The Great Powers Within

Chapters

Chapter I: A New Man (Edited by author)
Chapter II: The Art of Swordplay (Edited by author)
Chapter III: Lack of Self Control (Edited by author)
Chapter IV: Deception Is Unforgivable (Edited by author)
Chapter V: Where Loyalties Lie (Edited by author)
Chapter VI: The Many Equestrian Splendors (Edited by author)
Chapter VII: Captain of the Royal Ponyville Guard (Edited by author)
Chapter VIII: Eggheads: The Perfect Match (Edited by author)
Chapter IX: Green Blood Splatters (Edited by author)
Chapter X: This Damn Body (Edited by author)
Chapter XI: When Life Pushes Me (Edited by author)
Chapter XII: I Push Harder (Edited by author)
Chapter XIII: White Hot
Chapter XIV: This Is War
Chapter XV: A Crippled Queen

Chapter I: A New Man (Edited by author)

I awoke in a daze, my head hurting like someone was hitting it with a hammer...where was I? I looked around and saw green pastures and a small town in the distance. Nothing seemed familiar to me...I stood up and looked down, I saw some sort of blast mark where I had been laying. The grass had been completely torn away and the dirt turned black. My clothes were torn apart, a long slash along my shirt, but no wound or blood...my pants were muddy and had tears along the legs.

I looked back up and saw the town once again, as I started walking toward it, I felt a sudden brush of air and heard something land behind me. I slowly turned around and saw a tall black horse-looking bug...it had holes in its legs...I fell backward onto the ground and started to back away from the...whatever it was…my heart was pounding in my chest, as I backed up from it. Somehow, it looked...pleased…

“Do not be afraid. I have no intentions to hurt you.” The creature spoke to me, this was definitely the weirdest day I’d ever had...come to think of it...this is the only day I remember...I stood up feeling the fear inside me....my hands were shaking, I was breathing rapidly…

“Who are you? What are you? Who am I?” I asked, millions of questions swirling through my head.

“I am Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings.” Chrysalis spoke with a sort of pride in her voice, obviously pleased with the status she held.

“As for who you are...I don’t know, you have a great power residing within you... its how I found you…Perhaps you should choose a name for yourself...” said Chrysalis.

“Call me...Novy…” The name shot into my head as quickly as I’d heard the question. I don’t even know what it means...just that its right for me…

“Hmm, that's a fascinating name, now it's your turnn, tell me, what are you?” asked Chrysalis looking over my body, studying me.

“I’m...a human…” I answered her, not knowing how I knew this...Its like it was always in my mind, I just needed something to trigger it... The pounding in my head had dissipated. Chrysalis walked closer to me and put her hoof on my hair.

“Brown hair...grey eyes...all dark colors…” She muttered to herself as she studied my body further.

“I want you to come with me, Novy. I need you to see something…” said Chrysalis, I watched as she leaned down. “Get on my back…” She stared at me, telling me to get on. I hesitantly climbed on and she leaned back up. Her wings spread and she lifted into the air. I looked down at the spot of my awakening, and saw six multicolored ponies approach it. None of them noticed us as we flew away. They all seemed puzzled and were talking to each other. I turned my attention back to where Chrysalis was taking me.

Some time later……

We approached a black castle in the middle of a dark forest, I could see different creatures moving in the trees, and heard a series of shrill screams, and loud roars. We landed at the door to the castle, I looked up and saw the black pillars, no windows to be seen. I climbed off Chrysalis and two different Changelings walked up to us and opened the doors. They looked like smaller versions of their Queen, like a hive. Chrysalis led the way through a long corridor, holes in the walls, seeming to match the rulers appearance, I could actually see into the rooms next to us. We walked down a corridor, and approached an area with many doors. She opened one that led to a large black room, a bed in the corner, and a stand next to it.

“This is where you will be staying, Novy.” The Queen said as I walked further into the room and sat on the bed. A changeling drone walked in and stood in front of me, a set of clothing on his back. I picked them up and stared at the shirt. It was all black, but there was a green symbol on it. It looked like a Changeling horn with a green circle around it, the pants matched, even had a green stripe going down the side of the left leg. I looked at Chrysalis, feeling confused.

"I'm staying here?" I asked confusedly.

"Novy, I want to help you harness your power. You haave soomething wiithin you that I can't explain, there could be no limit to your abilities. We just have to see what you can do." She spoke with an odd calmness in her voice...

“I’ll give you time to get dressed and settle in…” Chrysalis said, leaving the room with the drone. I stood up and took off my shirt, I looked at the scars all over my chest and arms...What did I do to get these marks? I pulled my torn and battered jeans off and put on the new ones. I walked to the door and opened it, I put my head out and looked down the corridors, there was a drone next to my door. He noticed me, and pushed me back into the room, shutting the door.

I tried to open the door again, but it wouldn't open. I slammed my shoulder into it, but it didn't budge. I took a few steps backward and as I was running at the door, it flew open and I shot of the room, slamming into the wall.

“Oooooow!” I yelled as I held my arm. Chrysalis grinned at my misfortune. I let go of my arm and glared at the drone, who stared back at me.

“Now, now, we don’t need a fight to break out, do we?” Chrysalis spoke in a cold voice, and the drone looked down. She looked at me.

“Come with me, Novy.” She didn't give me time to respond as she walked away, I followed her farther into the castle, and into a gigantic room with an orb of some kind in the center. She walked over to the orb and stood in front of it, I stood on the opposite side of the orb.

“I’m going to show you the reason my hive and I live in this forest of beasts and death…” She said with a sort of edge to her voice. “These six ponies are the reason I’ve been reduced to a castle in the Everfree Forest.” I watched as she touched her horn on the orb, it showed the image of the six multicolored ponies who were at thee fieldd I woke up in.

“Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and their leader Twilight Sparkle.” Chrysalis spoke with anger in her voice as she stared at the image of the ponies. For some reason, I didn't want to tell her that I’d seen them...something told me it was a bad idea...I watched as the image morphed to an overview of the same green pastures I awoke in. This time, the grass was black and Changelings were flying through the air. In the town, in the pastures, everywhere.

“My children and I once ruled this land, it was known as only The Hive. Then, one grim day, the ponies showed up…” she said still watching the orb. The image in the orb showed the ponies running into town with an army of their kind, they attacked the Changelings, killing them, green blood spilling everywhere, on the houses, the streets. I watched as the Changelings retreated into the Everfree Forest, ponies on their heels, driving them away.

“We were once plentiful....but that changed when we were attacked without any provocation and driven into this hell of a forest…” Chrysalis said as the image on the orb shifted to the six ponies standing on a pile of dead Changelings, their manes and fur soaked in Changeling blood.

“They don’t look evil…” I said confused.

“Do not underestimate them, Novy.” she told me, looking up from the orb. I was astonished.

“Why are you telling me all this?” I asked curiously.

“I believe that you’re capable of helping me retake my once great land.” said Chrysalis. “You have a great power and I want to help you use it for...good….” I stared at the orb. I have power? What kind of power? I looked up at Chrysalis who was watching me, looking for an answer.

“I’ll help you retake your land...when you said it was once called The Hive, I wanted to know...what is the new name the ponies gave it?”

“They call it Equestria." I heard the disgust in her voice as she said the name.

Chapter II: The Art of Swordplay (Edited by author)

Chrysalis led me out of the room with the orb, I felt horrible for the Changelings. They didn’t do anything to harm the ponies, but they still were driven into the Everfree Forest, like vermin. I passed several doors and rooms while walking through the castle with Queen Chrysalis.

We eventually came to a large completely empty room. Chrysalis motioned for me to enter, so I did. She followed me in, and closed the door. She then turned to me.

“Before we can even dream of retaking The Hive, you need to master your abilities. You can do things no one else could ever do.” She explained.

“But, why me? Why am I so special?” I asked.

“I don’t know, Novy. I just know that I can sense great things residing within you. Things no one has seen in the history of The Hive.” answered Chrysalis.

“Well, how should I start my training?” I asked feeling ready to give this a try.

“I want to see how good your reflexes are…” She said, as a cube fell down next to her. I looked up trying to pinpoint where it had come from. Then, I felt a pain surge through my chest as I was thrown back into the wall, the cube falling onto my lap as I sat against the wall, trying to catch my breath. Chrysalis lifted the cube off me and put it next to my leg with her magic.

I stood up, holding my side. The pain still pounding away at my chest.

“Okay, so advanced reflexes are a not…” said Chrysalis with a sort of grin on her face.

“N-No...try it again…” I stepped back from Chrysalis and got ready to dodge. She lifted the cube again and launched it towards me, I jumped to the side, but as I did my leg was hit by the cube. I fell to the floor holding my knee. Chrysalis moved the cube again.

“Perhaps we should come back to it tomorrow?” suggested the Changeling Queen. I didn’t want to fail...I stood again, the pain in my leg still furious.

“Again.” I said as I prepared myself once more. She lifted the cube and threw it with her magic, this time I rolled to the side, careful to keep my legs out of range. I stood up, feeling out of breath.

“Bravo, Novy.” She said smiling.

“Got anything else to try?” I asked, feeling more confident. A sword fell from above us, and the Queen caught it with her magic, she levitated it over to me and I took the blade. I studied it, it had a black blade and the handle was a light green. There was a thin red line spiraling down the blade.

“Attack me.” Chrysalis said with a grin. I gave a confused look. “Relax, you won’t hurt me.” I held the blade in a combative stance. I ran toward the Queen and started to bring the blade down on her head, but I was thrown back by an unseen force. I hit the wall once more and slid to the floor. I rubbed my head and stood up.

“You have good form, but you weren’t accounting for all my strengths, you should’ve expected me to use magic, you’ve seen it firsthand.” She explained. I thought about her words, what could she do that I know about? She can use magic, possibly use her horn to actually attack, and fly...I stood up again, and resumed my battle stance. I dove to her side, evading a magical blast and hopped onto her back, Chrysalis tried to get me off but I put my sword around her neck and against her throat. She stopped and stood still, I moved the sword away and climbed off her back, and she looked at me with something like...a twisted pride, she had a grin, but it made mee feeel nervous rather than happy.

“Now that, that was skill. You are a good swordsman, and a smart fighter.” she praised, a drone flew in and slammed into me, knocking me over. I hit the drone in the head with the hilt of my sword, and threw it against the wall.

“I am fine, now leave.” Chrysalis ordered the drone, it struggled to stand and left the room. I looked at Chrysalis.

“It seems we’ve found one of the skills you exceed in.” Chrysalis said as she grinned. A piece of dark-colored wood fell from above us, and landed in front of me. Chrysalis held it in the air with her magic. "This is Evertree wood, extremely tough, but still cuttable."

“Attack the wood. I doubt it will break while you practice, so givve it eeveerything you've got.” She told me. I ran to the piece of wood and summed up all my strength as I brought the sword down on the piece of wood, sliced it in half, right down the middle. I looked up and saw the astonished look on the Queens face.

“You may be more capable than I’d thought…keep this sword, it suits you, meanwhile I will let you explore the castle, my Changeling subjects will follow your orders just as they would mine.” She said. I nodded and left the room, after all that, I just wanted to go to sleep. I walked down the corridor we came from, and tried to remember which room was mine. I walked down the corridor I had came from, and after some time, I approached a door with a drone standing next to the door.

“Is this room mine?” I asked. The drone just opened the door, not saying anything. I walked inside, it was in fact my room. I walked over to the bed and sat down, putting my sword on the stand beside it. I lifted my shirt and looked down at my chest, I had a large bruise along my side, when I touched it, it felt like I was getting hit by the cube again. I lifted my leg up onto the bed and pulled the pants leg up, my leg was blue with the bruise from the cube. I had put my leg back on the floor, when a drone walked into the room, he put a sheathe for my sword on the stand and left. I stood up and put the sheathe on the sword, Chrysalis was right, this sword did suit me.

Chapter III: Lack of Self Control (Edited by author)

I got off my bed, and grabbed my sword, in its new sheath. I hooked it to my side by my pants. I pulled the sword out of the sheathe and stared at it in my hand.

"I’m the last hope for The Hive...how can the Queen be so sure of my skills? All I’ve been able to do is outsmart Chrysalis...I don’t see anything special about me…"I thought to myself.

I heard my door open, so I sheathed my sword, and turned to the one entering.

“I imagine you must be hungry, Novy?” asked Queen Chrysalis as a drone ran in and stood in front of me, a plate with two pieces of bread on his back. I picked up the plate and put it on the stand next to my bed.

“Thank you, your majesty…” I wasn't quite sure if I should’ve used that label, seeing as I’m not a Changeling, but she simply nodded as the drones left the room, I sat on the bed, and I ate the first piece of bread as The Queen sat next to me on the bed. I broke the second piece in half, and held it out to her.

She hesitated, then took it with her magic, she ate her piece and I did the same.

“Thank you, Novy…” she said, looking down. “Are you ready to train some more?”

“Yes, I am. What have you planned for me?” I asked, feeling confident that I will walk away with minimal bruises today.

“Today, I want to see how you would do against an enemy you don’t want to kill.” She said, getting off the bed. I stood up, and followed her out of the room. As we walked down the corridor, I thought about what she’d said. An enemy I don’t want to kill? I opened the door when we got to the training room, and Chrysalis stepped inside, i walked in and shut the door.

“Prepare yourself, today’s training will be rigorous.” said Chrysalis as I stepped back from her and unsheathed my sword.

“I won’t be your opponent.” She said as she held her hoof out and seven drones stepped into the room. "They are." I got into a battle stance, I’ll have to be careful not to kill them. I held my sword strongly, i noticed that the Queen looked disappointed, but didn’t say anything. I straightened up, and put my sword into its sheath. I then put my fists up, I can’t take the risk of killing a drone, then the whole castle might kill me.

Chrysalis smiled, as the drones attacked me all at once. I was sloppy using my fists, I punched a drone that fell to the side, but the other six slammed into me as a combined force, knocking me backward, I brought my elbow down onto the head of one of the drones slamming into me. It fell to the floor, I noticed that the drone I’d previously punched was struggling to its feet, with the five other drones on me, biting me, scratching me, I kicked the drone getting up. I ripped one of the drones off my back, and threw it on top of the drone I kicked.

One of the drones bit my shoulder, so I punched it, its grip loosened and I threw it into the wall. I grabbed a drone on my back and slammed it head-first into the floor. I felt the bite of the other three drones, constantly scratching me all over. I slammed my shoulder, which was being bitten, into the wall. The drone fell to the floor, one of the two remaining drones flew into the air, as I had the other drone by the throat. I threw the drone I had a grip on at the airborne drone as hardas I could, it dodged, but when the thrown drone fell to the floor, it didn’t get up.

It was just me, and the last drone now. I stared at it, as it hovered above. Suddenly, before I could react, the drone flew toward me and slammed into my chest. I felt pain rage through me, I grabbed the changeling by the horn in a fit of pure rage and slammed it into the wall, I did this again, and again, and again, on the fourth strike I threw it onto the ground, and stopped moving, trying to catch my breath. Green blood flowed down from the drones head, and made a puddle on the floor around it.

“You killed one of the drones. I thought I told you not to.” said Queen Chrysalis, eyes blazing with anger.

“I...I just lost control…” I said slowly.

“Yes, it seems that's one of the places where you lack...you have no control.” said Queen Chrysalis disapprovingly. I looked down at the bleeding changeling, I felt no remorse for killing it, only that I had disappointed the Queen...Why is that? Drones flooded into the room, six of them holding me against the wall, the others cleaning the bodies of the injured and...dead changeling drones. Queen Chrysalis walked over to me, as the drones held me against the wall.

“I’m...sorry...your majesty…” I struggled to get the words out...the pain in my ribs making it hard to breath.

“Let him go.” As soon as she said it, the drones let me go and helped their brethren. I landed on the floor on my hands and knees. I stumbled out of the room, and I walked down the corridor once more, I purposely kept walking after I reached my room, I walked until I reached the room I’d previously been in with the Queen.

I remembered when she showed me how The Hive had fallen. I walked over to the orb and put my hand on it. It flashed a bright yellow, and I had to cover my eyes. When i looked at it again, it showed the image of the ponies standing at the spot where I’d awoken.

“What d'you make of it, Twilight?” asked the pony I recognized as Applejack.

“It looks like somepony wiped out pretty hard!” exclaimed the blue pegasus, Rainbow Dash.

“This is more than just a wipeout, Dash. This is...We need to inform the Princess immediately, I have a bad feeling Chrysalis is involved in this…Some ponies in town said they thought they saw her.” said the purple mare, Twilight Sparkle.

“What if shes here for revenge over the wedding?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“I don’t know, Pinkie…” answered Twilight as the 6 multicolored ponies turned and left.

I looked up from the orb.

"The wedding? What wedding do they mean? Why did they speak with fear? Why would the ponies fear an enemy they’ve beaten with ease? Unless I haven’t been told the whole story..."I thought angrily. "I need to speak to Chrysalis."

Chapter IV: Deception Is Unforgivable (Edited by author)

I turned away from the orb, anger and fear rising within me. Queen Chrysalis and the Changelings have been lying to me...suddenly, her disapproval didn’t weigh as heavily on me as before. I left the room, and traveled down the corridor, thinking to myself. Should I escape? Should I stay? After thinking long and hard, i reached my door and opened it.

I stepped in and picked up my sword, there’s nothing I can learn here with Chrysalis that I can’t teach myself. I strapped the sword to my side, and left my room. I walked down the corridor, the pain in my chest had all but gone away, though I was sure I'd still have a few bruises for a while.

“Where is Queen Chrysalis?” I asked a drone. It started leading me farther through the castle and to a hall that stretched far down, but no doors were on the sides, only one at the end of the hall. I walked to the door and knocked.

“Come in…” I heard Chrysalis’ voice from inside the door. I opened it, and walked in. She was sitting on a bed, I could only assume this was her room. I shut the door.

“Please, sit down.” She said, but I stood in front of her.

“What happened at The Wedding?” I asked her. She was clearly surprised, she hadn’t expected me to learn about this.

"W-What do you mean, Novy? What have you gotten into?" She said with a slight shake her in voice.

"Don't fuck with me, Chrysalis. No more lying." I said firmly.

“How do you know about the wedding..?” She asked, still surprised.

“I’m not going to tell you, Chrysalis. Why have you been lying to me? Why would the ponies fear you, if you were driven out by them?” I asked challengingly. She stood up, and closed her eyes for a second.

“Tell me what ha--” As I was talking I felt a force slam into me. I flew back against the wall and landed on my feet.

“I had big plans for you, you know...you were going to rule by my side…” She began, but I didn’t want to hear it. I drew my sword and ran out of the room. I ran through the corridor as quickly as I could.

“Attack Novy, my children, he is of no use to us anymore!!!” I heard Chrysalis' booming voice from her room. The hall filled with Changelings, I ran through them, slashing and cutting, and stabbing. I had to escape, no matter the consequences. I got thrown backward by a changeling that dived at me, I stabbed it, and green blood spewed out, slapping my face and clothing. I slashed open another Changeling and punched it, knocking it into a Changeling that was flying by. I ran through the entrance to the castle and leaped off the stairs, trying to save time in escaping.

I ran into the Everfree Forest, and didn’t stop until the castle was out of sight. I stopped, breathing heavily.

"So, I escaped The Changeling Castle...but now what?" I asked myself. I needed to get out of that forest…

I heard a rustling off to my side and I got my sword ready, I made it this far, I could handle anything this forest had to throw at me. Out from the bushes stepped a large wooden wolf with glowing yellow eyes.

“Holy...shi--” The wolf pounced at me and I dove out of the way, I ran through the forest, dodging branches and the wolf. I took a sharp turn and jumped onto a tree, pushing myself up with m,y feet and grabbing a branch, I pulled myself up, and climbed onto it. The wolf snarled under me and growled. There was a loud noise from the direction of the castle, and the wolf let its guard down, I leapt off the branch and landed on the wolfs back. It threw itself about, trying to get me off it.

I drove my sword through the back of the Wolf’s throat and it let out a loud, shrill whine as it fell to the ground. I got off of it, and sheathed my sword. After I caught my breath, I walked through the forest for who knows how long until I came to a familiar green pasture.

I saw the patch of black dirt where I’d awoken. I walked slowly over to it. The grass had already started to grow around it. I looked up from the mark, and saw the town from before. I stumbled toward it, being my only option. I walked into the town, passing ponies by, who ran away from me, or were paralyzed with fear. I came to the conclusion that Equestria has never housed a human before...I walked through the town for a while, and stopped in front of a large tree that had been made into a...home? I walked up to the tree and knocked on the door, silently praying the resident wouldn’t slam the door in my face.

The door swung open and Twilight Sparkle stood there. Her face was something of complete and utter shock.

“What...are you?” Twilight asked, her mouth wide open.

“I’m Novy...I’m a human...i know who you are too, Twilight Sparkle.” I responded.

“I have something you need to know...may i come in..?” I asked. She stepped aside and shut the door with her magic after I walked in.

“You remember the scorched grass you and your friends found? I made that…” I continued to explain to her everything that happened in The Changeling Castle.

“So, you have no memory of what happened before you came to Equestria?” she asked.

“No, I don’t.” I answered.

“Give me one second, Novy.” She said as she walked out of the tree house. I walked over to one of the shelves rowed with books. This must be a tree library… I pulled a book off the shelf. “History of Equestria” was the title of the book. I flipped through the pages, I read about Nightmare Moon who is now Luna, I read about Twilight and her friends being the Elements of Harmony, and much more. I heard the door open, so I shut the book and put it back on the shelf. When I turned around, all six of the multicolored ponies I’d seen in the orb stood before me.

After the rest of the 6 were up to speed, I was loaded with questions.

“So, no one can fly where you’re from!? That must be terrible!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

“Do people have parties where you come from?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“How can we be so sure this...thing...isn’t still on Chrysalis’ side?” asked Rarity.

“You can trust me, I swear!” I tried to convince the ponies, this was my only hope.

“I think...we can trust him…” said Fluttershy, standing next to me. Twilight walked over and stood with Fluttershy.

“I agree with Fluttershy.” said Twilight. The rest of the ponies seemed to hesitate, but eventually came to the same agreement.

“I suppose if you all believe him, then I do too.” said Rarity.

Chapter V: Where Loyalties Lie (Edited by author)

After Rainbow, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity had finally decided their questions were answered enough, they left Twilight’s library. Spike, Twilight’s baby dragon, showed me to his and Twilight’s room.

“You can take my bed if you want, I’ll sleep on the floor.” Spike held his hand out to a small basket with a sheet and cushion on it.

“Y’know, what? I think I’m good, but thanks anyway, Spike.” I said to the baby dragon. I walked back down to the main room in the library and pulled a book off the shelf. I began reading it, it told a story about the defeat of “Discord” the Deity of Chaos. Apparently, he’d escaped from a stone prison that Princess Celestia had put him in.

“That was a dark day here in Ponyville…” I heard Twilight’s voice and shut the book, looking up.

“This...Princess Celestia...she seems to be very powerful…” I said.

“Yes, she is. She raises our sun, and her sister, Princess Luna, raises the moon.” She informed me.

“Speaking of the Princess, she wants me to take you to Canterlot tomorrow. She wants to meet you.” She spoke so casually, like she got to see a...goddess everyday! My eyes went wide.

“Luna will probably be there too.” She added. I stood up and put the book I had back.

“I’m gonna get some rest then…” I said as I walked over next to the door and sat with my back against the wall. I tried to sleep as I heard Twilight walk to her room. I closed my eyes, and eventually fell asleep.

The next morning…

“Wake up, Novy! Novy, wake up! We’re leaving soon!” I awoke to Pinkie Pie’s face in mine, her yelling for me to wake up. I stretched and yawned, still feeling tired. Rarity walked over and held some clothes out in front of me with her magic.

“I took the liberty of making you some new clothes...the ones you have now are dark, and depressing. Not to mention the rips and tears.” She said as I took the clothes. I got up and went back to Twilight’s room, I changed into the new clothes provided for me. They were identical to the ones I had already, but the symbol wasn't on this shirt, instead it was a sun and moon in a circle. The jeans were white with a brown stripe on the leg. I stepped back into the room with the 6 ponies.

“I gave the old clothes the Rarity touch!” She said gleefully.

“Thanks, Rarity.” I said. Twilight led our group of seven to the train station. I carried most of the luggage, comprised of Rarity’s many many bags, and some small things from everyone else. All I had to bring with us was my sword I’d received from Chrysalis.

We boarded the train and everyone took their seats. I sat on the bench behind Twilight, which was empty. Rainbow Dash, who had been sitting with Applejack and Fluttershy, flew over to me. She landed on the bench, sitting next to me.

“So, Novy, what was the castle like? I heard it looks really cool!” She said excitedly.

“Everything there was black, it was dark and dreary. This is the best representation I have.” I drew my sword and held it in front of me.

“Woooow! That's so cool!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “Is it some sort of weapon?”

“Haven’t you ever seen a sword before?” I asked.

“Equestria has never needed weapons, we’re peaceful.” She informed me. Something about this pony made me feel happy, she was so carefree, a nice person. The Element of Loyalty was definitely my favorite so far…

Some time later…

The train screeched to a halt, and we all stood up.

“Alright, everypony, we’re here.” said Twilight.

"Every-pony?" I thought curiously, I didn’t quite understand that, but I went with it, and followed them out of the train, carrying most of the luggage.

“Thank you, Novy!” Rarity said happily to me, a smile on her face.

“Of course, Rarity.” I said back to her. We walked to the castle that Celestia and Luna occupied. We walked up the steps, royal guards stared at me, as if I might try to hurt someone in an instant. I marveled at the inner castle, pillars and flags, and carpet making it look gorgeous.

“Welcome, Novy.” Spoke a white tall pony with not only wings, but a horn too.

“That's Celestia!” I heard Rainbow Dash whisper in my ear. I quickly bowed.

“It's an honor to meet you, Princess!” I said.

“The honor is mine too, Novy. You are the first human in Equestria!” She said happily. “Now I hear that you were living in Queen Chrysalis’ castle for some time?”

“Yes, I was. I got this from her.” I drew my sword. The guards around me tensed. I put it on the floor in front of me, so the guards wouldn’t attack me. Twilight levitated the sword to Celestia who studied it closely. She gave it back to me.

“You should keep this. Did she say why she took you from the pasture?” She asked.

“She said she found me because I had some sort of great power within me...she trained with me and decided it was in Swordplay…” I answered. The Princess seemed to think about this for a second. A dark colored pony with a mane like the stars stood next to Celestia. I was informed by Dash that it was Princess Luna.

“I...I had a question, Princess…” I said hesitantly.

“Yes?” I had the attention of everyone in the room.

“I...I’d like to be a citizen of Equestria…may I?” I asked

Celestia looked at her sister, they seemed to come to the same decision. “We don’t see any reason not to allow this..” Answered Luna. The six ponies standing with me thanked the Princess. It seemed that they all liked me a lot.

“Chrysalis did not lie, Novy. You do have a great power residing within you, and I hope that you will use it to benefit the people of Equestria.” said Celestia, and I bowed to her.

“Of course I will, Princess Celestia.” I answered.

Chapter VI: The Many Equestrian Splendors (Edited by author)

We boarded the train back to Ponyville, I sat with Rainbow Dash once again, but this time, Applejack sat on my other side, Pinkie in front of me, sitting backwards on her seat facing me, Fluttershy next to her. Twilight sat next to Rainbow and read a book. Rarity was next to Fluttershy.

“Do you feel the awesomeness of being a citizen of Equestria?” asked Rainbow Dash. I smiled at her.

“Yeah, I feel awesome beyond expression!” I said playfully. She laughed, and so did the rest of the ponies, except Twilight, who was enveloped in her book. The title was “Mysterious and Marvelous Monsters”. It must have been pretty good, because she read it the whole way back to Ponyville.

“She’s just an egghead.” Rainbow whispered to me. “She actually likes to read.” I smiled at Dash.

“Reading isn’t that bad, I like to read too.” I said grinning at her.

“Then that means you’re an egghead too!” She declared playfully. Everyone laughed, and for the first time since I’d arrived in Equestria, I felt happy, truly at home. I smiled as the train stopped and I gathered the luggage. We walked back to Twilight’s library and I gave everyone their belongings. Rarity insisted someone help her carry them back to her house. I volunteered, but Spike took them before I had the chance and left with her.

“Spike has a crush on Rarity, its pretty funny.” said Twilight. We walked inside the library and I sat against the wall next to the door. Twilight told me she was going to head to bed, since it was getting late already.

After a while Spike opened the door and walked in, he glared at me and went back to his room. I was confused at this, but didn’t say anything. I leaned my head against the wall, an image flashed in my mind, the Changeling I’d killed while training. I saw his body leaking green blood, I remembered the feeling of Chrysalis’ disapproval.

Why am I remembering this now? Is it part of my power everyone says I have? I thought about my arrival here, how could I ever believe a pony with a Rainbow mane could be so deadly, how could I think any of these ponies could be dangerous? I felt so stupid.

One day, I decided, I’d make Chrysalis pay for her deception. I’ve already almost killed her once, I could certainly do it again. She will regret her decision to manipulate me. I’ll make sure of it, even if I have to kill every Changeling in her castle to do so. I heard Twilight walk into the room and I left my thoughts. She didn’t seem to notice me, she must’ve thought I was asleep. She grabbed a scroll and wrote something down with her magic.

“What’s that for?” I asked Twilight, she looked up in surprise.

“Ah, you're awake, Novy. Well, I periodically send messages to Princess Celestia.” She explained.

“The Princess really seems to trust you.” I said. She put the quill down and stood up, she walked over to me and sat in front of me.

“Yeah, she does. I’m her student, everything I learned about magic was from her.” She told me.

“That's great, you must get to see her all the time.” I said.

“Yes, I do. She calls on me for certain tasks, like when Discord attacked, she asked me…” I cut her off.

“I know, I read about it in one of your books in here.” She smiled at this.

“Do you like to read?” She asked.

“I do.” I responded. Her face lit up with glee.

“You have plenty to read here! I’ve read all the books in here at least 3 times.” My mouth dropped. I looked at the massive shelves of books. She read all this? She looked proud of herself.

“That's amazing!” I said.

“Not everypony thinks so, some ponies think I’m weird because I read so much.” She said.

“Not me, i think its an awesome thing to have!” I said. She looked overly pleased and she stood up.

“I’m gonna go to bed...I’m glad you’re a citizen of Equestria now, I’d hate it if I never got to see you again…” She left and went back to her bed. I sat against the wall, staring at the shelves. I stood up and decided to grab a book off the shelf.

I read book after book, stacking them in piles I marked in my head. Before I knew it, the stack of books I’d read grew taller than me. The first shelf was empty except for three more books, I finished the one I’d been reading and added it to the pile of those I’d read.

Spike walked out of the room stretching and yawning, not noticing the piles of books, I continued reading the books. Twilight walked out shortly after Spike. She saw me reading and her face went to that of shock.

“Novy, how long have you been up?” She asked.

“I never slept, I was reading all night.” I said as I added another book to the pile of those read.

“Don’t worry, I’ll put them all back.” I said quickly.

“No...no, it isn’t that...Its just that...nopony else reads as much as me! I finally have somepony to read with!” She said happily, practically bouncing with joy.

“Calm down, Twilight, you’re starting to sound like Pinkie when she gets overly happy!” I joked. She laughed, and smiled a warm smile. Its official Loyalty is nothing compared to Magic...The Element of Magic is...amazing...Maybe...was I getting...feelings for the mare..? No, certainly not, she’s just a friendly face...I started putting books back in order from A-Z, and Twilight walked over, smiled at me, and helped me put them back. I noticed Spike trying to help, but Twilight slid him away with her back hoof, still smiling at me. I felt a warmth inside me, and smiled along with her. We finished organizing the books, and I looked at her excitedly.

“Wanna help me read the second shelf?” I said happily. She just smiled and went to the next shelf. I followed her. This was going to be a lot of fun, I could already tell.

Chapter VII: Captain of the Royal Ponyville Guard (Edited by author)

It was already dawn by the time Twilight and I had finished reading the books, and trading information, not that Twilight needed it, she was just listening to me to make me feel like I’m helping. She’s read all the books, listening to her explain the Ursa Minor made something stir within me.

I certainly couldn’t allow myself to...fall in love...her voice was so...soothing… Everything about her made me feel warm inside.

“I actually helped put an Ursa Minor to sleep.” She said, and I snapped back into reality.

“That's really cool, Twilight! Don’t tell Rainbow Dash, but you’re the coolest of the Elements.” I joked, but my words were true, more than Twilight probably realized. She blushed and giggled. She made me feel so happy...her laugh was so adorable…

I shook my head, and read more of the book I was on.

“Shaking the cobwebs loose?” Twilight joked. I smiled at her, and she smiled at me. She then buried her face in the book she was on, purposely trying not to make eye contact. I laughed at this and put the book I was reading on the stack of those we’d read already.

“We’ve cleared this shelf too!” I pointed out.

“Now we get to organize them!” She said excitedly and stood up. She used her magic to start moving books to me, then I’d put them in alphabetical order. We finished organizing the shelf. Just as we were about to start on the third shelf, we heard a knock on the door. Spike opened it and Applejack was there with the other five ponies.

“We haven’t seen either of you all day! What have you been doing?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“We’ve been reading non stop!” exclaimed Twilight.

“Eggheads!” Rainbow joked. I grinned and picked up a book.

“Being an egghead is great!” I said happily, smiling at Twilight.

“I love to read, and so does Twilight.” I said.

“You two are perfect for each other!” joked Pinkie Pie. I laughed, and Twilight blushed as she giggled.

“I...I wanna do something important for the people of Equestria...” It was kind of random for me to say in this situation, but I wanted the six to know.

“Well, Twilight’s brother was the captain of the Royal Guard, but he’s in the Crystal Empire now…You could take his job.” suggested Rarity.

“No!” Twilight yelled suddenly. She put her hooves over her mouth and everyone in the room looked at her.

"I-I just..." She ran out of the room, and I looked confusedly at Rainbow Dash, who shrugged. The five ponies chased after their friend, I figured it best to wait in here.

"Did I cross the line? Should I apologize?" I thought to myself.

A few minutes later, Twilight returned with the other five ponies, her face red like a tomato. The five others were all grinning and giggling. I had no idea what was happening…

“Twilight, I’m sorry if you didn’t want me to take the job your brother had…”I started to say, but she cut me off.

“Its not that! I think you’d make an excellent Captain of the Royal Guard...but if you were...you’d have to move to Canterlot to be close to the Princess…” She said shyly, and blushing. I walked over to her, and knelt down.

“If you don’t want me to take the job...I could find a different way to help Equestria…” I said, getting closer to her. She looked at me, sadness in her eyes.

“You...You should do it…” She said sadly. I smiled and hugged her, she blushed at this. I don’t know why I felt like I had to say this, but…

“You...could come with me…Celestia would put us in a library, I’m sure, we’d even have more books to read.” I said, running my hand through her mane.

“But...I can’t...all my friends are here…” she said sadly.

“If you can’t come with me, then I’m not going.” I said firmly, she looked at me with big grateful eyes and hugged me. I hugged her back, and she nuzzled her face into me. I stroked her mane, we hugged for a while. I don’t know how long, but I know that I felt at peace the whole time.

After some time had passed, Twilight pulled away from the hug. I didn’t want to stop, but we did. I looked around and noticed that the other ponies had left. I walked over to the wall and sat in my usually place next to the door. I sat and thought about what I could do to help the citizens of Equestria...An idea suddenly popped into my head, I threw myself onto my feet.

“Spike! Spike I need your help!” Spike walked into the room, and I wrote onto a piece of parchment.

“Dear, Princess Celestia, this is Novy. I'm writing to you, because I had a question. I’ve wanted to do something for the people of Equestria since you made me a citizen, and I would like to know if it were possible to lead a guard stationed in Ponyville. I have the skills, and the capability to lead. With the possible threat of the Changelings, I think it would be a good idea.” I turned to Spike when I’d finished writing.

“Spike, how do I send a letter to the Princess?” I asked. Spike sighed and took the letter from me, green fire burst out of his mouth and burned the letter.

“Spike, that was important!” I yelled, feeling angry. Spike looked like he was about to sneeze, then green fire once again shot out and a letter hit me in the face, I caught it. I opened the letter and read it.

“Yes, I believe that would be a smart precaution to take, and I agree that you are capable of leading the guard. I hereby announce you Captain of the Royal Ponyville Guard.” I looked up from the letter smiling.

“Twilight! Twilight!” I yelled excitedly. She came into the room looking sad.

“I came up with a solution! I’m going to be The Captain of the Royal Ponyville Guard!” I exclaimed happily. I showed her the scroll and she read it. She looked up from the letter, smiling an even wider smile than mine. She hugged me tightly, and I blushed.

“I’m glad you’re staying…” She whispered in my ear. I tingled all over and hugged her tighter.

“I’m glad too…” I said softly back to her.

Chapter VIII: Eggheads: The Perfect Match (Edited by author)

I walked out of the library the next morning, I was expecting a squad of Royal Guards. As I waited, I heard the door to the library open, and Twilight stood next to me.

“You’re finally gonna do something to help the ponies of Equestria.” She said softly. I smiled at her, and knelt down. I hugged her once again.

“And its the best feeling I’ve had since I arrived here.” I whispered to her. I stopped hugging her, and she blushed. I ran my hand through her mane, I loved the feeling of her hair...She blushed as I did this. I got to my feet as ten Royal Guards landed in front of me.

“Your work starts now.” I said firmly. “Watch the borders of the town, if anyone or anything tries to get in, I want to be informed immediately." The guards nodded and went to their places to be. Twilight looked up at me happily.

She looked down blushing madly when I smiled back. It was cute when she blushed like that.

“I’m really glad you didn’t leave…” She said shyly.

“I didn’t want to leave you, Twilight…” I said softly. She looked up at me, face red..

“Twilight...I…” I started to speak but stopped myself. She looked at me curiously.

“What is it, Novy?” She said, looking concerned. My face turned red, and I leaned down to her level.

“I...I...love you...I’ve had these feelings since I met you…” I said, looking down. “I don’t know if you feel that way too, and I'm sorry if I'm putting you in a bad pla--” She cut my words off with a kiss, I wrapped my arms around her as we kissed for several minutes.

“I...feel the same.” She said softly as we broke the kiss. I stroked her hair, and looked in her eyes. She looked so loving, and happy.

“Ooooo, Twilight has found her Special Somepony has she?” yelled Rainbow Dash as she hovered above us. She laughed furiously. I smiled as I stared at Twilight.

“I guess...I have…” She said, smiling at me. I kissed her again, we kissed for a minute or so before Dash had had enough.

“EW, I’m gonna puke!” She pretended to vomit, while hovering in the air. We stopped kissing and I grinned at Rainbow.

“Eggheads are a perfect match, aren’t they?” I joked with Rainbow. She laughed and so did Twilight. I held Twilight's hoof and smiled at her, feeling an overflowing joy. I stood up, and went back into the library, Twilight followed me. I shut the door, and I sat next to it, in my normal spot. Twilight walked closer to me.

“No, Novy, come with me. I want you to...sleep in my bed…I don't want you to be uncomfortable sitting against that wall.” She said shyly, her face blazing red. I got up. She walked back to her bed and laid on it, I crawled in next to her. I held her as I laid in the dark, trying to sleep. Twilight had fallen asleep almost immediately, but my brain was excited, I didn’t want to sleep. I kissed her cheek and attempted to sleep, holding her.

The next morning….

I woke up, Twilight was already out of bed. I stood up and stretched. I went into the main room, and twilight was waiting there for me. I smiled, walked over and sat in front of her. She pushed a plate closer to me, it had two pieces of bread. I remembered when Chrysalis gave me the bread.

I picked up both pieces, and gave Twilight one of them. She smiled and we ate the bread together. We finished eating, and smiled at each other. I couldn’t imagine my life without Twilight...I need Twilight, she is the one that I can come to for anything, she is the one that I love…

Queen Chrysalis is going to pay. Not just for what she did to me, but for the sake of every pony in Equestria! I hadn’t noticed, but i’d been clenching my fists.

“What’s wrong, Novy?” She asked, looking worriedly at me. I looked at her, anger blazing in my eyes.

“I’m going to make the Changelings and their Queen suffer…” I said angrily. “I will stroke the Queen down with the very sword she gave me!” I felt the anger building inside me constantly. I felt Twilight hug me, she was crying. I calmed down almost immediately, and hugged her back.

“I’m going to make sure nothing hurts you. Ever.” I said as I hugged her tightly. She nuzzled her face into me, and I stroked her mane.

“Do...Do you promise?” She said looking up at me sadly, the tears running down her face. I wiped her eyes, and smiled.

“Of course, I give you a Pinkie Promise. No one will hurt you as long as I’m still breathing. I hugged her once more and she hugged back tightly. I held her closely. Suddenly, I heard a scream from somewhere behind me. I got up and turned around, I drew my sword and ran toward the source of the scream. As I looked down at the sickening sight, I could barely keep my bread down. There was a pony lying on the ground, blood gushing from the many slices into her body. The pony’s blue fur and mane had been stained with blood. Twilight was walking up behind me, I turned around and stopped her shielding her eyes.

“I want you to go back to the library, do not let anyone inside unless I’m physically there with them, understood?” I demanded of her. Her eyes were full of fear, and she hugged me.

“Can I get my friends? I don’t want anything to happen to them…” She asked. I thought for a second.

“Yes, get them quickly and go to the library, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I told her, she galloped off and I turned around. A pony has been murdered, and I will find out why and by who.

Chapter IX: Green Blood Splatters (Edited by author)

I studied the dead pony closely, to my shock, more screams erupted from around me. Changelings flooded the town. I ran toward the library as I slashed Changelings, I saw ponies screaming in fear and pain, a Changeling stood over a pony trying to skitter away, I ran over and stabbed the Changeling.

“Get to Twilight’s library! I’ll meet you all there!” I yelled as I ran though the fray of Changelings, there were so many of them, it made it hard to see. I slashed Changeling after Changeling, green blood splattering everywhere. I felt the blood on my cheek, a mass of ponies had gathered at the door to the library, the Royal Guards stationed here attacked Changelings. I watched as ponies fell to the ground bleeding.

“Twilight! Open the door and let them in!” I yelled. The door swung open and ponies scrambled inside, I was defending them as they all ran inside. I killed Changeling after Changeling, green blood splattering me. I ran inside the library and slammed the door shut.

“Board the windows up!” I yelled. Ponies clambered to find things to use. I ran over and broke the side of one of the bookshelves. Ponies broke the shelves and boarded the windows, Changelings breaking the glass. I stabbed the Changelings struggling to get inside the library. One Changeling squeezed inside the window, cutting its sides on the broken glass, but still rigorously thrusting its way through.

I stabbed it and kicked it back outside, the window was boarded by two ponies. I heard slamming against all sides of the library. The ponies gathered into a pile in the middle of the room, all huddling together and crying. The slamming stopped after maybe an hour. Suddenly, the door was broken and it sent wood flying. I ran toward the door slashing at whatever was there. I felt a force hit me, and I was thrown into the wall. I knew that feeling all too well.

“Attack! Leave the human, I want him!” I heard Chrysalis’ yell. I lunged toward the door, and I killed the Changelings as they tried to flood in. I stabbed and slashed, killing Changeling after Changeling. I heard magic behind me, and saw Twilight shooting magic blasts at the Changelings making it past me.

“Help me, please!” She yelled. Rainbow Dash flew into the air and slammed herself into a Changeling that had tried to attack a nearby pony. I felt a force hit me again, but this time I didn’t go airborne, I was pushed back a bit, but continued killing Changeling after Changeling. I felt another blast, but I continued moving forward. I ignored the pain, this was my opportunity to kill the Queen of the Changelings!

As I brought my sword down toward Chrysalis’ head, she flew backwards and into the air.

“Shit!” Chrysalis had flown out of reach, her Changeling onslaught still threatening to get through my defenses. I focused on killing Changelings, I knew that my clothes had to be soaking with green blood now. A Changeling dove past me as I killed another of them, and Twilight shot it with a magic blast. It didn’t seem too affected, it rammed into Twilight and she fell backward. The Changelings were bursting past me now, I killed as many as I could making my way to Twilight, the five ponies were attacking the Changelings, I heard Chrysalis’ evil laughing sounding from the door.

I ignored the constant pain I was in, and I slashed the Changeling that was attacking Twilight. It's head fell and I hugged Twilight. I held her closely behind me as I slashed Changelings. Ponies were dying around me, now there was a mixture of green...and red blood in the room. I saw Rarity hitting a Changeling with her magic, but it kicked her, and she fell into a wall.

Rainbow Dash was knocked out of the air and slammed into the ground head first. Applejack was attacking a Changeling, but another one bit her shoulder from behind. Fluttershy was cowering in the corner, crying. She was begging for someone to help her. Pinkie Pie was lying motionless on the floor in the middle of the room. I saw Chrysalis approach me, laughing.

“I told you I’d had high hopes for you...we could’ve ruled The Hive together!” She mocked me. I left Twilight, and I tried to attack Chrysalis, but I felt a searing pain in my lower right rib, almost unbearable. I looked down and saw a long black horn that had been sent through my side from behind. I watched as it was pulled out, and I fell forward, slamming hard on to the ground, sword in hand. The last thing I remember was hearing Twilight’s voice.

“Novy! Novy, don’t die! No!” I heard her frightened screams, as the world blacked out...

I stood up slowly, I felt the blood dripping off me. I ignored the pain I felt. I slowly stumbled toward Chrysalis, she laughed as I made my way toward her. A Changeling slammed into me and I hit the wall, I stabbed the Changeling, green blood splattering. I pushed it off of me, and I made my way once again toward Chrysalis, who just continued laughing.

“This is interesting, you’re definitely a strong being. I only wish we could’ve used that power to the aid of The Hive.” She said laughing. I felt anger swelling within me. I started moving toward her faster, I raised my sword.

“This is EQUESTRIA, not The Hive!” I yelled, as I brought my sword down toward Chrysalis’ head. A changeling dove in front of her, taking the slash to save her. I felt a stab to my left shoulder, and the horn pulled out. I stabbed the Changeling and immediately slashing at Chrysalis. I cut her leg deeply, and she let out a groan. I felt Changeling after Changeling attacking me, all at once. I was brought to the ground, constantly being bitten and scratched.

My world slowly started to swirl out of sight.

“Twilight, I’m sorry…” I said softly.

Chapter X: This Damn Body (Edited by author)

"Novy!" I heard the muffled yells of a pony standing to my left. "Novy, are you conscious? Can you hear me?"

"I'm sorry..." I mumbled, only half-aware of what I was saying. I felt pain pulsing all over my body, I couldn't feel my own limbs at all. I felt myself being lifted, and I lost consciousness. I opened my eyes slowly, slowly regaining power over my own body. I was laying on a hospital bed, bandages all over my body, machines working to keep a display of my vitals. I tried to move my legs, but I felt so tired...I was hurting all over. I looked down at my body to more thoroughly examine my body, I had bandages covering my torso, and some on my arms and legs. My right side, and shoulder had been bandaged thoroughly.

"Where's Twilight?" I asked aloud. I had to make sure she was okay. I summed up all the strength I had, and I pushed my left leg off the side of the bed, then the right one. I put my feet on the floor, and tried to put weight on them. I tried to stand up, but as I did, I lost balance. I fell forward and grabbed the nearest machine to keep myself balanced. I held my hand on the wall as I moved across the room. A nurse ran into the room and put her hoof out in front of me.

"Sir, you shouldn't be up! You need to lay back down right now! Your wounds are too bad for you to try to walk so soon!" exclaimed the white-furred pony who was moving me backward, but keeping me steady. I sat on the bed, but not without the little resistance I could give in my current condition.

"But I need to know if Twilight is okay!" I yelled, my voice sounded scratchy and dry.

"She's being treated, sir, please, just let us work! We've got more patients coming in than we have rooms, and I'm not gonna waste precious time arguing with you. Stay in this room on this bed and don't move." She demanded. I decided that if Twilight was being treated she'd be safe. I felt horrible...I should've been able to kill Chrysalis...I wasn't strong enough...All these ponies died because I was too weak to kill the Queen...

"She's gone too far...She hurt Twilight...killed all these ponies...She must pay." I said to myself as stared at my clenched fists. I saw a drop of blood fall down onto my hand, and I raised it to my face, feeling my nose. My finger had blood dripping off it, I grabbed the tissues sitting on the stand next to the bed and wiped my nose and fingers with it. I twisted up a tissue and shoved it up my nose. I laid my head back on the pillow and stared at the roof. One question remained unanswered...Why am I not dead? What happened to Chrysalis? The last thing I could remember was being stabbed and bitten repeatedly by all the Changelings surrounding me. I could remember a voice though...a very familiar female voice...Who did it belong too? I drifted off into sleep, welcoming it, my exhaustion making me overwhelmingly tired.

"Novy, wake up...Novy, come now, you need to wake up." That voice, that's the voice! My eyes shot open and I looked at the alicorn standing before me. Princess Celestia was here, her voice was the one I recognized.

"I'm sorry if I startled you." said the alicorn princess. "I'm sure you have questions for me."

"Did you drive Chrysalis away?" I asked.

"I did." She answered. "I brought my royal guards with me, and we drove the Changelings back."

"How are Twilight and the others?" I asked. She had a grim look on her face.

"I'm afraid they've received some very bad wounds...they will recover, but...the Cutie Mark Crusaders...they were in their treehouse when the Changelings attacked. None of the three fillies survived." She informed me.

"This...This is all my fault. I should've been able to stop her..." I said to myself as I felt my heart being torn apart in my chest.

"Novy...No one blames you. The only one who deserves any degree of blame is Chrysalis." She said, trying to help.

"I'm going to make her pay...She will rue the day she attacked Ponyville. I'll make her beg for her life as I hold my sword to her throat." I said angrily. "I need to heal, so I can attack, and make my point to her."

"Novy, you cannot fight her alone. The whole of Equestria is behind you. Chrysalis has been an enemy to pony-kind for as long as she's lived." said Celestia.

"Thank you, Princess." I said gratefully. She nodded as she said goodbye and left my room. I looked down at the sheets of my hospital bed. Scootaloo, Sweetiebelle, and Applebloom...all dead. The six are probably in despair right now...Twilight is probably grieving, and I can't be there for her. This damn body isn't strong enough...I can't be what the world needs me to be...I laid my head back, and welcomed sleep, feeling exhausted from the soreness all over my body. I closed my eyes and let sleep take me over.

I was sitting on a bench with a girl next to me. She had long curly brown hair, and wore a scarf with a blouse and jeans. She was laughing and seemed to be enjoying herself. She leaned over and put her head on my shoulder. I couldn't control what I was doing...I put my arm around her and she kissed me. I kissed her back, and we sat on that bench together for a while. I snapped back into reality, my eyes shooting open.

"What the hell was that? Some kind of dream? No, it was too...real." I thought to myself, trying to make sense of it. Who was that girl in my dream..?

Chapter XI: When Life Pushes Me (Edited by author)

It had been at least a week since I'd been admitted to the hospital, and now I felt I was ready to try to walk. I moved my legs off the bed, now having control over my own limbs, and stood up. I walked around my room, and once I'd decided it was safe to walk I left my room. It seemed things had calmed down quite a bit around here, and the doctors and nurses were under less stress. I approached the desk and the unicorn behind it looked at me.

"Can I get some clothes or something?" I asked. The pony didn't seem to be too happy with me.

"I'll give you the clothes you came in wearing, but you can't leave yet. You're still recovering." She said as she stepped out from behind the desk. She went down a hall, leaving me at the desk. I waited for a bit, and she returned, hovering my clothes in front of her. I took them and returned to my room. I changed into my normal clothing and went to the desk unicorn.

"I don't mean to annoy you, but I have a question." I told her. She looked at me, and I felt like she might be annoyed at me. "What room is Twilight Sparkle in?" I asked.

"She's actually only two rooms to the left of yours." She informed me. I left the desk and went past my room and into the room she told me Twilight was in. She was sitting on a hospital bed sleeping. I grabbed a chair and brought it next to Twilight's bed. I sat down and looked at Twilight. She had a scratch on her left cheek, and bandages all over her body. I felt my eyes getting warm, and tears fell down my face at the sight of her in this broken state. I laid my head down on the bed next to her, I felt like I could fall over and die right now.

"I'm so sorry I let this happen...I'm so sorry..." I said as I sobbed into the blanket, my hand on her hoof. I felt her pull me forward, and embrace me tightly.

"It's been a week...why did you wait so long to visit me?" She asked with a bit of worry in her voice.

"I would've been right here by your side if I could've been, but I wasn't even capable of standing." I explained. "But I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere." I hugged her again, and closed my eyes, losing myself in the comfort of her body.

"I'm gonna kill her, Twilight." I said as I held the embrace.

"Novy...I--" She started to speak, but I cut her off.

"Twilight, there's nothing you can say to me that will make me change my mind. Princess Celestia already told me that she stood behind me. Besides, I'm going to storm that castle whether I have an army or not." I said with an edge to my voice.

"Novy, I wanted to tell you that I support you." She said calmly. I smiled and hugged her tighter.

"Thanks, Twilight." I said. I stayed with Twilight for a while, maybe an hour, before she fell asleep on the bed again. I was in my chair, and I stood up. I walked out of room and made my way through the hallway, passing rooms as I walked.

"Novy!" I heard a familiar voice calling me, and I turned around. I didn't see anyone, so I walked forward.

"Hello?" I asked the empty hallway.

"Here, in the room!" I heard her again, and walked into the room I heard the voice coming from. I walked in and saw Rainbow Dash on a hospital bed. She was smiling, and seemed happy to see me. I approached the bed, and stood next to her.

"Hi, Rainbow Dash. Feeling okay?" I asked. She looked down and seemed sad.

"Novy...Scoots...She...." Dash started to tear up, and I felt horrible.

"I-I know, Dash." I said sadly. "I'm so sorry."

"All she ever wanted was for me to teach her how to fly...I should've taught her..." Rainbow was sobbing into her hooves. I hugged her, and she continued to sob. I heard someone walk into the room, and I turned to see who it was. Rarity was standing in the doorway, her fur was messy instead of its normal neat straightness. Her mane was unstyled, and sloppy, and her eyes were red and had bags under them.

"Rarity..." I was astonished. She walked past me and over to Rainbow Dash.

"Dash, I know how you're feeling. I've been feeling the same way since that day...but we can't let it tear us down, and put us in the dirt." said Rarity, trying to comfort Dash. I backed up, and left the room, deciding I should go see if Twilight had awoken yet. I walked down the hall, and into Twilight's room. She was still sound asleep, so I walked over to the chair next to the bed, and sat down. I laid my head on the bed, and closed my eyes, allowing sleep to take me over.

I awoke to Twilight saying my name, I opened my eyes and looked at her, she was smiling at me. I straightened my back, it felt really sore, so I twisted it, and it cracked loudly several times. Twilight looked disgusted.

"What did you just do?" she asked curiously.

“I cracked my back, it helps it when I’m sore.” I explained. She looked happy.

“Novy, would you mind going to the library and bringing me some books?” She asked. I smiled as I replied.

“Of course, Twilight, I’ll be back with a bunch of books. Any you want in specific?” I asked.

“No, any books are fine.” She said, as I stood up. I made my way out of the room and left the hospital. I walked through Ponyville, there were ponies all around, there was a group of ponies gathered around a building that was scratched up and beaten, it looked utterly destroyed. At the door to the building where the group of ponies were, there was a large pile of flowers, as well as pictures... The pictures weren’t of just ponies...but mostly fillies and colts…

“You’re the Captain of the Guard, right?” I heard a young voice from behind me. I turned around and saw a filly standing before me, looking up at me with sad eyes. I knelt down to her, as I responded.

“Yes...I am.” Her eyes were red from tears, and sad, much like Rarity had been.

“You were supposed to be here to protect us…” She said as I looked down at the dirt. “Why did my brother die?” The filly’s eyes filled with tears, as did mine.

“I-I wasn’t strong enough to save your brother or any of the other dead ponies...This is all my fault, but I’m going to make this right. I’m going to make the Queen regret hurting your brother.” My heart felt heavy with the guilt I felt over this massacre. I lifted my head as the filly spoke.

“That doesn’t matter, my brother is still dead!” The filly said, tears rolling from her eyes. She turned around and left. I stood up, and walked further through town, ponies would see me and glare. My heart felt as if it were being chipped away at. Eventually, I reached the library, and walked in. It was torn apart, it looked like no one had been in here since the attack. I walked over to the corner where I’d lost my consciousness. I leaned down and picked my sword and it’s sheath. My sword was covered in dry blood, so I sheathed it, and strapped it to my side where it belonged. I picked up books and held them, eventually having a large stack in my arms that towered over my head.

“I think she has enough books now.” I said as I walked out of the library’s now doorless entrance, and made my way back to the hospital. I walked in and went to Twilight’s room. I put the stack of books down on the bed, and handed one to her. She was beaming at the large stack I’d carried back.

“Thanks, Novy, I appreciate this.” She said, smiling at me, but I didn’t return the smile. I sat in my chair, and stared down at the floor. “Novy, what’s wrong?”

“I saw a group of mourners outside a broken up school, they were piling pictures of their colts and fillies and putting flowers on them. There was a young filly who saw me, and asked me why I’d let her brother die.” I said, not looking up. “All the ponies in town blame me for this. I suppose they have good reason, if I hadn’t been here maybe she wouldn’t have attacked.” Twilight looked at me with sad eyes, and put a hoof on me.

“Novy, this isn’t your fault.” She said this, but I didn’t believe her.

“Twilight, I’m not blind, I can see that I only bring trouble, I’m nothing but problems and issues. Stop trying to hide it, you and I both know this town would be better off without me.” I said coldly. She moved her hoof away, and looked down at the bed sheets. I looked up, immediately regretting how I’d acted.

“I-I’m sorry, Twilight.” I said, but she looked away from me.

“Novy...just go back to your room.” She said without looking at me. I stood up, and left, going back to my room. I grabbed a cloth that was laying on the stand next to my bed, and I unsheathed my sword. I sat on my bed as I scrubbed the cloth along the blade. All I could think about was how I’d acted toward Twilight.

“I’m such a dumbass.” I said aloud.

Chapter XII: I Push Harder (Edited by author)

I awoke the next morning, feeling very sore. I stretched and got off the bed, yawning loudly. I grabbed my sword in it’s sheath, and strapped it to my side. I left my room, and began to walk to Twilight’s room. I stopped myself at the sight of her room.

“She probably doesn’t want to see me right now…” I said, glumly. I turned and walked toward the exit, and as I approached it, a doctor stopped me.

“You shouldn’t leave, you don’t even have your bandages off!” The pony said urgently.

“I’m leaving.” I said as I walked out, ignoring the warnings from the doctor. I walked through town, trying to think of where I could go. I walked out of town and into the green pasture I’d woken up in. The scorch in the grass had healed to the point where you’d never even know it was there. I walked through the pasture, making my way farther away from Ponyville. Eventually, I reached the edge of the Everfree Forest, and I walked in. I remembered how Chrysalis had told me that Everfree bark was super-strong, so I approached a tree and drew my sword. I began to slice at the tree, and practice my form.

I started to think back to how the young filly from before had blamed me for her brother’s death. I thought about how weak I was compared to Chrysalis, and as I brought another slash to the tree, I felt an overwhelming anger pulsing through me. I hit the tree hard, deepening the scar I’d left. I brought a final blow to the tree, using all my strength. As my sword touched the tree, I saw a blinding red light erupting from my sword’s blade. I stepped backward and dropped the sword, immediately after removing my hands from the hilt, the light disappeared. I stared down t the sword at a loss for words.

“What the fuck..?” I murmured as I grabbed the hilt of the blade and lifted it up once again. I inspected the blade closely, wondering what had happened. I sheathed the sword and quickly made my way back to Ponyville. I ran as fast as I could into town and past all the ponies. I ran inside the hospital, and into Twilight’s room. I had slipped as I ran in, but regained my balance. I stood at the end of her bed, panting heavily.

“Novy, what’s wrong?” She asked with concern. I struggled to get any words out as the pounding in my chest grew. Once I’d calmed down enough to talk, Twilight was ready to listen. I explained in great detail to her the events that occurred inside the forest. She seemed to be soaking up every word, keeping it all in mind as she tried to figure out what had happened.

“Well, can you do it again?” She asked. I unsheathed my sword, and stared at the blade.

“I guess I could try.” I said as I got into a fighting stance. I slashed at the air, pretending it was a tree in an attempt to recreate the event. I thought about what might’ve been the cause of it. I grew frustrated and my slashes became stronger and stronger with my rising anger.

“GRAH-- Why can’t I do it again!?” I yelled in frustration. Suddenly my sword erupted with red light, I was ready this time, so I didn’t drop it. I stared at my blade as red flames flowed out of it.

“Oh, sweet Celestia!” Exclaimed Twilight out of shock. “Sheathe that sword before you burn down the building!” As I moved the sword into the sheath, the flames died and were no longer burning.

“This is...exactly what I needed.” I began as I stared at Twilight. “I can bring the fight right into Chrysalis’ castle.”

“First you need to learn how to control your flames.” said Twilight.

“I think that my powers are based off my emotions. Both times my sword started flaming I was in frustration or anger.” I informed her.

“Then think angry thoughts, Novy. I hate to say it, but it seems anger is our salvation here. It’s ironic too, because Equestria has always been a peaceful and happy place.” She spoke with a calmness that I was definitely not expecting.

“That won’t be difficult in a fight with Chrysalis.” I said. I sat on the end of her bed, and looked at her. “Twilight..”

“Yeah, Novy?” She asked.

“Chrysalis needs to be killed soon, she needs to be stopped.” I said coldly. “And I’m just the man to do it.”

“I usually wouldn’t condone violence, but, Novy, I’m confident in you. I want you to kill her.” She said as she hugged me. I hugged her back and let the warmness of her embrace drive all negative thoughts from my head. As I rested against Twilight I let my eyes close, and eventually fell asleep. I awoke several hours later, still laying against Twilight. She was sleeping, so I got up and left her room. I went into my room, and I drew y sword. I thought about how the flames were linked to my emotions.

I thought about the day Chrysalis attacked and I watched Twilight getting attacked, a tear formed in my eye, and I felt ready to sob. My sword erupted in flames once again, but this time, the flames were blue. I felt no heat from the blade at all. I stared at the blade in shock. I sheathed it and the flames died out.

“So, it really is based on my emotions…” I said aloud, but quietly. I wiped my eyes, and sat on the bed. “This is exactly what I needed…”

A nurse rushed into the room and scanned it, taking deep breathes.

“Why do I smell something burning!?” The nurse asked.

“I don’t smell anything at all.” I lied. She looked at me skeptically before leaving the room. I shrugged and laid back on my bed, staring at the roof.

Chapter XIII: White Hot

It had been a week since I’d learned about what my sword could do. I had spent hours of my days trying to learn how to control the power. One day, I was in Twilight’s library trying to rebuild the bookshelves that had been destroyed in Chrysalis’ assault. I had all the books piled up in the corner of the room. After a long struggle trying to remake the shelves, I decided to scrap it all and buy new ones. I had some bits in my pocket from Celestia, but I wasn’t sure if it was enough for new shelves. I left the library, and went to a furnishings store. When I approached the desk the pony behind it gave me a scowl.

“We don’t serve non-ponies.” Said the clerk. I stared at him in disbelief.

“Look, sir, I just wanna buy new shelves. Y’know, to replace the shelves I used to save your hide, as well as every other pony’s that survived the Changelings.” I said coldly.

“My store, my rules.” was all the clerk said to me before kicking me out. I felt anger in my heart, as I left the store. I left the town quickly, and entered the Everfree Forest. I went deep into the trees, and once I decided I was far enough I drew my sword. The moment it left the sheath, my sword spit out red flames. I attacked a tree, bringing my blade into the side of it’s trunk. It left a large cut with a scorch mark surrounding it.

I had taken a fifth slash at the tree when I heard a slight crack from behind me. I made a sharp 360 and got ready to attack. I saw two bright yellow eyes pinning on me from the darkness. I lunged into the brush, driving my sword toward the spectator. I grabbed onto whatever I could, gripping what felt like a large pointed wooden ear. I felt myself being thrashed around as I laid on the back of the creature attacking me, keeping my grip tight. A flash of light from an opening in the trees led me to realize what I was on. I brought my sword immediately between the Timber Wolf’s shoulder-blades. It fell to the ground with a loud whimper. I climbed off it, and the wolf stared up at me with pleading eyes. I put my sword to the Timber Wolf’s throat and cut it open with one swift slice.

I walked further into the forest, not entirely knowing if it was the way back to Ponyville. I came to an opening in the trees and walked out. Before me stood the same tall black castle that I’d been in with Chrysalis. I started back into the forest, but stopped myself. I turned back to the castle and stared at it.

“Maybe…” I mumbled as I looked down at my sword. I began walking toward the tower, and once I’d reached the stairs, I hesitated. The doors flew open, and I dove to the side behind a large rock.

“We will be attacking them tomorrow morning, get the drones ready and prepared before then. I plan to completely annihilate that nuisance of a race.” Chrysalis’ voice was easily recognizable, but then another voice spoke.

“Yes, Queen Chrysalis.” It was a male’s voice, but who’s it was, I had no idea. I heard the doors shut, and I started to move out of my hiding place. I stepped out from behind the rock, and shock surged through me as I saw Chrysalis still standing at the door. Her face was one of complete bewilderment.

“Novy...you have returned to me?” She asked confusedly. I scoffed and held up my sword.

“Chrysalis, I heard the conversation you just had. If you want the ponies extinct, you’ll have to get through me.” I said boldly, challenging her. Her face morphed into one of annoyance. She took a step down the staircase.

“Novy, why do you fight for them? Why do you put their lives before your own?” She asked.

“I refuse to stand by and watch as you slaughter innocent ponies...not only that, but I also have a personal grudge against you.” I said, staring at her, my sword still in a defensive position.

“You know, Novy, it’s a shame that you couldn’t protect Twilight. Just like that little filly’s brother.” She said with a grin. As I heard her say this, I felt my sadness and anger mixing up, and exploding out of my body.

“ENOUGH!” I screamed as I lunged at the Queen. My sword ignited with, not red or blue, but white flames. I had clearly caught Chrysalis off guard, I tackled her and she flew into the sky. I held onto her tightly as the ground below us became smaller and smaller. I used all the strength I could possibly muster, and drove my sword across her ribs. Green blood spilled out of the wound, and I smelled burning skin as Chrysalis dropped out of the sky, headed toward the ground in a nose dive. I held onto her, thinking of what I should do. Suddenly, Changelings flooded out of the castle, hundreds of them surrounding the Queen and I, they slowed us down a lot, but we still hit the ground hard. Some of the Changelings had used their own bodies to cushion their queen and had been crushed. The moment I felt the landing I flew forward hitting the ground hard, and rolling sideways. I stood up and looked at the crash. There was blood on the ground mixed into the grass, and Changelings spread out all over the place.

“The human...kill him!” She shouted. The Changelings all flew toward me, and I ran into the forest. My heart pounded in my chest as I ran through the forest at full sprint. I could hear the Changelings behind me, I felt as though they were within an inch of me, and I ran faster. I dodged tree after tree, trying not to get hit by a branch. I jumped over a low hanging limb and took a sharp turn to the left. I ran as quickly as I could, trying to think of a plan. I couldn’t go to Ponyville with all these Changelings chasing me.

“I know what to do…” I said as I stopped running and turned to face the horde of Changelings closing in on me. I lifted my sword and ran at the Changelings, stabbing the first one I came to through the head. I sliced open another one along it’s side, and punched another one off to my right. I stabbed the Changeling I’d punched, and cut another one in half. I felt the constant raking of the Changeling’s claws along my body. My bandages were being torn, and scars were being reopened, but I continued killing Changeling after Changeling. My clothes and sword were soaked in green blood from the Changelings.

After what felt like forever, I was down to the last few Changelings. I felt tight in my chest, and was breathing heavily. One of the Changelings jumped at me and I drove my sword into its stomach, and the blade came out it’s back. I pushed the dead Changeling off my blade, and wiped the green blood off my hand. There were three changelings left now. I ran at them, kicking one on the cheek and immediately stabbing another one through the side. I pulled out my sword and stabbed the third Changeling, then stabbing the one that had been kicked.

“That was...tiring.” I said as I wiped some blood off my lip. I looked down at my clothes, they were soaked in blood, and torn all over. I began walking toward Ponyville, leaving the mass of dead Changelings for Chrysalis to discover. I walked into town, my sword secure in my sheath. I made my way to Rarity’s boutique, but what I saw made my heart sink. The doors had a sign hanging on it that read “Closed down for good.” I opened the doors and walked inside, the room was a mess, her supplies laying around on the floor.

“Rarity?” I yelled her name into the darkness, and listened.

“Yes?” I heard a quiet response that was almost inaudible. Though, I was tired and wanted to do nothing more than sleep, I made my way up the steps and into her room. She was laying on her bed under the covers, her hair was a mess, and her fur was messy. I sat down on the bed and looked at her.

“Rarity...you closed the boutique?” I said sadly.

“Well...it’s not exactly easy to make new designs when you’re constantly thinking of your sister...Oh, Sweetiebelle...I miss her, Novy. I keep thinking of all the ways I’d been mean to her, and I have all this regret inside me…” As she spoke tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. I hugged her, and tried to comfort her.

“She knew that you loved her, Rarity. There was no doubt about that, instead of thinking about all the stuff you did wrong, try thinking of all the stuff you had fun doing with her.” I wasn’t sure if this was comforting, but it seemed to work because she calmed down and wiped her eyes.

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” She said quietly.

“C’mon, tell me about something you had fun doing with Sweetiebelle.” I said.

“Well, there was this one time, Sweetiebelle wanted to help me sew a dress, but I didn’t want her to mess up a good one, so I got out an older dress, and told her to fix a hole in it. She sewed it perfectly, no issue. I was astounded, so I got another dress, and I had her fix another hole. She did a good fixing on the second one too. We spent at least three hours that day sewing and giving Sweetiebelle tips.” As she said this she would pause and laugh softly to herself, bring a smile to her face. “She wasn’t perfect, mind you, she also used my good fabric to patch a hole that didn’t even match the cloth on the dress.”

Once Rarity seemed to be feeling better, I decided now would be the time to ask.

“Rarity...if you haven’t noticed, I kinda messed up my clothes, could you maybe patch these up?” I asked nervously, feeling guilty at asking.

“Oh, heavens no! Those clothes are beyond their day, you need something new!” She said as she got off the bed.

“Are you sure, Rarity? I was just going to use these…” I said, feeling even more guilty.

“Think of it as a thanks for cheering me up, Novy.” She said, smiling. “You wait here for me to make the new ones, I think you’ll like the design I have in mind.” She left the room, leaving me alone.

Chapter XIV: This Is War

Rarity hovered a new set of clothing to me, and I grabbed them, hastily putting them on. The pants were white with Celestia's cutie mark on the side of the left leg, and the shirt was a dark shade of golden that had a white stripe going across the left side.

"Thanks, Rarity, but I need to get going." I said quickly.

"Alright, then, I'll see you another time." She said as I opened the door and ran out. I made my way to the library, I walked inside, hoping to find Spike.

"Spike! Spike are you in here!? I need your help!" I yelled loudly. Eventually he came down the steps and looked up at me.

"What do you need?" I looked around on the floor for a scroll and quill, pushing things out of the way, and shuffling things around.

“I need to write a letter.” I said as I searched.

“Oh, okay.” Spike said as he tapped my shoulder and I looked up at him. He was holding out a scroll with a quill, so I took it and began writing a letter.

“Dear, Princess Celestia, I encountered Chrysalis, and she was discussing an attack on Ponyville tomorrow with one of her subjects. Send as many soldiers as you can spare. I’m taking the fight to her.” I finished writing and rolled up the scroll. I gave it to Spike and he burped out green flames, burning the scroll. We waited for a response and eventually Spike burped up a new scroll. I grabbed it out of the air, and unrolled it.

“Dear, Novy, I have sent a detachment of soldiers to Ponyville to aid you. Please, stop Chrysalis before she can cause further harm to my land. I wish you the best of luck, I have nothing the confidence in you.” I put the scroll on the table and ran out of the library. I went to the hospital and into Twilight’s room.

“This is it, Twilight. Chrysalis is planning to attack us tomorrow morning, so Celestia sent a detachment here under my command. I’m leading them to attack her when I think we’re ready.” As I spoke, worry crossed her face.

“Novy, please, don’t get yourself killed.” She said urgently.

“You should know by now that I’m hard to kill.” I said with a smile.

“Everyone can die, Novy, even you.” She said sadly.

“Well, I’m not dying without a fight.” I replied. I got closer to her and kissed her lips gently. “I have to go now, I need to get prepared.” I walked out the door after hugging her, and made my way out of the hospital. I went to the entrance to Ponyville, and waited for the soldiers to arrive.

It seemed like hours, but the soldiers eventually reached the town and landed before me. I counted the guards, and came up with 38. I stood at the front of the large group of guards before me, and spoke loudly.

“I’m not gonna be gentle about it, we aren’t going to return with the same numbers we’re leaving with. This will be a final assault on Chrysalis in her castle, the place where all the Changelings are housed. Be prepared for the most difficult fight of your lives. We leave tonight.” I walked away from the group of soldiers and headed to the fields outside Ponyville. I unsheathed my sword and held it out in front of me.

“Alright...I need to learn to control my emotions…” I said with a sigh. “From what I’ve gathered, anger means red flames, sadness seems to be blue flames, and I’m not sure about the white flames...I was attacking Chrysalis alone, so...maybe courage?” I spoke aloud. I tried to think of something to ignite the flames, but what? I thought back to when the clerk had kicked me out of his store, and the townsfolk shunning me, but nothing happened. I was confused, and I though further back. Back to when I watched the ponies in the library dying, and my sword erupted with blue flames. I held the sword with no problem, I couldn’t feel the heat on my skin or clothes. I slashed the air with my sword, making an arc of flame that died seconds later. I thought of when I’d discovered the truth about Chrysalis, and the anger I had felt. The flames morphed to red, and I slashed at the air again, making another arc.

“I need a target…” I looked around for something to direct my sword at. I saw a wooden post sticking out of the ground. I ran over and sliced the top of the post off, and flames spilled off the wood. After cutting the post down to the bottom, I left the field and went to the library. I sat in the doorway with my back against the wall. I closed my eyes and let sleep take me.

When I woke up, there was a guard nudging me. I looked up at him, and I opened my eyes and stood up, the sky was dark and full of stars. I stepped out and the group of guards were waiting for me. I went to the front of the group and began to march to Chrysalis’ castle. We went into the Everfree Forest, and march past tree after tree. Once we’d reached the opening that led to the castle, I got a bad feeling in my gut.

“Keep your guard up, expect anything.” I said as we got closer to the castle. We got to the door, but still, no Changelings had noticed us...I took a deep breath and threw the doors open. We rushed in and I unsheathed my sword. As I looked around the room, I was confused. The room was completely empty. The guards behind me were mumbling confusedly. I walked further into the castle, and through the halls, looking into the rooms around. No Changelings were in the castle. It was completely empty.

Chapter XV: A Crippled Queen

“You!” I pointed to the nearest guard. “Go, let Twilight Sparkle know what’s happening here!” I yelled at the guard. He ran out the door and spread his wings, lifting off the ground and out of my vision.

“I need six of you to stay by the door at all times, and two standing outside.” I ordered. Two guards went outside the door, and six other guards stood guard, facing out the door. “All the rest of you guards stay prepared, we’re gonna wait for Chrysalis to return, which could be any moment!” I stood in the middle of the room, staring at the door, gripping my sword’s handle tightly. I heard a pair of guards off to the side talking.

“What if we don’t have enough guards here?” said one of the guards.

“I don’t know. Maybe we can do this, you can’t look at all of this so negatively.” said the other guard.

“Are you seriously not worried at all?” asked the first guard.

“Of course I’m worried, but we have to fight.” replied the second guard.

“We’ll be able to slaughter every last Changeling she brings to us.” I interrupted, approaching the two guards. They looked at me, clearly surprised.

“Wha- I, uh…” The guard stuttered, trying to get words out.

“We have the courage, the strength, and the anger we need to tear their forces apart. I will not allow them to win, by any means, even if it’s at the cost of my own life. So, soldiers, will you fight until your last breath to keep the innocents of Equestria safe?” I asked. They both nodded, and I turned around. Walking away from the two guards, I resumed standing in the middle of the room, preparing for Chrysalis to attack.

After waiting for what seemed forever, the doors were abruptly thrown open, surprising me. I drew my sword and began to charge the door, however, I stopped myself upon seeing who was there.

“Novy! Novy! I have a message for you from Celestia!” Yelled Spike, gasping to catch his breath. I took a scroll from him, and he continued to breathe heavily. I opened the scroll as i heard Spike saying, “I can’t believe they sent me through the Everfree by myself!”

“So many ponies have been slaughtered already, and you’re sitting in a black castle wondering where I am like an idiot...how pathetic. I suggest you make your way to Canterlot as soon as you can, because Celestia, Luna, and Cadence are here with us, and I doubt you want us to hurt them.” I finished reading the letter, and looked up.

“Get back to Canterlot immediately, guards! Your Princesses are in grave danger as we speak” I yelled loudly. All the guards stared at me. “What’s the fastest way to Canterlot!?” I asked.

“Flying…” replied a guard.

“How can I be flown to Canterlot?” I asked.

“We have a supply cart we carry with us.” A guard suggested. I left the castle and cleared the supply cart off. I climbed onto it, and two guards were attached to the front of the cart.

“All guards to Canterlot!” I yelled, the cart lifting off the ground as I finished speaking. I held onto the cart tightly. We flew for what seemed to be an hour, and finally landed in front of the entrance to the castle. I leaped off the cart and ran inside the castle, drawing my sword. There were dead soldiers laying on the floor, Changelings bodies mixed in, but clearly a minority. I ran up the stairs and onto the next floor of the castle. I directed the guards following me to the opposite direction, and I ran down the hall. I ran into a large room with a throne in it, and glass windows that were broken and stained with blood, they seemed to be decorated with drawings that I couldn’t make out. The Changelings in the room all turned to me and charged. I put my blade into the side of a drone, and decapitated another.

I killed the final Changeling, driving my blade into it’s head. I left the room and made my way through the hall, checkings room I went by for Changelings, and killing any that were found. Eventually, I made my way to the Princess’ room. As I walked in, I felt my anger spike immediately. I saw the guards I’d brought with me laying on the floor. Chrysalis laughed, and I looked at her, rage blazing in my heart. She had all the Princesses laying on the floor, bound by the legs.

“It’s about time, Novy...I was getting bored.” said Chrysalis mockingly.

“Shut the hell up. If you want to kill me, then come on. Come take your best shot, cause if you don’t kill me while you can, I’m gonna cut your ugly head off your body and throw you off the balcony.” I said angrily, gritting my teeth.

“My, I have definitely struck a nerve. You act like you’re one of these pathetic ponies...can’t you see that you’re something more than them? Don’t you see the power you hold over them?” She asked.

“I hold so much hate and anger inside this body...you have no idea how evil I could be if I chose, but that’s the point, I choose to be a hero rather than an evil being like you.” I said, staring at her. I moved forward, and the Changelings in the room all charged me. I felt them biting me, and scratch me. I sliced open Changeling after Changeling, knocking them off my back, and throwing them off me. My sword ignited with white flames once again, and I made a long slash along the Changelings around me, all being burned and scorched. The Changelings backed away from the flame, still searching for opportunities to attack.

“This is quite new...flames from your blade…” said Chrysalis. I looked at her, and a Changeling leaped at me, I cut it in half as it flew toward me. It hit the ground, and I brought my sword around, keeping the rest of the Changelings at bay. I moved forward, and swung my sword, making an arc of flames, burning several Changelings before dying out. I turned around and lunged at a group of Changelings, bringing my sword over my head and onto the ground in the middle of the group of drones, flames erupted from the place the sword had hit, and burned the Changelings, killing them. I leaned up, staring at my sword.

“That’s new…” I mumbled, turning to the remaining Changelings. I made another flame arc with my sword, killing two Changelings, the other one moving out of the way at last second. I faced Chrysalis, being the only Changeling left in the room. She stared at me, surprised.

“I see that you’ve gotten more skilled with your sword.” said Chrysalis. I stayed silent as I approached her, my sword at the ready. She stepped backward, and used her magic to hit me in the chest. I stumbled backward, falling to one knee. I stood back up, and she slammed into me with her hind legs. I flew backward, hitting the ground hard on my back. The flames in my sword dying. She brought her hoof down on my chest. I stared up at her grinning face.

“You’ve fought valiantly, but it seems I’ve overpowered you.” She said mockingly.

“Don’t be so sure, you bitch!” I yelled as I lifted my sword and cut her leg off at the joint. She stumbled backward, screaming, and falling onto her side.

“My leg!” screamed Chrysalis in pain, green blood gushing from her wound. I struggled to my feet, and walked over to her with my sword raised. She stared up at me, fear in her eyes. I smiled at this, and put my sword against her throat.

“I’ve waited to do this for too long, Chrysalis.” I raised my sword up, and brought it down toward her neck. I felt a force knock me sideways, and I flew onto the balcony. I stood up, and looked at what had hit me. I couldn’t believe what I saw. There was a Changeling that was ten times as large as a normal drone standing over Chrysalis helping her to her remaining hooves. She climbed onto it’s back and it charged onto the balcony. I jumped out of the way, and it flew away from the castle, Changelings rising from the city and following their queen. I ran back into the room, and freed the Princesses.

“Looks like there's a new type of Changeling…” I thought to myself.