Platinum, who looked to Fluttershy, "See."

"Castus....that's a nice name." She said, petting his head, "Yes it is."

Castus fought the urge to roll his eyes. The petting and baby talk...might start getting old really fast. Now he knew how dogs felt.

Taking the leash and gently giving it a tug, Castus followed Fluttershy out. It was as he walked out, among the clothed anthropoid ponies, that he realized that he himself was unclothed.

'Damn, I guess after spending a week with nothing on I forgot about it.' He thought, feeling selfconcious now. Luckily, Fluttershy took him down a different path that lead away from the town and eventually toward a comfy looking cabin, surrounded by trees and a small stream of water flowing gently by. A wire fence and a chicken coop was noticeable as well as thousands of bird houses.

'Looks like something out of Snow White.' Castus thought, taking notice of the army of animals ranging from cats, a few dogs and hundreds of birds and that two headed dog, which thankfully sat panting with a smile in a fenced off area of the property with a few other dogs.

"Hello everyone. I have a new friend for us, so give him a warm welcome." Fluttershy said, leading Castus up to see the other animals.

'This girl really does like animals.' Castus thought, looking at the wide range of animals that meowed or barked at him. Some birds even landing on his shoulder and chirping. Frankly he wasn't use to this, or the fact that the animals seemed to understand Fluttershy.

A white bunny appeared, opening the door of the cabin and thumped one of its feet, arms cross as it pulled a pocket watch out and pointed at the time.

Fluttershy gasped, "Oh. I'm sorry Angel bunny. I'll get right on your tail fluffing, I just wanted to make Castus here was taken care of. I'm sorry."

Castus looked as the bunny gave him a cold glare before hopping back inside. Fluttershy followed in, leading Castus gently along.

'Something tells me the rabbit is the boss monkey of this place.' Castus thought as he entered the cabin.

It was filled with small mice and birds and pet houses as far as he could see. It was especially homey and comfy looking, with a staircase leading upward and a kitchen and small dinning room adjacent to a living room with a small couch.

"This will be your new home Castus. I know new surroundings can be scary, but you'll find that everyone here will make it as comfortable for you as they can. Isn't that right?" Fluttershy asked, looking to the animals around her.

Birds and mice chirped and squeaked in answer, and Fluttershy gave a smile before leading Castus to the couch and taking the leash off.

"Why don't you get acquainted with things here while I take care of Angel. Then after I'll make everyone dinner and get you a bed made." Fluttershy said, placing the leash on a table and picking up Angel bunny and taking him into a different room that Castus saw was the bathroom when he followed slightly to see where they were going.

Castus walked back to the living room and looked at the animals around him, who all looked at him. This place got stranger and stranger. Even the animals that were so similar to the ones on his world were strange here.

Castus lifted a hand in greeting to the animals before walking off, a few mice following him but the rest returning to whatever business animals did here. Mostly sleeping or eating or sleeping. As for him, he wanted to see what this place had to offer.

Castus first started with the kitchen, and went for the fridge when he saw it. He examined its contents for a moment, but couldn't see anything familiar to him other then various veggies and fruits and some other stuff that seemed like pet food. Though he saw some small fish and even some eggs, finally something different then vegetarian food.

After that he checked the other rooms, ignoring the bathroom, though he caught a glimpse of Fluttershy brushing and fluffing the rabbits tail. Ignoring it, he walked up the stairs into a single bedroom. Fluttershy's room. Finding nothing else of interest there he went back down and returned to the living room and slowly sat down on the couch. He crossed his legs to cover his manhood and leaned forward for good measure.

Even if it was natural for humans to be naked here, he wasn't use to it and frankly didn't intend on getting use to it anymore then he had. He had to draw a line somewhere, this was one of them.

Eventually Fluttershy returned, with a smiling Angel bunny who swished and patted his tail once proudly before looking at Castus and lifting his nose at him and hopping off into the other room.

"Oh, sorry about Angel bunny. He isn't mean, he just doesn't warm up to new arrivals easily. But I'm sure the two of you will be best friends soon." Fluttershy said, "Now stay there and while I get everyone's food ready."

With a final pat on his head, Fluttershy left Castus to head to the kitchen and started gathering bowls and bags of food, as well as fishes which she set on a plate. She filled the bowls of bird seed, dog food, cat food, a small salad with a carrot on top, as well a bowl of apples and cucumber slices and another one of those pills he had eaten at the pound.

After that she carried the bowls and set them down for the critters inside, then took several trays of food outside, along with the fish. Castus was impressed by the dedication she put into feeding every animal. Finally, she brought his food, setting it on the floor for him. Castus slide himself down from the couch and looked at the food.

"I know it's probably not much, but I'll go to the store tomorrow and pick up a few things for humans. You're the first human I've been able to take care of." Fluttershy said, frowning slightly as if worrying Castus was not pleased with the meal.

Castus looked at Fluttershy, then to the food and reached over and picked the appleslices and started eating them, sometimes throwing in a cucumber slice along with the pill. He would have liked a fork, but he could eat with his hands if he had to.

'That's odd.' Fluttershy thought, watching Castus eat. The way Castus ate was so methodical, not like how most humanns ate without a care and usually vigorously. It reminded her of a way a pony ate almost.

She shook her head and stroked Castus' head. He was a rather odd human, but she would take good care of him.

"I'm glad you like it. Now eat up while I get you a blanket and a pillow, and tomorrow I'll also get you a proper bed." Fluttershy said, going over to a closet and pulling out a large blanket and a small pillow and setting it down beside Castus after he had finished eating. She took the bowl, along with the other animals after she made sure they had all finished eating, and set to work cleaning them for tomorrow. By the time she was done, it was late and time for bed. All the other animals were already settled in, save for Castus who held his pillow and blanket in his hands as he looked around.

"I know the first night in a new place is always stressful. You can sleep upstairs with me if it makes you feel better." Fluttershy said to him. She didn't expect a response. Despite her abilities to communicate with animals on a level most ponies couldn't, she found it didn't always work with humans who either ignored her or looked at her curiously.

Castus looked at her, and merely shrugged and sat on the couch, setting the pillow down and wrapping the blanket around him. Fluttershy was surprised by this, but smiled and patted his head.

"Well if you like it there okay. Good night Castus." She then leaned over and kissed his forehead before turning and heading upstairs.

As for Castus he felt his face heat up when Fluttershy kissed him, and was surprised by how soft her lips were. They felt almost like humans lips, but soft due to the thin coat of fur on them. Then again, she wasn't an ordinary pony.

'Actually the face and body structure is different on a lot of scales. And I still wonder how they manipulate and hold things with hooves.' He thought as he turned over and stared up at the ceiling.

At least he was out of that cage. This ceiling was far more interesting then the one in the pound, and he had a lot more roommates now. But now what did he do? Fluttershy seemed comfortable enough to give him free roaming ability...though she didn't seem the type to kennel or leash her animals anywhere. Save for maybe a collar around the cats or dogs she had, most of the animals seemed free to roam. Though he was sure that was within reason.

As he lay there in the now dark room, Castus turned to look out the window and saw the moon shining brightly in the sky. He turned to get its light away from his eyes and stared at the window at the far end of the other room, and blinked when he saw the shadowy sight of a figure moving swiftly by.

Confused, and worried. Castus slowly slid himself onto the floor and crawled over to the window. He slowly lifted himself up and peeked out, but saw nobody. He looked to the window that peered out to the path leading toward the cabin, and saw nobody.

'Okay...official had a horror movie moment. When does the axe killer or bigfoot break down the door and eat me?' He wondered as he moved to check the door was locked. Assured it was, he went back to the couch got snugged as best he could.

'Tomorrow, I'll see about getting myself properly covered. Then make a decision on how I proceed from here.' Castus thought. His mind assaulted with all sorts of ideas and thoughts of what to do next, and a slight worry of a shadowy figure that simply vanished without a trace. It was going to be a long night.

Discord sighed, "Ahh that is just like Fluttershy. I suppose I will have to reschedule our tea time. I can't introduce myself to him yet, I want to see what he does next before I give a grand appearance."

Discord stretched and reached down towards the floor, his bed stuck to the ceiling, and turned off his discord lamp.

Things had gotten a bit boring, but now that the human was out of that pound, maybe he could get something entertaining again.

As he dozed off, he remembered a funny fact about his dear friend Fluttershy, or at least how she slept at night. He chuckled to himself, already imagining the humans reaction. That would be funny indeed.

With that, the spirit of chaos closed his eyes and fell asleep. All the while a number of toys acted out the Nutcracker in the middle of his room, orchestra included.

Shopping, Meetings and Books.

Castus' PoV

Castus groaned as the light of the sun graced his face as it shined through the window. He turned over and rubbed at his eyes, rubbing the sleep away. He yawned as he debated either getting up, or trying to sneak in a few more minutes of sleep, when he heard the creaking of the stairs signaling that Fluttershy was awake now.

'Time to get up then.' He thought as he slowly pushed himself up with his arms and stretched, giving another yawn.

A soft, yawn followed coming from he assumed was Fluttershy, "Good morning everyone." She said softly as she appeared at the base of the stairs.

Castus turned his head to wave at his new owner in greetings, but nearly choked on his own breath, and felt his heart nearly give out in shock.

'Why is she naked!?!' Castus thought, felt his eyes bulge at the sight before him.

Fluttershy was naked, full on nude without any shred of clothing. The tired Pegasus girl cutely rubbed at her eyes as she turned and headed toward the bathroom. Not even noticing that she was being ogled by her human pet.

Castus turned and covered himself with his blanket as he tried to fight back the blush spreading across his face, a hand covering his nose. He did not think it was possible to get a nose bleed in the way the anime's showed; but he felt sure he was getting close.

'I didn't notice cause of her sweater....but......they're huge!' He thought, gulping nervously.

Was she one of those people that slept all natural, or whatever you called sleeping at night with nothing on? If this was how she woke up every morning, he really needed to set some things in stone between them, otherwise things would really start to get.....complicated.

'Or maybe we can wait a week. Yeah, a week. After all when do I get to see a naked girl as built as her like that?' The more perverted part of his brain said.

'Shut up!' He answered back, shaking his head. Now was not the time!

Soon the sound of the shower ceased and Fluttershy stepped from the bathroom into the main hall once more, thankfully wearing a yellow and pink bathrobe around her body, her hair tied up in a towel to help it dry.

"Oh good morning Castus." Fluttershy said, giving him a smile and a pat on the head, "Oh dear, your face is all red, do you have a fever?"

She placed a hoof a against his head, but retracted it soon after saying, "You don't seem warm."

Castus took the liberty to stand then, catching Fluttershy by surprise. He walked to the door and pushed against the door.

"Oh, you probably have to go out. Here you go." Fluttershy said, opening the door for him.

Castus stepped outside and walked a ways. He could feel Fluttershy watching him, and he looked back to see that she was, making sure he didn't stray far from the property. She really trusted her pets, and him, that much?

Really he had just wanted to get out to get his brain under control and loss this blush, but now that he was out here he did feel a need to use the bathroom. He looked and found a bush beside a tree not far from the house. He headed over and, after making sure there was no poison ivy, relieved himself. Gave it a sort of camping experience as he watered the tree.

'Now if I can just establish a use of the toilet in the bathroom I should be fine.' He thought as he finished and made his way back to the house.

Fluttershy looked at him quizzically as he walked back in and she closed the door. Castus though choose to ignore it and sat down on the couch again and rubbed at his stomach.

"Oh yes, I'll get breakfast for everyone now." She said, taking notice of the sign and headed toward the kitchen, stopping only to pet and say good morning to some more rousing animals. Though Angel bunny still lay sleeping in his little bed, a leg kicking every so often.

While Fluttershy worked, Castus looked at his blanket, and checked to see if it had enough length to act as a sort of make shift clothing. He wrapped a section around his waist, glad to finally cover himself, and brought the other around his upper half like a toga, tying it where the two ends met at his shoulder.

'It ain't the best, but should do.' He thought, pleased with his work. Now all that left was to see how Fluttershy reacted. He would find out, as she had finished giving out food to all the others, probably since they had seniority over him, with Angel being the first given his breakfast. When she brought his, she jumped slightly at the sight.

"Castus? What...that um...." She said, looking at him oddly.

Castus stared at her, then looked at his bowel of food. Fluttershy set it down and continued to look at him while he ate.

Castus looked at her once before turning on his food and eating it up. More apples and that same pill. What was that for anyway?

"That um...blanket looks....nice?" Fluttershy said once, before shaking her head and going back into the kitchen, possibly to get her own food.

Castus watched her go, and felt sure the girl was in a serious mental conversation with herself. Hoping slightly that he was right about her not turning him into some scientists if she learned that he was smarter then she thought. Still, he could cross that bridge when he got there. Now was food time.

After finishing breakfast Fluttershy had dressed herself and had brought out the leash from before.

"Um, Castus, I was going to go shopping for some supplies for you. I figured that you could come along and see if you saw any toys you liked, and maybe introduce you to my friends later on." She said, before attaching the leash to the collar.

Castus didn't argue. This was good, he could get a look at the town better this way. Though he drew the line at toys. So getting up he followed Fluttershy out the door as she gently lead him along, when they stepped outside, Castus looked at the ground and for just the briefest moment, thought he saw.....a hoof print in the dirt of the path. But before he could get a better look he was already past it and heading toward town.

Fluttershy's PoV

Fluttershy was very confused. Castus was not like any human she had seen, but then again, she hadn't had the opportunity to care for many humans given they were rare as pets. But the way he wore that blanket around him seemed a lot like clothing to her, something she knew that no human wore unless dressed by their owners, though it was not too uncommon for some to purposely cover themselves with a sort of loin cloth. But how Castus wore the blanket was different then just a loin cloth.

'Maybe Twilight has some books on humans. Or maybe the pet store.' She thought as she lead Castus through town.

It was still relatively early in the morning, so there were not a lot of ponies about, but the few that were either looked at Castus in surprise, or ignored him and waved or greeted Fluttershy good morning. After all if he was with Fluttershy, he couldn't be dangerous.

'Actually, now that I think about it, he hasn't done any of the things most humans do.' She thought, looking at Castus, who looked around at the town with a quizzical look in his eyes.

Normally a human tries to establish dominance of an area when they first enter it, especially if there are other creature near it. But Castus didn't do a thing, not even growl at any of the other animals. He was by far the most docile human she had seen ever.

"Oh there's the pet store. Stay close now Castus." Fluttershy said as she lead him into the store.

She could figure it all out later at Twilight's. For now, she would get everything she needed to make Castus' life with her as comfortable as possible.

The pet store wasn't full today, due to the still early hours. Fluttershy felt that going out early would be a good idea, just incase too many new ponies at once terrified Castus.

As the two of them walked through the aisles, she acquired a cot, easily folded for efficient carrying. She even purchased some needed soaps and a brush to help clean him, as well as a tooth brush and toothpaste designed for humans. Believing she had all that she would need, she lead Castus to the register, but stopped when she saw the aisle filled with toys.

Deciding that Castus was well behaved enough to earn a reward, she turned and lead him into the aisle.

"Okay Castus. Since you are being so good, you can pick out a toy for yourself. Go on." Fluttershy said, picking up a few toys and holding them out for Castus to take one.

Castus blinked and stared at the toys, then looked at Fluttershy, an eyebrow raised and pushed the toys away.

"What? But-" Fluttershy gasped, surprised by the very unnatural gesture, "Umm...I-I guess if you don't want one..."

She put the toys away and stood up as she lead Castus away to the register, looking back at the human with a curious look. He had a look of boredom and yawned, rubbing at his eyes.

'I think, I should go to Twilight's fast. I really hope she has a book on humans.' She thought, trying her best to sort out the confusing actions of her human. They completely went against what she knew of human behavior.

Making the purchases, Fluttershy decided to see Twilight first, before returning to drop off her purchases at her cottage. So she turned a corner and headed over to both Princess Twilight's castle and Royal Ponyville Library.

Castus' PoV

As Castus followed Fluttershy, he looked around at the town before him some more as he passed. Everywhere he saw anthropoid ponies here and there. He noted a rather definite sexual dimorphism between the males and females, with the males standing taller then the females....yet strangely he noted this town seemed to have more of the female type then the male. Was that just for this town, or was there a high ratio of females to males in this world?

Still despite his wonderings, he felt that he should refocus his attentions to proving, to Fluttershy at least, that he was an intelligent creature. He had gotten side tracked by his long imprisonment at the pound and then sudden freedom and change of scenery the other day, he could blame his own laziness for that, and then the morning shock of Fluttershy's.....ample.....assets. He wasn't sure who to blame for that; but he mostly was blaming himself every time he thought about it.

A mental image appeared again in his head and he felt his face heat up at the thought. 'Damn it, stop that. We don't have time for that......god but it sucks though!'

Shaking his head and slapping his cheeks twice he regained his initial goal. Getting communication established. The first chance he got when they got back to the cottage. Though he felt sure he had established a line of curiosity with his behavior. At least he hoped so, cause he really didn't want to be offered a dog toy again. That was just below degrading.

He did not know where Fluttershy was leading them, until he saw a crystalline structure appear in the distance, a large sign in large gold words: Royal Ponyville Public Library.

'Wha-wha-wha.....What in the name of all that is holy.' He thought, feeling his eyes widen as he stared up at the tall tree like structure with a look of awe, mouth hanging open slightly.

Never in his life had he seen anything of such an impressive sight. How was such a structure even possible to be built?

'Wait. Library. Maybe I can get my hands on some blank paper, maybe a pencil or highlighter or...something.' He thought, feeling it was better to grab the stuff in an area he felt confident he could find it, then try and find it at Fluttershy's house in which he did not know where everything was.

'That is of course if they let me in.' He thought as he noticed a sign with the universal symbol of a human male inside a red circle with a red line across it.

Fluttershy frowned as she walked over to what looked like a hitching post and tied the leash to it.

"I'm sorry Castus. But Twilight doesn't let humans in the library anymore since the incident last time. Please don't be upset, I'll be back as soon as I can okay." She said, scratching under his chin before setting the purchases beside him and heading inside.

Castus watched her go before hitting his head against the post with a huff.

'Damn it! Damn it! DAMN IT!' Someone was mocking him. He just knew it.

Fluttershy's PoV

Fluttershy gave a last look to Castus before heading into the library. She was still amazed at times by the changes the once small library had taken since the battle with Tirek. It was a lot bigger now, which had only made Twilight excited that she could fill its halls with even more books; which she had done immediately.

Moving through the halls of books, Fluttershy looked for her friend, before finally finding her in an area with a large chalkboard. Equations written all over as she discussed something to a crowd of fillies and colts.

"And so if you take the B here and divide it into the C positive, minus the carried over decimal we get the answer. Any questions?" Twilight asked, pressing her hooves together as she waited for an answer.

The fillies and colts looked at each other, then back to Twilight before one lifted her hoof.

"Yes Summer Seed?" Twilight asked, pointing to the filly in question.

"Yeah uh....what was all that again?" The filly asked, a very confused look on her face.

Twilight blinked before frowning with a sigh, "Never mind. Let's just call it a day."

With that the fillies and colts got up and walked away, mostly talking with themselves, though a few seemed to really be trying to figure out whatever it was Twilight had been teaching him; and failing horribly.

Fluttershy took the time while he friend erased the board to walk over, "Hello Twilight. How are you today?"

Twilight turned and smiled, "Oh Fluttershy. Oh, I'm fine, though I think this idea of an open class session isn't working out so well." Twilight sighed as she lifted a rather large and thick book from the small desk beside her with her magic and placing it back into its spot on a shelf.

Fluttershy giggled, "Well, I'm sure you will figure it out. You just have to give it your all."

Twilight sighed, "I guess. So, what can I help you with? Or is this just a visit to say hi?" She asked as she walked over to a table to sit down.

Fluttershy followed and joined her friend, "Oh well if it isn't too much trouble, do you happen to have any books on humans?"

Twilight tilted her head, "Humans? I might, why do you ask?"

"Oh um well, yesterday I sort of...adopted one from the Ponyville Pound?" She said, blushing slightly.

Twilight looked at her friend in surprise, "The pound? Wait is this the human that Applejack said she had caught after stealing some of her apples?"

Fluttershy gasped, "Castus did that? Oh dear, I should probably apologize to Applejack. I mean, I'm sure that he didn't mean to but still..."

Twilight giggled, "So it is. Though I am surprised that you adopted it. Didn't it have an owner?"

"No," Fluttershy said with a shake of her head, "Which is odd cause he doesn't look like most humans I have seen so he must be some sort of designer human. But the pound sent out notices to all the other shelters and pounds in Equestira and in Canterlot and couldn't find anypony reporting a missing human."

"And you couldn't leave a homeless creature alone in the pound could you?" Twilight said with a knowing smile.

Fluttershy blushed, "I-yeah."

Twilight laughed before giving her friend a hug, "Oh Fluttershy, you really are a caring pony. Well I am not sure if I do, but I'll take a look. Do you want to help?"

"Oh yes. And thank you." She said as the two of them stood up, Twilight leading the way toward a section of the library.

"So what does this human look like? Is he at your cottage?" Twilight asked.

"Oh no, I brought him with me. He is sitting outside waiting for me." Fluttershy said, pointing to the window which had a good view of Castus as they passed it.

"What?" Twilight stopped in her tracks and moved to take a look, "Are you sure that is safe? Don't most humans get aggressive if left alone in an unfamiliar place for long?"

Fluttershy shook her head, "Oh no. He is really quiet docile. He didn't even try to hurt any of the animals in my cabin or exert dominance over them. Even the employees at the pound said he was well behaved."

Twilight rubbed her chin with her hoof, "Interesting. But why is he wearing that blanket around him like that. I didn't think you the type to dress your humans."

Fluttershy frowned and rubbed the back of her head, "Um...well I didn't do that....he did."

Twilight looked at her friend confused, "What? You mean he wrapped it around himself like that intentionally?" She looked back at the human who stared up at the sky, "It almost looks like clothing."

"I know," Fluttershy said, "That is why I was wondering if you had any books on humans. I don't know much on them so maybe I can find out what type of human he is bred from if he is a designer human or maybe if he is some sub species."

Twilight frowned, "I've never heard of a human that did that....he doesn't even look like a normal one. But the literature on humans is not the best, so maybe. Let's see what we can find."

So the two finally came to a section of the library where Twilight stated was where she kept all the books labeled H or had H as part of the title. Frankly, the shelf was rather large and filled with books.

'Oh dear' Flutteshy thought, dreading have to look through every book. Especially the ones she would have to fly high up to reach.

"Now let's see." Twilight stared as her horn glowed and she pulled out and put back books as she looked at each title. Fluttershy joined her friend, though kept herself as close to the ground as she could as she gently pulled and put back books where they were originally, looking for her desired goal.

"Humans. Humans. Humans. Ah ha!" Twilight cheered as she pulled out three books.

"Let's see. The Idiots Guide to Raising your Human. The Human Anatomy, and the Encyclopedia of Humans and their relatives." She said as she showed Fluttershy the books.

"Oh good. Can I borrow those please?" She asked, smiling as she took the books into her hooves. They were....a bit heavy.

"Sure. Let me just stamp them, and they will be due back in two weeks." Twilight said, pulling a book stamp from a pocket of her light coat and stamped the book card.

With the books in hand, or hoof, Twilight followed her friend to the door, talking about how things were, and some of the gossip among their friends.

"Oh, before I leave would you like to meet Castus?" Fluttershy asked.

"Huh? Oh sure. I guess that is his name right?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy nodded, "Yeah. I think it's a lovely name."

As the two stepped out, Castus looked over at them.

"Castus. This is my friend Twilight." Fluttershy said, motioning to Twilight with an arm.

"Hello Castus." Twilight said, giving a smile.

Castus tilted his head and looked at Twilight and saw his eyes widen for a moment before looking away and placing a hand to its face.

"Hmmm, that's odd. Is something wrong with me?" Twilight asked, looking down at herself.

"Oh no, you're okay Twilight....I think maybe he is just shy." Fluttershy said, worried that Castus had offended her friend.

"Hmm, maybe. But you were right, now that I look at him more closely he isn't like most humans. His face looks a lot different, but I would need another subject to be fully sure on the differences."

"I thought so to. Well, I should get him home now and set up his bed. Then I should probably apologize to Applejack for him. I hope she will understand and not hold it against the poor dear." Fluttershy said, picking up the bags from the petstore, and taking Castus' leash.

"I'm sure she will. Are we still on for the Spa with Rarity this weekend?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy nodded, "Oh yes, I wouldn't miss it for the world." And with that she walked off, waving bye to her friend.

It was not long after that they arrived back at the cottage, and Fluttershy set up Castus' new bed in the living room before getting everyone's lunch ready and attending to some other work needed with the animals such as a few baths and cleaning their pens or homes. It never took long since her animal friends were always willing to give a helping claw or wing.

Once everyone was fed, she placed the books she had gotten up stairs on her bed to read later tonight.

"Alright everyone. I'm going over to Sweet Apple Acres to take care of something, but when I get back I'll get started on dinner, so try to keep yourselves entertained while I'm gone."

The animals gave their usual good byes, giving smiles or waves as Fluttershy left, deciding to fly to save time. She hopped Castus could find something to do while she was gone. Since he had rejected a toy she was worried he might be bored, but she was sure Angel or the other animals might invite him to join in any of their games.

Castus' PoV

'Finally.' He thought as he got up from his cot and stretched. Now that he had free reign of the house, well save for all the animals but they weren't really a danger to him. Well maybe the dog and that rabbit Angel. Said rabbit seemed busy playing a game of...checkers?

Castus stared as the bunny jumped a cats piece and took a queen. He shook his head and rubbed at his eyes.

'This place....is way to weird. And I saw a pony with a horn and wings now. God I hate when something I say turns out to be a foreshadowing.' He thought as he started looking around for something to write with.

He looked in all the drawers and cupboards in the kitchen as well as the stands and drawers in the other rooms. Mostly all he found was pet food, medical stuff, toys. The only good thing he found was when he looked in the icebox and found a box of jugs of ice cream.

'Sweet.' He thought, snagging a small jug of vanilla and a spoon and took a big bite. Finally some real food.

All the animals looked at him with shock, surprise, and in the case of Angel bunny, anger. In fact the little rodent thumped at his leg and seemed to try to send a message cross to him.

Castus just smirked and looked down at the little bunny, who seemed a bit shocked by the smirk and even afraid when Castus flashed his teeth at him.

'Beat it Thumper. Go find Bambi.' Castus thought, before gently pushing Angel aside with his foot. He didn't have time for games, or whatever the rabbit was saying. He had to find some paper and a pencil.

'And enjoy this ice cream. It's actually pretty good.' Castus thought as he took another spoonful. He had started getting tired of apples, and besides Fluttershy was his owner right? So what hers was his and all that jazz right?

'So I checked the rooms down here....all that is left is upstairs.' He thought, and looked up the stairs.

With nowhere else to look, Castus headed up the steps and into Fluttershy's room.

Meanwhile Angel glared up at the human and was quick to rush out a dog door and headed straight for Sweet Apple Acres.

Castus noticed that Fluttershy had a rather simple room. A large fluffy bed, a closet and a few shelves with books and some pictures. Night stand, and a desk with a quill and ink bottle on it.

'Score!' He thought and headed tot he desk. He noticed it had scrolls on it as well, and seemed like a list of animals, supplies and such. Nothing important for him, and he pushed them aside carefully until he found some blank scrolls.

'Finally, my voice is given.' He thought as he took a few empty scrolls, the quill and ink bottle. He would hang onto these.

As he decided to head downstairs again, Castus noticed a few books on the bed. The books that Twilight had given Fluttershy apparently from the library.

'Hmmm.....wonder what they are about.' He thought and picked one up, sitting on the chair by the desk, setting the ice cream jug and scrolls and ink beside it.

'Hmmm....they are all about humans? This encyclopedia might be a good way to learn what this world has in humans.' He thought and opened it up.

'Let's see...' He thought as he looked through the pages, glancing at the various pictures of humans as well as photos of skulls and skeletons. This was an interesting book indeed, as he began making connections between the humans in the book, and the human fossils from his world.

In fact....they looked exactly the same in size and shape. Very interesting indeed.

'And also.....curious.' He thought, turning a page.

Fluttershy's PoV

Fluttershy flew as fast as her wings could, huffing as she was not use to the physical exertion she was pushing.

She had gone to Sweet Apple Acres to apologize to Applejack for Castus eating her apples, and the cowpony mare had laughed and said everything was alright and was just glad the poor human had gotten her as an owner.

"Course, if he ever does it again, I'll skin his hide." She had said, her eyes critical and all too serious.

"Oh yes! Don't worry, I promise he won't." Fluttershy said, panicking slightly. She didn't want to see Castus suffering AJ's wrath. She would be sure to teach him to never take apples from the Orchard again.

Everything past that had been going so well, with the two of them talking, when Angel bunny appeared in a fit and said something about trouble at home and Castus.

Naturally she was now worried.

'Oh I hope he is okay. Did something happen to him? Did he get scared and hurt someone? Oh dear, oh dear!' She thought, already starting to feel an ever greater sense of panic then before.

Angel bunny leaped down from her back, and followed Fluttershy in as she burst through the door and looked around.

There wasn't any mess, and no one seemed hurt. No blood, thank Celestia. What was wrong?

A thump against the floor, brought her attention to Angel who pointed up the stairs.

'My room?' She thought and immediately ran up.

"Castus!" She shouted, worried of what the human had done.

Castus jumped, the book flying from his hand as the sudden surprise caused him to fall out of the chair he was in and hitting the ground, the book hitting him soon after. An empty jug of ice cream on the desk.

"Castus?" Fluttershy said, confused as she watched the human get up and rubbed his head.

Castus looked over at her before giving a nervous smile and rubbed the back of his head.

'What? But...humans can't smile.' Fluttershy thought, watching in shock as Castus grabbed a scroll and a quill and dipped it into the ink.

She felt her eyes bulge as she watched the human slowly draw the quill tip along the scroll and turned it toward her after putting the quill down.

The message was a bit splotchy, as if he had never used a quill before, but the words were clear enough.

"I can explain." The message read.

"You...you can write?" Fluttershy said.

Castus nodded. She gasped.

"You...c-can understand me?" Fluttershy asked again, starting to shake.

Castus nodded again.

Fluttershy couldn't take it anymore. The shock was too much, and she immediately fell over and fainted.

Author's Note

To follow a comment made by a reader, I am taking the liberty of labeling PoV's. Sorry for any confusion in earlier chapters, and I will go back and adjust them to this as well later.

Also on the point of editors, if anyone is interested please let me know.

I'm glad so far people have enjoyed this fic, and hope you continue to enjoy it.

Also, to anyone who might be wondering why I made it that Fluttershy sleeps all natural, or in the nude. Well the reason behind that is due from the episode Super Speedy Cider Squeezy. Remember when Fluttershy squeed and covered her chest with her hooves? Yeah sort of making a play with that in that she is sleeping naked :P

Explanations and Tea.

Castus

Castus wasn't sure, but when he spotted Angel peering out from behind the door leading into Fluttershy's room, a smirk on his little rabbit face, he felt pretty sure that he was the one responsible for Fluttershy return so suddenly.

'Cunning little snitch.' He thought. Maybe he should make himself a B.A.T. A bacon, Angel, and tomato.

But now he had to focus upon the situation at hand. That being the unconscious Fluttershy, who he had caught before she hit the ground and placed her on her bed.

'Now what do I do? This isn't exactly how I wanted to approach this.' He thought, rubbing his forehead as he debated how to proceed.

He really couldn't do anything until Fluttershy regained consciousness, and who knew how long that would be. So all he could do was sit here in a chair and watch her. And while he waited he looked once more at the book he had been reading.

'So....if I read this right, then this world has two evolutionary species of humans living here, being Neanderthalensis and Heidbergensis. The general habitat being across Equestria and in areas of a place called the Griffon Kingdoms. But all seem to act with only a margin of intelligence then would be expected from my world, acting more like our more primitive ape ancestors in terms of social structure. And definitely they don't show any sign of tool making, or even the use of fire.' He thought, rubbing his chin.

It was all so confusing. How could a world have similar species to his own, but be so different. It defied all logic in the way evolution worked. But then again, this place didn't seem to follow that logic as he knew it. Still, certain things should be a universal fact even across different worlds.

'I definitely want to be cautious in showing my intelligence then if this is what is expected of other humans. Last thing I want is undesired attention from the scientific community here.'

A groan from Fluttershy, and slight movement as she lifted a hoof to her head, brought Castus' attention back to his current problem.

"Oh," She said when she turned and saw Castus beside her, "oh Castus. I had the strangest dream that you were able to understand me and could write." She chuckled slightly, but stopped when Castus held up the same scroll, only with a new message on it.

"It was no dream. Now please try to stay calm while I explain."

"Eep" Fluttershy squeaked, hiding in her mane. The whole thing would be rather cute if Castus didn't know that he was the one behind her fear and shaking.

'God but she is cute still!' He thought with a smile.

The smile only seemed to make Fluttershy hide further into her mane, "I...I...please don't hurt me." She said, her voice barely a whisper.

Castus shook his head and wrote, "I'm not gonna hurt you. Just let me explain. Will you let me?"

Fluttershy read the message and nodded slowly, "O-okay." She said but still looked at Castus with a look of shock.

So Castus took an empty scroll, he only had one left now, and proceeded to write down his explanation. It took him a bit of time, part to avoid spilling ink or causing splotches over his words as he was not use to using an ink quill, and part that his wrist was starting to get sore from the writing and he had to stop to rub it once more twice.

The sight of his discomfort had caused Fluttershy to reach out and rub his wrist at one point, but she squeaked again and pulled back with a barely hearable "sorry." Castus shook his head and finished before passing the scroll to her and letting her read it.

Fluttershy took the scroll and silently read the words. Her eyes seem to widen, and when she finished she looked at Castus with less fear and more with a look of wonder. Then without warning she grabbed him with her hooves and pulled him into a hug with a excited squeal.

"Oh my gosh! This is so exciting," She cheered, if a cheer could be comparable to an only slight increase of volume for her, "A whole new species of human. This is like discovering a different type of bird or cat, it's so amazing."

Castus of course couldn't really share in the...excitement...as he was having a harder time trying to escape from the hug that Fluttershy had him in, which had his head pressed against her breasts in a way that not only allowed him to feel how soft they were even with her sweater on, but were...slightly suffocating him as well.

Castus grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away with all his strength and took several breathes of air. Fluttershy blinked and looked at him oddly as he let her go and sat down.

"Oh, sorry," Fluttershy said, "I just...get excited when I meet a creature I've never seen before. I hope I didn't scare you."

'No, but I don't think I'll be sleeping soundly tonight.' He thought, sure that his mind would betray him again as it had done earlier this morning. And then several times during the day.

"It's okay. Are you okay? I was worried when you fainted." Castus wrote.

Fluttershy smiled, "I'm sorry I worried you, but I'm fine. Oh but I should get to work on dinner for the others. Um...did you want something or are you full?"

Castus blinked, but then remembered the jug of ice cream he had eaten and he just shrugged.

Fluttershy nodded, "Well okay. But if you want something, I'll set a bowl of apples for you in case. I'll be right back."

With that she flew over to the stairs and gently landed on the bottom floor, heading into the kitchen and working on attending the food and other chores she would need for her pets. Castus noticed Angel was glaring at him, perhaps mad that he hadn't seen what he had wanted.

'Probably me getting in trouble or something.' Castus thought as he gave the bunny the finger and leaned back against the chair, keeping it balanced on two legs.

Castus looked out the window to see the sun starting to set over the horizon. The sight of another day ending brought a frown to his face.

'How long have I been here? Nine? Ten days? I wonder what my family and friends are doing? My sister is probably in a fit searching for me.' He thought. Ever since he had been born, his sister had always been worried over his safety since he couldn't speak. The thought that she was now possibly worried over him over his disappearance made him feel terrible.

'I'm sorry I worried you sis. But...maybe I can find a way back. I promise I will.' He thought. He had to get back...he couldn't stay here; it wasn't his home....even if it did have some....perks.

The sound of hooves against the stairs, and Fluttershy reentering the room brought Castus away from his reminiscing.

"I'm sorry if I kept you waiting. Umm...but is it okay if I ask you something." She said, moving back to sit on the bed.

Castus silently chuckled and then nodded.

"Well um...are you really from another world? And if you are as smart as me, why can't you talk like me?" She asked, before adding in a worried tone "Umm..that is if those questions are okay. Not that being unable to talk is bad, I just...was curious."

Castus rolled his eyes and wrote, "I have no reason to lie. It is up to you to believe it or not. As for why I can't speak, ever since I was born I was never able to communicate. The doctors said there was a problem that developed during my development before my birth. By the way, do you have more paper?

Castus saw that he was now on his last scroll, and he hoped that Fluttershy had more.

Fluttershy shook her head, "Oh sorry. I used most of the scrolls I had for the lists on the animals health needs and food stocks. I have to get some more."

'Damn it. Well, I guess one can't have everything. If I had my phone this would be easier, but god knows what the ponies did with that when they took my pants. Wish I knew what happened to it though.' Castus thought. Still, what could he do against ponies that could keep him still with some psychic aura stuff.

"Umm, I guess you will need more scrolls to talk to me. I'll get some first thing tomorrow." Fluttershy said, "But um....may I ask one more question?"

Castus nodded. He would have to make this as basic as he could to conserve space.

"Um, why did you wait so long to talk?" Fluttershy asked.

Castus wrote, "Uncertainty on reaction. Fear. And forgot till today."

"Oh, I guess you weren't sure how other ponies would react around you huh?" Fluttershy asked.

Castus nodded.

"Well, I won't tell anypony else if you want to keep this a secret between us." Fluttershy said, "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Castus blinked, 'Stick a cupcake?' He nodded though and wrote, "For now please."

Fluttershy nodded, "Okay. Wow, this is just amazing. A human from a different world that is as smart as a pony. I guess it does explain why you were so different from most. Oh...umm...I'm sorry I was keeping you against your will. I hope that doesn't make me a slaver or something."

Castus shook his head and patted Fluttershy's hoof comfortingly. He didn't want to write anymore, but hoped that she could get the message that he was saying: "It is okay."

She must have, because she smiled brightly and gave Castus another hug, this one less...suffocating.

'Damn it.' He thought, kinda wanting another one.

Fluttershy yawned as she let Castus go, "Oh sorry. I guess I'm a little worn out from rushing here and everything."

Castus shrugged and got up from the chair and headed for the stairs.

"Wait...um...I guess you are going to sleep too right? Um..if you want you can take the bed. I mean, if you want to sleep in a real bed and not one I bought from a ...pet store."

Castus looked at Fluttershy, and then remembered how she had appeared when she woke up this morning.

'That would mean she sleeps....' He thought before shaking his head and rushing downstairs. A serious blush on his face.

Fluttershy blinked and said softly, "Umm...o-okay then."

Castus breathed deeply as he tried to get himself together. Of course his body wasn't making that easy. He sighed as he went over to his cot and removed his toga blanket and remade it into a blanket.

'I wonder if I can get some real clothes....and maybe my phone back. I'll ask Fluttershy tomorrow.' He thought, placing his last scroll on a table beside him and getting comfy.

And desperately trying to ignore his lower half. Curse his mind, and how it betrayed him so.

Fluttershy

The following morning Fluttershy woke, and walked slowly down the stairs as she said a soft good morning. She then made her way to the bathroom to shower away her sleepiness, before getting started in getting everyone their breakfast ready. With so many animals it took a bit longer then usual, but she had grown use to this ritual and had eventually gotten so skilled at it that she managed to get it done at half the time eventually.

As she worked she saw Castus still asleep, as were most of the other animals. It was a cloudy day today so the sun wasn't shining through the windows to wake them up yet.

'It's still hard to imagine that he is from another world.' She thought as she looked at Castus with a smile.

He looked so peaceful and cute sleeping.

Fluttershy felt a blush on her face, "Odd...why am I getting flustered over that?" She shook her head and got back to work finishing making breakfast. Maybe she was coming down with something.

With breakfast done, she set the bowls for everyone, even setting one on a table for Castus, before bringing the animals that slept outside their food before bringing the chickens their feed.

When she was finally done, she went back inside to get herself some food now, and saw Castus once more wearing his blanket about him like clothes as he sat at the table eating. He lifted a hand to her when he saw her, in what she assumed was a greeting.

"Oh good morning Castus. Did you sleep well?" Fluttershy asked as she got herself some cereal and sat down across from him.

Castus nodded.

"Oh good. Don't worry, I'll get you plenty of quills, ink and scrolls so you can talk with me or any other pony if needed today." Fluttershy said, making a note to do that first thing after eating.

After breakfast got up and got her purse of bits before turning to Castus, "I'll go get your scrolls now. Did you want to come along or will you be okay here?"

Castus shook his head and patted one of the books she had borrowed from Twilight. So he was going to read them?

Fluttershy nodded, "Well okay. Was there anything else you wanted? Since you are my guest I figured I should try to make things more comfortable for you, especially now that I know you're intelligent."

Castus rubbed his chin before going over to the table by his bed and running up for the ink and quill before coming back down and writing, "Some clothes maybe? At least a pair of sweat pants or something. My kind tend to wear clothes like you do."

Fluttershy blinked, "Oh? Oh yes, I guess that explains why you are wearing the blanket like that. Well, I can see if my friend Rarity has anything, but I will need some measurements. Just a moment."

Fluttershy walked to a drawer and pulled out a measuring tape she kept with her sewing supplies, for when she felt the mood to sew.

Castus saw her, and he stood up. Fluttershy started with his legs, then his waist and wrote down the measurements on the last bit of scroll space that Castus had before tearing it off and putting it in her purse.

"Okay. I'll be back in a bit okay. Oh and try not to eat too much ice cream, you don't want to get a tummy ache." She said, petting his head.

Castus smirked at her, and Fluttershy blushed when she realized what she did.

"Oh...oh s-sorry." She said, hiding in her mane.

Castus silently laughed and patted her own head. She blushed more and quickly headed out the door.

As she left, floating down from the sky by a parasol and wearing a trench coat, top hat and smoking a bubble pipe, was her friend Discord.

Castus

A knock at the door tore Castus from the book, this time the Idiots Guide to Training your Human. Frankly he was finding it hilarious. Things like, humans can't smile. Can't laugh. Rarely frown. And a few other things one expected for a dog or exotic pet. A part of him wanted to use this to mess with a ponies head, but voted against it for fear of exposing himself.

'Though it would be funny to see how some of the react. Wonder if I could make one question their sanity....' he had thought before the door was knocked upon.

He got up and slowly walked to the door, 'Who is it?' He wondered as he opened the door. Now, he probably should have not answered, but the instinct to answer a door when it was knocked or a door bell rung was too ingrained in his head to ignore it.

'If its a pony I can just play the dumb human. It didn't say anything about them not being able to open doors anyway.' He thought as he opened the door.

"Hello there."

Castus blinked as he stared at the torso of a long slender dragon like body and slowly looked up into a horse head with a goat beard, and two different types of horns. The creature had one fang jutting out of its mouth and two oddly shaped yellow and red eyes that had the look of someone who was not playing with a full deck. That and they were just plain creepy looking.

Castus stared at the creature, who lifted a...lions paw? and wiggled its claws at him, "Helloooooo." it said.

Castus slowly closed the door and turned from the door.

'Okay....what do I do?' He thought, starting to feel both panic and worry. Here he went again with being bombarded by strange creatures of this world.

"Well you could start by opening the door for me." The creature said from behind him.

Castus turned and stepped back as he saw the creature right behind him.

'What? But how?' He thought, his eyes wide as the creature laughed.

"Ahahah, oh you should see the look on your face." The creature said before vanishing in a flash of light and appearing on Castus nose, small and doing a disco dance...with a disco suit on.

"I have to say, you have the most humorous facial expressions when surprised for a human." The creature said as it did a split.

Castus facepalmed to swat the creature, but only succeeded in slapping himself in the face.

"Ahahahaha! Now why did you go and do that?" The creature said, this time sitting on the couch.

Castus turned and took a step back, 'This guy is starting to creep me out.'

The creature scuffed, "Oh I get that a lot. Don't know why though."

Castus blinked, 'Wait....can he....hear my thoughts?'

The creature vanished in a flash of light and its two arms appeared at his sides, the creatures head inches from his ear, "That's right." It vanished again and appeared infront of him and started shaking his head.

"Pleased to meet you, I am Discord. Spirit of Chaos. Maker of Mischief. Master of Trouble. King of Pranks. Father of Entropy. Queen of Jokes. Mistress of Fun, and God of All things without Order." The creature said as it let go of Castus hand.

Castus blinked and looked at....Discord...cautiously.

'Anyone with titles like that is definitely worth being cautious of.' He thought, especially when said person used both feminine and masculine titles for themselves.

'Oh don't need to worry about me chum. I'm reformed and all that nice stuff. I'm only here because today is mine and my friend Fluttershy's tea time." Discord said, a table appearing on the wall sideways and he and Castus now both sitting in chairs, perfectly suspended and cups of tea in hands.

Castus panicked, but calmed when he saw he was not falling. Though he kept looking at the ground with unease. This was getting from weird to just plan insane.

'Tea time? But its....what? 11 am?' He thought.

"Oh well you know, it's tea time somewhere....or is that it is five o'clock somewhere. Oh what does it matter." Discord said, sipping his....cup...up in one gulp.

Castus looked at his cup, and set it on the table. Better safe then sorry from drinking something this....Discord fellow...just made appear. For all he knew it would make him do...something crazy.

"Well I was expecting Fluttershy, but it seems I must talk with you alone Castus." Discord said, pouring another....cup.

'Hey...how do you know my name?' Castus thought, giving Discord a dirty look.

"Oh you know. A little bird told me." Discord said, before turning into a bird.

Castus wasn't sure if that was the truth, there was something this guy wasn't telling.

'Right....look could you stop....do whatever it is you are doing to understand me...it is just a bit creepy.' He thought as he ignored the sugar dispenser starting to fill his cup with sugar....and more sugar....and more sugar.

"Oh yes of course. After all it would be wrong for new friends to creep each other out. Here, let me just..." Discord started before grabbing Castus face by the cheeks and slipping his lion paw into his mouth.

Castus gagged and felt his eyes widen and narrow as Discord shoved his paw down his throat. He tried to pull the offending limb out, but it wouldn't budge until finally Discord pulled it out swiftly, and leaving Castus gasping for air.

"Don't do that you **** **** ****** *********" Castus said, but stopped and blinked when he realized two things...well three things.

One...he could speak, and that his voice sounded terribly. It sounded like he was chewing on something while speaking. Probably because he was never use to speaking, and the last thing was...well when he had gone to cuss all that came out was a bleep like on a late night show.

Discord shook a claw, "Tsk tsk, now mind your language Castus. Think of the children."

'What children?' He thought before saying, "What.....did you...do to me...." He said, this time slowly. His voice still sounded groggy and strange. Was that how he was destined to sound forever, or would it get to a more normal pitch over time.

"Oh I just tweaked your voice box is all. You had the switch on mute, though you should really get an audio change. But don't worry, that should fix itself in time." Discord said, casually glancing at his claws and talon hand.

Castus looked at Discord oddly. How did he respond to that? Thank you? Or should he be suspicious. A creature that showed this much world altering power didn't just do something without a reason....did it?

"Well.....why....did you.....do that?" He asked.

"Why not? It was growing so boring watching a silent film. Today's movies are all in color and sound." Discord said as the tea table vanished and the two of them were now standing on an old style film set, with Castus on the stage and Discord holding a video camera up.

"Mo...Movie?" He said, his voice cracking at the word.

Discord gasped and placed a talon to his lips, "Oops. Oh dear, did I let that slip?"

Another flash of light and everything was back to normal, with Castus standing in front of the door, and Discord in front of him, but a claw on the door.

"Well in any case, I will come back later for tea again...or maybe tomorrow. Who knows, enjoy yourself Castus." Discord said before walking out and hopping onto a Harley Davison....and shooting up into the air like a rocket....but with bubbles.

Castus walked out and stared up at the sky where Discord had gone, and saw nothing.

"That.....was weird." he said, placing a hand to his throat as his eyes widened.

He could still talk.

'I think....I ....will practice. I hope....Fluttershy isn't buying...too many scrolls and quills.' He thought, frowning.

Discord

Discord laughed as he recalled all that occurred. From Castus' surprise in the morning the other day to the tea time date they just had. Oh but the little human was ever so funny. Though things had started getting a little boring.

"After all, what good is having another worldly creature here if he can't even speak. That just limits half the fun, and silent films are so last year." he said with another laugh.

Still, when he had been closer to the human and fiddling with his vocal cords and mind to allow him speech, Discord...for but a moment....felt something.

"Hmmm...but I can't for the life remember what it was or where I felt it." He said to himself as he drove through a cloud, a sound effect of a wall being broken through playing out as he liked it

'Oh well, it is probably not important.' He thought, but giggled. What was he saying, of course it was probably important. Probably. He hoped.

Traps, Dreams and Cute Things.

Author's Note

I want to start by apologizing for the long wait for an update for you all :(. We just got into the new house, and had to take care of a lot of things.

Besides that, unpacking and real life stuff must take priority. But I will hopefully now be able to give you updates on a more stable level now.

Thank you all for sticking with me and enjoying my fic :).

Now on with the show.

Traps, Dreams and Cute Things.

CMC

"Okay. Rope?" Scootaloo asked, holding a checklist in her hoof.

"Check." Applebloom said, holding up a long coil of rope.

Scoots nodded as she checked it off the list, "Nets?"

"Check!" Sweetie Belle called as she held up a tangled up net, "Uh....well, half check."

Scoots rolled her eyes but checked it off anyway, "And bait?"

"Check!" Both Sweetie Belle and Applebloom called as they both held up an apple, and a cupcake.

"And I got this." Scootaloo said as she lifted up a doughnut, "Alright, we're ready to catch us a human girls."

"CUTIE MARK CRUSDAR HUMAN CATCHERS! YEAH!" The three shouted before running out of their club house giggling.

Castus

Castus breathed heavily as he felt the soft feel of Fluttershy against his body. The Pegasus pony person giggling as she slowly pressed her breasts against his chest and teasingly gave little love bites down his neck. Though she had fur, it felt thing and amazingly soft. Probably why they wore clothes as it probably didn't hold heat in well.

Castus breathed, "I...I can't...."

Fluttershy giggled as she slowly traced a hoof down his chest, going lower and lower till it reached that spot causing Castus to jump with a yelp, and earning another giggle from Fluttershy.

"Aww, but we only started a few hours ago." She said with a sultry voice, leaning in to breath gently against his ear.

Castus shivered and couldn't help but grip the juicy flanks of the girl who was so evilly teasing him. This had to be a crime against humanity. But damn it all he didn't think he was able to press charges. Ever.

Fluttershy gasped before smiling, "See, I knew you were still ready. You. just. need. some.....encouragement."

She slowly placed her hooves on the sides of Castus head and pulled him into another kiss, Castus could feel his heart beat rising and his body reacting as it was naturally inclined to do...

...until Fluttershy quickly turned into a stone statue of herself.

"What the!?" Castus gasped as the girl who was just moments ago indulging him in ever perversion fantasy he had soon became a statue fit for a lawn of a manor house and world around him soon faded to that of a large and endless desert.

Castus swore as he got up and looked around, a howling wind and the statue of Fluttershy all that was around him.

"What...what's going on!?" Castus screamed as he looked around.

And then without warning a scream could be heard. But it was not a scream of the mouth and lung. In fact no mortal being could create a scream as the one that shrieked out and pierced the very depths of his brain.

"AAHHHHHHHH!" Castus screamed as he gripped his head as the scream wailed across his mind at a level he didn't think possible. Every fiber of his being joining in the symphony of pain as it felt like his whole mind was being shredded to tiny bits.

Castus fell to his knees as he struggled to stay clear of his surroundings. He looked to the statue of Fluttershy, hoping that maybe it could save him from his pain, but he felt his eyes widen as he saw that it was no longer Fluttershy that was incased in stone.

It was him.

"Wha-"

A sudden wailing boom and the rumble of the earth shaking passed beneath his feet as a large shadow appeared below him.

"What?" Castus said as he looked up, still gripping his head as the wail grew to a fevered pitch. He wasn't sure how he was still conscious with it all, but his eyes widened as he saw what seemed like a mountain flipped upside down falling on top of him. As the mountain fell, it tipped to its side, revealing what seemed like a city built on what would be considered the mountains bottom.

And it was all falling directly toward him.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaggggggggggggghhhhhh!!!" Castus screamed as the mountain city fell on top him with a bang.

"NO!" Castus screamed as he shot up, breathing heavily, a hand clutched to his heart. He looked around and saw that he was not in a desert, and sadly not in a candle lit room with a horny Fluttershy either, but back in the area of the woods overlooking a small stream where he had sat down and taken a nap under the warm sun in the shade of a large tree.

'A dream? Just a dream.' He thought as he breathed in and out, trying to still his beating heart.

It had started as a good dream....a really, really.....REALLY good dream. In fact, when Castus looked down his body was still showing that his dream had been very good....until it went into Majora's Mask bad ending. Only a city instead of the moon crashing down on your head.

'Actually...I don't think I ever beat that game. Damn it all.' He thought.

He really did hate dreams at times. They never seemed to stay on the good stuff for long till you had to wake up or it became a nightmare. It just was not fair.

'Still...can't believe I was dreaming that.' Castus thought as he huffed and slide from the tree and just lay flat on the soft grass and stared up into the leaves of the tree, the sunlight piercing through the cloud of green in small bits of light.

Granted, he had had...evil thoughts since he first saw Fluttershy that one morning not long ago. And he would be lying if he said he didn't find her...attractive. After all from her cute appearance and personality...to her well built body that would turn any male with preferences toward that a drooling mess, she was one very attractive and very hot pony person.

'But that is where the problem lies.' He thought with a sigh.

Now, he didn't really see it as bestiality. She was anthropoid and definitely a sentient creature, so it was more xenophile or even furry fetish. But here, humans were more regarded as pets....even animals. Even if Fluttershy knew he was as smart as her, he felt confident that the girl still saw him as an animal. Granted a very different type of animal then what she knew, but he doubted she would ever hold any romantic thoughts towards him. She probably would see it as he taking advantage of a defenseless critter or something.

'Besides, with her looks I'd be a monkey's uncle if she wasn't already taken.' Castus thought. He frowned at that thought. Though he had to admit, he knew very little of Fluttershy herself, or even her social life. So it was a possibility.

Castus groaned as he picked up a stick and threw it at the stream.

"Damn it all." he whispered to himself. He should just focus on getting home...and soon before he went crazy worrying on things that he shouldn't.

'But damn it all it just ain't fair!' He thought as he laid on the ground and sighed.

Life could really suck at times.

A rustle from the bushes over to the left caught Castus attention and he turned his head towards a group of bushes beside a tree not far from him. Castus raised a brow as things went silent.

'...Maybe I should move on.' He thought.

Then an apple, tied by a rope, was tossed from the bush a good distance and left there.

Castus raised a brow, 'What the hell?' Was that....bait?

He shook his head as he stood up, a few slightly hushed whispers noticeable from the bush and he slowly walked over to the apple. It moved away from him by a small tug, and toward the bush.

'Seriously?' He thought. Castus rolled his eyes and quickly grabbed the rope and hung on when he felt it being pulled on.

A gasp was heard from the bush as the rope was pulled, small grunts of someone struggling to pull. Though maybe it was two, as Castus had to lock his legs to keep still. He then took the rope in both hands and heaved with all his might.

"Aaaahhh!" Two girls screamed as they were yanked with the rope out of the bush. One with a mane of red hair and a big red bow, the other with a head of purple colored hair...and two small wings.

'It's those kids from before.' Castus thought, his eyes going wide with surprise. But where was the-

"Aie!" A voice squealed.

Castus looked up to see a net, being tossed down ontop of him. The surprise and the weights tied to the net forced him down as he saw another of the kids joining her two friends as she jumped down from the tree, hooves pressing her skirt down as she fell.

"We got him! Man, I was scared for a moment when he yanked on the rope. Quick thinking Sweetie Belle." The purple haired one said to the one with the horn, the one who had tossed the net on him.

"Thanks Scoots." Sweetie Belle, the one with the horn and white dress said with a giggle and a smile.

"Did it work? Did we get our cutie marks?" The one with the bow said.

"Let's check!" Scoots said before unbuttoning her shorts and pulling them down a bit. The bow wearing girl undoing her overalls and lowering them, along with the girl, Sweetie Belle, lifting the hem of her dress some to her hip.

'What the frig!?' Castus thought, his eyes widening as he spotted the girls underwear, and quickly slammed to the ground, eyes planted to the grass and arms over his head. He was not going to look!

'What are they doing!?' He thought, in a panic. Who just does that in front of some....wait...he wasn't really considered a person here was he.

'But still, I'm not looking!' He thought, digging his fingers into his head.

"Awww dang." Scoots said in disappointment.

"Ah told ya so."

"No you didn't Applebloom." Scoots said.

"Girls! So we didn't get our cutie marks. What do we do with it now though?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Castus slowly peeked, and sighed when he saw the girls had covered themselves up again. Thank god for small miracles.

"Ah don't know. Maybe we should go get my sister." Applebloom said.

"Maybe we could sell it to the zoo. I heard from Rainbow Dash that humans are really valuable." Scoots said, eyes sparkling at the idea.

"Maybe we could-" Sweetie Belle started, but was cut off by a fourth voice.

The voice of Fluttershy.

"Castus? Castus, are you here?" Fluttershy called, her soft voice only slightly higher then usual.

"Fluttershy. Hey Fluttershy, over here, come see what we caught!" Scoots said in surprise before calling out and waving a hoof in the air.

Soon enough Fluttershy appeared, "Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle? Applebloom? What are you girls-Oh my goodness!"

"We caught a human." Scootaloo said, placing her hooves on her hips proudly.

"Oh dear, Castus are you okay?" Fluttershy said, flying over to Castus and helping him get the net off.

"Whoa! Fluttershy, you know it?" Applebloom said in surprise.

"Careful! He might bite!" Sweetie Belle said, scared for her sisters friend.

Fluttershy looked at Sweetie in surprise before giggling, "No he wouldn't Castus is a good human, and yes I do know him. I own him."

The girls blinked, seemingly dumbstruck by the news.

"Wait...it..I mean..he is yours?" Scootaloo asked.

Fluttershy nodded. The girls cheeks all went red with embarrassment at this news.

"Oh...sorry. We thought he was...you know wild." Scoots said, rubbing the back of his head.

"Yeah. Sorry Fluttershy." Applebloom said.

"We hope you're not mad." Sweetie said, looking like she was about to cry.

Fluttershy shook her head, "Oh no girls. But I think you do owe Castus an apology." Finally Castus was free of the net and he stood up and stretched before looking at the girls with a raised brow.

'Damn right they do.' He thought.

The three girls looked at him a bit fearful before carefully approaching. Fluttershy smiled and took Castus hand and pulled him down so that he was kneeling.

"Don't worry. He is really nice." Fluttershy said encouragingly.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked at her, then at Castus before saying, "Sorry, we didn't mean to throw a net on you."

The three girls looked at Castus with sorry, puppy dog eyes. Castus looked at them....and immediately lost all thoughts of anger that he felt for these kids.

'Oh god....just....okay that is cute.....' He thought. He didn't think anyone could stay mad at these three for long. They were...just....too.....cute! He couldn't help but want to releave them of their guilt and make it all water under the bridge.

Slowly he smiled and patted their heads and saying, "S'okay."

In that moment he realized that...he had screwed up. Fluttershy, and the girls all gasped in surprise, and Castus realized that he let his mouth do the talking for once.

'Shit.' He thought.

The girls immediately stepped away from Castus, huddled close together and looking at him with shock? Awe? Fear? Maybe all three? As for Fluttershy she looked at Castus in surprise, mouth hanging open.

"C-C-Castus....y-you can....speak?" She stammered in surprise.

Castus gulped, looked at Fluttershy and rubbed the back of his head, "Uh....yeah....now."

He guessed that he had some explaining to do.

....again.

Discord

Discord laughed as he watched the next proceedings of events. He wasn't sure which was funnier, the fact that Castus ended up getting semi flashed by three twelve year old girls, or that he had let his new ability to speak slip much earlier then he wanted.

"Ahahahah, and just when Fluttershy had bought him all those scrolls." Discord laughed, covering his eyes with his paw.

Explanations, and Invitations.

Castus

'How do I end up in these situations?' Castus thought as he rubbed the back of his head as he looked at the four pony people staring at him with expecting and fearful looks.

It had not been easy convincing the three girls to not run off screaming, but Fluttershy could be convincing enough to at least give Castus a chance to explain. Still, the girls looked ready to bolt at any moment. It was probably only because Fluttershy was with them and calm that they had not done so yet.

Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo all sat beside, or behind Fluttershy, who sat in front of him as she waited for Castus to proceed with explaining.

"He… did he really talk?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Yes… I did," Castus said with a sigh, earning a gasp from Sweetie Belle who hid behind Fluttershy.

"Oh now Sweetie… I know it is… odd, but… there is a reason for this… there is a reason for this… right Castus?" Fluttershy asked, looking at Castus with questioning and worried eyes.

Castus nodded.

"Is he like… a mutant or something?" Scootaloo asked, looking at Castus oddly, as if expecting him to grow wings or a tail.

"Maybe he’s from the Everfree Forest. All kinds o' weird things come from there." Applebloom said.

"No, I'm human as human can be. Though definitely different from what you know as humans. It's a bit of a tale, but to sum it up… I'm not from around here, so to speak," Castus said, clearing his throat.

Applebloom looked at him closely. "Well… ya do look different from the humans we got on our farm now that I look at ya'll closely."

"But how can you talk?" Scootaloo asked. "Humans aren't able to talk."

Castus sighed, "Well… I wasn't able to… and frankly I’m still not use to it. A… guest, sort of came over when I was at Fluttershy's cottage while she was out and he… did something to me."

"A guest?" Fluttershy and the girls said confused.

"Weird snake thing. Horse head, lion paw and eagle talon. Looks like a mix-up of different animals," Castus said.

Fluttershy gasped, "Oh, Discord came over! Did he say why? Oh, I feel awful that I wasn't there to greet him."

"He did say something about tea time with you." Castus said.

"Tea time? But our regular tea time isn't until Sunday," Fluttershy said, placing a hoof to her chin in confusion.

'Given that guy… I don't think schedules matter,' Castus thought.

"So… Discord made it so you could speak?" Fluttershy said.

"Yep," Castus said with a nod.

"Why did he do that?" Sweetie asked.

"Why does Discord do anything? He probably doesn't know what he’s going to do most of the time." Scoots said, blowing a strand of her mane out of her face as she crossed her hooves.

"He said it was boring watching a silent film, whatever that means. In any case, he did something to me that let's me talk when I used to be unable to," Castus said.

"What does that mean?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Castus just shrugged, "I don't know."

"This is… quite a surprise… why didn't you say anything earlier?" Fluttershy asked.

Castus blushed, "Eh… well you had just bought all those scrolls and I didn't want to make you feel like you had wasted your bits. I felt kinda bad about it."

"Oh… yeah," Fluttershy said, blushing a bit. "I uh… see." She had bought a large number of scrolls… scrolls that might not be as needed now.

"Anyway… that's the story." Castus said.

Everyone was silent a moment, before Sweetie Belle raised her hoof, "So… uh… what happens now?"

"Now? Well, now you girls gotta decide whether or not you're going to reveal me to the whole world," Castus said, looking at the girls critically. He didn't want to release news about his intelligence, or his newly gained speech ability to this world just yet, if at all. And frankly… kids sucked at keeping secrets for long.

"Oh, don't worry Castus. I'm sure the girls will keep it secret if you ask them. Right girls?" Fluttershy asked, turning to the girls.

The girls looked at Fluttershy in surprise, then looked at Castus before nodding.

"Yeah, sure! I mean, it's not like anypony would believe us," Applebloom said.

"Yeah, besides, Fluttershy trusts you and that is good enough for me," Sweetie Belle confirmed.

Scootaloo crossed her hooves, "I guess… but what do we get out of it?"

Castus and Fluttershy blinked and said, "What?"

"Scoots!" Applebloom said, elbowing her friend.

"Hey, I'm just asking. I mean, this is a big thing." Scoots said.

Castus sighed, "What do you want? If it's within my power, I'll give it to you. Just please… keep this to yourselves."

Scootaloo placed a hoof to her chin before an idea came to mind, "Oh, I know! Since you're not from around here, you must know some things that we don't that could help us get our cutie marks! If you help us get our cutie marks, we'll keep your secret."

"Scoots, that there is just plain blackmail," Applebloom said, disappointed.

"It's not blackmail. Its bargaining. My uncle does it all the time," Scootaloo said, sticking her tongue out.

"Are you sure about that Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle asked doubtfully, looking at Castus with a weary glance. She still obviously didn't feel comfortable around him.

"Scootaloo, I don't think it's right to be using Castus’ desire for privacy against him like that," Fluttershy said disapprovingly.

"Yeah… that is kinda low," Sweetie Belle agreed.

Scoots frowned as she saw she was out numbered. "Fine… I'm sorry."

Castus smirked, "Forget about it. But sure… I… guess I can help you with that."

Scootaloo brightened and she looked at Castus. "You will? Awsome! This will be so cool." Scoots pumped her hoof in excitement.

Despite their friends’ excitement, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle still seemed uneasy.

"So… we are all agreed then. We won't speak a word of this to anyone else?" Castus asked.

The girls nodded. "Cross our hearts, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in our eyes," the girls said, doing the same promise that Fluttershy did.

Castus blinked. 'What was that about?'

"Well then, I guess we can call it a day then? ‘Cause frankly, my throat is starting to get a little sore from all this talking," Castus said, rubbing his throat. He still had to get used to this whole talking thing.

Fluttershy gasped. "Oh, of course. You must not be use to so much talking. I have something at home that helps with sore or scratchy throats. And maybe a nice drink of tea will help as well."

"Uh… sure," Castus said as he got up. Fluttershy and the girls stood up as well.

"So, uh… in that case, I guess I'll see you girls later. Remember, mums the word," he said.

The girls nodded before turning and running off with a wave goodbye. Fluttershy and Castus waved back ‘till they were out of sight.

Then Fluttershy turned to Castus. "So, um… what do we do with all those scrolls then?"

After the fiasco in the woods, Castus took a relaxing shower, but not before he spent some time convincing Fluttershy he was perfectly capable of washing himself. Then he got to watch her blush in embarrassment when she realized she was treating him like a dog or something. Now Castus was glad to retire for the day and just relax inside.

Despite a few awkward glances every so often from Fluttershy, his revealing of his newly found speech ability wasn’t so bad. Granted, he had to find a use for all those scrolls so he wouldn't feel guilty, but it was a lot easier to communicate now, and he was starting to get more used to speech.

"Castus, dinner is ready!" Fluttershy called from the kitchen.

Castus blinked, usually expecting Fluttershy to bring him a bowl of salad by now. Curious, he sat up from his bed and walked over to the dining area next to the kitchen. There on the table, set for two, was a dinner more suited for a normal person. Castus could feel his mouth water at the smell of pasta sauce.

"Fluttershy? Is something up?" Castus asked as he watched Fluttershy finish setting the table.

Fluttershy looked over and hid slightly in her mane. "Um, well… I just realized that… well, the way I had been feeding you might make you still feel more like a pet then a thinking person, and so I wanted to make up for it by giving you a real meal."

Castus blinked in surprise. "Really? Wow… actually I'd prefer that. I mean… apples or salad with a brown pill doesn't exactly meet the standard that I was used to before. Not that I'm complaining," Castus finished quickly so as not to make the timid pegasi feel bad.

"Well… let’s eat then… I hope you like spaghetti," Fluttershy said, taking her seat.

"Of course. Eh… by the way… what were those pills I was taking anyway?" Castus asked as he sat down. He could swear he was drooling at the smell of pasta sauce, basil, and even warm bread! Finally, real food besides ice cream.

"Oh… well, meat isn't usually sold in Equestria, especially in Ponyville, so the pills were to help supplement the need for protein. Umm… I, uh… set one down by your glass, but you don't have to take it if you don't want to." Fluttershy said, blushing slightly.

Castus blinked then tapped his head with his palm. Why didn't he realize that sooner? They were ponies, or an evolutionary break off of them, naturally they wouldn't eat meat, so why have it on the market?

"Thanks… don't worry, I might need these anyway, unless you have fish or something." Castus said, picking up the pill and looking at it before tossing it into his mouth and swallowing it with some water.

"Oh, well, I have some sardines, but those are usually for the critters that eat fish outside,"

Fluttershy said, but quickly added, "But, not that you can't have any if you want. I mean… you can have some if-"

Castus chuckled. "Take it easy… I'll just deal with the pill for now. I never take food that is for someone else."

"Oh… alright. Um… if you are okay with it," Fluttershy said, returning to her food and staying silent.

Castus himself got to eating, and the two of them ate in relative silence for a time. Normally, Castus was used to silence when he ate, but since he could speak… and since Fluttershy could speak, it just seemed… odd to not talk, if just a little.

'Besides it’s… starting to get… awkward,' he thought.

"So… ummm… you… like animals… right?" Castus asked, trying to think of something to talk about.

Fluttershy gasped in surprise and looked up, "Oh, oh right! Yes, I love animals. Ever since I was a little filly and I got my cutie mark I've had a strong connection with them."

Castus smiled, seeing the joy that Fluttershy showed when she talked about her love for critters. So different from her usual shy disposition.

"By the way… what is a cutie mark?" Castus asked.

"It is the mark that appears on everypony when they find their special talent. It's what makes a pony a pony," Fluttershy said.

"What does it look like?" Castus asked.

"Well, it is different for each pony. My friend Rarity has three diamonds for hers, while mine is three butterflies," Fluttershy said. "The mark is usually symbolic towards a talent rather than an actual symbol of the talent. My friend Rainbow Dash has a rainbow colored lightning bolt cutie mark which is both to show her talent at flying fast and her ability to do a sonic rainboom."

'A what?' Castus thought.

"Umm... can I see it?" Castus asked, curious to see this mark.

Fluttershy blinked, and blushed slightly. "Umm well, that is… it’s… sort of private."

Castus blinked, then remembered Scootaloo and her friends talking about them… and then realized why the girls had flashed him. It wasn't a flashing… it was them checking the place where their cutie marks show up.

'So… I was asking her to...' Castus immediately blushed beet red and looked right down at his food, "Uh, d-don't worry about it. Um… say, uh you mentioned some of your friends… and I think I met one. Twilight, right? Got any others?"

So Fluttershy told Castus of her friends, and promised to introduce him to the others properly as they had been unable to before. They then talked about each others pasts, something Castus rather enjoyed hearing about. This Cloudsdale sounded like an awesome place to go to; after all, it was a city in the clouds.

The memory of a city built on the side of a mountain falling on top of him flashed through his mind and he placed a hand to his head, feeling a slight headache.

'Ugh… crazy dream,' He thought. But the thought still stayed, and he couldn't explain why.

He blamed it on his wandering mind, trying to focus on something else other than Fluttershy and doing something perverted.

"Oh, by the way, you said that Rarity is a fashion designer, right? You think she could… whip me up some real clothes? I'm sort of getting bored with the caveman style here," Castus said, gesturing to his blanket clothing.

Fluttershy blinked. "Oh, well I'm meeting her tomorrow at the spa. I could ask her tomorrow if she could. Do humans where you live where clothes other than that?"

Castus nodded. "Yeah. Actually, we wear clothes more like yours."

"Oh, that is fascinating," Fluttershy said in awe, her eyes sparkling at the idea.

"Heh, I guess. So you do this spa thing a lot?" Castus asked.

Fluttershy nodded, "Yes. Me and Rarity have been doing it for nearly three years now. Oh!" Fluttershy gasped. "Why don't you join us tomorrow? It is a rare thing, but I saw that Aloe and Lotus offer service for humans if they are behaved. And you are the most behaved human I know, besides it would be a good chance to meet Rarity."

Castus blinked in surprise. "Are you sure? I mean, isn't this something between you and your friend?"

"Yes, but you are my friend too, right? Besides, I'm sure Rarity won't mind. She sometimes brings her cat Opalescence with her. It will be fine," Fluttershy said with a smile.

'God that smile could melt steel.' Castus thought.

"Ehh… well if it is okay… sure, why not?" Castus said.

Fluttershy squealed in joy. "Oh wonderful! Tomorrow will be so much fun, I know you will love it. Aloe and Lotus are the best spa ponies in Ponyville."

Castus chuckled, but for some reason… was starting to get a feeling in the back of his head. He couldn't explain the feeling… but he knew it had something to do with experience… just not sure on what kind.

'Nothing bad I hope,' Castus thought as he finished his food. He really, really hoped it was nothing bad.

Canterlot Royal Academy: Ancient and Mysterious Artifacts and Magical Items Examinatory.

Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria, stepped into the main office of the head of the Examinatory, Archmage Spell Spinner. She had come on business mostly, in regards to an item that had been sent in not long ago.

"Ah, your majesty. To what do I owe this visit?" Spell Spinner asked as he bowed, before returning to the papers at his desk.

"I came in regards to that item you say was sent here not long ago from a shelter worker," Princess Celestia said. "I trust its origins and workings are already figured out."

Spell Spinner paused, and Celestia could swear she could see him sweat for a moment,

before he looked up at her. "Eh… well… not so much."

Celestia blinked. "Not so much? What do you mean?"

Spell Spinner sighed, and adjusted the glasses on his head. "Well, we administered every possible test we could, but all we could do was open box and reveal its insides. But as to what it is, we cannot say, but we could not sense any magical power in it. But it is the most alien looking thing I have ever seen."

Spell Spinner lifted a tray and set it on the table. The tray held two halves of a black box. The halves flipped to show green and black insides with wires as well as strange black shapes that bulged out, one with the symbol DELL on it.

Celestia blinked in confusion and looked closer at the strange item. "You could not figure out anything about it?"

Spell Spinner nodded. "Ashamed as I am, but this goes beyond even what I have seen in my seventy years of experience."

Celestia was shocked. An item that could even baffle the greatest artificer and scholar of Equestria next to herself? And even she did not know what this thing was. It defied all logic.

'Could it be something of Discords? It would be like him to do something like this just for fun,' Celestia thought.

"Though there is one thing," Spell Spinner said.

Celestia looked to the old pony. "Yes?"

"Well, this device was apparently in the possession of a human captured in Ponyville not long ago. Though it is probably not related much other than perhaps the creature simply found it by chance, thinking it was something to eat or such. But it is something at least," Spell Spinner said.

Celestia frowned. "A human? How… odd. Can you tell me more?"

Author's Note

Thank you FallenfromGlory for editing :)

Molestia gives you a hug....

Spa Trips, Pin Tips, and Rainbow Hits

Fluttershy

The next day found Fluttershy and Castus walking down road of Ponyville to the spa. Fluttershy kept only a light grip on the leash at Castus' neck. She felt bad making him wear it, but it was for his own protection. Ponies might be confused if he walked around without a leash.

Still, a nice, relaxing day at the spa should more than make up for it all. At least, that was what she hoped. She looked at him a moment and gave a small smile as she saw him looking towards the library with a look of awe. She had to agree, it was an impressive sight.

Then Castus looked towards her, and she quickly looked away, feeling her face heat up a bit.

'Goodness, why am I getting so flustered?' She thought, hiding herself in her mane.

She didn’t understand it, but every so often she felt… odd around Castus. And it had only gotten worse when he had asked to see her cutie mark the other night.

'I… I don't even know why I got so shy. I mean, Angel and some of the other animals have seen it, so why am I shy about letting him see it?' She thought, unsure of what the answer was.

Now to be honest, showing one’s cutie mark was a rather… private thing, given it’s location. Usually, it was reserved for close friends or between a stallion and mare in a more… intimate relationship. However she had never felt shy if any of the animals at her home saw her cutie mark. So why now did she feel insecure about letting Castus see it?

'Maybe because you know he isn't an animal,' A part of her mind told her, causing Fluttershy to blush even more.

After all, since she learned of Castus' intelligence, she had started thinking of him outside what she normally thought of as ‘critters’ on the normal sense. Though at times, she found herself slipping every once in awhile, only to blush in embarrassment when Castus corrected her. And now that he could speak, even if it was by Discord’s hand, it only made his difference from animals even more apparent and his likeness to her and other ponies obvious. Come to think of it, that was when she started having these odd feelings.

'Oooh, what is wrong with me?' She thought, shaking her head.

Luckily, the spa appeared in her sights, and she sighed in relief. A nice day of relaxation would do wonders, and maybe help her get her head in order.

The jingling of the bell told of Fluttershy's arrival, and she noticed Rarity was sitting in a chair, legs crossed as she read a magazine of the latest fashion lines. But her eyes went up when she heard the bell.

"Fluttershy, darling. I'm so glad you're here," Rarity said with a smile as she stood up.

Fluttershy smiled as the two of them embraced. "It's good to see you as well, Rarity. I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

"Oh nonsense darling. I only just arrived," Rarity said with a wave of her hoof, then she noticed the leash in Fluttershy's hooves. "Fluttershy, did you bring one of your animal friends with you? Oh, and Opal didn't want to come today. This would have been a perfect opportunity for us ladies and our dear pets. I assume it is Angel?"

Fluttershy blushed. "Oh, don't worry, I'm sure he will be okay. And, well… no, it isn't Angel."

Fluttershy opened the door some and gently pulled the leash, and Castus walked in.

Lotus looked over from the desk and her eyes widened in surprise, and Rarity gasped as they both saw Castus standing before them.

Fluttershy felt nervous, and hid in her mane. "Um, Rarity… this is… Castus, my new human."

Rarity stared at Castus for a long, silent moment, and for that moment, Fluttershy was terrified something bad was going to happen.

"AAHHHH!" Rarity screamed, pointing a hoof at Castus.

Fluttershy flinched, and started to panic. Was bringing Castus wrong? Oh this was terrible!

"My word, that… rag is absolutely dreadful!" Rarity screamed, her hoof still pointing at Castus as a look of pure horror eclipsed her eyes.

Or, her hoof pointed at his blanket clothes.

Castus blinked, slowly removing his hands from his ears and peering down at his clothes.

Fluttershy blinked in confusion as well. "Uh… I’m sorry?"

"Fluttershy, while I am quite surprised that you are the type to dress up your human, I must say, the choice of covering is absolutely horrible. I thought you had better fashion sense than this darling." Rarity said as she placed a hoof to her head as if she was about to faint.

Fluttershy was quick to defend herself. "Oh no, I didn't give him that. H-he did it himself with a blanket I gave him."

Rarity blinked. "He did? Well that is certainly odd. In any case, I simply cannot stand to see even a human dressed up in such a disgusting thing. After our spa time, I insist that you come down and let me give him something at least decent to wear. In fact, I understand it is the latest trend for Canterlot ponies to dress up their humans right now."

Fluttershy blinked. "Oh… Rarity, could you? He would… I mean, I would really appreciate that."

This was fantastic. She had been worried that Rarity wouldn't make clothes for a human, but it seems her fears were unwarranted.

"Of course, darling. Granted, I don't see the appeal of it, but I suppose since winter is getting closer you will want something to help keep him warm," Rarity said as she turned. "But that is for later. Come, for now we are to be pampered unmercifully."

"Oh, of course. Umm, that isn't a problem is it Lotus?" Fluttershy asked, turning to the spa pony.

Lotus blinked before replying, "Vhat? Oh, no Miss Fluttershy. Just… he is docile yes?"

Rarity paused and looked back. "Oh yes darling, I trust he is good around strange ponies. Though I trust that you would never bring anything dangerous around other ponies, a lady can't be too careful… especially with humans."

Fluttershy nodded. "Oh yes. Castus is the friendliest human ever. He won't be any trouble." She patted his head gentle, but blushed and stopped when she realized what she was doing.

"Vell… if you say so. Come along then," Lotus said, leading the two mares and the human into the spa.

Fluttershy sighed in relief. It felt like a weight was off her wings now. Now she could relax. Or she thought she could, until she and Rarity had reached the changing room.

Blushing at the thought of Castus in the same room, she was quick to tie the leash to a post outside.

"Now just sit here for a bit, okay? We will be out in a bit," She said quickly before joining Rarity in the changing room, who was looking at her oddly.

'Oh, what is wrong with me?' She thought. She was so very confused.

"So tell me, Fluttershy, when did you get a human? They are not exactly a common animal to see around, especially as pets. Other than Sweet Apple Acres, only Canterlot’s ponies keep them due to the high costs," Rarity said, removing her dress and putting on the spa robe provided for her.

Fluttershy also slipped on her spa robe as she turned to her friend. "Oh, well, you know that incident with that wild human the other day? The one Applejack helped catch?"

"Oh good heavens yes. Are you telling me that is the human?" Rarity said, placing a hoof over her mouth in surprise.

"Well, he didn't mean to cause a ruckus. He was just scared. I thought he was somepony’s and had gotten lost, but there didn't seem to be any calls for a missing human, and I couldn't just leave him alone at the pound," Fluttershy said, fidgeting slightly.

Rarity smiled. "Oh darling, that is just like you. Well, I'm sure he isn't so bad with you as an owner. Still, what made you decide to bring him along on our spa trip?"

Fluttershy blushed again. "Oh, well, I thought that he might like some pampering. And I had wanted to introduce him to all my friends. Was I wrong to bring him?"

"Oh no, it’s alright. A bit of a surprise though," Rarity said. "One doesn't usually see a human in a spa, still, he seems a nice and quiet type. Actually, I don't think I've seen a human quite like him. Is he a designer breed?"

"Oh, well… sort of," Fluttershy said. ‘Does coming from a different world count as designer breed?’

"Well, he is certainly a sight. Though he will look much more presentable once I have given him a proper ensemble, or maybe a nice sweater," Rarity said. Fluttershy giggled, seeing the look of inspiration in her friends eyes.

The two left the room, and Fluttershy saw Castus sitting there waiting. She blushed slightly, tightening the robe around her some before grabbing the leash and leading him to the spa. A nice relaxing dip in the hot tub would be just what she needed to clear her head.

Castus

The spa seemed nice, though it felt a bit awkward being there. Still, when Castus saw the steam water of a large tub, he couldn't help but feel excited.

'Sweet a hot tub.' He thought. Who didn't enjoy a nice hot tub? All he needed now was some drinks and it be perfect.

As they neared the tub, Castus knelt down and placed his hand in the water. The warm water against his skin felt amazing, and he could swear that it had some sort of bathing salt added to it.

It felt so good he couldn't help but remove blanket toga and slide right it, letting the warm water envelope his body.

'Oh yyyyyyyeaaaah.' He thought. It felt amazing.

"Goodness, he seems to like the water. Has he been to a spa before?" Rarity asked.

"Oh, I don't think so. Maybe he likes the warm water." Fluttershy said, looking to Castus.

Castus looked to Fluttershy before leaning against the wall of the tub and sliding down slightly, bringing the water up to his neck. God, but it felt amazing.

"Well, I suppose we should join him." Rarity said and started removing her robe.

Castus looked over at Fluttershy and Rarity, and quickly averted his gaze and stared down at the steam water, his face flushing red.

'WHY DON'T THEY HAVE SWIMSUITS!?' He thought, feeling his pulse speeding up.

Now, Castus had started getting use to being almost naked around these pony people. So it was why he did not feel as self-conscious as he normally would going into the a hot tub with no bathing suit on with two girls. Oh he was still a little bashful, but he simply told himself that here he was the animal. Still, he hadn't expected Fluttershy, and Rarity going in with nothing on.

Castus couldn't help but peek around as the two slowly entered the water, their naked forms slightly blurred by the steam but...he could still see them! He quickly looked back at the water, and tried to breath in normally.

'@@@@ me. They...are both....Rarity's just as.....god!' he thought, biting his lower lip.

When he had first met Rarity, he could tell by her dress that she had some very well figured assets. And he did find the unicorn pony person very beautiful. The way her mane was done and her eyes and features, and the way she carried herself reminded Castus of a high aristocratic lady. And while Rarity didn't have the same level of bust to Fluttershy, she definitely had....well he felt sure she was just slightly behind Fluttershy.

'I'm in a hot tub...with two...big breasted hot girls. Anthropoid but still girls.....I think my heart just stopped.' He thought placing a hand over his chest.

If this happened any more times, he felt sure he was going to get a nosebleed or die from shock.

"Castus? is something wrong, you seem tense." Fluttershy said, moving over to him. Castus stiffed up a bit and looked slightly to the left.

"Is something wrong with him?" Rarity asked, seated away from Castus with Fluttershy between him and her.

"I don't know." Fluttershy said and leaned closer to whisper to him.

"Castus, are you okay?" She whispered.

"Yes.....fine. Just...space please." Castus whispered.

Fluttershy blinked and moved away, Castus sighed and just moved some before gluing his eyes to the water. He could do this, just....stare at the same spot.

"I think he is fine now." Fluttershy said, but still seemed concerned for him.

"If you say so darling. So, did you hear the latest between Big Mac and Cheerilee?" Rarity said, leaning slightly to talk gossip with Fluttershy.

Castus stopped listening at this point, as relationship gossip was about as interesting as paint drying. At least to him. So he merely swished his fingers in the water and enjoyed the bath salted hot water on his body, keeping his eyes glued to his fingers.

'I'm gonna have....interesting dreams tonight.' He thought as he took a calming breath as he tried to ignore the two naked girls not far from him.

Of course....it was really hard to. Very....very hard.

After soaking in the hot tub, and quickly getting out and wrapping his blanket toga around him to act as a sort of towel, and to hide his shame which still was letting itself be known slightly, from the girls. They went into a sauna, where thankfully the girls kept their robes on, then the girls had their face covered in a mud mask, with Fluttershy only getting a small bit on her cheeks and Rarity her entire face, complete with cucumbers. Naturally Castus didn't partake in this, though he did enjoy the massage part, though he was sure the pony giving him the massage was nervous, but Castus could only let his tongue hang out as his back was cracked and his muscles tenderized.

'Who knew hooves could feel so good pressing on the muscles.' He thought.

Then of course there was a horn filing for Rarity, along with her hooves. The whole routine took the better part of the afternoon to finish but when they were done, Castus felt better then he had in a long time.

'I feel like a trillion bucks!' He thought, stretching and sighing in contentment.

"Well Castus seems to have enjoyed himself, and without any fuss. He really is a very docile human." Rarity said with a giggle

"Oh I'm glad he enjoyed it. I was worried he might not like it at all." Fluttershy said, a smile on her face.

'Like it? I freaking want to do that again.....without the...naked hot tub thing.....well...maybe that too.' He thought, admitting sadly to himself.

"Well, if I am remembering right, I owe you some clothes to dress Castus up in. Frankly the sooner the better, because that....rag is simply a continued insult toward the idea of clothing." Rarity said.

"Oh, thank you Rarity, but this won't be too much trouble will it? I don't want to impose." Fluttershy said, frowning slightly at the thought of bothering her friend.

"Oh it is no imposition. All my orders are finished and I have gotten ahead already on several projects for some fashion shows that I can spare some time to whip up something for you to put on Castus. Besides, when I look at him enough, I see a form that is just screaming to be clothed. I think they will suit him much better then any other human I have seen before...which isn't a lot mind you but never the less." Rarity said, her eyes a sparkle.

So Rarity took them to her boutique, which surprised Castus by its design and size. In the windows he could see dresses and other various clothes on pony mannequins in the windows.

"Well come in, just uh...keep him away from touching anything important. Okay." Rarity said, looking at Castus worriedly for a moment.

"Oh don't worry Rarity. Castus can be trusted." Fluttershy said with a smile.

"I'm sure....yes...I'm sure." Rarity said with an uneasy chuckle.

Entering the boutique, Castus looked around at the various other clothes inside. Hats, dresses, socks, shoes, suits, coats, scarves, pants, skirts, and a section that said: Lingerie. Luckily it was in a different room.

"Now, if he can just sit still for a moment. I trust he is use to ponies being close to him?" Rarity asked as she levitated a measuring tape along with a notepad and pen.

'How do they do that?' Castus thought. Fluttershy had filled him in a bit on things like magic during dinner, but...well Castus still found it hard to believe.

'Then again, I had tea with a spirit of chaos who could drink a tea cup instead of tea.' He thought, so he figured that, well why not magic.

Rarity watched Castus carefully as she took his measurements, perhaps thinking he was going to lunge at her at any moment. Castus just stood still, and watched.

Rarity seemed to tense up when he watched her, so he looked away and just looked around aimlessly.

"There....I should be able to whip something up with this. Just give me a moment." Rarity said as she went upstairs.

When the sound of a door closing was heard, Castus looked to Fluttershy and moved over to whisper.

"Hey uh...she won't make anything too...excessive will she? I mean I'd be happy with just a t-shirt and some pants." Castus said. Of course, he would also like some underwear or a pair of boxers but...well he could learn to go commando.

"Oh, I'm sure Rarity won't. She usually doesn't do simple things, but she doesn't make a lot of clothes for humans. I'm sorry if she made you feel awkward or uncomfortable at times. Rarity is...edgy around humans." Fluttershy whispered.

"Eh...don't worry about it," Castus whispered back, "But uh...why is she edgy around humans?"

Fluttershy shrugged, "I don't know. I think she just has a subconscious fear of them. Like how some ponies are afraid of spiders. It's not like she dislikes them, or you in fact I think she was rather fond of you. It's just that she doesn't see humans as the safest critter to be around."

Castus scoffed, he had heard of sillier fears. Since Rarity was a pony and he was a human was her fear, if she had one, of him similar to how some people were scared of horses?

"So um...did you enjoy the spa?" Fluttershy asked.

Castus smiled as he looked at her, "Yeah. There were a few....uncomfortable parts. But all in all it was good." Castus said, rubbing the back of his head.

"Uncomfortable parts?" Fluttershy said, tilting her head confused.

'God that is cute.' Castus thought.

"Eh...well....it's nothing to worry about. I had fun." Castus said, hoping to avoid having to explain anything else.

Luckily, the sound of hoofsteps coming down forced for the conversation to end and Castus returned to his aimless looking around. Now he knew how his dog felt when he looked around aimlessly. Or...was it an act like he was doing.

'That is a scary thought.' He thought, imagining that his dog was actually super smart secretly.

"And done. I think that a light teal blue color will really bring out his eyes. They are perhaps his most charming feature. So soft unlike other human eyes." Rarity said as she came down with a number of clothes. She levitated them over to hold out infront of Fluttershy to look at.

Castus frankly was rather impressed. The clothes consisited of a teal color shirt with long sleeves and a bar of brown pants. At the hem of the shirt, in the corner was three diamonds. A calling card perhaps?

"Now, these aren't in line with some ponies in Canterlot are making their humans wear, but I had a feeling you would prefer something less extravagant for him. Besides, he doesn't need much right?" Rarity said, looking to her friend for comment.

"Oh they are wonderful Rarity. Thank you so much." Fluttershy said as she took the clothes, feeling the fabric in her hooves.

Rarity chuckled, "Oh it is nothing. Besides, to be honest I have gotten a few ideas for some new designs. I don't usually design for humans but since it seems to be a growing trend, in some circles."

Fluttershy smiled, "Well I'm grateful either way. How much do I owe you?"

Rarity gasped, "Oh good heavens darling. For something so trivial, think of it as a gift for a friend. Besides the fabric I used isn't too expensive and I will more then make up the costs for the orders I have made."

"Oh," Fluttershy said in surprise, "Well thank you Rarity. You are a good friend."

The two embraced in a hug before Fluttershy gathered up the clothes in a bag provided for her by Rarity.

"We should go now. I' hoping I can introduce Castus to the rest of the girls today. Though I'm worried how Applejack will react to him."Fluttershy said a bit worried.

"Well don't let me keep you. But do stop by sometime, and next weekend I'll bring Opalescence We can make it a pony and pet relaxing time." Rarity said with a wave of her hoof.

Fluttershy giggled and waved goodbye as she pulled Castus along. Castus himself just followed along.

When they were gone, and sufficiently alone, Castus leaned over to whisper, "We are meeting your other friends?"

Fluttershy looked back in surprise, "Oh well...I figured that since we were both out....well I mean if you don't want to we can go somewhere else...or go home maybe."

Castus smiled, "Don't worry about it. Was just surprised."

Fluttershy smiled and wrapped him in a hug, "Oh good. Don't worry it won't be long and you've already met Twilight and Rarity, so all that is left is Pinkie Pie, Applejack and -"

"YEEEAAAAHHHHH!!"

Fluttershy and Castus looked up as a rainbow streak headed straight toward them. Panicing, Castus pushed Fluttershy away as the rainbow smacked right into him, crashing him along with it into the ground.

He groaned and fought back an urge to swear as he felt pain in his back again, and his body after hitting the ground. He was sure to have more bruises again.

'This better not become a common thing.' He thought as he groaned.

"Oh no Castus! Rainbow Dash! Are you two okay!?" Fluttershy gasped, getting up from the ground from being pushed and running to her two hurt friends.

'Rainbow Dash?' Castus thought and turned slightly to see a cyan furred and rainbow maned pony Pegasus girl on his back, rubbing her head and her wings scruffed up and feathers out of alignment from the crash.

She was definitely a tom boy, by the t-shirt and shorts she was wearing. But while Fluttershy and Rarity were big, Rainbow Dash well..

'A cup? B at best.' Castus thought.

"Ugh...sorry...new trick. What did I-Ahh!" Rainbow Dash gasped and jumped off of Castus.

"Oh gosh. Is he yours Fluttershy? I'm so sorry!" Rainbow Dash said, obviously scared she might have hurt one of her friends pets.

Fluttershy frowned as she leaned down and looked Castus over, "Oh dear, are you okay? Rainbow Dash, what did we tell you about doing dangerous stunts? Remember what happened last time?"

Rainbow Dash huffed and crossed her hooves, "It wasn't dangerous....I just hit an updraft is all." The rainbow manned pony looked at Castus and said, "is he gonna be okay? he ain't mad is he?"

'No. I never get mad after being crashed into.' Castus thought sarcastically. He slowly got up, rubbing at his back and looking at Rainbow Dash with a glare.

"Yikes. Hey now easy boy." Rainbow Dash said, holding her hooves up.

"Oh Castus, don't be mad. Rainbow Dash didn't mean it. It was an accident." Fluttershy said, placing a hoof on Castus' arm comfortingly, hoof petting his head.

Castus sighed and just looked away. Though he gave Fluttershy a look, which caused her to blush and stop the petting.

Rainbow Dash sighed in relief, "Yeah...really sorry about that. Say...when did you get a human Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy looked at her friend, "Oh well you see-" So Fluttershy told how she acquired Castus again, leaving out the usual details. When she was done, Rainbow Dash couldn't help but laugh.

"Ahahaha, yeah that is Applejack for you. She freaks when she finds even a worm in an apple. Still, kinda cool that you got a human. I hear their really expensive pets."

"Oh well, I couldn't leave him in that cage alone. Besides, he has really livened up my cottage a bit." Fluttershy said, blushing a bit.

"Heh, anyway why are you leaving Rarity's?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Oh, well I was just getting some clothes for Castus. Actually Rarity insisted." Fluttershy said as she held up the clothes.

"Oh?" Rainbow Dash blinked and looked at Castus, "Oh yeah. I was wondering what was up with that. Though why just use a blanket? I mean, I didn't think you were the kind to dress up your critters, but that seems a bit....well make-shift."

Fluttershy blushed, "Um well...that was his doing....I guess he must like wearing clothes so I got him something a bit better."

Rainbow Dash looked at Castus oddly, "That's weird. But humans are weird things."

'Says the girl with rainbow hair.' Castus thought. Out of all the many hues of colored hair he had seen here, this girl took the cake in strange hair color.

Rainbow Dash placed her hooves behind her head as she looked to Fluttershy, "So what were you going to do now? Want to hang out? I got some awesome new tricks to show off."

Fluttershy smiled, "Oh I'd love to see them. But I was going to introduce Castus to the rest of the girls. We hadn't expect to run into you though in such a way."

Dash smirked and rubbed the back of her head "Ehhh yeah. Sorry again. Well, if you want when your done come down by the lake. I'm gonna take a nap before I get back to flying. Later."

With that Rainbow Dash took off, leaving Fluttershy and Castus alone once more.
"That...better not be how I meet the others....please." Castus whispered to Fluttershy, causing her to blush intensely.

Pies, Apple Trees, Weird Dreams and Filly Screams.

Castus

After his… interesting… meeting with Rainbow Dash, Castus silently prayed that the rest of the meetings didn't become quite so… physical.

'Though with my luck here, I doubt that will be the case,' he thought. In fact, he was sure of it.

"Pinkie Pie is probably in Sugarcube Corner, so you can meet her next," Fluttershy said. "Though she can be a bit, well, overly excited. But I'm sure she won't do anything too startling."

Castus looked at Fluttershy with a slight frown for a moment. The way Fluttershy said that last part didn't make him feel confident.

'It can't be worse than becoming a landing pad though,' he thought as he spotted a large gingerbread looking building.

'That's Sugarcube Corner? Man, I'm getting a toothache just looking at it,'

The ring of a bell as the door opened brought a plump looking mare to the counter. Her apron was smudged by what Castus assumed was cake batter. And the way her mane was styled reminded Castus a bit of frosting. When she noticed Fluttershy, and him, she jumped slightly in surprise.

"Oh, Fluttershy deary. What brings you here… with eehhh-" she said, looking cautiously at Castus.

"Oh hello Mrs. Cake. I was here to see Pinkie if she is in today. I wanted her to meet Castus. Don't worry, he won't cause any trouble, he is very well behaved," Fluttershy said with a smile.

Mrs. Cake frowned and looked skeptical for a moment. "Well, if you say so. Pinkie is in the kitchen, I'll go get her."

Mrs. Cake turned back to the kitchen and stuck her head in and shouted, "Pinkie! Pinkie, your friend Fluttershy is here! I can take over with that truffle batter while you say hello."

"Oooh! Fluttershy's here? Finally!" a loud and very excited voice called.

Mrs. Cake dove to the side as a flash of pink shot past the door. She shook her head with a sigh before going back in. Of course, Castus didn't have time to focus on that as he was soon assaulted by a pink blur and pulled into what he assumed was a garbage compactor, because he felt extensive pressure around his body. Especially his sides. He also couldn't really see through the right side of his face as it was being enveloped by something soft with the feel of fabric.

"Allllright! First human hug ever!" the same excited voice said, and the pressure around his sides increased. Castus could tell it was a girl by the voice, and he assumed he was in a hug, though how any living creature could have the strength to make him wish he had more calcium in his diet was beyond him.

'I really hope my bones hold out,' Castus thought as he struggled a bit.

Wait a minute.

Girl? Soft? The fabric he assumed was an apron if this Pinkie character worked in a bakery, and there was only one place his head could be in such a hug.

'Oh God,' Castus thought as he felt his face heat up. 'How does this keep happening to me!?!'

Castus struggled more as he tried to get free before anything… stood out. Of course, the vice-like grip Pinkie had on him was impossible to break.

"Ahh, um Pinkie… I-I don't think he-" Fluttershy stated uneasily.

"Of course he likes it! He is squirming around cause he is all cozy and warm. I bet he’s really cold all the time without any fur. Come on Fluttershy, group hug of warming!" Pinkie cheered, and Castus felt another form being pressed up against him, which also squirmed a bit.

"Ahh, P-Pinkie… this is… please let go," Fluttershy weakly begged as she struggled.

As for Castus, well, he couldn't really see anything now, but he could sure feel some things. Two pairs of somethings, actually. And they were making it both hard to breath and see.

'Losing sanity! Brain failing! Must! Get! Free!' he thought as he felt his whole head go up in figurative flames.

Luckily, the vice grip that kept Fluttershy pinned to Castus, and Castus pinned between her and Pinkie was soon gone, and Fluttershy staggered back, her face red. And Castus just fell to his knees as he gasped for air.

'Sweet air. Lovely air. Beautiful air. Blessed oxygen. Life giving oxygen,' he thought as he took deep gasps of air.

He looked up then and noticed a smiling pony person face beside him, eyes closed and a big grin on her mouth. Her fur was pink, and her mane looked like puffy cotton candy. In fact, this whole girl was pink and bubbly. Even her apron was both pink and fluffy! And she had the strong smell of sugar and confectionary around her.

God, it made Castus teeth hurt just being near her.

"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie said with a giggle.

Castus just blinked and stared at the girl. He then looked to Fluttershy, who was taking a few slow breaths, holding a hand to her chest. She then looked to Castus and gave him an apologetic look.

"Say, when did you get a human, Fluttershy? Oh, he looks really funny for a human. Why is he wearing that blanket?" Pinkie asked, tugging at the blanket toga Castus wore as he slowly got up.

Frankly Castus was a bit… turned off by the lack of… caution? Most pony people, or should he just call them ponies? tended to view him with either fear or caution and never got too close, even with Fluttershy around. But Pinkie didn't seem to care. What did that mean?

"Oh well… he uh… likes to wear clothes… s-so I got him some clothes from Rarity. But since we were going to see you and Applejack I felt that maybe we would hold off on changing to make sure they didn't get… dirty," Fluttershy said, hugging the bag of clothes tight to her.

'That and I couldn't go into the boutiques changing room without being even slightly suspicious and no way in hell I'm changing clothes with an audience,' Castus thought.

"Pffft! That's silly. Why would they get dirty?" Pinkie said.

"Um, well..."

Castus and Fluttershy both looked at Pinkie's apron, which had quite a few splatters of batter. In fact, some had gotten onto Castus blanket and his uncovered side. Even Fluttershy's green sweater hadn't come out unbuttered.

'And the meeting with Rainbow,' Castus thought.

"Well whatever. So when did you get him? Did you find him in the Everfree Forest? Oh, or maybe in a desert? Oh perhaps you got him in the mail as a present, right?" Pinkie asked, her grin growing as she listed these scenarios.

Fluttershy blinked. "Uh… no. I got him at the pound after Applejack helped capture him. Remember that stir in town some time ago?"

"Ooooh yeah, I remember that. Mrs. Cake had been frantic, and wouldn't let me and the twins go outside all day. Which was really boring, ‘cause it was such a gorgeous day." Pinkie said as she hopped up and down.

"Um, yes. Well, Castus here didn't have an owner, so I took him in," Fluttershy said. "I was hoping to introduce him to you girls, but things sort of happened and he only met Twilight. and well… I guess he knows Applejack, but I want them to meet again and start on a clean slate."

Pinkie blew a raspberry and giggled. "Well of course they'll get along! Besides, Applejack has tons of humans on her farm, so he can make some human friends too."

"AHHHH!"

Fluttershy and Castus jumped by the sudden scream from the kitchen, while Pinkie looked over in surprise and skipped over.

"What's wrong Mrs. Cake?" Pinkie called, sticking her head in as she leaned forward.

"Pinkie! How much yeast did you use?!" Mrs. Cake called as the sounds of pans being knocked over could be heard and the sight of… dough… rising in the kitchen.

A hill of dough.

Pinkie hummed as she stepped back and tapped her chin with a hoof, "Hmmm... did I forget tsp means teaspoon and not ten square pounds again?"

‘What is a square pound?’ Castus wondered.

The sounds of more crashing and a wave of dough rising out of the kitchen made Fluttershy and Castus jump and Pinkie to go into a giggling fit. Fluttershy and Castus quickly made tracks before things got… doughy?

The last thing they could hear was Pinkie squealing in delight at the sight of her large amount of dough.

"This is gonna be the best cake EVER!!!!" she screamed for all to hear.

Far away in Canterlot, Celestia looked up from a scroll and placed a hoof to her head.

'Odd… I feel… a disturbance,' she thought as she then looked down at the small slice of chocolate raspberry cake she had taken for lunch.

'Hmm....' she thought and made a note to go to Sugarcube Corner later. She smiled in delight at the idea of a few sweets. It was actually very hard for her to indulge her sweet tooth the way she would like now that her physician had decided to, without actually saying it, put her on a diet.

Not that she needed it! She was as slim as she was one thousand years ago!

Castus

"Does she do that a lot?" Castus asked, glad to finally talk as he and Fluttershy walked down a dirt path that was away from town and thankfully empty.

"Oh… well… sometimes she is a bit more… eccentric?" Fluttershy said meekly, hiding slightly. "N-not that that's bad. But… well, even Pinkie being Pinkie can be… overwhelming."

"Got that right. I thought I was going to suffocate for a moment between your br-uhh… I mean… uh… she hugs tight," Castus quickly stated.

Fluttershy blinked, and nodded once. "Well, she is an earth pony. Even with her diet of endless sugar, Pinkie is rather strong. Even her sister was impressive. she could break a rock with her bare hooves."

"Really? Makes as much sense as anything else here," Castus said with a shrug. He couldn't tell if it was good or bad that he was getting use to things in this world. Either way, he really had to find a way out now.

'Tonight. At dinner. I'll talk to Fluttershy. I can't put this off any longer,' Castus thought.

Though he had to admit, a lot of things made staying focused… difficult.

"So umm… do we have to see Applejack? I mean… she ain't gonna… lasso me or brand me or something right? She and I didn't exactly meet on good terms," Castus said, remembering the feel of that cowgirl… cowpony… cowgirl pony's lasso tying him up.

Kinky… but also scary and slightly degrading being tied up like that.

'Lucky for me she wasn't wearing leather boots or something...' Castus thought, but then slapped himself mentally.

'GAH! Stop brain! We can't keep doing that! Focus!' he thought as he rubbed his knuckles into his head. Why did his brain have to go pervert so often now?

Slowly, his eyes looked at Fluttershy's chest area, and remembered every moment of rather flustering embarrassment.

'Oh yeah. That's why,' he thought, face palming.

Castus felt… apprehensive? Nervous? In any case, as the sight of a large barn and farmhouse came over a small bend of the road, revealing that the orchard was not only an orchard of apples but also a field of farm crops and what he guessed was millions of apple trees at the border to the Everfree Forest.

"Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres. The Apple family has been living here since Ponyville was founded. In fact, Ponyville was practically founded by them," Fluttershy said with a smile as she gestured to the farm.

"Looks nice," Castus said, going silent as they got closer.

Castus looked around at the farm, noticing a rather large red stallion pony. His messy mane of orange hair and single piece of straw in his mouth gave him a sort of farm help look. And he certainly looked like someone… somepony… who was use to hard work if the muscles of his bare chest and biceps were any indication.

'Note to self: don't ever get in a fight with this guy,' Castus thought.

The stallion noticed them approaching, and Fluttershy smiled as she stepped over to the fence and waved. "Hello Big Mac! I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

The stallion paused in his work and shook his head with a, "Nope."

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh good. Is Applejack free for a moment? I wanted to talk with her."

Big Mac nodded. "Yup."

'Is this all he can say?' Castus thought. He had heard of people with few words but this guy seemed to take the cake.

"Thank you! I hope she won't mind. Can you tell me where she is?" Fluttershy asked.

Big Mac nodded. "Yup," he said and pointed toward a barn where carts of apples were being loaded up.

"Oh, thanks again! I hope your work goes easy today Big Mac. Goodbye," Fluttershy said, waving bye as she pulled Castus with her.

Big Mac just nodded and got back to his work, though he did cast a slight glare at Castus, but then shrugged and ignored him.

'Geez, is he also upset about the whole apple thing? Or does he just not like humans?' Castus thought. Though he felt sure it was the apple thing.

Honestly, you help yourself to three apples then suddenly you’re enemy number one.

As the two of them neared the barn, Castus felt a slight panic when he spotted the same booted, stetson hat wearing, orange maned mare from before. He could still remember the way she lassoed him into submission. Feeling slightly defenseless, Castus clung closer to Fluttershy. Which was rather ironic, since he figured the girl was the one to cling to others in situations of extreme stress or fear.

Fluttershy looked at him in surprise and gave him a comforting smile before patting his cheek.

"It's okay Castus. Applejack won't hurt you, so don't be scared," she said comfortingly.

'I'm not scared, I'm merely cautious,' Castus thought. Though, frankly… he was a bit scared of this particular pony. But he would get over it. As long as she didn't wrap him up in rope again. It itches.

"Applejack. Good afternoon." Fluttershy called, waving a hoof to her friend.

Applejack paused and looked over in surprise, and actually jumped slightly when her eyes spotted Castus. She then smirked and set down a barrel of apples down and walked over.

"Well I'll be. If it ain't Fluttershy, and the little apple thief from before." Applejack said, placing her hooves on her hips and looking at Castus.

Castus gulped slightly, taking note of the lasso that was at the girls side, and stepped slightly behind Fluttershy.

"Oh, don't worry. I told you, Applejack won't hurt you." Fluttershy said, patting Castus' hand gently.

Applejack laughed, "Ha! Shucks I didn't mean ta scare the little guy. Ya'll told me ya had done adopted him, but I hadn't expected ta see him again so soon."

Fluttershy blushed slightly, "Well, I...I just thought that maybe you two could...patch things up? I mean Castus didn't mean to steal those apples. He was hungry."

Applejack smiled and patted Fluttershys back, "Ah shucks sugarcube. I guess I can forgive him, long as he don't do it again."

Fluttershy flinched slightly, obviously Applejack had a strong pat, but meekly said, "Oh n-no he won't. I promise."

Applejack pressed her lips, and looked at Castus slightly, causing him to squirm slightly under that gaze. Okay so he was afraid of her. Who wouldn't be after being man handled by her.

Finally Applejack smirked, "Well, I trust you can teach it ta behave. After all you taught a bear to be all fancy like at tea parties. Though that don't mean I ain't gonna be watching ya near my apples now."

'Don't worry. I don't plan on getting tied up like that any time soon.' Castus thought.

Applejack pressed her lips and her brow furrowed as she looked at Castus for a time. The intense gaze she gave was starting to make him feel uncomfortable.

"Um, is something wrong Applejack? I think...well I think you're making him uncomfortable." Fluttershy said, noticing her friends intense gaze.

Applejack looked away and rubbed the back of her head with a silly grin, "Aw shucks sorry about that. I just find him well...he looks a little scrawny for a human. Are ya sure ya'll are feeding him right? Not that I say you would, but most o' the humans we got are a lot more stockier than him."

"Oh he gets that a lot. He is just...well a fancy breed of human. Like how some ponies have special breeds of dog bred. A designer breed." Fluttershy said quickly.

"That so?" Applejack said, looking to Fluttershy then back at Castus, "Hmm, I never did get the idea of making fancy breeds of things. Well since ya'll are here ya want to have a bite o' lunch? Ah was just gonna get myself something ta eat."

"Oh," Fluttershy said in surprise, "Well, that would be nice. If it's alright."

"Nonsense. It's always good ta have friends over. Let's just drop off your little human with the others in the barn, don't about him getting into any tussles, all the big ones are out bringing in crops from the fields so it's all just the females and some of the young'uns. I'm sure he wouldn't mind spending some time with his own kind." Applejack said as she placed her hoof around Fluttershy's shoulders and started leading her along.

Castus had little time to think, or protest by tugging upon his leash like some dogs did, because with Fluttershy being pulled along, he had to follow just to keep from being choked. Fluttershy looked back at him with an apologetic look.

Castus just waved his hand, and Fluttershy frowned, but nodded. It seemed that she and him were starting to be able to communicate without words and just gestures. Castus wasn't really sure if this was good or bad.

'Oh well....at least I can finally see some more humans here. It could be....educational.' Castus thought.

'This is....odd.' Castus thought, as he sat by the fence railing, his color leashless and a small group of perhaps fifteen human consisting of women, naked women, and children of differing ages with the oldest probably being twelve or thirteen years old. Fluttershy seemed hesitant in leaving him alone, but Applejack assured her that this group of humans were a right docile sort, at least the females were. The males apparently were used here as a form of physical labor that humans on his world used mules and donkeys and even horses for in pulling ploughs or carrying baskets of vegetables from the fields.

'I wonder if they sell the older kids like we do with some of our farm animals.' Castus thought, wondering if the lack of teenagers. Probably so....just....well he hoped that they didn't sell them as meat. Surely they didn't? Right?

'Then again....they do have those griffon kingdoms.' Castus thought, and shivered at the thought.

Despite this thought, Castus couldn't help but stare at these humans, who also stared back at him with wide, some fearful and others curious eyes. The females especially held some of the kids close to them, perhaps thinking that he would hurt their children?

'It would be a natural thought if they are acting on baser instincts for the females to be protective of their offspring around strange males. But if they are indeed of the human species then they probably don't see many new males, let alone accept them. Though they would probably be more safe around a female. Guess I should be glad the males are gone, otherwise they might see me as a serious threat.' Castus thought, thinking on how other species of primates acted both modern and the ancient human species, Australopithecus and other such more primitive species of human ancestry.

Castus though felt confident that these humans were perhaps more related to Neanderthal than any other, their stocky bodies, even for the young and females, were a far cry from his more slender frame. So that was a second reason to be glad for the lack of younger adult males...then again some of those twelve year olds could probably overpower him physically if they wanted to. The females too.

Castus raised his hand, in the hopes maybe he could make closer contact with this group, but the action caused the humans to jump and slowly move away, the females pulling the young alone as they looked back at with and made growling noises and moved to the other end of the enclosure and watched him.

Castus sighed and just flopped on his back and turned over to look at the fence. He figured such would be the case....he probably would need their leaders permission to even mingle with them. And Castus frankly didn't want to risk such a meeting out of a simple uncertainty of his own survival.

"Heh, they get rather shy around new humans. The last one they let in their group was five years ago. But why are ya'll out here?"

Castus blinked and looked up to see a familiar overall wearing, bow wearing filly pony girl.

"Ap-" Castus started but covered his mouth as he looked around.

Applebloom giggled and leaned over to whisper, "Don'tcha worry. Big Mac is on the other side of the farm and Applejack is inside talking with Fluttershy. Yer safe ta talk."

Castus smirked and nodded and whispered, "Thanks."

Castus got up and moved closer to Applebloom as she sat down closer to the fence and smiled at him. Castus found the smile infections and couldn't help but smile, earning a slight shocked look from Applebloom.

"Uh...could ya not uh....do that?" Applebloom asked.

"Do what?" Castus asked.

"Smiling...it...well it looks so weird on ya humans...." Applebloom said.

Castus rolled his eyes, "Right. Forgot that." Castus said but still kept a slight smile.

"So uh...why are ya out here alone?" Applebloom asked.

Castus shrugged, "Guess I can't go inside the house. Though can't say I didn't see it coming. Most places I've been to rarely seem to let humans inside places."

"Yeah. Well, one o' the humans got in the house once and made a bit of a mess. Granny Smith near done had a heart attack and since then she's been adamant not letting any humans inside again. Something about them being disease carrying home wreckers and chair ruiners." Applebloom said, giggling slightly.

"Chair ruiners?" Castus said.

"Well apparently the human nawed up and broke Granny's favorite rocking chair. Took a week ta fix. She was madder than a bull in a bull fight." Appleboom said.

Castus chuckled, "Ah, well guess I'd be mad to if someone messed up my favorite chair."

"Ya got a favorite chair?" Applebloom asked, tilting her head.

'God that is cute.' Castus thought, looking at the way Applebloom looked at him with curious eyes.

"Yeah. Back in my world I had a bean bag chair. Rather old but I loved just sitting in it with a old lava lamp I had bought on. Made me feel like a hippie at times." Castus said with a chuckle.

Applebloom blinked and just looked confused, "Bean Bags? I've heard o' lava lamps but why would ya make a chair out of bean bags?"

Castus had to cover his mouth to hide his trembling lips as he fought back a chuckle. He swallowed and lowered his hand, "Never mind. So why are you out here?"

Applebloom brightened, "Oh well, the girls and I were in our club house and thought we would go see Zecora. But Big Mac and Applejack are either too busy or said no about taking us."

"Why is that?" Castus asked.

"Cause Zecora lives in the Everfree Forest. But I've been there plenty o' times by myself, but they keep saying I need me an adult with me even though she lives not like five minutes from here." Applebloom said with a huff and crossed her hooves.

"Oh...that uh...that makes sense actually. That place ain't for kids." Castus said, remembering his time in the Everfree. Who the hell would be crazy enough to live there?

"I ain't a kid. Granny Smith said I'm near that age where girls go into heat, that makes me a big pony like my sister." Applebloom said, pressing her lips in a pout.

'Heat?' Castus thought, looking at the filly girl. Was that like....their word for period? Frankly he didn't know what things to give these pony people cause he was having a hard time deciding how to classify them. He couldn't really place them with horses and ponies...at least how he knew them.

"Well uh...still, what do you want me to do?" Castus asked. Though he was starting to get an idea as Applebloom smiled and looked at him expectantly.

"Well...the girls are waiting back at the clubhouse, and we really want to see Zecora. We're gonna try to find our cutie marks in herbalism, and when I saw you I thought well, you're an adult right? I mean you look old enough ta be one." Applebloom said, looking Castus up and down as if trying to decide if he really was an adult or not.

"Yeah. I am." Castus said slowly. He didn't like where this was going.

"Great, then you can accompany us right? Applejack said I needed an adult, but she didn't say a pony adult. I mean I wouldn't do this if you weren't you, I ain't a silly filly. Come on, it won't be any danger and I know the way like the back of my hoof." Applebloom begged, placing her hooves together.

'Thank you and good night ladies and gentlemen.' Castus thought as his fears were realized. So the kid was gonna use some psychology to override her sisters rules eh? Smart. Respectful, he had done it himself when he was younger, but....given the location.

"No." Castus said, turning.

"Aw please." Applebloom begged crawling and look at him with begging eyes.

"No." Castus said, turning again.

"Please!" Applebloom begged again.

"No." Castus said again.

"Please, please, pleeeeeease!" Applebloom begged again, placing her hooves on his chest and giving Castus the biggest pair of puppy eyes he had seen.

'Oh god.....don't look......not....don't look.' Castus thought as he tried to look away from that look. That adorable look.

'Fight it.....fight it.........fight it!' He thought...........

'I lost.' Castus thought as he trodded along behind the three happy filly girls, as they hopped and chatted with each other. Castus face palmed and dragged his hand down his face. He was such a weakling.

'Still...this doesn't seem too bad. In fact, we seem to be on a trail.' Castus thought as he looked down at the ground that seemed to have been worn into a trail like pattern from over usage by ponies. And it wasn't that far from the edge of the woods leading back towards Ponyville and Sweet Apple Acres.

'Maybe I was afraid of nothing.' Castus thought.

"Man it's so cool you could do this for us Castus. Way to go getting around that rule Applebloom." Scootaloo said, giving her friend a...high hoof?

Applebloom returned the gesture, "Heh, all in a days work. Besides its a silly rule, I know this path well enough. I've been to Zecoras by myself plenty of times."

"Yeah, and we've all been in the Everfree Forest before and nothing bad happened to us." Sweetie Belle said.

"Uh...wasn't that the time we ran into a Cockatrice?" Scootaloo asked.

"Oh yeah, I remember that." Applebloom said, rubbing her chin.

"Cockatrice?" Castus asked, noting the similar name to a mythological beast from his worlds lore.

"Yeah, an ugly chicken headed snake creature that can turn you into stone. We ran into one when we went into the Everfree to save one of Fluttershy's chickens. Luckily Fluttershy gave it the Stare and sent it running after turning Twilight back to normal." Sweetie Belle said.

"Aww we could have handled it." Scoots said, crossing her hooves.

"Yeah right, ya were screaming with the rest of us." Applebloom said, sticking her tongue out at Scootaloo.

"I was not screaming!" Scoots retaliated.

'Snake body? Well, that ain't as bad as dragon body....though they sure got the people to stone power right.' Castus thought, though that did raise some questions.

'This place just seems to give me more questions than answers.' Castus thought. Oh well, he wouldn't have to focus on those, just on getting home. Though...maybe he could focus on getting this wood trip done. Fast.

'This place does give me the creeps.' Castus thought. It was like something old and beastly was clawing at the back of his brain, and he could feel a shiver running through his body just standing here.

As he looked around, Castus noticed something on the ground and he leaned down. It was a track. A hoof track to be precise, but...it was not one of the girls...and it was going into a deeper area of the forest. It was also large then the girls, and looked more....goat like.

Castus looked down where the hoofprint was going and then quickly ran to catch up with the girls who had gotten ahead of him.

There might be things living in this forest....he didn't want to know. Or meet.

'We're almost there now. See, this mask thing here borders not far from Zecora's hut. She told me it helps keep evil spirits and some of the beasts away." Applebloom said, pointing to a savage and scarey looking mask hung from a tree. Tribal ornaments decorated the mask and they clicked together with the slight breeze of the wind.

"Good. Let's hurry and then get out of here. This place gives me the creeps, I feel like I'm being watched." Castus said as he started to move ahead of the girls...and walked into something furry. And heavy.

The girls eeped and gasped and Castus blinked as he looked up and stared into the one good pitch black eye of what looked like a lanky, but still muscular gorilla like creature, with tusks protruding out of its lower jaw.

The gorilla creature looked down at Castus, and slowly bared its fangs, all rows of sharp, pointy....saber like teeth. Perfect for biting, tearing, and devouring meat.

Castus staggered back as the creature snarled, crouching low and glared at them with one eye, as its other was blind and carried a scar.

"Wh-What is that!?" Castus asked.

"ONE WORD! RUN!" Scootaloo screamed and turned and ran. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle following and screaming.

The gorilla liked creature roared, an ear splitting roar of rage and savagery that had Castus covering his ears as he turned and ran after the kids. He wanted out of here! HE WANTED HIS MOMMY!

"MOMMY!" Castus yelled, as the creature roared again and the sound of heavy foot falls told him it was chasing them.

'SHIT!'

Castus and the girls ran as fast as they could, propelled by adrenaline which was probably the only thing keeping them just ahead of the lumbering creature as it gave chase. But only just.

Castus' couldn't bring himself to look behind, partly cause he had to watch where he was running, as they had long turned off the path and had kept running, in the hopes the creature would be lost in the thicker parts of the wood. And partly because he frankly didn't want to see how close it is. If he didn't see it, then he could pretend it was far behind him. Even if it was just a hopeless hope.

As the group rounded a tree, Castus felt his leg hit a pile of ground that gave way quickly and caused him to stumble down a small hill and hitting the ground. Castus spat, spitting out blood and feeling pain in his cheek where he had bitten down on it in the fall.

"Castus!" Applebloom screamed.

The girls had stopped and looked down at him fearfully. Castus swore, "Keep running!"

Before the girls could move, the creature leaped infront of their path from the trees and roared again, its long lanky arms ending in three sharp claws.

"Ahhh!" Sweetie Belle screamed as the girls backed up slowly and the creature getting closer as it raised a claw up.

'Damn it!' Castus thought, and picked up a rock and flung it as hard as he could at the creature.

The rock soared and cracked into the side of the creatures head, causing it to stagger and hit a tree and giving the girls time to turn and run. Castus pumped his fist at his shot.

"Yes." He said, but felt his cheer give way to terror as the creature lifted a claw to its head and saw a thin bit of blood on its fur. The creature slowly looked toward Castus and snarled low. Now...it was personal.

'Oh crap.' Castus thought. Now he had pissed it off. Great for the girls, it would probably focus on him now. Bad for him, because it was going to focus on him now!

Castus turned and ran as he heard the creature leap and land onto the ground where he had been with a thud and gave chase with a roar.

'Maybe I can lead it off then loss it and double back and find the girls. They must have gone to Zecora's. It's the closest place and Applebloom did say she has some way of keep things like this ugly creature away. If I can get to that mask wearing tree.' Castus thought. Though....considering things it was a big IF.

Castus kept running, hearing the creature change its roar and making more of a grunting sort of noise....and then the sound of leaves and shrubbery breaking of something moving through it.

'Oh crap does it have a friend around now?' Castus thought, only for his fears to become reality as a second gorilla thing leaped through the trees and cut off his path. Castus turned and ducked as he felt the claw just barely miss his head, but he was sure it had cut across his hair.

Castus ran, but he was starting to tire, and his sides hurt. He wasn't going to last much longer. Sticks and thorns from nearby bushes cut as his legs and face, his toga catching on a trunk. Castus tore himself from the garb and kept running. He didn't need that anyway.

The sounds of the gorilla creatures grew closer and Castus suddenly felt a sharp pain lash across his back and causing him to pitch forward. He felt himself splash as he fell and felt his head hit against a rock in the water. He felt pain as blood leaked from the wound, and he staggered up dizzy and disoriented.

The thud of two creatures caused him to turn, and he saw the creatures look down at him with snarls that looked like satisfied smirks. Their eyes glittering with the sense of a kill. Amazing how things could be so clear when one was about to die.

'I...I'm really gonna die.' Castus thought. He was hurt...tired and disoriented. The water was only half way up to his knee, but it would slow him down some. And the creatures were right on top of him. He couldn't run anymore. It was over.

His life....was over.

'No....not like this. I don't want to die like this.' Castus thought as he tripped over in the water and fell into it on his rear with a splash. He felt his heart beat rise as the creatures kneeled low, arms raised to attack as they prepared to leap upon their prey.

'Mom. Dad. Sister. All my friends. My own world. My apartment. My studies. I'll never see them again.' Castus thought, osing his eyes and feeling his life flash before him. His sense were working into overtime trying to find a way out, cause his brain was starting to hurt.

'The girls....did they make it? God I hope they did...at least...at least that's a good thing.' Castus thought. But how could he be sure...what if there were others! Other of these creatures! Oh god, what if they were dead! Eaten!

The creatures roared and leaped, they descent upon him coming at a slow pace as his brain made everything seem to move in slow motion. Castus gripped his head as he felt his brain starting to pound, his breathing quickening.

'Fluttershy.....I-NO! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!' Castus thought, his brain practically on fire as his body shot up to his feet, his eyes glaring at his approaching death.

The fire became an inferno, and the pain a scream as his whole mind seem to howl. Castus....could feel something. A pull towards something he couldn't see, but knew that all he had to do was but stretch out his will and he could pull this...this energy...this feeling of power that mind could feel. He couldn't explain how or why, but he reached for that energy. Perhaps his brain was merely grasping at nothing, but reacting none the less at anything that might keep him alive.

And it wasn't nothing at all. It was something. Something that sent the feeling of pins shooting through his body. His mind alight as the thoughts of how to use this feeling. His vision seemed to blur red and purple, and Castus clenched his left hand and placed his right hand over it.

'I'M NOT GOING TO DIE!!!!' Castus thought as something exploded in his head and his right hand shot up, black and red tendrils of lightning following the path of his palm, extending from his left fist. The lightning shot towards the gorilla creatures, tearing across one and leaping to the other. The creatures spasmed as the lightning struck them, their bodies flying wild, but one smashed into Castus with its shoulder, and sent him flying off his feet.

Castus hit the ground as whatever he had reached for vanished from his mind, and then all the world went black.

And two howls of pain entered his ears. The howling....brought a smile to his face. And then...he heard no more.

Discord

Discord spat out his soda, the fizzy drink flying from his mouth in a comedic sort of way.

"Wait...wait...." Discord said, and spat out another stream of soda, and another, and then a fourth before finally stopping and staring at the screen of his plasma screen.

"Wha-how-who-what-that....what!?" Discord gasped, his jaw dropping as he hit rewind and watched the scene over...and over...and over again.

It had been getting rather exciting. Naturally he would have intervened to save the fillies, in fact after the forest troll had become distracted by Castus, Discord used his magic to allow th girls to reach Zecora's faster than they normally would. A simple relocating spell, rather useful. But he hadn't expected that!

"How is that even possible? He shouldn't be able to do that. He can't do that! How did he do that!?" Discord screamed, as he stood up and quickly pulled a black circle from his trunk of chaos stuff and threw it onto the wall.

"This is not good. This is....this is....I don't know what it is but it can't be good. Can it? Maybe it is, I mean I get to watch him more but...." Discord stammered as he tried to wrap his brain around this. Deciding that some things needed to be said and discussed, Discord leaped into the hole in the wall, his tail pulling it along with him.

This was an emergency of the highest order. For only the second time in his whole life....

He. Discord. Master of Surprises and Uncertainty. Had been.....surprised.

And worse....he had felt afraid. Afraid of what he didn't know...but if this Castus was staying with Fluttershy, then he had to be sure he was safe. He had thought he was, and thought for sure that Castus had to be more afraid of Fluttershy, especially later in the month, but now he wasn't so sure.

Castus

Castus stood once more in that desert from before. He lay upon the red colored sand, and looked up as the upside down mountain fell towards him, pieces of buildings and walls falling to crash into the earth below it, sending up sand in giant splashes.

Castus couldn't move. He should be able to, but he couldn't. His body felt exhausted or perhaps it was his mind that felt exhausted. Whatever the case, everything went black as the mountain side fell ontop of him, and the world around him shifted once more.

He now stood on a dusty, cracked and deserted road. Ruins of buildings and towers surrounded him. Skeletons of the dead littered the ground, and old rusty pieces of iron limbs and heads, the sizes of a small house, littered the ground, while others lay in semi intact forms, their metal and stony bodies standing erect but lifeless.

'Where.....am I?' Castus thought, looking around. Sand blowing around him as piles of it had started to collected around the ruins. Soon it would be buried in the sands.

Castus took a few steps, looking around as he walked the streets. Funny....he knew these streets. Bakers Lane....where all the finest confectionery works could be found in the city. The golem works, where golems were made, purchased and the craft of their construction was taught. Now the workshops and study halls lay broken and their creations forgotten and ruined. Now the bakeries and candy stores lay empty, their ovens destroyed and their buildings reduced to rubble.

'How...do I know this?' Castus thought, rubbing his head as he felt a headache. It all seemed...so familiar.

He continued to walk, the streets slowly filling up with sand that his foot became uneasy. Things seemed to get steep as he walked up a hill into the higher areas of the city, pass broken walks and ruined towers. The Grand Library, where the Gold Scrolls of the Winds resided, now nothing more than a ghost of its former self, sand now filling its halls and burying its ancient knowledge to be lost forever.

As he reached the end, Castus stood before a grand building that reminded him of a gothic like cathedral and castle mixed and merged to combine both aesthetic beauty and defense. Shattered old pieces of remaining jade figures of men and the crumbly old bits of towers and statues that decorated the walls and gates.

Castus moved pass the broken down gates and walked into the building, the complex wide and filled with an array of buildings and a wide park for outside study and another a garden for herbal and other studies of the earth. Three thousand years of work....and this was all that was left?

'Why...do I feel sad.' Castus thought, his mind feeling dull and empty, yet tears welling in his eyes as he walked on toward the central tower, a recent addition that had been added in the last forty years. The old magics that powered the teleport stones no longer worked....no magic worked right. Castus looked up and watched as the sky filled with lightning and flashed purple. The feeling of pulsing power radiating out across him, shrouds of dark purple and black tendrils of energy falling onto the world, to explode in flashes of light.

'My fault......my fault.....failure......failure.' Castus thought as he walked up the stairs to the higher, private levels...reserved only for...K...for Kr-....for him. He had walked up these stairs once...so confident he had been. So foolish he had been.

A door, he slowly pushed open and finally reached the top of the tower and stepping out into a wide platform, runes of ritual carved into the floor, and shattered bits of glass littering around a central circle where what looked like conduits stood, their containers shattered and broken, at the center of that stood a large pole of solid gold, bent and broken by the fall, a large empty place where once....something....was held.

'I...I know something was there but....ahhh!' Castus gripped his head as he felt pain.

He kept moving, finally stopping and standing before a raised platform near the edge of the tower. At the top of the platform a statue, arm extended towards the heavens, another held out in a way of holding something, but the hand now lay empty. A look of sadness was what the statues face held. A look of utter defeat and sorrow only one who had been completely and utterly broken could hold.

Castus stared into the eyes of the statue, and felt tears running anew from his eyes.

Suddenly the statues face focused upon him, its mouth moving as its voice gave a gravelly like tone as it spoke.

"Seek me out! Beneath the Golden Spires of White!" The statue spoke, its stony arm suddenly falling and its hand gripping Castus' shoulder tightly.

Castus jumped back, and suddenly screamed as he gripped his head. Pain flaring across his mind. Everything around him crumbled, even the world itself as the statue spoke once more.

"SEEK ME OUT!"

Author's Note

I want to apologize for the longer then normal wait. I've recently had to get use to a night shift sleep routine for work so I've been too tired at times.

And now I've got a bit of a cold that has kept me rather too exhausted to even type, but I'm starting to get a bit better. Thank god for over the counter stuff. I can finally breathe through my nose once more and my throat don't hurt.

Anyway, this shouldn't happen again, but to make up for it I made sure this chapter was a long one.

Discussions, Depressions, and more Revelations

Zecora

Zecora had not expected the sudden bursting open of her door as she meditated upon her traditional bamboo stick, upside down and on her head. And of course the surprise caused her to lose balance and fall over, just like when Twilight came in with that Parasprite.

What was it ponies called? Deja vu?

The next thing Zecora knew, three little fillies were running and screaming through her room. The girls clothes seemed tattered and cut from running through the brush.

Zecora stood and yelled, "Stop!" This caused the fillies, Applebloom and her friends, to stop and turn toward here, with wide eyes of fear and worry.

"Little fillies, you must stay calm and tell me what is wrong." Zecora said, slowly so the girls could hear.

The girls of course, could not stay calm and all three blurted out at once.

"Zecora,yougottahelpus.They'regonnaeatCastus!" The girls screamed, looking at Zecora expectingly.

Zecora blinked, leaning back from the loud volume, "I ask again, my little friends, tell us slowly what is the fuss?"

"Monsters! We ran inta one when we were heading towards your hut!" Applebloom said, "We got away but Castus is still out there, we gotta save him!"

"Yeah, he saved us from the ugly thing, but he needs help!" Scootaloo said urgently.

"Please Zecora, please help! You must have a potion or something that can save him right!" Sweetie Belle said, hooves together in a begging sort of gesture.

"Monsters near my hut? Such a thing I cannot believe, but if you say it is true, then I must believe you. If a friend is still lost in the woods, then we must quickly move." Zecora said. She didn't know fully well the picture of what was going on, but somepony was apparently in trouble, and she would not let one of the Everfree creatures take the life of a child, especially not one of Appleblooms friends.

Zecora moved quickly to a shelf and pulled several vials and bottles down, as well as a stick with a hollowed out end to place the bottles in to throw them, and another that was shaped and sounded like a sort of rattle.

"Come little fillies, we will track this beasts and bring it to an end and save your friend." Zecora said, heading out of her hut, the girls following close behind.

Hopefully they were not too late.

Castus

Castus felt hazy. Like he had too much to drink at a wild party and had blacked out and woke up sort of hazy. Everything felt blurry, and his head was killing him. He hissed as he placed his hands to his temples and rubbed them hoping to ease the headache that was threatening to tear his head open.

"What...happened?" Castus said as he looked around. Odd....why did his chest feel heavy...and..something furry was brushing against his skin.

Slowly, closing one eye and only just barely peeking with the other as even opening his eyes made his vision swim and his head hurt by the sudden incoming light from the sun shining through the trees, he looked down at his chest and saw a large hairy, lanky arm laying on his chest.

Slowly his eye followed the arm, to the still laying body of the gorilla monster from before. The creature lay still, its eye long having lost the glitter of life and its jaw hanging slack open on the ground. Castus should have felt panic, but all he could feel was a dullness across his mind and body. Besides...he knew it was dead. It wasn't going to be getting up.

Ever.

Grunting, and feeling pain all over his body and exhaustion like he had been running a marathon, Castus struggled to squeeze himself out from under the arm. When he did, he looked down at the dead monster, then noticed a second one.

This one however was still alive, but seemed to be in the midst of a spasming seizure of some sort, dark sparks of purple black lightning fluttering across its body as the creature spasmed. Worse for it, its head was laying in the water, apparently it had fallen partly in the stream, and the creature seemed unable to move and so Castus watched with dull eyes as the creature slowly drowned to death.

Castus couldn't think straight as his mind still felt cloudy. He....he knew he had to find someone...but it all was still hazy. And his back...there was a dull throb at his back. But...he was feeling very hungry right now.

Slowly Castus walked, looking around for maybe a berry bush or something. What were the odds he could find a fast food joint in a forest of magical monsters?

Finally he stumbled over a large root of a tree and looked up to see the oddest sort of fruit he had ever seen. The trees looked gnarly and odd, with the leaves an odd purple and the fruit....

It looked like an apple. A rainbow colored apple though. Was it poisonous?

'Food.' Castus thought, and reached up for the lowest hanging fruit and plucked it. He should be worried about poison, but his body was craving nourishment and he pushed all caution to the wind as he bit down into the fruit.

It was like tasting heaven's nectar. The apple was so good! And it had a sort of zingy taste that sent a jolt through his body.

'Damn....that tastes good.' He thought as he ate the apple, and reached for another. Then another. And then another.

All he could focus on was eating, and by the time his brain was able to refocus on other things he had devoured at least twelve of the strange colored apples. Well, if they were poisonous he should be dead by now. He wasn't so they must be okay.

"I wonder if Appleblooms family....OH SHIT APPLEBLOOM!" Castus swore as he looked around, finally remembering what he had to find.

"Applebloom! Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo!" Castus yelled, cupping his hands over his mouth. He then stopped and looked around.

'Idiot! Don't go yelling in the middle of a monster infested wood. What if there are more around!?' He thought, mentally scolding himself.

He had to find them...Maybe he should double back to where they had originally ran into the gorilla creature. That would be a good start.

Before he could take another step though, Castus jumped when a...was that a jack in the box box appeared floating infront of him.

Castus blinked at the box, as it hovered infront of him. Was he....suppose to crank it?

'I got a bad feeling.' Castus thought, though somehow he had an idea of what this was about. So he slowly took the box and slowly cranked it, listening to the music till finally the jack popped out of the box.

But instead of a clown, all that popped out was a small Discord attached to a spring.

"Ah, Castus. So nice to see you again." Discord said, the box disappearing and Discord standing before him at his full height. The odd shaped creature of chaos looked down at Castus and laughed a bit.

"Ah, I see you uh...changed your wardrobe." Discord said, pointing a claw at Castus.

Castus looked down at himself, and noticed that he was naked. Actually now that he remembered he had lost his toga in the chase.

"Yeah. Something like that. Look, what do you want I gotta find Applebloom and her friends." Castus said.

"Oh my, like that. I didn't know you liked them so young." Discord said with a snicker.

Castus stopped and turned to look at the spirit of chaos and jammed a finger at him, "I-That...what....That's not it you pedophile! They're kids for gods sake! I gotta make sure they didn't get made into chow you damn bastard!"

Castus blinked and covered his mouth. He was a bit miffed but he hadn't expected that sort of outburst. Even Discord seemed taken aback.

"Well....they are technically nearing their teens by your standards. But you don't need to worry. They are very much safe with Zecora, and currently looking for you." Discord said as he looked at Castus with a more critical look in his eyes, all mischief gone. It made Castus a bit nervous.

"They are? Oh thank god." Castus sighed in relief, "So what do you want then? I guess you were watching me while I was being chased?"

"Oh I did, but don't worry I wouldn't have let you gotten eat....maybe. You are too much fun to watch, but I am here on a more serious matter. That being you and what you did." Discord said.

Castus blinked, "What I did?"

"That." Discord said, pointing to the two bodies of the monsters, "Taking down two full grown forest trolls with magic. Magic that you shouldn't have!"

Castus blinked and rubbed his head, "Magic...I did....Agh!" He gripped his head as he slowly saw the images of the event come back to him.

"Oh yeah.....I...did that....didn't I." Castus said slowly, rubbing his temples.

"Yes, and frankly you shouldn't have been able to. No human from your world can use magic, so you shouldn't have been able to either. Frankly I was rather surprised, and that has only happened once...maybe twice in my entire existence. A rare feat, you should get a medal." Discord said, a medal with a Discord shaped head on it with a talon giving a thumbs up. Discord placed the medal around Castus neck, who merely looked at the....reward skeptically and with a raised brow.

'Eh....not keeping this.' He thought as he took it off and threw it away, but blinked when it vanished in a flash of light.

"Fine. Don't take a medal. But that still leaves us with somethings to talk about." Discord said, two stools appearing for them to sit on.

"Uh...here? Now?" Castus said, looking around.

"O don't worry, Zecora can keep the girls safe, and they will eventually find your tracks and meet us here. And while I'm here no Everfree creature will even see us, let alone come near us. Besides....if any where around they would be staying away from you for sure after what you did. Forest trolls aren't a joke." Discord said as he placed a monocle over his right eye and looked down at Castus seriously.

Castus felt uncomfortable under that gaze, but sat down and looked up at Discord with a frown, "Uh...okay. Can we hurry this up then, I'd get this all over and go home and get changed into some real clothes."

"Yes yes, don't worry I know about your need for modesty and such. Your world is rather fascinating after all, sometimes I watch it." Discord said.

"You watch it?" Castus said, then an idea came to his mind, "Hey! You're a magical thing right?"

"Last I checked." Discord said with a smirk as a cup of tea appeared in his hand. Like magic.

"Well...y-you know about my world and you got magic. You know of any way I can get home to my world?" Castus said, looking up at Discord with a look of joy and hope. Why didn't he think of this before?

'Well, he is the spirit of chaos apparently. I guess I naturally didn't want to trust him. But maybe I should, it's not like I got any other options right now.' He thought.

Discord...looked nervous as he bit his lower lip and looked down at Castus with a frown.

"I....I can....and....I can't." Discord said, the cup vanishing and the spirt of chaos rubbed his hands together nervously.

Castus blinked and then chuckled slowly as he gave a smile and said, very slowly, "What. Do you mean. You can't?" He asked, his neck tensing a bit.

"Well I can naturally bring you back to your world. After all, I was the one that brought you here." Discord said.

"Wait you did!?" Castus yelled, "Why the hell did you do that?" He glared at Discord, feeling a bit angry. Or maybe...really angry. Angrier then he probably should.

Discord leaned back a bit, lifting his hands up, "Yes...I well was...bored. I'm reformed and all and I can't cause the kind of mischief I would like. So I thought I'd bring something to this world from another and let it cause mischief or get in silly adventures to entertain me. Sort of like a cartoon."

"So I was a cartoon to you. Well frankly I don't think its funny or silly. You took me from my world without my permission. You took me away from my life!" Castus yelled.

"Yes yes, well I hadn't exactly meant to tell you that. But..well things have changed." Discord said, rubbing the back of his head.

"Right...and why can't you send me back?" Castus asked.

"Because...well, let me explain." Discord said, and snapped his fingers and created a school desk, which Castus sat in, and chalk board with Discord by it wearing college professors get up, glasses and all.

"Now class. As you no doubt have guessed, the universe itself is compossed of different worlds." Discord said, writing on the chalk board.

"Yeah. M theory. String Theory. Multi-verse and all that stuff. Parallel worlds and all. Things like that right?" Castus said, tilting his head slightly. Where was Discord going with this?

"Correct. Well, in the universe these worlds are always separate from each other. They can never intersect or converge in the same place. But the worlds are always in a state of motion getting closer and farther away from each other in a sort of pull push motion." Discord continued.

Castus nodded, "Okay....I think I follow."

"Well, every once in awhile something shifts among worlds causing two or more to be able to come closer to each other then normal, sometimes fusing into one before splitting apart. Such connections can cause portals that allow things to pass through each world, or just allow for images to be seen by inhabitants of the other world. And in the case of fusion, the merging and sudden separation of worlds can have....cataclysmic consequences. And the more worlds that get involved in the fusion the worse it is. It is not uncommon for some worlds to be completely destroyed by the fusion and separation. But hey, the universe is always birthing new worlds so there is always something new to take their places." Discord went on.

'Yikes.' Castus thought. Anything that involved cataclysmic consequences didn't sound good. He hoped that wouldn't happen here or his world any time soon.

"So...if I'm following right, my world and this world had gotten close enough to allow me to pass through a portal...that I think you made to allow me to come here and leave my world." Castus said slowly as he put things together.

"Correct!" Discord said and placed an empty piece of paper on Castus desk with a big red A on it, "It was only a small portal, and it was the only one forming. You just happened to be the only human in that area when I reached through. Nothing personal, just accidental."

"So, my being here was all just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time? That's uh....well that sort of sucks." Castus said. Not that he had been expecting any sort of reason for being here...but now that he knew it had all been a matter of luck and chance, it made him feel odd. Humble maybe?

"Well duh. I am the spirit of chaos. I don't plan for anything." Discord said, crossing his arms with a smile.

"So why can't you just find another portal and send me back through?" Castus asked.

"Ooooh. Now we....uh....get to the bad part." Discord said biting his lip.

"Bad part?" Castus said, giving Discord a dirty look.

Discord gulped, "Yes well you see....such meetings only occur ever hundred to one thousand years. Sometimes even millions of years. Now, these meetings always occur in the same place at the same time though. And yours doesn't have that big of a waiting period, which is probably why the portal was so small."

"How small?" Castus asked.

"Oh about the size of a doggy door." Discord said.

"Tight fit. But how long do I have to wait before it opens again?" Castus asked, clenching his fists.

"Oh well I'd say...oh......eighty five years." Discord said, tapping his chin.

Castus blinked, and stared at Discord. His jaw slowly hung open, and his breathing caught in his chest.

Eighty five years! EIGHTY FIVE YEARS! He was stuck here for eighty five years!?!

"And.....N-nothing can be done!" Castus yelled as he got to his feet, looking at Discord with a look of wide eyed shook and despair.

Discord shook his head, "No. No magic can pierce through the worlds in a way to connect them. You would have to leave the world itself and enter into the place where the worlds float across the universe and enter the world you wanted, and such capabilities have never existed on this world, or if they did no longer do so."

Castus bit his lip, hard. So hard he felt pain as he bled from his lip and clenched his fist so tight his knuckles went white.

"So...you.....trapped me here.....took me away from my family! My loved ones! MY LIFE! For eighty five years!!!!!" He yelled, getting angrier by the second.

"Now...Castus...I know it is bad, and I am really sorry..." Discord said, "But, we need to focus on other thing right now, like-"

But Castus ignored him as he sat up from the desk, and immediately regretted it as he felt pain shoot through his back and his head spin, either from a head rush or the still throbbing pain from before. He staggered a bit as he felt his vision going blurry and he glared at Discord.

"Castus, now hold still, you are not in the best shape." Discord said, looking at the human worriedly.

Castus growled as he placed a hand to his head, his vision swimming. He flipped Discord the bird and said, "**** you." before pitching forward and blacking out once more. Twice in one day, that must be his best record yet.

Discord

Discord sighed and rubbed the back of his head. He slitered over and inspected the wound on Castus back.

The trolls claws cut into the back, but it was not a deep cut but it was a long one, going from right to left in a horizontal angle. Blood leaked from the wound, caking his back in a metal smelling red. Dirt from the ground had also been smeared onto the wound when he had fallen after being hit by the troll. All in all, Discord was impressed that he had managed to ignore the pain till now. Still, it would be best to deal with this now before it got worse.

Placing his claw over the wound, Discord used his magic to send away the dirt and any other possible infection causing agents. He then snapped his claws together and a bottle of peroxide and some swabbing cloths appeared and began spreading the peroxide onto the wound to clean it real well, and then with a final snap the wound slowly closed shut.

"There we go. Though I want you to come back in a week for a check up." Discord said with a chuckle as he placed a nurses hat on his head.

Still, he found it hard to joke right now. And he looked down at the unconscious human with a frown.

'What have a I brought to this world?' He thought. The world in which Castus had come from did not allow for its inhabitants to access magic. In fact, he felt confident the humans of his world did not even have access to any sort of magical ability so by those rules, Castus should not have been even able to grasp at the magic that he had used. But he did. And that was what both worried and confused him.

"Castus! Castus!"

Discord looked up, hearing the voice of Applebloom and her friends. He expected they would be looking for him.

"Well, I might as well ease their minds. Besides, I won't get anything done while he is out." Discord said as he stood up. He snapped his fingers and was soon adorned with a blue suit, with a red underwear on and a red cape, boots and gloves and a giant red D on his chest.

He then reached down and picked up Castus in his arms, "SuperDiscord! Away!" He called and then started jogging through the woods as he made a whoooooshing noise.

CMC and Zecora

"CASTUS!!!" Sweetie Belle called out, cupping her hooves over her mouth to let the sound carry farther.

Zecora winced at the loud tone, and gripped her potion thrower tighter. She placed a hoof on Sweetie Belle's shoulder, causing the filly to jump and look around at her curiously.

"You must be quiet little filly. Least we bring to us things we cannot yet see." Zecora said, as she looked around once more, striving to listen for the slightest give away of a hidden predator.

"But-" Sweetie Belle said, but stopped when Zecora cut her off.

"Worried you are I know, but patience and calm you must learn," Zecora said, sighing, "We will find him I swear, but not if we running scared."

"Alright." Sweetie Belle said, frowning.

"Don't worry Sweetie Belle. I'm sure-" Scootaloo began, but was cut off as a whooshing sound started to near them.

"Whoooooooshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" The sound came, and from the wounds jumped Discord, in a rather strange outfit consisting of a blue suit, red underwear and a cape. But what was most important was what he was holding.

It was Castus, and he didn't look good.

"Castus!" The girls called and they all ran over. Zecora held back and looked at the spirit of chaos suspiciously.

"It wasn't me. I found him like this. But don't worry, he is alive, just unconscious." Discord said as he leaned down for the girls to get a better look at Castus.

Zecora herself was surprised by the human. Well, she had originally been surprised that they had been looking for a human in the first place. But now that she saw him, she could see he did not look like most humans. Still, what confused her the most was the fact that he was still alive. If it had been a forest troll that had been chasing him, then what they should have found were remains...not a living body.

So either Discord had saved him....or there was something else going on. Or maybe the human just got lucky when he hid. Trolls were not the smartest creature, cunning and savage, but not too smart. Either way, she had her doubts the spirit of chaos had anything to do with his saving. Though, maybe he did. When it concerned Discord, all of this frankly made no sense.

"Is he okay? He is so pale." Sweetie said, placing a hoof gently on Castus cheek.

"He will be fine. Don't worry, he just needs some rest." Discord said.

"Wait...did you save him?" Applebloom asked, looking at Discord skeptically.

"Why of course!" Discord said, looking insulted, "Why, I would never let anything happen to somepony or human if I could help. I'm reformed, and a gentleman." A top hat and monocle appearing on Discords head.

"Right." Scootaloo said with a roll of her eyes.

"Yeah...uh...sure." Applebloom said just as skeptical.

"Yeah, but thank you for saving him." Sweetie Belle said, giving Discord a slight hug.

Discord blinked in surprise by the hug, but stood up with a smile, "Well you found your human. I say we should all head back to Zecora's for tea while. And I'm sure she has something to help Castus right?"

Zecora blinked, but nodded, "Yes I do. I have many a healing brew. Come let us go."

"Wonderful. Let us go then. I'll take a cup of poison joke if you have any." Discord said with a chuckle.

Zecora rolled her eyes as she lead the girls and Discord back to her hut.

As they walked, Sweetie Belle asked a question.

"Hey, what happened to Castus clothes?" She asked curious.

Castus

Castus groaned as he started to come to. He must have still been outside as he could hear a soft breeze blowing past his ears. Though for some reason he couldn't feel the breeze. He stirred slightly, lifting a hand to his head and rubbing at his eyes.

"Hey! He's awake!" He heard Applebloom's voice call.

"Applebloom?" Castus said, slowly opening his eyes. A gasp coming from the room as he spoke.

As his eyes opened and his surroundings became apparent, Castus could see that he was not outside as he had originally thought, but inside. The soft breeze still blowing past his ears. Strange...how could there be a breeze inside?

Before he could wonder on this more, Castus found himself being attacked by three small forms, and feeling himself be constricted in a hug.

"You're okay! Thank Celestia." Sweetie Belle said, squeezing Castus harder. A few audible sniffs could be heard from her.

"We were so worried about ya. We're so sorry we got you into this, this is all my fault." Applebloom said, tightening her own hug around Castus. The kid had a pretty good grip.

"But it was so cool the way you threw that rock at that troll. Wham, right in the kisser." Scootaloo said, looking up at him with admiration.

Castus grunted and gave the girls a smile, "Hey....no worries....could you let go of me now though, still a bit sore."

"Oh, right. Sorry." Sweetie Belle said as she let go. Applebloom and Scootaloo following.

"Thanks....where am I anyway?" Castus asked, looking around. He noticed a lot of shelves filled with plants, and vials of god knew what. Also he noticed a lot of tribal symbols of some sort, and masks of varying expressions.

"Where you are is in my hut. But what you are, I know not."

Castus looked over and saw a....zebra? Well a zebra like how Fluttershy and the rest were ponies. Anthropomorphic in nature, and wearing clothes, only the zebra wore a tribal garment that covered her lower regions and her chest.

"A human that speaks, I have not seen. An explanation Applebloom, if you please." Zecora asked, looking at Applebloom with a critical eye, though every now and then glancing at Castus.

Applebloom coughed, and Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both suddenly started whistling, or trying to, as they looked in any direction but Applebloom or Zecora. Applebloom scowled at them, before turning toward to Zecora and rubbing the back of her neck.

"Ah, well, ya see...." Applebloom started.

"I'm human. I'm just not from this world. If you want proof, ask Discord. He'll tell you. He brought me here." Castus said, frowning and clenching his hands into fists as he remembered everything that Discord had told him.

'Eighty five years...this isn't fair.' He thought, biting his lower lip as he fought back tears.

The crusaders and Zecora looked at Castus, then all looked toward a hole in the wall that led into a room with a bed in it.

"I guess that's my que to step out. Just don't throw anything at me now Castus. Violence solves nothing." Discord said from the room, before slowly peeking out and giving a wave and stepping full out.

Castus glared at the mixed up creature of chaos. He wanted to do hit him! To hurt him! To do something to make him pay for taking him from his life and home and loved ones. He hated him! But what would that do? Nothing. In the end....he could do nothing to get home.

"Explain yourself chaos spirit. What mischief do you plot?" Zecora said.

"None, well maybe a comedy show to watch, but-" Discord started.

"It doesn't matter why I'm here...what matters is that I can't go home. He brought me here, but can't even send me home." Castus said, as he started laughing, staring down at his clenched fists as tears blurred his vision.

"What?" Sweetie Belle gasped in surprise, "But...why are you laughing?"

"Yeah, and are you really going to trust Discord. I mean, he isn't exactly the most trustworthy." Scootaloo said.

"I say, I take offense to that." Discord gasped, "I spoke only the truth."

"So...ya really can't send him home? No pony can?" Applebloom asked.

Discord shook his head, "Not even the princesses could. These are laws that have been around since the beginning of creation. Castus is for all purposes, stuck here forever."

"Why would you do something like that!?" Sweetie Belle shouted, looking at Discord with disgust.

"I must agree, such a thing is low even for thee." Zecora said, giving an equally disapproving look.

"Oh stop with the looks. I feel any guiltier and I'll have to wear a black and white striped vest all day. I said I was sorry." Discord said as he wilted under the looks.

"You did....but it won't do anything about this will it." Castus said, eyes still down cast.

"I-" Discord said, but went silent as Castus looked over at him with puffy red, teary eyes filled with hate.

No....sorry wouldn't fix anything. Nothing would fix it. Nothing at all.

'Damn it all.' Castus thought, looking down at the ground again as an awkward silence filled the room.

Fluttershy

Lunch had been rather enjoyable, though Fluttershy felt bad that Castus had to be relegated to outside while she was enjoying some rather delicious apple fritters. To make up for it she saved one of hers to take home and give to him. She felt sure he would like it, Applejack was, next to Pinkie, one of the best cooks she knew. Especially with apples.

"Well shoot, I reckon I'm stuffed." Applejack said as she finished her drink, her plates empty, "It was mighty fine having ya over Fluttershy."

"Oh thank you. Lunch was very good, you're really one of the best cooks like Pinkie says." Fluttershysaid.

Applejack smiled, "Aww shucks. I ain't as good as her. But Granny Smith always told me an Apple that can't cook an apple ain't an Apple."

With a stretch, Applejack stood up and picked up her plate and glass, "Well time ta get back ta work, and I bet your little human is probably missing ya now."

"Oh I'm sure he is fine." Fluttershy said as she stood up and took her own plate and glass and brought it with Applejack to the kitchen and placing it in the sink.

She felt sure that Castus was fine. She would take him home and they would eat dinner together again, and then she would share the fritter she saved for him. She smiled at the thought, excited over what to talk about tonight. She was still unsure of why, but she found that she enjoyed being around Castus. Talking with him, eating with him. He made the cottage more.....homey. Not that it hadn't before, but it just seemed...different in a way that she liked.

Heading out, the two headed first to the human pen. But when they arrived, they noticed something out of place.

"Say uh...where is that little rascal?" Applejack asked, looking around.

Fluttershy gasped and ran to the fence and looked around. Castus was gone! He wasn't anywhere in sight.

"Oh no! Castus. Castus!" Fluttershy called, flying up and over the pen, hoping to get a birds eye view incase maybe she was missing something.

"Now calm down sugarcube. I'm sure he is around." Applejack called.

Fluttershy flew down and looked her friend in the eye, "But what if isn't? What if somepony snuck over and took him! Oh no! What if he got taken to one of those fight pits you hear in the paper!"

Fluttershy's whole body started to shake in fear as she chewed on her hoof, her eyes wide with horror. Applejack shook her head with a sigh and calmly placed a hoof around her friends shoulder.

"Now calm down Fluttershy. We're a small town and right near Canterlot. You know how the princess feels about those fight pits. Besides, even if some had tried to take him off, we would have heard a ruckus. I'm sure he is just fine, we just gotta look around a bit and we will find him. I just hope he ain't eating any more of my apples."

A sudden loud crunch and chewing made both girls turn. They were surprise when they saw that indeed an apple was being eaten....if a strange yellow and green striped apple.

"Discord! Are ya changing my apples flavors again? I told ya ta only do that when I asked ya, last thing I want is more hot pepper flavored apples." Applejack said, pointing a hoof at Discord and giving him the evil eye.

"Well, forgive me for trying to offer your customers some exotic flavor to rather bland tart crunch of a regular apple."

"Bland!? Why you-"

"Discord, what brings you here? Oh, have you seen Castus maybe, please can you help find him?" Fluttershy asked, looking up at her chaotic friend with worried eyes.

"Oh of course Fluttershy, don't worry your little head." Discord said, patting her mane before stepping aside, "He is right here."

Fluttershy gasped when Discord stepped aside to show Castus. His face was downcast to the ground, and his blanket no longer covered his body, instead he had on a simple brown cloth wrapped around his waist to cover him. But he did not seem hurt, though she could feel that something was wrong.

Beside him, Applebloom and her friends stood beside him. They all looked like they had run a marathon, their manes in a slight mess. They all had smiles on their faces, the kind of smile a kid gave when they knew they were in trouble and they stuck close to Castus.
‘At least he isn’t gone. Thank Celestia.’ Fluttershy thought; glad to know that he was not missing.

“Oh thank goodness. Castus where were you?” Fluttershy said as she flew over and wrapped her hooves around him in a hug. Castus merely stood there, arms at his side and made no sign that he even registered her presence.

“Castus?” Fluttershy asked, looking up to his eyes as she tilted her head slightly.

Castus merely slowly removed her hooves from around him and started walking forward, pass her and Applejack, heading towards the path to leave Sweet Apple Acres.

“Uh...is something bothering the fella? He’s acting kinda weird....for a human anyway.” Applejack asked, looking to Fluttershy.

“I....I think so.” Fluttershy said, though she could not say what.

“Well, he’s your human so I’m sure you know him better then I do. Though I want to know what exactly you were doing with him and the girls Discord.” Applejack said, looking to Discord with suspicion.

“Me? Why Applejack I’m hurt, I mean I’m not the one that dragged the poor dear into the Everfree Forest.” Discord said as he turned with his arms cross and his tail tip turning into an arrow and pointing down at the cutie mark crusaders.

“You little rat!” Scootaloo hissed, glaring at Discord as he placed a claw to his face to hide a smirk.

“What!?” Applejack and Fluttershy gasped. Applejack turned her gaze from Discord to her sister, who gulped and rubbed the back of her head uneasily. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both takign a sudden interest in the grass.

“Fluttershy, why don’t you go see to your human before someone sees him walking around alone. I got something ta talk about with my sister.” Applejack said, not taking her gaze off of Applebloom.

“Oh...right.” Fluttershy said with a nod and turned to catch up with Castus.

“Well I guess that is my queue to leave as well.” Discord said and quickly vanished with a flash.

And so that left the dear crusaders alone with a rather miffed looking Applejack. They all gulped and chuckled uneasily as they tried to think of an explanation.

Not that it would do them any good from being grounded, but hey...they could try.

Fluttershy caught up with Castus without a fuss, but he kept silent the whole way back, eyes down and a grim expression on his face. And when they arrived back at the cottage, he merely went to his bed and sat down and stared down at the floor; and no matter how she tried to get some word from him, Fluttershy was only met with silence.

‘Oh, what happened to him? Is it something I did? Did he hurt himself in some way? Oh what do I do?’ Fluttershy thought, worried for Castus. She didn’t like seeing him like this, it hurt.

As she prepared dinner, Fluttershy wondered what she could do to make Castus feel better. Something was obviously bothering him, but she could not tell what, but it had to be something big for it to affect him in such a way. She hoped it wasn’t serious.
Her thoughts were disturbed though from a knock at her door.

“Oh, who could that be at this hour?” Fluttershy asked, looking at the clock on her wall. The sun was already setting outside and the moon would be rising shortly.

As she headed to the door, she saw that Castus had left his bed, and by the sound of running water in the bathroom told her he was there. Well, at least he wasn’t just staying in bed. That might be something. She then went to the door and opened it up slowly, peeking through a crack in the door.

“Hello?” She asked.

“Hello Fluttershy!” Discord said, his face appearing infront of hers on the other side of the crack of the door.

“Ahh!” Fluttershy gasped, before opening the door when she realized who it was, “Oh…Discord, you scared me.” She placed a hoof over her heart to calm the fast beating organ.

“Oh terribly sorry. I was just in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by. Maybe have dinner, if it’s no trouble.” Discord said as he stepped inside.

Fluttershy blinked, “What? O-oh, well I don’t see why not.” While Fluttershy was glad to have her friend Discord over, she was a bit surprised by the sudden arrival and proposal of his staying. Then again…this was Discord after all.

“Splendid. Well, I think I’ll freshen up a bit.” Discord said, a powder compact and make up kit appearing in his arms as he headed toward the bathroom.

Fluttershy gasped, “O-oh wait Discord, it’s-“ But she was too late as the spirit of chaos opened the door and waltzed right in, at the rather vocal surprise and irritation of the current occupant.

“Hey! What the hell!? I’m trying to dry off!” Castus yelled.

Fluttershy quickly turned down the hall to the bathroom, but stopped short at what she saw. The bathroom door hung open, steam from a hot shower drifting out and standing inside were two occupants.

The first was Discord, who was busy applying mascara to his eyes and powdering his face, and then there was Castus, who stood with only a towel wrapped around his still slightly dripping wet body. Apparently Discord barged right in when he had just gotten out.

Castus was glaring at Discord, but then looked to the side and was surprised to see Fluttershy there, staring at him. Immediately he blushed, as did Fluttershy and she quickly turnd her back to him and covered her face with her hooves.

“OhmygoshI’msosorry! Ididn’tseeanythingIswear!” She screamed, feeling her whole face grow bright red.

“Oh Fluttershy, could you ask Castus to step out. I can’t freshen up with him glaring like that.” Discord said as he started placing curlers in his hair.

“What!?” Castus said, but only found himself suddenly lifted up by an invisible force and dropped outside to the hall and the bathroom door closed.

“Hey!” Castus yelled, knocking on the door, before huffing with irritation and crossing his arms.

Fluttershy herself, kept her back turned and strived to calm herself and lessen the blush that had engulfed her entire head. Why was she getting so flustered now? She had seen him naked before, when she had taken him from the pound. So why now?

“Hey, why is he here?” Castus asked.

Fluttershy blinked, and had to fight back to looking behind. Never the less she answered, “O-oh well, he is staying for dinner. S-sorry that he interrupted you.”

“He is? Oh….great.” Castus said, a hint of sarcrasm in his voice.

The two were silent when Castus said, “You know…I do have a towel around me. You don’t have to talk with your back to me.”

“O-oh…sorry, I just…thought you would like some privacy.” Fluttershy said, taking a slow peek around before turning around and facing Castus, though she still hid herself slightly in her mane.

“I think we are past that. I mean, not like you haven’t seen it before,” Castus said, muttering at the end lowly, “And guess it makes us even.”
“Huh?” Fluttershy asked, tilting her head confused.

“Uh nothing.” Castus said, looking away as he rubbed the back of his head, “I…I’m gonna get some clothes on. Where are the clothes Rarity made me?”

“O-oh they are by your bed…I..I put them there when we got home.” Fluttershy said.

“Oh,” Castus said surprised, “Oh…thanks.” And with that, he walked off and past Fluttershy.

Fluttershy opened her mouth and turned, watching Castus go, but he vanished into the living room. She closed her mouth and sighed. She had him talking, but she couldn’t bring up the matter she wished to discuss. Then again, maybe she should take it slow.

"Well how do I look?" Discord said as he finally emerged from the bathroom.

Fluttershy turnd and blinked and saw that Discord....looked the same. He didn't seem to have anything different about him.

"Uh...you look.Good." She said, a bit confused. Had he really needed to freshen up?

The crytic and mischievious smirk on the draconiques face told her, probably not.

Fluttershy felt a tension in the air so thick you could have cut it with a knife. She looked between Discord, who chowed away happily as he talked about some pranks he pulled back in the day, and Castus who ate silently eyes at the table, but every so often he woul glare up at Discord when he tried talking to him, and causing Discord to clear his throat and move his chair a bit away from Castus and continue talking.

'Something happened between them. But what could it be to make Castus so hostile toward Discord?' Flutterhy thought. Maybe she should ask Discord later.

Finally Castus set his fork down on his plate and stood up, "I'm done. I'm gonna turn in early today." And with that he walked toward the kitchen to wash his plate before heading to his bed.

"Oh...um...okay, good night Castus." Fluttershy called, but got no answer.

She then looked to Discord, who had a frown on his face, but it quickly vanished when he noticed her staring and he smiled at her saying, "Well dinner was most excelent Fluttershy."

"Oh, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it, it is always nice to have dinner with friends." She said, feeling a slight smile on her face.

"And it is always good to be over." Discord said as he snapped his claws and his plate and glasses floated over to the sink and started washing themselves.

The two were silent a moment, till finally Fluttershy spoke.

"Um...Discord." Fluttershy started.

"Yes Fluttershy?" Discord asked, his head tilting it it was upside down.

"Uh, well...I was wondering. Not that I'm blaming you at all, not that in the least. It's just that Castus-" Fluttershy started, stammering some as she tried to find the right words to say.

Discord chuckleda bit, causing Fluttershy to look at him in surprise, but finally the draconiques frowed and sighed.

"WellI figured it would be best to tell you myself. And from the way Castus is, I don't think he would be willing to say, probably because he doesn't want to admit it." Discord said with a frown.

"Admit what?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well...I might have had a....small part in why Castus is here." Discord started, taking Fluttershy by surprise.

And so he explained, and as he did Fluttershy felt her eyes widen, till finally Discord finished.

"So you see...he can't go home. If I could I would, but these are rules not even the most powerful of magics can break. My hands are tied." He said, holdling up his hands to show them bound by tight rope.

"Discord...that's....how could you do that. Oh poor Castus." Fluttershy said, partly wanting to reprimend Discord, and partly wanting to rush to Castus and give him a big hug. The poor dear was probably an emotional wreck right now.

"I know, I was wrong. I just....I can't always help myself." Discord said, rubbing the back of hsi head with a frown as he looked away and at the ground.

Fluttershy opened her mouth to say something, but noticed that Discord did seem truly upset over his actions. And frankly she could not rightly put so much blame onto him. Even if he was reformed, Fluttershy knew enough that Discord couldn't fight his nature to cause chaos, at least minor mischief chaos, all the time.

With a sigh Fluttershy placed a hoof on Discord's shoulder, "I am rather upset.....but I can see you feel bad and I know that if you could you would do everything to help getting Castus home. But I don't want you doing this ever again. Do you understand."

Discord nodded, "Yes Fluttershy. I think I should go now."

"THat...might be for the best." FLuttershy said.

Discord frowned, but Fluttershy gave his lion paw a squeeze to put him at some ease. Discord smiled a bit as he stood and snapped his fingers to vanish in a poof of light. With him gone, Fluttershy stood alone and with a sigh she sat back down and placed her hooves to her face.

What did she do now?

Castus

It was late in the afternoon when Castus finally awoke and washed himself. Fluttershy had tried to coax him awake earlier, but he merely asked her to leave him alone and let him sleep. He hadn't felt like getting up at that time.

Fluttershy was busy with her usual chores now, seeing to the needs of the animals around her cottage. And he...well he just sat inside on the couch, bent over slightly as he tried to figure out what he did now.

What could he do now? What did one do when they learned that they could never get back home, especially from a being that showed near omnipotent power?

'Do I just go on? Go on as what? Here I'm just an animal for gods sakes, what kind of freaking life can I have when I have to pretend to be something I'm not for all of my life.' He thought as he growled and gripped his head, running his fingers through his hair.

He had been alright pretending to be like the humans here, somewhat. Enough to pass off, but he didn't think he could do that forever. Sure he could be himself around Fluttershy and the girls....and he figured the zebra Zecora. Crap he didn't even know if he could trust her to not tell someone he could talk. Then again, she lived in the Everfree Forest.

A single breeze drifted pass his ear, the soft feeling of wind vibrating across his hearing. Even though he was inside.

'Oh yeah, and then there is that.' Castus thought as he covered his ears. But still the sound of wind he could hear.

He didn't know what it was about, but he felt it was part of...whatever he had done to those trolls. Discord said it was magic, even though he shouldn't have been able to use magic. If it was the case, it only made him both scared and also angry. Here he was with magic, something that had shocked a being that lives for the unexpected, and he knew it couldn't do for him the one thing he wished it could. Not that he had any idea how to even control it, and that also scared him.

'I don't even know how I used it the first time, but I killed two creatures with it. True they were trying to kill me, but what if it happens again. I don't know a thing about this...what if I....' He groaned and got up and headed toward the door. All this thinking was driving him insane. He needed to get out and walk, maybe walking would help him get things straight. Besides he didn't feel like being stayed up inside all day.

Castus stepped outside and felt a light breeze blow against his face, a wind he could feel. A real wind, not this imaginary one that he could hear but not feel; even though the other wind he could still hear as a light background noise. Not as apparent, but still there.

Despite the rather grim circumstances surrounding his mood, he was happy for one thing. The feeling of actual pants. They were no jeans, but the fabric that made up his new pair of pants were amazingly comfy, which was good cause while he had pants he sadly didn’t have any undergarments on. He was really glad it wasn’t wool he was wearing.

‘That would be just too uncomfortable.’ He thought.

Even his shirt was a comfy on him, light weight and it breathed very well. All in all, he could say, even without knowing her well that Rarity girl was good with cloth making. And he would admit, very pretty like Fluttershy was.

‘Agh, no don’t need that right now.’ He thought, shaking his head.

He walked around the cottage to head toward the Whitetail Wood forest that bordered Fluttershy’s cottage alongside the Everfree. He knew of a small stream that ran through the river that was in still a good distance to the cottage. Even if it was out of the way, he didn’t feel a need to wander far from the one safe place he had in this world.

“Oh, Castus. Are you going somewhere?"

Castus stopped and turned to see Fluttershy, she looked at him with worry. He frowned and turned to face her fully.

"Yeah. A walk. In the woods." He said simply before turning around.

"Oh...w-well, maybe I can join you. I've finished everything I have to do and I don't-"

"Alone. I'd like to be alone for a moment." Castus said, cutting her off.

"O-oh....I see." Fluttershy said, her tone hurt. Castus had a feeling she was hiding her face in her mane now.

"Castus....I...I've been thinking..." Fluttershy then said, her voice stuttering slightly, "I...that is...I learned.....Discord told me-"

"Just shut up," Castus snapped, "Just shut up. And leave me alone."

Fluttershy eeped, and Castus felt sure that he had hurt her. She was sensitive like that, but right now he didn't care. He just wanted to be alone. And he didn't want to talk about it.

Because if he did....he would have to admit it. To accept it. And a part of him, wasn't ready for that yet.

"I'll be back before dinner." He said, and walked off.

"O-okay." Was all Fluttershy mumbled, just barely audible.

Castus kept walking, and didn't look back.

But if he did...he might have seen tears.

Castus walked on through the forest, kicking at the dirt with his arms crossed over his chest. He had hoped that coming out side and walking around would get his brain working, but all he got was another headache and a feeling that he was a jerk.

And he probably was.

'God damn it all. It's like everything is just falling to pieces.' Castus thought as he kicked the ground.

What did he do now? He figured that he would have to stay here, he was stuck here. But what the hell kind of a life was he expected to live now? Hiding? Pretending to be an animal? Hoping that he didn't do something that showed he was smarter then the average bear and end up....who knew where.

'And this magic. What the hell does it mean for me? And why do I keep hearing this damn wind!' Castus thought, growling with frustration as the gentle calm of the Wind, continue to blow.

What did he do now?

'Come.'

Castus paused in his step and looked around. There was no one around, yet he knew he had heard something.

'Come.'

There it was again, a voice...but....no. It wasn't a voice.

'Come.'

There was no voice...but it felt like a voice. No, what it was, was a feeling. A feeling that was carried by the Wind. A feeling that sang upon his mind, that rang gently in his ears like the light jingle of a bell.

Castus turned again, and found himself staring in the direction of the Everfree Forest. The feeling was coming from there.

"Oooooh great. Now I'm hearing voices....or callings or....oh great. Great. Ehahahah." Castus chuckled uneasy.

The feeling continued, but it wasn't a compulsion. Castus didn't feel a need to follow, it just felt....more like a request. It was a choice. How he knew that he didn't know, he just knew.

'I should just walk away. Right now.' He thought.

It would be smart. It would be, to him, logical. The Everfree had twice nearly killed him, and he didn't want to try for a third.

But the feeling just kept coming, kept making itself known. And with it's request, Castus started to feel....a calm. And feeling that calm, he felt it creep across his mind.

"I should just leave.....but I'm just too stupid to listen." Castus said, and slowly walked toward the Everfree, following the sense of the Wind.

It was his choice. But he had a bad feeling about it.

Oh well. What was the worse that could happen? What else did he have to lose, when his whole life had been taken from him already.

Castus continued through the forest, stepping over rocks and tree roots. Swearing when his foot falls caused a twig to snap, and every time freezing and looking around for something to leap out at him.

He was paranoid, but he had a good reason to.

Yet still he found nothing, and the feeling still continued, leading him. Though where Castus didn't know.

As he continued, he felt the feeling grow strong, the sense of its intentions grow more clear. It was still asking him to come, but he could feel it was not of a malicious intent. And the sense of calm that accompanied its message grew. Yet still Castus could not shake away his discomfort. He was not in a safe place after all.

'Where is it leading me?' Castus thought, as he pushed aside a low lying branch and found himself by a cliff.

The drop below lead to a gorge below, and if he went over Castus could tell enough it would be a drop that would not end well. And the feeling was stronger across the gap...on the other side.

'How do I-' Castus thought, till he noticed a wooden rope bridge that covered the gap. He walked over and inspected the planks. They were old, and when he slowly took a step on, hands gripping the rails with a white knuckled grip, they creaked and moaned.

'Oh....great. This makes me feel safe.' He thought as he slowly started to cross the bridge. The boards moaned, but that was all. Still, he didn't let go of the rail and kept his pace slow and steady till finally he reached the other side and threw himself down onto his knees with relief.

"Oh thank god." He sighed, relieved to be across.

Getting up, Castus saw that the ruins of an old castle stood before him, the broken stone and desiccated foundation of a once proud citadel. Who would build a castle way out here in the middle of monster wood?

Castus found himself humming a tune from a certain video game as he looked at the ruins. He chuckled and then felt the presence of the feeling again, stronger then ever.

'Come!'

It did not lead into the castle. Which Castus was glad for as he didn't exactly feel like entering into an old ruin that was no doubt home to any number of wild animals and crumbling stone structure.

But where it did lead, was to a staircase, built into the side of the cliff and leading down into the gorge, and at the far end of the gorge stood a cave. The feeling was coming from that cave.

'Oh...unknown cave. Much better then.' Castus thought.

Not like anything ever lived in caves. Yet despite his feelings against it, he found himself descending the stair well and heading toward the cave.

Castus stood near the entrance to the cave now, and the feeling was at its zenith. A soft light seem to glow from within the cave, and a feeling of calm and peace washed over him in such a way that he could not help but feel safe. Feel collected. To feel at peace, despite everything that had happened so far.

'What is in here?' Castus thought, and he slowly leaned against the cliff wall and peeked into the cave.

What he saw shocked and filled him with awe.

"Whoa....wow." He said, and slowly walked in.

Fluttershy

Fluttershy looked once more at the clock. It was now eight at night, and Castus still had not returned yet from his walk.

'Oh, where is he? He said he would be back.' Fluttershy thought, pacing back and forth near the dining room.

Castus was deeply troubled, and he had a reason, but still Fluttershy worried that he might do something reckless. Especailly after the way h had snapped at her earlier today.

'It still hurts...thinking about it.' She thought, biting her lip and holding a hoof over her heart. When Castus had yelled at her like that, it had hurt a lot inside. She didn't know why, but she didn't like him talking like that to her; it upset her.

"Oh, I know he was angry...but I don't think he would...NO!" Fluttershy shouted, taking all the animals by surprise.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just....no I won't think about it." Fluttershy said, shaking her head.

The animals all looked at her worried. Fluttershy went to the coat rack and put on her sweater, "I'm going to go out. I'll be back soon."

With that she stepped out into the night air and turned toward the forest.

The dark....shadowy....forest.

Fluttershy gulped, but shook her head. She wasn't going to be scared. She was going to find him. And so with her resolve set, she took off into the forest...

....after going back inside and getting a flash light.....two of them.

Castus

Castus stood before a tree. But it was a tree unlike one he had ever seen. In place of bark, was the purest crystal...or was it silver? He could not tell, but it gave off a light, a glow, that felt warm standing so close to it. It was comforting.

The trunk of the tree bore markings of a moon, a sun and in the center a six pointed star, and at the branches were.....a butterfly, a balloon, a lightning bolt, a diamond shaped gem, and an....apple?

"What....is it?" Castus asked as he stepped closer to the tree.

A strange sense of welcome seemed to echo across the Wind, the gentle breeze carrying a melody of simple low bells. A feeling of safety surrounded him, and came from the tree. It felt like....the tree was welcoming him. And strange enough....Castus could feel the meaning behind the feelings carried by the Wind. He didn't know how, or why. He just did.

"You....are what was calling me here......why?" Castus asked.

Pain. There was pain he felt, the pain of loss. To loss something dear. A pain of missing home, and the sense of that pain being felt. Castus frowned, and lowered his head.

"How did you even...." Castus mumbled.

The feeling of pain soon faded, and the calm returned. The peace returned, yet there was still sorrow. Castus looked up to the tree once more, understanding.

"How can I be calm? Or at peace when I can never see my home again. Never see my family again....I can't even tell them I'm safe." Castus said, looking up at the tree.

The winds blew and carried the sense of the tree.....understanding. It understood his pain. The feeling of calm though was being replaced by something else...by....acceptance.

"Acceptance...how can I just accept it. I have no one here! Everyone I've ever loved is there and I can never see them! I'm utterly...alone." Castus snapped at the tree, biting his lip to fight back tears.

A sudden image of Fluttershy soon floated pass his mind. Her smile. Her tender care. How she helped him when he needed it, and accepted him. Gave him a home.

....cared about him.

"Well...yes...she cares...." Castus said, frowning, "I....I shouldn't have....acted as I did.....to her."

A feeling of sadness echoed on the Wind, and Castus frowned even more. God, he had made her sad. He had been so angry that he let himself make the one person in this whole world upset, had hurt her. Snapped at her.

"God, I am such a jerk." Castus said, covering his eyes.

'Cannot change what is. But never let grief or anger control your will. There is always a light in the dark.'

That was what Castus could hear from the tree, if not in words but in feeling. And as he placed his head against the trunk with a sigh, he realized that was the truth.

"I....I can't go home....but....I shouldn't let it eat away at me. To make me hurt those who care about me. I can't change what is.....I just....have to move on." Castus said, admitting what he knew all along.

He just needed a tree to help him out.

He looked up at the tree once more and smiled as he stepped back.

"I don't know what you are...or...well any of this but.....thanks. I never thought I'd be set straight by a tree." Castus said.

A feeling of....humor....echoed from the tree.

'Oh god...a tree with a sense of humor.' Castus thought, laughing at the absurdity.

But then again...he had been engaging in a conversation with a tree. How absurd was that?

Turning, Castus looked out of the mouth of the cave and saw that the sky was now night, how long had he been here?

"Oh crap, Fluttershy is probably worried sick." Castus said.

'Home.' Was what the tree sent now. What he felt from the tree. Castus turned back to it once more and nodded.

"Yeah....right. Thanks." He said.

Without warning a light of the purest white flowed down from the heart of the tree, down to its roots, and from the root a flower sprouted. Castus jumped slightly from the sudden action, and watched with curiosity as the flower grew bigger and bloomed, revealing a small box.

'Take.'

Castus looked to the tree, then to the box and slowly approached it. He slowly reached for the box and took it from the flower, which wilted and returned to the earth when he did.

Castus looked at the box,then to the tree, then back to the box and slowly opened it.

Inside was a necklaces. Silver chain attached to a small silver image of a tree, six studded gems on the image, each with a similar color as the gems on the tree.

Castus fingered the necklaces gently as he pulled it from the box and looked at it. An odd gift....if it was a gift.

The feeling from the tree was gone now, leaving him in silence. Castus looked to the tree once more before placing the necklace around his neck and tucking it behind his shirt to hide it. He then turned and walked out of the cave.

He walked back the way he came, wary of course of his surroundings, yet despite the darkness, he could feel a slight presence, offering him aid out of the forest before vanishing when he stepped back into the Whitetail Wood.

Castus placed a hand over the necklace he had received from the tree.

'This was.....strange.' Castus thought, 'but....I think it was what I needed.'

"Castus! Castus!"

Castus turned and saw two rays of light shining from the forest, Fluttershy's voice calling him.

Castus smiled and called over, "Over here!"

A few moments later, Fluttershy rushed toward him and Castus had to brace himself as he felt the timid Pegasus girl collide into him and wrap her hooves around him in a hug.

"Ohmygosh! Castus, thank goodness. I..I know I upset you when I tried to talk to you this morning, but I'm really sorry, I was just trying to-"

Castus blinked but smiled and wrapped his arms around Fluttershy and hugged her back, "No...I'm sorry. You were trying to help, and I was just too upset to do anything but snap at you."

Fluttershy looked up at him, tears in her eyes, "No, I understand. I don't know what you must be feeling. Not being able to go home again, but...I..."

Castus smiled, "Maybe...but still I shouldn't have acted like that. Can you forgive me?"

"Of course. I'm just glad you're safe, I was so worried when you didn't come home. Where were you?" Fluttershy asked, wiping at her eyes some.

Castus opened his mouth to say something, but closed it. He didn't really know if Fluttershy would believe him about his conversation with the tree, so he simply said, "I was here. I'm sorry I worried you, I guess I just lost track of the time."

Fluttershy smiled, "Well, you're safe so that's what matters. Come on, lets go home."

Castus nodded and the two of them walked back to the cottage.

Even if he could not go home, Castus felt glad for something as he looked at the Pegasus girl beside him, a smile on her face as she looked at him. Even if he must stay here for the remainder of his life.

At least he had someone beside him.

Author's Note

This chapter was a toughy, partly due to my own tiredness due to work, and partly due to how I wanted it all to sound, and partly due to me getting another cold -_-

Writing dialogue for Zecora is a pain.

Winds, Beasts, History, and Tel'eran'hid

Castus

After his meeting with the Tree of Harmony, Castus had brought himself into something of a pattern to his life now.

He would help Fluttershy with her chores around the cottage, who was more than willing to accept his help with a smile....and a rather long extensive lecture on what each and every animal enjoyed eating or how to best feed and care for them.

Frankly Castus had no idea how she could remember it all. There was simply so many animals from mice, hamsters, cats, dogs, several types of birds and one rather large bear. Oh, and Angel the bunny; though Castus felt the name didn't fit.

After that, he would either read a book or talk with Fluttershy. He had learned a lot more about Fluttershy than he had previously known, such as where she grew up and her cutie mark story, as well as some of her adventures as a former Bearer of the Elements of Harmony.

"So, you were a wielder of some ancient magical artifact?" Castus had said when she had told that story.

"Oh, well one of them. I bore the Element of Kindness. Rarity had the Element of Generosity. Pinkie Pie was Laughter. Rainbow Dash is Loyalty, and Applejack is Honesty and Twilight is Magic." Fluttershy said, labeling each of her friends and their respective element.

Castus rubbed his chin, "But you don't have them anymore?"

Fluttershy nodded, "Yes. We had to return them to the Tree of Harmony to save it, as well as Ponyville from Plunder Roots that had grown wild in the Everfree by Discord before we reformed him."

Castus frowned. Discord was still a sore note for him, but he was rather surprised by the involvement of the Tree. The symbols on the branches he had seen then had to be the elements.

"So what do you do if something evil shows up again? Didn't you say those elements had saved Equestria a number of times?" Castus asked.

"That's what we asked at first as well. But the Tree gave us a box that held a magic that allowed us to defeat such a threat that showed up. His name was Tirek, and he had tried to steal all the magic from Equestria-" Fluttershy said, telling the story.

Castus listened with interest, but as he did he could not help but wonder if the necklace which he wore under his shirt, was more then what it seemed. If the box had a magic, did the necklace?

In fact, speaking of magic, Castus was having his own issues with that.

Since his initial usage of it, he had not had any other moments in which he repeated what he had done; which he felt was a good thing. But at the same time he had been having....moments. Moments of events that he couldn't explain, be it a feeling in his head or something of a more physical type.

Sometimes it would happen when he helped with the animals, he would sometimes get a feeling pinching at the back of his brain as he brushed either a cat or dog, though it was most apparent when he helped around the bear.

It was...a sort of savage feeling, bound beneath a layer of calm and trust. It wasn't from him, but the feeling seem to come from the animals. It was difficult for him to explain, but it felt as if he could feel the wild within the mind of the beast. Though tame, to an extent. Though it was only for brief moments and only when he focused himself on a task such as brushing their fur. Though everytime it passed, he could not help but feel that when the animal looked at him for but a brief second before returning to look at Fluttershy with a smile, he wondered if the animal knew he had felt it.

And of course there were other moments. Sometimes he would be walking through the woods, and find himself suddenly tripping over grass that had somehow grown and knotted itself in a way that when he moved his foot he would trip, or even something as small a feeling. A feeling of the life in the wood, in the grass. Like a presence that was around him, but like with the beasts the moments were fleeting, momentary and impossible for him to figure out what he had been doing.

And through all of this, the Wind still blew upon his ears, or perhaps his mind, or perhaps both. At times it was difficult to determine what he was really hearing or feeling, but that presence of a gentle breeze, even when a breeze should not be felt or heard, it was there. Even when he slept, he could not help but feel....a tingling on his senses that at least did not make it impossible for him to sleep.

But in sleep, he had other troubles.

The memory of the statue, still sung soundly in his mind.

"Seek me out. Beneath the Golden Spires of White."

That was what the statue had said. Though where these spires were he could not know.

He had forgotten it for a time, when he had been angry. But now it was more clear, and it played over and over again in his sleep, like a constant reminder. A calling. But these were merely dreams.

Were they?

And if to add to his troubles, he had found that Fluttershy had wanted him to come along on her weekly spa trips. Of course he had wanted to refuse, but the look she had given him proved to hard to say no to.

Besides.....it...it wasn't like it could be worse right?

It WAS worse.

'I'm gonna die from a heart attack. I just know it.' Castus thought as he sat at the far end of a large hot tub, head tilted at an angle towards the water, wondering if it was the blood rushing to his head or the heat of the water that was making him dizzy as he tried to avoid looking up toward a sight that would send any young male into a nosebleed.

Five young women of equal age at least, though anthropoid ponies yes, but all of them naked in the tub with him, conversing as if it was not at all strange.

Recently he had started to come along with Fluttershy to her weekly spa trip with Rarity, which the fashionista did not mind, and was quiet happy to see him wearing the clothes she had made.

"Oh I knew the colors were perfect. I must say, he is perhaps the only human I have seen so far that actually looks decent in such clothing. It's his form I think, far more slimming then the hulking brutes you see in zoos or farms." Rarity had said when she had seen him in the clothes.

Of course, like last time, Castus found himself once more in a position that made him very, very uncomfortable. That when the hot tub part of the spa trip came.

And it was only worse when it was a day when Fluttershy's other friends, save Rainbow Dash who as Fluttershy said it, would turn in her Daredevil license before having a spa treatment, were also part of the party.

He had since, gotten a good idea of what each girl had body wise.

Rarity was obviously the more mature, at least personality wise, and had a voluptuous type body. Fluttershy had an almost similar type of body, though Rarity's was more pronounced in some areas.

Pinkie Pie of course was big breasted, wide hips and a fine ass. She was a little bit more weighty compared to the other girls, but all in the right spots. Must be all the sugar she no doubt ingested...and some how worked off enough to keep from getting over weight. How he didn't know though.

Then of course there was Applejack, who had an athletic work girl build to her. Her hips were wide some, though they showed the toned muscles of someone who worked out or used them daily. Castus could tell this was a girl who you did not want to get into a fight with...not unless you wanted to end up with a pair of broken balls. And since she had hooves for feet, that could quiet possibly be very literal.

Twilight definitely was a book reader, and had a thin body of one that did not do a lot of physical work. He placed her breast size at somewhere between B and C. Defintely attractive, anyone who enjoyed a naughty librarian fantasy's dream girl maybe.

Now that he thought about it, he did notice that a lot of the girls did have some pronounced hips, even Twilight had some. The flank as they called it. Castus wondered on that, though when he thought about their tails and how they swung at times when they walked. He realized that the two probably worked in some way to attract a partner.

Of course, none of them were trying to attract him...at least not willingly or knowingly. But boy was he having a hard time keeping himself collected.

'Just stare at the water....stare at the water....stare at the water.' He thought.

Usually the girls would talk among themselves, leaving him alone, there was one pony girl in particular who didn't always do that.

"Hey! Why are you here all alone? We don't bite!" Pinkie said with glee as she wrapped her hooves around Castus waist and yanked him over to her, pressing his back against her breasts as she hugged him.

'Die....I'm gonna die....' Castus thought as he felt the towel he wore around himself wasn't going to be enough covering.

"Pinkie Pie! I say do becareful. What if he snaps at you." Rarity called worried when the pink pony dragged Castus over to join the girls, sitting down with him in her lap, holding him in a tight hug as she giggled.

"Awww, he wouldn't do that." Pinkie said, "He likes this."

"I don't know sugar cube....he looks a little....uncomfortable." Applejack said, noting Castus stiff body. And by that meaning his lack of movement.

"Oh...um..m-maybe we could..." Fluttershy said, flushing slightly as she tried to save Castus from his entrapment.

"Still, I'm surprised he isn't lashing out or anything. He is a lot more docile than average humans. I wonder if he was selectively bred for that." Twilight wondered, leaning over slightly to take a closer look at Castus.

Of course all Castus could do was try to not look at her cleavage.

"Now ladies, let's not crowd around the dear. Just in case he does suddenly snap." Rarity said, a hint of worry in her voice, "And Pinkie do let him go."

"Awww," Pinkie said, but let Castus go and moved to the side.

A look at the clock told the girls it was time to move on, and they got out of the tub, their warm wet dripping bodies soon wrapped by towels.

Castus watched them as they went and gulped, 'I'm stuck here......forever.'

He didn't know if this was a good thought.....or a bad one.

After all of the mental torment that he suffered, Castus was always glad to relax at home. This world didn't have t.v., did have old style like movies apparently though these were few and far between. Apparently it was a new technology and was still in the works.

So it was that Castus was left with books. Not that he mind, in fact he found that he rather enjoyed many of the books that Fluttershy had, or borrowed from the library for him. He found the history of this world to be fascinating. If he was going to live here, he might as well make himself knowledgeable of the world.

It was during one of these readings, when he took notice of a phrase in a book, concerning Equestrian History. Or especially the history of its grand capital.

Canterlot, or sometimes known as the Gleaming City of Golden White Spires.

'No...I-it couldn't be.' He thought, noticing the phrase of the words were very similar to what his dream told him of. But it couldn't be?

Could it?

Even if it was not, the thought kept him up the whole night.

Celestia

Celestia felt.....troubled. She could not explain why though.

'Like a nagging sensation at the back of my head.' She thought as she lifted the tea cup to her lips to sip the warm liquid.

Chai tea from the Far East, a gift from the Emperor of Neighsia. She found it to be quiet calming in the afternoon, after all the hearings and other such things her advisor Kibitz scheduled for her. Which could be quiet a lot.

Yet still, the tea could do little to dull the sense that something was not as it should.

'Perhaps it is the strange device that we recovered.' Celestia thought, thinking on the strange black box they had thrown into the Reliquary. Though they could not discover anything of apparent magical nature to it, such a strange device could not simply be thrown aside and so was locked up with the other magical and ancient relics of by gone ages deep within the catacombs of Canterlot for safe keeping.

Still where could such a strange, nearly impossible to determine its purpose, device come from? It did not seem to be natural, and it was obviously built though in a way that no pony could replicate. She could give it to Twilight....

'No. I better not. She might end up having a mental breakdown if I gave her such a task and found she could not fulfill it.' She thought, remembering the last time her faithful student had strived to fulfill a task she believed she was required to.

Still, something was.....stirring in the world. A feeling on the wind. A feeling she had not felt....in a very, very......very long time.

Castus

Castus could tell it was getting colder, and from what Fluttershy had told him it would soon be winter since Nightmare Night, this worlds version of Halloween, was pass. How long had he been here now? Several weeks at least, if not near a month. Frankly he had lost track. Either way it was starting to snow a lot. Winter was indeed here.

'No Thanksgiving? Aww man, I wanted turkey.' Castus thought with some regret. He liked the November holiday. Every year his old neighborhood threw a big party with all sorts of food. Castus always went, cause who missed a chance at free food and a chance to pig out on turkey and stuffing and pie. And gravy...lots of gravy.

"Awww man...." Castus thought as he started thinking on the types of food he couldn't eat, at least not near Fluttershy. Turkey. Ham. Bacon. Steak! Steak was a really big no no due to the fact that the cows here talked.

'Still....rather odd that the cows talk. That must make milking....really awkward.' Castus thought.

Still, it would be interesting to see this Hearths Warming Eve holiday that Fluttershy talked about. Apparently there was a pageant that was played in every town to commemorate the holiday, one which Fluttershy was going to Manehatten to attend with her friends. Apprently Rarity had managed to get several tickets through her fashion connections and had invited her friends to come with her.

"I participated in the pageant last year, in Canterlot. it was really scary, but it was a lot of fun as well. Though, it will be nice to see somepony else stand up on the stage. I don't think I could do it a second time." Fluttershy said shyly.

"Hmmm, sounds fun. Guess I'll be staying here to hold the fort so to speak?" Castus said as they two lounged in the living room by a warm fire. He was currently taken in with an especially interesting book series detailing the history of Equestria before Celestia, or the Celestia Era. He was on the first book, concerning the Grazing Age and the Great Cataclysm of the Alicorn Kingdom.

Yet as he read, Castus felt his head go dizzy as images began flashing in his mind.

Burning cities of white marble, fringed with gold and silver. Spires of the greatest works brought low in fire and crumbling earth. Great beams of light, flame and thunder raining from the sky, while the earth heaved and cracked within a city, its streets breaking into pieces while houses and shops burned by the beams of power, or fell into the openings of the earth.

Winds scream as soldiers howled their death cries, pouring across determined paths of safety from the destruction to swing swords and axe upon fleeing alicorns, sparing nearly none. Great roars of fury echoed upon the sky as six great scaled winged beasts tore through cloud, unleashing their dreaded breathes of flame, their giants wings fanning the flames.

A large keep, gleaming white spires now charred by the flames, cracking in two as its structured collapse before a flare of multitude of colors engulfed the central area of the city, and the Wind screaming an echo of death as finally the rain of destruction passed.

"Castus...Castus." Fluttershy said, leaning close.

Castus gasped and pulled back, causing Fluttershy to pull back in surprise.

"O-oh, I'm sorry. W-were you thinking on something? I'm sorry I bothered you." She said quickly, sorry for surprising him.

Castus blinked and placed a hand to his head. The image was gone, but it had felt so real. What was that?

"I....forget it....what were you saying?" Castus said quickly. Hoping to forget the strange image. He didn't know what was happening to him, but it was not worth scaring Fluttershy with it.

"Oh, well I was saying that you won't be here alone. I thought it be nice if you came along. I already checked with Rarity and the hotel we will be staying at while we are in the city allows humans. Though, you can't enter the theater were the pageant is being held." Fluttershy said with a frown.

Castus blinked, "What? But what about the animals? Don't they need taking care of?"

Fluttershy blinked, "Oh no. A lot of the animals are hibernating now, or flown south for the winter. Don't you remember?"

Castus blinked, then facepalmed, "Oh yeah." Now he remembered why it was quieter. Most of the animals were gone or asleep for the winter. He should have expected that. Even Angel had retired to his bed for the winter; which Castus was glad for. The little rodent and he didn't get along very well still. If ever.

Fluttershy giggled, "So don't worry. It would be nice to spend Hearths Warming eve together," Fluttershy frowned and added, "Wouldn't it?" She looked at Castus expectantly, as if his answer would make her smile or make her cry.

"Oh, Y-yeah. Yeah...I was just.....surprised is all. I mean, I can't see the pageant..." Castus said, "but I never was one for those things."

Fluttershy smiled, "Oh, but don't worry. I promise when the pageant is over you and I will spend the rest of the day together. We can go walk through the park and see the sights. They even have a giant tree lit up in the center square at night."

"Sounds like a regular winter date." Castus said with a laugh, but causing Fluttershy to eep in surprise.

"A-a-a...a d-d-d-d-d date?!" She gasped, eyes wide as a blush came to her face.

Castus blinked, "Uh..hey no need to freak out. Just a joke."

Fluttershy blinked again, "O-oh...ah...oh I see. Ahahah...oh yes a joke. Well uh...since that's done I will go see how the soup is coming." Fluttershy quickly got up and left.

Castus blinked as she left and couldn't help but wonder what that was all about.

Then again, this was Fluttershy. She was easily surprised or shocked by a lot of things.

Fluttershy

Fluttershy stirred the soup for tonights dinner silently, a hoof over her heart as she tried to will it to slow its overly increased pace. The words that Castus had spoken, still echoing in her mind and making her shutter as she thought on it.

'A date. A date. Why would he say that. He certainly couldn't-'

But no, he had said it was a joke. it was just a joke! So....so why did it hurt to think of it like that.

Fluttershy gasped and shook her head and focused on adding some spice to the broth to make it tasty. She was not going to think on that. On anything like that. it was just....just ...it was just....

'It's wrong. Wrong. Wrong! I...I am a pony. He is a human. That would be just wrong. It be like taking advantage of a poor creature.' She thought, shaking her head at the forbidden, unholy, thought. Humans were animals, such thinking was just wrong!

But he isn't like the humans you know is he. He is smart. Sentient. Pony like. Like you. A voice, her voice, or the inner part of her own mind that spoke.

'But...but it...it wouldn't be right. I-' Fluttershy thought, but only gripped her mane and pulled. Dear Celestia but what was wrong with her brain. She didn't like Castus like that. She couldn't.

'He is just a friend. A good friend. He makes the cottage feel less lonely. I like spending time with him because he is my friend. That is all!' She told herself, nodding her head as she felt that all was settled now.

He was just a friend......

Just a friend....

A friend. That was all.

Castus

Things were mostly quiet in the coming days, with no animals Castus did not feel the sense of the Beast at the back of his mind any longer. But still the Wind blew. Always the Wind blew. As well, something seemed to be bothering Fluttershy and it worried him.

Sometimes he would catch the girl looking over at him, but quickly look away or leave the room when she noticed him noticing. Sometimes he could hear muttering when he passed the stairs leading up to her room at night to use the rest room. It was rather worrisome.

Until the destined day came, when it was time for them to take a train to Manehatten. The snow had conquered the earth, dressing all of Ponyville and the passing land with a fine blanket of white. And it was definitely cold, though Castus felt the large and puffy winter coat, hat and gloves that Fluttershy wore might have been a bit much. All he had on was his usual clothes, save for a pair of warm boots and socks that Fluttershy, after Castus asked for something to keep his feet warm, had Rarity to make for him, and a thick winter coat.

"This will certainly be an enjoyable next few days. It will be nice to see a pageant this year instead of playing the roles." Rarity said as she turned to her friends.

"Yeah, though I doubt you'd have accepted the Princess Platinum role again if it had been offered to you this year." Rainbow Dash said with a smirk.

"But of course. I can't deny the actress within me," Rarity said, "Besides I'm sure you wouldn't have passed up a chance to be Commander Hurricane again, would you?"

Rainbow Dash smiled uneasy, "Heh, guilty." She then looked over at Fluttershy and Castus, who sat quiet watching the landscape.

"Say Fluttershy, why did you bring him along anyway? What if he freaks out when we're in the city?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking at Castus uneasily as if he was going to do just that any moment, "You know how humans get in busy places like cities."

"Oh, well I couldn't just leave him alone at the cottage. That would be just as bad. Besides, as long as I'm with him, he will feel comfortable." Fluttershy said, shifting slightly in hear seat with all her friends eyes on her.

"Of course darling. Besides, I highly doubt we have to worry about Castus there suddenly going crazy. He has proven to be quiet a well trained human I must say." Rarity said.

"Yeah, I mean he hasn't snapped at or tried to bite any of us, especially Pinkie." Twilight said, looking up from her book.

"Why would he want to snap at me?" Pinkie said, suddenly appearing from under Castus seat, causing him and Fluttershy to jump in surprise as Pinkie giggled and got up to sit back down in the seat in front of them.

"Gee. Who knows." Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes.

The city of Manehatten, reminded Castus a great deal of New York Manhatten. Even the name was nearly similar, and being a large city, it had that usual feel of bustling activity, even with the cold and snow.

'Wonder if there is a kid out there sending two dumb goons through a house of traps somewhere here.' Castus thought, fighting back a smirk. He instead looked around at the tall skyscrapers and busy roads. All around ponies walked here and there, and strange creature drawn carts which seemed to act as a cabbie system here.

The creatures themselves were the most odd. They stood as tall as an ostrich, and even looked like one almost. Long powerful legs on a slender body. A long neck ending with a head and two short front arms or wings. But it was not an ostrich, it looked more like a lizard, bird hybrid. The head reminded him of a lizards, or maybe a velociraptor from Jurassic Park. In fact, Castus felt it looked more like a tall velociraptor, but instead of scales it had feathers, even its body was covered it a downy like coat. Luckily it didn't have a long foot claw, just three toed feet.

'What is that?' Castus thought, but he didn't have time to look further as he was lead along toward the hotel with the girls.

The girls were given the keys to their rooms, three rooms total each with two master beds, all right next door to each other.

"Well, lets get settled in. The pageant is tomorrow night, so we have the whole evening and night to enjoy ourselves. And, I have reservations for all six of us at a restaurant in the area that is simply delightful later tonight." Rarity said as she passed the keys to the rooms to her friends.

The girls all smiled as they all began talking about what they would do with their day. Ranging from checking out a sports stadium, art galleries, and even a library were discussed to be visited. Castus himself merely looked around, taking notice of a few momentary stares from some ponies; though largely he was ignored and even saw a few other human pets. Though in the elevator, he felt like the pony operating the lever kept casting glances at him. Frankly he was glad when they finally arrived at the rooms, Pinkie and Fluttershy, along with Castus, went to their room, and the other girls to theirs.

Suffice to say, Castus wasn't to...thrilled to know he was going to be in a room with Pinkie Pie for the next two days. It wasn't that he disliked her, in fact he found her humorous given her bubbly personality though she could be a bit.....much. And he didn't know, but he felt sure she knew that the way she would always hug him made him....uncomfortable.

It was going to be....interesting.

The remainder of the day consisted of unpacking, and then the girls all heading out to see the sights, agreeing to meet back at the hotel later for dinner.

Castus and Fluttershy had gone for a walk through the park, and through the local zoo. The zoo had been especially interesting as Castus had gotten his first look at humans in a more captive setting.

The humans had a large enclosure with fake rock structures and a cave which he could see some humans sleeping in. The whole thing reminded Castus of primate enclosures at zoos in his world. It felt odd seeing the same species as he, on the other side of the fence.

Beside the enclosure, a pony in a zee employee vest was giving a lecture to a group of ponies about humans. In her hooves she held a young human child, probably two years old, which she allowed other ponies to hold or pet for a few moments. Like how in some zoos in his world you got to hold a koala.

"Awww, it's so cute." Fluttershy said when they approached the group. Some ponies looking at Castus in surprise for a moment.

"Would you like to hold her?" The zoopony asked with a smile, offering the human toddler to Fluttershy.

"Oh, yes. Thank you." Fluttershy said excitedly as she gently took the human child and held her close to her, the human clinging tightly to her fur with wide eyes. Castus looked at the small child in Fluttershy's hooves and smiled noting how cute she was holding her.

At the same time though, he felt pity for the child who seemed to be afraid. A sense of nurturing came over him and slowly he extended his hand to brush the childs head softly to calm it, and as he did he felt something he had never felt before.

It was the sense of the beast once more, like what he had felt with the other animals. Technically that wasn't surprising, since even humans were at their core an animal, so it was only natural that they would have a feeling of a beast in them, but unlike the other animals this feeling felt more....prevalent. In fact, he could feel the base instincts over powering everything in the childs mind, with fear being the most felt.

But, but there was something else to it. Something dark. Something unnatural, something that seemed to force the base instincts to be all that was felt. It felt like a taint upon a river, blackness that covered a light he could sense in the humans mind, a light he could also feel from Fluttershy.

'Oh my god!' Castus thought, not knowing what it was but understanding what it meant.

The human was intelligent. Not only intelligent, but had a sentience to it that he had not felt in the same way as the other animals he had felt before. But more like the light of sentience and intellect that came from Fluttershy. But while the light of Fluttershy, kept the savage sense of the beast in her mind asleep and repressed, whatever dark taint that lay upon this childs mind seemed to repress the light and promote the savagery.

Castus stepped back in shock and the feeling soon faded. Ponies looking at him oddly by his sudden stepping away from the child. Even Fluttershy looked at him worried a moment, and she soon passed the human child back to the zoo pony and said thank you before taking him away.

"Is something wrong?" She asked quietly when they were alone.

"I...yeah...I think." Castus said, though he could see Fluttershy didn't feel confident by that.

The two left the zoo shortly after, mostly due that Castus wished to leave and mostly that it would be time for Fluttershy to meet the others for dinner. She apologized that he had to stay at the hotel, and promised she'd try to bring home something for him. But Castus only nodded, as he was too focused upon something else.

Humans here, were capable of sentience as the ponies. Perhaps they had always been, but something....made it impossible for them to express this, and kept them as beasts. He didn't know what, but for a brief moment when he felt that taint....he wanted to cry.

To cry in shame.....in guilt. He didn't know why, and that only made it worse.

Castus sat alone in the room now, his mind troubled by what he had learned. Though he couldn't say what it would do him. Should he tell Fluttershy? Would she even believe him? And if she did, he no doubt would have to explain how he knew, about his......magic. About the Wind.

Interestingly enough, he found himself use to the sound of the Wind. Where it once felt like a soft background noise it now seemed quiet, though when he listened for it he could always hear it as strong as ever. He figured that his mind had grown use to it and merely filtered the sound out unless he actively listened for it...or maybe felt it was a better term.

Either way, he didn't feel comfortable explaining that to Fluttershy. Though he was a bit surprised that Discord hadn't told her. Didn't he say he was dangerous or something?

'Is he up to something?' Castus thought.

Sighing Castus laid back on the couch and stared up at the ceiling. Wishing he had his phone, or at least a t.v. . He yawned and felt his eyes starting to droop as he lay there, and finally decided to take a nap while he waited for the girls to get back.

Fluttershy

"Hoowee. I'm stuffed." Applejack said when they arrived to the hotel once more.

"Eh it wasn't so bad. Though you didn't have to tell them to stop bringing the cider." Rainbow Dash huffed, looking at Rarity.

Rarity waved her hoof dismissively at her friend, "Please darling. You had already had three bottles, more than enough for you or have you forgotten last summer at the beach?"

Rainbow Dash felt her face go red, "Th-that...we swore to never speak of it!"

"Ah well, I rest my case." Rarity said with a smirk, as Rainbow Dash grumbled in defeat.

"Their chocolate lava cakes were amazing!" Pinkie cheered.

"We know darling. You had seventeen of them. Honestly where does your energy go to?" Rarity asked.

"It was excellent Rarity. Thank you." Twilight said.

"Oh indeed, I certainly must thank my client for referring it to me." Rarity said as they entered the elevator, the elevator pony pocketing bits he had been counting to take them to their floor.

Fluttershy merely smiled as her friends talked. Dinner had been fun, and the food delicious. But what she enjoyed the most was the conversation. It was great to converse with her friends together, remember old adventures, trading jokes, or talk of interesting moments.

Though it had seemed less then perfect to her, like something had been missing. Fluttershy looked at foam box that held her untouched dessert. She hoped Castus liked it in make up for having to leave him in the room alone.

'I hope he didn't get bored.' She thought with a frown.

She really wished Castus could have come. It would have been nice if he could have come, but he was a human. She frowned at the thought, but said it to herself once more.

He was a human. She had to remember that. Always.

The girls all waved good night as they entered their rooms. Fluttershy dug through her purse till she found the key, all the while Pinkie hopping up and down behind her.

"So are you hoping that Castus will like the cake?" Pinkie asked.

Fluttershy paused, and looked to her friend, "I-what? What makes you say that? I...I just couldn't finish my dessert is all."

"Ppfft, silly Fluttershy. There is always room for cake. Besides, Castus had to stay here all alone, so I bet you were bringing him a treat. I do the same for Gummy all the time." Pinkie said with a wide smile.

"O-oh...well...maybe I was. I felt bad he had to stay alone without us." Fluttershy said, turning back to the door.

"Yeah, I wish he could have come too. I bet he would have had all sorts of funny jokes." Pinkie said with a giggle.

Fluttershy stopped dead as she inserted the key and looked back to Pinkie, "P-Pinkie..Uh...humans can't speak." Fluttershy felt herself starting to sweat. Had Pinkie somehow learned that Castus could talk?

Pinkie blinked and looked up, placing her hoof to her chin in thought, "Oh wait. We aren't at that chapter yet. Silly me."

Fluttershy blinked confused as Pinkie then turned the key and pushed open the door and skipped into the room. She watched her friend a moment before shaking her head confused.

'She's just being Pinkie....but I think it's getting worse.' She thought.

The room was dark when they entered, save for the light of a single lamp by the couch, where resting quietly was Castus.

"Awww, he's so cute when he is sleeping." Pinkie said, hopping over and smiling down at the sleeping human.

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile, and had to agree. He did look cute when sleeping. She placed the cake into the fridge of the room, deciding to give it to Castus tomorrow as she didn't want to disturb his slumber.

"We should be quiet, we don't want to wake him." Fluttershy whispered to Pinkie.

"Righty oh." Pinkie saluted, though not very quietly, before hopping over to her bed and flopping down onto it and getting undressed for sleep.

Fluttershy smiled and went to the closet and removed a blanket from its confines and slowly placed it over Castus to keep him warm. He shifted slightly in slumber, mumbling something, but his chest still rising and falling in the sure sign of slumber.

Giggling slightly, she then turned off the lamp, encasing the room in darkness.

"Sleep tight Castus." She whispered slightly, before gently kissing his forehead.

Discord

Discord turned another page of the book that he was reading, if a book nearly twelve feet in length, with pages as thick as wood planks, seven thousand pages long, only the first in a currently seven hundred thousand and growing series, and written in a language so old even time itself has forgotten where it came from and left only a few individuals able to read it counted as a book.

Discord placed a monocle over his eye and slowly began tracing a paw through the ancient text as he searched for an entry that he was looking for, if it was indeed in there.

"Section G, subsection four, paragraph seventy two, line three." Discord mumbled as he slowly read off each word, and with each word a memory replaying into his mind as if it was a clear vision.

It had to be here somewhere, but so far all he had managed to read was the creation of the world and the evolution of the first life forms.

'Still, it is rather interesting that humans and ponies descended from the same vertebrate species so many eons ago. Who would have thought a fish only a few centimeters long would become such silly and cute creatures.' Discord thought.

Still, he could find nothing so far, yet he knew that there was something here. How he didn't know, but he knew that it would be connected to Castus and his strange magic. Call it a hunch, but he knew he had felt that form of magic before.

Long, long ago. But where and how he could not remember, at least not yet.

Several pages later, Discord came across the chapter of the beginnings of sentience of creatures that would begin to populate the world. He quickly placed a second monocle upon his eye and started from the beginning of this section as he felt sure it would hold the knowledge he sought.

And so it began in this era, with the changing of the lands once more as mountains rose where once ocean lay, and great plains of grass and sand overcame where once forest stood. Where seas dried up and new ones born as rivers broke new ground and carved out new valleys and wetlands for life to explore and grow, when five species stepped forward into the light of sentience, where all other beings lay in savage primativity. To the great south, where the suns gaze was strong, became the domain of a great and powerful race known as the Great Sauroids and their lesser cousins the Saurians. They would soon spread to other areas of the world, populating swamps and jungles. In the middle lands, where all manners of enviroments grew from deep forest and plains, to desert and wetland and mountain ranges, the mighty Aarakocra on their mighty wings established kingdoms within the mountain ranges and canyons in which they lived, and the powerful and ageless Alicorns arose among the grassy fields their forebears once roamed, and built their mighty kingdom that would spread to many areas of the globe, and come into conflict with other empires.

Discord read these words carefull, and with each word he saw an image play across his mind.

The Great Sauroids, strong and powerful creatures of reptilian descent. Though related to dragons, the dragons were but minnows in comparison to the might of a Sauroid. Great beasts of god like stature, capable of living for eons, and wielders of ancient and powerful magics far greater than what the Alicorns could ever hope to dream of. Their awesome size and strength made them powerful predators, and they were masters of their genetic code, capable of mutating themselves into nearly any form they wished, from long and agile bodies like snakes, to powerful wings to lift their massive bodies into the air and allow them to block out the sun for miles across, to having multiple heads to allow greater area of coverage by their powerful breathes of fire, ice, acid or lightning. Their scales harder then diamond, truly these ancient beasts were beings without equal and with cunning minds with a desire to rule and increase the size of their treasure troves.

The Saurians, man like snakes and lizards, the lesser cousins of the Sauroids, and who worshiped these great beasts as gods. The Saurians while lacking in the great magics of their gods, were capable of a lesser genetic control, able to give them great strength or intellect far greater then any. And like the lizards and snakes they were related too, spread like wild fire as their great nests of eggs grew.

The Aarakocra, a species of cat and bird, similar to the griffons, save they were taller and more muscular. Their predatory minds gave way to cunning and ingenuity. They built great cities in the canyon and mountain sides, and waged terrible words with the elder giants, the race that would spawn the trolls and ogres of the modern Equestria. The Arakocra won their wars in the end, but were left broken and weak at the end. And weakness then was a death sentence for an empire.

Discord ignored the images of the Alicorns, he knew enough about them from Celestia and Luna. No sense of fun at all. Too uptight and always with a stick up their flanks.

Though he did find their ancient imperialism to be rather fascinating. Who would have thought so benevolent a race now would have such a history of slave labor and environmental destruction, even if they tried to make up for it later. Though he did wonder how such a powerful species of hundreds went to only a handful now?

Discord kept reading, and finally reached the passage that gave him an answer to his question.

And the last race to grow to sentience were the humans. Weak in comparison to the other races, the Saurians and Aarakocra hunted them for sport and sacrifice and inflicted great scars upon the human race and these people were nearly brought to extinction. Small pockets of tribes yet remained, living either in the cold north near the Ice Seas, or on the fringes of the most arid places of the Southern lands. But one pocket of humanity set their roots in the heart of a wide verdant valley, and it was here the wandering tribes of this pocket settled and built farm towns and prospered, safe from all but wandering monsters, and lived in peace among each other for their home offered enough for all the twelve towns that grew. It was here in this lush valley, that would spawn an empire that would conquer all who stood before them, tear the earth apart and remake it to their needs. Destroy all other Creator races, driving some to extinction and others into slavery, and at the height of their power hold all the world in their grasp and expand their dominion into other worlds.

These people would become known as the Valhrua.

Discord kept silent as he read, and re-read the passage over. He read on, and with each paragraph read, each moment of history explained and the images of these events played out in his mind, a feeling of awe, wonder, curiosity, excitement and surprise filled him, but as did dread, fear and worry and the thought that he had perhaps made a mistake in bringing Castus to this world.

"I think I did a baaaaad thing." Discord said, placing a talon to his chin as he pondered this revelation.

Luna

The Princess of the Night, was not a fair explanation of her title Princess Luna felt. She did so much more than rule the night, and raise and set the moon. While her court was not as busy as her sisters, in fact she had learned that the Day and Night courts were very, very different.

And running both, exhausting. She could not help but pity her sister for the thousand years she had been left to handle both.

Though Luna and her Night Guard did at times patrol the forest and hills for nocturnal monsters that tried to wander away from their dens into populated areas, her greatest and most important duty was to patrol the dreams of her subjects though the World of Dreams.

The World of Dreams was ancient. Perhaps as old as the world itself, if not older. It was both apart and part of the world, a reflection of the world and other worlds for it was within the World of Dreams where the boundaries of reality were at their weakest in that the World of Dreams expanded to all worlds where dreams lay. It was in this world of imagination, that Luna spent most of her time, entering into the area of the World of Dreams known by here merely as the Between, and in the Between, she observed the dreams of all who dreamt, and at times even entered those dreams to dispel the nightmares that came.

It was in this world, where her strength was absolute.

While in the waking world, she and Celestia were near equals, her sister was older and stronger in magic than herself. But when it came to the World of Dreams, Luna was the greater sister. Celestia had trouble maintaining her concentration in the realm when she choose to enter it, which when in a world where imagination was the rule, an unfocused mind could be problematic. As well Celestia found she could not exert as much control over dreams as her sister could, and when she entered the Between to observe the dreams of her subjects, well her difficulty with controlling the Dream World oft at times had caused her to be drawn into the dreams of her subjects and e unable to leave until the dreamer had awoken.

Suffice to say, Celestia had learned a great deal of the more....unsavory thoughts of some of her subjects concerning her. When Luna had returned from her exile in the moon, she felt sure that this was one role of the Night that she was glad to be rid of. Luna could not help but snicker a giggle.

It was during this night, as she wandered the Between, the bubbles of dreams of all dreams floating past her, and images playing across their surface, that Luna stumbled upon a clear Dream Bubble.

"What?" She said, tilting her head as she approached the bubble.

Usually Dream Bubbles held faint images of the dream within, but this one was clear, yet whoever it belonged to was surely asleep, or it would not be here. A Dream Bubble only existed if one was asleep.

Curious, Luna slowly brushed her hoof across the bubble, to allow her a great vision of the dream within. To her shock, she felt herself being drawn into the bubble, despite her protests she soon was engulfed into the dream.

And old city lay in ruin, its once beautiful buildings now nothing more than rubble. The ruins themselves were tilted at an angle, and built upon the overturned remains of a mountain top. What few buildings remained, bore the style of an ancient empire.

One which Luna had only seen so many years ago. A time that she would rather forget.

"Wh-what....how....who dares dream of such a place?" Luna hissed, looking at the ruined remains with disgust.

Even if they were now a ruin, the mere sight of this place still filled her heart with contempt and bitterness as old memories flooded back. Memories of pain and fear.

Luna looked around, and saw in the distance a single tower still standing among the ruins. While the other buildings were destroyed or crumbling, this tower stood firm and tall as if freshly constructed, and gleaming in a ray of light that shone down from a bleak black sky.

"We will see who this fiend is. We are sure it is Discord. Even that one must sleep." Luna said. She felt sure it was Discord, as she had once stepped into the dreams of that mad creature. Like their owner, they were just as chaotic and without sense as he was. She tried to avoid them.

But perhaps he had tricked her into entering his dreams, no doubt for some sinister prank. Though if this wasa joke, she found it not funny in the slightest.

"We will see who is funny soon." Luna thought with a scowl as she landed upon the balcony of the tower and stood before a closed door. She raised a hoof to kick it open, but paused when she heard voices within.

"You know...it is rude to do what you do." The voice said from within.

Luna froze, feeling a shiver run up her spine as she felt her face heat up. She lowered her hoof, and for a moment felt meek.

'Wait...what is this?' She thought, and shook her head and stood up straight and pushed the door open.

"Who are you to dream this place?" She called and stepped in.

She was surprised by the décor of the room. A simple study, with a wide couch and chair near a roaring fire. Shelves of scrolls and books made up the walls and laying upon the couch slept a human.

It was an oddly fored human. Much more slimmer than the ones that populated Equestria. Luna wondered if it was a new breed, yet it wore clothes. A pet perhaps?

"Such rudeness. To enter without asking. You have forgotten your manners little one." The voice said, and Luna turned toward a desk where a another human sat. His back was to her, but he wore a tunic of fine silk of purple and white, with a cloak of shimmering cloth of deep gold, with the mark of a circle with one half white and one half black, eight points upon the mark of white, green, blue, brown, yellow, red, purple and grey. The hood of the cloak was up, and so covered the humans face, but he spoke in a way that continued to make her shiver.

"I....you...." Luna stammered, and found she could not think of an excuse for her rudeness.

It had been rude. To enter so when not called upon. She should apologize, ask for forgiveness and hope he was kind. Luna was shocked to find she had already crouched low, shivering and eyes closed before she stood up once more.

"Who are you!" She demanded, fighting back her fear and meekness. Though what spawned these feelings now she did not know.

The figure stood slowly, and Luna shivered as he did. he turned to her, face still covered by the shadow the hood of the cloak cast.

"So rude. Disturbing me when I rest. To enter where you are not wanted. I dislike interruptions to my work, and your disrespect angers me so. Perhaps you need.....re-education." The voice said the last with a hiss as he raised a hand and flare of bright light flashed as Luna felt herself being hit wtha force that sent her flying.

She felt herself being torn from the dream, thrust back into the World of Dreams and from the World of Dreams thurst back into the waking world.

"AAAGGGH!" Luna screamed as her eyes shot open, her magic faltering as she felt herself return to the waking world. She fell forward as if pushed and rolled down the small stairs of her throne to lay on the floor.

"Princess Luna!" A night guard called as they burst through the door into the throne room, and rushed to the aid of their princess.

"Get the medics. She is hurt!" One guard called to another, who rushed to follow the order.

Luna groaned, and felt pain along her body. Slowly she focused herself and looked to where she felt pain. The area of her gown around her flank was torn and shredded, and her flank was covered in a number of red marks, the marks that came when one was whipped or flogged. Blood seeped from the wounds.

But how? She had been in the World of Dreams, so how could she have gotten hurt?

She thought of the man once more, and shivered. She had to tell her sister.

Something was stirring in the world, though it was not yet moving. But she feared it soon would.

And though she suspected something, she could not figure out how it could be. it defied logic and facts.

But if her suspicions were true. Then all of Equestria, nay all the world, was in great danger.

Author's Note

This chapter was a pain >_< all I will say. I must have two separate word docs that hold parts I decided to use, then cut out and started over again.

Pageantry, and Revealings.

Discord

...And so it was that the great Alicorn Kingdom was laid low, its cities laid low and its people enslaved by the Valhrua. With this victory in hand, the Valhrua held the entirety of the Middle lands and Southern Lands, and all the resources which these lands held, thus beginning the dawn of the Valhruan Empire...

The script went on, and with each paragraph, Discord felt himself grow more impressed with each word, and his awe and fear grow as well.

"If Castus is a Valhrua...but how can that be, he wasn't born here." Discord said, and looked further till he stumbled upon a section that gave an answer.

The Valhrua's knowledge of the Wind, the great driving force upon which they drew their powerful spells, enabled them to extend their influence and culture outside their world, though the process was difficult and not without risk. Never the less, they established colonies upon several other worlds...

From there it went on about the expansion of the Valhrua home side, as this book detailed the history of this world. Was it possible that Castus' world was one of those colonized by the Valhrua? It was possible, and Discord had a feeling it was the truth.

Discord returned his gaze to the book, and read on. There was so much to learn of these Valhrua, and while Discord preferred to learn as he went, he decided that it might be better if he was better informed for the future.

Castus

Castus sat once more alone in the hotel room, a book in his hand as he read by the light of the lamp.

Fluttershy and the girls had left earlier in the afternoon to see their pageant. And while he could not see it, Fluttershy had packed a book for him to take out when alone later to read, that was more of a history of the events of the pageant.

That and a delicious piece of cake she had saved from her dinner with her friends the other night. He had eaten that after they left, so he could eat like a civilized being with a fork.

'So....wendigo's here are...Ice Spirits?' Castus thought as he read about the beings that brought the great winter.

He found this rather odd that his world, and this world had a similar name for a creature...but two very, VERY different personalities. An Equestrian Windigo seemed to be an ice spirit that bring horrible blizzards and fed off of hate and fighting, while a Wendigo from his world was a monstrous, human flesh eating cannibal.

'Then again, since Equestrians are all herbivore in nature, I doubt they have had to deal with the taboo of cannibalism. Not like my kind which can eat meat...and has at times had to eat other humans.' Castus thought. It made him wonder if diet had any influence over the construction of folk lore, legends and traditions.

Castus looked up at the clock, as he got up to put the book back into Fluttershy's bag. The girls would be back soon, no doubt the pageant had finished and they had strolled through the park to see the big tree that Fluttershy spoke of. She planned to take him out as well, just the two of them when she got back.

He smiled at the thought.

"We're baaaaack!" Pinkie cheered, as the door burst open. The hyperactive pink pony rushed in and Castus jumped back till his back was pressed against the arm of the couch, and cringed as he felt the pink pony wrap him in a hug.

A hug which was....getting very tight; and maybe a bit....painful.

"Oooh, we missed you sooooo much!" Pinkie said as she lifted Castus from the couch and spun him around in a hugnado.

Castus felt himself getting sick from the spinning, and was grateful when Pinkie suddenly stopped. His eyes spun as he saw Fluttershy's hoof on Pinkie shoulder with a tight grip.

"Now Pinkie...maybe you can let him go now? He might not like being spun like that." Fluttershy said with an intense look on her face. A very commanding tone in her voice.

Pinkie and Castus blinked and stared at Fluttershy a moment, causing the pony to blush and realize the tone she had.

"Oh...uh...well I mean...um...I-if you want too." She said, hiding in her mane as she fidgeted uncomfortably now.

"Oh, sure," Pinkie said, back to her perky self as she set Castus back on the couch.

Castus breathed deep a moment, glad to be out of the pink pony's grip. He didn't know Pinkie all that well, but he knew enough to stay that: One, she was crazy. Two, she had no sense of personal space. And three, she really enjoyed giving hugs. Especially to him for whatever reason, not that he minded.

Well okay, maybe he did mind a little. He really didn't want to know if she was able to break his spine with a hug, though it had felt like she had come close several times.

"Still, we really missed you. You would have loved the actress that played the actor that played Chancellor Puddinghead. I bet she was at the pageant when I played Puddinghead, cause she went through the chimney like I did." Pinkie said with a giggle.

"Uh, yes she did....though it still isn't part of the script..." Fluttershy mumbled softly.

Castus would have facepalmed if he could. Only Pinkie would do.....that. Worse he knew her enough to realize that was normal. Among other things that simply made him wonder about the sanity of this pony.

"Oh and the tree. I didn't think a tree could get sooo big." Pinkie said, talking about the big pine tree in the city center.

"Oh, speaking of, I should take Castus for a walk. I know he'd like to see it." Fluttershy said, getting the leash and attaching it to Castus' collar.

Pinkie flopped down onto her bed, pulling off her socks when she saw the leash, "Wow, didn't know you two liked that." She then gave the a half closed eye look with a smirk.

Fluttershy blinked and looked at Pinkie, and Castus just blinked.

"Uhh....what?" Fluttershy asked, though Castus could see a faint blush on her face.

'Why would she be....' Than Castus looked at the leash and thought for a moment before realizing it, 'Oooooh.' He felt his own face heating up and turned to look at the wall so the back of his head was facing Pinkie.

"Oh, wait. Not there yet. Never mind. Lalalala." Pinkie said, before going about her business. The sound of the bathroom door opening and close told Castus she went in.

He then looked to Fluttershy, who looked at him. The two of them looked at each other, than to the leash and they both flushed immediately.

Well...things couldn't get more awkward now.

"Let's just....not speak of this." Castus whispered. Fluttershy nodded and the two got up and left.

Castus felt sure of it now. Pinkie was......not normal.

And also very perverted.

Snow drifted down from the sky as Castus and Fluttershy walked the streets of Manehatten. Eventually the two reached the park that Fluttershy spoke of, and at the center stood what Castus could only describe as the largest pine tree he had ever seen.

'It's huge!' He thought as he looked up at the tree.

The tree must have been nearly as tall as an apartment building several stories high. It probably rivaled the tallest redwood back on his world. Bright lights and decorations dotted the tree, and at the lower branches, little kids ran about adding little decorations of their own, some stands stood offering decorations for ponies to place on the tree, some with names and others with funny designs.

The two stood there, looking up at the glittering tree for a time. Castus got a deep feeling of nostalgia, and he felt memories of his world resurface. He closed his eyes, and gave a soft sigh. He wondered if the seasons mirrored each other between his world and this one. If so, that would mean his family and friends were all enjoying the holiday season....if perhaps in a melancholy mood as he felt being they were now separated.

He felt a tightening around his hand, and Castus looked down to see Fluttershy's hoof squeezing his gently. He looked to her face and saw her giving him a small smile. She could tell how he was feeling, and wanted him to know she was there for him. He smiled only brief, feeling warmth in his heart.

By now it was getting late, and many ponies had left, leaving the park nearly empty save for the few couples and single ponies sitting on benches, gazing up at the tree, or walking the park paths. Fluttershy and Castus finally moved on, and decided to walk a long path through the park as they headed back to the hotel.

On the way, the two stopped at an area of the park that had no other ponies around. Fluttershy sat down at a bench and looked to Castus with a smile.

"I know it probably wasn't much. But it was nice to show you the tree. It is a lovely sight this time of year. They actually don't cut down a tree, but have grown the tree there years ago. I wish you could have seen the pageant though." She said.

"It was impressive. Some towns in my world do something similar," Castus said as he sat down beside her, "Gotta say, would have liked to see it as well. I was reading that book about the history of the pageant, and it definitely was interesting."

Fluttershy frowned, "I'm really sorry you had to be cooped up in the hotel most of this trip."

Castus smirked and rubbed the back of his head, "Eh...it wasn't so bad. Though a t.v. might have been nice."

Fluttershy frowned, but Castus quickly said, "But don't worry. It's the way things work here. I mean I can't really go parading around like I usually do. I'll adapt though, always do."

"But-" Fluttershy started with a frown.

"Hey no buts. This...this is just something that is." Castus said, cutting Fluttershy off, "besides, I can always be myself around you, and that's enough for me."

"Really?" Fluttershy asked.

Castus nodded, "Yeah. I'm probably very lucky you were the one that rescued me and all. I mean, I doubt any other pony would have accepted to well. God knows what Twilight would have done, probably strap me to a table with a bunch of wires stuck into me to figure out how I worked like some science project."

Fluttershy gasped, "Oh no, she wouldn't do that...well...I mean there was that time with Pinkie Pie but..."

Castus chuckled, which than caused Fluttershy to giggle.

The two laughed for a moment before Castus stood up, "Well, what's say we head back. It's late and we've got a long trip back tomorrow."

Fluttershy nodded and stood up, but as the two walked off, Fluttershy suddenly started to slip and fall back as he hoof stepped upon a patch of ice on the ground.

Castus acted fast, grabbing her hoof quickly and pulling her back towards him to keep her from hitting the ground. Fluttershy gasped in surprise by the change in direction as she found herself pressed against Castus' chest, and she looked up at him with wide eyes.

"Uh...umm..you okay?" He asked feeling his face heating up.

"I...uh...yes....thank you." Fluttershy said, looking down at her hooves and stepping back slightly from Castus.

The two stood there, awkward for a moment before Castus handed the leash back to Fluttershy, and the two walked off. All the way, the two of them trying to calm their beating hearts.

A light snow began to fall, as had been scheduled no doubt, as they were halfway to the hotel. The streets were quiet, save for the odd cart pulled here and there. There were not many ponies out now, but the sounds coming from taverns and bars told that the streets would soon be lined with revealers later.

As they moved on, passing a number of stores and alleyways, that Castus started....feeling something. He couldn't really describe it, but he felt as if something was...calling him. He stopped dead in his tracks as he felt the feeling across his mind, and looked around trying to determine the source of it.

"Castus?" Fluttershy said, looking at curiously, "What's wrong?"

"Something...this way." Castus said softly, turning toward an alley and headed down the dark corridor.

"Wh-what? Wait." Fluttershy said, as she followed after Castus.

Castus kept on, following the feeling as he glanced side to side. It was this way, somewhere. Though what he didn't know.

"Um, Castus...I...where are we going? And m-maybe we can do it...tomorrow when it's not so...dark." Fluttershy asked, making a noise of fear by the dark confines of the alley.

Castus said nothing, but he finally stopped moving and turned toward a door of a building, a sign hanging above the entrance. The sense was coming from within.

"Um, Castus...th-this is a curio store." Fluttershy said, noting the building.

Castus didn't say anything, and gripped the door knob.

"I...I doubt thy would be opened. It is late after all and.." The ringing of a bell though cut Fluttershy off as the door opened up.

The inside of the store was dark, and looked to be filled with boxes of junk and stuff. Castus walked in, with Fluttershy trailing behind him. He felt the leash tighten a bit, and looked behind to see Fluttershy gripping it harder as she looked around nervously.

"Th-this place is....scary." She said simply with a gulp.

Castus frowned, he didn't wish to make her uncomfortable...but he had to find what was calling him. He turned and started looking around, noting the various shelves about that were loaded with antiques and other stuff.

"Oh, welcome to my shop fair beauty." A voice said, making Fluttershy jump and cling to Castus in surprise.

From behind a shelf stepped a stallion dressed in a tan coat, and red scarf. A hat covered his head and a small pair of glasses decorated his face. The owner Castus suspected.

"O-oh...u-um hello." Fluttershy said, letting go of Castus and looking at the ground, "We-I mean...if it is too late...I'll leave."

"Oh no no, do stay. My store is always open. Come, come let me see how I can help you. Perhaps you have come seeking something?" The stallion said as he moved to stand behind the counter.

Fluttershy and Castus walked over and Castus looked around the shelves behind the counter. It was close.

"Oh...U-um well...maybe." Fluttershy said, looking at Castus a moment.

"Well, you have come to the right place then. I hold any number of rare and old artifacts, charms and antiques." The stallion said as he ducked down and pulled a skull from under the counter.

"Perhaps you seek old fossils of creatures gone past? To learn what wisdom can be gained from their ageless bones?" The stallion said as he placed the skull onto the counter.

Fluttershy gasped and stepped back slightly from the skull. As for Castus he blinked in surprise when he saw it. The skull was shaped like a cats, and had two large sabers at the front of its jaw.

'A sabertooth cat?' He thought. It made him wonder if this world and his shared a near evolutionary tree of animals.

"Oh do not be frightened my dear. These old bones cannot hurt you. This piece was found many years ago in an archeological dig in the Zebra lands before the Dragon King's fury broke it so many years ago." The stallion said with a smile.

Fluttershy gulped, "I-it is interesting...but..."

The stallion quickly put the skull away, "Ah yes, perhaps old bones are not what you seek. Perhaps something older, and more mysterious." The stallion went behind a shelf at the back and returned carrying a small cloth covered tray.

Pulling the cover, the stallion revealed a selection of coins, necklaces, and even a few bracelets. The coins themselves were gold, tough worn by age. The stallion held one up for them to see. Fluttershy leaned closer to look.

"Perhaps ancient coin and jewelry is what you seek?. Some say these items come from the ancient civilization of Eridu." The stallion said, before lifting up one of the necklaces.

Castus ignored those. Whatever was calling him was right here! It was so close, he could almost taste it. If he didn't have to have this damned leash on and put on an act for this pony...

"I-I'm not looking for..." Fluttershy said, but was again cut off.

"Oh yes of course. You obviously seek something far greater and far more mysterious." The stallion said, covering the tray once more and setting it away. He reached to the top of a shelf, and pulled down a cloth covered item.

The feeling grew stronger now, and Castus felt his eyes snap toward the clothed covered item the stallion held.

"I notice you have a human with you. Odd things humans. Well, if you have an interest in humans I have something you may like." The stallion said and set the item down as he slowly unwrapped it.

Castus and Fluttershy looked at the item was it was slowly revealed. It was a statue, perhaps four or five inches in length. It depicted a cloaked figure kneeling in a symbol of prayer with a large orb above the tips of the fingers. Indeed it was fingers as the figure depicted was that of a human, not a pony.

"Wh-what is it?" Fluttershy asked, generally awed now.

"Oh, it is a very old item that I came across in my travels. It was said to have been held within a dragons hoard that was plundered a by a group of brave adventurers many years ago. It is suspected to be from Eridu itself, though yet it shows no sign of age what so ever. And look." The stallion said as he set the item down and removed a chisel and hammer from under the counter.

Fluttershy watched, while Castus kept his eyes glued on the statue.

'That's it. That's it.....what is it?' He thought as he looked at the item. His fingers twitched so slightly.

The stallion placed the chisel upon the statue and than smashed down upon it with the hammer. Fluttershy gasped, but looked at the statue in surprise as the stallion removed the tools and set them down.

"Behold, yet even with such force the item is not cracked, broken or marred in any shape or form." He said, lifting it up for her to see.

"B-but how?" Fluttershy asked.

"No pony knows. It seems to be made from a substance stronger than any we ponies know today." The stallion said with a coy smile.

"Wow...that is amazing, b-but I'm not here too..." Fluttershy began, but jumped when Castus had shot forward and grabbed the statue from the stallion.

"I say unhand that you!" The stallion said, trying to grab the statue from Castus.

Castus held it high in his hand, out of reach and felt his breathing quicken as he held the item.

"C-Castus. Put that down!" Fluttershy said.

Castus ignored them as he looked at the statue, and as he held it he could feel a great sensation of power. It took Castus a moment to realize that even the Wind he heard was blowing harder, its gentle bell tone now a deeper rumble like some of the great giant bells of Notre Dame.

The stallion finally managed to get a hoof on the statue, and Castus felt himself growl as he lifted a leg and kicked the stallion hard in the gut, sending him back and into the counter with a grunt.

"Castus!" Fluttershy gasped.

Castus ignored her as he looked at the statue again and felt the Wind grow stronger. As it blew he felt a warm sensation within the Wind that now began to touch his body and mind. Castus couldn't explain it, but he could feel a great warmth within the Wind, blocked only by what he felt was a thin membrane of....something.

That warmth called to him, like the sirens of old it seemed to mingle within the bell tone song of the Wind and Castus felt himself....reaching out so it were toward the warmth, his mind piercing through the membrane and into the warm light of the Wind and felt warmth begin to fill his entire being and with it all his sense suddenly going into overdrive.

'Sweet mother of god.' Castus thought as he saw the room he stood grow lighter, as if his eyes could better pierce the darkness and the light from the candle only seemed to grow more vibrant. He noticed the stallion, who slowly got up with a hoof over his gut. The color of his clothing, mane and fur seemed more full and clear.

'What is that smell?' Castus thought, picking out a sweet delicious smell among the dust and odors of the building. He turned and saw that it was Fluttershy who smelled so divine....and looked so stunningly beautiful that Castus felt for the briefest moment he was staring upon the visage of an angel from the heavens.

Her entire being seemed brighter, and her eyes seem to glow in the light. Though dim the store was, it only seemed to accent her beauty. And god was she beautiful; Castus licked his lips as he felt a strong desire to take her right then and there and to hell who watched.

"Castus, what's wrong?" She asked, "P-please give the statue back and let's go."

Castus only stared as he felt the warmth fill his body further, the statue growing warm. It felt like his entire body was starting to burn. His blood felt like it was on fire, and the statue continued to grow hotter, before slipping to cold and back to hot. This flickering caused Castus to frown as he drew further upon the warmth of the Wind, and the Wind howling now like a tempest.

'Something....is wrong.' Castus thought as he felt the statue flicker between hot and cold. A shudder seemed to tremble through the statue. Castus felt his eyes widen as the statue suddenly cracked down the middle...and with it Castus body suddenly felt like an inferno. His whole body suddenly spasmed in pain, and it felt like his skin was ripping apart as if he would burst like a balloon.

'Too much! Too much!' It hurts!' Castus thought as he began to scream. His whole body burned, yet he couldn't stop the flow of warmth from the wind flowing into his body and the pain only grew worse.

"Castus! Castus!" Fluttershy screamed, grabbing him as he fell to his knees. Castus only screamed further, his head feeling like it was going to explode!

"It burns! It burns! It burns!" He screamed, and suddenly began slamming his fists into the ground, the whole shop shaking which sent dust up as he did.

"Sweet Celestia!" The stallion gasped, though if at Castus screamed words or the sudden shaking it was not known.

"Castus!" Fluttershy gasped, tears in her eyes, "Please tell me what's wrong! What burns!?"

"Everything!" Castus screamed as he slammed the ground over and over again. The ground shaking and the wooden floor splintering and his fists breaking through wood and slamming into dirt below. Each slam seeming to make the entire world shake.

"Stop it! Stop it!" Castus screamed as he grabbed his head and curled into a ball and began jerking left and right as he screamed. The shaking stopped but wind began howling in the shop, knocking over shelves and items. Fluttershy cried in fear as she placed her body over Castus.

"Stopitstopitstopitstopitstopitstopitstopit!" Castus howled, his words becoming a single long pleading for mercy. It felt like he was going to die!

'ENOUGH!' A voice shouted in his mind, and the flow of warmth into his body suddenly ceased and what remained in his body was pushed out into the ground and out to the city beyond. His whole body was cold now, and everything seemed duller now. As if the colors of the world became vibrant.

Castus' body went still, though his breathed ragged gasps and his body shook. His lips quivered in fear, as he mouthed words.

"C-Castus?" Fluttershy sniffled, tears from her eyes dripping onto Castus' face.

Castus couldn't respond, as darkness seemed to begin covering his sight and he slipped into unconsciousness.

Luna and Celestia

Celestia felt her eyes shoot open and she immediately jumped from the warm water of her bath, slipping on the tile floor as she did.

"Buck." She swore, getting up and levitating her bathrobe around her, a towel wrapping up around her mane.

She rushed out the door, taking the maid who was on her way with a warm towel, and the two guards stationed outside the room, by surprise.

"Your Highness!" The maid gasped in surprise as Celestia ran past her. The guards blinked in shock, but quickly ran after to guard their princess.

As she ran, Celestia passed several other servants of the castle, all jumping out of the way and watching their princess ran past them in little more than a robe, leaving a trail of dripping water in her wake to show her path. If any visiting nobles were to see her, it would be quiet a scandal.

'No time. If I felt it, Luna felt it.' She thought as she ran, finally reaching the doors to her sister's room.

Celestia pushed open the door, and saw Luna standing at the balcony. Her sister turned to the door in surprise by the sudden entrance, but relaxed upon seeing Celestia. Though she did give her a bit of a look concerning her sister's...apparel.

"You felt it as well?" Celestia said, stepping in and shutting the door. Her horn glowed as she began setting spells upon the door, the walls and even floor and roof. No ears must hear what was spoken, and the spells she wove would be sure that need for privacy.

"Yes. It was faint, but there. But where it is coming from, we cannot tell." Luna said, turning back to look out toward the horizon.

"But you and I know that if we felt it as merely a faint pointing here this far, than it is a far greater strength at its core." Celestia said low, joining her sister on the balcony and staring out with her.

Luna bit her lip and nodded, crossing her hooves under her breasts and hugging herself tightly. The bandages upon her flank starting to sting some.

"Yes, and it only proves what I told you as the truth." Luna said, giving her sister a look.

Celestia sighed, "It is not that I did not believe you Luna. But they have bee dead for longer than time can remember. Their knowledge lost. I did not think it would be wise for us to take steps without being sure; for all we knew it could have merely been Discord playing his tricks."

Luna frowned, "Not even Discord could have pushed me from the Dream World as was done to me. That being knew the workings of the world, enough to cause me physical harm." She placed a hoof to her flank and winced slightly.

The wound she had received had not been severe. In fact, it had looked more like someone had taken a riding crop to hard to her flank, or a flog. It had been utterly embarrassing, and only brought up old memories that made Luna quiver with anger.

"I know. But still, maybe this is not they. Maybe a pony merely stumbled upon the magic themselves. You and I both know it was not limited to them, they merely had the greater chance of being born with the ability naturally. Perhaps it is that." Despite her desire, Celestia sounded unsure in saying this and it felt as if she was trying to convince herself more than anything else.

Luna shook her head, "Perhaps, but I have my doubts. It was a human I had seen in the dream, and it was a human that had sent me from the dream. It is a human that is using the Wind."

Celestia slammed her hoof onto the balcony rail, "Buck!"

"Sister!" Luna gasped in shock.

Celestia sighed, "Forgive me..I...I just....buck it. This is not right!"

Luna stared at her sister. It was rare to see Celestia lose her temper so. Even when Discord had become free before his reforming, or when Tirek started stealing magic, or all the times she could have acted with more anger she had not. But this was the first time she had heard her sister swear.

It did not make Luna feel any more confident than she had previously felt. And that had not been much starting.

Fluttershy

Fluttershy sniffled and wiped her eyes as she looked down at the still body of Castus. She placed a hoof to his neck, and breathed sigh in relief when she felt a pulse.

'Thank goodness.' She thought. She had been so worried when he started screaming.

She didn't know what had been wrong, but that scream...that terrible scream. It sounded like Castus was in terrible pain. And than the shaking, and his hands. His hands were bloody and cut up where he had been slamming them into the ground.

"Wh-Wh-wha-"

Fluttershy looked over and saw the store stallion staring at them, or perhaps Castus, with wide eyes. He pointed a hoof at him and said, "What is he?"

"Oh dear...looks like someone caused a scene."

Fluttershy gasped as Discord appeared in a flash. He gave her a smile, before frowning and looking down at Castus.

"D-Discord?" Fluttershy said.

"In the flesh. Looks like Castus here caused a fuss." Discord said with a chuckle.

"D-do you know what happened to him? Please, tell me he is okay." Fluttershy said, looking up at Discord with pleading eyes.

"Now calm down Fluttershy, he is fine...I think." Discord said, "But let's first get you out of here. After all, things are...a bit chaotic outside. But first..."

Discord turned to the stallion, who looked up at the Draconeques with fear as Discord snapped a finger. The stallion suddenly fell forward and began snoring...loudly.

"There we go. A little nap will do him wonders, and when he wakes up...he won't remember a thing of what happened here." Discord said with a chuckle, "Wonder how he will react when he sees his store like this."

Before Fluttershy should say anything, Discord snapped his fingers once more and in a flash she, Castus and he were suddenly back at the hotel, in one of the rooms she shared with the girls. Around her Twilight and the others jumped in surprise by their sudden appearance.

"What the!?"

"Fluttershy!"

"Discord? What are you doing here; were you the one behind that earthquake!?" Twilight asked, pointing a hoof.

"Pfft, pleeeease," Discord said, "I'm reformed remember. Besides, I could think of something waaaay better than a simple earthquake."

"At least you are safe Fluttershy darling. We were absolutely worried about you and Castus when we felt the tremor." Rarity said, giving Fluttershy a hug.

"But what happened? And what's up with Castus?" Rainbow Dash asked, pointing at the unconscious human.

"He...he uh...the earthquake caused him to hit his head against a wall." Fluttershy said quickly. She didn't know how to answer that, and she hated lying to her friends.

...but she had to protect Castus.

"Goodness. Well let us set him down." Rarity said, lifting the human up with her magic and setting him on the couch.

"Thank you." Fluttershy said, and moved over to Castus to sit beside him.

"What is going on out there sugarcube," Applejack asked, "We started feeling the building shake, and I saw flashes of fire from outside my window."

"I-I don't know." Fluttershy said. There were fires?

"Goodness, well this is certainly a fine event to happen." Rarity said with a sigh of disappointment.

"It was awesome! My voice got all silly again, like when those cows were stampeding." Pinkie said with a giggle.

"An earthquake is no laughing manner Pinkie. Sweet Celestia I though the earth was going to rip open or the building collapse around us." Twilight said, giving the pink pony a disapproving look.

While Pinkie was a joy, sometimes she found the most...peculiar things amusing.

"Still, how do we know you didn't have anything to do with it Discord. After all, you are here right after it happened." Rainbow Dash said, looking suspiciously at Discord.

All the other girls, save Fluttershy, did the same.

Discord scoffed, "Ah, well I never. Here I come to check on all my 'dear' friends, and this is what I get." He scooped the girls up into his arms as he said this before letting them go.

"Right." Applejack said skeptically, readjusting her hat.

Fluttershy watched the exchange with a smile, before looking back down at Castus. She pushed some hair from his face, and checked his pulse once more to be sure he was okay.

He had to be okay, he just had to be.

Suddenly, he groaned, his eyes starting to flutter open.

"Hey, is he waking up?" Rainbow Dash asked, hearing the groan.

The other girls looked toward Castus as well, watching with smiles as the human slowly opened his eyes.

"Ugh...my head hurts." Castus groaned as he slowly pushed himself up and rubbed at his forehead.

Everything got....very silent. So silent Discord dropped a pin to see if he could hear it drop.

Fluttershy placed a hoof over her mouth, eyes wide as she slowly turned to look at her friends.

Suffice to say, they all looked shocked.

Finally, Rainbow Dash spoke up, "Uuuuuhhh, did he just.....talk?"

"It couldn't be. I-it defies all logic. No human can talk, it goes against current science." Twilight said, shaking her head in disbelief.

"I'll bet Discord's behind this. Probably some joke, playing some ventriloquist mojo." Applejack said.

"Y-yes....that must be it." Rarity said, "After all, there is simply no way a human can-"

"Talk! Of course he can talk." Pinkie said with a cheer, making the girls look at her.

"How-Pinkie, there is no way a human can talk." Twilight said.

Pinkie gave a raspberry, "Oh Twilight, don't be silly. Of course he can talk, I've known since the first chapter."

"Huh?" All the girls said at once, looking at their pink friend confused. Even Discord looked at Pinkie oddly.

Pinkie just ignored them as she jumped over her friends and onto the couch, making Castus jump and look at them all with wide eyes.

Fluttershy tried to think of what to do next, though was having a hard time. What would happen now? And why was Discord wearing a pair of sunglasses?

"This is great now! I was waiting for you to talk," Pinkie said, leaning forward against Castus with a smile.

Castus just lay there, mouth open, silent.

Pinkie frowned, "Awww, we broke him. Oh don't worry I can fix it!" She than took Castus face in her hooves.

"P-Pinkie what are you-" But Fluttershy went silent and her eyes going wide as Pinkie locked lips with Castus in a kiss.

The silence was upon them once more, as all stared at Pinkie in utter shock.

The kiss went on for while till finally, Pinkie pulled back with a big smile.

Castus sat there, eyes wide before saying in a whisper, "....wow...."

"See! It worked!" Pinkie giggled.

Castus

"Soooo," Rainbow Dash said, rubbing the back of her head, "You're from another world, where humans are like ponies here."

"Yeah." Castus said with a nod.

"And Discord brought you here." Applejack finished.

Discord snickered, "Guilty as charged."

The girls all stared at Castus then at Discord. Fluttershy stood to the side, her eyes lingering on Castus. He couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable from that stare. It felt like she was looking at him as if he done something wrong.

'Well...now she knows. Or well, maybe she doesn't but she sure as hell probably suspects something.' Castus thought.

The girls were silent till finally Rainbow Dash said, "Yeah, that makes sense. I mean, it's hard to believe..."

"It is very difficult." Rarity said with a nod.

"But if it involves Discord, it usually always seems farfetched." Applejack said with a shrug.

Twilight pressed her lips and rubbed her chin in thought before speaking, "Well, it isn't that too far fetched. Starswirl the Bearded has written several documents concerning the possibility of parallel worlds, alternate dimensions and universes." She then gasped and levitated a notepad and quill from the desk.

"Oh, this is the perfect chance to interview with an alternate dimensional creature!" Twilight said with excitement, her eyes wide with joy, "What is the environmental nature of your world? Can you give me any information concerning your kinds evolutionary history? Are there any similarities that you see with our world and yours?"

Castus leaned back in discomfort by the questions, as well as the near manic look that Twilight had in her eyes. Before she didn't pay him much attention when she did see him, but now she looked at him as if he was the most important thing to observe right now.

'I think I was better off not being noticed.' Castus wondered.

"What I don't get is, why did ya bring him here?" Applejack asked, looking at Discord suspiciously.

Discord shrugged, "Do I need a reason? I'm the Lord of Chaos, my actions don't have reasoning."

"So you just brought him here on a whim?" Rainbow Dash asked, skeptical.

"Of course." Discord said.

"And no plan ta cause any sort a mischief?" Applejack asked, peering closely at Discord.

Discord scuffed, "Ah, well if I am going to be suspected of foul play like this, I don't know why I stay." Discord crossed his arms.

"Girls, Discord hasn't any ill deeds in mind." Fluttershy said, coming to his defense.

"Yeah, maybe." Dash said with a flick of her mane.

"Well, all suspect aside, if he has been able to talk all this time, then how come you haven't told us Fluttershy." Rarity asked, crossing her arms.

"Hmm, that is curious." Twilight pondered looking at Fluttershy.

Castus sighed in relief, glad the attention was on Fluttershy now, who was wilting from the stares.

"Uh...I-well..." Fluttershy stammered.

Castus couldn't help but smirk as he watched Fluttershy try to explain her reasoning. She looked so cute like that, but he felt bad that he was enjoying her stress and so decided to come to her rescue.

"I asked her not to. I was uncertain how other ponies might react and I didn't want to take unknown risks." Castus said.

"Unknown risks?" Twilight asked.

"Whatever do you mean?" Rarity asked as well.

"Well, after my initial run in with Applejack," Castus said, looking at the cowpony.

"Hey, you were eating my apples. Though I guess I'm sorry if I was too rough on ya." Applejack said in her defense.

Castus rolled his eyes, "Anyway, after meeting her as I did and the events following, I felt that if ponies learned I was more than what they thought, I might end up on some science table or something."

"What? That's nonsense, Princess Celestia has passed several laws detailing prohibited acts that the scientific community can't do, you would be in no danger of harm." Twilight said.

"Maybe, but I'd rather my real self be kept on a low tone. At least for awhile, and maybe slowly make myself known. Is that too much to ask for?" Castus said.

"Of course not," Rarity said, "Your privacy is your right. I for one will keep my lips sealed concerning your nature as you have proven to be very well behaved."

"Uh...thanks?" Castus said, not sure of how Rarity said that.

"Reckon no pony would believe us even if we told. Just don't expect me ta lie if somepony asks if ya are intelligent, I ain't the best at lying." Applejack said, scratching her mane a bit.

"Aww, but I want to throw you a welcome to Equestira party." Pinkie whined with a frown.

"Maybe some other time." Castus said.

Pinkie Pie pouted, pushing her lower lip out. It was rather cute, but she brightened and said with a playful wink, "Okie dokie loki. I promise not to tell anypony. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." She finished by placing a hoof over her eye.

Rainbow Dash shrugged, "Sure, why not."

"Personally, I still think you have nothing to fear. But I guess if you really want to keep it a secret for a bit longer." Twilight said.

"I'd like that." Castus said.

Twilight nodded, "Very well. Besides, this will make it a certain I can personally study you without interruption from the scientific community. I could be the first to present a whole new field of study!" Twilight clapped her hooves together in giddy glee.

"Uh...right." Castus said, not sure he felt comfortable when Twilight said field of study.

'Definitely gonna have to be careful around her.' He thought. He could imaging Twilight strapping him down and putting all sorts of wires on him.

A glance at the clock revealed that it was getting late, and so it was decided that it was time to rest, as tomorrow they would be leaving as soon as possible. The earthquake had shaken a few nerves.

Castus was thankful that no one talked much about it, in fact he felt sure that Fluttershy hadn't even told them his....part of the earthquake. He knew he had caused it and he shivered remembering the pain. Though from the look she gave him, he knew he would need to explain.

'I just have to figure out now what I did....' He thought with a sigh.

Back in their room, Castus felt his body was suddenly very apparent of its physical and mental exhaustion, feeling like he had run twelve marathons none stop and he collapsed onto the soft pillows of the couch and fell asleep.

And as he slept....he dreamed.

Castus stood once more in that ruined city, this time in the middle of the Great Square. The Great Square was the gathering point of any merchant trains when they visited the cities, and at the peak of the day would be filled with endless colored tents and stalls holding various products and items from across the empire. But now it lay empty and barren, like all the rest.

"A child you are. And children are always foolish." He heard a voice say.

Castus blinked and turned, the voice had sounded almost like his, and he stepped back when he saw the same statue from before. It's hand outstretched, beckoning him.

"Seek me out! Obey or have all you hold dear at risk." The statue said, though its lips did not move.

"What do you mean?" Castus asked, though he felt a strong wind begin to blow.

"Seek me out! Do not wait! OBEY!" The statue said with a roar as the wind blew Castus off his feet, and he shot up from slumber to find himself in the hotel room. He shivered and placed a hand over his eyes.

'What the hell is happening?' He thought, the jingle of the Wind across his ears making his shiver even more.

*Insert name rhyme*

*Insert name rhyme*

Celestia

For it to be said that Celestia was in a foul mood was an understatement. If anything the regal alicorn princess, usually one of calm and collected demeanor, was livid to the point of outright rage.

'It has to be his fault. I should have known even reformed he could not stay out of trouble, but to do this!' She thought as she made her way down the dungeon steps toward a special prisoner.

When word had reached Canterlot of the trouble in Manehatten from an earthquake, Luna had made quick haste to the city to aid in overseeing the relief and give the citizens the knowledge that their princesses were with them. She would have liked to go herself, but Luna insisted that she could handle it alone and it would be unwise to leave Canterlot empty of both princesses. It might cause a stir, and after Tirek it was best not to let ponies think another catastrophe was in the making.

But it might just be.

Celestia did not like the possibility of old Valhruan magics or anything to do with that ancient empire making a return. Even if it was merely a pony who had stumbled upon it by way of old fragments of lost lore, though she felt sure it was not the case. So that left a human, as they were the sad descendants of that old race. But how a human could even tap into that power, when they were not but savage beasts, was beyond her. It made no sense.

'So obviously it must be Discords doing.' She thought, confident it was the Spirit of Chaos up to some mischief.

But even mischief had a limit.

She reached the end of the hall, where a marble door with gold fringe and bronze handle stood in contrast to the iron bar doors of the other cells. The entire dungeon itself was empty, as rarely had she had to throw somepony within its dark walls. But this one door lead to a occupant.

'Let us hope he is in.' She thought as she reached for the handle and pushed open the door.

Celestia strided through and crossed her hooves under her breasts as she glared down at the lounging form of the one being who was capable of driving her to anger. Discord. Spirit of Chaos. Lord of Chaos. Master of Madness.

"Ahhhh, Celestia how good of you to visit." Discord said, lounging upon his opulent couch, a tropical drink in his claw. He wore the garments of a tourist in the Southern Isles, sunglasses included. Yet the walls were decorated in a winter theme, with snow seemingly falling in the depths of the illusion.

"I would not be here if I did not have a reason Discord." Celestia said, her voice hard and commanding.

Discord smirked and removed his sunglasses, "Of course. There is always a reason isn't there. You know you should try doing something random for a change with a reason, you might actually enjoy yourself."

Celestia kept silent and furrowed her brow at the Draconeques. Discord sighed and snapped his fingers and the room changed to that of a pleasant tea party, table and chairs which now sat he and her. Celestia did not even blink, as she was use to such things from him.

"So, what can I help you with?" Discord asked, sipping up his cup. Literally.

"I am here to demand that you stop whatever foul mischief you are up to Discord. Or do I need to get Fluttershy to do it?" Celestia said simply.

Discord looked at her, and the smile that came on his face filled the princess with much irritation. Like he knew something.

"Oh, what mischief would that be?" Discord asked innocently, a halo appearing over his head.

"You know what mischief. For what reason would you have in bringing back ancient Valhruan magic. Where is the human you have corrupted to hold their magic? Tell me now!" Celestia demanded.

"Oh, well I never. Here I am, enjoying the winter and you go and lay such a horrible accusation against me." Discord said, feigning insult.

Celestia furrowed her brow further, "Do not play with me Discord. You don't know what powers you are messing with. This is not something that should be trifled with."

Discord smirked, "Oh? And you do?"

"I know enough." Celestia said.

"Do you? So I somehow gave the ability of magic to some human? Come now Celestia, even you should know that even I can't do that. The magic is either there already in the subject, or not. Especially this kind of magic." Discord gave the Princess of the Sun a smirk.

Celestia bit her lip, "Th-that....you..."

Discord went on, "But come, how could a human even use magic, even if they do have the ability for it, they are not capable of sapient thought. A creature needs to be able to think outside base thoughts before they can even use magic. So how could a human in this world use magic?"

Celestia growled and grabbed Discord by the beard, yanking him forward to glare right into his eyes, "Enough talk! Give me a straight answer and tell me what you have done!"

Discord merely rolled his eyes, "Oh Celestia you are truly getting to uptight these days. Very well, I already told you how could a human from this world....have the mental capability for magic?." Discord smirked as he put emphasis on the word "this."

Castus

Manehatten had been a mess. Castus frowned as he rubbed his head, remembering the damages he had seen in parts of the city has he and the girls had left the following day to return to Ponyville.

Street rows were cracked and ruined, in some areas whole sections had been thrust up or turned into deep holes. As well, several buildings had collapsed and others suffered extensive damage, such as glass windows from skyscrapers breaking and falling to the ground below. And to top it all off, it seemed that several hundred trees that dotted the sidewalks had suddenly burst into flames, leaving only their charred husks behind; though luckily the fire had not spread to anything else.

And that was only on the top, he felt sure that the underground parts of the city had suffered damages as well. The sewer system, water pipes, and who knew what else. And it all had been his fault.

'God, I don't even know what I did or what I had been doing.' He thought, rubbing his head as he tried to figure it out.

He had felt so alive when the energy of the Wind had filled him, but when the statue had cracked it suddenly felt as if he were on fire. His whole body felt like it was going to explode...and yet despite the pain it had also felt so good. To be....overflowing with all that power, it had felt both wonderful and painful at the same time. Though mostly it had been painful.

He felt sure that had been connected to how he had caused the ground to shake, and goodness knows what else could have happened if he suddenly had not been cut off. Though how that had happened he couldn't say. And than that dream....

'Can I even trust it?' He thought. Could he really trust something from a dream, even if it seemed to be more than a dream?

Should he have told Fluttershy of the dreams?

Upon their return, he and Fluttershy had had a rather long talk. She had listened intently as he told her what he could. The sense of the beast. The trolls. And the Wind.

"So...this Wind is some kind of magic?" She asked.

Castus nodded, "As far as I can tell, and I feel even more sure now after....after Manehatten."

Fluttershy bit her lip and Castus looked at her as she seemed to be in the middle of thinking on her response.

'She still looks beautiful....' He thought. Even if it did not have the same clarity and vibrancy as it had before. Still he realized that she was very much so. He felt his face heat up and he looked down at his hands to avoid her seeing.

"S-so you can use magic? W-well maybe Twilight can teach you how to...control it?" Fluttershy said, though she sounded unsure.

Castus shook his head, "I....don't think she can."

"S-so....back in Manehatten....was that your...magic?" Fluttershy asked.

Castus nodded, "Yeah."

"D-do you think....it might happen again?" She asked, fearful.

"Maybe." Castus said simply. He bit his lip and shivered in fear at the thought; and in desire for it to happen.

Fluttershy made a sort of eeping noise, which usually signified she was afraid. He didn't blame her, frankly he was starting to think himself as a walking time bomb now. How long did he have before he just went...boom?

He felt something warm and soft touch his hand and he looked to see Fluttershy's hoof, giving a reassuring squeeze.

"W-well...w-we just have to...be careful." She said, giving him a smile.

'Is she saying that to reassure herself? Or me?' He wondered, but returned the squeeze.

Though he did not feel so assured.

After that, things seemed to be normal between them. As normal as things could be, especially now. Though he could see that she always would look at him from the corner of her eye if they were in the same room.

Still, he still was left with a difficult position. How did he proceed?

He did not want to put Fluttershy, or anyone else, in danger. But he had no idea how this magic worked, or even how he had done what he did the first time; and he certainly wasn't willing to teach himself. But he also had an instinctive feeling that there wasn't anyone to teach him.

'So that leaves the statue...' He thought.

The statue had a part to play, though what he couldn't say or figure out. For all he knew it could make it worse, or get his body possessed by some evil spirit or something. That is how it happened in the movies.

'Damn it, this is giving me a headache.' He thought as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Still...it is not like he knew how to repeat what he did the first time...maybe it wouldn't happen again?

Why wasn't there ever a book that could give you all the answers?!

A knock at the door caught his attention and Fluttershy appeared, giving him a momentary glance and a smile, and peeked outside before opening the door fully to let Twilight in.

"Oh, Twilight it's nice to see you." Fluttershy said.

Twilight smiled, "You as well Fluttershy, and it's good to see you Castus."

"Hi Twilight." Castus said, raising his hand in a greeting.

Twilight shivered slightly, "It still isn't easy hearing you talk. How did you react when you first learned Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy blushed, "Uh...oh well...I uh...s-sort of....fainted."

Twilight rubbed her chin with her hoof, "Hmm...that would be a reasonable reaction. The brain usually can have a hard time processing information that contradicts long standing beliefs and can result in any number of side effects."

"So, is this a friendly visit or did you need something?" Castus asked as he stood up and stretched. No sense in sitting on the couch now that a guest was here.

"Oh," Twilight blinked, "well if it wasn't too much trouble I was hoping if you were free for a few studies of mine?" She gave Castus an eager and expectant look as if pleading for him to say yes.

Castus felt immediate suspicion. He figured that Twilight wouldn't try anything....crazy. In fact, Fluttershy had insisted that Twilight wouldn't, but when he saw that excited sparkle in her eyes when she looked at him he could feel the girl practically picking him apart and trying to figure out which bone does what.

'I'm probably....going to REALLY regret this.' He thought.

"Uh...what kind of studies?" Castus asked.

Twilight smiled, "Oh nothing major. Just a few preliminary tests concerning your stamina, basic health and condition, as well as a examination of your internal structure and than a Q and A about some aspects of your world to compare and examine."

'Yyyyeah. Going to regret this.' Castus thought. He didn't like the words "examination of his internal structure." God knew what that meant for this pony.

"Uh...I guess. If Fluttershy doesn't need me for anything." He said, and looked to the girl.

He really hoped she did need him for something.

"Oh, no I can handle the afternoon chores don't worry. Besides, this will be a good chance for you two to get to know each other better as friends." She said with a smile.

'Damn it.' Castus thought.

"Great!" Twilight cheered and her horn glowed as Castus felt that nimbus, of what he began calling unicorn magic, envelope him and lift him off his feet.

"Hey!" He protested as he found himself being levitated away behind a Twilight who went on and on about various questions she had and the different tests she had in mind.

His last look of Fluttershy before he was out of the cottage was of her hiding her mouth behind her hoof, as if trying to hide a laugh.

'If I come out of this with something attached on unattached to my body....' He thought....oh god why did he think that. He really hoped that wasn't the case!

'Lord, let me walk away with all my parts attached.'

As the great crystal like castle/library came into view, Castus felt himself starting to sweat somewhat. One step closer to the lab table.

Entering into the structure, Castus was shocked to see the large quantity of bookshelves, filled of course with well...books. Big books. Little books. Red books. Blue Books.

The library had to be huge, far bigger than he thought a small town like Ponyville needed.

Around he saw a few ponies looking through books, or reading calmly at a table; though all paused to look at him as he and Twilight passed by. Eventually though, they reached a door that lead into a staircase leading down. Castus could already envision a blood covered lab table with old rusty saws and knives. Manacles on the wall to keep him from running away...

'I shouldn't have watched all those horror films back on Earth.' Castus thought as they descended downstairs, the door closing behind him as they did.

"Okay. We shouldn't have to worry about anypony walking in down here, or hearing us so you can talk if you want." Twilight said as she finally set Castus down once they reached the bottom.

Castus blinked as he looked around, noting various machines and other sort of lab like devices and objects.

"Uh...sure. So, uh...what do we do first?" Castus asked.

"Oh, well first I'd like to take an examination of your basic physical condition. If you could just sit down here," Twilight said as she pointed to a table that reminded Castus of a doctors table at a clinic when he got a check up, "And I'll be right back."

Castus sat down, still feeling nervous. Still, how bad could a basic physical examination be?

'Long as she doesn't squeeze my balls and ask me to cough.' He thought.

Twilight returned a few moments later, carrying with her a notepad, thermometers, quills, a stethoscope, and a whole bunch of other objects.

"Okay, let's start with your blood pressure, than we can move on to a pulse monitoring and temperature reading." Twilight said with a smile.

"Oh...great." Castus said. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.

----- 1 Hour Later -------

Castus gasped for air as he ran, the treadmill like device he ran upon seeming to go faster; though that was probably his imagination.

After all Twilight had only said she was going to increase the speed up to certain interval points. But this was going to far.

"Hmmm, you're incredibly out of shape. Do you know that?" Twilight said casually as she observed serveral monitors connected to the treadmill and the wires that were attached to Castus by suction cup like holds. The monitors showed various screens, one very similar to a pulse monitor, the line going up and down.

"I," Castus began as he gasped with each word, "Told you, humans are more....sedentary....on my world. Not....use to....this." This was probably more exercise than he would have gotten normally back on Earth. Castus was starting to wish he had gone to the gym more or done some sit ups on home.

"Yes, but I never thought it would be this bad. You're not even physically on par with an average human of Equestria, let alone some ponies. I could probably beat you in some physical competitions without magic." Twilight said, disapproval evident in her voice.

'Oh great....lectured on physical health by a bookworm.' Castus thought with shame.

Finally the treadmill stopped, and Castus leaned forward on the handlebar as he gasped for air. He felt sure his heart was ready to burst as he placed a clenching hand over his chest.

"Still, you are not in the poorest condition. You definitely have better dental condition than humans of Equstria, and your use of hygiene is a plus. I'd say even though your constitution isn't the best, you are at least overall five times healthier than an average Equestrian human." Twilight gave an approving nod as she finished.

"Th-that's great." Castus gasped as he tried to even his breathing. He slid down and sat on his knees, hoping this was the last of it.

"Well, I have tons of notes now," Twilight said with a smile as she flipped through her notepad, "I think we can take a break for a bit."

'Thank god.' Castus thought with a sigh of relief. He might just live through this after all.

"I'll go get us some drinks if you want, though you'll need to stay down here. I'll be right back." Twilight said as she started up the stairs.

Castus raised a hand as she left, "Sure thing...no worries. Take your time."

"Oh, and don't touch anything okay." Twilight said, giving him a look of warning.

"I won't" Castus said. Like he was going to mess with anything down here; goodness knows what might happen.

Twilight gave a nod and continued on up and out the lab basement. Castus gave another sigh as he got off the treadmill completely and just flopped onto the floor, staring up at the ceiling. He closed his eyes as he took deep breathes; still exhausted from his run.

'Eye check. Pulse check. Conditioning check and a whole bunch of other checks. Is this mice feel when we study them in labs?' Castus wondered, feeling sympathy for his comrades in experimentation.

He would give Twilight this, when she wanted to learn something, she went all the way. One hundred percent.

'At least the hard part is....no...I won't say it. I'm not jinxing myself again.' He thought, shaking his head.

The sound of the door opening once more brought Twilight coming down with a tray of drinks.

"I wasn't sure what you might like, I hope cider is okay." Twilight said as she levitated a mug over to him.

Castus took the mug and took a sip from the beverage. It wasn't hard cider sadly, but still good.

"It's good, and delicious." He said, taking a bigger drink.

"You'll have to thank Applejack for that. Her orchard makes the best cider in all of Equestria." Twilight said with a smile, "I should know, I had a hoof in making some once."

True or not, Castus had to agree this cider was pretty good. Way better than the cider back on Earth. Though a lot of things tasted better here than back home on Earth.

"Castus, I was wondering if I could maybe ask you a few questions concerning your world? I have a lot of date on yourself biologically, but some social and cultural notes would be useful as well." Twilight asked, giving an expectant smile.

Castus rolled his eyes, but smirked none the less, "Sure. Though doesn't the fact that humans where I am from have culture and society enough of a difference?"

"True," Twilight said with a nod, "But having specifics would be nice as well, and give me a good idea of how you were raised."

Castus nodded, "Well...what do you want to know first? I can give you some basic stuff, but don't expect too much else beyond that, I don't have the right knowledge to go in too deep on some subjects."

Twilight gave a sort of squeak of joy as she lifted her notepad and proceeded to ask question after question, just like back in the hotel....well without being right up in his face.

'Though the look in her eyes isn't any less manic.' He thought with a chuckle.

It was well into the night, when finally Twilight was done with her questions. In fact, Castus felt sure that if he hadn't pointed out the time on the clock downstairs, Twilight would have kept him there the whole night.

Naturally she escorted him back to Fluttershy's, even though it seemed not many ponies were out at night in Ponyville; though one house seemed to have the tell tale signs of bright lights blaring through their windows as if a party was going on inside. When he had commented on the lack of noise though, Twilight had told him it was the home of the local DJ and it was one of her spells that made it so that the music wasn't heard anywhere but inside her home.

Reaching the path to the cottage, Castus told Twilight he could walk the rest of the way himself. She seemed a bit hesitant at first, but nodded.

"Well, okay if you say so. Just don't get lost now okay?" Twilight said.

"I'll be fine. I've walked home in the dark plenty of times back in my world." Castus said.

Twilight gave another nod, "Well okay. I will have some more questions tomorrow, if you don't mind coming over again. I'll even introduce you to Spike since the library is closed tomorrow. It will give me plenty of time to go over my notes and edit them with our minds fresh."

'Oh boy.' Castus thought with a bit of dread.

"Uh...s-sure." He said, making Twilight clap with a smile.

"Great, see you tomorrow than." And with that she turned and headed back toward her house.

Castus felt sure he was going to be busy again tomorrow. He just hoped it didn't involve so much running.

Turning he headed down the path, stuffing his hands into the pockets of the coat Rarity had made him. It was a chilly night tonight, he would enjoy the warm fire that Fluttershy was sure to have going in the fire place.

As he walked though, thoughts on the idea of a nice warm fire, Castus felt something....brushing against his mind. He stopped dead in his tracks as he heard the Wind blow harder and his heart stopped dead as he felt as if he was suddenly pressing himself up against a thin membrane of a wall.

'No! No! Not again.....' He thought, eyes wide with horror. What would he do if that thin membrane broke again? What would he do when that light of life, that cold freezing flame and molten ice flooded his body? What would he destroy next? The town? The trees around him? God, no would he hurt Fluttershy?! Better if he hurt himself!

Yet...he wanted that feeling. It had felt so good, so blissful and alive. Like a drug, and just one hit was enough to make him addicted. He could feel himself pressing against the membrane, trying to reach the light. Like a thirsty man reaches for water.

'Stop...stop.' He told himself, even as he felt the membrane begin to stretch.

Memories of burning pain as a statue crumbled in his hands and a store and city nearly torn to pieces as he crushed his fists into the ground in agony came back and he nearly retched.

The membrane seemed thinner now, stretched out.

'I want to stop....so stop!' He thought, and felt as if the pushing against the membrane seemed to ease some, but it only came back as he felt the lyrical Wind blow its melody, and the light seeming to echo that melody. It was calling him him, and his mind on reflex seemed to reach for that light. Wanted that light.

Castus saw images of cities burning, the skies turning red and black as wild streams of energy tore across the world. Horrible screams of people dying as cities from the sky fell to crash into the ground below, or else sink into the oceans that suddenly appeared as the ground sank deeper below.

'Stop!' Castus thought as he fell to his knees, and starting to dry heave.

And than it was gone, the wind dying down to their low breeze once more and the light fading away, lost in the gentle breeze. Castus lay there, gasping and body shaking with dry heaves.

So close...it had been so close.....but he stopped. He had stopped.

'I....I can....I can...control it...I can....ignore it.' He thought, though it hurt to say.

Slowly, taking in ragged breathes, he stood. He spat and wiped at his mouth.

He needed answers...he needed to know what was going on! And all he had to go one was a statue that he had to find.

Slowly turning his head, Castus gazed out at the city on the mountain. Canterlot. Was that where the statue was?

'I....Twilight...Twilight would know...ask her....ask her tomorrow.' He thought, before turning and continuing back to the cottage.

As he entered into the warm home, he noticed Fluttershy sitting back the fire. A book in her hooves, which she closed partly when she looked up to see who entered her home.

"Oh, Castus. Welcome back." She said with a smile as she set the book down.

'God...I could..I could have...' He thought as he walked over to her.

Fluttershy stood up and looked at him worriedly.

"Castus, is something wrong? Oh, I hope Twilight didn't go too hard on you with her tests. I know she doesn't mean any harm, but sometimes I think she doesn't realize that others don't have the same uh.....zeal as her when it comes to science."

Castus shook his head, before grabbing Fluttershy in his arms and hugging her tightly.

"C-C-Castus...w-w-w-w-what are you-" Fluttershy stammered, pushing against him lightly.

Castus didn't say anything. He just held her, and eventually Fluttershy stopped her minor struggling and slowly wrapped her hooves around him; if a bit awkwardly.

He would find answers. He would, if just to keep her safe. Keep Fluttershy safe from the most dangerous thing he felt existed right now.

Himself.

Discord

Discord was pressed up against a wall, the pressure of the magic binding him increasing as the regal white alicorn mare glared death and torture at him.

"Goodness, I think I hit a button." DIscord said with a chuckle.

"SILENCE!" Celestia ordered, her voice giving way to the Royal Canterlot Voice.

This took Discord by surprise. Usually Celestia was always collected and calm, but it seems that this whole Valhrua stuff had a sour note with her. Given the history he could understand why, but he never expected this sort of reaction from her.

He both loved it, and feared it.

"You have done many things in your life Discord, but this not only goes beyond those! You have very well possibly doomed all of Equestria!" Celestia yelled, teeth grinding.

"Oh come now, Equstria has a good track record so far on doom. Nightmare Moon, Tirek, Chrysalis, me....you in the spring." He chuckled at that last one.

Celestia's horn suddenly stopped glowing, and Discord kept floating there against the wall. He smirked as he watched Celestia, wondering what she was going to do next.

Celestia looked left and right, and seemed to be muttering to herself before looking back at Discord.

"You and I are not done yet. But I have other things to do now." Celestia said, before turning and walking out, muttering to herself as she went.

Discord blinked as the door slowly closed and he slowly began to laugh.

"Ahahhaha, well...I think she is starting to loss it." He said with a chuckle. Maybe he could add a Celestia Mental Breakdown to his video list. He already had Fluttershy's and her friends. He still thought Twilights was the best.

The Coming of Change.

Celestia

Celestia paced back and forth as she waited for Luna. She had sent out a message via magic to her soon after her discussion with Discord. How even thinking about that filled her with bile, and the desire to tear Discord's other fang out.

Celestia shivered and shook her head, 'Goodness. This isn't like me at all.' But she couldn't help it if she was feeling all the pent up frustration suddenly come to the surface. Out of everything that she had faced and endured, nothing was truly as terrible as this.

Her sister's attempt to make it eternal night? The fact that without the sun, all life would slowly begin to die and leave the world as barren as the moon? A temper tantrum in comparison.

Discord attempting to spread insanity and chaos, distorting all order and leaving things in a state of disorganized madness? Only about as bad as Monday.

Sombra and the chance he could have regained the Crystal Heart and used its Equestrian wide magical aura to spread fear and hate, enslaving the Crystal Empire once more and sparking another war? It was as bad as a cold.

Tirek nearly becoming a god and controlling all of Equestria, if not the world soon after? An inconvenience!

All those and more were but minor irritations in comparison to this. No this was far worse, if left unchecked thousands if not millions could lose their lives. The very land of Equestria could be left scarred and burnt and warped in ways unimaginable. It would be nearly ten times worse than what the Dragon King Bahamat had done to homeland of the Zebras; perhaps even worse.

'At least Bahamat wasn't able to sink entire continents!' Celestia thought.

If there was indeed a human, a human from outside the realm of Equestria, sapient and touching the power of the Wind, it was all a matter of days or hours that they had to act quickly. How long had he been able to reach towards the power? If what she had felt not long ago was any sign he must surely be nearing his peak of stability.

What little she knew of the ancient Valhruan magic was that it required a strong will to avoid becoming consumed by the power itself. Without a trained user to instruct and teach proper methods of control, an untrained wilder would soon go wild with uncontrolled power and tear apart mountains before dying; unless they were lucky and the power merely tore the human into pieces from the inside.

Either way, time was of the essence. Where was Luna? Luna was after all not as far as Cadence. She had even sent a message to her niece, and had no doubt she was already on the first train to Canterlot. But even by train, Luna was closer and she needed Luna here.

'Should I also summon Twilight? She is an Alicorn, and we will need all that we can get.' Celestia thought. But her student had already given so much, faced so many threats. For once she deserved to have her peace.

She, Luna and Cadence thus would have to suffice.

The sound of opening doors brought Celestia to look down the hall and see the regal form of her sister running toward her.

"We got here as fast as we could. We first had to see to last minute orders for the aid to Manehatten. Luckily, it was not as bad as we feared." Luna said, slipping from I to We.

Celestia smiled but quickly let it fade, "That is some good news. But now we must see to the future."

Luna nodded, "I still cannot believe that Discord would do this."

"He was always unpredictable. But that is beside the point, we must now see to it his.....prank," Celestia spat that word as if it was poison, "ends here."

Luna nodded, "Do you think we can do it?"

Celestia nodded, "You and I would be enough, but I'd rather not take the risk. Cadence will no doubt be here soon, we will need to inform her of the details as I did not state much other than that she must be in Canterlot as soon as possible. With her, we should be more than a match for this...wilder no matter how strong."

"What about Twilight?" Luna asked.

Celestia shook her head, "No. She has earned her peace now, as have her friends. Besides, I would sooner shave my cutiemark before I ever let her near such a creature as this wilder."

Castus

Castus had trouble sleeping the night, in fact he had not gotten anything less than a few moments of eye resting before jerking himself awake. His mind was making it impossible for him to rest, as it continued to play out various scenarios of what could occur should he accidentally reach for the power of the Wind in his sleep; even if he didn't know if that was possible or not.

Still the thought that he could accidentally turn the cottage into a pancake, with everyone in it alongside, or cause a fire to break out across the forest or cause the ground to open up and swallow everything around him, were enough to make him worry. The way he saw it, the sun couldn't rise soon enough.

'Celestia better get her flank in gear and make that sun rise high in the sky.' He thought with a grunt. Eventually it did rise, and he sighed in relief, before yawning deeply and getting up to make himself coffee. At least they had coffee in this world, otherwise he'd probably have gone insane.

The sounds of hoofsteps on the stairs made him turn to see Fluttershy step out, once more dressed in what he assumed was a bathrobe. A far cry from the first few times he had seen her come down in nothing at all. Even after he had revealed his intellect to her she had done it for a time. He had finally gotten use to looking at the ground all the time in the morning till he noticed she had been coming down in a robe.

'Wonder why?' He thought as he poured himself a cup, and one for Fluttershy.

"Oh, good morning Castus." Fluttershy said as she entered, taking the mug he offered, "Thank you."

"Morning." He half mumbled and took a long sip from his mug.

"Are you okay? Did you get enough sleep, you sound a little tired." Fluttershy asked, as she sat down.

Castus shook his head and rubbed at his eyes, "N-no. No, just trying to shake the sleep away is all."

Fluttershy looked at him a moment, but seemed to accept it. It wasn't a complete lie...just enough.

"I-I'm just worried. You seemed....afraid the other night." Fluttershy said, coming closer and placing a hoof upon his hand gently.

Or maybe she didn't fully believe it.

Castus frowned, "I...don't worry. I'm fine."

Fluttershy didn't seem to believe it, but her natural timidity no doubt was keeping her from pushing the issue. Castus was glad for that.

A knock at the door, took them by surprise. When Fluttershy answered the door, Twilight stepped through, and gave a smile.

"Morning. I know I'm a bit early, but I wanted to get a head start on the project. I hope that is okay." She asked.

Castus rolled his eyes, but smiled, "No worries. I guess we can go now. I'll be back later Fluttershy."

"O-okay. Have fun." Fluttershy said, waving them goodbye as they went. This time with Castus being led by a leash in Twilight's grip. Simply floating across solid ground was a rather discomforting feeling.

Arriving at the library, Twilight led Castus pass the library section and into what he assumed was the true castle interior. Long wide empty halls, stretched far, with doors here and there. One was a large double door, which he assumed lead into what he was sure was a throne room.

'Why does a small town need a castle...when there is one not a train ride away from here?' Castus thought, and wondered if this new castle blocked any of the resident's windows. It probably did.

Entering one door, the two entered into what Castus considered either a sitting room, or study. There was a couch and chair seated by a fireplace, a desk situated by the window with ink and quills laying beside empty scrolls. All perfectly aligned, with the quills even arranged by size. As well were a number of bookshelves.

"A lot of the rooms aren't furnished yet, though I was able to get the necessities done." Twilight said as she sat down at the chair.

"I see." Castus said as he took a seat on the couch. Frankly he couldn't really see why a single pony, or even six if what Fluttershy told him about the main throne room consisting of six thrones around a table. There was a King Arthur and the Round Table joke in there somewhere he felt sure.

"I have Spike making up some snacks for us, he should be down here in a bit. But while we wait, let's start with a few more questions." Twilight said, lifting her notepad and quill with a smile. A light squeee sound coming with it as she smiled.

Castus couldn't help but smile, even if Twilight was a little eccentric when it came to this stuff he couldn't help but admit she looked cute while doing it.

...well, when she wasn't getting super crazy scientist.

"Sounds good, though if you don't mind...I actually had some things to ask you." Castus said, taking a breath as he rubbed the back of his head.

Twilight blinked tilting her head slightly, "Oh? What sort of questions do you have?"

Castus gulped, taking a steady breath. Even after deciding upon this course of action, he could not help but feel a slight bit of uncertainty.

'Still it will at least tell me if what I'm dreaming is real...or I'm just insane.' He thought.

"Uh, well...I understand the Canterlot Castle has a garden of statues...right?" Castus asked, remembering what he had gathered on Canterlot from his books.

"Oh yes, that is the royal statue garden of Canterlot. All sorts of statues of various famous ponies and creatures are said to dot the grounds there. It is a rather impressive sight." Twilight said.

"All sorts of creatures? Does it have say...a human statue in it at all?" Castus asked.

Twilight blinked, looking at Castus funny, "Human statues? Well, I can't say for sure...although...."

Twilight placed her hoof to her chin and hummed a bit, "Actually...now that I think about it...I do remember seeing one human shaped statue. It was back when I was still a filly, and just starting my apprenticeship under Princess Celestia. I had gone into the gardens to find a quiet spot to read a book she had assigned me and I found myself in a secluded part of the gardens by a glade of cherry trees. It was a well out of the way place, where no pony seemed to go and it had a single statue there of a human male dressed in elaborate clothes, with his hand outstretched as if reaching for something."

Castus blinked as he listened, feeling a cold sensation in his chest.

Twilight continued, "You know, when I think about it....the statue didn't look like most humans do today....it looked a lot like you. In fact, despite a few distinctive differences I would say it looked a lot like you personally. I was told it was a lost statue from the ancient Eridu culture. OH!" Twilight gasped and her eyes suddenly took on a light of glee, "Oh, I wonder if that means that human kind has suffered a degeneration from the fall of the Eridu culture and the Cataclysm signaling the falloff the Alicorn Kingdom. That would certainly be a possible source of study as a lot of creatures were subjugated to high levels of magical radiation, causing untold number of changes and even creating some of the creatures we have today. With you here as a source of information, I could catalogue a whole section of a book detailing parallel world evolutions based upon differing historical events. Today we have to go over your worlds evolutionary history for sure now and....Castus are you okay?"

Castus blinked and nodded as he took a breath to still himself, realizing he had been shaking.

'God in heaven. I'm not crazy.....' He thought, feeling both relieved...and afraid. If the statue was real...than he really had to get to it. He had to he felt, if he wanted to live.

"I...I'm fine." Castus said.

Twilight frowned, her ears flattening slightly, "Are you sure, cause you look a little-"

"Hey Twilight, I got those snacks you wanted. So, whose the pony you wanted to introduce me to-" A voice said, cutting off and going silent.

Castus turned toward the voice, and immediately felt images flash before his eyes that sent a chill down his spine....

The dead lay everywhere, both men and lizard saurian men alike. Even he himself, Grandmaster General of the Valhruan Army, was not without wounds or exhaustion. His armor tattered, dented and bloody and his sword felt light two tons of weight in his hands. And his mind was pushed to the point of breaking; as no doubt the other commanders and mages were for they had pushed their use of the Winds to their breaking point.

It would be years perhaps before the Valhruan people would fully recover from this war. A war that had lasted for nearly a century; but despite the losses he felt a surge of pride in his blood. He would stand among the heroes of old and be counted as one of the many who gave his all to end the threat of the Sauroids against his people. It would be a grand tale to tell his son and daughter when he returned home. As well as his grandchildren should he be so blessed.

But that was still yet to be said, for although the saurian army lay dead, and any survivors scattered into far reaches of the wastes of this forsaken desert, the beast that lurked in the mountain still lived.

"Call up the ballistae and prepare the Wind Arrows. That monster no doubt knows already it is surrounded. We must be ready to retaliate should it and whatever foul spawn progeny it has with it attack or seek to flee. None must be allowed to live." He called to his officer, who saluted and rushed to do as ordered.

A good man, if sadly unable to wield the power of the Winds. How could anyone live without having tasted the sweetness of its light and life?

"FOOLISH MORTAL MAMMALS!!!" A sudden booming voice roared from all around.

Around him soldiers looked around and braced themselves. He himself gripped his blade and reached for the Winds yet it was a challenge to even brush the membrane that separated him from it.

"Your crimes against my brothers and our worshippersssss cannot be forgiven but with blood. Do not think that defeating this army means your victory. For now you will face the wrath of a god!!!!" The voice roared again, before a loud roar of a savage primordial beast echoed across the battle field. The beast of the mountain was coming.

Suddenly the mountain side burst forth, nearly a quarter of the stone flying away to crash into the sand or on top of men. Another side broke forth, and from the mountain sides stretched two great wings that blocked out the very sun. From the gaping wounds of the mountain, several large forms flew out and dove down toward the army. Their forms, though not so large still fearful in their shapes, ranging from snake like to behemoth sized, singular or multiple heads and many with wings and with breathes of fire, acid or lightning.

"Get those ballistae up here now!" He ordered, feeling the mages from the entire army embrace the Winds. Many would die here today...if they were lucky. That or be burnt out and left a husk as their minds and bodies were seared from pushing past their limits. Yet as the rest of the mountain broke apart and a head of a great beast roared with such force to burst his ear drums emerged, such risks would be faced.

They had to be faced, or all the lives lost would have been for nothing.

Castus blinked and felt his heart go still as he realized that his body felt warm. No not warm, but alive. Alive as if he had never truly lived. The feeling of the power of the Wind flowing into his body and filling him. Everything around him coming into clarity as never before.

And the sudden realization that he had almost begun the weaving a killing flow that would have turned the little dragon Spike's body inside out while he was still young and without the inherent protections that age gave the descendants of the Sauroids. And all of this was followed by an even greater fear, that such he knew such knowledge to begin with when none had been before.

"Now Spike, don't freak out. This is Castus and he isn't like the humans of Equestria." Twilight said softly.

Castus leaned back and took slow breaths. The power wasn't filling him any further, yet it did not leave him. He had to let go, he had to before he did something horrible. Yet he didn't want to let go at the same time.

"What do you mean?" Spike asked, looking at him oddly. God, why did something so small and....pudgy make him feel a need to turn the little lizard inside out and burn the insides and scatter the ashes on the wind. God, worse with the power flowing in him he could feel the sense of the Beast flickering across the minds of those around him and he could feel a great and might beast within the mind of that small dragon. Why couldn't Twilight see it!?

"I know this will be hard to explain but, Castus is not from our world. He is as intelligent as a pony and if you haven't already figured out he doesn't look anything like most humans in Equestria." Twilight said, explaining it as carefully as she could to a child.

Spike merely blinked, and set the tray of snacks on a table, "Right...uh Twilight are you sure your just not over worked again? I mean sure he looks different, but..."

"It is true...." Castus said simply. Maybe if he got to talking with the little guy he would feel less unnerved around him. If only he could just let go of the Winds. The blew so gently, but not of a breeze but a calm gust that seemed on the brink of a maelstrom.

Spike stared at Castus than with wide eyes, before pointing at him and saying, "Whoa! He talked!"

Twilight sighed, "I was trying to lay it down more gently....but yes he can talk. As I said he is not from this world."

Spike looked at Twilight, than back at Casts and took a step back, "W-well why is he here? Is this some sort of magical experiment of yours?"

Twilight shook her head, "No Spike I didn't do this. I doubt even I could master a spell that stretches across worlds. Though maybe if me and the princesses worked together....hmmm." She jotted down a note.

"Well than how did he get here?" Spike asked.

"Why from me of course. I brought him here."

Castus, Twilight and Spike looked around, as Discord appeared before them.

"Discord, why are you here?" Twilight asked.

"Hey, you better no make the floors icy again. " Spike said, pointing a claw at Discord.

"Oh psssh, no worries, I'm not here to cause trouble. I here to speak to Castus." Discord said as he settled onto the couch beside him.

Castus blinked and looked at Discord with suspicion, "About what?" He asked.

"Well, by the looks of things I am not too late. You see Celestia and Luna might be on their way here at any moment. Especially since you are apparently holding onto that Wind of yours. Strange, I wonder if that is why I have this sudden itch being around you." Discord said, scratching a spot on his back.

"What? Wind? What wind, and why would the princesses be on their way here?" Twilight asked, slightly worried.

Castus glared death at Discord, 'What is that idiot doing?' If he spilled the beans....

"Oh stop glaring at me like that Castus, we don't have time for subtly. You need to get out of here." Discord said.

"What are you talking about?" Castus asked.

Before Discord could answer, suddenly three flashes of light appeared and from those lights stood three other alicorns. One was tall and regal with a white pinkish sort of coat, and garbed in a deep flowing white gown and a mane that reminded Castus of an aurora. The other had a black blueish sort of coat, and wore a gown similar to the other, only black instead of white and with a mane that reminded him of a night sky. The third was pink, and wore a pink gown. As for her mane it was merely a purple, pink and cream color and not ethereal or wavey in anyway. For some reason, Castus could feel a sense of greater power emanating from the first two, and less from the third.

"Away from him Twilight!" The white one called, her horn glowing gold that surrounded Twilight and yanked her away from Castus.

"Princess Celestia? Luna? Cadence? What is going on?" Twilight gasped as she was yanked away.

"There is no time, quickly shield him!" The white one, Celestia Castus felt, shouted.

The three alicorns horns suddenly glowed and Castus felt what he could only describe as a sheet or block moving over the hole in the membrane that he had opened in the Wind and with it the power suddenly leaving his body.

"NO!" Something screamed in his head. Something...that sounded a lot like him.

They were shielding him! They were trying to cut him off from the Wind!

'How dare they!' Castus thought suddenly, and leapt to his feet with a snarl as he smashed against the block and shattered it. The power flowing once more into his body.

"Again! Quickly!" Celestia shouted.

"I...it is difficult. He holds it tightly." The night maned Alicorn said.

Again the block seemed to appear, struggling to block the power. Castus snarled and raised his hand as weaves suddenly formed and three bolts of red and purple lightning shot toward the alicorns.

The alicorns gasped and shields rose up just as the blots slammed into them, and with the connection a explosion of light and energy that shook the very castle to its roots..

Fluttershy

Fluttershy felt a knot in her stomach. Ever since Castus had left, she had begun feeling....worried. Something was wrong, and she worried for him as she felt it was connected to him.

'No...no I'm just being silly.' She told herself.

Yet still, it was difficult to believe it.

"He is okay. I'm just worrying over nothing. He is okay....oh he has to be okay." She said.

Suddenly a loud boom from afar made her jump.

"Ahhh!" She screamed, ducking under the table. Slowly, Fluttershy got out from under and looked out the window.

There, in the distance at Ponyville was the sight of smoke. Smoke that rose from the crystal castle of Princes Twilight Sparkle.

The very castle that Castus had gone to.

"NO!" She screamed, and quickly ran to the door.

"No, no no. Please be okay. Please be okay." She said, leaping into the air and flying as fast as she could.

Author's Note

If any of the writing seems a bit shakey a bit I apologize. I had a bit of an auto accident, involving only me myself and my car like literally not two days ago. No injuries, just a totaled car though I am still a bit shaken up from it and my head needs some time to refocus, still I wanted to give you all a present for Christmas and a chapter seemed a good idea.

A History Revealed

Outside, huddled in their houses or under carts or behind trees, ponies around Ponyville watched the grand crystal castle that now housed the newest princess of Equestria, Twilight Sparkle. Their eyes wide with fear as the castle shook, sounds of loud bangs and explosions rocking all of ponyville with it.

After the many times catastrophe that has occurred in Ponyville, from a rampaging dragon and parasprites, to the utter draining of their magic from Tirek had created a sense of paranoia now in the populace. So when the noises of some battle or rampage began to occur within the castle, it was only logical that the ponies about watched in worry of something horrible; some even beginning to pack up and head for the hills.

Still, whatever it was that was happening still occurred within the halls of the castle. And within those halls, waged a battle not seen in a millennia.

Cadence

Cadence yelped as she felt her shield spell be slammed with the force of a train by another of the purple and red bolts of energy. She felt her fur getting frizzy, and oddly a chill rushing up her spine as if just being near the strange energy was trying to suck the warmth from her.

She saw Celestia standing beside Twilight and Spike, her own shield up to shield from another blast. Luna also stood behind a shield, though she had been pushed back into the wall by the force of the initial blast. In the center of the room, eyes burning with a raw crackle of magic stood the human that they had come to capture.

'I've never seen a magic like this.' Cadence thought as the human swung his arms wildly, hips spinning his upper body in a circular motion.
And with that motion a spinning wheel of fire emerging and following the path of the human's hands. Cadence kept her shield up and felt the heat of the flames wash over her protective spell.

The fires ended abruptly however as the human gasped in pain and staggered, leaning against the shattered remains of the couch.

"Now!" Celestia shouted, her shield vanishing as she directed a basic blasting spell. The amount of magic placed into the spell was not a lot, as it glowed dimly, but it would be enough to incapacitate the human. The blast stuck the human in the chest, causing him to stagger.

"Gah!" The human gasped, gripping the tattered couch to keep steady, only for a dimly glowing blue blast to strike him again and stagger him again. He tottered as if off balance, and suddenly spat up a line of blood from his mouth, onto the floor, staining it a dark red.

Cadence gasped, 'Those blasts couldn't have hurt him, could they?' She thought. Despite the hardness in her aunt Celestia's voice when she had told her of the human and its magic, she knew that no matter what Celestia would never willingly harm another creature.

"Cadence!" Celestia yelled. Cadence looked at the human before steeling herself and preparing her own blast. Though she would weaken it a bit further just to be safe. The human was obviously in pain, and she did not want to take any risk of making it worse. But before she could release the spell another voice shouted, followed by a powerful pulse of a Motion Stop Spell.

"Everypony! Stop!" Twilight shouted, her horn a glow as the spell struck all in the room. Cadence felt her body go rigged as if made of stone, her eyes glanced toward her sister in law in surprise.

Even Celestia and Luna looked at the new princess in shock.

"What the hoof is going on here!?" Twilight shouted, looking at all three of them as she placed herself in front of the human. The human continued to stare at the ground, blood dripping from his lips.

Twilight turned, and gasped as she rushed to the human, "Oh no, Castus are you okay." The spell keeping the human still vanished and the human sagged to the ground in a coughing fit.

Cadence felt the magic that fed the spell die away, and staggered slightly as her muscles finally became free from their arcane bindings. Twilight kneeled beside the coughing human, horn aglow with the tell tale weavings of a spell meant to aid in observing injuries to aid in healing.

"He...oh no...it's like he was burnt inside." Twilight muttered, her voice pained, "I don't think I can fix this."

Celestia took the moment of freedom to calmly approach, straightening her dress. Cadence also approached, watching her aunt in curiosity. Celestia looked down at the human, a look of anger and fear.

But under that seemed a look of pity, and perhaps also sympathy.

"Cadence. See to him, I...must talk with my student." Celestia said, "Luna, help her."

Cadence nodded, as did Luna, and both kneeled beside the human as he coughed more, curling up on the ground. Twilight looked up at Celestia, confused and worried, but she slowly got up and stepped aside with her former teacher; Spike joining with her, clinging to her leg as a child would its mother.

Cadence looked back at the human, and began weaving a spell to allow her to assess the injuries that were causing his pain. Meanwhile, she felt the weaves of the spell that Celestia had taught her before arriving being spun by Luna, who watched the human with a critical eyes as if one was observing a wild animal.

'Why are they doing that?' Cadence thought before turning back her attention to the human.
When she saw the damage to his body, she recoiled in shock.

It was as if his entire insides had been burnt and savaged. He had several points of internal bleeding, it was if a bolt of lightning had struck him from the inside. Buck, this poor creature was literally dying before her eyes!

"Luna, I might need you to share your magic with me. These wounds are extensive." Cadence said as she began weaving spells of healing. While love magic was her strongest point, she was perhaps one of the most adept in health and healing magic in Equestria.

Luna nodded and said, "We understand." Her horn glowed brighter and Cadence felt a surge of extra energy fill her horn.

The human groaned, gasping every now and then as the spells began healing his injuries. He would still be weak, and need days of bed rest before he was fully recovered.

'At least he will be alive.' Cadence thought. She loathed the idea of any creature dying. Especially by such horrible injuries.
When the last of the injuries was cleared, Cadence sagged in exhaustion. Even with the help of her aunt, it had taken a great deal to heal some of the worse wounds.

"It is done. Come, we should bind him now while he still rests." Luna said, weaving a bindings spell around the human and lifting him up. The human groaned slightly, but did not stir much and his eyes remained closed.

"But...yes. Okay." Cadence said with a nod. She added her own magic to the spell aunt Celestia had shown her and began moving the human.

Before they could exit the room, a wide eyed Twilight staring at them, then to Celestia, then toward the human. The doors burst open and ran in Twilights friends.

One, a yellow Pegasus with a pink mane, Fluttershy if Cadence remembered correctly, gasped and ran toward the unconscious human.
"Castus! What happened?" Fluttershy asked, stopping with an ‘eep' when Luna unfolded one of her wings to keep Fluttershy away from the human.

"Do not get to close sweet Fluttershy. This one is of a dangerous and unstable lot." Luna said.

"W-what?" Fluttershy gasped, looking confused.

Celestia stepped forward then, "I believe it will be best....if I explain it to all of you. But for now, Luna and Cadence must take....Castus....away to Canterlot."

"But why? He's just a human." A cyan colored Pegasus said, Rainbow Dash.

"No ordinary can speak my little pony," Celestia said, a sly smirk touching her face for the barest moment, "or wield the world breaking power that this one can."

A look of shock and confusion took girls then, and Luna motioned for her to follow. Cadence nodded and went with her aunt; though she would have liked to hear the explanation that Celestia would soon give. Even what little she knew left her with many questions.

"Do not worry dear niece. We shall fill you in on the full details as we go. You deserve to know the full story." Luna said, as if reading her mind.

Fluttershy

Fluttershy had to fight herself to keep from rushing to Castus side. He had appeared unconscious and she worried on why the princesses were taking him away.

'They're taking him.....and I might never see him again!' She thought, shivering in fear as she then directed her attention to Princess Celestia.
"I suppose you all wish to know why we are taking away the human you call Castus. A human I suspect you all call a friend." Celestia said.

"Uh, we certainly would not question your wisdom Princess." Rarity started, "b-but we are rather...curious."

"And...what did ya mean by world breaking power?" Applejack asked.

Fluttershy breathed in a gasp, 'Celestia knows about his magic? But how? What would this mean for him?'

"The one called Castus is I am sure you know, not originally from this world. Discord told me of his....involvement with this." Celestia said.
'Discord? Why?' Fluttershy thought, feeling slightly betrayed by her friend.

"Uh...well, maybe we kinda knew." Rainbow Dash said hesitantly, rubbing the back of her neck.

Celestia gave a slight smile, "You needn't be worried my little ponies. If circumstances were different, I would not have mind this lost human living among us," Celestia's face soon became grim however, "but...this is not the case."

She studied them all intently, and Fluttershy couldn't help but hide herself in her mane from that gaze. Judging her, peering into her soul almost. The others all seemed uncomfortable as well.

Celestia looked at them all before finally saying, "What I am about to tell you, you must swear to never repeat to anyone. This is the highest kept secret of the royal family, known only by myself and my sister originally. If any knowledge of what you will learn this day were to be leaked to the general public, it could create disastrous results that could threaten the very peace thousands have given their lives and more to maintain. Do I have your oaths?"

The girls all looked at each other, and Twilight who merely nodded to them, before looking back to Celestia and nodded.

"Then listen well my little ponies. For the history for which you have been taught...is not the whole story.

...It was many eons ago, before the tribes of ponydom that exist today even walked the world itself. Before many of the creatures that we know even existed. It was a very ancient time, and a very ancient world and in those ages came to exist five great creator races from which all other races would descend from.

The first were the Sauroids and their Saurian servants. They were great and powerful creatures, with arcane might and strength unlike any had seen before. They wielded these magics in connection to their near total mastery of their own genetics. Out of all the creator races they were the most powerful, and ruled an empire that spanned nearly eighty percent of the world. Their empire was divided into three great territories where ruled three great powerful sauroids. The wisest, oldest and most powerful of their kind. But the Greater Saurouds were greedy and avaricious and each desired the others hoard of treasures that they fought each other more often than not, and their reptilian nature made it difficult for them to move into colder regions.

And then there were my ancestors, the Alicorns and rulers of the First Alicorn Kingdom, and it was us who stood as a paragon of civilization in those ancient days; and we that stood as the opposing force against the Greater Sauroid’s machinations of total dominion of the world. Our long lives and great magical strength were our greatest strength to combat this threat. Despite the often numerous engagements and wars between us and the sauroids, our lands were peaceful and prosperous. It was this prosperity and peaceful control that allowed for what would become a power far greater than any the world had seen before, for within the confines of a verdant and isolated valley on the edges of our kingdom did a band of wandering nomads finally settle their roots.

These nomads were humans. They were a recent addition to the sapient races, living in wandering tribal bands. The Sauroids hated the humans, seeing the only as prey and as useful sacrifices to their dark masters. Due to this, many tribes fled north, in the frozen tundra where the saurian could not follow. But for one band, they fled over into alicorn territory. And it was there that they settled, having found a home; rich in food and other resources and safe from the claws of the Sauroids.

Celestia paused, her eyes closed and she breathed a heavy sigh.

"There was much debate on how to deal with our new...guests. Some saw them as refugees, fleeing a hated enemy. They felt we should offer our hooves in friendship and offer them our protection. But, others saw the humans as primitives, filthy and unsophisticated beings not worth the time by a more superior race. That we should push them out before they spread any further. It was the voice of my ancestor, the great king Omniscient, that decided the final fate of the humans."

Fluttershy and the girls all stood silent, the feeling of everything they had been told was coming undone. Twilight herself seemed to be shaking.

Celestia went on, "King Omniscient decided that the humans would be allowed to live in the valley they had wandered into, as he did not feel it right to send away a people who had suffered at the hands of a hated enemy. But he would make it so that they could not leave the valley and enter into further Alicorn lands. He hoped that by this compromise that all sides would be happy, for a time it did. But, he could not have seen the unintended consequences to come in the future."

Years went by as the humans settled in their new home. Calling the land Valhru, or Gift of the Gods, in their language, and the humans became known as the Valhrua. Over time, a few other wandering clans joined the first. The clans eventually settled down in areas of the valley; switching from nomadic hunting to farming. In the course of many generations, the Valhrua grew to populate small farming villages to large towns and more.

For a time, all seemed well. But, all eras of peace must come to an end.

It was in the 600th year of King Omniscient's reign that the peace came to a halt, and begin an era of war that would last for nearly three centuries. During a yearly celebration, and the ritual blessing of the king and queen's first born child, that the Sauroids made a move to conquer the Alicorn Kingdom.

One of the Greater Sauroids, a powerful behemoth named, Slixka-Zhur, sent forth specially bred assassins into the kingdom. These assassins were bred extensively for stealth; and so they passed by patrol and guard with ease. The assassins were as well, blessed with powerful enchantments to aid in bypassing protective wards that guarded the royal family. So it was during the blessing, the assassins struck swiftly like the snakes they were. Their poisoned weapons found the flesh of the king within moments, but before he died King Omniscient managed to cast a spell that slew his attacks; keeping his wife and child safe.

The death of the king was a terrible blow to the kingdom, but it was not the only target of the Greater Sauroid's machination. Other assassins had slipped into the kingdom, each with specific targets. One by one important allies of the royal family, powerful mages, and experienced generals were slain by the saurian assassins; thus leaving the kingdom without their knowledge and strength and forcing young or inexperienced alicorns to take their place. It was the perfect time to commit a military strike.

A great army of saurian soon poured into the kingdom, catching the shocked alicorns off guard. Queen Divine, though wracked with grief, quickly took command, calling up the army. New generals and advisors were appointed, and the alicorns worked to push the saurian menace back. By use of ancient and powerful spells, and eons of magical refinement, the alicorns were able to stop the saurian from falling on them; but the saurian army was so numerous, and lead by sauroid mages of equal strength that the best they could do was reach a stalemate; with many cities left under siege for years.

It was an alicorn general by the name of Golden Light, who would finally bring the stalemate to an end. Though the alicorns were able to match, and even overpower the saurian mages, our long life spans made it that we do not reproduce as much as other races. So the alicorns simply lacked the needed number of mages to allocate to other fronts of the war without placing cities or the capital at risk of falling. What's more, no matter how powerful an alicorn was, they could still die from arrows or blades if caught without a guard.
In order to win the war, the alicorns needed a military force that could face the saurian army in combat, keeping the mages safe to work their more destructive spells in safety. So it was that Golden Light approached the Valhrua for aid.

The Valhrua had grown since their initial wanderings. Their civilization had prospered in the valley, with towns growing into powerful city states that housed tens of thousands of humans, and each ruled by a king. Generally they had fought each other for land and wealth, with the occasional uniting against common enemies such in a loss confederation. But in recent years, things had begun to change.

A powerful warrior by the name of Malak, had recently united all of the city states into a singular nation, becoming the first emperor of the Valhrua. However what separated Malak from other human lords was that he was able to wield magic; but a magic that the alicorns had never seen before. He was able to bring forth columns of fire to strike down upon his enemies, as well as casts bolts of lightning from his hands. What's more, the skills he had seemed to be spreading among the humans, and this caused some concern among certain high standing alicorns alongside the already high population.

Golden Light himself was one of the many who worried on what the valhrua may do next; but the war made any such concerns be pushed aside in the face of destruction. Besides, the level of ability that Malak and his few other mages was limited to simple bouts of destructive force and completely lacking in anything in finesse or skill like the alicorns so Golden Light did see it as much of a threat. And so, it was that he approached the self titled Lord Malak in his capital and entreated him to his plan.

Golden Light hoped to manipulate the Valhruan emperor. He did not have a high opinion of humans, considering them greedy and savage people in comparison to his own. With offerings of jewels and gold, as well as the promise of new lands for his people in the saurian held lands, as well as making it clear that without the Alicorn Kingdom the saurian would descend on his people next, Golden Light managed to bring the Valhrua into the war.

Many alicorns did not feel Golden Lights alliance was proper, some even being openly hostile to the whole thing. But Queen Divine saw the wisdom in it, and crushed any opposition to the alliance. If it aided in bringing the down fall of the saurians and sauroids, she did not care who she made a deal with; but she was not willing to let the humans have free reign in the war.

In the war, the Valhrua would be given weapons and armor by the alicorns, replacing the rather primitive bronze weaponry the humans had at the moment, but the humans would be under alicorn command. Lord Malak himself though, in order to avoid protest, was given a seat on the war council though anything he said was generally ignored.

The war quickly turned for the better for the alicorns. With the human armies distracting the saurian forces, with even their mages offering some aid against the saurian mages, the alicorns were quickly able to end the sieges of their cities and even began pushing the saurians out of their land till they were finally driven out.

However, merely driving them out was not enough for Queen Divine, who was still grief stricken by the loss of her husband, and began pushing into saurian territory, intent on making them never able to hurt her or her people again. The invasion of Slixka-Zhur's domain was a long and terrible campaign. Many alicorn mages and soldiers lost their lives in the battles, but the humans paid the heaviest price. Many commanders were uncaring to the human cost of their strategies, and so the Valhruan soldiers suffered heavy losses.

As the war progressed, Malak began voicing greater protest as to the placements of his troops. He no doubt saw that his people were paying the heaviest share of the butchers bill. But Queen Divine was so intent upon revenge against the sauroids that she ignored his words, and the other generals merely brushed him aside; even making threats toward his life and his people. Malak knew he was bound tightly to do anything, and so his protests soon fell silent.

Nearing the final years of the war, the alicorn and valhruan army had begun the final strike at the last remaining Greater Sauroid. The battle was the most vicious out of any other battle in the war, as the final Greater Sauroid was Sslaxka-Zala; oldest and most ancient of the Greater Sauroids. It was said his terrible multi heads rained various forms of elemental death upon the field that day, yet in the end he too fell as his other kin had before him. After nearly thee hundred years of war, and nearly endless ages of constant confrontation, the Saurian race and their dark masters were finally slain to the last. It was the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one. One that many, hoped would be marked with years of peace.

It would not be so however.

With the Sauroids defeated, the alliance between the alicorns and humans quickly came to an end. However, Golden Light and others did not completely forget the humans. During the war, the humans had greatly increased their skill in their magic, what they called the Wind. What's more, the Valhrua still had many weapons that they had been given, and had learn to use them effectively. Golden Light and others feared that, if allowed to recuperate, the humans could prove a threat in the future.

So it was, without the queens knowledge, that Golden Light and his closest allies, began to plot a way to break apart the Valhruan people. Naturally, their first target was the central leader to the people. Malak.

Despite a century and more of life, Malak still resembled a man of at least thirty years, which troubled many alicorns an lead many to suspect that this might be in connected to the Wind. With a seemingly eternal singular leader, Malak had been able to establish greater control over his kingdom and his people when in the past a humans short lifespan would have made it almost impossible to obtain such control.

Golden Light and others hoped that, if they could kill Malak and his family, it would be enough to disrupt the Valhruan people, maybe even push them into a war of succession. From there they could manipulate events to make it so that any future leader of the Valhruan would be neatly under their hoof.

Golden Light and his allies sent a false message to Malak, asking for a meeting on behalf of the queen to negotiate compensation for the war. Malak had been very verbal in repayments for his peoples sacrifice, so naturally he went with only a small honor guard and his son and heir. Golden Light set the meeting on a holy place to the Valhrua, where weapons were not allowed. Golden Light hoped that the respect that the humans gave this place would allow them an easier time to dispatch Malak.

Malak did appear, and as Golden Light suspected, he and those with him had come unarmed. Golden Light and his follower struck quickly, taking Malak and his followers off guard. The first few Valhruan died as they thrust their bodies between Malak and the attacking Alicorns. One even managed to score a blow with against Malak himself, however the initial surprise was lost when Golden Light and the other alicorns found themselves being torn apart of lightning and fire. Their golden armor and weapons turning to molten liquid in their hooves and on their bodies. All around magic tore from the hands and fingers from the few remaining humans, and Malak himself.

The Valhruan had come without weapons, but they had not needed them.

Golden Light soon found himself struggling against the Valhruan mages. What should have been a quick and decisive strike had now turned into a pitched battle, and while the alicorns had the advantage of skill in their magics, the Valhruan could make up for it in sheer ferocity, tearing the ground up beneath their feet. Eventually though, Golden Light fled, rather than risk death. Though those that had been with him had not been as lucky.

When Golden Light returned to court, the Queen had learned of his schemes. Queen Divine was livid with Golden Light, and ordered him executed. But despite his death, Golden Light had succeeded in one thing. In the battle, he had managed to score a severe strike against Malak before fleeing, thought it had not seemed to have harmed him.

In truth, the wounds Malak had received in that battle had been grave and he had died not soon after the battle was over.
The Valhruan King was dead, but his son had survived.

Queen Divine quickly strove to try and make amends with the new Valhruan king. But the loss of his father, and the desecration of a sacred site to the Valhruan people, made any such attempts a failure. It was only after the last messenger was sent back without his body and the Valhruan forces began burning alicorn villages and towns with siege weaponry and magic that she realized that the only amends that would be made with the Valhrua would be in blood.

Both the Valhrua and the alicorns were both still weak from the war with the sauroids. So original conflicts came to stand stills, but as time progressed, the Valhruan armies began improving on their magical weaponry and began unleashing....other weapons as well.
Perhaps the most potent weapon of all, were the dragons.

Unlike the dragons we know today, these dragons were originally sauroid beasts of war. However the Valhrua had acquired these beasts I can't say. But they had broken the beasts to their will, and now used them as their own war beasts. Over the course of eighteen years, the Valhrua slowly began making gains in the war and pushed the alicorns to the edge.

In the end, the war ended with the destruction of the alicorn capital, and last refugee of the kingdom. The Valhrua had grown to become destructive masters of their magical craft, and combined with the flames of their dragons, reduced the very city to a smolder crater. Many alicorns were put to the sword that day, though not eradicated. In a sense of perhaps ironic humor, The Valhruan king found it would be a humorous fate if the once powerful alicorns were reduced to servants, and so all alicorns that remained were taken captive and made into servant labor.

And so, that began the dawn of the Valhruan Empire.

"For nearly twenty thousand years after, the Valhrua slowly grew to rule the entire globe. They built awe inspiring feats of construction that few unicorns could match today. Powerful artifacts which could work miracles from seeding life in even the most desolate of lands to even travelling the stars it was said. But just as the alicorn kingdom met its own end, so did the Valhrua. Their collapse sent a shockwave of magical energies which changed the very world, creating many of the species we know today. What few fragments of their people survived, became the humans that we know today.

When Celestia finished, Fluttershy stared at her princess in wide eyed shock. The entire tale baffled her, it made almost no sense as it flew in direct confrontation with many of the things she had learned as a filly. Things she had assumed had been historical fact.
Yet here was her princess, trusted above all ponies, saying something to the contrary.

"S..so what does this have to do with Castus?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"It is simple my little ponies. Your friend Castus, can sense and wield the Wind. The very Valhruan magic used in the destruction of the Alicorn kingdom. At his will he can rain fire on towns with just the barest thought, or level entire cities with the crumbling of the earth beneath its stones. As the Valhruan grew in knowledge, the true measure of their magic became more apparent. The strongest mages of the Valhrua at their peak could sink whole continents. I cannot allow such a destructive power to be left unsupervised." Celestia said.

"B-But surely you could teach him? I mean...you seem so knowledgeable in its abilities." Rarity said, though her voice stuttered slightly.

Celestia shook her head, "I know of its abilities...but not how it is used. One must be able to use the Wind themselves in order to teach its use, and the last possible beings who could teach Castus how to control his abilities died eons ago. Even if I could....I do not know if I would."

The girls were quiet, and Fluttershy gulped. Castus, her Castus to have such a power. It frightened her. How could one being wield such a force?

"Princess..." Twilight started, "I-if Castus can't be taught to control his magic...what would happen?"

Celestia frowned, "What little of that I know of is limited. What I do know, is that if he is not taught the proper ways of control. He would die."

Fluttershy gasped, as did the others.

"Die?" Fluttershy said.

"Yes," Celestia said, "The Wind would tear apart his body. His death would be slow and agonizing, and at the worse the possibility that the energies tearing him apart would also tear apart anything around him. Even the most skilled of Valhruan mages had to be careful, least it also happen to him."

"If he can't be taught, what are y'all gonna do with him princess?" Applejack asked.

Fluttershy felt her heart chill and quickly said, "Please, don't hurt him. I know Castus would never want to hurt anypony. Please, he can't control it, he even told me so himself." She didn't know what would be done to Castus, but she had to come to his defense.

"It is not my intention to hurt him. But I will pacify him." Celestia said.

"Pacify?" Twilight asked.

"He will be kept under guard, and a barrier sustained around him to prevent him touching the Wind until a way to severe the connection is developed. There are some old texts that I have that may hold a clue." Celestia said.

Fluttershy felt a relief wash over her. At least he would not be hurt.

"Princess....these Valhrua....I don't recall seeing anything about them in any history texts." Twilight asked.

"Yeah, I mean it all sounds kinda crazy. Something you'd expect to hear from Lyra." Rainbow Dash said.

"It does sound far fetched." Applejack said.

Celestia nodded, "Yes. It does, and it was suppose to stay that way. After the Valhruan Empire finally ended, the alicorns vowed to never let any knowledge of the Valhrua ever emerge again. And so, over the many years we buried their ruins, gathered and locked their artifacts in vaults and temples with the strongest magics, and removed any trace of their presence save for the barest fractions which the legend of Eridu would be born from."

Fluttershy took a slow breath, trying to wrap her mind around the words. Twilight looked to be having a particularly hard time with it, as she was mummering to herself and rubbing her hoof through her mane that made it slightly desleveled.

"But why? I mean, why go through all that?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"To keep the world safe," Celestia said, "Many of the artifacts the Valhrua left behind were exceptionally dangerous, we could not let the newer races be at risk of discovering them and unleash their terrible and often at times unknown powers. What's more....we needed to destroy all knowledge regarding the Wind."

"But Princess...why would you need to keep a human magic from being known about by ponies or others?" Twilight asked.

"Because the Wind was not so....racially specific," Celestia started, "though humans would be born with an innate sense to the Wind, there were others who could learn to sense it even if they showed no magical ability in the beginning of their lives. Some alicorns had even managed to touch the Wind briefly, but the Valhrua slew them always. Could you imagine the calamity it would have been had Tirek known of the Wind and managed to find a way to tap into its powers?"

Fluttershy shivered, as did her friends. All had remembered how powerful Tirek had been. It had only been with the box the Tree of Harmony had given them that had allowed them to defeat him. But...if the level of power that Celestia said the Wind possessed was true....Fluttershy didn't want to think about it.

She just wanted Castus to be safe.

Celestia's horn glowed, and the girls gasped slightly as the damaged room slowly began to refurbish itself. Broken furniture stitching back together and broken crystal reforging into a single whole once more.

"I must now return to Canterlot. Do not worry my little ponies, all will be well. When all this mess is taken care of, Castus will return to you." Celestia said before vanishing with a flash of light.

Fluttershy looked around at her friends, who all looked at each other. Confusion, uncertainty, worry, and hope all mixed among them.

"Dang, this is all too much. My brain hurts." Rainbow Dash said, sitting down, placing a hoof to her head.

"It is rather....sudden. To hear so much, I am still left with questions." Rarity said, sitting at the couch.

"To think the big guy could be dangerous like that. I kinda wish I hadn't been so forceful on him when we first met." Applejack said, rubbing the back of her head.

"Hmmm, I wasn't expecting this." Pinkie said, pulling a small notebook from her mane and looking over something before putting it back in.

"Th-this is just....I mean the ramifications could....that all the history books are...." Twilight stammered, before flopping into the couch beside Rarity, a hoof to her head, "I...it’s just all...too much to take in one sitting."

"Fluttershy, darling. Are you okay? Please sit down." Rarity said, patting on a spot on the couch.

Fluttershy blinked, but nodded. Yes...she...she needed to sit down a moment.

"So um....what now?" Rainbow Dash asked.

That was a good question. What did they do now?

Well, from what it seemed all they could do for now was wait.

Discord

Discord fanned himself as he sucked lemonade from a swizzy straw. He hadn't been in such a hot situation in...well ever. The whole fight had been so unsuspected he hadn't had time to think before blinking away.

After all, he didn't exactly want to be at the face of Celestia's temper once she got a hold on Castus. After all, Castus didn't have the years of experience as Celestia did. She would have beaten him no matter what he did.

'Still, now that she has him. What will she do with him?' He wondered.

He had a good feeling she wouldn't hurt him. Celestia could have a temper, but she never would actually hurt another creature. It went against her principals, and Celestia was one to stand by such. So that really left the question open, and Discord hated an open question.

"Hmmm, I wonder." He removed the straw from his lemonade and swirled the drink around as an image of three alicorns slowly began to come into focus.

Castus

The first thing Castus felt when he returned to consciousness with a great feeling of exhaustion. He felt as if he had swam the whole length of the Mississippi river, upstream, in the winter. His muscles ached and all he could do was lay on the ground; not wanting to even try getting up.

Even thinking about it made him groan. So instead he merely turned his head slightly to look about his surroundings.

"Well this is new and exciting." He said softly as he looked around the cell he was in.

Another cell. A much quieter one, and reminded him something more of a small apartment study. A chair and small reading table sat in a corner beside a window and a simple white linen covered bed sat at the other end of the cell. A small bookcase sat beside the bed corner filled with an assortment of random titles. At least he had something to read.

"Ah, you are awake." A voice said.

Castus groaned as he turned his head and saw a pink alicorn standing outside the door. She wore a bright pink and turquoise colored dress with cream. The alicorn had a look of concern on her face as she looked down at him. Once more her horn glowed faintly a blueish hue.
"You're muscles will be sore for a time. You had a lot of internal injuries, but you should recover fully in a day or two." The alicorn said.

"I-agh." Castus began before feeling his head throb. Now he remembered. remembered the...the fight. God why had he done that? It just felt...like if it was him fighting, but not him. Like some part of him that wasn't really him took control. God, what was happening to him.

The alicorn frowned, her horn glowed a brighter and Castus felt the headache fade.

"My name is Cadence. I'll be watching you until my aunt Luna comes to take over. We will be taking shifts maintaining your shield for now." Cadence said.

"Shield?" Castus said confused, until he realized something.

The Wind was gone. He couldn't hear its faint breeze against his ears. It was like everything went silent and dead. He felt at that place where the Wind's power lurked, and found himself pressing against something like steel. Castus suddenly felt his heart wail as he tried to batter at the shield, and couldn't make a dent.

'Calm down...calm down....' He thought, as he felt a sudden and unknown fear and panic envelope him. Why was he getting so panicked?
Focus, he had to focus on something.

"I...how long am I going to be held?" Castus asked. No sense in asking why, he was pretty sure he knew why.

Cadence frowned, "I don't know. You won't be hurt though, so don't worry. We just can't take risks with you right now until Celestia has found a way to deal with your....abilities."

Castus looked at her oddly, but before he could say something his stomach growled loudly. He flushed slightly and Cadence giggled, causing him to blush more.

"Some food will come soon. You'll eat all of it mind you, your body will need a lot of energy to recover from the healing I did. I won't be satisfied till I see you eat every last bite." She said with a smirk.

"Thanks," Castus said, then went silent.

"Its...so odd. Hearing you talk." Cadence said.

"Well, that's not surprising. Though if roles were reversed, I'd be surprise seeing a pony talking....and standing on two hooves instead of four." Castus said.

"Yes, that's probably true. Once more you're not from this world entirely. At least that is what aunt Celestia has told me. Discord honestly doesn't think about the consequences of his actions when he should." She said with a aggravated sigh.

"So...ummm...what exactly is Celestia gonna do? To me?" Castus asked.

Cadece pressed her lips in thought but shrugged, "I can't say for sure. She said it would take some time to prepare. What we are worried about though is your magic. So I guess she is going to find a way to cut you off from it to avoid you accidentally killing yourself or others. It shouldn't hurt and once its done you will be free to return to Ponyville and....hey, are you okay?"

Castus was not okay. All he could do was shake, feeling his blood drain from him.

'Cut off. Cut off....cut off!!' He heard his brain scream. He began clawing at the shield with reckless abandon. Desperate in a way he couldn't understand, he had to break through. He had too!

"Hey, look, I know you might be abit scared, but believe me everything will be okay." Cadence said gently, before turning to the sound of a door opening, "Ah, your food is here. Now remember, every bite."

Castus gulped, and slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position. He tried to fight his terror, but he still could feel himself clawing at the shield, and the shield holding firm. He watched as what he assumed was a servant by her maid dress, brought in tray of soup, bread, a salad and some utensils. The servant set the tray down at the door and pushed it through.

"Thank you," Cadence said, giving the servant a nod and smile.

The servant bowed and left, giving Castus a glance. Castus looked at the food and felt his hunger begin to outweigh his fear and he devoured the meal with abandon. But even as he ate, he planned.

'Somehow...somehow got to get out.' He thought, though couldn't explain why.

He had to get out. These ponies were trying to kill him!

Author's Note

School started, getting use to night shifts and the holidays make writing tough at times. Also I had to really think on this chapter. I still feel it came out not as I full wanted.

I had to give this story a lot of thought as I had to be fully sure now, as we near the end of the first book, where things were going. This story is gonna create a lot of more stories in the universe, which I shall call the Windverse. If you got another name for it let me know :P.

I hope I didn't make alicorns seem evil. They aren't, but pride can make a race do bad things. Especially when in dealings with what it considers a lesser, lower society.

Breaking Out: Part 1

Castus

Castus paced back and forth in his cell. He had been in this cell for nearly two days now. It wasn't especially bad, the food was good and the accommodations of the cell were far better then his previous confinements. Though the silence upon his ears and mind that so drove him to pace in irritation, like a lion in its cage.

"Castus. How are you today?" A voice said.

Castus turned, seeing Princess Cadence. The princess of love nodded to her aunt Luna, who sat in front of the door to the cell.

"Hello aunt Luna. I'm here to relieve you." Cadence said, her horn glowing.

Castus felt the shield keeping him separate from the Wind shift slightly. Luna's horn stopped glowing, and she yawned as she stood from her seat.

"A good morn to you niece. I will return at night." Luna said, another yawn coming.

Cadence nodded as she sat down, "Sleep well then."

Luna nodded, then gave a brief glance towards Castus before leaving. That's how it always ended between them. A silent stare.

In the two days since his incarceration, Castus had come to know the two princesses well enough. He found Cadence to be the more social and enjoyable to be around. She had a sisterly like feel about her, as she always checked on his well being. She would converse with him sometimes, with Cadence awed by tales of his homeworld and Cadence answering questions regarding Equestria and the lands beyond for Castus. But Luna....

...well Castus wasn't really sure what to make of Luna. Though he felt that she had some sort of animosity towards him. Not out right hostility, but she certainly wasn't a chatter bug. Then again, she kept the shield up during the night and Castus usually was asleep at that time. Though, one time when he woke up in the middle of the night, he could see her luminous eyes on him, watching him. Though she quickly looked away when he moved.

"So how are you feeling today?" Cadence asked, giving him a friendly smile.

"Well enough. As well as being stuck in a cell can be." Castus said, sitting down on his bed. His tone was slightly harsher than normal, though after being cooped up for two days he was feeling a bit peevish.

Cadence frowned, ears flattening slightly, but she perked up quickly, "I know its hard. But please, try to understand."

Castus just grunted, and looked away.

He understood, but he still didn't need to like it.

.....or let it go on.

Castus sighed, "I understand why. But I don't get why I have to stay cooped up in this blasted cell."

"Oh, well if you want I think I can arrange something to get you outside for a bit." Cadence said, her expression perking up a bit at seeing a way to make things better.

Castus shrugged, "I'll take anything other then wall and bars."

Castus looked down at the humans as they interacted with each other. The humans themselves, mostly went on their way ignoring him. The females tended to the few small number of infants they had with them, while the males just sat and watched over the females. The few young children ran and played.

Though every once in awhile, he caught some looking up at him. The males in particular watched him with what he was sure was an aggressive eye.

'Probably thinks I'm gonna try and steal a female.' He thought, wondering. Still, when he had said anything would do....he hadn't really....expected this.

He looked up towards the windows, looking down at the enclosure. Apparently the academy in Canterlot had a new human studies program. In the windows he saw that same mint green mare looking down at them all with a big smile, she seemed to be taking notes as she watched them, sometimes waving at them with a....foam hand?

Castus looked away and shivered, 'She's been there for an hour.'

Creepy ponies aside, it wasn't...so bad. It was wider then the cell. And it was open to open sky and fresh air. He looked to another window, and saw Cadence looking down. She gave him a friendly wave, though her horn still glowed with magic.

He got his space, but he wasn't any close to being free. And he didn't know how much longer he had.

A loud yell from beside him brought his attention back down to the humans. A trio of the alphas were yelling and screaming as they bit, kicked, and hammered their fists down on a younger male. The male yelled and tried to get away, before being hit to the ground. Castus didn't know what happened next. His hand went for a number of rocks and before he could consider the wisdom in his actions, he was already throwing them at the heads of the attacking males.

The stones each knocked into the males heads, and the all stopped their attack and turned to glare at where the offending projectiles came.

They glared up...at Castus.

'Uh oh.' Castus thought, as he took a step back. The alpha males roared, and turned to charge him, climbing up the rocks to get the upper hand against their attacker.

"Shit!" He yelled, and he ran, jumping down the rocks. He didn't know where he was gonna go, save maybe the door.

Now, it probably wasn't the best idea to attack a human species that was, by his study most likely: Twice as strong as him. Hardier. No doubt far more in better shape for long term running and lost to a primal beastial mind set. Let alone the equivalent of an alpha male chimpanzee or gorilla. And him being without a weapon.

Castus ran to the door, but one of the males cut him off and lunged at him. Castus leaped to the side, hitting the small water pool with a splash. He got up and made a dash for the big tree, but before he could he felt something yank him by the shirt he wore and pull him to the ground.

Before he could act, fists began raining down on him as the alpha males yowled and howled in rage. They slammed and kicked him, asserting their dominance; or in an attempt to kill him. Either way, Castus could do little to fend off the attack and all he could do was curl up to protect his head.

'Damn it. Come on! Come on!' He thought, as the attack continued. His instincts scratching and clawing at the barrier between him and the Wind.

If he had the Wind he could survive. He had to have it. He NEEDED it! But that damn barrier!

Castus felt something hard slam against him, and his vision spun as he caught sight of a male whacking down at him with a rock. His head spun from a blow, and he felt his consciousness slipping. His clawing at the barrier became more frantic, until...

...until he felt it gone. Like the opening of a door, the barrier slipped away and he once more heard the gentle bell like sound of the Wind. He dove himself into its power, and felt his whole body come to life in a way he never new before.

Without understanding how or why, Castus felt the thought of a weave come to mind. He pulled on the power, feeling his body burn and sear in pain as he wove the weave with a yell.

"Raaaaaagggggh!" He screamed as he released the weave and unleashed a torrent of wind which blew the attacking males back. He rose to his feet as the gale finished and he watched as the males flew. One smashing into the wall and slid to the ground. Another was flung off to the rocks, his head smashing first into the stone. His body fell to the ground twitching. The last flew up father, slamming into the windows overlooking them all before falling to the ground.

Castus staggered, feeling his head cry in pain as if it was being split open. He felt a frantic push against him by that barrier, trying to push him from the power. He snarled and forced himself to dive deeper into the power; filling his body to the brim.

Castus looked around, at the humans as they stared at him with awe or fear. The females and children backed away. But one, a larger male snarled at him. Castus considered him by his watching to be the Head Alpha, and his defeating his subordinates was a clear challenge to the angered male.

Castus watched as the Head Alpha charged him, howling and screaming. Castus merely stood his ground as he slowly lifted two fingers and aimed them at the head alpha. His mind was lost to a faint whisper of a mans voice, the words 'Come to Me' constantly repeating themselves as he wove the power and an arrow of fire leapt from his fingers and impaled the charging head alpha in the chest, and within a second igniting his entire body.

The male screamed, and dove for the water, but the heat of the flame had done its damage and the piercing of the chest had done its work. The males body lay still within the water, charred and dead. With the job finished, he turned his attentions to the injured male.

Castus, still full with the power, approached the young male slowly. The male looked up at him, fear in its eyes as it tried to back away. Castus leaned down, inspecting the wounds. He could not help but frown at the injuries, and another weave came to mind as he extended his hand toward the male.

The male cringed, but soon looked up at him in awe as it looked from its healing wounds and back to him. As the last of the wounds closed, Castus felt his grip on the Wind slip and his body sagged as his head began to spin. He groaned, placing a hand to his head as he tried to keep his vision straight. A slight glint made Castus look down to see that the necklace that he had gotten from the Tree of Harmony had slipped out from under his shirt and hung out, its crystalline body glinting in the light.

The human male too saw the necklace and its hand stretched out to brush the shining amulet, and as it touched the necklace, its eyes suddenly glowed a brief rainbow color. The human blinked, and then began looking around quickly as if taking notice of his surroundings for the first time.

'What the-' Castus thought, before he felt the barrier slam up to block him once more from the Wind. The door to the enclosure opening and the guards rushing in to drag him away.

"Be gentle. He was just attacked." He heard Cadences voice say.

Castus felt his head swim once more, and his vision soon began to fade to black, yet as he lost consciousness he saw the young male human watching him.

Those eyes....they seemed no longer the eyes of an animal.

"...completely irresponsible. Did you not think of the consequences?" A voice spoke, when Castus slowly began to regain his consciousness.

His body felt sore, but the pain was gone. Once more, he felt himself on a soft mattress. He struggled to listen, as his head still felt like it was full of wool now.

"....I could not just leave him defenseless......left him just to be hurt?" Another voice said, the words lost in the haze. It sounded like Cadence.

There was a silence when a voice said.

"I.....I understand your reasons." The other voice said, more calmly now after a deep sigh, "Never the less. This does not happen again. The barrier is to never fall down again. Do you understand?"

"Yes Celestia." Cadence said.

Celestia sighed, "I know you must be disapproving with me. But I am almost finished with the spell. I promise when this is all over I will make it up to him."

Castus felt his eyes grow heavy once more, and he let himself fall back into the darkness of sleep.

Castus wasn't fully sure what time it was when he woke once more. He groaned as he pushed himself up from his bed, rubbing his temple as he felt a slight headache come on.

Despite his pains, the memories from before were still a clear image in his head, and he thrust his head down his shirt to find the necklace still there. He pulled it out and glanced down at it, curious. What had the necklace done to that human? Or had that just been his mind playing tricks on him? He slipped the necklace back down his shirt and looked around.

It was probably night, as Luna was now standing guard outside his cell. At the table, was a tray of food; still warm by an aura of Luna's magic.

"Thou's food is there. We have kept it warm till thy awoke." Luna said, glancing back at him.

Castus blinked, and walked over to the food and set down to eat. After sleeping all day, he was definitely hungry. As he ate, the words from Celestia also began to come to mind.

'I'm running out of time....' He thought with dread. That one thought made the remainder of his night a silent, and difficult one.

In the following morning, Castus once more was exchanged from Luna to Cadence. Luna seemed to give Cadence a disapproving look for a brief moment, but gently placed her hoof on her shoulder before walking away with a yawn.

"I guess I got you in trouble?" Castus said, taking his breakfast.

Cadence looked at him with a frown, "Don't blame yourself. It was my own choice."

"Maybe...though in all hindsight, throwing that rock might not have been my brightest move." Castus said.

"Perhaps not. Still...it was very brave of you." Cadence said, giving a slight smile, "Still...it should not happen again."

"I see." Castus said, "So, am I banned from going outside now?"

"Well no," Cadence said, "Though, are you sure you want to go back? I mean, after what happened?"

Castus frowned, but nodded, "Yes. Don't worry, what happened yesterday....most likely won't be happening again."

If humans here were more animal like, then after his display of might to their alphas, Castus wouldn't be surprised if he ended up being treated as the alpha. Or at least, left alone.

'Besides,' Castus thought as a memory of a that humans momentary rainbow sparkled eyes, 'I need to check something.' His hand gently placed over the spot of his shirt where the necklace lay under.

Author's Note

We are nearing the end of the first book :) It has been quite a ride hasn't it.

Sexual tension. Cliff hangers. Tons, and tons of uncomfortable moments for poor Castus :ajsmug:

My mind has been a bit fuzzy, what with getting use to a new job and getting use to the spring semester classes for myself. That and just general laziness on my part. :P So I split this chapter into two parts.

The next part, or chapter after the next part should conclude the first part of a hopefully long collection of stories in what I'm calling the Windverse :)

All editing credit goes to Roker12 who was a big help in finding my grammatical mistakes :)

Breaking Out: Part 2

Castus stood once more within the enclosure that held the troop of humans. As he expected, his arrival had received some more...attention from the scientists about. Though a glare from Cadence, and at times a rough word in princess manner was enough to make them leave off their questions about what had occurred the other day. What he did not expect though, was for Cadence and two guards to enter into the enclosure as well, and stand and sit by the door.

"Just to be sure that nothing like yesterday happens again." Cadence said, as she sat upon a rock, opening a book she had carried in.

Castus frowned, but nodded, and walked onward further into the enclosure. His 'escort' did not follow, and as he reached the rocky outcropping he had sat on the previous day, he came upon the full troop of humans; and all of them now stared at him with wide eyes.

All...but one.

Castus looked, and then saw the human from before, gazing at himself within the water.

Castus looked once more at the gathered humans, who continued to stare at him and ignore whatever tasks they had been doing, and then looked back at the human male; who was busy rubbing a hand upon his face in what Castus was sure was a form of admiring his reflection.

Castus walked over to the human male, and leaned down beside him. The human jumped slightly in surprise, turning to look at him. Though where there was some fear, the human looked at him more with awe.

Castus looked at the human with a serious eye. Was something truly different now? Without the Wind, he could not feel the essence of the humans mind; not knowing if that great shadowed rage still lurked within the mind. But he had to know, something deep at his core....it gnawed it him.

He NEEDED to know.

Castus glanced down at the dirt, and taking a leap of faith, drew a rough picture in the dirt with his finger. The simple line drawing of a bird.

Castus then waited, as the human before him now focused on the drawing; occasionally looking up at him.

The human furrowed his brow, looking at the picture before looking up and pointed toward something. Castus looked up, and saw a flight of birds flying over head. The human pat the picture with a hand, a smile upon his face, as he drew a rougher version of Castus' own and pointed up back towards the flying birds. The human breathed a laugh, clapping his hands in a child like joy.

Castus leaned back, his heart nearly stopping at the sight of that smile. That replication of the picture, and the quick connection between an image and a living creature.

The human continued to make bird pictures, until Castus took his hand. The human jumped and looked at him with fear for a moment. Castus merely smiled, and began drawing another picture.

Perhaps an hour or so had passed, and Castus was in a pure amazement at how sudden the human before him had changed.

How...the necklace changed him?

Castus fingered the amulet under his shirt, feeling a cool calming feeling wash over his mind as he did. He watched the human trace pictures in dirt. The majority had been animals, and a tree or two. But now the human was drawing little stick figures of men among the animals. Each picture seeming to make him smile more and more, and he would tap Castus shoulder and point at his work with glee.

Castus smiled, “very good." He said, patting the human's shoulder gently. The human no long shied away from such a gesture, and even returned it.

If maybe a bit harder then Castus. But Castus merely grunted and smiled.

For some reason, seeing that look of curiosity and joy over the beastly unknowing made him feel relieved and even....happy. As if a great burden was slowly coming off his shoulders.

Castus looked around, noting a few humans were staring at them curiously, though all seemed to lower their heads and shy away when he looked at them. Castus shrugged and ignored it. At least he didn't need to worry about getting into more fights.

But what did he do now? He could try to figure out how to work the necklace to free the rest of the humans in the enclosure; but what then?

'I've got to get free first.' He thought, though how was still a mystery for him. Something in the back of his head nagged at him, telling him he was running out of time.

"Where is he?" Castus heard a voice. A voice that made a chill run down his spine.

Celestia.

It seems he was right....he was all out of time.

Castus shot to his feet, taking his human companion by surprise and he looked up at him confused. Castus stared at the approaching figures of Celestia, Cadence, and a number of guards.

"Castus...it's time." Cadence said, a slight frown on her face.

Castus shook his head, and tried to figure a way out. An unknowing fear and terror gripping his heart. Away, he had to get away.

"Cadence, bring him here." Celestia said, as her horn began to glow.

Cadence nodded and her horn glowed brighter as Casts felt a tug on his body. He felt stiff and unable to move.

"No!" He screamed, and tried to struggle.

"Castus, please understand." Cadence said, trying to calm him.

Castus didn't listen, and he struggled now. Though his body couldn't move much, he still tried, "No! No, don't do this. Jack-boot bastards!"

The humans around began screaming and yelling in surprise and agitation, though none approached.

"Help! Help someone help!" Castus screamed, going into a hysteria now. He couldn't explain this fear, but he knew that he didn't want this to happen. He'd rather they kill him, then do what Celestia was about to do.

"Please God no! Please God! Anything but this!" Castus screamed as he was brought to Celestia, and forced to his knees.

"Celestia...is this the only way?" Cadence asked, looking to Celestia. Castus looked up at the monarch of the sun with fear filled eyes.

"It is the only way. I promise it won't hurt." Celestia said, as she gently placed a hoof upon Castus' head. Castus tried to get away, but the captain's magic held him firm.

Castus closed his eyes, and began to weep.

Someone! Anyone! Help him!

"Agh!" Celestia screamed as a rock struck her across the head. She staggered back, her horn fading as the magic left.

"Princess!" The guards screamed and quickly one pulled her down as the others surrounded her to protect her.

"There, that one!" One of the guards called, and two moved to tackle down a human.

Castus managed to turn his head, with some effort, and saw that the guards were struggling to keep down the human male from before. The human struggled and growled, fighting against the guards.

"Hold still you filthy beast!" One guard called, striking the human across the head.

The human sagged for a moment, but lifted his head once more and yelled.

"Noooooo!" The human yelled. It was garbled, and rough. But the word....was very clear.

All around was a silence, gasps of shock and for Castus he felt the magic holding him go away all together.

Cadence, he saw, stared no longer at him but at the human.

"No! Nooooo! No!" The human roared, managing to get away from the stunned guards and began throwing rocks at the guards and the princesses.

Castus also had to look at the human now in shock as well. But it was quickly forgotten as he heard Celestia speak.

"Cadence! The barrier!" Celestia shouted.

That's when Castus realized. The barrier was also gone.

The barrier was gone!

"Free!" Castus yelled, drawing deep into the Wind, reveling in the delicate crescendo. He jumped to his feet, weaving a strand of wind to push back everyone around him, and then again in a way he had never known of till now. Then right infront of him, seemed a shimmering hole in the world, on the other side a garden of some sort, with high hedges.

Castus gasped as he felt the weight to keep open this portal, and he didn't waste time and rushed to the portal. Te strain of keeping it open finally being too much and he felt the power of the Wind leave his body as he leapt forward and passed through the portal just as it snapped closed.

Castus landed with a thump and a groan as he felt himself laying upon fresh grass. He groaned and slowly got up on shakey legs. He staggered slightly, and his head felt like it was going to split open. But as he looked around, he knew that where he was...was where he needed to be.

The hedges about created a wall of sort, but at the center of the little area sat a bench and a tree to offer shade. At the far corner was a pond, and at the center of the pond stood a statue.

A statue of a man, his arm outstretched and hand open, as if to grab something. A statue....that looked a lot like Castus.

Oh certainly a few features were off. The chin was more prominent and the cheeks more sharp and rugged. But....despite those few differences, Castus could see himself in the statue. Yet it was not fully him.

'I....so...what now?' Castus thought, breathing deep as he looked at the statue.

He found it....but what did he do now?

He felt sure he didn't have long before Celestia started a massive manhunt for him. He was sure that if he was caught now, exhausted and weak, barely able to stand, he would be captured and finally severed from the wind.

'Gah, what do the video game and book characters do in this situation?' He thought as he approached the statue; standing near the edge of the water.

Discord

Discord silently slithered up from the ground, positioning himself behind Castus as he contemplated the statue. Discord places a claw to his lips in a be silent gesture.

Without a regret, Discord then shoved Castus forward before slithering to the ground and vanishing completely.

Like in a book, a hero just needs a push in the right direction.

Castus

Castus didn't know what pushed him, but his arms swung wildly as he tried to catch himself from falling into the water. He wasn't a fan of getting wet needlessly. His hands shot out to grab the only solid object near him, the statue.

Or...had the statue moved its hand to catch him? Castus couldn't really be sure as he looked up at the stone face, staring down at him, hand in his. In fact, he didn't have any time to think at all before his entire head was literally in such pain he thought it was going to explode.

And then, his whole world went black.

Castus groaned, placing a hand to his head. It felt like someone had taken a mallet to his skull. He slowly opened his eyes, and gasped at what he saw.

It was him, or...no, it wasn't him. It was the man from the statue, but now instead of stone he wore flesh and blood. His robes were pristine and seemed to shimmer with every color imaginable, and yet always seemed to settle on the right color that best suited him. His bald head wore an array of tattoos, and he wore a number of rings and bracelets. In his hand he held a simple staff and he gazed down at Castus with a smile of relief.

"At last. You have arrived. I worried, that I would not linger for much longer before you arrived." The man said.

"I...where....who...." Castus said, looking around now. He was no longer in the garden, but....no where. Just an empty blackness that surrounded a simple stone platform.

"You have questions, but we lack time." The man said, "But know I am a friend. Will you listen to what must be said?" The man said the last in a question, and a question that desired an answer.

Castus blinked, slowly getting up. He nodded once, and the man smiled with a sigh of relief.

"Good. Then listen well." The man said before beginning.

"My name.....my name that I held in life is Karsus. Karsus the Great. High Magus of the Second Triumvirate. Lord of Underntide, Mago'rac and all of the Eastern Section of the Great Valhruan Empire. Bearer of the Staff of Argus, and hold of three of the Nine Great Monoliths of Power." The man said, as if Castus should know what that all meant.

"Karsus?" The name felt....familiar to him.

"Yes...and you....are Castus." Karsus said with a smile.

Castus blinked, wondering how he knew, “Why....why am I here? Are you the voice I kept hearing?"

Karsus smiled, and nodded, “Yes....and no."

Castus blinked, "Uh...which one."

"Yes....it was my voice you heard. But at the same time it was your voice." Karsus said.

Castus blinked, confused, and Karsus laughed at his expression.

"I will explain. Listen well, for this must be told." Karsus said. His tone serious now.

Castus merely nodded, and listened.

Karsus nodded, "Long ago....I was once a mighty and powerful magus of the Valhruan empire. The strongest mage ever to live since Malak the seventh. The last emperor of the empire in its founding years. During this time, the empire was at a tipping point. Civil war and internal strife had taken its toll upon the empire, and though I and my fellows had worked together to bring the empire under a stronger leadership, however, within our hearts, every one of us thought they alone were the best for the empire. And so we plotted, and often times fought with each other in our desires to hold complete power. It was in this desire, that I began to seek knowledge in the portents of the future."

Karsus paused, but then continued, "In my studies, I wielded the Wind to reveal to me the future. Hoping I could use it to my advantage. And while I knew that what is seen, is not always what will be, I felt that any knowledge of possible outcomes would give me a great power to use. And...in a sense I was right. For.....in my workings, I foresaw the death of my people and the death of our great empire."

"I foresaw a great cataclysm. The worlds were conflicting, as they do, and I saw that mine and several others in which the empire had colonized and grew great empires to further our grip of the cosmos, would collide, and in that would suffer terrible catastrophes that would spell our doom. And so....to avoid this terrible fate, and perhaps...in the desire to be herald a hero, I began working on a spell to prevent the cataclysm."

"Long were the days I worked, knowing that each day passed brought us closer to the date of the catastrophe. I poured all my knowledge into my work, ignoring all politics and friends. Until, at last, on the eve of the cataclysm, I had at last accomplished my goal and devised a ritual I felt sure....so sure did I feel that it would prevent the cataclysm and also propel me to greater heights of power I could not have thought possible. How arrogant I was." Karsus spat the last words as if they were poison.

Castus took a step back, feeling as if a great power was ready to burst forth in rage. But the feeling soon passed as Karsus looked at him with sad eyes, and continued.

"On the eve of the cataclysm, a great comet flew over head, across all the empire. Before that, cattle had begun to die in the thousands and minor natural disaster had occurred in greater number. All portents leading up to the final death stroke of a great and powerful nation. And so, I began the ritual, using every prepared detail. I stood within the center of the circle, and began to weave the Wind into the desired effect....and I was successful."

Karsus' eyes seem to glaze over, as if he was in excstacy remembering the ordeal now, "My ritual allowed me to breach the boundries between the worlds, as it had grown thin as the worlds doomed to suffer drew closer. With three of the most powerful Amplifiers and my rituals own workings, I became a living embodiment of the Wind itself, able to sense and feel the very world around me and all that occurred, and used the sheer power to place a barrier between the worlds so that they would remain where they were until the wild forces that pushed and pulled worlds returned to its normal course."

"For a time, my spell was a success, and for a time I thought I had succeeded in my plans....so I thought. But, as time wore on, my heightened senses soon realized my folly. The force....the force that pulls and moves the worlds was to great. They were not merely wild energies, but forces of creation and destruction. Order and chaos. Light and dark. Life and death. It was all this and more, more then my mind could comprehend, and I was but a gnat in comparison to its power; and so it was that my barrier was crushed by the sheer built up force and the worlds forced upon each other in a greater strength then they would have otherwise. Worse yet because of the tear I had made in the boundary of my world, some of that destructive force...poured into the world and wrought its terrible destruction even further upon an already injured world."

Karsus seemed to shiver, "I...It was....horrible. All across the world, matter and creation were warped and changed, or simply obliterated. The force of energy that had leaked into this world was both chaos and order. Destruction and Creation. The very essence that all worlds are born in and die, and I had allowed that chaotic energy to leak into our world where if I had not acted, would have passed over. In my hopes to be a hero, I had allowed my world to face an even greater disaster....and perhaps even its own death. Even the Wind, suffered for my arrogance, as the energies now became wild and nearly impossible to hold, and due to this instability all the magical wards across the empire began to fail....the worse were the workings meant to keep our floating cities in the sky. Now....now they began to plummet toward the earth below."

"Despite the wild nature now of the Wind, I managed to keep my hold upon its power. A being who felt more alive, even as everything around him died. I had to do something, and so, using the last reserves of will and strength, I sealed shut the tear I had made in the fabric of the world, severing the wild energies that tore across my world from their source. It seemed to weaken them, yet I knew I could not stop the force that still moved across the world, changing and destroying all it crossed. But it was all I could do, as the burden of channeling the wild energies of the Wind now tore my body from within. I was dying, just as all I loved was dying. I had failed."

Karsus seemed to sag, hands shaking as his staff fell from his hands and he covered his face with his hands and sobbed, "But worse.....worse was the last portent I was given. A portent given by the Wind itself I feel. The world...the world would live, and this brought me some peace...but....but my people....the Valhrua....our descendents...would be forever cursed. Cursed to be animals! Cursed to be beasts! And it was by my own foolishness I could see, for allowing that chaotic energies to come into our world! I had cursed my own people to a fate worse then death!"

Karsus wailed, and the great blackness around them seemed to echo this wail. A wail of a millinum of pain and anguish. Of torture unimaginable within ones heart. Karsus sobbed, but sighed at once and looked to Castus with tear stained eyes.

"I...I knew that there was nothing I could do in those moments, as my life faded from me. Yet, I could not allow myself to die knowing this awful fate, and so.....I attempted one final weaving. My only hope I felt at redemption. I wove a spell, that turned by body into unbreakable stone. And within that stone I placed a memory. This memory....a memory to wait....to wait should any of Valhruan descent emerge, untouched by the great darkness that would cloud my peoples mind. And should that being arrive, to give it all my knowledge in the hopes that they could fix the mistakes I had done. Fix the sin I had committed."

Castus gasped, as he took everything in.

"So..." Castus began, "So...the voice....the memories.....they were you."

Karsus nodded, "Yes.....though your skill and power with the Wind are your own.....my final spell sent you memories and my voice. Hoping to bring you here....hoping that you would come and gain the full offering. And now...."

Karsus extended a hand, palm open, "And now....you are here."

Castus stood transfixed on that offered hand, "But..I...I still don't."

"I know....it is not much. There is much confusion. But this was all I could do in my final moments. Now....young man....will you accept this offering?" Karsus said, and waited for Castus to take his hand.

Castus blinked, looking at the hand. He stood there, silent, trying to think. This...this was all so much to hear, and he was still so confused. But....but the dreams. The memories.....was this not what he had come for....this...this Karsus' memories?

'Well....I did want answers.' Castus thought.

And so, he extended his hand forward, taking Karsus hand in his own. And in that one moment, all the memories and knowledge of the spirit before he came flooding to his mind.

At last....he finally understood. Everything.

"Thank you." Karsus said with a smile, as his form faded away, and Castus was now surrounded by blackness.

Author's Note

Almost there now :)

One last cliff hanger for you to be tormented by Mwahahahahahaha

Once more, thanks to Roker12 for editing.

Rise of Change: The End

Castus

Castus' eyes slowly opened, and he saw he still lay suspended, hands clinging to the statue to keep himself from fall into the pond beneath him. He smiled once, drawing upon a strand of the Wind and wove a minor weaving of wind to push himself back gently away from the water.

'Oh...what a silly fool I was.' Castus thought, as he drew in more of the Wind. Revealing in its delicious life enhancing power. Yet he kept his mind and heart strong and solid, least he give into the cruel and cold desire to draw in more. Such a choice was death.

And how he had drawn on the Wind...and...

"Ow. Okay...head hurts now." Castus said, rubbing his head as he realized just how much new knowledge he had. It was both odd, and yet...satisfying. At last he knew how to do what he did. It was a worry off his shoulders.

And yet...he now had abut a billion more new things to worry about.

"Geez. It never gets easy." Castus said with a sigh.

It felt weird. This knowledge. This ordeal. This task. Even if the fault was not his own, he still felt that it was his job to make things right. Be that from the memories of another life that now shared his mind, or something else he didn't know.

"Well, no use worrying about it. I might as well get to it." Castus said, as his heightened sense told him of approaching beings.

"There he is. Take him now!" A guard said, as several appeared at the opening into the alcove.

Castus turned, and saw several guards with nets and spears leveled at him. He smirked and began walking toward them.

"Freeze human! Or we will force you." The captain said, as the guards pointed their spears more. Unlike the guards he had seen before, these guards wore normal steel grey armor and not the golden armor of others.

"Force me? With what?" Castus said as he waved a hand, weaving winds of metal.

The weave flowed out to the guards armor and weapons, and like molasses the metal blades of the spears and armor of the guards melted and slipped to the ground in a liquid form.

The guards shouted in shock, dropping their no bladeless spear shafts in shock and stepping back from Castus. Some threw their nets, but those nets burst into flames and fell into harmless ash to the ground. Then the spear shafts lifted to the air, and floated to Castus and began to hover above him; even as the liquid metal flowed up to meet the shafts and reform into sharp pointed blades of spears once more.

Castus waved another hand, and two of the spears shot and struck the ground not a few inches from the guards hooves.

The guards turned tail and ran.

Castus chuckled, and wove the wind some more to bring back his new spears. The spears floated about him, and while he was still exhausted from his neophyte usage previously, his new found knowledge allowed him to weave the power more purely, and so he felt confident he could keep these spears beside him.

Of course, he would rather focus his attentions to other matters then carrying spears. He would need to find others to carry them for him.

He knew exactly one such person who would be a good start.

And so, weaving a strong strand of the Wind. One he was sure that Celestia and Luna would sense more acutely then these minor weavings. But, if he was going to war, he might as well go guns blazing as it was said.

The weave took shape, and a slight tear or window seemed to appear before him. Where instead of garden, now stood a circular opening where hall and floor now showed. Castus stepped through the tear, before ending the weaving and the tear slamming shut.

Human

He was scared. So very scared.

All around him, the pony people poked and prodded him. They spoke in words he could not understand.

Mutation. Unnatural. A scientific phenomenon. Purely impossible.

Words and others he knew not the meaning.

He struggled with the odd things that kept him still. He could not move from the long white slab they laid him on.

"Free!" He yelled again. The Fire Man had said it. The Fire Man was not kept still. Where had the Fire Man gone?

Free. He wanted to be free!

"Administer a sedative. Then we can begin the procedure." One of the white clothed ponies said.

One stepped forward, and held a long sharp thing object and began lowering toward him.

He struggled more, fear greater now.

The sound of something sliding, and the ponies turned and gasp. The long thin sharp object falls from the ponies hoof.

Looking, he saw the Fire Man again. He smiles, and struggles more.

"Free. Free!" He says, laughing in joy.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting. But..." Fire Man said, and waved a hand.

Then He was free. Whatever was keeping him still was now gone, and He found himself rolling off and hitting the ground. The pony people screamed and all ran. Fire Man standing to the side, waving an arm as they left.

"Buh bye. Buh bye." Fire Man said, waving a hand, then looked to him.

He looked to Fire Man, standing. He said, "Free."

Fire Man smiled, "Yes. Free. Now come, we have others to free and so little time now."

He smiled, but jumped as a hole appeared. But Fire Man smiled and walked through.

He was scared. Very scared.

But if Fire Man was here, then he did not need to be scared.

Fire Man protects.

And so he followed Fire Man.

Celestia

Celestia flew fast, a cadre of Pegasus royal guards following. She had sensed a great use of the Wind, once in the garden, but now it was back at the laboratory.

And it was growing stronger. A great deal of the Wind was building up now, and Celestia could barely keep herself from shaking as her mind tried to figure out just what that...that....

...that creature...was up to.

As she neared the lab, a bright light seem to flash from the human enclosure before fading. As did the feeling of the Wind.

"No!" Celestia shouted, and flew faster toward the enclosure and gasped at what she saw.

It was empty. Ever single human that had been kept in the enclosure were gone.

"Your highness, we...what?" the guard captain, the guards finally catching up. She felt bad that she had left them so far behind.

She placed her hoof to her head, wincing slightly at the bump, still fresh upon her brow. Where had they-

She felt a surge of the Wind once more, far from here in the park district.

"Captain. To the Park District. Now!"

Celestia's horn flared bright, and teleported herself quickly to the destination. Perhaps if she had time to properly weave the spell, she would have brought the guards with her. But as it was, instant teleportation was required, and it would have put her guards at risk of injury.

'How is he moving so fast?' Celestia thought. Before, even with her limited knowledge of proper Wind users, she could tell Castus was barely able to properly channel and weave its spells. But now....now he seemed to be teleporting from one point to another. It was like he suddenly had become skilled and proficient in its uses.

Asher spell finished, Celestia found herself now at the Canterlot Zoo. Known for a wide variety of animals housed in its facilities, and considered one of the greatest tourist attractions in all of Equestria.

And it was a scene of chaos now.

All around, she saw ponies running. Benches, food stands and souvenir carts lay tipped to the ground; their contents scattered to the ground. And all around, humans were there, eating away any food they saw. The once iron cage that had kept the human troop the zoo held was bent back and its iron bars twisted and reformed into some sort of bridge across the gap that had been dug to keep humans from climbing out.

The humans themselves, seemed to be concentrated in the single area near the enclosure. Some held spears, though Celestia could tell that they were more in danger of hurting themselves with it then her. And even then, the spear holders were too busy eating the various foods as well. But one human, stood out above them all.

Castus, who stood upon a stone wall surrounded by the humans. Celestia felt a fear gripping her heart and she prepared a spell to incapacitate him.

Though, as if sensing she was there, Castus turned his head and locked eyes with her. His eyes became hard as stone, and cold as ice.

Around, the humans went quiet. Castus then began pulling in the Wind. Celestia could feel the power in him growing, and growing. She shuddered at his strength. Though it was not even close to the level she had first sensed in Manehatten; she could feel that he was strong.

And he was letting her know it.

Celestia bit her lip. This being before her was the embodiment of the horrors her mother and grandmother had told her so long ago. Whatever he was doing, she couldn't let him continue.

And so she attacked, and sent her strongest light beam spell toward her enemy.

Castus

Castus was exhausted. Even with his newfound knowledge of the Wind, he still lacked anything resembling experience control. More so, he didn't understand his own limits and frankly didn't have the time to experiment as he wanted. He had to stay moving, and that need for speed had perhaps pushed him harder then he had wanted.

When he had arrived to the laboratory enclosure for humans, he hadn't been sure how he could free them from their clouded savagery. But...he had a...a feeling coming from the amulet. Like he had from the tree....or maybe it was the tree itself using the amulet to speak to him. Either way, he had a faint idea of how he could. And so, channeling the Wind into the amulet and holding it up; he went with the feeling.

He was not disappointed. Trails of white, rainbow hued tendilrs shot from the amulet and passed through every human in the enclosure. Their eyes seemed to glow as the first one had, and then faded to normal. The humans began to look around, confused and perhaps scared. Castus had held his breath, and pushed his sense of the Beast toward the humans.

They were all now clear. That savage shadow was gone, and while there was still a sense of savagery as all creatures could have, it was now repressed by....a more human like mind.

But Castus found he had another problem. Communication. He had to move fast, but he didn't know how to say that to the humans. Especially since he knew they would be afraid initially of his abilities, such as the Waygate. Luckily, his newly acquired memories gave him an idea.

Using the Wind, Castus influenced the aspect of their minds, caressing emotion and feeling. He sent a soothing feeling of calm, and then gave a twist by influencing a sort of primal need for leadership. Setting himself, to them, as their leader. In the current mental condition as they were, it worked. Though in time, he was sure that this trick would not work again.

Which was okay with him. It only needed to work once.

With a sort of calm, and his own leadership of this pack of humans now established, Castus wove another Waygate out of the enclosure. This time to the zoo. He was sure they had humans there to, and he was intent on getting as many humans as he could out of the city. He couldn't get all of them, but he would try for enough.

When he and his following of humans had appeared suddenly without warning in a, sadly and unluckily, populated zoo; it was only natural that ponies there began screaming and running. Castus couldn't help but flinch as carts feel over. But he focused on his target and lead his band toward the human enclosure. A few weavings of the metal and another use of the amulet, and he had one more group of humans to his band.

But all that had left him exhausted, and he had to lean against a tree to catch his breath. The humans around him stayed close, though many had gone towards spilled and tipped food carts.

He couldn't stay in one place long. Though he couldn't just rush to form another Waygate. Those took time to know ones surroundings. An hour or two at the most; though some skilled mages could have done it in less that time back in the days of the Empire. Castus though, didn't feel a need to test if he had that skill. So he had an hour at the least to wait before he could make one last waygate out of the city.

And, as a slight tingle went up his spine. Castus turned to see Celestia not far from him; her horn a glow with a powerful spell ready. Seeing her, he knew he didn't have an hour.

And once she sent forth her spell, he knew that he would have to make time.

Castus quickly wove a Light Shield, deflecting the beam from Celestia's horn away and up to the sky. He then sent out bolts of lightning for a counter attack. Around him, the humans began howling in distress, but he quickly calmed them with a thread of the Wind. He then wove a thread to have the humans quickly gather behind him as he rewove a larger shield. Celestia's dressed looked singed, but his lightning obviously hadn't done much. She sent missles of light to batter at his shield, and Castus felt himself sweating under the intense pressure of the assults upon his shield.

Despite his knowledge, Celestia had the advantage of a thousand years of experience. And worse, if she was here then the guards would be here soon.

'Great...just great.' Castus thought. Just what he needed. Pressure.

Quickly weaving a Standing Shield, as well as an illusion to surround a base of trees, Castus sent out a sensation to the Beast within the humans minds. He sent a feeling of security and safety, as well as to stay put. He was finding it more difficult to keep the command at the forefront of their minds however. That was both good, and bad. He needed them to stay in the safety of the illusion to avoid detection, and the shield to avoid feedback damage from the magic being unleashed. Hopefully, they would listen enough to their instincts in regards to a feeling of safety to not try wandering.

The humans quickly began running, and Castus sent out a blast of light of his own, as he redirected Celestia's own light blast into a wide spaced cone. He reworked the fabrics of the spell, going from damage to just brightness.

Really, really bright brightness. He closed his eyes, and he was awarded with a scream of surprise from Celestia. When Castus opened his eyes, he was greeted with the sight of Celestia rubbing at her eyes; temporarily blinded. Castus smirked and wove another illusion to make the sound of the humans moving further, hoping to confuse Celestia into thinking they were still going and not only a few feet from their location.

Castus stood back, and watched as Celestia regained her vision. And the glare she sent him, through slightly watery eyes, sent a shiver down his spine. Castus took a step back, but reassured himself as he pulled in a tiny bit more of the Wind. He was nearing his peak though, and after all those spells he was starting to get really tired.

"Why are you doing this?" Celestia asked, her horn glowing.

Castus gulped at the steel in her voice but said, "Because....I have to."

The two stared at each other hard for a moment. And then, in the briefest instants magic began roaring out in force. Lighting and beams of light gave way to shields and swirls of savage gusts of wind. Redirected spells flung back in force, to the very roots of trees shooting out to grasp at the opponent. A battle of power and skill that had not taken place in nearly several millennia.

Castus rose his hand and clenched it into a fist as he wove the Wind to grow and extend a trees roots to grasp at Celestia's legs. The wooden tendrils missed to get her into a hold....but....not her dress.

A sight of tearing white fabric greeted his sight as Celestia landed to the ground away from the tendrils. The skirt of her dress torn right up to her hip, giving Castus a good look of her long slender legs and the briefest glimpse of her cutie mark. Celestia herself gasped and covered the tear with her wings before glaring at Castus.

"You pervert!" She yelled, her horn glowing brighter now.

"No wait that isn't what I was trying-" Castus began, shaking his hands out as he fought back a blush. Okay, maybe he had been trying to grasp her with the roots....but the dress tearing...that wasn't his fault.

Of course, he couldn't say that as he had to block a very powerful blast of light. He had to close his eyes from the sheer brightness of the beam and he could feel a surprising amount of heat. A blast of sun energy he was sure; he could feel his skin sting a bit and was sure he had just gotten sunburnt a bit even with his shield.

Castus retaliated with a spell to drive up dirt from the ground, and wove air to create a dust cloud as he dove to cover behind a cart. He hoped that would make the rather peeved alicorn pause for a moment.

'Damn, but she has a shapely leg.' He thought, and he felt a memory of a time he had spent at a House of Pleasure with alicorn servants that had such legs and...

"Gah stop it!" He screamed. Why did he have to have all the memories of Karsus?

He didn't have time to think as the cart was then blown to pieces, and he stood up ready to fight again. Celestia stood there, hooves to hips and leg slightly out of the torn dress skirt. Despite himself, Castus gulped and had to admit....despite her trying to kill him Celestia had the type of body that would have made any Valhruan Lord pay half of his city to acquire for his own.

'Stop that!' He thought, and refocused on the fight.

As the two stared at each other, Castus' heightened sense began to make out the sounds of the clank of armor and shouts of orders. The guards were here. Now he had another problem.

He was exhausted, and if he fought any longer he wouldn't be able to open the Waygate. But had he spent enough time getting to know the feeling of the area. Even if he had, he needed something to distract Celestia and the guards long enough to get the humans through.

'Something big....something scary.' He thought. The best way to distract was with fear. But what was big and scarey to a pony?

A thought then occurred to Castus, and he smirked. Even as guards began to appear and surround him, spears pointed.

"Surrender Castus. I can tell you are at your limit." Celestia said, her voice hard.

Castus chuckled, "You should know something Celestia. We Valhruan's have a hard time knowing when to give up." And with that he wove one last blast of light even as he began an even greater weaving.

All around the guards and Celestia covered their eyes, and as the light subsided, they looked to where Castus had been. And all around, ponies screamed and shouted. Some dropped spears and fell backwards in shock. Even Celestia herself seemed like a deer in the headlights as her head slowly tilted back to look up.

Instead of Castus, now stood a thick heavy scaly green foot. The foot was attached to a giant thick green leg, which was attached to a body. A long scaly body, with back plates jutting out. The body was that of a creature, three hundred feet high and reptilian.

The creature opened its maw of sharp razor teeth, and bellowed a roar that carried for miles.

"Monster!"

"Dragon!"

That and other words ponies shouted, as they all began to run in fear. Even Celestia herself had begun running, trying to set a semblance of order to her guards; even as the giant creature roared again.

Within moments, the entire sector of the zoo was empty. A low laugh began as the giant creature faded into the wind, and there stood Castus where he had been before.

"Thank god for cinema." Castus said, chuckling at his work. A few illusions here and there, a few bits of enhancing fear responses and just general natural instinct to run from a giant creature with sharp teeth and he had been given a result he had more then wanted. Now he just needed to reassure the humans, and such a task was draining him as he constantly had to put more and more of the Wind into his weavings of assurance and safety to their terrified minds.

Still, at least none of them had taken off running. But the ponies...well, they would soon be back once their sense and mind reasserted itself over instinct and the fact that the creature was gone. No doubt Celestia would be first.

It was time to move fast, and Castus rushed to the clearing and poured the last of his strength into weaving a Gateway.

'Come on....come on.' He thought as he wove. it had to work...it had to work. He was on his last leg here; it had to work.

As the spell was finished being woven, Castus felt the Wind leave his body and he fell to his knees exhausted. Around him some of the humans made noises of concern, and the male he had saved even came to him in fear for his safety.

Castus looked at them all, and in front of him. And began to laugh.

There, just the size of a double door, a Waygate had formed and beyond its shimmering expanse was a wide open green field.

Far....far away from Canterlot.

Castus struggled to his feet, and pointed to the gate and said, "Go!"

The humans looked at him, then to the Waygate, and then slowly the horde of humanity began to move through the gate.

And onwards....to freedom. Castus watched them go, until the last went through before he finally entered as well. He looked back, through the shimmering wall of the Waygate which now showed Canterlot on the other side. He caught the brief sight of a figure, Celestia he felt sure. He smirked, as he watched the Waygate slam shut in a second as the energies he had placed to keep it open ran out.

"Finally.....free." He said, before falling back into unconsciousness. Strangely he felt something...catching him. But he couldn't say what as his eyes closed.

Fluttershy

Fluttershy was worried. Something was wrong, she could feel it in her heart.

It had been nearly a week since Castus had been taken away. She had tried to go visit him, but Twilight had told her that apparently he was being kept under tight secrecy and guard that even she, a princess herself, would have had trouble getting to see him. And so, she was left with waiting until whatever spell Celestia was working on to save Castus from the power that would kill him was finished.

She had never been so alone in her life. Some nights, she couldn't even sleep and found herself laying curled up in the cot he had slept in before.

And now....now something had happened in Canterlot. Even Twilight didn't know all the details, but some guards had come with messages and now, Twilight was calling for a town meeting.

Fluttershy was worried, and she prayed that Castus was okay.

As Ponyville gathered at the town hall, Fluttershy saw her friends at the front. They all looked worried to. Before she could say anything though, Twilight walked onto the stage and took the podium. Fluttershy gasped seeing her friend.

Twilight was pale, and seemed like she had just read something horrible. And now, she had to share it with others. What had been in those messages.

"C-citizens of Ponyville." Twilight began with a stutter.

That caused some murmuring. It wasn't often that Twilight stuttered during a speech.

In fact...it never happened.

"I have just....just received word that Canterlot had just suffered a terrible riot. Humans have broken from their enclosures, and the city suffered damages. Though they were minor in total, and no ponies were severely hurt." Twilight said.

Fluttershy gasped. What could have caused such a thing? Oh she hoped Castus was okay.

"But....but the worse news is the cause. A human, unlike the ones we know was responsible. With a keen intellect, the human managed to free nearly two hundred humans before they rampaged through the city and fled. So far, the humans are still believed to be missing." Twilight said.

More murmurings began. Fluttershy felt a chill run down her spine.

"The human in question...is called Castus. By order of Celestia and Luna, this human is labeled a danger to the national security of Equestria." Twilight said, "And a reward is offered to any information leading to the capture of this human....or if proof of his....his demise can be brought to the guards."

Fluttershy gasped, and she slid to her knees. Her heart stopping in shock.

"Fluttershy...darling. Are you okay?" Rarity whispered, and Fluttershy felt her hoof on her shoulder.

Fluttershy was silent. All she could feel was shock and worry.

'Castus....what is happening? What did you do?' She thought, before hugging herself to stop her shaking.

Discord

Within his room, Discord stared at the now blank t.v.

"Hmmm...well....this was an interesting episode." He said.

He had certainly not expected a few things, and he wondered what would happen now.

Everything was changing now, and the thought....the thought made him laugh.

And so Discord laughed. He laughed in delight at the chaos he had witnessed, and the even greater knowledge in knowing that the changes to come would bring even greater shows of chaos to come.

"Oh, I can't wait for the next episode." He said, as he sipped his drink and laughed once more.

Author's Note

Sorry if something said this was updated but wasn't. Miss pressed a button :(

Arrival: Bunnies from Hell

Castus tapped his head with his pencil as he looked over at the report before him. He silently sighed as he lifted his pepsi bottle to his lips and finished off the rest of the sugary caffeine. He then tossed the empty bottle over into the recycling bin before returning to the papers before him on his desk.

He had been working on this historical anthropological paper for class since Tuesday, it was now Thursday. It was part of a project, going over the fossil record and shaping culture of human evolution from H. Erectus to H. Heidelbergensis all the way to H. Sapien.

'No one said this would be easy.' He thought as he set his pencil down and decided to peel his eyes away from cursive lettering and stare at something moving before he had to wear a thick pair of glasses. The paper wasn't due for awhile yet, he could take a break.

Castus rubbed at his eyes as he went to the living room of his apartment and flopped down onto the couch. He flipped the t.v. on and stared at screen as history channel played one of its reality shows. He shook his head and thought, 'What ever happened to educational shows on a channel originally dedicated to history?'

As he watched the show, his cell vibrated and Castus pulled it from his pocket to see he had received a text from his friend Steven.

Yo! Heading to see a movie. You want to come along? The text read.

Castus thought on it for a moment, and decided that it might be alright to get his brain refreshed with some social activity and he answered back.

Sure. Where you at? Will meet you there.

A few moments passed when an answer came.

Cool! Meet at the east side parking lot for the campus. See you there.

With all said and done, Castus put his phone back into his pocket before getting up and grabbing his wallet and a pair of sun glasses. As he headed for the door, it opened up, almost whacking him in the face if he hadn't stepped back, and a young woman stepped through, a look of surprise when she saw Castus.

"Castus? Oh god, I didn't hit you did I?" She asked, a worried look on her face.

Castus shook his head, then lifted and moved his hands as he silently mouthed words, "No sis, luckily. Though I am surprised you are here. Was just heading out."

Of course Castus had to use sign language to speak, given he could not speak normally. He was mute. He never really knew why, he could hear perfectly fine. It just seemed he was one of those people who were born with an inability to speak for whatever reason. Not that he minded much these days, not being able to speak aloud meant he had managed to keep his foot far out of his mouth in many a situation.

Castus sister, Morgan, smiled, "Well just try to becareful okay. And is it so wrong for an older sister to pop in to check on her brother?" She then pinched Castus' cheek and tugged on it with a giggle.

Castus silently groaned and just flipped his sister off, earning a laugh and a free cheek. He rubbed his assaulted face before smirking. Ever since he had left home and entered college, his sister had stopped by numerous times to make sure he was okay. It was a bit overbearing, but it just meant she cared.

"I will be fine. I'm a big boy now, I can tie my shoes and everything." He signed.

Morgan smiled and said, "I know. Just humor me and let me be the over protective sister a bit longer."

Castus rolled his eyes, but wrapped his sister in a hug, which she returned with a smile. Finally, sibling happy time over, Castus pulled away from his sister and walked around her signing, "Be back later. Don't touch anything if you staying any longer. Everything is where it is suppose to be."

Morgan placed a hand on her hip as she looked around a corner at a slight mess of popcorn and soda cans in the living room, "Right....in it's place."

Castus nodded and signed, "Yes." And closed the door with a silent chuckle as he headed toward the elevator. He lived on the fourth floor of the dorm at his college, and while it wasn't much, he was just too lazy to walk down flights of stairs. Man invented the elevator for a reason, might as well use it.

Hitting the bottom floor button, Castus leaned against the wall as he watched the numbers tick down from...4....3....2. but as the elevator started making its final passing to the bottom floor, a sudden jolt rocked elevator, causing Castus to loss his balance and grip the railing inside to keep from falling down.

'What the?' He thought, looking around as the lights flickered on and off. Was there a power outage? A mechanical failing? Whatever the case the elevator had stopped moving and the flickering lights were causing him to get dizzy at the rate of flashing. Actually he was really starting to feel a bit dizzy, and a feel of blue flashing across his eyes made him cover his face with his hands and slide down onto his rear. He was starting to feel sick.

Then a tingling sensation flew across his whole body, like someone was touching him with an electric socket or something, making all the hairs of his body stand on end. Something was going on, and Castus could feel it in the area of his brain that whatever was wrong was beyond his control, and a primal feeling of terror started taking over. Without thinking, and fighting back the urge to vomit, Castus dove and curled up into the corner of the elevator just as the sensation reached a temp and it felt like his whole body was being lifted up, followed by the scream of the wind. Did the elevator cord snap?

Whatever the reason, Castus closed his eyes tight as his body suddenly felt heavy and he felt a screaming tear across his mind in an agonizing shriek, causing him to scream out silently, gripping his head before finally blacking out.

The first thing Castus registered when he slowly came back to earth was a soft grassy scent in his nose, and then a sudden and very powerful urge to vomit. He quickly lifted himself up, on his knees and hands before releasing his breakfast onto the grass beneath him. When that was done coughed and spat several times before rolling over and laying on his back away from his vomit.

'Ugh....what happened?' He thought, rubbing his head as he looked up at the crystal clear skies, and watched several clouds float gently by.

Wait? Clouds? Sky? Grass? Blinking in confusion and suddenly shooting up and looking around, Castus saw that he was outside near a river, to several sides were trees, encased in a rather odd looking fog, and to the other side a vast field of flowers.

'What the hell?' He thought as he tried to get a grasp on where he was. Wasn't he in an elevator before?

'Wait...I get it. The elevator. The visit. The sudden appearance in a field. This was one of those fear factor jokes or something that you saw on t.v. where friends or family scared the hell out of loved ones for fun. He nodded his head and flipped the bird as he spun in a circle.

He waited around for some t.v. guy or his sister to come out of hiding, laughing with a camera crew. But so far, nothing showed up. He was alone. After waiting for several minutes and walking to look at any possible place he could think that could be a hiding place close enough to his location, Castus started to get that feeling that something was not right.

In fact he felt sure something was not right when he spotted a sign over by an area of the large flower bed. Walking over, stopping only to rinse his mouth a bit with the water from the river, he looked at the sign.

Beware. Vampire Bunnies. Caution

Castus was frankly....confused. Vampire bunnies? What was this? Bunucula? Before he could question the sanity of this whole thing, though a part of his mind was starting to get a little panicked, this had gone beyond what he considered funny, and if this was all a joke by someone he knew he was gonna do something horrible once he thought of it, something bumped against his leg.

'Huh?' Castus thought and looked down to see three adorable little bunnies. Their little eyes staring up at him with puppy like grace and their noses as the sniffed him. Castus blinked before smiling and kneeling down.

'They don't seem afraid of me. Never seen a rabbit do this before?' He thought as he slowly extended a hand to pet one on the head. The bunny accepted the pet, and cuddle its head into his palm.

'Awww. That's cute.' Castus thought with a smile.

Then suddenly the three bunnies opened their mouths, wider then he thought would be possible, and hissed at him as their eyes glowed blood red and two rather vampire like fangs showed in their wide mouths. Their hiss was like something from a demon, and Castus staggered back as he silently swore.

'Holy shit!' He thought as one of the bunnies leaped at him, and sank it's fangs into the arm he brought up to defend himself.

'Ow, ow ow ow ow!' Castus thought as he got up and grabbed the rabbit by the neck and tried to yank it off of him.

'Get off you mangy rodent!' he thought, finally tearing the bunny off, splatting blood and leaving two bite size marks on his arm. The rabbit hissed before Castus threw it with all his might to the ground. The rabbit hit the ground was dazed a moment before it, and its friends hissed again and came at him again.

Castus swore in his head as he turned and ran towards the forest. Screw this, he'd take his chance with an unknown forest in a creepy fog over demon vampire bunnies from hell!

Pushing aside branches and jumping over logs, Castus ran as fast as he could, but he wasn't really paying attention to his footing and he tripped over a root that had to be just in the way. Bring his hands up and slamming them down as he just hit the ground as he had learned, Castus grunted and looked behind him as he expected the demon rabbits to be right on him like a scene from Jurassic Park.

But they weren't there. Did he give them the slip? Slowly getting up, he saw the distant outline of the three demon rabbits glaring at him, but they had not entered into the forest.

'Are they scared?' He thought before smirking and giving the rabbits a two finger salute.

'Eat that you rodents!' He thought, before hissing and placing a hand over his wound. He looked at the bite mark and saw it was starting to scab up, but he had bleed a bit.

'I swear to god if I turn into a rabbit vampire thing, I am going to be pissed.' He thought. He really hoped that wasn't the case.

Speaking, where the HELL was he. He looked around slowly as he started walking off. Wherever he was, it couldn't be home. He didn't know of any forests that had plants that looked like some of the things he was seeing here in this forest.

'And I know for a fact, nothing on earth has vampire rabbits.' He thought, shivering at that horrible hissing scream they made. That was beyond all sense of what he knew of biology and evolution. At least...as far as he knew. Maybe it was possible...but even if it was, and he felt sure it was now since he had the proof on his arm, logically it couldn't be any place on earth. But where else could he be?

'Just calm down Castus....I'll just sit a moment and try to get my bearings.' Castus thought as he spotted a large log and sat down with a soundless sigh.

He ran his hands through his hair as he tried to get a grip on all that had happened so far. First he was in an elevator, then there was that sudden stop and that strange feeling of vertigo, and that horrible scream in his head. Could it be related to how he got to where he was?

'It was the last thing I heard before blacking out, so I guess it would have to be.' He thought. But what did it all mean?

Castus sighed, and tapped his fingers against his head as he tried to think. Normally, one wouldn't see such a creature as he had just seen on earth. So did that mean he was not on earth? It was perhaps a possibility, as he did subscribe to the Multiverse theory of physics. But how did he end up in a different universe?

'Is it possible mine and this one connected for a moment and I happened to be at the point of connection and ended up being brought along when the connection ended? A worm hole? Damn it all, this isn't my field of study.' He thought, rubbing his head as he started feeling a headache coming on.

Biology. Anthropology. History. Ecology. Even Archeology. These he knew well. But when it got into the larger math's he wasn't as smart. Oh he got it sure, but it gave him a headache trying to sort it all out and the equations went over his head frankly.

A low growl took Castus away from his thoughts and the feeling of hot breath on his neck made him stiff up. Slowly, he turned his head till he was staring right into the face of what he could only call a monster.

It was a bear! But not just a bear, it was huge! And it's body seemed to be made of stars and constellations, and it had two large canine fangs! This wasn't a bear! It was a monster!

The bear monster growled, staring at Castus with a threatening look.

Castus couldn't move. He couldn't breath. Hell, he wasn't sure he could think! This creature defied all connection to what he felt was normal in his own world.

'This....can't be....my world.....I'm so dead.' He thought, before feeling both shock and instinct kicking in and he fell onto his back and played dead. It was suppose to work for real bears....he really hoped it worked for this....thing!

'I really hope it works.' He thought before feeling everything go blank somewhat.

The ground shook as the bear took a step. Oh god, it shook the ground when it walked! Castus felt his heart ready to give out as the bear started sniffing him, and even nudged him with its monster of a claw. It whacked him with some force that it nearly winded him, and tore his shirt a bit when it bit on the fabric with its teeth and shook him some. Maybe tear was the wrong word...since when it tossed him aside his shirt was literally destroyed with a giant hole in it.

Castus felt a bit dizzy and bruised from the, though thankfully, less then tender treatment the bear monster was giving him. But finally it seemed fed up with him and walked away, the trees snapping where it walked and the ground shaking slightly with each step.

Castus lay there for awhile. Until he felt sure the monster was far away, or he hoped and shot up and ran. He ran, not caring where he went till he felt far enough from his previous location and leaned against a tree, breathing heavily.

'Aww man. I liked this shirt.' He thought as he took notice of his shirt.

The entire front of it was bone, torn by the bears massive teeth. All that kept it together was a few thin bits of cloth, and his chest and a few bruises where the beast had swatted him with its claw. He breathed slowly and rubbed a hand along his ribs. He was glad to feel that he didn't have any broken ribs, though they felt a bit sore.

'Well this sucks.' He thought as he decided that the shirt was useless to wear and removed it. He decided to use the tattered remains as a makeshift covering for his wound and wrapped it around the bite mark on his arm. It wasn't perfect, but he hoped it would at least act as a staunch should the wound start bleeding again.

'Okay....I'm not in Kansas anymore Toto.' Castus thought. In fact he was sure he wasn't on earth anymore. That bear monster was all the proof he needed. Castus took a steady breath, no sense in getting panicked. In fact, after his near brush with a monster bear he didn't think he even had the capability to panic anymore right now.

Right now, he just wanted to sit down....actually what he wanted some a cold hard shot of vodka. But water or a safe place to rest would be nice. After all the running, he was feeling thirsty and rather exhausted. He blamed that on his relatively poor physical condition. He was your average college student of the modern world, skinny and as he put it: too lazy to work out a lot. Still that didn't mean he was in bad health....just average.

'Well, I think I'll keep going till I'm out of this forest.' Castus thought. After that bear, he didn't want to know what else this forest had in it. He wanted out, yet at the same time a part of him felt a familiarity with the forest. But forget that, he can get familiar with it from the safety of outside of it!

Deciding that the best case would be to keep going in the direction he had been running, Castus took off at a slow semi jog pace. As he went, he felt like there were eyes on him, and at times he could hear a growl or a howl of a wolf not off in the distance. He quickened his pace at that, until he saw what looked like the edge of the forest, and no demon bunnies to greet him.

'Oh thank god!' He thought and he made a last minute burst through, falling to his knees as he came out to an open grassy field. Castus breathed deeply and flopped on his back as he caught his breath. Finally he was out, and not too soon.

'Now let's hope I don't run into anything else that wants to kill me or lord knows what else.' Castus thought. Still if he counted his current record as a sign, he felt sure he was due for more bad luck....unless he got some good luck to counter the bad. Certainly his karma wasn't that messed up was it?

Getting up, and dusting at his slowly dirt and slightly grass stained jeans, Castus looked around him. He wasn't in a the monster forest anymore, but he wasn't in a wide field as he had thought. Actually it seemed that a part of the area he was near spread out into what looked like a forest of apple trees, and a dirt path leading away from the forest toward a hill and...Castus ran a bit and looked over the hill to see a town.

'A town! Maybe I can get some help.' Castus thought, 'At least I hope so. If this is a separate world from my own, who knows what could be lurking in there.'

Castus was still having a hard time getting use to the thought he had travelled into a separate dimenision from his own. But after what he had been through, he didn't want to play any chances, and decided that first he would satisfy his more apparent needs. Like some water...and maybe one of those apples.

He moved first toward the apple orchard, noticing a fence that separated the orchard from the field. This made an obvious sign of property line. This was someone's property.

'I don't want to steal but....' Castus thought before hopping the fence and crouching low as he moved between the trees. He looked around, noticing nothing around him that was out of the ordinary and he climbed up the tree till he could reach out to a low laying branch and grasped a bright red apple. He pulled and it gave way with ease.

'Awsome. Wow...this looks good.' Castus thought as he hopped down from the tree and sat down, holding his juicy prize in his hand. He inspected it for holes before slowly taking a bite. His eyes widened as he felt the juicy and crunch of the apple. The tarty taste, but still so sweet.

'Oh....my........god.' Castus thought, before biting down a much larger bite. This was good! Better then good! This kicked the butt off of anything grown on his world! Then again....that wasn't a hard thing to do given his world.

Castus took it upon himself to devour every single inch of the apple that he could, till the core was a bare husk with but a few seeds all the remaining bit of the apple's once proud and honorable whole. Castus went to get him two more, and proceeded to eat his second, placing the third in his lap as he sat behind the tree; incase anyone came up by the dirt road.

As he ate Castus thought on how he was going to proceed after his snack. He could go to the town he had seen, or maybe even the owner of this orchard. Of course he wasn't sure if they could speak sign language, so he would have to write out his messages...that or to avoid any possibly hostile natives he could always find shelter in the woods and try to go Suvivorman.

'Yeah....probably gonna forget that idea. Who would be crazy enough to live there?' Castus thought, looking at the forest of monsters. Not him. Nope, no.

As he thought, Castus suddenly remembered his cell I his pocket. he pulled it out and check the time and the cellular range. No bars, of course. As for the time, if the time of his world and this were similar, it was 2:45 and thankfully still a full bar.

'Better save this. This will probably be my only entertainment for a time.' He thought and turned the cell off to save battery power and placed it back in his pocket.

'So. Cellphone, wallet. Headphones. Not a lot to work with.' Castus thought with a smirk. He tossed aside his second applecore and picked up the third as he stood up and started eating it.

'Guess its time to-'

"Hold it right there you thieving varmint!"

'Varmint?' Castus thought confused, 'Oh crap it must be the owner!'

Castus turned slowly, arms raised as he looked to the owner of the orchard, and felt his brain melt at what he saw.

There, stood a creature he could only call a pony. But it was a pony in the terms that he knew it. First, she, and he was sure it was a she by the voice, had orange colored fur, with a blond colored mane and tail. But instead of standing on all fours, this stood on two with the other two legs acting as a sort of arms...if arms ending with hooves were useful, though by the way she was spinning the rope she had, Castus felt sure they were.

Also she wore clothes, hers were a pair of short cut jeans, with a three apple mark just peeking out from under the cloth. What was that? As well she wore a white short shirt that left her belly exposed under a red light jacket, with a Stenson hat on her head. That was about all he could get, because Castus was immediately jumping to the side to avoid the lasso from getting around his neck!

"Hold still ya darn thief!" The pony anthropoid said, charging at him as she spun and tossed her lasso again.

Castus was already running. He didn't know where, but anywhere was better then here with a crazy pony person!

'I knew it! I knew it! My luck can get worse!' He thought as he leaped over the fence and ran down the road. Adrenaline pumping and giving him a much thankful boost of speed and endurance, though he was taking deep breathes as he ran.

"Get back here!" The pony yelled, still giving chase.

Castus swore in his mind as he ran, heading for the town as he saw it come into view. He ran as hard as he could, hoping to maybe use the buildings and closer spaces to loss his pursuer, but as he got closer he felt his entire mind get shocked as he saw more and more of the anthropod creatures walking the streets of the town.

'Oh great!' He thought as he ran onto the streets of the town, the pony people around him all gasped, and moved out of his way.

"The horror, the horror!" One of the pony people called, and others ran out of the way when Castus ran past them.

"Wild human!"

"Someone get the guards!"

If he could have, Castus would have sworn every curse word he could as he found his presence sending the entire area around him into a frenzy as he turned a corner and ducked down an alley.

"Where did he go?"

Castus froze and ducked behind a trash bin as he spotted the orange pony from before, looking around near his location, looking for him. That cursed lasso still in her....hooves?

Castus held his breath as he tried to slowly move down the other end of the alley, until he felt a rope wrapping around his neck and pulling him off his feet. Castus brought his hands up and pulled on the rope at his neck to keep it from strangling him as best he could as he felt himself being dragged out of the alley way.

"There ya are ya trouble making critter." The ornage pony said, pulling him towards her and pouncing on him, rope in her hooves.

'Damn it!' Castus thought as he struggled against his assulter, but his endless running and his poor endurance had left him too exhausted to give much of a fight, and the pony herself was quiet strong, pinning him down with a hoof as she tied his arms and legs together with the rest of the rope.

"Ha! You gave a chase, but nopony or human can outrun me." The pony said, placing a her foot on his chest and looking down at him with a smirk.

Castus struggled, but finally sighed in defeat and just lay still. Now what would happen to him?

As if answering him, Castus saw several ponies approach, only these were white in their coat color, and wore a golden colored set of armor. They also looked a bit larger then the orange pony and more masculine, but what confused Castus the most was what was on their foreheads.

A horn. In fact Castus could swear one could consider these creatures unicorns.

"Howdy there fellas. Don't worry, I got this little rascal well and good now." The orange pony said, removing her foot from his chest.

The guards looked down at him, then gave a nod to the pony.

"Thank you Miss Applejack. We'll take things from here. I trust you are not hurt?" One of the guards asked.

The pony, Applejack, laughed, "Aww shucks, no need ta worry about me, I'm as fine as I can be. This guy didn't give much of a fight once I had my rope around him."

The guard nodded, "Very well then. We'll take him then. This isn't your human is it?"

Applejack shook her head, "Nope. Not one of ours, I caught him eating some of our apples. A little thief he is."

"Hmm. Very well." The guard said, and its horn glowed a bright green aura.

Castus felt his eyes widen as he was surrounded by a similar aura and was lifted off the ground and levitated over to what looked like an old version of a dog catches truck, only this was a car and designed to hold him, iron bars on the sides. He silently grunted as he was tossed into the barred cart roughly and shut in.

Castus was still bound by the rope, so all he could do was lay there as the cart began moving. Wherever he was going, he felt sure it wasn't going to be good.

Far away, looking into a pool of water, stirred by a eagle talon, Discord looked down as the images faded away. The spirit of chaos laughed, holding his sides as he moved away from the water pool and sat down on a chair, on the ceiling.

"Ohohohohohoho, oh that was hilarious!" He said, remembering the events that he witnessed.

"Oh the screaming and the running. Oh the sheer panic! When I brought that creature here, I didn't think he would be so funny!" Discord said, taking a moment to catch his breath.

"Ahaha, I think I will be watching with great interest....or at least until I get bored." He said, a newspaper appearing his hands as he turned a page, a smile on his face.

Practice, Walks, and Cutie Marks

Practice, Walks, and Cutie Marks

Fluttershy

Fluttershy was very happy, and the smile on her face only radiated the positive feelings she had. She had made both a new friend, and had gotten plenty of supplies for him to converse with her. She knew that Castus would be happy to have more to write with.

'Hmmm, I wonder if he can tell me what kind of animals the world he is from has. It be amazing to learn the types of critters that populate other worlds.' She thought with a giggle.

Reaching her cabin, she opened the door and called, "Castus. I'm back."

She looked around and couldn't see Castus at the table, or in the living room. The sound of something falling upstairs brought her attention to the stairs.

'Why is he up in my room again?' She thought, mostly just wondering. Did he like being in higher elevations? Or was it a sort of dominance thing?

She readjusted the bags of scrolls, quills and ink pots on her shoulder before walking up.

"Castus?" She called again, and saw him appear between the doorway. His eyes were wide with surprise and seemed nervous. Odd.

"Oh, umm...why are you up in my room? Not that I am angry, I was just wondering. Did you need something from there?

Castus lifted up one of the books from her room, the final one that she had borrowed from Twilight.

"Oh you just wanted to read the other book. I guess you finished the other two?" She asked as she walked up the stairs and joined him in her room. Castus stepped aside to let her through and nodded.

"Well I have plenty of scrolls for you. See." She said and opened one of the bags to show it was full of scrolls and some quills.

Castus frowned but quickly smiled and lifted the thumb on of hand up. An odd gesture, and Fluttershy wondered what it meant. Though she felt it was a good one.

"I'm so glad you like them. Now we can talk all the time." She said with a smile, before pressing her hooves together nervously, "So umm...I was wondering...if maybe...I could ask you some questions about the animals of your world?"

Castus looked at her before nodding and grabbing a scroll from the bag, along with a fresh quill and ink pot as he set them down on the desk in her room and wrote, "Sure. Let's go downstairs to the dining room though."

Fluttershy nodded and followed him downstairs and sat right next to him when he took a seat at the table, setting several scrolls beside him.

"Okay, well I was wondering, what kind of bird species do you have?" She asked first, her eyes wide with joy.

Castus

Castus wrote as he answered Fluttershy's questions. He wasn't the best on all the animal species, but he knew enough to hopefully satisfy her curiosity.

'Though I feel like a complete scum bag now. She bought all these and just when some chaos spirit comes along and makes me able to talk. If I told her now she'd probably be upset.' He thought.

So he would keep his speech ability a secret....for now. At least till he got better control over it. His voice still cracked when he spoke, and it definitely still had the tone of someone who had never used their voice in over twenty one years. He had to slowly speak some words till his throat and tongue got use to how they were formed.

Just because he could read a word and know its pronunciation, didn't mean he still said it right. That would take practice, practice he would do when Fluttershy wasn't around.

'Still this does mean I can have an easier time of communication for later.' He thought. Still, he might just reveal his new ability sooner then later, because his wrist was starting to get sore.

As he finished up the last of the sentences for an explanation on the various cat species on his world, he had set the quill down and rubbed vigorously at his wrist. It felt like it was starting to cramp up.

Fluttershy had taken notice and gasped as she took his hand and rubbed his wrist, "Oh dear. I forgot that your wrist would probably start getting sore from all this writing. I'm really sorry."

Castus smiled and patted her head, to show that it was okay before writing, "It is okay. Though mind if I take a break?"

Fluttershy nodded, "Of course. Please, I need to take care of something's around the cottage anyway and I guess return these books to Twilight.

Castus nodded, "Cool. I'm gonna take a walk. I've been cooped up here all day and need to stretch my legs."

Fluttershy turned and looked at him worriedly, "Are you sure? I mean, humans don't tend to wander on their own. I don't want you getting in trouble."

Castus thought on that. It was true, these ponies seemed to freak when they saw an unattended human.

"But I'm your human. Doesn't this collar mean anything?"

Fluttershy placed a hoof to her chin, "Well...I guess it might not be so bad. The collar does have a tag stating me as your owner....but, maybe you should stay out of ponyville. You can walk around the woods, just be careful not to wander into Applejacks orchard...or steal any of her apples again. Please...for your own safety." Fluttershy placed her hooves on Castus' shoulders and looked at him with wide eyes filled with fear.

Castus blinked and gulped before nodding. He really didn't know why she was scared...he didn't want to know. He nodded and wrote he would agree to these terms before standing up, rubbing at his wrist again.

"Okay then. Try to stay out of trouble and be back before dinner okay." Fluttershy said as Castus walked to the door.

He gave her a thumbs up before opening the door and heading out.

Fluttershy's cottage was actually on the border of two woods. One which she had told him was the Everfree, and he knew personally to stay out of there. And then there was the more calm and safer wood, which also lead into the Everfree, and that orchard he had seen before.

'Man I can still remember those apples.' He thought, remembering the flavor and taste of the fruit. He really wish he had one now.

Given he couldn't enter town, unless he had Fluttershy with him, Castus choose the woods where he was less likely to run into giant space bears.

To be truthful, Castus wanted to get out to better practice his speech habits....and he couldn't do that with Fluttershy around. Well, not without feeling extremely guilty.

"It s-still...just....sucks." He said to himself quietly, growling and clearing his throat as he spoke each word slowly.

'Yeah, I really need to work on this some more. Just need to find a quiet and out of the way place for some privacy.'

Eventually he found a decent clearing in the woods that he felt was far enough out of the way to give him the best sort of privacy. As he sat down at the base of a large tree he rubbed at his throat as he started with some basic breathing exercise and the saying all singer started with.

"Do.....ra.......mmmmeee fa so...la te do. Do te la so fa me ra do." He said slowly. Hmmm, a little better. Still some struggling, but he was starting to get the hang of this, it even sounded on a more normal tone.

He continued with that, starting with small words, the vowels and even a few short sentences. The biggest thing he noticed as he did this was that this was both exhausting for the throat and his lungs. He rubbed at his throat as it itched from usage that it was not use to.

'I hope this doesn't last. Okay...now lets try for a few more.' He thought before opening his mouth.

And a piercing cry came out. Castus shuthis mouth, and clamped a hand over his lips, but the scream still continued, followed by the breaking of branches.

And it was coming from above.

"What the?" He said as he saw three figures, and several small tree branches fall ontop of him.

"Holy sh-" he started before stopped as the three figures crashed into him.

"Ooooh...ow my back." One voice said.

"That.....could have gone better." Another said.

"What did we land on?" A third said.

Castus groaned, causing three voices to gasp and the weight on his back to disappear. Thank goodness.

"Oh no! We killed it! We killed it!" One cried.

"No we didn't look he is still breathing, we just knocked him down." Another said, trying to calm the first.

"Uhh...maybe we should maybe step back, incase it all is angry at us for fallin' on it. My sister told me humans can be testy if provoked." A third said with worry in her voice.

Castus felt pretty sure that anyone would be a little angry if they had three individuals fall on them. And as he slowly lifted his head to see three new anthropoid ponies, or pony people as he decided to call them. These were a lot younger then Fluttershy....a lot younger. He didn't know how they aged here, but he would have put them at twelve years old in human years.

One, a unicorn, had a white coat with a mulberry sort of mane mixed with grey and wore a pure white dress and skirt that went down to her knees. The other had a big red bow on her head of red mane and a yellow coat, and wore overalls and looked like a tomboy. And the third was a Pegasus, tough her wings seemed...a bit small for her body, and she had a magenta purple sort of colored mane. She had on a t-shirt and shorts, one knee with a bandage on it.

"Uh oh....he's getting up." The yellow pony person said. What did you call one without wings or horn anyway?

"Ummm...w-we're really sorry we fell on you." The unicorn said, looking scared.

"Come on Sweetie Belle, you know they can't understand ponies." The Pegasus said.

"Quiet Scootaloo. Just step back slowly." The yellow pony said.

Castus watched as the girls slowly backed away, looking ready to run. He rolled his eyes as he got up and dusted himself off. His sudden movement brought a gasp from the unicorn, Sweetie Belle.

Castus looked at the kids before rubbing his head, he was sure to have a nice lump forming soon. The kids stared back at him, seeming unsure of what he was going to do next. Castus hoped that they hadn't heard his speech practice, but given their reactions about him he felt confident that they had not.

'Best keep it that way.' He thought and turned and walked off to another part of the woods. Leaving the three pony kids confused as they watched him go.

CMC

"Hey Applebloom, I thought you said that humans attack ponies they don't know or when they get hurt. So why didn't that one try to attack us?" Scootaloo asked her friend after they had gotten back to the clubhouse.

Their recent encounter with the human had been a shock, and Sweetie Belle was still a bit shaken up. Though, that might have also been from the fall they had.

"I'm just glad it didn't. Did you see how tall it was, it was like looking into the eyes of a dragon." Sweetie Belle said, her eyes widening in fear as she remembered.

"Oh it wasn't that bad. He looked kinda scrawny anyway, I bet I could have beaten him with my wings tied behind my back." Scootaloo said, blowing a strand of her mane out of the way.

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle rolled their eyes at their friends boasting.

"What I wanta know is, whose was it." Applebloom said as she rubbed her chin with her hoof.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belled looked at their friend in surprise.

"You mean it wasn't one of the ones you have working on the farm?" Scootaloo asked.

Applebloom shook her head, "Nope. All ours got an apple branded on their flanks. That one didn't have any."

Sweetie Bell hummed as she tapped her head, "Hey, now that I think about it. He was wearing what looked like a blanket an odd way too."

"I noticed that too." Applebloom said.

Scoots thought on it for a moment, "Yeah....it almost looked like clothes."

"Hmmm." The three fillies hummed as they thought. What did it all mean.

"Hey, if it isn't one of your humans, maybe it's a wild human!" Scootaloo said with surprise.

"That might be right." Applebloom said.

"Should we tell Applejack or somepony? Humans can be pretty dangerous. Rarity says so." Sweetie Belle said.

Scootaloo shook her head, "No way, don't you guys see that this is the perfect chance to try for a human capturing cutie mark."

"Human capturing..." Applebloom started, looking at Scoots oddly.

"Cutie mark?" Sweetie Belle finished, giving Scoots the same look.

Scootaloo nodded, "Sure, I yeah we got caught by surprised, but if we caught it think of what everypony would say. Besides, we haven't tried human capturing yet."

Applebloom and Sweetie had a faint idea of what some ponies might say, especially their sisters, but Scoots did have a point. They hadn't tried it yet.

"Hmm, I don't know...but he didn't look all that dangerous. Even so, we can't let him wander around." Applebloom said.

"So lets do it!" Scoots said as she ran over to a pile and pulled out some rope and a Daring Do hat she kept and put it on, "Lets catch us a human!"

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked at each other but nodded with serious looks, and together the three of them shouted:

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER HUMAN CAPTURERERS! YEAH!"

The little fillies soon began gathering everything they would need to set a trap for the wandering human. It would be a fool proof plan!

Author's Note

Because my family is in the middle of moving to a new home and I've had to devote a lot of time to helping with the move. We move full on Thursday and I don't know if I will have enough time to get all the info I want into one chapter...and I am having a bit of a connection block so spreading things out at times helps me get a focus on the story events.

I should be back to more or less a common update time by Sunday or the week following after we unpack everything from the truck and such.

I am really glad people like the fic :) Thank you all I wuv you all. And so does Molestia :3

Let's see Castus Pov, Fluttershy Pov, Discord Pov, and now CMC pov :) we got a regular game of thrones sort of thing going now :P Hope I can keep track of this all.