The Mirror of Souls

Chapters

Prologue: The Ones Who Will Fight
Chapter 1: The First to Wake
Chapter 2: An..Interesting Breakfast
Chapter 3: The Seer and The Witch
Chapter 4: Accepting the Coming Storm
Chapter 5: The Two Siblings (Part 1)
Chapter 6: The Two Siblings (Part 2)
Chapter 8: The Undead Curse
Chapter 9: Manehatten's Survivors
Chapter 10: Brawl In The Streets
Chapter 11: The Changeling and The Stranger
Chapter 12: Boars, Shadows, and a Hood
Chapter 7: A Red Figure, The Night The World Changed

Prologue: The Ones Who Will Fight

Equestria was quiet. The morning sun rose slowly with Celestia's will, shining it's welcome light upon the world. Early risers rose, late sleepers slept. Animals awoken by their children, ponies by their foals. Farmers were already working their crops in hopes that they could get a decent pay from the market in several days. Some listened to the winds, others to the trickle of stares in wells. Trees shook with slight winds, mountains stood tall and proud on the Horizen. The Elements of Harmony, the Protectors of Equestria and Ponyville, slept on. And in the midst of all this, a small crack appeared in the middle of Ponyville square. Unnoticed, the world ignored its appearance.

The Crystal Empire. The world's Diamond in the Rough. Found in the great Tundra to the North, it shines with the heart and soul of a recovered kingdom, and the happiness of love. The snow leaves it and it's Crystal Ponies untouched. Cadence, Princess of the Crystal Empire, hugged her husband closer as she smiled softly, hair sticking up in some places. And on this morning, the sun shone beautifully, reflecting off the Crystal Palace in such a way that anyone would be stricken in awe. Rainbows shined across the land, demanding the world to recognize its beauty. But it already did, as the clouds accepted the Rays to shine their own brilliance. Yet among all of this, there were the remains of Sombra's attempts at resurrection, which stood dark and foreboding on the Horizen. And amongst those crystals, a small crack appeared in one, slowly spreading.

The Badlands. This desolate plane of existence is not but crags and fissures, deserts and drought, caves and canyons. Nothing lived, nothing breathed. No clouds, no hopes, no life. Only caves and Rock. And in one such cave lay a crippled and wounded race, which awaited their chance to rise again! The Changelings! Although crippled and wounded, their Queen still lived! She began to rebuild their race, despite the low food sources. That day they shunned the sun, staying in their hive, rebuilding. Their Queen watched over them, proud of her children. Yet far in the back, where the cave ended, a small crack appeared, unnoticed and unheard.

The Volcanoes. In the far northwest, these Gods of Nature erupted with their hatred, burning and melting the ground around them. Yet one race ignored their fury, laughed at their flames and magma, and stood unfazed. The Dragons. These fire breathing beasts of flame and legend truly rule the Volcanoes, and use the magma they spew as personal swimming pools. They fight, kill, play pranks, hoard treasure, and more. And on that fateful day, while the smoke and ash blocked out the sun, the dragons ruled their territory, same as always. Yet in a volcano, forgotten, sat a little dragon, small and weak. She was a bright orange, and happily playing with some stones. She was the only one to notice when the wall next to her suddenly cracked, the crack itself long and tall, easily taller than her. She flinched back and stared, then growled at it. It didn't respond, for it was just a crack.

Canterlot. A beautiful empire of white and gold, the home of the Royal Alicorns Sisters. And not to mention the rich and snobbish ponies who walked the streets, each thinking they owned the city themself, yet begging at first chance to have the Sisters help them rise in class. But they are unimportant. What is truly important was the small house, in the dark side of town. Small, and moderately taken care of. It had a small kitchen, a dining room, a bathroom, and a bedroom with one bed. On the small bed were two siblings, each the opposite of the other, yet both deeply loving each other. The first was a white earth pony, silent as he slept. He had a brown mane, and crystal blue eyes. On his flank was the mark of a simple shield, yet somehow it gave off the look of complete and utter protection. He twitched his tail, turning over, bumping his sister lightly. She was a black mare, with blood red hair and eyes. Her cutie mark was an outline of flames, surrounded in red shadows. She grumbled and kept sleeping, her long hair covering her face. On a nightstand nearby were two letters, each opened, both bearing the seperate seals of the Alicorn Sisters. Meanwhile, Celestia, regal and powerful as she finished raising the sun, yawned as she blinked her weary eyes awake. Luna was asleep, snoring lightly as her hair waved. Neither her nor her sleeping sister had any idea what was in store. No one did. Yet they would be in for a frightening venture that would test not only mettle and strength, but their loves and wills for their home.

Manehatten, the city of dreams! Here in this city of bustling walkers and carriages, ponies try to make it big. Full of celebrities, thugs, criminals, and nobodies, it began with a unicorn who was fired...again. Uneeded, unwanted, he had returned home in shame at his life, and broken of his will. He had given up hope for himself, and resigned himself to his fate. He sat depressed in his home, sipping at some beer, staring at the wall. He scratched his side, where it had started to itch, and didn't look away. He moved to check his watch when he saw his hoof covered in blood. His eyes widened and before he could respond a piercing, burning pain ripped through his body. He screamed silently as he began to change. After several minutes, he died.

Far, Far below, in a dark room, a mirror stood. It was simple, delicately designed, yet had an otherworldly feel about it. Occasionally a small wisp of light would circle it before sinking inside the mirror, before another was shot out.

Chapter 1: The First to Wake

The Crystal Empire was cold. The snows billowed and blew across the ground, another blizzard rolling in. The Crystal Ponies were safe in there city, due to the magic of the Crystal Heart and Cadence's will. The Princess in question was waking up, pushing her husband of the bed. He grumbled slightly, but kept sleeping. She yawned, mane shooting out with hairs in an unkempt state. She levitated a brush over and started to comb it down, yawning again. Her room was simple, with a dresser, bed, mirror and drawers, etc. The walls shone with the suns reflected light, occasional rainbows every now and then. She stretched and walked to the door, opening it tiredly. She started to walk down the halls, guards silent and poised. She turned a right after a while and kept walking, before her ear twitched at the sound of hooves down the halls. She turned as a page ran towards her. She watched as he skidded to a stop panting. "Yes, my subject?" She asked a little worried. He gasped for air as he raised his head.

"P-Princess, s-something terrorizing the marketplace..." He sputtered out before collapsing. Her eyes narrowed and she beckoned two guards over. They picked up the pony and carried him away as she opened her wings and flew to the bedroom. She walked over to Shining, who was still asleep.

"Shining, Pancakes." As she spoke these words his eyes snapped open and he jumped up.

"Really?" He looked to his wife eagerly and his face went grim when he saw her face. He nodded and ran to his armor stand, which was propped up against the wall for these emergencies. "Where?" He asked as he slipped it on hurriedly.

"The Marketplace. Ready?" She asked as she opened the windows with her magic. He nodded and grabbed her hoof. Together they ran out the window and jumped, her magic keeping him up as they flew towards the Marketplace, where screams were heard. He readied his blade, a small sword that was enchanted to jump the target's nerves so they cant move.

The snow howled around the black crystals, where the crack was. A small thump was heard as the crack grew larger, and a figure moved inside. Another thump and some shards flew off. A light shined before a spear blasted through, lightning surrounding it. A figure pushed itself out, coughing slightly. The snow swirled with the wind, obscuring the figure from view. He stood shakily and shook himself, looking around. He nodded and started to walk around, looking for an entrance. After a while he found a small slit in the crystals and slid through, popping out with a small grunt. He thrust his spear into the ground and used it to push himself into a standing position, where a break in the snow let the sun shine, revealing a golden helmet, shaped like a lion, with a red plume coming out the back. He slowly stood up, the sun disappearing back behind the snow. He looked around and sighed, shivering a little. As he looked around, a break in the storm showed a glimpse of crystal. He narrowed his eyes and started to walk into the storm, the sights of Seeth's Crystals easily recognizable.

An hour or two passed before he saw the grass. He narrowed his eyes curiously and strode forward before kneeling at the barrier. He stretched out an ice covered gauntlet, which when it passed through the barrier the ice and frost melted off. He stood up and walked through, sighing in relief as he felt the snow melt away. The sun shined brightly upon the golden warrior, who held his spear at his side as he gazed upon the Crystal construct. He started walking, spear tight in his grip as his eyes darted side to side. It was quiet, more than he liked. He slowly approached the town, where he saw crystal...ponies? He hadn't seen a horse in years. He marched closer, and saw several look his way. They watched him a little before running back into the...city? He nodded. City of Crystal. He walked into the main street and saw...nothing. The streets were boarded up and nothing in sight, except small whispers from the houses. He started to walk down the streets, and saw several hoof marks scuffing the street from a hasty get away. He kept walking, head un-moving as his eyes darted from window to door. He paused in the town square, where several stalls stood. He waited listening before he heard a small clatter and a yelp of pain. He walked towards, casually kicking the small stands away as he walked closer. A small pony, barely larger than his head sat with a bleeding leg and sobbing slightly. He knelt down and it snapped up to look at him, sobbing shut off as it gazed upon him with fear. He set his spear down and looked around, before reaching over and grabbing a cloth that was discarded earlier. He ripped it in half before reaching down towards the...foal? Foal. As it watched his hand it shivered before a puddle of yellow liquid desecrated the street. He raised an eyebrow under his helm as he gentle grasped the bleeding leg. He took the cloth and started to wrap up the scrape. The foal watched fearfully. He finished and tied it tight, before picking the foal up. The foal looked up and yelled, struggling in fear, before wincing in pain and settling. He pet it calmly, the foal slowly starting to relax as it sensed that he meant no harm. He picked up his spear and looked back around before his eyes darted to the sky. He turned, looking up as a small pink blur grew larger. He clutched the foal protectively as he watched the blur, hefting his spear. It grew closer and his eyes narrowed. With a flash of movement he swung his spear, and smacked the blur away like a fly into a building. The stone crumbled as a pink pony? No, it looked like one but had a horn and wings. It fell to the ground and stood up slowly as another fell from behind it, this one armored had just a horn, with a small dagger laying nearby. He watched as the pink looked back at the gold-armored one, helping it up before gazing back at him. He adjusted his grip on the foal as he span his spear in his hand, before with a small shockwave of air he pointed it at them. They stood, locking eyes before the pink one opened her mouth.

"Whinny." It let out, and he stared, un-moving. It growled and whinnied again, along with more neighs and grunts. He tilted his head and shook it. Pink growled and shot a bolt of pink magic. He swatted it away easily. Pink gave more sounds and he stood. He shoved his spear into the stone, impaling it, before raising his hand and pointing at her? Her. He then mimed talking and shrugged while shaking his head. She watched and calmed slightly then nodded. With magic she created her own hands and pointed at him, then mimed talking, then a question mark. He nodded. "I can speak." His voice was around a light tone, with a small and subtle Austreighlian accent. She shook her head and mimed that she couldn't understand. He raised his arms before feeling something hitting his legs. He turned around, frightening the pony behind him. She backed up the neighed and pointed at the foal. He nodded and kneeled, setting the foal on the ground. It ran to the pony who hugged it quickly then ran with the foal down a street. He stood back up and looked at Pink, who had walked closer, smiling softly. She looked him over than bowed. He returned the bow before he mimed writing. She nodded and put several characters in the air of her language. He shook his head.

Cadence continued miming with the creature, as Shining watched. "What is it?" He murmured, watching its every move. Cadence shrugged before a loud grumble ripped the silence. The Creature scratched his head and mimed eating. She nodded and beckoned as she started to walk towards the castle. Shining walked beside her as it followed, spear at the ready.

"I don't know sweetheart, but we'll find out soon enough." She pushed open the doors and the trio walked in, the Crystal Ponies watching as the doors shut behind them.

Author's Note

So please tell me, how is the second chapter? Id really love any feedback, it reeeeeeeeeeally helps! And this is our prestiged awoken:

Chapter 2: An..Interesting Breakfast

"Clip Clop Clip Clop" Their hoofsteps echoed in the palace as they walked, accompanied by the slight clank with each of the Creature's as it followed them, head forward. Cadance sighed and turned into the dining room, The Creature following curiously. Shining closed and sealed the door behind them, watching the creature's every move. Cadence sat down at the head and watched it. It looked at the small chair and scoffed before pushing it away and sitting cross legged on the ground, table barely reaching up to its chest. It looked at her and mimed eating. She nodded and looked at a fearful maid. The maid left and she looked at the creature. She started up her magic and started creating symbols, which he pointed at for an answer. First, she learned he was male. Then he could read, write, and do math. She paused as food was rolled in, by a maid, who was shivering as she was regarded by the golden figure and the two rulers. The cart carried typical vegan foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and of course, hay. She swallowed fearfully as the Golden Lion reached towards the cart. When he accidentally bumped the cart she bolted screaming out of the room, slamming the door behind her. He shrugged and began examining the food on the cart, as Shining and Cadence grabbed their respective meals. He chuckled gently when he came to the hay, and decided on the apples. They watched aptly as he lifted it up and began examining it, the apple easily fitting into his palm. He looked down at the table, then reached out and picked up one of the tiny knives. They tensed up, they slowly relaxed as he lifted the knife to the Apple and began carving out the core. "Interesting...it appears he has not only class, but finesse. Hmm...someone of importance maybe? But he's a warrior..." Cadence muttered quietly as she took a bite of her salad. Shining nodded slowly, still watching him, his fork hovering in midair with a piece of a pancake on the end. After carving the whole core out, the Lion placed the it on an empty plate on the table. He reached up and slowly cracked open his helm, revealing pale skin and a mouth. He ate the apple whole, closing his helm and chewing it thoroughly. After several seconds he swallowed, and nodded gratefully before taking a second. Cadence smiled and resumed showing him letters.

Ornstein began carving his second Apple, watching the tiny ponies. The female had once again started showing him the letters, to establish a means of communication. He shook his head for each letter, his red plume swaying gently each time. He placed the second core on the table, and had looked up as the most recent letter faded away. He blinked and jolted, accidentally breaking parts of the table off with his knee. After several seconds of awkward silence, he swallowed and signed for her to go back. She nodded and brought the letter back, and he exclaimed in eagerness. The letter was the 'E' of his language in Lordran, and he nodded to her that it was right. She...clapped? Clopped? Clopped, her hooves together and began writing him a message again, and he smiled a little as he saw some of his letters appear, but still didn't understand others. "..ell...M...ame...s...Cade..ce." He nodded slowly, looking the letters over, then shook his head. However, he held up his hand to her and looked around, then reached down and grabbed a piece of wood he had broken off earlier with his knee. Using the small knife, he began to scratch in his own letters.

They both sat there patiently, watching the large figure scratch into what used to be part of their expensive mahogany table. Eventually he nodded after looking it over and held it out for her. She gently lifted it from his golden gauntlet with her magic, bringing it close as he returned to how he was previously sitting. The message seemed to be written in mostly Norwhinnygian, as well as containing several other letters from other languages. "We could not fully understand thine message, so we hope thou wilt understand ours. We are Sir Ornstein, Knight to Gwyn, Lord of Cynder. We know not how we arrived here, just that we art grateful for thine assistance and care." She blinked and grinned wide, then rose slowly. She bowed to Ornstein, writing her own message for him in the air as she did so.

"Well met, brave knight Ornstein. We are Princess Mia Amore a Cadenza, ruler of the Crystal Empire. We are honored to have you here in our halls." Ornstein read the message, then slowly rose from the table. He slowly knelt onto one knee, placing his hand over his heart and bowing his head. The light shining through the glass windows fell onto his figure, bathing his golden armor and giving it a spectacular and regal shine. His spear was held gently in his hands, yet firmly, in a way that spoke of his commitment to his cause. As Cadence looked up at him, she couldn't help but admire him in awe for several seconds, until he slowly rose his head up. They held each other's gaze for several seconds, before Ornstein shifted his eyes to the window. They widened under his helm and he leapt at the couple. As they began to open their mouths and exclaim, the light from the window was blocked out by a heavy shadow. He curled around the two of them and rolled away just as a massive axe came crashing through the wall, flattening where the two of them were just standing and turning it to rubble.

Shining and Cadence gazed at Ornstein, watching him raise his head. As he leapt they yelled and dove close, and were carried as Ornstein rolled them away. He skidded to a stop and let go of them, standing in front of them. They both looked forward in shock and fear, gazing at the behemoth that had smashed through the wall. It had two large hooves, each easily as large as they were. They went up to hairy, muscular legs each as tall as Ornstein, a bulky chest, two massive arms, to the face of a monster. It's head was akin to the skull of a bull; pale and hard. Two dark, angry eyes stared down at the group, before it let loose a roar and lifted its axe from the shards of glass and rock. It's axe was malformed, made entirely of bone, stained with the blood of past prey. Ornstein stepped in front of the two and cracked his neck gently, the light from the sun outside bathing the giant and the colossus as they prepared to trade blows.

Cadence swallowed and grabbed her husband, pulling him backwards. "Shining, we need to leave, now." He looked at her and nodded. They began galloping away, heading for the large doors to the room. The demon shifted its eyes and roared, leaping at the two. Ornstein jumped as well, tackling the demon onto the table mid jump. He quickly rolled off and grabbed his spear as the bull roared and swung his axe at him. He swung his spear and deflected the blow, making it smash into the ground next to his foot. The bull roared again and lifted its axe again, swinging at him. He dodged backwards towards the shattered wall, not throwing any return strikes. The bull roared and leapt at him, and he rolled forward, the bull smashing into the ground outside. He smirked and quickly pivoted, running at it. As it stood up he jumped and kicked it in the back, sending it forward with a snarl of anger. It span and swung at Ornstein, making him raise his spear. He blocked the blow, skidding across the grass and digging up a trail. He pulled himself out and ran back at the demon, as it charged him. He raised his spear and jumped, then came crashing down. The bull looked up just in time to receive a spear in its eye, howling in pain. Ornstein held on as blood gushed from its skull, it thrashing around and swinging its axe in a rampage. It grabbed Ornstein and threw him off and into a crystal, shattering it from the impact. He stood up slowly, holding a large shard of the crystal in his hands. The bull groan and whimpered, holding its head as more blood pooled onto the ground. It's remaining eye searched around, shifting around erratically until it found him. It went red from rage and the demon roared, charging at Ornstein full speed. He walked forward a little, turning his body slightly to the side and waiting. The bull charged even faster, solely focusing on grinding him into paste. Ornstein narrowed his eyes, then dodged right when the bull was going to crush him. He reached outward and grabbed his imbedded spear, swinging himself onto its body. It howled in pain and began thrashing around, but he clung hard to its back. Gripping it tightly, he raised the crystal and began slashing at its neck, eliciting howl after howl of pain, painting the colorful grass in blood. After several cuts, he raised the blade of crystal, which had broken off in places, leaving it a jagged knife. He impaled it into the neck of the demon as hard as he could, going through and piercing out the front. It's eyes rolled up as it gargled, choking on its own blood, before it finally collapsed onto the ground.

Shining and Cadence had ran to an upper balcony of the castle, watching the fight play out. As it raged on, they both threw up multiple times in disgust, watching their beloved home become desecrated in blood. After the final blow, the sickened couple flew down, and began walking over slowly, straying away from the blood stained ground. They watched as their visitor slowly rose from the corpse, and gripped his spear. He pulled it out slowly, the body squelching gently as its tip tugged at the flesh of the beast. He slowly turned towards them and they swallowed in fear, seeing his golden armor soaked in blood, dripping out of the spaces between each part, and his eyes...his eyes burned with such a flame, a fire so fierce, and so horrifyingly loyal to its cause that they knew that no one....no one...stood a chance against this golden giant, named Ornstein.

Cadence and Ornstein sat in her study in the upper floors of the crystal palace. She had a crystal desk, which glowed gently with the help of the light from the glass doors leading out to a balcony. Outside, they could hear the sounds of Shining Armor and his men sanctioning off the battleground and trying to dispose of the corpse. There were several bookshelves along the walls, which Cadence was pulling several tomes from with her magic. Her hair was slightly droopy, and her eyes still held the horror from seeing the fight earlier. Ornstein was watching her gently, his armor back to its golden glow. It had taken him several minutes to finally clean the blood off of himself. His spear rested against the wall, and Cadence threw more than one glance in its direction. She returned to sifting through yet another spellbook, muttering gently as she read each spell. She was looking for a spell she had seen before, one that apparently Celestia had used to communicate with visitors from other lands when she first went overseas. She tossed that book away again and pulled out the next, sifting through its pages. She paused on a marked page and began reading, and exclaimed gently. "Finally! Now let's see..." She continued reading, then nodded slowly and looked up at Ornstein. She conjured up another message for him. "Sir Ornstein, we wouldst like to cast a spell upon thee. We believe it may allow us to communicate verbally." He looked at the letters and read them, nodding and bracing himself. Cadence swallowed and rose onto her legs, unfurling her wings.

Ornstein watched her read, listening to the sounds outside. He was a little surprised, but understood that these simple ponies had never seen such a battle. But in Lordran such feats of blood were common among Gwyn's Knights. He heard her neigh gently and looked down at her, his red plume flowing slightly. He read her message, then nodded and prepared himself and closed his eyes. He heard her wings unfurl, and heard her began making several noises. He felt a subtle probing in the back of his mind, almost as if it was someone knocking. He slowly opened the door for them, and began thinking of his language. The probe began sifting through these slowly, feeling over the different pieces of information. Ornstein let it, relaxing and watching it slowly. It began to examine info faster, mover quicker between his thoughts. It reached a memory and began pressing at it. Remembering what had happened when they had seen him slay the demon he jerked his head, severing the link. He hissed faintly in pain, Cadence doing the same. He opened his eyes and looked at her. She was wiggling her lips and grunting, clearing her throat slightly. What happened next surprised Ornstein, which was a little hard to do.

"He...He...llo...m-my...na-ame...is...Cadence." She said slowly, the words tasting strange to her equine tongue. Ornstein jolted gently, then swallowed and bowed his head.

"Hello Princess Cadenza. We are Sir Ornstein. We are honored to meet you." Cadence smiled and bowed to him, relaxing her wings and sitting back down. "We know not how we came to thine land...but from what just happened...we can say...there will be more." As he looked back up at her, Cadences face fell, and a crack in the Badlands grew larger

Author's Note

I'm back everyone! I finally got into writing again! And, hopefully, my writing has had a large improvement. I'll keep trying to write more frequently, and I hope you enjoy what I post. And again, comments are much appreciated.

Chapter 3: The Seer and The Witch

"M-more?" Cadence swallowed as Ornstein nodded.

"Yes. That just now was a Taurus Demon, one of the lesser demons from Lordran. We expect more, possibly stronger, demons to invade thine world Princess." He watched as Cadence swallowed and rubbed her forehead. Looking around the room, he stopped, looking at the left wall. He gripped his spear gently, Cadence looking up at him. As she opened her mouth, he threw it and-

"Ahhh!!!" The changeling sat up straight, panting hard, her eyes wide. One of the many nearby bugs glared at her and went back to sleep, huffing gently. She swallowed gently and wiped her hoof across her face, going over her dream in her mind. 'What...what was that thing? I...I must see her.' She slowly stood up, gently pulling and fluttering herself out of the pile of insects. She was in one of the changeling sleeping chambers of the Hive. Here the many servants of Queen Chrysalis (those that remained) slept together in a massive huddle to keep warm. The cave's ceiling was far above their heads, and it's walls were slathered in different areas with changeling slime, which inside several eggs were growing. As she walked past, the changeling silently prayed this batch would take and would hatch. She exited the cave into a large hallway, much smaller than the cave but it's smooth walls were still large enough to hold five changelings abreast. Her chitin hooves clicked gently as she walked, her wings held tightly to her body. After navigating past several mining tunnels, she came upon a set of extravagant black doors, an image of thousands of changelings bowing to one figure carved into it. However, it seemed that someone had tried to remove the image, to little avail. She swallowed gently and raised her hoof, and after several seconds knocked gently. Immediately a dark, yet powerful voice echoed from within, it's cords almost seeming to have two speaking at once.

"Come in." It said emotionlessly. The changeling gently pushed open the large doors, watching them swing open slowly across the smooth stone, almost as if they were floating. Inside was a massive chamber, as big as the sleeping chambers. Along the right wall was a large bed, hued from the same black stone, but draped with silky pink sheets. There was a golden full body mirror placed nearby it, with several small leather hats next to it on green crystallized stands. There was a simple woolen rug on the floor, on which was a wooden desk and chair. Sitting in said chair was a marvelous changeling, except thrice as large as a normal hive worker. It's slender body clearly placed it as female, even the holes dotting its legs and arms were of exquisite beauty. It had magnificent translucent wings, the left one bearing a large scar arcing from near the tip to the base and into her body. She had long emerald hair, which was currently messy and unkept, parting around a long and crooked horn. She had deep gemstones for eyes, a beautiful bluish green with black ebony in the center. They were currently focused on a large stack of papers, slowly looking them over and sifting through each one. The worker quickly scurried up to the desk and bowed, drawing the attention of the Queen. She looked up slowly and smiled. "Ah. Hello Yira (pronounced ee-ra). What brings you to my quarters at this hour?" Yira swallowed and stood back up, offering her queen a smile. After the failed invasion several years ago, Queen Chrysalis had changed a lot for the better. She appreciated her workers more, and had been trying for a long time to establish some form of peaceful way with nearby ponies to obtain love. She even stopped using mind control on her workers, except in cases of danger.

"Hello my Queen. I...had another one." She looked downwards as Chrysalis gently set her papers down.

"Another vision?" Yira nodded slowly. "I see. What was it of this time?"

"I-it...it was of her, my queen...of Princess Cadence." Chrysalis' face grew serious, and she nodded gently. "She was in her castle my queen. She was talking to some...strange creature. Like...a lion, but made out of gold...and taller than you my queen...I-it was from somewhere other than here...a-and it...it seemed to know I was listening...a-and..." Chrysalis pondered this for awhile, then slowly rose. Yiras eyes widened and she bowed her head, every step of her Queen echoing in her mind. She was surprised as she felt herself being drawn into her chest gently, into a caring embrace.

"Don't worry, my sweet Yira. It must have been so frightening." She nodded gently, nuzzling gratefully into Chrysalis' chest. The queen in return smiled, then pulled away and lifted her head. "It will be fine. I'm sure that we'll be okay. Now, go back to sleep with your brothers and sisters. We don't want them to know how special you are." Yira nodded with a gentle smile and bowed once more, then quickly scampered out of the room. Chrysalis watched her go with her a smile, before her face fell into one of grief. 'I see...some strange creature...I fear this bodes ill for everyone...'

Yira huffed and swung her pickaxe, chipping away at her tunnel a little more. It was daytime (she thought) and she was back to work on expanding their caves. A group of manticores had taken over their old nest, and this was what they had to do to survive. But, they could trade with some locals any gems they found for bits to buy supplies, so that was good. She swung again, closing her eyes as she put as much force as she could into her swing. A massive crash rang out, and she opened her eyes in excitement. But her pick had barely even scratched into where she hit. She looked around, then heard a scream. She snapped her head towards the exit of her tunnel. Dropping her pick, she galloped down the path, bursting out of the exit into a crowd of changelings. What she saw next horrified her. A strange being had one of her brethren by the horn, and he was writhing in pain. The being wore a long brown coat, fixed with many buckles, and a single dried rose. It had simple black trousers, and fine white gloves, although the one gripping the horn was pulsing with a dark energy. It's head was a thick helmet of metal, with slits around the eyes, and the head coming to a point. In its left hand was a long, curved blade, made out of some living material. Hairs came out of the wide hilt, and it reminded her of a spider's leg. On the creatures back was a long staff, the end fitted with a wicked, curved blade. Blood stained its surface, yet it still shined brightly. She and her brothers and sisters watched as the creature looked over the changeling it had captured. It's hand pulsed again, and the changeling screamed. It's body began to whither and thin, almost as if it was being drained dry. Eventually the screaming stopped, and the monster tossed the withered raisin of a corpse aside.

Yira swallowed in fear and watched as it closed its hand, almost as if examine the life it had sucked away. One of her brothers yelled and charged at the beast, leaping at it. She gasped as the blade shot out, impaling her brother clearly through. The creature swung the corpse aside, sending it flying off the blade to join the other. They all watched in fear as it looked around where it had come out from, a tunnel that they had been working on ever since they saw a crack appear there. Then, it turned its head toward them gently, the glow from the walls reflecting off its helmet. Screams, both of fear and anger, broke out among the crowd. Several changelings bolted, others swarmed the monster. Yira only stood horrified and sickened as she watched her brethren get cut down one after the other. One of them bolted towards the tunnel he came from, and suddenly burst into flames. A small flame was in the thing's right hand, and he had turned towards the bug to set him ablaze. One of the changelings took advantage and swung its pickaxe into the thing's left leg. Yira heard a male groan of pain come out of the helm, watching her brother grin. That ended as the creature grabbed his horn and ripped it off, making him howl in agony. The bloodbathe continued, Yira begging for help as her family was cut to pieces. It grabbed one of sisters and lifted it into the air, the last one left besides Yira. Her eyes were wide, her wings buzzing frantically as she tried to wiggle from his grip. He lifted his blade and pointed it at her, then thrust it for-

"Yira!!!" She gasped, lurching upwards. Her advisor for the day tisked annoyed and walked away, leaving her standing there. She looked up at the crack in the wall, and sighed, shaking her head. She hefted her pickaxe and went down her tunnel, a small one she had made earlier that week. She was supposed to look for small caves or gems, and so far she hadn't had much luck. She reached the end of her tunnel and swung her pick. Ding. It made a dull ring as it chipped through the rock. She swung again. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Some of the rock fell away, and she paused. That last ding had sounded almost...hollow on the rock? She shook her head and resumed chipping at the rock. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Crash! She yelped and leapt back as the wall collapsed in front of her. She buzzed happily and set her pick at the entrance to the new hole she had made, skipping in happily, her wings buzzing gently. She quickly realized that it was far darker in this small cave than she realized, and barely any light came from her tunnel. She concentrated and focused her magical energy in her horn. Slowly her energy condensed, creating a green glow around her horn, illuminating the craggy, uneven walls of the small tunnel she had found. Huh...almost looks hoof made... She shrugged as she looked around, walking forward slowly. After several minutes, she swallowed, not noticing the small sweat that had broken out on her forehead. Why do I feel so...uncomfortable? She smacked her mouth gently, realizing there was a strange taste on it. She continued working her mouth, lost in thought, not realizing she passed right by a tall shadow against the wall. She gasped as she finally realized it. Pain! But...from where? She focused her senses, then started jogging forward. The shadow followed quietly, unnoticed. After another minute, Yira slowed down, noticing a small light coming from an opening in the cave up ahead. She swallowed, the source of the pain only growing closer, as well as a faint trickling sound. She slowly made her way around the wall and gasped at what she saw inside.

She walked slowly into a massive cavern, easily twice, no, three times as large as her sleeping quarters. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, hanging above her like large chandeliers. Far above, towards their base, were several small lights, most likely fluorescent bugs. She looked to her right slowly, her eyes falling upon a giant lake, easily as large as her queens bedchambers. There was one long stalactite pointing towards the middle, and occasionally a drop of water would slip of the end and drip into the water, sending one serene ripple across the lake. The lake reflected the ceiling, where thousands of the bugs gathered, like stars in the night sky. She could've gazed at the lake for hours, but a flickering light caught her eye. She turned around, and gasped gently at what she saw. There was a large stone circle on the ground, made of some stone that wasn't from the caves. In the middle was a fire made of something white, a twisted and warped sword coming out of the center. But that wasn't what had caught her attention. Next to the bonfire was the large, white, dead corpse of a spider, several white hairs sticking out from the legs, it's eyes milky white. Coming out of its head was the upper body of some..creature, similar to the one from her vision. It's skin was pale, almost translucent. Long white hair cascaded down its body, falling down to its elbows. It had its...paws? Hands? over its naked chest, which had two small bumps. The two hands were grasped together, it's head bowed. Yira walked forward slowly, almost entranced. She looked at the sides of the half-spider, and noticed multiple egg sacs, each one connected to it, each one dead. She swallowed and looked up at the face of the upper creature, seeing its eyes closed. She lowered her head, feeling the pain echoing from her body. She looked back up again and backed up a little, then sat down. "Why...why are you in so much pain..?"

"It is because of the BlightPus." Yira yelled and jumped up, turning quickly towards the gentle male voice. Her eyes shrunk to pinpricks as they fell upon the figure of her vision, him looking down on her. Seeing her fear he raised his arms slowly. "Now wait. I mean you no ill will." Yira swallowed and began taking deep shuddering breaths. After several she could finally taste his emotions, realizing he only spoke the truth. She swallowed again and began slowly calming down, sitting down again.

"W-...what do you mean? What's the BlightPus?" He slowly sat down cross legged by the bonfire, holding out a hand to it. Yira scooted a little closer, finding the warmth of the flames oddly comforting.

"Back in Lordran, where we are from, she and her sister were rulers of servants from a place called Blighttown. Their servants felt pain from the pus, but her older sister Quelaag cared not. She, however..." He looked at her mournfully. "She could not stand to see their servants in pain. So..." He looked back at the crackling fire, gazing into its depths. "She swallowed the BlightPus that infected them. Doing so cured their pain but...also brought her close to death." Yira swallowed and nodded grimly, all traces of fear gone. "So her sister Quelaag turned her into a FireKeeper, for this fire. That is what keeps her alive. However...she is in eternal pain now..." Yira looked over at her sadly, then turned back to him.

"Is...is there nothing we can do..?" He looked at her, his helmet creaking gently. He pulled open his coat and rummaged around in one of his pouches, mumbling. He pulled out a box and set it on the ground, the fire glinting off of its smooth wooden sides. It gave a small creak as he opened it, and Yira looked inside. She swallowed as an empty void peered back at her, the inside of the box seeming to continue forever. He reached into the box, Yira baffled as she heard the sounds of many different materials clinking, clanging, scraping, squishing, etc. She watched as he slowly raised his hand, clutching something gently. He closed his box, then looked at Yira. He slowly unfurled his hand, and Yira's eyes sparkled in curiosity. Inside his hand was a small dark...flame almost, with a white border. It seemed to shimmer gently to her, calling to her gently. She looked up at him, then back at the tiny flame. "What is this..?"

"That is known as Humanity. It is found in Lordran, and is the source of our...sanity. We don't know quite what it is, but...it is what keeps us human, and alive." Yira leaned in close, looking it over like a dog may a firefly. "Firekeepers light the bonfires like this one, which serve as..." He thought for a moment, reflecting on how he thought of them. "...almost like...temporary homes, or sanctuaries, for the Undead, which I am a part of. By giving her humanity, her pain becomes just a little easier to bare." Yira looked up at him, then at her, nodding slowly as she listened.

"I see...I'm a Changeling." He watched her, listening aptly. The lake rippled with another droplet, the only sound besides Yira and the bonfire. "We live in caves, here in Equestria. We're a form of bug, similar to ponies in shape and some anatomy. We hatch from eggs, and can change our forms."

"Truly?" He said surprised. Yira made a small "mhm" of confirmation and stepped away from him, standing up. She focused her energy, and green magic, almost like flames, surrounded her body. He gave a small grunt of surprise, watching as she transformed into a simple white pony with a pink mane. He clapped gently and she blushed, turning back.

"Thanks...I'm not used to compliments." He chuckled gentle and motioned for her to continue, to which she nodded. "We used to change into ponies and sneak into societies. The reason why is because we feed off of the emotion of love. We can actually taste and sense almost all emotions, which is why I can feel her pain." Yira nodded towards the girl, and he nodded.

"Can you sense anything from me?" He waved over himself gently. Yira nodded and magic enveloped her horn gently.

"Probably. Let's see...I sense..." She closed her eyes, concentrating on his aura. "...devotion...protectiveness...curiosity...and...hmmm...that's strange...almost like...fire..." He chuckled gently and poked her, getting her to open her eyes. He held out his hand, and made her jump when a small flame poofed into existence over it. He smiled as he watched her examine it in slight wonder.

"This is known as pyromancy, an art from Lordran. We have magic, same as you, but there are different kinds. Pyromancy is the art of wielding fire, put simply." He made the flame in his hand grow bigger, then smaller. He focused the flame into a single pillar, then made it fan out into a disk in his hand, before swishing it away. Yira clapped gently, her wings buzzing happily, to which he smiled and gave a minor bow. "Continue. You feed off love?"

"Yes. But...as you can tell from our appearance...ponies and other creatures are not too fond of us..." She frowned, slouching forwards slightly. "It's rather hard for us to get love from them normally, so...we have to take the place of their loved ones. Or at least, we used to." She looked up at him, and he simply nodded for her to continue. "A year or two ago, we tried to take the place of the Princess of Love, and-" she was interrupted as he chuckled gently, making her raise the skin over her eye. After he apologized she continued. "As I was saying, we tried to take her place at her wedding, but...we failed, and most of us were outcast to here, the Badlands. Or I should say, up there." She pointed upwards, and he nodded, looking up at the high roof. "Now we're trying to establish a more peaceful way of getting love, but...it's not going too well. We're facing a food shortage, and have been for...almost as long as we've been here." He nodded slowly, processing all this new info. He turned back to her.

"Who is in charge of the Changelings?" He asked curiously, but stopped when he heard several pebbles being scattered nearby.

"That, would be me." He jumped upwards and span around, unsheathing his blade and holding it in his hand. Yira did the same, but stopped as her eyes fell on her Queen. She stood by the lake, her hair polished and glistening gently in the light from the ceiling, and her eyes sparkling gently as they locked with the Undead's.

Author's Note

For the Undead, forgot to mention, he is wearing: Elite Knight Helm, Chester's Jacket, Leather boots, Gwyndolin's gloves, Priscilla's Scythe, Quelaag's fury Sword, and the Old Witch's Ring.

Chapter 4: Accepting the Coming Storm

The two of them held each other's gaze, Yira looking between the two. But before either could make a sound, there was a slight coughing, before a small, raspy female voice spoke out. "Q-Quelaag? Sister?" They all turned and looked behind them. The girl in the spider had opened her eyes, which were milky white, and was seeming to grope out at the air gently, almost despairingly. The Undead quickly sheathed his blade and ran over to her, with Chrysalis and Yira watching quietly. He tightened his white glove, then gently took her hand in his. She smiled instantly and looked towards him. "Quelaag...dear sister...how are you?"

"I-I'm fine, my dear. I missed you. How are your eggs?" He said painfully, swallowing and patting her hand. She grimaced gently, closing her eyes in pain.

"They still hurt...but...I'll be okay...as long as I have you..." He nodded and grasped her hands a little tighter. She looked at him and smiled gently. "I'll be okay sister...just make sure to take care of yourself..."

"I-I will. Now, you go back to sleep now, alright? I'll ease your pain for you while you do." She nodded slowly and held her hands together again, closing her eyes. He slowly knelt down in front of her, and placed his hand on his chest. Chrysalis and Yira felt energy gathering their slowly, before he raised his arm upwards. They watched as the energy flew from his hand to her's, creating a small glow as it was absorbed. They heard a small sigh of relief, before everything went quiet. In the dim light of the fire, Yira saw a small tear slip out from his helmet, trailing down the side before eventually dripping onto the ground.

The bonfire crackled gently, it's flames licking harmlessly at the blade imbedded in the white ash at the bottom. Upon closer inspection, Chrysalis realized that it was bones that surrounded its base. Yira had just finished explaining to her everything she had learned, and now the two of them sat next to each other, watching the Undead. He hadn't moved the entire time, just gazing into the fire lifelessly. Chrysalis darted her tongue out gently, the thick taste of guilt gracing her tastebuds. She cleared her throat gently, receiving no response. She cleared it again a little louder, but still didn't get a reaction. She huffed and used her magic to knock on his helm gently, to which he raised his head slightly towards her. "So, undead, do you have a name?"

"...it's Damien..." He looked back into the fire, watching the flames curl and twist in the air. Chrysalis nodded, and pointed to herself.

"I am Que- Chrysalis, ruler of the changelings. I govern them, provide for them, and literally their mother. Next to me is Yira." She gestured towards her, and Yira nodded her head gently. "She is different from the average worker in that she is a Seer, thus how I knew to look for you and her. I sensed earlier when she had another vision, due to the fact I have a small telepathic link to each of my children." Chrysalis tapped her horn gently. "And each of her visions has come true in some degree. So...i only have one real question." Chrysalis smirked as he raised his head towards her again.

"I don't care about your personal problems Damien, and I know that you could probably easily slaughter my hive. I have no doubt of that. I just wish to know; what does being Undead mean in Lordran?" Damien looked back at the fire, thinking slowly. He then reached up and grabbed his helm, and began lifting it off of his head. Yira and Chrysalis' eyes widened slowly as the smell of rotten flesh permeated the air. They watched in slight disgust, and Yira with fear, as he set his helmet down. His head was a sickly magenta, and in several places some of the flesh having peeled away. His cheeks were sunken in, wrinkles spanning most of his face. He slowly turned to face them, the two changelings chitin somehow paling at the sight. His eyes were a milky white, and his nose was sunken in. His face resembled that of a dead pig, only flatter.

He looked away and grasped his helmet, it creaking gently as he lifted it up and set it back where it belonged. "That...Chrysalis...is what an Undead is...we are immortal...but with each death, and with every breath...we Hollow and lose a little more of our sanity...however, we can restore our human forms with humanity. I refrain from doing so, however, because she needs it more than me." He nodded gently at the witch, who was fast asleep.

"Damien...does she have a name?" Yira asked hesitantly, looking from her to him. Damien looked back at the fire, breathing deeply.

"...Quelaana..." He said softly, the two changelings tasting the affection and guilt from his words. Chrysalis looked him over, then gently rested her hoof on his hand. He flinched gently, then looked at her suspiciously. She smirked and took her hoof away.

"No need to be so cautious. There were several times we could've attacked you. However, I think you should know, you're not alone." He lifted his head in slight confusion, and she chuckled, some of her past malevolent tones coming through accidentally. She coughed gently and waved her hoof. "Sorry. Old habits. What I mean is that other beings from Lordran are here in Equestria." He started gently, then looked back at the fire. Chrysalis smirked as she felt some of his protective spirit return. "Yira saw one of them in a vision, and he was spoke of more arriving as well."

"B-but my Queen, I never told you that." Yira said confused. Chrysalis chuckled again.

"Did you really think I wouldn't use my magic to see your visions myself?" She smirked as Yira blushed embarrassed, then turned back to Damien. "Should we fear all creatures from Lordran Damien?" He scratched his leg gently, and she could almost here his cogs turning.

"...If they are any of the beasts I know...or some of its warriors...then I can say only one thing..." He turned to her as she swallowed, the seriousness of his words crushing her joking demeanor. "Be ready for hell."

*****

Back at the Crystal Empire, Cadence was pacing around her room, following the marks left behind from all the past times she had done so. Ornstein sat in the corner, watching her from his peripherals. Shining was standing by the door, his eyes darting between them anxiously. Cadence's mind was running rapidly, processing everything she had just heard. He's here...more are coming...but where? Only the Crystal Empire? We can't be sure...but why two here? Coincidence? She began pacing a little faster, chewing her lip anxiously. A faint magical link connected to her horn, making her look up. A small burst of magic poofed into the room, revealing a scroll. However, it was instantly impaled on the end of Ornstein's spear on reflex. They turned and looked at him strangely, his head darting between them. He coughed awkwardly and pulled it off gently, then held it out for Cadence. She grabbed it with her magic and cast a quick mend spell, then unraveled it and looked it over.

"Dear Princess Cadence. It is I, Princess Celestia. Recently, a strange monster, with two large swords and the head of a goat, attacked Canterlot. Two of our newest guards were, surprisingly, able to...kill, it, as it would not respond to us and...already killed several civilians. The nobles are, as you can assume, going rampant, panicking and demanding protection which we cannot provide. The main reason for this letter however is to make sure that you and Sir Shining Armor are alright. Please respond as soon as you are able, for I fear that this was only the beginning. Also, we realized...from its corpse...that it came from some a foreign source of magic to Equestria, via the residual traces from when it was first brought here. Please, as soon as you can, respond back to this letter. Tell us anything you may know. Stay safe."

Signed,

Princess Celestia.

Cadence swallowed nervously and rolled up the letter neatly, floating it over to her husband. So it is happening in other places...then we have no time to lose. She levitated over her own quill and paper and wrote a quick response to Celestia, telling her she was okay. She wrote about Ornstein, the fact he was an ally, and that they were already getting ready. After sending it away with a small burst of magic, she turned to her husband. "Shining, I think we need to act fast." He looked up from Celestia's letter grimly and nodded.

"What should we do?" He walked over to her and nuzzled gently. She nuzzled back and sighed.

"You need to gather the guards, and prepare them for battle. At any moment, more demons like that one could appear, and you need to make sure that everyone will be safe."

"You've got it Cady." He pulled away and smiled weakly. "See you soon." He turned and galloped out of the room, sending a signal from his horn to all guards, telling them to gather in the armory. Cadence watched him leave, then turned to Ornstein.

"Sir Ornstein...I'm not sure what to do with you..." He watched her walk to the window, looking out at the tragedy outside. "I don't know if I should keep you here with us...or send you out to help others..." He grunted as he slowly stood up, his armor creaking gently. He grabbed his spear and walked over, looking out at the dead demon.

"Princess...dost thou know that they can handle demons such as that?" They looked at the carcass, covered up by several sheets of leather. She sighed and watched as guards began leaving the palace, armed with spears, swords, and armor. He looked down at her and gently touched her shoulder, making her look up. "Perhaps the better question is; can other places do the same?" She looked back out at the ground, and sighed wearily.

"...no, they cannot. They need someone like you. Someone who can kill without hesitation. Someone that kills as a part of their everyday life." He nodded and gripped his spear firmly, turning towards the door. "Wait! I can do one last thing." He looked at her as she trotted to her desk. For her drawer she pulled out a map, a medal, and a small metallic object. She cast a quick spell over the map, then levitated them over to him and smiled. "A map of our land, enchanted to your language, a medal that deems you as one of my soldiers, giving you access to anywhere you need to go, and a way to send messages to me. Simply ignite your message in the flame, and I shall receive it." He grabbed a nearby coat, which was about the size of a handkerchief to him, and bundled up the map and object into a bag, tying it around a chink in his armor. He took the medal and pinned it to his chest, then bowed to her one last time, before walking out of the room. Cadence turned back to the window, watching Shining order their guards to new posts. A storm is coming...and I don't know if we'll be ready.

With a clatter, the carriage landed, and the two siblings hopped onto the ground. Several yards away lay the city of Manehatten, smoke rising over the tops of the buildings. The brother shifted his great sword on his back, and looked to his sister. She nodded at him, adjusting her daggers, before they set off for the city.

Author's Note

Aaand the next chapter. I'm thinking the next one will be more action oriented, and darker. Pleeeeeeeeeeease leave comments! You have no idea how much they help! And I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.

Chapter 5: The Two Siblings (Part 1)

The Day Before...

"Uhhh..."

"Yeah, good morning sunshine. Get that ass of yours up and eat."

"Fine...fine..." The white pony slowly pulled himself up, rubbing his eyes with a white hoof. When he pulled it away, his brilliant blue eyes shone through his brown hair, still fogged with the remains of sleep. He pulled himself off their bed, hitting the faded wood floor gently. He slowly walked out into the kitchen, his eyes falling on his sister. Her dark hooves were tapping on the ground, her red tail swishing and her long red hair swaying. She was cooking up some pancakes with her magic, the red glow surrounding the handles of the pan and spatula, which were made of cheap steel. He walked over to the fridge and pulled it open, looking around inside. He could feel her red eyes on the back of his head, could SEE her confident smirk, which brought out his own a little. He grabbed some orange juice and shut the door, grabbing a glass from the counter and pouring himself a drink. She grinned and bumped him gently as she set his pancakes on a plate for him.

"Soooooo...what were you dreaming about stud~?" He blinked and looked at her a little confused, to which she tisked gently. "We share a bed bro. Come on. Tell me. Who were you banging last night~?" He continued to stare at her deadpan, then resumed eating. She huffed and went back to cooking, taking a small meat patty and plopping it in the pan. He watched her, wrinkling his nose a little. She smirked mischievously and looked back at him. "Hmmm...was it...a maid?" He didn't respond, just taking another bite. Her smile fell a little and she narrowed her eyebrows a little. "Another guard?" No response. "That rich lady Fleur?" No response. "Me?" He looked at her in slight confusion and disgust, and she shrugged. "I would think of me. Come on, look at me." She twirled, making him chuckle gently. He raised his glass and began to drink. "Hmmm...Princess Luna?"

His eyes widened and he spluttered, setting his glass down as he began to cough. She watched in satisfaction as his ears began to redden and started to sing. "Equinox and Lulu, dreaming peacefully. F-U-C-K-I-"

"That's enough!" He snapped at her, his glass rattling on the table as he hit it gently with his hoof. She just giggled and hugged him, nuzzling him gently.

"I'm just teasing you bro, relax. Now eat up. Today is our first day on the job, and we really need our energy." He huffed and nuzzled her, a trace of a smile on his lips. She grabbed her own plate, placing some pancakes and the patty on her plate. He watched as she bit into it hungrily, shuddering a little as she moaned. "Mm...man I wish I was a griffin..." She took another bite, and he did the same, already used to his sister's meat cravings. She had always had it, but they never found any medical reason, except she got really pissed if she didn't eat any every couple days. After quickly shoveling down their meals, they both quickly got dressed in their different armours, his a gleaming example of the Royal Guards, gold and blue decorating its surface as he secured it onto his back. He grabbed his helmet and slipped it on, fitting it firmly. Her's was a dark myriad of blue and purple, and was looser around the joints to allow freedom of movement. They nodded and walked out into the evening, the sight of Celestia's sun setting lifting their spirits. They locked the door of their cheap home behind them, and began walking, their hooves clopping gently against the cobbled street. She waved at all the other night-goers they usually saw, while he simply nodded as he looked forwards. They lived in the back end of Canterlot, where the people with little money who couldn't afford a train decided to call home. The houses were made of cheap wood, but were finely constructed thanks to the resident carpenter who had moved in several years ago. The whole area was surrounded by the high walls of the city, preventing most of the nobles from seeing their humble community. The sister personally took pride in this, her brother just happy that everyone like them had a place to live. They turned into a small alley, emerging on the other side behind the Cobra's Kiss, a bar a little off the Main Street. They turned and followed the road upwards, coming upon the castle. The guards nodded and opened the doors for them, leading them to the main throne room.

"Why hello there. Are you our new recruits, Equinox Shift and Shadow Blaze?" The two walked in and bowed before the sight before them. The hall was massive, the ceiling extending high above them. Glass windows depicting the many key events in history, such as those of the Bearers of Harmony, spanned the length of the hall. Standing next to the two thrones at the end were the two Princesses, Celestia and Luna. Blaze's eyes darted up and she watched as her brother swallowed nervously, before lowering her head again. The two princesses walked over, Stopping in front of them. "You may rise." They both stood up, Blaze standing confidently while Equinox stood tall and straight, trying to be a good example of a guard. The two princesses smiled and looked between the two. "So, how did you sleep this day?" His eyes widened and he looked at Blaze who had opened her mouth.

"Well...-" Equinox quickly covered her mouth with his hoof, looking up at the sisters nervously. "We slept great, your majesties. We were eager to work for you today." He removed his hoof, Blaze watching him with her eyebrows narrowed in disappointment. Luna giggled gently at the sight, making him flush ever so gently. Celestia smiled gently the two and nodded.

"That is good. We have two special spots for our newest recruits. Blaze, as we have seen from your special skills, I am putting you on patrol." She looked at her ruler and nodded, her demeanor dropping into a more serious one. "Your abilities make you very well suited to the job. Make sure to record any and all suspicious activity, understand? You will be surveying the area around the castle, including the garden, the barracks, and the maid dorm."

"Yes Your Highness." She said smartly, saluting. Blaze then turned and grinned at Equinox, backing up into the shadows of the pillars. With a burst of red flames, she had disappeared. Equinox turned back to the two rulers, swallowing nervously as he looked between them. Celestia smiled down at him and turned towards the leftern exit.

"As for you Equinox, you will be serving my sister, who is soon beginning her night court. I shall see you tomorrow when I come to relieve her." The two watched as she exited the hall, then turned back to look at each other. Luna smiled gently at Equinox, her nervousness evident in her face. He smiled back and bowed gently.

"My Princess, what would you have of me during the night court?" Princess Luna turned and walked to her throne, sitting down and looking at the door as Celestia lowered the sun. Her horn glowed a deep azure, and Equinox watched in slight awe as he saw the moon slowly raise into the sky, the stars slowly coming into view as moonlight bathed the streets. He turned back to Luna, who was smiling gently.

"We and our sister believe that the reason ponies are so scared of our night court is because of the thestrals I usually have with me. Their...different appearance frightens the nobles of Canterlot. So, we have decided that thou shalt accompany us this night, and hopefully the sight of a normal pony might help loosen their snobbish tongues." Equinox smiled a little and nodded, walking to her side. He turned towards the other end of the hall and struck pose, as Luna called out for the beginning of the night court.

Equinox turned towards Luna, who gave a sigh of relief as the last noble walked out of the hall and the doors shut. The sun was rising slowly with the dawn, the first rays of warmth dancing across Equestria. He trotted down towards the door, locking it with a bolt which would be removed once Celestia began her court. He turned and walked back up to Luna, who was rubbing her head gently. Him being there instead of thestrals had helped a little, but many nobles still weren't too ecstatic about her coming back. It seemed every other noble came in just to burden her with complaints about her night sky, or to whine about things like funding for their companies and shops. They disgusted him, but Luna took each one in stride, calmly dealing with their problems. Looking at her now, he could tell that the court had really drained her. Her mane wasn't as flowing as before, and she was rubbing her temples gently. Equinox looked around, then hesitantly reached out and patted her shoulder. She looked up at him, making him quickly retract his hoof, but she simply smiled and fell back lazily into her chair with a sigh. "Ughhh...we may have been gone for many years, but the nobles haven't changed from the snobs they are." He chuckled gently and she smiled, then sat back up. "Celestia shall wake soon, and we shall go to bed. Thank you, Sir Equinox, for being here with us."

He smiled and nodded politely. "It was my plea-" he was cut off as there was a crashing sound from above, rubble and stone falling around them as they cried out. A massive blade came swirling out of the cloud of dust and slammed into Equinox, sending him flying into the opposing wall with a crash. He fell into a crumpled heap on the ground, Luna crying out. She turned back towards the dust and swallowed in fear as a creature came out. It had a tall, lanky body, each limb rippling with muscle. It stood on two legs, which ended in goat hooves, dirt and white powder collecting around them. Its legs were covered in dark hair, which turned to tanned skin at the waist. It's two arms were the same, holding two large and cleaver-like blades. But the head was what scared her. It was the skull of a goat, with burning red eyes tearing into her. She broke out into a cold sweat, backing up fearfully. On instinct she fired several magic bolts, hitting him several times in the skin, but leaving him unharmed. Her eyes shrunk as it began to slowly walk towards her, bearing the air of someone on the job. A yell was heard and they both turned, Luna watching as Equinox's leg collided with the head of the beast. It was knocked away, rolling across the ground. Equinox was cut in several places, blood trailing from his lips. His hair was disheveled, and he was covered in dirt. He turned to Luna, his eyes sparked with flame. "Princess, go!" She swallowed and was about to shake her head when the beast began slowly rising off the ground. It cracked its neck gently, then faced Equinox with its blades at the ready. He turned back towards it and readied himself. "Get help! All I can do is prevent him from causing more damage, now go!" She swallowed and nodded, her horn flashing with a burst of magic as she teleported away.

He swallowed, spitting out some blood as he and the demon locked eyes. The beast crouched gently, then began to slowly walk towards him, gradually speeding up. His eyes widened and he rolled to the side as its hoof shot where his face was. Shit...he's fast. The demon kicked at him again, catching him by surprise and sending him skidding back. He forced himself to a stop, then quickly dodged to the right as the demon growled, slamming its blades into the ground. It yanked them out and turned towards him, and began swinging its blades. Equinox kept dodging, ducking and jumping its swipes, slowly being backed down the hall towards the door. It growled and swung one blade, then swung the other right under it, catching him in midair. Blood spurted out if his mouth as he went flying, skipping across the ground to hit the door gently. He coughed and slowly rose upwards, his legs shaking gently. He swore he saw the demon grin as it began to walk towards him slowly, dragging its swords across the ground, the sound echoing in the hall. Equinox darted his eyes around, and they stopped as they fell upon one of the doors, time slowing down. A maid was standing there, her bag falling slowly to the ground as her fear laden eyes took in the battle in front of her. Equinox began running at her, the sound of the bag hitting the floor drawing the eyes of the demon. It began running at the maid, raising its blades.

Crash! The maid slowly opened her eyes, and fainted abruptly. The two blades had stopped right above her head, stopped only by two white hooves encased in a faint golden glow. Equinox chuckled gently, then yelled and heaved the blades away, sending the demon stumbling backwards in confusion. He spat out some blood, wiping his mouth with his hoof, then charged the monster. It growled in venomous anger and swung its blades down again at him. Equinox caught it with his hoof, letting them slide to the side, before delivering a punch to the head of the beast. His cry of victory quickly fell as the demon looked at him in annoyance. It dropped its blade and grabbed him, hoisting him up into the air, before kicking him in the gut again, sending him limply into the wall. It grabbed its blades out of the ground and began walking towards him, but stopped short. It watched as Blaze appeared out if the shadows, quickly running over to her brother. She gently raised his head and put her's to his chest, breathing a sigh of relief as she heard his heart beating strongly. "Just knocked out huh..? Don't worry bro, I got this. But it will cost you." She turned towards the demon, walking towards it slowly, eyeing it up and down. "Let's see...mhm...you don't seem that hard, do you?" She said confidently, smirking. If it had eyebrows, it would've raised them at this pony's lack of fear. It took its blade and slammed it downwards, watching as it carved into her body. It blinked in confusion as she faded away, before yelling as it felt a sharp pain in its neck. She grinned and dug her blade deeper, working it into its tough skin as it began bucking. "Didn't see that coming, did you fuckface? Oh no!" She swung around as it began rampaging around the room, swinging its blades randomly to try and throw her off. She grit her teeth as she held onto her blade, the demon thrashing around. Her eyes widened as it fell backward, and she barely got off before he crashed into the ground, cracking the chiseled stone. It looked at her, and slowly pulled out the small dagger she had stuck on its neck. It crushed it in its hands and glared at her, Blaze swallowing nervously. It roared and jumped at her, slamming its blade into the ground as she dove to the side. It quickly pulled them out and swung again, narrowly missing her as she ducked underneath it. It continued swiping at her, Blaze deftly yet barely dodging the blades. She began to pant gently, her movements starting to slow gradually. Her hoof caught on a rock and she stumbled, leaving her open as he swung his blades inwards to decapitate her. They were blocked yet again by Equinox's glowing hooves, as he panted with a smirk, a trail of blood running down his left eye.

Blaze stood up and looked at him, giving a slightly strained chuckle. "Celestia damnit, you took your fine ass time. Can we kill him now?" Equinox looked at her, his left eye opening to reveal it had the same blood red look as her's. She smirked at him, her left eye now a deep blue. He nodded with a grin and they both looked forward at their foe. The demon roared and raised its blades again, swinging them downwards. The two dodged in opposite directions, then dove in. Blaze span and kicked it in the gut, as Equinox jumped upwards and socked it in the jaw. It staggered backwards and roared, swinging at them again. Equinox deftly blocked the blades again as Blaze jumped over him. She kicked downwards, her hoof connecting with its wrist. It howled in pain and anger is the bone cracked, making it drop its sword. The demon backed up in a rage, it's eyes burning with utter hatred. It swung again, Equinox quickly taking the blow. It growled and swung again and again, Equinox blocking each one a little less securely as his endurance began to fail again. Blaze jumped and landed on the hilt of the forgotten blade, sending it into the air. She quickly dashed forward and kicked the demon's other arm, interrupting its swing. Equinox raised his hooves and caught the massive blade, staggering under the weight a little but holding it up thanks to his earth pony traits. He yelled and began spinning around with it, swinging it around him, before letting go. The blade flew and impaled itself into the demon's chest, sending it falling backwards in pain. It began shakily getting to its feet, but was knocked back down by a punch from Blaze to its skull. It looked up at the two siblings, one unscathed and the other covered in blood and grime. The two of them grinned and grabbed the blade, then turned and pulled. The demon howled its last breath as its own blade tore through the thick skin, ripping out of his chest to imbed itself in the ground. It fell back and went limp, it's eyes slowly burning out. The two looked down at the head of their fallen foe, panting hard, before Equinox's eyes fluttered and he collapsed. "Oh shit..." Muttered Blaze, before the same happened to her a few seconds later.

Author's Note

Woooooooo! I had fun with this chapter, although it was a bit of a struggle to write. I hope you've enjoyed each chapter so far. Any and all comments are greatly appreciated! I'm mostly glad that we are at 111 views and ZERO dislikes! Thank you all so much!

Chapter 6: The Two Siblings (Part 2)

Equinox's eyes snapped open, and he jolted upwards. Several seconds later the pain hit him and he curled up, holding his chest. He heard chuckling and looked over at Blaze, who was sitting in a hospital bed. He realized he was as well and laid back down, his eyes scanning her. He saw several of his injuries on her body, which were missing from his. She laid down as well, and they both sighed, their eyes their normal color. "So...that happened...ideas?" Equinox said, glancing over at her. She shrugged gently, running her eyes over the uneven bumps in the white paint of the ceiling.

"Nope. I patrolled all night, but nothing really happened besides a couple of nobles trying to 'do the deed' away from prying eyes." He nodded and closed his eyes, running through the battle in his head. "I'm telling you bro, that thing came out of nowhere." She rubbed the covers of her bed gently with a hoof, hissing as her wounds spiked with pain gently. "Couldn't you have been just a little more careful?" He scoffed and smirked, and she smiled in return. They heard a gentle knocking and looked up at the door. It creaked open and the Princesses walked in, accompanied by a guard. He bowed politely, then backed out of the room and shut the door. The rulers' faces were a mixture of emotions, each showing guilt, thankfulness, curiosity, and worry. The two of them sat up, and Celestia cleared her throat.

"Well...I suppose we should thank you two...we saw what became of our throne room, and the demon...we arrived, it seems, shortly after you won. I'm a little surprised, to put it lightly, that you managed to succeed. May I ask how? From what it looks like, it was his own blade that did the trick, although in a very...brutal way." The two thought for several seconds, before turning to each other. Blaze nodded, and they turned back.

"There are...several things that help explain the matter. One: Blaze is a meat eater." The two princesses looked at her in minor shock, and she shrugged and smiled.

"I'm sorry, but i can't get enough of the stuff. Sadly, ponies can't eat too much without getting sick, so I only have some every couple of days. But it explains why we are used to the sight of blood and such." They nodded in understanding and turned back to Equinox.

"Two: We are twins, and we share an...interesting power."

"Different from your cutie marks?" Said Luna, raising an eyebrow. Equinox nodded and cleared his throat gently.

"Yes. Our cutie marks do give us both unique powers, but they are unrelated. We aren't exactly sure why we have it, or how it works, but we now what it does." He looked at Blaze and she nodded.

"You see, when we were foals, Equinox and I were playing in the woods. We found a small cave, and went exploring, but the entrance was sealed from a small quake by a large rock. That was when we first discovered this ability of ours." The princesses nodded, and Blaze smirked and pointed at her eyes. "What will happen is that one of our eyes will change to the color of the other's. My left will go blue, his will go red. Once this happens, it is almost as if our souls are connected."

"Exactly." Blaze pouted as Equinox took back control of the conversation. "When it first happened as a kid, we somehow were able to move the rock blocking the cave, almost as if we had both connected our strength into one force and multiplied it." They nodded, Celestia looking between the two with curiousity.

"So that's what happened for this fight just now?" She asked, walking closer to examine their wounds.

"Yes. We combined strengths to defeat that monster. And not only our strength, but our minds as well are connected, almost as if we can tell exactly what the other will do next. However, it drains us of energy rapidly, as well as other side effects. For example..." Equinox pointed to several of the wounds Blaze had. "Blaze was unharmed during the battle. But because we were connected, some of my wounds were transferred to her once it was over." Luna walked over and began inspecting Equinox, nodding as she saw several of his wounds seem to halt suddenly, only to see them continue on Blaze.

"That is very interesting...we don't know of any other cases like this, do we sister?" She said, looking at Celestia. The latter shook her head and stepped back, looking between the two siblings.

"No we do not...I'm glad we have such a strong pair serving us." The duo nodded, and then both winced in pain and held their chests. She chuckled a little, but her face quickly became grim. "Sadly, we cannot continue such simple chats. I hate to ask this of you two, but we need your help." They looked at her confused, as Luna frowned reluctantly. "We will have some of our best doctors and healers up here to mend your bodies, but you must immediately set out. This morning, a little before noon, it was reported that Manehatten was seen billowing smoke, and the sound of screams echoing outwards from the city. All of our other guards have been forced by the nobility to keep high watch, so you two are the only ones we can spare at the moment." The two nodded, raising themselves up.

"As you wish Princess. We will set out as soon as possible." Said Equinox, devotion ringing in his voice. Blaze just chuckled gently and nodded.

"Like he said Princess. However, may I ask something of you?" Celestia and Luna looked to her, nodding.

****

They now stood several yards away from Manehatten, watching the smoke as it rose into the sky. Blaze was outfitted in dark leather, a small mask obscuring her face, and several pouches strapped onto various places of her chest. She also had two jagged daggers strapped to her waist, the blades curved to cut deeply, and leave the wound open. Equinox was fully outfitted in full Royal Guard's armor, the sun reflecting off the gleaming gold and blue metal. Every part of his body was covered in the armor, except for a couple small chinks near his joints. His head was under a large helm, the visor connected to the sides of them helm by two large joints, shut over the front with just his eyes peeking through. It reflected the shape of his equine head, the sides ending in smooth curves. Resting across his back was a large greatsword, the hilt having several straps to allow him to adjust his grip on it in a number of ways. It was made of a fine steel, but the hilt and pommel made from sturdy yet simple leather and iron, as if it was homemade. They looked at each other, their eyes reflecting each other's will, before they set out for the city.

The wind blew strongly as they finally came upon their destination, the smoke billowing stronger. It was in ruins. Carriages lay in heaps at several spots along the roads, fires burning fiercely from the fine wood. The stench of blood and ammonia was in the air, and several bodies lay desecrated on the ground. They resumed walking, looking at the destruction around them. "Man...what the hell caused this?" Equinox shrugged, his armor clattering a little as he looked about. The silence was almost oppressive, bearing down on them with almost a desperate hunger. Hearing a small clatter, their heads turned towards a dark alleyway. Blaze backed away a little and faded into the shadow of one of the buildings as Equinox walked forwards slowly. His eyes scanned the walls and ground, only seeing several bins and boxes, as well as a dead pony or two. He heard another clatter and his head snapped to a box lying overturned by the wall. He readied himself and slowly walked forward, his hooves clopping gently on the cobbled ground. He slowly reached out, then quickly knocked the box away. The cat underneath yowled and scampered off, and he scoffed as he watched it scale the wall. He turned and walked back out of the alley, but was quickly stopped as a heart-breaking yowl of pain rang through the air. He turned and ran back into the alley, his eyes darting around. His heart skipped a beat as he heard the sounds of eating from over the wall. It stopped suddenly, and he heard the sounds of something scuffing against the ground. He slowly reached backwards, hooking a hoof through one of the bands on his greatsword as he saw something vaguely claw-like grip the top of the wall. It applied pressure, and he watched as a dark shadow slowly rose upwards. He took several steps back as it rose up, almost three times his height. Its body was thin and boney, scraps of skin falling off, with pus occasionally leaking out of wound. It smelled of rotten flesh, and it's body had blood and shards of stone piercing it in several places. It tumbled over the wall with a groan, before slowly rising to its...he didn't even know what it had instead of hooves. He looked back up at the head, backing up a little more till he was out of the alleyway. It turned, it's red eyes watching him hungrily. It took a step towards him, and it's head entered view. He felt his stomach turn over as he looked at the equine-like head. The snout was a little shorter, and the skin of what used to be a pony (he assumed) was rotten. From the off putting dark color, he could assume they used to be a dark male, judging by the genitals it had, but now...they were a monster. It growled, and his eyes snapped back to look into its. It was shambling closer, each step getting a little firmer. It growled and lunged for him, arms outstretched, but was quickly met by his greatsword. He slammed it into the ground with his blade, crushing its skull with a grimace as he watched the weak flesh cave in around his blade. It stopped moving, and blood pooled gently from its body. He swallowed and breathed deeply, the sight still shaking him deeply. As he looked it over, he saw that its mouth had a couple stray tufts of cat hair. His eyes widened and he clutched his stomach.

After spending a good couple minutes emptying his vacant stomach, he wiped his mouth and closed his helmet. He walked over and lifted his blade from the body, wiping the blood off on its leg. He took one last look at the corpse, then turned and resumed walking down the street. Sweet Luna...this is bad... As he walked, he encounter several other used-to-be ponies, cutting each of them down swiftly. So far, he hadn't seen any other signs of life, just destruction and bodies. He turned another street, and stopped. One of the things was scratching gently at the door of a small house on the street, staring at the door almost hungrily. He reached back and unslung his greatsword, dragging it gently across the ground behind him as he approached. It turned towards him, its maw caked in blood. It shambled towards him, then lunged, swinging its arms about erratically. He dived to the side, then twisted his body, bringing his sword up. He brought it down sharply on its back, slamming it into the ground and cutting into its body. It tried to get up and he stomped on its neck, hearing the bones crack. After making sure it was dead, he walked over to the door, and raised his hoof. He knocked several times, the sound echoing out into the street. After several minutes he knocked again, but was met with no response. He thought for a bit, then raised his hoof. He knocked again, this time knocking out the beat of Mary had a Little Lamb. He listened aptly, and after a minute heard the sounds if something behind the door. He backed up a little and waited, the sound of several locks being undone greeting his ears.

The door creaked open just barely, and a gentle pair of eyes looked out at him. "O-oh sweet Celestia...a-are...are you from the Royal Guard?" Equinox raised his helmet, smiling gently. He bowed and saluted.

"Equinox Shift of the Lunar Guard. Me and my companion Shadow Blaze were sent to investigate. What happened here?" The eyes darted over his figure, and he finally realized how close they were to the top of the door.

"I-I don't know...I woke up to the sounds of screams and fire...I looked out the window at the street and...it was all horrible. Those...things were shambling around and..." He nodded, waiting as she took a tearful breath. "I-I locked the doors...and hid in my house...but..." She faltered, and he took a small step forward.

"Would it help if I came inside?" Her eyes widened and she opened her barely visible mouth to speak, before she closed it and nodded. She closed the door and undid the last lock as Equinox walked up the steps. He reached up and slowly turned the knob, pushing the door open. It slowly creaked open, and a dark hallway was visible from the front. A staircase led upstairs on the right, with a closed door to the left. The house was dark, and the mare had disappeared. He slowly walked forwards, looking around. The furniture was in shambles, vases, the hatrack, and glasses knocked over in a panic. The lights were all off, and all reflective surfaces covered with any cloth they could find. The scratched wood floor creaked gently as he walked, the only sound in the house. He stopped and turned towards an ajar door, the sound of breathing coming faintly from inside. He reached out and pushed it open slowly. His eyes fell upon a loom, yarn and other cloths tossed around hazardously. He slowly made his way over them, his eyes scanning the room. "Miss..? Are you in here?"

"...right here." He turned to the right, but was met with a crashing blow to his head. He went flying into the loom, smashing through it and tumbling into the wall. His greatsword slipped off his back, skidding into a corner of the room. He slowly got to his feet, trying to scan the room as his head throbbed, his eyes blurred. He vaguely saw the shape of one of those things, holding a pan in its hand. She chuckled and raised it again, walking towards him. His eyes widened and he dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding her swipe. He stumbled on some cloth and tripped, rolling across the floor. She cackled manically and ran at him, grabbing his leg. She swung him around into the wall, his eyes widening. She swung again, and he felt several ribs break as she sent him to another side of the room. He shakily rose to his feet, his armor dented in several places from the sheer power behind her swings. His hoof brushed a broken shard of the loom, and he grasped it tightly, watching her hungry gaze. She dove for him again, and he swung hard. The wood cracked against her skull, sending her reeling with a howl of pain. He backed away, swaying as his head throbbed more in pain. He felt another shard of wood and grabbed it tightly, watching her as she clutched her head, groaning and moaning in pain. He met her eyes again, receiving the same look from the beasts outside. She lunged at him like an animal, spit flying from her mouth as she stretched her arms out at him. He yelled and drove the spike of wood forward, inpaling it in her skull and driving it forward as hard as he could. It ripped through her flesh, blood spurting out onto his helm as it and his hoof pushed fully through her skull. She collapsed in front of him, her now red eyes slowly burning out into empty husks of eye sockets. He panted hard, his chest burning in pain, then drew his hoof out with a sickening squelch, blood dripping off of his leg. He backed away a little shakily, looking over what had just happened, before turning and dry-heaving hard, his stomach already empty from earlier. He heaved again, and couldn't see as a black wisp swirled out of her body. He barely caught it in the corner of his eyes before it surged into his body. Instantly pain wracked his body, and his eyes widened as he howled in pain. His nerves sparked constantly, the feeling of his skin being melted, cut, and burned all coming together at once as he cried out until his vocal cords locked up into a silent scream of agony.

Blaze had faded into the shadows, and had appeared on the roof of one of the apartments. She slowly pulled herself out of the shadow of a chimney, walking over to the edge as smoke swirled a little ways away. Her eyes widened as she beheld the smoldering trash bin of what used to be Manehatten. "Holy shit...what the fuck happened here?" Fires raged in several buildings and streets, debris from broken lampposts and carriages littering the streets. Scores of the beings Equinox had fought were scattered around the city, digging at bodies, scratching at walls, or sitting against the walls. She kneeled down on the ledge, choosing to observe their behavior. Several of them, she could tell, seemed smarter than others. While some seemed to just stare blankly into space, others grabbed cloths and wrapped them around their bodies as imitations of clothes, grabbing sticks or metal bars as weapons. Upon closer inspection of the weird morphed ponies, she could barely make out two marks they all shared. One was what appeared to be a twisted version of a cutie mark, located a little bit above their right hip. The other was on their chests, right where she assumed their heart would be. Their skin seemed to close in and twist around it, and right in the center was a dark ring. She could almost swear that the border of it seemed to be made of flame occasionally. After another hour or two of observing, she felt a small, surge of pain spark through her mind, and she stood up. "Equinox?" She closed her eyes and began casting it outwards, looking for the strange connection they shared. The instant she found it, a large blast of pain rocketed through, striking her right in the chest. Her eyes widened and she fell backwards, grasping the shingles below her firmly. "Shit...what was that?" She opened her mind again and resumed searching, but before she could even begin a massive cry of pain rang through the air. Her eyes shot open and she snapped her head to the west, towards the deeper part of the city. She quickly lit up her horn and sank into the shadows, slipping down the building and flowing through the streets.

The cry came to a stop, right as she appeared before a house with a body in the front. She quickly dashed inside, her eyes darting around the room. "Nox!?" She ran down the hallway, stopping to check each room, until she came to the one at the end of the hall. Inside was Equinox, his eyes rolled up in pain, his mouth trapped in a silent scream. His skin was shifting and bubbling, the sound of his bones cracking echoing into the air. She quickly ran over, ignoring the corpse that was bleeding onto the wood floor. She looked him over, then swallowed and closed her eyes. She quickly bonded them, connecting their souls. Instantly her eyes snapped open in shock, a large force of the pain he was feeling slamming into her like a hammer. Her mind gave up and shut down to preserve itself as she began to shift like him, her skin starting to bubble. After several hours they both collapsed to the ground, changed forever, and minds dormant from shock.

Chapter 8: The Undead Curse

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Chapter 9: Manehatten's Survivors

He was staggering across the cobblestones, his mind a haze and his limbs barely functioning. His eyes showed him ashes, rubble, and tragedy, all through what looked like a watery pane of muddled glass. He couldn’t remember the time, the day, the week, the month, or the year. He couldn’t keep a thought or a sensation as his body floundered through the streets on new legs with the new arms. He didn’t know how long he had been wandering, or how long he had spent vomiting once he realized the dark stains on his appendages were blood, and not his own. What he did know was that when he looked ahead and saw a figure glinting in the light, bearing a white flag in one hand and a clear flask of water in the other, he felt relief spread through his body and a smile grace his face, before his legs gave out and he collapsed onto the cold stone.

He awoke much later, in a makeshift bed of cloth and straw, staring at a dark ceiling of stone. A faintly flickering light was to his left, of a magical candle ever so gently pulsing, not strong but providing just enough light to see. He slowly sat up, taking a minute as he remembered he had new arms, with a hand on each end. As he finally sat up straight he looked down at his hands again, taking in the sight. His golden coat was far darker, and missing in several places with simply dark wrinkled skin underneath. He gently ran his fingers along it, shuddering at the sick leathery feel. He looked up, and saw a mirror across from him. As he came to recognize the sight within he let out a scream, but the only thing that came out was a hoarse gurgle. He bent over as the force sent a racking cough through his throat, and he covered up his mouth as he spent the next minute hacking. Once he recovered he looked up again, gazing at the ragged and deformed sight in front of him. He looked at the bones showing through, his coat rugged in places, the bandages covering spots on his arms and legs. That’s when he realized. He looked down at his hands, clean and blood free. He looked at the small room around him, at the makeshift bed and the candlelight. He looked at his body and the cloths covering his form, the signs of care and hospitality. He sniffed and his eyes darted as he recognized the scent of bread, finally noticing the platter of food on the floor next to him. He dove at it and began shoving the scraps into his mouth, finally realising how ravenous he was. It didn’t matter that the bread was stale, and the wheat old. He couldn’t remember how long ago he had eaten. He swallowed and grabbed the water, and began chugging it down. He didn’t care that he coughed and spluttered, his body was in control. Only after both had been finished did he finally breathe deeply, taking in great gasping breaths into his weakened lungs.

He spent some time cleaning himself up and making his bed, partly to get used to his new body, partly to try and retain some sense of normalcy in this demented version of life he had awoken too. Once he had finished putting everything together, he looked around and began taking everything in again, this time more calmly. He realized that he was much bigger now than before, based off the fact the room and furniture was too small. He spent some time looking at his wrinkled, pitiful form, and the cloths around his body. He kept them on, figuring they were on for a reason. Eventually he ran out of distractions, and he sat there, looking into space. As the unwelcome thoughts began to return, his attention diverted to the last thing in the room he had left to examine: the door out. He swallowed a little painfully and made his way over to it, having to bend down slightly to be at the proper level to access it. It was a simple wooden door, the wood a little aged but still tended to kindly. He slowly pressed his ear to it, and nearly jumped out of his skin as he heard muffled voices on the other side. He backed away a little, then breathed deeply and grasped the handle. The voices paused as the door slowly creaked open.

The streets were barren and empty, with rubble and wreckage pushed to the sides in heaping piles. The tall buildings that rose on the sidelines were all blank and empty, with shattered glass windows and burn marks at the entrances. All was quiet this afternoon as the knight walked down the street, his makeshift armor the only sound as it clanked noisily with each step. It was a mixture of battered golden and blue plates as well as scraps of cloth and chainmail. Certainly not a pretty sight, but the amount of scrapes and nicks that had peeled away the paint showed that it had more than once proved its usefulness. On the knight’s back was a large sword of gleaming metal, nestling between two white wings. It came to a slender yet sharp point, the pommel decorated with small flower-like designs. His destination in front of him was a bigger stone building, the roof coming to a curved point. Atop the front was a large cross, and the sides were decorated with stained glass windows. Most of them were shattered, and covered with large bits of cloth a to keep the winds out. The knight headed for the large doors, hefting a filled sack he had with him. He climbed up the steps and paused by the doors, lifting his glove. He pounded on the door loudly in specific pattern, then waited patiently as he huffed and lifted the bag. There was the sound of a bolt being unlatched, before the doors swung inward and the sound of voices broke out.

Inside was a collection of beds, utilities, scavenged furniture, and groups of ponies. Of course, each pony was transformed like the others, each one with bare spots on their coats and wrinkled skin. It mattered not if they were a pegasus, a unicorn, or one of the earth variety. They all had clothes of different varieties, but each one covered the lower areas, and the chest areas of the females to a certain degree. They all turned to look at the door, and smiles broke out among the crowd, some relieved and some slightly forced. The knight walked in and shut the doors, before handing the sack to one of the earth ponies who walked up. He gratefully took the sack and beckoned to several others, who walked up and helped him carry the sack to one of the sides of the chapel, where a large amount of cooking equipment of varying types had been gathered. They began sorting different fruits, vegetables, and grains into different piles as they began lighting fires on portable stoves and hand washing in buckets of water. The knight walked through the middle, waving and idly chatting with a couple of the groups who spoke up. His destination was apparent at the end, a flickering bonfire with a sword embed in the ashes.

Next to it sat a unicorn in handmade brown robes, who was sitting on a large stone and flipping through a book in his hands. A hood covered his face, so just his snout was properly visible. The knight reached the fire and knelt down, exhaling a sigh of relief as the strangely comforting warmth washed over him, renewing his vigor and energy. He sat down properly and unfastened his helm, letting it slide off as his bright white coat shone out, his body perfectly fine. His brown hair fell loosely, hanging past his ears to his shoulders. He took a small glass of water that was offered by one of the other ponies and drank deeply, before sighing and looking at the pony in front of him.

“So, how is everyone and everything?” He asked bluntly, his blue and red eyes looking up at the other pony with an air of normalcy to his words. The other chuckled and slid a bookmark onto his current page before meeting the knight’s eyes with his own brown ones. When he spoke, his voice was soothing but firm, conveying a feeling of trust with it. It had a slight gravely undertone, as one has when their throat is sore from speaking constantly.

“All is well here Equinox. There have been no new messages, or any messages for that matter. We still don’t know about what has happened to the rest of Equestria outside of Manehattan.” He stretched briefly as he set his book aside, then grabbed a nearby pipe and focused for a bit. Equinox watched as the pony seemed to struggle, before a small fire sparked momentarily and lit the pipe. The pony breathed deeply and smiled before taking the pipe and giving it a good puff.

“I see. I suppose that was a little too much to hope for. How about the newest Conscious, Reverend?” Equinox said, hiding the disappointment in his voice. He began undoing the different parts of his armor, letting them hit the carpeted floor ungracefully.

“Still resting, last we checked. There is food in the room for him when he wakes, and he has been clothed.” The Reverend looked to the room to his right, then sighed and took another puff. “It’s good that more and more of us are awakening, but soon we will not have enough space in the Chapel for all of us.” He looked to Equinox with a hint of desperation in his eyes as he set the pipe to the side. “We need a new location to move to. As you know, the-”

“Yes, yes, I know. The way out of the city being blocked. The old bell tower nearby could be used as a sign of help. However, none of you have seen what I have out there. It’s not-”

“It matters not what you think isn’t possible, we need to get out of the city. No one here besides you has any strength left to them. You must go, and soon.”

Equinox sighed and nodded as he looked down at his chest, and the ring burned to his flesh. At that moment the door near them began to creak open hesitantly, and they both looked as the golden coated pony peaked out a little fearfully. The Reverend smiled and exclaimed, quickly getting up and rushing over. The pony jumped and began to close the door, but the Reverend stopped him before he could. Equinox smiled and watched as he took the pony and began explaining everything to him. The transformations. The fact that most ponies weren’t in control of their actions, and walked around as hungry aggressive mindless husks. How he who had just come to his senses was referred to his a Conscious. And finally how the city entrances were blocked off by rubble, so no one could properly enter or exit. The golden pony asked about pegasi, and the Reverend explained how the new bodies of theirs were weighted differently, so proper flight couldn’t be achieved currently. The golden pony nodded slowly and sighed, resting down in a corner with his head in his hands. Equinox watched as he was comforted, before asking how long it had been. The Reverend responded, saying that based on the season and the shift of the stars, several months had passed since they all changed. Several months, if not more, since the appearance of the the circle in the sky.

Equinox sighed and looked back at the fire, watching the embers gently drift upwards. The Reverend was right of course. Someone had to do something, and he was the only proper choice. He was the only one that hadn’t been reduced to wrinkled flesh and weakened. His sister was gone, disappeared when he first awoke. He had looked for several hours, but there was no sign of her. Now he was the last hope for all the ponies who had gathered here. He took a moment to look around at all of them, to see their disheartened faces, their weak bodies. Some looked away, some had their heads in their hands. A rare few offered pitiful smiles towards him before quickly looking away. With that, his resolve hardened. He quickly got to his feet and began assembling his makeshift armor, outfitting himself. Several looked over, as he usually only went out once per day. The Reverend walked over quickly as Equinox slid his sword into the holder strap on his back, and grabbed his helmet.

“Where are you going? It’s almost sunset.” Said the Reverend, who picked up Equinox’s helmet and handed it to him. Equinox took it and smiled at the Reverend before sliding it on, then stretching his wings a little.

“I’m going to ring a bell.” The Reverend stepped back a bit, then nodded and offered him a quick prayer as Equinox turned and walked out, his fist balled in determination.

The sun was slowly turning in the sky, making its way to slip beneath the western horizon. Several of the mindless were shuffling about the street, eyes blank and devoid of life. Quietly as possible Equinox was making his way across the side of the road, his eyes facing forward towards the edge of town. A massive explosion must have occurred on one of the first days, because the entrance to town was a massive pile of rubble from two large buildings that had been the border into the town. They had completely crumbled, resulting in the massive and dangerous hill of brick and mortar that blocked their way out. Not to mention the walls that bordered the city of Manehattan, which were too tall to climb without aid. There was the entrance on the other side of town, but the mindless were hungrier over their, and rubble led to a long and difficult road that most of the Conscious couldn’t handle. So, it was up to Equinox to complete this task.

He quickly turned left and began heading down one of the side roads, slipping into the shadows of the buildings. Several mindless turned their heads toward him, but he quickly made his way past, his hooves thudding on the dusty stones as he hopped over rubble and ducked past bodies. His destination was a church a bit further along the way, one that rested on the edge of town. He had seen it one day and mentioned it to the Reverend. Atop its roof was a bell tower, with a large bronze bell hanging at the peak. They had theorized that if he could ring the bell, the sound might resonate to other survivors and could be used as an S.O.S. However, what he had seen above the roof that day had sent all thoughts of success and hope Equinox had down a deep dark pit, and they had stayed there. He was moving now towards his goal with naught but pure determination of will. He didn’t know if he could or would succeed, but he knew he had to give it his all. Not for himself, but for the others who couldn’t. It was his duty as a Royal guard. If there even was a guard left.

He shook the thoughts from his head, then quickly stopped and ducked aside as he regained focus. He had seen the church a little ways down the road, but he had missed what was new. There were several mindless walking the streets, yet they were different than the normal ones. They had scraps of clothes on their bodies and links of chain, their own makeshift armor. Several of them had broken beams or pieces of metal in their hands, and they stood facing down the street away from the church, as if watching the road as guards. ‘How strange… I’ve never seen this behavior from them…’ He gently picked up a pebble from the street and threw it into the middle of the road. One of them began shambling towards the noise, making its way towards him. He slipped just a little bit out of his cover to show himself to it, his hand gripping his blade. It came to a stop by the pebble, then began looking around, its empty eyes slowly scanning the surroundings. It eventually reached the alley where Equinox was hiding, seeing his form moving in the shadows. A low growl began resounding out of its throat as it turned towards him and began stumbling towards him in a clumsy run. He moved deeper into the alley as it got closer, and began to raise its arm. The mindless let out a scratchy yell as it jumped at him, moving surprisingly fast as it swung towards him. He gasped faintly as he dodged out of the way, unsheathing his blade. As it began to stand he swung firmly, slashing through the wrinkled flesh and cloths like a knife through butter. Blood spurted outwards as the body fell to the ground, Equinox wiping off his blade before sheathing it.

As he made to look out of the alley, a white wisp of whispers and energy made its way out of the body and flew into him. He gasped and stumbled as a euphoric sense of glee rushed into him, filling him with a surge of energy and pleasure. However, it left as quick as it came. Equinox stumbled and put a hand against the wall, breathing hard from the experience. ‘What in the name of the Sun WAS that?’ He slowly got to his feet, shaking. He quickly shrugged it off and set his focus to the objective in front of him, the church at the end of the road. The two mindless in the street were the same as before, standing and watching the road. Equinox looked around, his eyes darting around and searching for signs of reinforcements. With none clearly visible, he stepped out of the alley and drew his blade. The two mindless began making their way towards him, their hands gripping their weapons firmly. The one on the left ran forward first, running up to him and swinging clumsily. He ducked to the side and unsheathed his blade, slashing at its chest. Blood spurted onto the ground as the body fell limp. The other ran forward and swung as well. Equinox easily stepped past, taking the pommel of his blade and slamming it into the back of its neck. The body fell like the other, resting in a heap on the ground.

He sheathed his blade once more and began making his way to the front door, but came to a sudden stop and clutched his chest as two more white wisps flew into him. He gasped and steadied himself as the same sensations as before rushed into him. He could feel them gathering, condensing inside him in a well, one that had been empty for oh so long. He swallowed and straightened himself, trying to shake off the emotions that had so rudely overtaken his senses yet again. Yet part of his mind couldn’t shrug off a want, a need for more. A desire to kill, to obtain.

He made his way to the front doors of the church, large hunks of wood with steel bracings. He placed his hand on the handle and pushed, but instantly met resistance. He furrowed his eyebrows and kicked at the door, and it barely budged before swinging back into place. He backed away from the door and began scanning around, looking for an alternative entrance to the church. There were several stained glass windows, but they were mostly unbroken, and also a tad too high to properly reach. As he made his way to the left side of the building, he saw a piece of rubble from a neighboring structure had collapsed through one of the back windows, leading to the interior via a ramp of rubble. However, the ramp was originating out of the roof of the building, so he’d have to make his way to the top to gain access.

He quickly began jogging to the destroyed building, then grunting in frustration as he noticed the old pony sized door was too small for him. He would have to leave most of his gear behind to even be able to squeeze in. He stepped back, then looked back at his wings. He gave them a few experimental flaps, then sighed and shook his head. He couldn’t fly up there either. He might be able to get a better jump however. He looked up at one of the sides, at the fire escape leading to the roof. He nodded and made his way away from it, facing the opposite building. ‘Blaze is usually the one doing stuff like this...here goes!’ He took off running, making for the wall opposite the metal stairs. He jumped, flapping his wings as he aimed for the wall. He turned in the air partially as the surge in speed sent him hard into it, his boots pushing into the stones. He turned fully and jumped off, flapping his wings again as he outstretched a hand. He soared through the sky, getting far more air then he had wagered. He overshot and slammed his gut into the railing, coughing as pain coursed through him. He quickly grabbed hold and rolled over the side, falling onto his back and breathing hard.

He got up and gently rubbed his stomach to soothe the pain, making his way up the staircase, but not before kicking down the metal ladder. The metal clanked loudly with each step as he made his way up, quickly reaching the top of the building. As he was about to step on top he quickly stopped and crouched down, looking at the figure on the roof. It stood about the same height as him, clad in shining silver armor. It had green adornment around its shoulders, with a bright red feather sticking out of its square helm. It had a longsword at its side and a shield in its left hand, a picture of a shining sun emblazoned upon it. It was gazing at the soon to be setting sun, its chest rising and falling slowly as it breathed deeply. Its head turned slightly towards him, and he heard what sounded like noises coming from under the metal, but they were too muffled to make out clearly. He slowly stood to his feet and stepped onto the roof, keeping a hand on his blade as he made his way towards the strange figure. It had turned its head back towards the sun, watching it intently. Equinox couldn’t sense any hostility from it as he eventually stood by its side.

He stood there and looked out towards the sun, his eyes widening as they took in the beautiful sight of the sun starting its descent over the western plains. The sky was alight with oranges, yellows, purples and blues, the ground shimmering as if in a dance. He was broken out of his reverie by the muffled sound of the male voice next to him. He couldn’t make out the language the words being spoken to him were from, but he could pick up the rhythm that dictated they were words as he listened. He shook his head as he spoke, “I can’t understand you.”

The figure paused and looked at him, then simply nodded and held out a hand. Equinox flinched back on reflex, then breathed out and gently extended his hand out as well. The figure reached out and grasped it in his, shaking it firmly. It took him a second before Nox began shaking back, and the sound of a laugh could be heard coming from within the stranger’s helmet. Eventually they broke the handshake, and the creature took a moment to reach into his pocket. Equinox watched as he withdrew a brilliantly white crystal wrapped with a string. He held it out to Nox, who took it hesitantly. The stranger patted his Nox’s shoulder, then returned to looking at the sunset. Equinox pocketed the crystal, looking back at the sunset as well. He wasn’t sure how much time passed, but when he snapped back to reality, the stranger was gone.

The feeling of the white crystal at his side gave him comfort as he began to make his way towards the ramp. It was a sign, a symbol that he wasn’t the only struggling soul. He reached the ramp, and tested it with a couple pieces of rubble, tossing them onto different spots. After being assured it wouldn’t break, he began making his way down, scattering the occasional pebble. He reached the broken window and cautiously stepped through, looking at the interior of the church. The lectern has been crushed by the stone, just splinters along the floor. The light barely made its way inside, and he saw the dust covering the floor and the glass from the broken window as well, indicating that the window had broken a long time ago. He looked towards the front door and saw a large wooden brace slid through the handles. He quickly made his way over, his footsteps the only sounds as the echoed around him. He reached down and huffed as he began pulling the brace out of the handles. It scratched against the metal before slipping out and landing on the ground with a giant THUD, booming throughout the church and kicking up dust. He was going to turn away when he saw it. Several large claw marks along the inside of the door, and the brace itself. He looked to the ground and saw dark splatter marks, which he quickly realized was blood. He spun around and scanned through the church, but there were no signs of anything else there but him.

He swallowed and shook his head, his boots leaving prints in the dust as he quickly made his way to the staircase in the back leading up. As he began to climb the wooden and musty steps, his eyes began to notice more scratchs and claw marks decorating the walls. He reached the top floor and continued past to the ladder leading up towards the roof. He swallowed as he looked to his left and noticed a giant hole in the ceiling, as if some large beast had smashed through the simple and old rafters. He shook his mind free of the images and quickly climbed up the ladder, his gloved gauntlets gripping each rectangle of wood tightly. He reached the top attic-esq room, and the door leading out to the roof. He swallowed and made his way over to the small door, slowly pushing it open. He squeezed himself out onto the roof, staggering a little and landing on the shingles with a knee. He stood up and looked around at the sunset sky, and out to the other side of the wall. For some reason, he couldn’t make out much. He quickly refocused and looked to the large bell in the tower, his goal almost at hand. With a lump in his throat he cautiously stepped out onto the roof, a hand on his greatsword as his armor creaked and rattled a little with each step. His eyes were frantically scanning from left to right, watching the skies around him as his memory recalled the beast he saw before. He heard a small sound and snapped his head down, his boot crushing a fragile shingle. He sighed and swallowed, before his mind went blank. Time seemed to slow as he watched a sharp metal tip finish stabbing through his chest, flesh hanging off alongside blood which began to pour from the wound. It slid out his back and he fell to his knees as the pain slowly started to creep in. He coughed up some blood as he slowly turned around, his eyes widening in shock as a large winged shadow raised a massive axe. He couldn’t even blink as he watched it swing down towards his neck.

The chapel was quiet with ponies getting ready to force themselves to sleep for the night as the sun set. As they all gathered their belongings and began making space, a brief moment of haze occured for everyone, where their minds went blank. They all shook themselves clear and continued, until a large scream of pain rang out. Every head snapped to the bonfire as The Reverend came rushing out of the side room where the most recent Conscious was still resting. There by the fire was Equinox, kneeling with his arms around his neck, breathing heavily. As The Reverend went to rush over to help he paused with a gasp as he looked at Equinox. His beautiful white wings were now rotten and tattered, his skin frail like all the rest. The Reverend cautiously walked over, gently resting a hand on his shoulder before kneeling down. “Are you alright? What happened?” Equinox slowly got his breathing under control, gently releasing his hands from his neck and grasping his arms tightly.

“...I died.” The Reverend paused as he watched him, the proud guard’s form still bent over and shaking.

“You...died? But you’re right here.” He said hesitantly, as Equinox shook his head slowly.

“I don’t know why I’m here right now, but it cut my damn head off before I even got a good look at it.” He swallowed and slowly rose to knees, still shaking in shock. The Reverend rose as well with a worried look on his face.

“Well if what you say is true then maybe you should rest. The shock must be-”

“NO!” Everyone watching flinched as Equinox step back. He breathed deeply before looking the other pony in the eyes, a fierce fire burning within them. He turned and began walking towards the doors, clenching his fist tightly. “If death no longer has a hold, then I have nothing to fear.” He pushed open the giant doors, before letting them slam shut behind him. The Reverend watched him leave quietly, swallowing as a shudder of fear swept through him.

Equinox quickly made his way down the cobbled streets in the coming dark, slipping around more of the husks. As he approached the church again he slowed down for several reasons, looking ahead in bizarre frustration. One was that he was running out of energy faster, moving slower, as if his body was weaker. The second was that the husks he had slain before were standing in the same spots they were earlier, slowly turning their heads to look at him. He groaned and unsheathed his blade as all three of them began to stumble and lurch towards him. The first one lunged at him quickly, thrusting its sharp piece of metal. He sidestepped to the left and quickly span his blade around, slamming it in the chest with his blade. He tugged hard and yanked it out as the husk fell to the ground. The others were right behind, the first of them slashing at him awkwardly. He quickly rolled out of the way, then yelled in pain as the other managed to stab him in the back. He stood up again and cut it down with his blade, then stabbed forward and pierced the chest of the last one. They both fell down onto the ground slowly and he bent over, panting. He reached behind him and yanked the metal rod out of his back, feeling his blood sliding down his back. As he went to stand he gasped in euphoria as white wisps flew into him, satisfaction coursing through his entire body as the empty void inside began to fill once again. He shook his head to shake off the feeling, looking down to realize that he had made several extra stab marks in the body of the pony below him. He swallowed, baffled, as he tugged his blade free, wiping it clean with some spare cloth from the bodies before sheathing it again.

The moon had risen and the sun had set by the time Equinox had made his way to the roof again. His breathing was hard as he saw the bloodstain from where he had died. He drew his blade ahead of time as he stepped out onto the roof, slowly moving forward. He cautiously turned around, each step hesitant as his eyes began scanning around him faster and faster, looking for the shape that still resided in the corner of his eyes and in the shadows. He froze as he heard the sound of something clattering on the roof behind him. He looked up at the bell tower, watching as one of the gargoyle statues that was curled up was slowly shaking. He understood why he hadn’t seen the beast before, watching as it slowly uncurled and jumped down. He took a few steps back, grasping his blade in his hands tightly and trying to steady his breathing. It was a terrifying creature of flesh and metal armor easily larger than him. A bulky and muscular body, with a drooling jaw full stone fangs. Its head had a cerulean helmet with two wings fanning outward, glinting in the moonlight and on the back a curved tail ending in a sharp metal axe blade. And in its claws it wielded a long sharp and cerulean halberd with a sharp spike at the end, one he recognized by the bloodstain. It took a couple steps forward, stretching its body out before roaring loudly, a deep cry of anger and ferocity.

Its powerful legs flexed before it jumped in the air, flapping plated wings before slamming down with its blade. His eyes widened and he rolled to the side, feeling the rush of wind as it demolished where he was just standing. He stood and quickly raised his blade vertically in front of him as the axe tail slashed out at him, slamming into his blade and skimming his chest, cutting into the weak flesh. He felt himself fly backwards, rolling back onto his feet as he barely stopped himself from going over the edge. He grimaced and yelled as he ran forward, raising his blade high. The gargoyle screeched and ran forward as well, taking its halberd and slamming down once again. Equinox ducked off to the side, his boots clacking forcefully on the battered shingles as he dodged the blow. He stopped in place before taking his blade and slashing down as hard as he could, gritting his teeth as he felt it carve into the demon’s flesh. It cried and jumped away, flapping its wings as dark blood dripped from its side. Equinox could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he readied his blade once again while the gargoyle landed a few feet away. It stood and began walking towards him, raising the halberd. He moved forward towards it, only to quickly roll away as its halberd swung in from the side at breakneck speeds. He got up only to block again as it came in from the other direction, glancing off his blade and making his arms shake from the force behind the blow. He yelled in frustration and ran forward once again as the gargoyle settled its halberd again. It screeched back once more and barreled at him, flapping its wings for a boost as it stabbed forward. Equinox jumped forward out of the way, wincing in pain as he felt it scrape the back of his leg. He rolled back onto his feet behind the gargoyle and slammed his blade down, digging it into the base of its tail where the flesh and armor met. It cried out in pain before its tail flicked towards him, slashing him across the chest and sending him backwards across the rooftop. He gasped for air and tasted blood in his mouth as he rose up once more, clutching at his chest as he felt blood slide down his fingers. He grimaced and bit his lip hard as he continued moving forward, matching the slow pace with which the gargoyle approached him. They both cried once again, one in frustration and one in blood lust as they moved forward. The gargoyle swung its halberd once again, Equinox ducking the blade. It slashed from the other side and he swung with his blade towards it, using it to carry it over his head. The gargoyle used the momentum to swing the halberd overhead and slam it downwards towards Equinox. He moved forward and tripped, the forward momentum carrying him just out of the blade’s reach as he felt it cut some of the hairs from his head. He regained his footing and used all his strength to stab upwards, burying his claymore a foot or two into the resilient flesh. It howled loudly in pain and span around, shoving him off with a claw as he landed back towards where he came from. He coughed out blood as he struggled to raise himself, the pain telling him his chest wound had opened more. As he struggled to rise he saw a couple of small rocks clatter to his side. He looked up in dread as he saw another gargoyle slowly flap downwards, landing side by side with the other. Although lacking the wings of the helmet and the axe tail, it was still just as menacing, with its own gleaming blade. Perhaps even more so as he watched a glow began to originate from within its throat as it opened its maw, slowly walking towards him as the billowing sound of flames filled the night air. He clenched his blade tightly and watched the flames began to blossom in its mouth, when suddenly a bolt of blue magic shot from behind him and slam into its eyes, causing it to cry out deeply and stagger backwards. The other gargoyle screamed and ran forward, but a golden coated pony dashed past Equinox and slammed into the gargoyle and stopped it in its tracks.

He looked carefully, recognizing the newest Conscious. He was holding a giant wooden door with his hands, his earth pony genes allowing him to hold the gargoyle at bay. He was wearing bits and pieces of wood and metal held together with cloth as makeshift armor, and had several cuts on his body. He felt a pair of hands grasp him from behind and lift him up, steadying him on his feet. Equinox looked to his side, recognizing The Reverend. He rose to his feet and went to open his mouth when the sound of pounding footsteps made them both turn. The second gargoyle slammed down at them with the halberd, the two of them rolling in seperate directions. “Help him!” Cried the Reverend, pointing at the other pony as he channeled magic in his horn to harness several bolts which he shot at the gargoyle. Equinox nodded and ran towards the earth pony, who was struggling to hold his grip against the gargoyle who was clawing and biting at him. Right as his shield fell and the gargoyle screeched and lunged, Equinox ran up, slashing at its mouth with his blade. It cried and staggered back as he slashed at its chest again, the black ichor splattering against the roof. It cried and stabbed at him again, his body not having the energy to dodge. The earth pony ran to his side, his makeshift greatshield taking the blow as a wave of wind and force ruffled their clothes. The earth pony nodded at Equinox before they both moved forward.

The gargoyle screeched once more and swung its blade downward at them. The Shield blocked the metal edge, grimacing as it cut through the wood and slightly into his arm. Equinox quickly dashed forward, yelling as his slammed his blade into the shoulder. The gargoyle cried out and ripped its halberd out, backing up to slash once more. The Shield thrust his body forward once again, blocking once more as Equinox continued to press forward, slashing at the beast in front of him with all his might, carving chunks from its body. It cried out in pain and span around, the axe coming from the side. Equinox took his blade and slammed it downwards, barely managing to redirect it into the ground at his feet. The Shield moved forward and slammed his shield down onto a spot a little further up the tail holding it in place. The gargoyle began to struggle and flap its wings as Equinox moved towards the base. He swung his blade up high before bringing it down hard on his earlier cut, blood splattering him as he cut deeper into the flesh. He ignored the gargoyles cries of pain as he slammed down again and again, cutting deeper and deeper. The Shield was eventually thrown off and the tail yanked itself free, the gargoyle yelling in anger as it swung the axe blade towards Equinox. Its cry quickly became one of intense agony as Equinox made one last swing, his blood soaked sword completely severing the tail and sending bits of bone and flesh flying, while the tail writhed on the roof a bit before coming to a stop. The gargoyle turned towards him and opened its mouth to cry, but it was gargled as Equinox proceeded to shove his blade into its mouth and down its throat, piercing through the back of its neck. It gargled a little more before its body went limp, sliding partially off the blade as it collapsed onto the surface of the roof, sending dust and debris scattering.

Meanwhile, The Reverend had been squaring off against the other gargoyle, facing it anxiously as he clutched the book he had been reading in his right hand. The gargoyle screamed and thrusted at him, making him dodge awkwardly to the side. He concentrated on the sign burned onto his chest, and the empty void. He gathered his emotions of anxiety and dread and forced them to his horn, unleashing them in bolts of blue magic at the beast. They slammed into its hide, making it stumble and cry out. It stepped back and harnessed its flames from within again, its chest swelling a bit before it lurched forward onto three legs, flames bursting outwards. The Reverend gasped and rolled away, before holding his book to his chest. He concentrated and erected a small shield of magic in front of him. It barely kept the searing flames at bay, as they singed his arms and burned the edges of his clothes. He was breathing hard and woozy as he stood back on his feet when they flames died. The gargoyle ran at him and he charged several more bolts, shooting them out towards the beast and watching as they staggered it once more. Yet with each one fired, he felt them draining him of more energy. He watched as it began to inhale once again, his knees buckling as all strength left him. However, before the next burst of flames could come The Shield staggered over and slammed the edge of the door down on its back, interrupting it and making it cry out. Equinox’s blade quickly found its mark as he stabbed it into the top of the gargoyle’s head, silencing it for good as it collapsed onto the roof. They all breathed hard and collapsed out of breath onto the shingles, with scratches, cuts, and burns adorning them. They all watched barely conscious as the two large bodies dissolved into bursts of white energy, which split into several parts, the largest of all of them entering Equinox with the other two smaller ones entering The Reverend and the Earth pony. As euphoria and satisfaction overtook them, they blacked out.

That morning, as the sun slowly rose over the land, the sound of a church bell could be heard ringing out across the land, echoing out across plains and fields to the edges of the continent, where it was barely but a whisper.

Author's Note

Happy New Year!!! 👏 Thank you all for being so patient! (If you're actually there.) Enjoy the new chapter, and expect more in the future! And just to say, I'm really really really sorry for the wait.

Chapter 10: Brawl In The Streets

The ringing of the bell echoed out into the crisp morning fall air as the sun rose over the purple horizon. The two figures approaching the western end of the city paused in their tracks, one of them raising their head as the sound rang with nostalgia into their mind. He nodded to the other and they approached the large archway and cobbled street signalling the entrance to the city.

Equinox gave one last tug, the built up emotions and frustrations all burning themselves out with the exhaustion of his muscles pulling the rope. The loud harmonic ringing of the bell sounded one last time, and he finally let go, breathing heavily. He turned to the Reverend and smiled, his deformed muzzle making it a truly horrific sight. The Reverend nodded back from where he was leaning against the wall, holding his side as he breathed steadily. The Shield was asleep in the corner, breathing a little shakily. Equinox joined them against the wall, groaning in pain. They all had many scraps of cloth wrapped around their bodies as makeshift bandages, dark with dried blood. He accepted a small leather flask from Reverend and unscrewed the lid, pouring water down his gullet. He spluttered a little bit and coughed, before capping the flask and handing it back. “Thank you. For coming to help.”

The Reverend nodded and slipped the flask into his robes, coughing and wincing as he clutched his side. “You’re welcome. It just didn’t feel right, watching you leave on your own. Not to mention him wanting to help.” He indicated the ragged earth pony slumped against the wall, who snorted in his sleep and grumbled. “No idea how he can sleep so peacefully.”

“It was his idea to aid?” Asked Equinox as he pulled his sword closer, taking a spare rag and trying to wipe off a bit more of the stained blood.

“Yes, and I simply couldn’t let a young boy like him run out there after just barely recovering.” Reverend pulled out his book and handed it to Equinox, who accepted it cautiously, as it was very worn and beaten. “Plus I finished reading.”

“Reading? This book you mean?” Equinox pulled open the book carefully to a random page and began looking it over. “What’s so special about it?”

“It is a compilation of old unicorn texts.” Said Reverend as Equinox quizzically looked up. “From the time of the wars.” His face relaxed as he nodded and looked back down at the pages.

“So this is what taught you to utilize those sapphire blasts of magic?”

“Yes, although I could only start to conjure proper bolts once this curse came upon us.” Equinox looked at Reverend in surprise.

“Truly?” Reverend nodded and pointed to the dark circle on Equinox’s chest, right above his heart.

“Quite so, and originating from that dark void we all have. I tried casting them before but it never worked. Thankfully I never needed them to. Until now.” Equinox nodded and handed the book back, the Reverend gently sliding it back into his robes before leaning back against the wall. “Unfortunately, it takes quite a toll on one’s body.” They both closed their eyes and sighed in pain and relief as they rested against the hard brick, until Reverend opened his eyes again. “Have you experienced that… rush, before? The one from after we killed those beasts.”

Equinox opened his eyes and nodded solemnly. “Yes. Whenever I have had to put down one of… them, I felt that feeling. Although much smaller.” He looked down at his hand and clenched it tightly. “In all honestly, it frightens me. I feel this hunger for… MORE. A need to fill this void I have inside. I have to swallow it down each time.” Reverend winced as he lifted an arm and rested his hand on Equinox’s shoulder.

“I can understand. I think I’ll abstain from anymore monster slaying myself. I’m not quite cut out for this kind of work.” He chuckled painfully, then slowly rose up to his feet, Equinox getting up first and helping him. “However, I do still have people to tend to, so I think I’ve rested long enough.” Equinox nodded and walked over to The Shield, gently nudging him awake. As he stood Equinox went to the wall and grabbed an old looking ladder, examining it.

“Think this still works?” Reverend shrugged and rested his arm on The Shield. Equinox walked outside the belltower and flipped the ladder over, resting it against the side. It stood for two seconds before crumbling into a heap below. “I guess not. Very well. Let’s go. We will have to walk back the way we came.” The other two nodded and they crossed the roof before heading into the attic to make their way back.

Luckily for them, the walk back to the chapel was completely uneventful, the bodies Equinox had left staying where they were. It took them the better part of an hour to slowly hobble down the street with their wounds, cautiously checking each alleyway and open door for more foes. It was as they were nearing their destination that it happened. A loud feminine scream pierced the still air of the streets. Their heads perked up and they moved to start running, but Reverend cried out and fell to his knees, holding his side and breathing through his teeth. Equinox grabbed Shield’s shoulder and stopped him. “Help him. I’ve got this.” He nodded and ran to Reverend, kneeling down and checking his side as Equinox ran ahead with his sword over his shoulder. His boots thudded and armor rattled as he hurried down the street, slowing down as he saw the scene in front of him. The chapel door was filled with holes and cries coming from within as several scorched bodies lay in front of it, some showing postures of fear and running. Several of the mindless corpses were making their way towards it, but were being engulfed in flames. His eyes quickly switched over to the source. More mindless in surprisingly decent armor were advancing towards a figure in a brown overcoat, a curved sword in his right hand, a scythe on his back, and a whip of flame snapping out of his left hand at them. His eyes narrowed as he picked up his pace, his hand tightening on his hilt.

Damien quickly darted to the next shadow of destroyed building, beckoning his companion closer. They had been cautiously making their way deeper into the city of ‘Manehattan’ as his companion had informed him, slaying all the Undead that he had come across. They were similar to ones from his world, but more equine in shape like the changelings, and had fur as opposed to chitin. They had been slowly following the central roads, looking for any signs of survivors, when they had seen them. A horde of Undead slowly making their way down the cobbled streets in scrappy armor, but being led by three uniquely dressed figures at the front. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the armor and large shields they carried at their sides. “Balder knights… so I’m not the only one to be forced here.” He nodded to the figure by his side and they slowly followed the horde from behind, slipping from shadow to shadow. After several minutes he watched them start zeroing in on what appeared to be a church at a crossroads, with cloth covered windows and open doors. He nodded to his compatriot and they began moving a bit faster, slowly catching up, before he stopped them with a hand. A couple of undead in plainer garbs were carrying a few baskets of what looked like clothes, supplies and bags. They watched as the new figures saw the horde, and yelled in fear. They rushed towards the chapel, calling and yelling in a language he didn’t understand. “Stay here.” He said aloud before drawing his blade at his hip and running forward.

The ponies rushed inside, tossing their baskets in. Two stayed outside, working to help close the door. Once it was shut they yelled to each other and began rushing to slide a wooden barricade over the front. As they finally got it lifted the one on the left cried out as a sword stabbed him through the chest, several of the Undead gathering now. The other one cried out and backed up to defend himself, before yelling in pain as a different undead cut him down. The Balder Knights stood to the sides, watching with cold and dead eyes as the horde began slamming and stabbing at the wooden door, causing it to shake and splinter. A sword managed to force its way through the tough wood and several screams rang out. One Balder growled outwards, before it turned into a gurgle as a flaming blade pierced through his chest. The entire horde turned to look as Damien drew his blade back out, quickly moving forward and cutting several more undead down. The other two Balder gave commands and most of the horde began centering on Damien, a few continuing to attack the door. Damien ducked one sword and parried another, his body spinning in a flaming tornado as he cut them down one by one. Another scream directed his eyes to the door as it buckled from the blows. He rolled his way closer and snapped the fingers on his left hand, swinging his arm around. A large billowing flame burst outwards before arranging itself into an elongated form, the tip snapping forward and wrapping around the undead and burning them to ash, burning the two other corpses as well. He winced as a blade slashed across his back and he turned around, two swift strikes cutting down the closest ones.

He snapped the whip back, it disappearing into his hand as he parried another blow, stabbing his sword through the recipient’s chest. He ducked and span around, slashing the next undead across the chest. He readied his blade for the next as he heard a yell from behind him. He span around, his helmet gleaming in the twilight as he swung his sword, but a grunt of shock as he found himself locking his balde with that of a greatsword as an equine Undead clothed in makeshift armor and bandages glared at him. They both pulled their blades away and smashed them together again, before Damien directed his away and stabbed forward. Equinox sidestepped and threw a punch which Damien caught in his hand. Snarls made both of them look away as undead closed in. Damien released Equinox’s hand and span around, stabbing his blade through the approaching Undead’s skull while Equinox took his claymore in both hands and cut a large swathe in front of him. Several fell to the blow as he turned back towards Damien and swung, Damien ducking as it went over his head and cleaved off the arm of the Undead attacking him. He narrowed his eyes and turned towards Equinox, stabbing over his shoulder and into the face of an Undead behind him, which melted from the heat. The two warriors jumped backwards from each other and turned, slashing at the rest of the horde. The last ones fell, leaving them and the two remaining Balder knights who charged in. Damien ran at his as well, clashing his sword against theirs. They broke off and he began slashing at the large shield it hid behind, the flames licking over the quickly heating metal. It growled and slammed his blade away before slashing forward, cutting into his chest as his own blood was added to the soaked ground. Meanwhile Equinox was ducking and sidestepping the rapier of his opponent, getting slower with each step, his wounds reopening from the exertion. He yelled as he lifted his sword up and slammed it downwards, smashing it into the raised shield of the Balder Knight. He pulled it away and swung from the left, smashing away the shield and breaking its arm in the process. As he came in from the right for the finishing blow it stabbed forward with its rapier, the fine point piercing through his wrist and making his hand go numb. The sword flew out of his hands, spinning through the air towards Damien.

Damien saw the glint of metal from his peripherals and kicked the Knight in front of him, knocking the shield away. He reached up with his left hand and caught the blade, letting himself spin with it as he decapitated his foe. The Knight’s body slumped down to the ground in front of him, oozing more blood onto the street. He slowed himself down, looking over at Equinox. He hefted the heavy blade like a javelin and threw it high into the air. Equinox was carefully backing away, struggling to dodge more rapier thrusts. As the Knight prepared to finish him off, it suddenly stopped as the large sound of pierced flesh echoed out alongside a huge clang, his claymore stabbing it straight downwards from the shoulder and out the front of its abdomen. It slowly slid down the blade a little before its body got caught, and blood leaked down the blade.

Damien slowly made his over to the other warrior, stepping over the myriad of corpses and simply kicking others out of the way, some of the bodies contorting strangely as he did so. The stranger looked up at him as he pulled his Estus Flask off his hip, taking a gulp of the amber fiery liquid and sighing in relief as he felt his cuts sealing themselves. He gripped the claymore and yanked it out of the knight, ignoring the body as it slumped onto the ground.

Equinox watched this new figure walk closer and grab his blade, making him take a few steps back. It lifted the blade and admired it for a few seconds before it tossed it towards him. He caught it with his left hand then fell to his knees in pain as his accumulated wounds were too much. The figure walked up to him as he stared into the dark slits of its helmet with determined eyes. Equinox growled and attempted to stand, weakly swinging at him. The figure easily dodged the swing and watched as the momentum made Equinox lose his balance and fall to the ground. As Equinox watched the figure move closer, another scream was heard. Both of their heads snapped to see a woman clad in white robes running away from an undead, who was swinging at her wildly.

She was breathing hard as she stole glances at the thing behind her, barely stumbling out of the way of each swing. She cried out as she tripped and rolled into a wall of a building, wincing. The sound of shuffled footsteps made her eyes widen as she looked up to see the undead raising its blade high. She threw her head down and her arms up as she screamed for help, before the smell of burnt flesh reached her nostrils. She looked up slowly to see its head encased in flames, a white glove squeezing the skull tightly. The now freshly charred corpse was tossed aside, with Damien looking down at her and offering a hand. Relief blossomed through her as she took it and he quickly lifted her to her feet. She yelped a little and placed her hands on his chest to steady herself, then looked up at his steel helmet and smiled gratefully. “Thank you Damien.” He simply nodded, brushing a little bit of dirt from her shoulder before turning around and heading back for Equinox.

Equinox watched as this new figure made its way back over, the woman following closely behind. When it reached him it motioned for her to stay back before kneeling down to his level. It took the emerald flask off its hip and offered it to him slowly and cautiously. He hesitantly took the drink, suddenly realizing his throat was incredibly dry, and his lips speckled with blood. The stranger uttered a noise, and he looked at it in confusion. He watched it struggle for a bit, different awkward syllables leaving its mouth before it clumsily uttered a single word. “D-Drink.” Equinox looked at the flask, then glared back at him as pain coursed through him.

“Why the hell should I trust you?” The figure didn’t move an inch except for its breathing chest, yet he heard it utter another word awkwardly.

“F-F-Friend.” The steel helmet stayed closed, so Equinox couldn’t see its face. As the pain raced through him, he decided to take the risk and took a large gulp. His eyes widened as he gasped in shock. He kept a tight grip on the flask as what felt like fire raced down his throat and throughout his body. The flames quickly became soothing and began stitching together his skin and organs, mending his cuts and burns. It stopped before completing the whole job and he suck in a gasp of air as his body breathed in relief, motor control returning to his right hand. He took another swig of the amber liquid and almost cried happily as he felt his wounds heal even further, so it was almost as if he had never been hurt in the first place. He looked back at the figure and gave him a weak smile as he handed back the flask. It took it and reattached it to its hip, nodding in understanding. Equinox took his claymore properly and rose to his feet, as did this new person.

“Who are you?” He asked apprehensively, looking around at all the bodies of the undead scattered around. The woman moved closer to the figure, catching his attention especially because he couldn’t see her face under the hood, nor any of her skin for that matter.

“His name is Damien.” She responded with a trace of happiness, indicating the figure who nodded. She then indicated herself as Equinox looked the both of them over once more. “My name is Yira. Who are you sir?”

“My name is Equinox Shift. More introductions can wait.” He said solemnly as he turned away from them. Yira and Damien watched as he began to gather the corpses of the undead one by one, dragging them off the streets to a secluded alleyway. There were even more piled undead, and he began adding them to the rest. After watching for a few times Damien began to help, working with Equinox to get the bodies off the streets. When they came to the Balder knights however, Damien stopped Equinox from touching them. Equinox watched as Damien gathered them in a different alleyway before incinerating them with his fire magic, leaving only a pile of ash. He them made his back and they quickly finished up. When they reached the bodies of the ponies who were struck down by the door, Equinox noted the sword slashes across them. He picked them up carefully and took them behind the chapel, where several more bodies lay on the ground covered with blankets, cloths, and whatever else they could find. He laid them both down and covered them both up, then proceeded to offer a silent prayer. Damien and Yira watched from the sidelines, until Equinox opened his eyes and walked back over. “Lets get inside.” Yira nodded and seemed to translate for Damien before the two followed Equinox to the front.

Damien watched as this equine male known as Equinox raised his hand and began to knock out a specific rhythm upon the wooden doors. After several seconds of silence the door was slightly pulled inwards, before thrown open and several more equine hollows who appeared to be sane rushed out. They threw their arms around Equinox and began to mumble more of their language that he didn’t understand, some opting to shake his hands or pat his shoulder instead. Eventually he dispersed them back inside and motioned for them to follow. Damien nodded to Yira and they made their way inside the chapel, but he kept one hand upon the hilt of his blade at all times. As they slowly made their way inside, his eyes began quickly taking in everything. Many equine hollows, with clothes, food, and blankets but little room. Windows broken and covered in whatever they could afford to use. Eyes full of life, but also mistrust. He felt Yira tap his shoulder and he shook his head, noticing that the equine known as Equinox was talking to him, and Yira was translating. “This is the chapel, which we have decided to utilize as our shelter during this strange event.” Damien once again looked around at the structure and the faces, his hand still not leaving his hilt. Yira was doing the same, gently holding onto his coat. “We know not how long this has been going on, but we have been doing our best. After a fight with some vicious beasts I managed to ring the church bell at the east side of town, but we honestly did not expect help so soon. So how did you two arrive so early?”

Yira stopped alongside Damien as they reached the rear end of the Chapel, Equinox putting down his claymore and sitting wearily. He watched them with inquisitive eyes, to which Damien nodded to Yira. She swallowed nervously and walked a little forward, bowing to Equinox. “We have been traveling for several weeks sir. We just arrived outside the city when we heard the bell ringing, and decided to quickly follow the sound. In truth, we have been searching for other ponies for some time, but you are the first we’ve found.” Equinox raised an eyebrow to her before indicating her companion, several whispers floating around the room.

“So Damien here is a pony as well?” Equinox asked as he looked into the black under the helmet, to which Yira turned and began talking to Damien in a language Equinox didn’t understand. Several distraught looks were shared between the survivors against the walls, and unnoticed one of them stood up. Equinox watched as Yira discussed with a Damien a little more, before she hesitantly turned back to Equinox.

“N-no. He is not from this world. Just like the Balder knights you faced.” She watched as Equinox’s eyes widened in surprise and she began to panic a little. “B-but he means no ill will! He only wishes to help and explain what’s going on!” Equinox opened his mouth to reply but stopped as a different voice rang out.

“Oh yeah?! How do we know you’re not lying!?” The three of them turned to look at a more fancily dressed male unicorn with a look of desperation and paranoia in his eyes, pointing a finger at Yira accusingly. Yira made to respond but was quickly stopped as the pony staggered forwards. “Only YOU seem to understand him! And we don’t even know what you look like! Maybe the both of you want to kill us all!” Yira swallowed in fear as she watched the ponies around the room began to whisper and shake, all eyes centered on the two of them. The unicorn stepped closer, breathing heavily in anger. “I bet you’re already planning to! We all have only seconds to live! Well I won’t let you!” He cried out before diving at Yira.

Damien watched as Yira explained to Equinox what he told her to, when suddenly loud shouting caught his attention. He watched as a unicorn, he believed Yira describe them as such, was yelling at Yira. His eyebrows narrowed under his helm as he watched Yira get flustered and scared, and the equine get closer. When it dove at her it was the last straw. Before it could even get close he had moved in front of Yira and drawn his fury sword, flames dancing across it as he grappled the unicorn to the ground and placed the edge of his blade against its neck. Its eyes went wide and it locked up in fear. Damien heard Equinox yell as well as Yira in surprise. He kept his grip tight and his sword firm as he looked back at both of them. Equinox had a look of intensity directed at Damien and Yira one of fear. He slowly looked between the two of them before sighing and turning back to the pony. He slowly removed his blade from its neck and stood. The unicorn quickly scrambled away in fear, pushing others out of the way as it went to the farthest corner and curled up. Damien breathed deeply, watching as Yira seemed to be in thought as Equinox seemed to be saying something to her. He watched as Yira nodded slowly, then grabbed her hood. He kept his blade firmly in his grasp as he watched her slowly pull it up and off, her chitinous visage looking around meekly. Several gasps and a couple cries of fear rang out around them as one word was said around the room, one Damien had actually been taught by Yira. Changeling. He quickly began to look around as all the ponies began to move away slowly, as others began to move in front of and protect others. He quickly looked back to Yira.

“...and although that was completely uncalled for and a bit ridiculous, he has a point. We still haven’t seen either of your faces.” Equinox told her as Yira watched him. She swallowed and looked back towards Damien, then closed her eyes and lifted her hands. He will keep me safe. I know he will. She slowly grasped the edges of the hood he gave her and pulled them back. She let it fall and winced as she heard all the cries of fear and whispers. She opened her eyes to look at Equinox and saw his watching her intensely, when that same unicorn stood up slowly and shakily pointed at her.

“S-see! A Changeling! Just like at Canterlot! They’ve come to feed off us! They’ve come to-” The unicorn didn’t make it any further as a book came crashing down on his head, knocking him to the ground unconscious. Everyone looked at the old unicorn being supported by an earth pony who just walked into the chapel.

“For Celestia and Luna’s sake, shut your trap Coinpurse.” Said Reverend as he slowly brought his arm back to his body before coughing a little. Shield carefully held him steady, before they began to walk forwards into the Chapel. “Equinox, what are you doing?” He looked at Reverend in confusion as the two of them finally reached him. “We have guests and you haven’t even offered them drinks or food?” He looked at Reverend a little stunned before smiling and chuckling slightly, slowly rising to his feet. He turned and went into the back storeroom as Reverend turned to Damien and Yira. He first gazed at Damien, taking in his stance. Despite his sword drawn, he seemed to be in a more protective stance. Probably to protect the Changeling at his side. Reverend slowly eased himself off of Shield and held out a hand to Yira, who cautiously took it. Reverend smiled kindly and shook it, before letting go. “My name is Reverend. What would yours be?” Yira stood for a couple seconds confused before shaking her head and bowing.

“M-my name is Yira sir. This person to my right is Damien. He doesn’t speak our language.” Reverend turned and outstretched a hand to Damien. He seemed to watch it for several seconds, before finally sheathing his blade and shaking it firmly. Equinox came back swiftly with two shoddy wooden cups of water, which Yira and Equinox took a little strangely. They both looked at each other before they both took a drink. Yira was a little clumsy, spilling a little as she sipped it. They all watched as Damien bent over a little and lifted his helm, not letting anyone see as he audibly sipped from the cup. He set his helm back and straightened back up as he handed the cup back to Equinox, saying a few words only Yira could understand. Domo Arigato. Reverend smiled and nodded, then turned to everyone.

“These people mean no harm, and are our guests. Survivors, like the rest of us. It shouldn't matter who or what we are. What matters is that we, ALL of us on the planet of Equis, get through this together. We all are suffering, and these strangers might have answers. But first…” Reverend winced and clutched his side as he smiled at Yira and Damien again. “I think everyone should have a good sleep. I know that I, for one, am exhausted.” He winced again and chuckled as the Shield rushed to his side again. Revered nodded to Equinox. “Please show them the spare room if you could. I am a bit tired after today.” Equinox nodded as Shield began to guide Reverend to his spot on the floor, then turned to Yira and Damien.

“This way please.” Equinox turned and began to walk to the back left door of the chapel. Damien and Yira followed as the ponies all over the floor watched them. Equinox opened the door and pushed it open, gesturing them inside. They both entered and looked around the small room as Equinox began to close the door. “Sleep well. The door locks from the inside, so feel free to lock it if you wish.” He gave Yira a weak smile before shutting the door.

Yira breathed out heavily and sipped the water again, sitting exhausted on the bed as she looked at Damien. He was still watching the door, before he locked it and slowly made his way to the far wall and sat down against it. Yira watched him as he sighed and rubbed his hands together, before looking at her. “Is this how you are normally received?”

Yira nodded a little sadly as she took off her gloves and felt the bed. “Yes. Changelings are feared and hated across the lands. Especially after, when our hive was suffering a food crisis, our queen tried to invade and conquer Canterlot. She failed, and now we are feared even more around Equis.” Damien nodded slowly, then looked back at the door.

“Well, it seems that older unicorn is not like the others. So, while we have the chance, I suggest you sleep. I’ll keep watch.” Yira nodded as she slipped under the covers of the bed. After a couple seconds she pulled off the robes still left on and folded them onto the floor before covering herself in the thin blankets. Damien looked to the candle and snapped his fingers, darkness surrounding them.

Author's Note

Soooooooo... sorry for no posting for awhile. I got caught up in something called MONSTER HUNTER WORLD THE MOST AWESOME GAME EVER but... I have finally burnt myself out a bit. So I hope you all enjoy this new chapter!

Chapter 11: The Changeling and The Stranger

Several Months Earlier

Yira screamed into closed hands as she watched Damien drive his blade straight into his heart, the life draining from his body. As he slowly began to collapse onto the ground a white mist seemed to form around him. Both her and Chrysalis watched in shock as he seemed to fade in the shimmering particles, until a wind swept all of it away into the sky. Yira was breathing fast and looked to Chrysalis for help, who was still watching the spot Damien just was. She looked back to Yira and placed an arm on her shoulder. “Let us get inside. He told us to head for the bonfire. Hopefully answers await us there.” Yira nodded and leaned close to her mother as she struggled not to panic, the both of them quickly making their way into the hive.

The rest of workers paid them little mind besides bowing to their queen as the two of them quickly navigate their way deep into the bowels of the hive back to the tunnel Damien arrived from. Yira still couldn’t shake the image from her mind of Damien’s arm flying, and then him burning that demon to ash. The rage she felt pouring out of him, it was so infectious. What kind of world could he possibly come from, and how did he survive? As she and Chrysalis were walking they stopped as a sort of haze passed over them, before they both continued unbothered. As they reached the end of the tunnel and looked towards the bonfire, they both wore faces of surprise and relief at seeing Damien kneeling by the fire, his hand outstretched to the flames. They watched as embers encompassed his form and seem to lift a black fog off of him, a small sigh breathing out as he slowly sat back down. Chrysalis moved out of the way as Yira burst past her, rushing over and wrapping her arms around Damien. His body straightened up in shock as he heard her crying into his shoulder. He looked towards Chrysalis in surprise (and although she couldn't see his face, she could still sense his emotions.) as she sauntered her way over, watching him curiously. “She does get a bit more emotional than some of the other changelings.”

Damien nodded and looked at Yira, who stood up and looked at him with her large emerald eyes, tears still running down her obsidian cheeks. She sniffed and smacked his helmet gently as she huffed. “Why in the world would you do that!?” She yelled as she went to hit him again, but he caught her wrist in both hands. She blinked and watched as he slowly stood up, gently letting her arms go.

“Well, I now have my arm back, so that is a plus.” Damien said, showing her his arm, armor and gloves still on. She watched a little perturbed at it before taking it and examining it gently.

“Huh...how…” Yira said curiously, and Chrysalis examined his hand as well. Damien let them as he looked towards his Maiden, sleeping in the corner.

“I cannot die. Permanently at least.” They both looked at him, Chrysalis in slight horror and Yira in confusion.

“You can’t die permanently? What do you mean?” Yira asked in slow realization as she looked to Chrysalis, who slowly placed her hand on Yira’s shoulder.

“We changelings live for a long time Yira. Especially those of us with queenly blood. Alicorns as well, and even the dragons, can live for centuries. What we have witnessed here however...Damien will never have peace.”Yira’s eyes widened in horror as they both turned to look at Damien, who had made his way to his Maiden and began to give her more humanity to ease her pain. “Damien has most likely died more times then we can count. He might have lived for just as long as the ponies Princesses, or longer. But he will never truly be able to rest. He will always be brought back.” Yira swallowed and watched as Damien slowly brushed his hands over his Maiden’s, speaking soothing words to her.

“That sounds...terrifying…” said Yira.

“It is.” Said Damien as he made his way back. He was slowly sliding his Bottomless Box away, and double checking all his equipment. "Whenever I do die, I come back at the last bonfire I rested. Everything back in its proper place."He took a look at his blades and the rips in his armor and huffed before sitting down. The two of them watched as he pulled out a white orb from inside his coat. It was about the size of a small rock, with white wisps gently rising off it. Damien crushed it in his hand and they heard a quick intake of breath as the white rushed into his body, his breathing quickening for a split second. He reached back into his coat and pulled out a different smaller and open box, where inside was a grindstone, a small leather pouch, and some wooden sticks.

The two watched as he laid down his Fury Sword, running the blade across the wheel. The white mist from the orb began to flow out from his hand across his weapon. At the same time, some of the flames from the bonfire began to gently wave in his direction. He secured the blade in place with its edge along the grindstone as the white mist began to form around the nicks and dull edges of the blade. Damien reached a hand inside the leather pouch and pulled out some fine golden powder. He began to turn the grindstone at the same time as he began to sprinkle the powder over the edge. “I lost track of the time I have lived before I even left the Asylum they kept me in. I no longer know how old I am, what family has died, or who might’ve cared about me. Or the other way around.” The two were them were silent as they watched him grind the powder into the blade, the white mist fading as he pulled his sword away, good as new. He then began the same process with his scythe. “The gods tried to give me a purpose. To restore the Light to prolong the time before the age of Dark. They tried to use me as there pawn.” They both listened intently as he finished up with his scythe, slowly bringing the grindstone to a stop but not putting it away. He sat watching the embers of the fire as his hand gripped the hilt tightly. “I had had enough. I cared not for my supposed ‘fate’, or the gods. All I cared about...was her.” He looked towards his Maiden as she breathed slowly, her pale hands still in a constant prayer as her spider body remained limp and gray. “She is my responsibility now. I may live on for many more thousands of years, but I will not stop till she has peace.” He quickly snapped his scythe to his back and pocketed the box, rising to his feet. “Even if I die till my mind breaks from the pain, I shall always push onward.” He turned to the two of them and saw the tears in Yira’s eyes, the hollow understanding in Chrysalis’. “For now however, we need to focus on fixing your world. Finding out whatever is causing this.” They both nodded and began to leave the cave in silence, Damien casting a glance over his shoulder towards Her, before following after them.

Current Day

Yira slowly rose up in the cot and stretched her arms, yawning as a soft crackling sound emanated from her wings unfolding . She looked over at Damien slumped over in the corner, breathing slowly with his head bent inwards and his arm on his knee. After they had joined him in the Tunnel, they went back up to Chrysalis’ quarters to discuss future events. Damien was curious about the rest of the world, so of course Chrysalis informed him about whatever she thought relevant. The Ponies, The Dragons, The Griffons, and The Minotaurs as the other most prominent species on their continent. Upon learning more about the changeling’s position in The Badlands, he decided what to do next. He was given directions and began making his way towards the closest pony civilization, and she was sent along with him as an envoy. Also as a way for Chrysalis to see the outside world through her eyes. Yira sighed and slowly pulled herself out of the cot, gingerly and stealthily making her way over to Damien. She crouched down towards his level as she watched him sleep, eyeing the slits in his helm. It had taken them a few weeks to leave The Badlands on foot, mainly because Yira wasn’t used to flying in her new body, nor was she that strong. Damien didn’t need to eat anymore apparently, and Yira fed off the emotions he gave off when they talked, although a little malnourished from the lack of love. When they finally reached the edge of the Badlands, the few villages and camps they discovered were completely deserted, only a few mindless Hollows left. While raising questions, Damien thought it best to avoid them and search for more likely locations for survivors to be at.

Yira crossed her arms and closed her eyes as she thought back on it, rocking on her hooves. They had decided to follow the Railroad once they found it, and Yira explained the form of transportation. They followed it for a while and finally came to the city of Manehattan, where they heard the bell ringing. Then they went into the city and everything else happened. Yira nodded her head a few times before she began to channel her magic, her horn becoming enveloped in a green glow. She sent out a telepathic wave that surged outwards, before it connected with a ‘hook’ from one of the Changelings in the hive. Specifically one of the Receivers, changelings who’s job is to be ready for transmissions from any outside soldiers at every and any time of the day. She quickly sent all the reviewed and new information down the connection, ending with a message to transmit it directly to the Queen. Once she finished transmitting the connection broke and she breathed out in relief, before she felt a small prodding at her forehead. She opened her eyes and looked up to see Damien awake and watching her, gently tapping her forehead with a gloved finger. She sat up a little straighter and smiled wide. “Good morning Damien!” She let herself sample his emotions this morning to see how he was. ‘A little agitation, a little forbearance towards the pony group outside, and…’

Damien watched as Yira finally snapped out of her trance and looked up at him. He continued to watch as she wished him a good morning and got a sample of his emotions like she did every day, knowing exactly what was going to happen next. Pretty soon the blush grew on her face and she quickly turned away and dove under the closest cover she could find, this time being the covers on the cot. He sighed and stood up, popping his back as he did. It wasn’t really his fault she always forgot to put her damn robes back on. He made his way over and reached down to scoop said robes up before throwing them on top of Yira, who yelped slightly before peeking out. “Put those on. I won’t look. Like usual.” He turned away after seeing her nod and listened for the next minute as she struggled a little with slipping the white cloths over her limbs. Eventually the noise stopped and he turned around to see her fully dressed and hood off, looking awkwardly at her feet in embarrassment. He made his way forward again and poked her in the forehead gently.

“Hey…” She looked up at him in mock pain, smiling just a little at the friendly gesture.

“What? You were taking too long. We are still continuing your pyromancy training, aren’t we?” Damien asked as he crosses his arms, to which she swiftly took a more proper and polite pose and nodded. “Good. Then try to harness the flame again.” He said as he slowly backed up to make a little space. Yira nodded and closed her eyes as she began to concentrate and channel magic to her horn. He watched as the green magic, which was originally more bubble and fluid like in nature, began to waver and flicker, taking a more flame like shape. As she concentrated the tip of her horn began to spark, before a small flame began to build. As she finally opened up her eyes to watch the flame the surprise of her success caused the magic to surge and explode in her face, sending her reeling back onto the cot. Damien couldn’t help but chuckle a little, which sounded a bit hoarse considering he hadn’t let out so much as a laugh in many years. Yira burst up out of the cot and lightly hit his shoulder as he glared.

“Hey! Don’t laugh!” He smirked under his helm and gently patted her shoulder.

“You are making decent progress. Just never forget.” He bent down a little to her height and held up his own hand, where he made a small flame waver gently. “Pyromancy is the art of casting fire. To produce it, channel it, a pyromancer must be in tune with nature themself.” Damien leaned back up and began to make his flame bend and weave slowly. “Pyromancy is the ultimate fantasy. We are born into Dark, and warmed by Fire, but this Fire we cannot touch. Those whose fascination with fire persists, learn to hold it in their hand.” He smiled bittersweetly under his helm as he recalled his first teacher, before snuffing out his flame. He looked back to Yira who was watching him intently. He poked her forehead again. “You’ll get the hang of it someday. Don’t rush it. Or else you’ll explode again.” She huffed at that and rubbed her face with her sleeve.

As Damien began double checking everything he had and Yira swung her legs on the bed, a small three-beat knock sounded on the door to the room. They both looked to each other before Damien quickly walked forward, gesturing Yira to get behind him. As she did he slowly placed left hand on the hilt of his blade while the other slowly unlatched the door. He gently tugged it open just a crack, looking out at a nervous mare in more ragged clothes. He looked her up and down, noting the tray carrying stale bread and two cups of water in her hands. “I-I have your b-breakfast sir…” She mumbled in trepidation as she looked up at the ominous sight of his steel helmet glinting in the sunrise. He slowly pulled open the door more and beckoned her inside, other ponies watching as she hesitantly stepped in, before the door shut behind her.

After around 30 minutes, and several of the ponies began to grow worried, they watched as the door opened again. The same mare came stumbling out, but it was different. Instead of the rags she had on before, she was wearing a proper tunic and leggings, and was smiling a little softly. Equinox, who had been watching over the door and everyone else, looked past the door to see Damien kneeling on the ground next to a wooden box. The mare made her way back to her friends and began to whisper as Yira poked her head out of the room. “Anyone in need of new garments, please form a neat and orderly line! First come first served!” All the ponies around the room began to talk and whisper to each other, before a young colt stood up, supporting what one would assume is his grandmother. They both made their way up to Yira and entered the room, before the door shut again.

After another 30-ish minutes, the door opened again. Everyone turned their heads to look at the door, as the young colt and his grandmother made their way out of the room. Both were smiling and chatting quietly in fresh and repaired clothes, although the young colt now had a broadsword attached at his hip. Yira poked her head out again, hood down and smiling as she watched the two walk away before looking to the crowd. “Next! Also, for anyone wishing to arm themselves with a proper weapon, something can be arranged!” She slipped back into the room as several more got up, noticeably some of them being able bodied stallions. They all made their way to the door and formed a line to see the Changeling and the Stranger. Equinox stood up and began watching the proceedings.

The rest of that day was spent in this fashion, the line growing larger and larger until everyone in the Chapel decided they wanted to see how this was all happening. The only pause in the proceedings was when two ponies were fighting for who should go first. A great bout of fire erupted from the door, before the looked to see Damien looking straight at them, a fireball in his hand. They swallowed and peacefully got back in line, and things proceeded as normal. At the very least, the ponies would leave with their current rags repaired and formed into tunics and leggings, enough to keep them warm. Some walked out with simple swords, daggers, or spears, usually with a loved one in tow. Then those serious about fighting were outfitted with bits of armor, like simple metal helmets or gauntlets. They were given finer weapons to use, usually dependent on their race. One Earth Pony had a large axe on his shoulders. Another had a large crossbow in his hand and some bolts to fire. A few Pegasi were given leather instead of metal armor, since it was lighter. Two had some sharper and deadlier looking daggers, while one had a longbow. Finally the Unicorns who had asked for gear were given some more fine robes, as well as wooden staffs of specific make. Once they left they found one of the open windows and began concentrating, focusing their magic from their hands to the wooden poles. Finally everyone had been serviced except for Equinox, who had been watching the proceedings cautiously. As the last pony left with a respectful bow, Yira poked her head out the door, looking at everyone. Finally her gaze landed on Equinox and she smiled sweetly. “You look like the last one. Ready?” He began to make his way over, not returning the smile. Hers faltered a little and she chuckled awkwardly as she made way for him, letting him inside. As the door shut behind him Equinox looked at Damien, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor with two boxes on either side of him. One had the grindstone, the other a bottomless black void. He gestured for him to sit as Yira made her way onto the bed. Equinox made his way across from Damien to a spot where he could see both of them, then sat in the same position as Damien. The Stranger spoke words he couldn’t understand, and Equinox’s eyes flicked his eyes to Yira as she translated. “What would you like? Repairs or replacements?” Equinox was silent before he looked back to Damien.

“...Why are you doing this?” Damien didn’t show any response to the question, except to look at Yira. She herself looked a little confused, before translating to him. [She will be doing this for this whole conversation, so don’t forget that!] Equinox watched them, before Yira turned back to Equinox.

“He says: What is wrong with what we are doing?” Damien had turned back to Equinox, who could feel his eyes analyzing him from underneath the steel helm.

“Nothing. It is actually quite helpful. This help from a complete stranger, however, is not something that just happens. We don’t know who you are, what you want to accomplish, or even what you look like. So, once again; Why are you doing this?” Said Equinox as he gazed right back towards Damien. Yira swallowed nervously and looked between them. Damien was silent for a while, until he spoke.

“How many of your friends have died?” The question caught both Yira and Equinox off guard, and his suspicion of Damien quickly began to grow.

“What do you mean by that?” He asked with a little rise in his voice. Yira began to scoot just a little towards Damien, who hadn’t budged from his spot. He began speaking, and for a few seconds Yira forgot to translate from shock, before she remembered and quickly stuttered it out as he continued to speak.

“A-all of mine. Every single one. Some from beasts, and demons. Some by the hands of their loved ones. Some by accident. Some by my own two hands, as an act of self defense. Others so I could give them peace. The fact remains, however, that each and every one of them has passed, either by time or by sword. I once tried to avoid them all completely. To shut myself off from all others and focus on my duty. That itself quickly began to hurt more from the loneliness in this hell of a world then their passing ever could, for I would find their dead bodies lying in pools of blood eventually. All I would be able to think, is that I never even learned their name, their goals, or their personalities. So I made a vow. To not shut myself off. To learn of others, and be learned of in turn, so my examples could help even those beyond my reach. To help where help was needed, because they wouldn’t stand a chance otherwise. Now, I ask of you again...Repair or Replace?” Yira slowly finished off her translation as they all sat in silence, Damien still not having moved from his spot. Equinox watched him for a little while longer, before sighing heavily.

“By Celestia, a simple ‘I want to help people’ would have sufficed. You didn’t need to drop that heavy weight on my back.” Yira smiled softly and translated to Damien, who simply nodded. Equinox looked down at his shambled remains of his royal guard armor, before sighing and beginning to pull it off. “While this armor does mean a lot to me, it is useless as it is. So I suppose Replace.” He finished tugging off his armor and sat in only his own rugged scraps, handing the pieces to Damien. Yira translated to Damien who nodded and gathered the scraps, before tossing them into his box. Equinox watched in puzzlement as the scraps simply disappeared into the black void, before Damien beckoned for the ragged clothes Equinox has draped himself in. He simply raised an eyebrow before pulling them off as well and handing them over. Yira blushed a little and looked away shyly, keeping her eyes focused on her hands as Damien went to work. He first repaired the cloths into a proper light tunic and leggings, before handing them back to Equinox. He nodded and slipped into them, sighing in comfort as Damien then began to reach into the box. His surprise was a little less but still prominent this time as Damien reached deeper into the box, to the point his arm should be through the floor. Eventually Damien pulled out a set of metal armor and laid it out for Equinox to view. Silencing his baffled words, they spent the next several minutes teaching Equinox how to put on and off the armor, until he eventually stood up fully geared.

(Equinox is going helmet-less.)

“What about your blade?” Yira translated as Damien indicated his Claymore, which was showing signs of wear on its edge. Equinox hefted it in his hand before passing it to Damien with the request of Repair. It didn’t take long before he was finished, and Equinox reclaimed his now good as new claymore and slid it into the sheath on his back. All set, Equinox offered them both a polite bow and went to leave, but stop as he noticed the uneaten bread from that morning.

“Are you two not hungry?” He asked Yira, who looked at the bread and flushed a little in embarrassment.

“O-oh it's not that! We are very grateful! It’s more that…” She paused and gestured to herself then Damien. “I’m a Changeling. While I could try to eat, it doesn’t really do anything for me like emotions do, and Damien is kind enough to let me feed off his. He doesn’t actually need to eat so...yeah…” Equinox looked between them interestingly, then grabbed the tray from where they set it, as well as the cups.

“I will let them know. I do believe everyone will be turning in tonight a lot happier Thank you for everything.” He offered a polite smile and took his leave. After a few seconds Yira finally sighed in exhaustion as she collapsed onto the cot. Damien began putting away his boxes as she stretched out and looked at him.

“That was exhausting. Having to read all of their emotions the whole time to know their intentions? I’m going to need to sleep in tomorrow.” Damien watched her nuzzle into the cot, chuckling just a little as he took up his spot in the corner. As he lowered his head he heard her taking off her robes and folding them neatly. “Psst… Damien?”

“Hmm?”

“You know...the floor is really uncomfortable...you could...join me up here, even if it is small…” Damien didn’t need to be able to read emotions to know what she was really thinking.

“I am fine Yira. I am quite comfortable here, and it lets me be ready for anything that might require immediate action. Goodnight, and sleep well.” He didn’t ever look up from the corner, but he could imagine Yira’s face pouting as she turned over in her cot before falling asleep. Truthfully Damien barely slept during the nights, instead just keeping senses open for anything that might happen. Except for this night, he actually was lulled into a state of slumber. Something he would regret letting himself do the coming morning.

Author's Note

Another chapter cranked out! Unfortunately no fight scene this time, as character interactions unfortunately took priority. Hopefully you all still enjoy! (Those of you who are still reading.) Again, any and all comments are appreciated!

Chapter 12: Boars, Shadows, and a Hood

The first thing Yira could register was the crash and cracking of stone and wood. She mumbled and sat up slowly in bed as several sounds bombarded her senses until finally, she was able to somewhat focus. Once she did time seemed to slow as the sight in front of her kickstarted her awake. A massive boar covered in metal plating had smashed through the stone wall of the chapel, and barreled into Damien. He was currently being impaled on the right tusk a good several inches into his side as he struggled to draw his blade, the red-hot eyes of the boar burning with rage. The boar was shaking back and forth as the tusk continued to burrow deeper into him, blood spurting and dripping onto the floor. Before Yira could even react the boar lowered its head and charged, slamming through the wooden door to the room and carrying Damien away. As she made to move the frame shook and crumbled, several stones collapsing that blocked the door.

Damien’s hands were getting tossed around with each shake of the boar’s head, and he couldn’t manage to get a good grip on the metal plating or the tusk in his side, which he was pretty sure punctured his liver. As its head lowered and it charged he could feel his spine take a hit as he was carried into and through the weak door to the room. He couldn’t hear as he focused all of his senses on slaying the beast in front of him. He gasped and coughed up blood as the boar carried him into the wall on the opposite side, slamming him hard into the stone and impaling him further. He growled and reached down with his hand and exploded the flames outward, burning into the boar’s eyes. It let out a hoarse guttural roar before shaking its head hard and eventually dislodging him. He went flying into the crowd of sleeping ponies, crashing into several and breaking several bones across his body. As he struggled to pick himself up he felt more blood pour out of his side onto the stonework as he coughed some into his helmet, feeling his left arm go limp. Several ponies had woken up by now and had started to scream out in fear. Damien’s ears could barely register the sound of a slam against the wooden doors to the chapel before the boar charged again. He mustered his strength and rolled away, ignoring the intense pain in his side as the boar missed him, instead crashing into several ponies and causing more screams and yells. Damien was panting and breathing hard into his helmet as he reached for his Estus. His eyes widened as he looked at the emerald flask to see it completely empty. Shit...Did I forget to refill it? He slipped it away as his eyes flicked back to the boar.

It had risen to its feet as several ponies were trying to scramble away, some crawling across the ground due to broken limbs. It snorted and focused its eyes on Damien as he slowly reached his hand back, grasping and drawing his scythe as he bled more onto the stone ground. By now all of the ponies had awoken and backed against the walls, watching this display. The boar began to drag its front left hoof against the ground before it burst forward into a charge. Damien once again rolled out of the way, groaning through grit teeth as his side tore open further from the exertion. The boar had to skid to a stop, giving Damien time to react. He ran forward with his scythe at the ready and swung in from the side. The boar turned and he cursed as the blade scraped against its side, ripping off several of the steel plates. It faced him and charged again, this time catching his right side as he moved out of the way. Leather and gore went flying as the sharp tusk tore right through his flesh. He grunted and steadied himself before swinging again, his scythe arcing downwards. He dug it into the metal plates, but it slipped off once again. His eyes narrowed in determination as he saw a single drop of blood slide down the boar’s side. It roared and charged once again, Damien sidestepping. The ponies gathered could only watch as this man from another world tangoed with this horrific beast, easily some of the smaller ponies size as well as five times as thick and burly. As the boar’s tusks continued to occasionally nick and rip through his sides, Damien continued to slash his scythe at the boar, tearing several metal plates off again and again with each slice. Several puddles of blood had gathered around the battlefield, a good amount smeared around the floor. Damien was breathing hard and shaking, barely standing on his feet. Those who looked close could even see blood dripping out of the edges of his helmet. Inside the helm, his eyes were struggling to stay open as his consciousness was tugged at again and again. He forced himself to open his eyes wider as the boar charged once more. He harnessed his strength and roared as he swung his scythe downwards at the boar, unable to dodge. The blade came down and pierced into one of the cracks in the boars plating. As it charged towards Damien, a massive amount of blood exploded out of every nick in the boar’s armor, spraying everything nearby as its legs crumpled and it slid past him, dead. His hand went limp and left his scythe embedded in the boar as he dropped to his knees. As he slowly raised his head to look at the dead boar, the splintering of wood came from his right. He tried to turn his head as he watched several pieces of debris fly past before everything went dark.

As all the ponies stood gathered, they watched as The Stranger slashed his scythe down and finished the beast. Everyone watched in suspense as he fell to his knees breathing hard. Then the wooden doors to the chapel burst open, wooden shrapnel exploding everywhere. Their eyes all snapped to watch as a second metallic boar came charging in from outside, rushing past all of them and straight into Damien. Its tusks pierced straight through his back and lifted him up as it roared into the chapel. It began to shake its head back and forth in the air, his body swinging around limply before finally slipping off and flying into the far back wall, crumpling into a heap. Everyone was silent as they looked from his body to the heavily breathing boar in the center of the Chapel, the sunlight streaming in through the windows and busted door, dust swirling about in the air. As the boar began to turn towards the rest of the ponies a small boyish scream rang out. The young earth pony from the day before ran out of the hands that tried to stop him and swiped at the boar. His blade harmlessly bounced off its metallic hide, sending him backward and stumbling. The boar’s eyes narrowed and it turned to swipe at him before another cry rang out. One of the Earth Ponies tackled the boar, using his innate strength to shift it just enough to confuse it. Instead, it swiped at him, its tusk goring his stomach a bit as he was sent flying backward. Its eyes widened as it felt another impact on its back. It turned to see the young colt with scared eyes and shaking hands, stabbing at its back in futility. It roared out in anger before an arcane bolt hit it in the side of the head and made it reel. It turned to see one of the unicorns stepping out a bit from the crowd and channeling his magic through his catalyst, also with fear in his eyes. The boar roared and charged the mage, but a pain in its back made it stumble and crash into the wall as ponies screamed and ran out of the way.

The female earth pony pulled the young colt out of the way and breathed deeply as she settled her nerves, loading another bolt into the large crossbow she held. It was truly large in its make, and only someone with extreme strength, like herself, could actually fire it. She swallowed and crouched down as the boar turned slowly to watch her, the bolt from before sticking out as blood began to speckle the still untouched parts of the floor. The boar began to drag its hoof against the ground as she lined up the shot. She had never quite used something like this, but she was good with a slingshot in her younger days. The boar burst at her, and she took the shot. The bolt catapulted out of the crossbow and sped towards the speeding boar. It slipped past the tusks and straight into one of the burning red embers of its eyes. The howl of agony that rang out scared them all as it tripped in the pain and began to skid across the floor, a metallic ton of pain. The earth pony’s eyes widened and she turned and grabbed the young colt, throwing him over her. He soared over her head and watched as the boar crashed into her, making her cry out in pain as they both collided with the wall. He rolled across the floor and came to a stop safely, quickly getting up. Everyone watched the boar and felt dread billow back up from within them as the boar slowly got back on its hooves and turned towards them all. Black ichor was spilling from the bolt in its eye socket, but the other eye only seemed to burn with more hatred. It charged towards the group of ponies who all began to push past each other in pure terror. Before it got close several arcane bolts slammed into its side. The unicorns from around the room who had obtained catalysts were all channeling and sending bolts at the boar. As it was being pelted it roared and charged at the closest unicorn, before it felt its legs give out. An earth pony with a spear had stepped in and used the shaft to clothesline the beast’s legs making it slip and slide forward again.

As it came to a stop all the ponies with weapons nodded to each other and yelled as they charged in. They all began to hack and slash at the boar as it slowly started climbing to its feet. It roared and began to toss its head back and forth goring some of the surrounding ponies with its tusks. As they fell away others came up and took their weapons, a mob unity of survival rising within all of them. The boar roared as the scores of blades began to pull its armor plating away, beginning to scratch at the tough hide underneath. “Go for the neck!” One shouted out and suddenly the boar collapsed under the weight of the strikes. It roared again and gored several more ponies before the pain and blood loss began to sink in. One of the Earth ponies came up and planted a hoof on the boar's tusks, lowering its head to the ground. As it looked up its rage-filled eyes came upon the massive axe of the pony above. It began to struggle as the earth pony grunted and hefted up the axe, all the other ponies scrambling away. The hefty blade came down and slammed into the plating around the boar’s neck. It roared in pain as the plates crumpled and helped to cut into its neck. The earth pony hefted the axe again and gave a roar of his own before slamming the axe down again, cutting deeper into the thick hide of the boar. It roared again in pain as blood began to pool around it on the floor. The other ponies watched as the axe came down again and again, slowly cutting deeper and deeper into the boar before finally with a thud the axe hit the stone floor beneath, completely severing the boar’s head from its body. The pony was breathing heavily and left the axe in the ground before stumbling away and breathing hard. As they all looked at the scene in front of them and their own hands, a good chunk of the gathered ponies turned away and vomited adding to the already horrific floors.

Once they all came back to their senses, actions were being taken. Two volunteers stood outside the doors to the chapel as guards, watching for any more beasts or Undead. Several of the earth ponies who could stomach it took some clothes and shrapnel to fashion makeshift mops and began to swab all of the bile and gore out of the chapel. The cleanest corner was turned into a temporary medical wing, where everyone with any form of medical experience or treating wounds began to look at everyone who had been injured by the boar’s tusks. This included the local butcher as well as mothers and any nurses. After several minutes the young colt called out from over by the collapsed door. As the pony with the axe came over, he could hear the desperate shouts from Yira inside. He immediately took action and called over the few uninjured Earth Ponies and even a Unicorn came to help. Together they began to heave and lift at the stones and wood blocking the door. After a few more minutes they finally cleared enough of a space to see Yira, who was distraught with worry. They looked past her to see the other side of the room caved in as well, where the first boar had come from. They eventually worked out enough of a space so she could slip through, her robes slightly tattered and ripped in places. She profusely thanked everyone there, several accepting her thanks whereas others simply look away or brush her off.

Yira quickly made her way around the room, looking at the carnage and the two boar bodies, suppressing the urge to vomit as she looked at the severed head. She turned to the earth pony with the axe, who was acting as the go-to leader at the moment. “W-where is Damien?” The earth pony’s face darkened a little and indicated one of the covered bodies of the ones who didn’t make it in the back left corner of the chapel. Yira rushed over and knelt down, carefully peeling away the cloth. As Damien’s form came into view she had to swallow her dread as she looked at the myriad of wounds and gaping holes across his body. They had left all his armor on surprisingly, but otherwise, he had been placed alongside the other bodies. Yira closed her eyes and breathed, and began using her magic to search for emotions or any sign of life. She didn’t find any. As she finally finished up her search she felt a thwack on the back of her head, making her reel in pain as she cried out and bent over. “Gah!” She turned around quickly to see that same Noble pony, a semi-crazy look in his eyes as he watched her.

“S-see!? See everyone!?” He turned to all the other ponies who were watching him. He was barely recognizable now, almost completely undead and his eyes barely retaining a hint of sanity. “SHe was jUst FEEDING off of him! LIke their kinD doEs! We need To FINISH HEr once and for all! OTherwISe, We will never be safe!” He turned back to Yira who had a horrified look in her eyes and was starting to back away as he moved closer. He made to swing with the wooden club but was grappled from behind by the axe wielder.

“Calm down! She can’t even feed off a dead body!”

“Y-YoU don’t KNOW that! We Don’t know ANYTHING about them!” He spat out the last word and wrenched free, several other ponies rushing forward. They all began to grab and tug at him, trying to control him as he grew crazier and crazier until finally he broke free and lunged for Yira with the club. As she gasped and threw her arms out a sickening squelch reached her ears. She slowly opened her eyes to see a large bolt sticking out of the noble’s head, the bolt tip coming out of his temple. He eyes slowly rolled back before he collapsed to the ground as ponies backed away, looking towards where the bolt originated from. Five shadowy figures stood in the doorway before Equinox walked in carrying a darkly coated pony in black leathers on his shoulder.

“...Dear Celestia, what happened here?”

Earlier that morning, before the Dawn

Equinox, Reverend, and Oak Brace(the pony with the great shield, now holding one of sturdier make with an eagle on the front) left the chapel and said goodbye to the few ponies still awake, before setting off on separate paths. Equinox’s plan was to search the parts of the city he still hadn’t, now that he was better equipped. Reverend and Oak were going to ring the bell again, deciding it should be done at least every other day. As they split up Equinox began to jog, looking at the eternal sunset that never faded from the horizon.

I hope the Princesses are alright. These eternal days worry me. He shook his head and stayed determined as he began making his way through the alleys and streets, ignoring the rubble and charred wood. He eventually made his way to the southern side of the city where most of the Undead were lurking. As he slowly peeked around the corners with his greatsword in hand, his eyes widened a little when he saw that not only were most of them gone, but those that had still remained were already lying dead on the ground. He kept his blade at the ready as he slowly made his way forward into the square he’d found himself in, his eyes peering into the shadows of the buildings and windows, listening for any sounds. He slowly knelt by one of the bodies, looking it over once he was sure it was safe.

Let’s see… it looks like several quick stab wounds over a multitude of vital areas...I recognize these! His head snapped up and he quickly resumed surveying the area. As he looked at the bodies, he quickly recognized that most of them were heading towards a specific side street. He got up and quickly jogged over, his armor clinking together. He entered the street and saw more bodies, all lying dead around an open set of wooden doors on the ground, with a staircase leading underground.

Looks like a basement. Or probably a storage area. As he quickly began making his way over, one of the bodies made him stop in his tracks, a shiver of dread running down his back. What in the world..? It was armored unlike the others and cut completely in half. The two halves were laying right next to each other, so he almost missed it, until he stepped in the blood that was pooling around. The cut was so clean, it was like whatever had sliced through was akin to a molten edge through ice. He looked down the dark steps as his ears twitched, straining his senses to hear even the slightest noise. He stood for several minutes, slowing his breathing to nary a wisp as he closed his eyes. Then, out of the darkness, he barely heard a feminine cry of pain, muffled and distant. His eyes snapped open and he quickly began bolting down the steps, greatsword pointed behind him so it didn’t catch on the roof. The basement area was surprisingly roomy, the ceiling still a couple hooves above him. There were shelves and boxes that were lining the walls, but most of them had been smashed. He could barely see in the dark, the lights having been snuffed out probably days ago. He swallowed and strained his eyes as he cautiously walked forward, stepping over the pieces of wood laying scattered over the floor. He heard a shuffle from his left and instantly turned to face the noise. It had come from behind one of the intact shelves, and he began to slowly make his way over. He paused and quickly turned, thinking he had seen a blur of movement behind him but saw nothing in the darkness. He swallowed nervously and quickly made his way over to the back corner, where he saw a sight that filled him with both joy and anger. Blaze was tied up and gagged in the corner, wearing black leather armor. Her daggers were gone, and her eyes were darting about in fear. Equinox let his emotions get the best of him as he quickly dashed over, starting to relax his greatsword. Blaze saw him and quickly began shaking her head, her eyes flicking from his to somewhere behind him.

“What’re you…?” In his haste he stumbled over a piece of wood, almost falling over. His eyes widened as he felt a gust of wind over him before the shelf beside him was shattered into pieces. He quickly turned around, swiping a little clumsily behind him. He watched as an obscured, transparent figure backed away, a massive weapon in its hands he couldn’t quite make out. He quickly backed up closer to Blaze, beads of sweat starting to form. His eyes were flicking back and forth, unable to see anything in the dark basement. His eyes flicked down to watch the floor, and he saw a new footstep appear a few feet in front of him. He quickly stabbed forward, a deep grunt sounding out as the figure rolled away, but not without a little blood dripping onto the ground. He quickly turned and grabbed Blaze, ignoring the sounds of urgency she was making. He hoisted her over his shoulder and jumped over the remains of the shelf. Another whoosh and an intense feeling of pain in his left leg followed him as he cried out through clenched teeth, powering through and focusing on getting out of the basement as he staggered with each step. He looked down at his leg and grimaced before he let some of his magic out, before focusing again. He heard the sound of footsteps behind him as he bolted up the stairs. He reached the top and felt Blaze struggling on his back as she reached out and shut the door closest. He winced as he felt more pain in his leg as he began running towards the square. He fell to his knees and Blaze rolled off him as the pain in his leg grew too great.

Blaze quickly grabbed his claymore and cut her bindings on the blade, ripping off her gag afterward. “Equinox! You damned idiot! What’re you doing here?!”

“Apparently saving your ungrateful ass sister, but now is not the time!” He looked towards the alley they came from, her gaze following his. They both watched as the distinct sound of footsteps made its way over to them. They strained their eyes as they watched the transparent figure make its way towards them, slowly bringing its hands together. The air turned distorted for a second before a white mist seemed to slide away from the figure, revealing him properly. He had a deep blue hood on with golden trim, the shadows within hiding his face. He wore no chest armor except for some leather straps, which were strained tightly against the well-defined muscles of his chest. He had gloves made of the same silky fabric as his hood, a deep blue with gold trim. He had firm leather pants and boots, dusty from years of use. He was slowly sliding a ring off his fingers, a gold band with a milky white pearl. The one replacing it was an emblemed ring bearing some kind of symbol. That wasn’t what they were paying attention to, however. Their eyes had quickly snapped to the man’s back, where 4 giant black weapons were affixed. They gleamed brightly in the eternal twilight, the blood staining the blades glowing almost sickly. He was slowly walking towards them as he reached a hand behind him, before grabbing one of them. He casually brought it around, wielding what was most likely the smallest of them, a black sword that was around the same size as Equinox’s Claymore, with a thicker blade. He undid a clasp and 2 of the other weapons fell off him, disappearing behind his back into nothingness. One of the weapons, a large black battle-axe, remained across his back. Blaze finally came to her senses and began trying to help Equinox to his feet.

“Get up, get up, get up! We need to run!” She kept trying to lift him to his feet until eventually, they both collapsed again. “For Celestia’s sake why won’t you…” Her voice stuttered off as she saw Equinox was barely conscious. She looked at his leg and swallowed down rising nausea when she saw that it was mostly gone, cut almost completely off and draining blood. The last of Equinox’s residual magic faded away from his leg, probably how he had even been able to walk in the first place. Blaze swallowed and rose to her feet, gripping Equinox’s sword in her hands. It was a bit heavier than she was used to, but she raised it with determination as she looked at the figure.

“You are going to pay for every second you had me down there!” The figure paused as she spoke, raising his head slightly, stopping just a few feet away. Blaze wasn’t hollow like Equinox was after he died. She was still in a pure form, except for cuts and scratches. The figure said something to her in a language she didn’t understand, his voice deep and hoarse. “I don’t know or care what you just said, you’ll pay!” With that she ran forward at the figure, slashing awkwardly with the blade. He reacted quickly, raising his blade up to intercept hers. Her pupils shrunk to pinpricks when his arm didn’t even move during the collision, and neither did his blade. She began to breath faster before growling and swinging the blade from the other side. He didn’t even move his body, simply blocking the blade again without any effort. She continued to awkwardly swing the sword at him until finally, he swung in return. She raised the sword to block and felt it fly from her hands, the pure force behind his swing enough to send it clacking across the area. She looked back at him with fear in her eyes, then down at her brother. She swallowed and snapped her arms to her side, opening her hands as she focused on her dormant magical power.

The magic of Equestria lies in each and every creature that lives on the planet, it just isn’t seen as often outside of specifically arcane races. Pegasi magic made them lighter, able to manipulate and touch clouds, as well as light control of the wind. Earth ponies were able to increase their physical strength, connect more with the earth and plant life. Unicorns were able to express their magic directly outwards into different shapes and forces. Then the cutie mark comes into play. A pony’s cutie mark is not only a symbol representing their special talent but also a focus for channeling the inherent magic within a pony into a more direct form. Usually, a pony’s cutie mark gives them their own type of unique magic that only they can utilize. Blaze began to do just that, and the warrior watched as she began to give off a faint glow from underneath her armor. The glow was replaced by a shadow that seemed to stretch outward, snaking around her form and outwards. He took a step backward and readied his blade as the area around him seemed to darken just a little, the shadows reaching out. She stepped away from him, and he watched as the shadows of the buildings seemed to reach out and caress her form before she disappeared.

She is gone...no...I can’t let my guard down. He slowly took a step more towards the center of the square, his eyes darting around underneath his hood between the dark patches around him. He heard a soft thump behind him and quickly turned and swung, his blade slicing through the air. It encountered nothing as he watched one of the corpses shift, its sword being pulled into the darkness by a shadowy hand. He breathed deeply and relaxed, looking around once again. He heard another sound from his right and turned in time to block Blaze’s strike, pushing her away. She quickly faded away into the darkness, before he heard another tap of her foot and turned to intercept a punch from behind, blocking that with his blade as well. He had just enough time to see her growl in suppressed rage before fading away again. He stepped backward before he felt a slice at his calf as he jumped away, watching as her arm came out of the shadow beneath him. He landed too close to one of the walls and had to quickly turn and swipe Blaze away as she slipped out of the shadow at him. He tried to get back to the light but was stopped as he had to intercept another of her strikes as she rose out of the ground in front of him, swinging with a cry of hate. He tried to retaliate and stabbed downwards at her, to which she dodged to the side and the blade sunk into the shadows next to her. He pulled it away as she disappeared again.

He was surprisingly fast with his blade, she noticed. For each of her strikes against him, he managed to either fully block or deflect the blow, despite the complete unpredictableness of her shadow step. She grimaced and looked to Equinox. I need to get him out of here. She looked back to the warrior and paused in her assault as she saw him reaching behind his back. He was fumbling with a pouch, slipping his hand inside it before pulling out a brown orb tied with twine. He turned and tossed the ball, and Blaze watched as it exploded into a small fire, lighting up some of the wooden rubble. He stabbed his blade into the stonework and began tossing the orbs all around, lighting most of the square up in flames. Blaze looked around, before deciding on a point. She slowly slinked into the shadows again, readying the blade.

The figure tossed one last firebomb against the walls, then sealed up his pouch. The flames were dancing over the wood, light arcing and stabbing across the shade from the buildings around him. Let her come… He breathed in deep the stale air, watching and waiting as he listened to the crackle of the fire. His gaze narrowed as he heard the shift of rubble behind him. He quickly moved to the side, turning with his arm outstretched. Blaze’s face was one of shock as he proceeded to grab her arm with both hands and push in opposite directions. She cried out in pain as he broke it, and the illusion was dispelled. The shadows disappeared from around him and he turned to see her over by Equinox again, standing and breathing heavily as she cradled her arm.

How...how did he do that? She swallowed in fear and gripped her broken sword from the hollow tighter, moving closer to Equinox. She got between him and the demon of a man, who pulled his blade out of the ground. He began to walk over again, and Blaze had one thought running through her mind. I must protect Equinox. With that, she yelled as she ran at him and swung. The man knocked her blade away with his bare hand. Her eyes widened as he gripped her throat with his left. As she began to claw at his arm he dropped his blade and readied his fist, before slamming it into her gut. She gasped in pain as he drew his fist back before slamming it into her again, her eyes watering as she proceeded to dry heave over his arm as he let her go. He lifted his elbow before coming down hard on her head, knocking her to the ground unconscious. The figure breathed deeply as he looked at the two of them.

Equinox slowly came to his senses, groaning in pain. He rubbed his head as he slowly tried sitting up before his memories came rushing back to him. He quickly snapped his head up to look around and went even paler when he saw Blaze unconscious next to him, and the figure watching them both. Equinox swallowed and reached for his sword, only to find it missing. The figure grunted and pointed to Equinox’s right, where it was resting against a wall. Equinox looked back at the figure and began slowly moving towards his sword, inching his arm closer. The male simply watched, unmoving. Equinox quickly grasped the hilt and brought his blade close, pointing it at the figure who was watching him like a hawk. The figure said something to him that he couldn’t understand, but he did recognize the words somewhat. The same way Damien talked. Equinox looked at his sister and moved closer to her, holding his other hand up in front of them both. “Please...let us go. We are just trying to survive. Please.” He said desperately, his heart beating in his chest like a drum. After a few seconds, he began walking towards Equinox slowly, one foot in front of the other. Equinox tried to scoot away as he raised his greatsword, the winced as his eyes looked at his leg. It had been poorly bandaged together, and the fact he couldn’t feel the lower half or his foot told him enough.

“Here.” He said as he watched the hollow equine snap back up to look at him. He slowly reached behind himself and reached into his bottomless box, before pulling out a piece of humanity. The black wisp almost seemed to dance and quiver in the air, licking and rubbing itself against his fingers. The soldier in front of him slowly reached out with his hand, his eyes filling with that familiar sight of longing he saw too often. As their hands met, he let the humanity fall into the other’s hand and quickly made him crush it.

“Gah!” His entire body locked and surged for a bit as Equinox felt the black wisp shoot inside him. He could feel every inch and centimeter it coursed through his veins until finally, it reached the black hole inside of him. The dark empty void of hunger. It stuck to the rim and nestled deep, filling up the void that had been with him ever since this all started. Not a lot, but a significant amount. As he finished gasping he felt a white mist hiss of his body, and he looked down to see his leg completely healed. All his wounds were. He looked at the figure above him and back at himself, before bowing his head and clasping his hands together. “Thank you.” The figure simply turned and walked towards the stairs out, which lead Equinox to look around. They were both down in the cellar from earlier. The man in the hood simply watched him, his eyes piercing into him despite the fact he couldn’t see them. Nox quickly got to his feet and sheathed his greatsword before lifting up Blaze in his arms. He made his way over and watched as the figure gestured for him to go first. He nodded and quickly headed back up the stairs, his mind set on meeting up with Reverend.

They quickly made their way out into the rest of the city, Equinox leading the way. This new stranger followed closely behind and stopped Equinox whenever any hollows appeared. He would then proceed to quickly move forward and swiftly slay them all in only a few seconds, using his sword from earlier before sheathing it and making his way back to Equinox. They continued like this, pausing only when Blaze stirred from her sleep. As she began to yell and scramble at the figure, Equinox had to hold her back as he explained everything. Once she had settled down he put her arm across his shoulders and supported her as they continued walking. As they reached near the church the bell began to ring loudly, its harmonious chime falling across their ears. They waited patiently until Reverend and Oak Brace made their way out of the Chapel and greeted them, the Reverend pleased to see Blaze and this new fighter. As they began heading back Reverend watched the man with intrigue. “So he is like Damien you say? From this other world?”

“Yes. He speaks the same language from what I understand, so hopefully the change-...Yira can be of help.” He looked forwards towards the distant Chapel as they slowly walked, Oak and Blaze being mostly silent.

“I see...is that black blade his only weapon?” Asked Reverend as he reached out for it in curiosity, the figure smacking his hand away.

“No actually...he has four of those types of weapons, each more threatening than the last. I have seen them work. It is… quite horrifying. I am glad that he is friendly as well.” Reverend nodded slowly as he looked forward, squinting his eyes.

“Equinox…”

“Yes, Reverend?”

“...The doors to the Chapel are gone.” Equinox’s head snapped forward and looked towards the front of the building, confirming what Reverend said to see wooden shrapnel scattered everywhere. He quickly turned to Reverend and nodded.

“Let’s hurry.” They picked up the pace, Blaze protesting a little as she was still sore from the blows. They quickly made their way to the door, seeing the sight of the noble going crazy. Before anyone could move the man grabbed a heavy crossbow from a resting mare’s arms, quickly and easily loading a bolt into it before firing, the bolt piercing straight through the back of the mad pony’s head. As the body slumped to the ground Equinox walked in, looking around at the aftermath of the carnage inside the Chapel. “...What in Celestia happened here?”
Yira dusted herself off and began walking forward, but the earth pony with the axe came forward first. “Sir, we...it all started this morning, a short while after you and Reverend left.” He turned and his eyes passed over Yira, a pang of sadness crossing his face as he pointed to the back and the boars. “One of these boars burst out of the room Yira and the stranger-”

“Damien is his name.” Said Yira with a smoldering glare, making him swallow.

“-Damien were staying in.” He corrected himself before gesturing around and at the still red floor. “He had been grievously hurt, and we all were too paralyzed to do much of anything. He managed to finish of his boar, but…” He turned back around to face Equinox as he gestured behind them all. “A second one burst through the doors, and impaled Damien, killing him. Thanks to this young stallion here-” The earth pony grabbed the colt and dragged him forward, who was flustered and scared. “We all got our courage back and managed to kill the second one, but not without casualties and injuries.”

Equinox nodded slowly as he looked around, Blaze doing the same on his shoulder as they both replayed the fight best they could from the details others began to shout out from the sides of the room. Eventually, Yira walked up, the two of them looking at her, Equinox kindly while Blaze did so with interest. “Normally Damien would’ve come back by now but...the fire is dead.” The two of them looked back at the end of the room, where the bonfire that was usually smoldering was dead.

“That’s interesting...do you know why?” Equinox asked as he began slowly walking forward, Blaze finally pulling away from Equinox a little so she could look at all the ponies around her. Yira shook her head, leading him towards where Damien was resting.

“No...this is a first time I’ve seen it like this...oh Damien…” He looked down at Yira as she bit her lip in worry, her ears pressed against her head. What they didn’t notice was the man walking forward to examine the boars on the ground. He knelt down by the decapitated one, nodding slowly as he examined the metal on the body and the gaping neck wound. Then he moved to the other one and began examining its bloodstained armor and burnt face. He slowly stood up and nodded, drawing another of his black weapons. This one was a massive greatsword, dwarfing the one that he had used for most of the day. Equinox looked over and raised an eyebrow as he moved closer, watching him.

“What are you…” He trailed off as the man raised the blade high over the boar, then brought it down hard and crushed the massive slab of metal into the boar's side, cutting through the armor easily as it dug deep into the boar. A pained squeal echoed throughout the building as the boar's eyes snapped open, blood pooling out of its mouth as it began to convulse on the ground. He huffed and lifted the blade again and brought it down once more, cutting straight through most of the boar. The squeal slowly died out as the boar once again collapsed, the fires of its eyes dying out. All ponies gathered watched the man, most breathing hard and some covering their ears, eyes, or both.

“...Dear Luna, it was playing dead.” Said one of them as they all began to whisper in fear, considering how close they had come to death. With a yelp from one of them, the fire burst back into life, flames rising up to caress the twisted blade. Yira’s eyes twinkled with hope as she grabbed Damien and began trying to drag and carry him as safely as possible to the fire. The man sheathed his blade after cleaning it, then walked towards her. Yira paled (which was really more of her skin growing darker in spots due to the blood being drawn from her face) when she looked up and saw the hulking brute of brawn. He knelt down and looked at Damien, slowly nodding to himself. Then he scooped Damien into his arms and laid him down by the fire, before sitting down himself. Equinox and Reverend began to converse with the injured ponies as Yira simply watched Damien and this new person.

“So...what is your name?” She asked, looking at Damien, then looking at the hunched figure. He didn’t respond, so instead, she opted to remain silent. She watched instead as the flames reached out from the fire and began to gently wrap and infuse themselves into Damien, stitching shut his wounds, evaporating the blood stains on his close, some snaking their way into his flask. There was a brief moment where everyone’s minds became clouded before everything cleared up and they all paused. Yira shook her head then looked back down, gasping ecstatically as she saw Damien grumble before starting to sit up. She helped him rise up into a proper position before tackling him in a hug, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Oh thank Chrysalis you’re okay. I was so scared I would be alone.” He froze up as he looked at Yira, then gently patted her back, not used to comforting others.

“What happened Yira? I can’t remember.” He said as he looked towards the Chapel, the ponies, and destruction as well as the corpses. “I killed the boar yes? I see... a second one then?” Yira nodded and let go of him, rubbing her eyes as she sat next to him.

“Yes. A second one came rushing in. Apparently, the ponies were able to kill it. As for the first one...it was actually still alive. Just playing dead. He realized this and finished it off.” Yira nodded to the man across the fire, whose hood was drawn lower as he gazed at the fire. Damien looked at the man for several seconds, before something seemed to click and he gasped.

“Defidus? Is that you?” Yira blinked and looked at Damien, but was quiet as Defidus spoke up.

“Indeed Damien. I certainly didn’t expect to see you here. Then again, I don’t believe either of us intended to be here.” His head rose slightly, bright purple eyes shining underneath the hood to look at Damien.

“Certainly not. Yet here we are, and this world is beginning to suffer from the undead curse. Any ideas?” Said, Damien, as he adjusted himself, propping his arm on his right knee.

“No. You know I cared little about the world and its fate. All I cared about was the forest. Unfortunately...it has gone silent.” Defidus held up his right hand, whereupon it sat a ring. Damien looked close at it, the gold band ending in two cat claws holding a large white opal. Normally, when one was reaching out for the forest, it would reach back and the opal would glow and pulse with light, before pulling the wearer to defend the forest. However, the opal Damien saw now was dead and almost seemed lackluster. “I have no idea how they fare. They can handle themselves just fine, yet I yearn for the hunt once again.” Defidus huffed and let his hand fall, scratching at the stonework. “And what of ye, Damien? Your arachnid maiden.”

“She came with me surprisingly. She fares no better, but she is still safe, and that is what matters. She is currently at this one's homeland.” He indicated Yira who was being quiet and watching them both, as was everyone else in the Chapel.

“What is she? I have seen no creature like her in Lordran. Although I have suspected that we are no longer in Lordran, are we?” Damien shook his head as Defidus sighed and pulled out his repairbox, starting to fix his black behemoths of weaponry.

“She is known as a Changeling. A creature who can shift her shape, although she hasn’t done much of it since their form changed.”

Defidus paused and looked up from his work. “Changed?”

Damien nodded and clarified. “Yes. They used to be quadrupeds. Walking on four legs. Now they, and the ponies as they are called, have formed more like us.” Damien gestured to all gathered as Defidus nodded in understanding.

“I see. It sounds like you’re doing what you usually do, and gathering info. I assume you have a plan?” Damien slowly nodded as he began repairing his torn armor, pulling it off and revealing his own chest in its hollow and shrunken form, Yira wincing as she looked away a little, Defidus ignoring it completely.

“I indeed do. I was going to spend mayhaps another day or two here, but it is time we left. These boars appearing are a sign we are gathering attention. I have been informed that there are Princesses in this world who hold power, one of which lives in a town known as Ponyville.”

Defidus looked up incredulously. “Serious?”

Damien nodded. “I know. Regardless, the princess might have some knowledge about what we should do, both in helping this world and getting back to our own.” Defidus sighed and nodded, slipping everything back and his weapons onto his back.

“Very well. I have literally nothing better to do with my time. Unless you are up for a rematch?” Damien finished repairing his coat and slipped it back on as well as the rest of the padding.

“Not at the moment. We currently have bigger problems with us. Starting with the fact that, as you’ve noticed, none of them can understand us. Except for Yira, who understands the witches language.” Defidus looked up at the changeling, she swallowed and waved nervously.

“So you expect me to wear that useless band of metal instead of something more helpful? No chance. You can just translate for me.” Damien looked stricken as he slumped in annoyance, sighing.

“You really want it to be like that? It would easier if you just wore the ring…”

“No can do. I need to be always prepared for combat.”

“Fantastic… well, then I guess I’d better start explaining to everyone about, well, everything.” Damien huffed as he got to his feet, Defidus chuckling and waving a hand.

“You do that. I will be here.” Defidus waved from the fire as he laid back in relaxation, Yira getting up to follow Damien.

“Is everything alright Damien?” She asked in concern, following him as he walked towards Equinox.

“Yes yes, it is all okay. I just need you to translate for me alright?” She nodded as Damien got Equinox and Reverend together, and began explaining everything. As well as mentioning that Defidus was another warrior from Lordran he had often crossed paths with. An exceptional combatant who could use just about any weapon, he was a guardian of the Darkroot Garden and would be an invaluable asset. He also explained the plan to move to Ponyville, to which Equinox held up a hand.

“What do you expect us to do with all these civilians? Leave them here?” He said sternly, looking at all those gathered.

“Yes.” Equinox looked from Yira, who was shocked, to Damien, who was as unreadable as ever. “This problem is most likely affecting the entire world, and you expect me to care about them while things could get worse?” Equinox’s began to simmer in rage as Damien held up a hand. “Not to mention, but I believe I am what drove those boars here. And so are you.” This caused everyone to pause as they looked at Damien.

“You think you are responsible? But how?” Asked Reverend as a lot of the ponies began to sit up.

“Souls of course. When I was repairing and handing out clothes and equipment, it probably attracted the boars from the sheer amount being used. So, if those with the highest soul content were to leave, it would probably become a much safer haven.” Damien nodded and began to point to each of them. “It would be me, Yira, Equinox, her-” he said as he pointed to Blaze, who was watching him suspiciously. “Defidus, and...that should be enough. The rest can stay, repair, survive, and have a much easier time doing so. Especially now that they are better equipped.” He finished off looking at Equinox, who was conflicted and trying to think up reasons. Reverend put his hand on Equinox’s shoulder and smiled.

“We will be fine. Don’t worry. For now, get some rest. When you all wake, you will have a big day ahead of you.” Reverend turned to Damien and held out a hand. “Thank you so much for your help. It is greatly appreciated and we now should be fine on our own.” Damien nodded as Yira translated and reached out, shaking his hand.

“You...are weelcoome.” He said in Equine, the words slipping off his tongue like lard. Reverend nodded and turned back to the injured as Equinox went with Blaz to inform her of everything. Yira and Damien went to one of the more reclusive corners by the fire, sitting down. Yira looked at Damien in worry.

“You truly think they’ll be okay?” He nodded as he looked into the fire.

“If they deserve to live, they shall be fine.” She looked shocked as he turned towards her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “That is how life works Yira. I am sorry. They seem to be capable fighters, and it is true us leaving should stop attracting attention, but there will still be fights ahead of them. Now get some sleep. We leave once you awake.” He turned back to the fire and Yira sighed, getting as comfortable as she could next to him as she closed her eyes.

Oh, Chrysalis… I fear that things will only continue to get worse...

Chapter 7: A Red Figure, The Night The World Changed

Deep, deep under the crust of the earth, in a pitch black cavern, stood a large mirror. Every couple of minutes or so, several small wisps of light in varying sizes would shoot into the mirror, making it glow gently. Behind its silvery surface, a murky blackness watched the world, its gaze darting between the cities as they feel. One of the many things that irked it was the Golden Lion who was traveling the railroads of Equestria. It would stop in the towns, staying and waiting, and would eliminate every beast from Lordran that appeared. It irked him. Significantly. Because of it, his plans were moving far slower than he liked. It shifted a little, running over its thoughts in its head, when two wisps shot into the portal. Its gaze turned to them, and a surge of stringlike blackness lifted them close. It looked them over, realizing that not only were they substantially stronger than the average souls that came in, but they were also only about half of the power in the owner's true souls. Yes...these will do nicely... The blackness slunk forwards, bringing forwards other souls. The other two, one being white and the other red, joined the mass, before the black crashed over them like a wave, writhing intensely. The black crushed inwards, then exploded outwards, leaving behind a red figure, the center of its body a deep black. Its body glowed in the obsolete blackness, as it took one knee and bowed. The black mass chuckled, and reached out almost lovingly. It crushed the figure inside of its sickening hand, then calmly released it, leaving it a hazy red smoke. A red sigil opened up beneath it, and it quickly faded away, as the dark began to chuckle ominously.

The moon's light feel upon Ponyville, its residents asleep after a hard day's work. After Princess Twilight Sparkle had received a letter from Celestia about beings from an alternate world attacking the land, she had informed the citizens. After the initial panic, they had begun preparations to prepare for any such encounter. The carpenters had begun building barricades to prevent them from entering the town from the outside, whilst the others rigged up alarm systems throughout the town. Guards were posted in every section, and citizens had reinforced the locks on their front doors. Now, guards were patrolling each section of the town, using magic or lanterns to look into the shadows as they had no idea what to expect from these 'creatures'. One such guard was near the remains of where the library stood, his eyes scanning the dark. He turned to leave when a dark wind blew past him, making his hair rise on end. He snapped around, raising his spear upwards. A glowing red sigil appeared on the ground, evil and malice seeming to rise from its core. He watched as a red figure slowly oozed upwards out of the sigil, his eyes widening as panic began to fill him. The figure was a blood red, the core of it seeming to be dark and black. Its helm was that of a wrinkled hood, obscuring the face inside. It's chest was covered in black leather, several pouches adorning its belt. It arms were skeletal, ending in sharp claw-like fingers. It had tight leather pants and boots, its feet digging into the ground as it rose to its full height. It reached to its back and grabbed a hilt, its hand tightening as it pulled upwards. The guard began to breathe faster, trying to keep itself calm as he saw the large curved blade rise upward and eclipse the moon, before resting gently on the figures shoulder. The guard swallowed and raised his spear, aiming it at the chest of the figure. "Now just stay right there...whatever you are. You are in the town of Ponyville, and-"

His voice cut off as the blade quickly swept past him. The hooded figure looked at the pony, watching as its head slowly fell from its body and it collapsed, blood draining from the open neck. It's mouth grew into a wicked grin as he absorbed the souls, the familiar feeling of ecstasy coursing through his veins. It turned and walked towards the rest of the town, the bloody blade shining in the moonlight. Deep below the earth, the darkness began to chuckle happily, feeling the incoming souls rush into it.

The citizens were all hiding, horror striking their minds as they heard another guard screaming in pain. It was quiet outside, before the sound of one of the doors being tugged on echoed into the town. The being rattled the handle, tugging at it several times. When it didn't open, it raised its fist and punched the door, shaking the entire frame. The sturdy wood held, annoying the fiend more. Several calls were heard as more guards approached only to be quickly cut down by his superior blade, adding to the corpses littering the ground. One last guard that hadn't run forward sat there, watching the blood soak into the ground around her companion's corpses as she wet the ground in fear. It turned and looked at her, flashing it's wicked smile. It walked over slowly, the boots making fresh imprints in the dark red ground as its left hand started to glow. Before she could react she felt her horn getting tugged as she was lifted into the air. Her eyes widened and she came to, struggling against the powerful grip. The being chuckled, and her body was filled with a strange sensation, almost as if her life was being drained straight from her body. Her horn crackled and sparked, the hand glowing stronger as it drained her more. She felt her consciousness start to fade out, her life ending in the grip of the red demon, when suddenly she was dropped on the ground roughly. Her blurred eyes could barely make out the sight if the thing staggering backwards, then rolling away as purple shots of magic hailed down on it. Her eyes fluttered down and she fainted to the sound of quick hoof steps.

Twilight skidded to a stop next to the fallen guard, and quickly levitated her upwards. She beckoned Rainbow and Applejack, the only two of her friends that could handle the sight around them. "Here. Take her somewhere safe." They nodded, all three of their faces grim and sick. The two of them carried her away, as Twilight set her eyes on where the creature had gone. My magic seemed to work, meaning that it does feel pain. But it must be a skilled warrior to have killed this many guards... She cautiously began following after it, her eyes scanning everything around her. With a red glow, it shouldn't be able to hide that well...meaning I'll probably see it soon enou- her train of thought was cut off as a loud ringing sound was heard, and she instantly readied her magic, her wings flaring out. She looked around her, standing in-between two houses, the moon blocked by the roofs. Her ears twitched gently, every nerve standing on end. A small crumble of dirt was the only warning she had before the massive blade carved through where she just was. She had dove forward, snapping her wings shut to give her a burst of speed. She came to her feet and turned sharply, rapid firing several shots of magic at her assaulter. She watched as they flew forwards and impacted the white fog around his form, which seemed to absorb the entirety of the blast. She grit her teeth and fired several more powerful shots, but each one hit the barrier, completely unaffecting him. Her eyes widened a little and she faltered, watching as the figure grinned and began to slowly walk towards her, raising its blade upwards. She shook her head and darted backwards and into the open, right in the center plaza of the town. She harnessed her energy in her horn, which crackled and sparked as her stored energy began to build higher. The being continued striding towards her confidently, its left hand starting to glow again. She yelled and fired her magic, the powerful beam shooting forward and slamming into its chest. It staggered backwards, the barrier rippling from the force of the attack. Damnit...come on! She poured more energy into the attack, the beam getting larger as it forced the figure back more. It lowered its blade, interrupting the stream with the flat of the blade. Twilight began to sweat, putting more magic into the beam. The barrier began to crackle, blocking the figure from view. She closed her eyes and poured the last bits of her magic into the beam, until the force sent her flying backwards, the laser cutting through the night sky. Several civilians, guards, and her friends all saw it, and prayed.

Twilight slowly got to her feet, panting and looking around. The ground in front of her was scorched black, and she could see in the distance where the beam had cut into the forest, leveling the trees. Her eyes scanned the buildings, and couldn't see any sign of the red demon. Just as she started to relax a little, she felt a tight painful grip on her horn lift her into the air. She gasped in pain, her eyes widening as they met the black hood. It's hand gripped tighter and glowed, before she felt the sensation of pain rippling through her body as it began to suck out her very life. It cackled manically as it fed off of her, her life slowly fading away in its grasp. Her eyes began to slowly close, her ears twitching as she heard a sharp crack nearby. The flow stopped as the thing looked around, another crack echoing into the night. It's eyes drifted downward to the ground, where a large crack was cutting through the ground. Suddenly and without warning a fist shot out, slamming into its head. It staggered backwards before rolling away, facing the hole where the new creature was slowly pulling itself out of the ground, with Twilight breathing raggedly nearby. First came a gauntlet, gripping the dirt tightly, before slowly hoisting itself out. Then came a large blade, gleaming in the moonlight, almost with an otherworldly feel. The new arrival hoisted itself outwards, ending on a armored knee, with its large blue cloak floating gently onto the ground. It slowly rose to its full height, a foot taller then the invader. Across its back was a large triangular shield, scratches and notches its defining features. The blue cloak came neatly around the front, nestling atop the Knights chestplate. The helmet was in the shape of a bird, the opening large, yet still hiding his face. The sides were made of a similar blue cloth to that of the cloak, and it had a small plume of dark hair rising out of the back. The figure gripped its blade tighter in its left hand, and turned to the wounded pony besides it. It knelt down by her, her eyes too drained to react as they looked over the new creature. It reached into its pocket, and slowly withdrew a golden vial, about the size of his finger. It delicately pried open her mouth, and slipped it onto her back molars, before closing her jaw. As she felt the glass shatter and cut into her gums, the heavenly liquid rushing into her body. Her eyes widened as she felt her limbs renew with a rich vigor, and her heart beating stronger then ever. She rose strongly to her feet, and spat out the glass, feeling the last of the miraculous fluids repair her cut gums and leaving her healthier than she was when she woke up that morning. Yet she could still sense something was missing, something that felt like it could never be returned. She swallowed and wet her lips, looking into the dark helmet of the knight. "Wh...who..?" He slowly rose to her feet, and turned away. She turned as well, then snapped into a battle stance, remembering what had happened. The red figure was still standing there, blade held at the ready as it regarded the knight. Said knight slowly raised his blade, gripping it tighter in his left hand, as he slowly pushed Twilight backwards. She swallowed and did so, leaving the two of them facing each other, the fountain's trickle of water the only sound between them.

With a start forward their blades clashed, the sickly red curved blade meeting the edge of the blue knight's majestic sword, before they parted and deftly clashed again. The Bird was faster, his strokes chaining one after another as he pushed the red figure back. It grit its teeth and rolled away, getting to its feet and swiping at him. He turned and parried the blade away, earning a growl of anger. It swiped again, but he ducked underneath the blade, swinging upwards. It tried to roll away, but The Bird's blade caught its chest, cutting into it deeply. The red figure backed up and raised its hand, energy crackling and charging into it. He quickly reached behind him with his right hand and pulled forward his greatshield, just in time to absorb the impact of the large bolt of lightning. He hunkered down as several more impacted his shield, the electricity slightly numbing his arm. He looked up, then stepped backwards as the curved blade arced towards him, the red figure attacking with more ferocity. He raised his blade and met it with the curved one, slowly stepping backwards as their blades continued meeting powerfully in the air. The sound of a small pebble scattering drew his gaze, as he saw the purple creature peeking from around the corner. Sensing his distraction, the thing swung its blade to the side, grinning as it felt the curved edge hit flesh. It made to tug it out, but met resistance. It finally noticed that his hand was holding the blade in place. It tugged again, but had its sword pulled from its hand. The Knight tossed it away, and began walking forward. It began to slowly back up, swallowing as it watched its weapon fade away into nothingness. The Knight dashed forward, punching it in the face. He then hooked his blade under his stomach and lifted him into the air, before arcing it high and batting the figure away, making it splash in the fountain. It gasped, clutching its chest as a black mist began to leak outwards. It looked up slowly, and saw the dark blue blade swinging through the air before its head was cleaved straight off, flying high in the air before toppling across the ground, fading away as well. The Knight regarded the headless red body, the water forming around it, before it exploded it a cloud of magic, scattering high into the air. He nodded and sheathed his blade, then groaned and held his side, the cold metal of his gauntlet gently touching the open wound.

Her eyes darted between the fading body and the remaining figure, watching him in awe. She swallowed and hesitantly walked over, seeing him holding his side. "E-excuse me? Are you okay?" She stopped as it looked over at her, the sense of observation coming from under its helm. It slowly stood up, making her back up slightly, before it spoke to her. The sounds that fell on her ears were clearly structured as words, but she couldn't understand a single one. She shook her head, and the figure stopped, understanding. It looked around the square, which was obviously small to it. It slowly walked to one of the gaps in the houses, and looked at the corpses that were strewn around. Twilight stood next to him, swallowing painfully. She charged up her horn, then cast a quick cleansing spell, cleaning away the pools of blood. The figure walked to each of the bodies, looking them over. It stopped by one and kneeled down, lowering its head next to the body's. It appeared to listen intently, the shook its head as it stood back up. Twilight nodded grimly, and went to a different one, doing the same. The both did the same for several minutes, and managed to find several which were just unconscious, although they were all badly wounded. They put all the bodies in a row in the square, covering them gently with a cloth. Everyone who was still alive they layed by the fountain, Twilight conjuring pillows for each of them. She turned to the figure and bowed her head slightly in thanks, to which he returned the favor. He looked her over, and saw there was something off about her horn. He made to point it out, when he suddenly felt something impact the side of his head, staggering him and sending him to the ground.

Deep under the earth, far far below, the darkness watched as the red figure was slain, by his nemesis no less. It growled loudly in anger, slamming its fists around. The remains of the black mist, the spoils of the red figures venture, hovered in front of him. It pulsed powerfully, the essence absorbed from the horned Pegasus echoing outward. The darkness slowly pulled it closer, a smile slowly cracking across its face as it danced the pulsating across its fingers. It tossed it gently into the air, before crushing it firmly in its grasp. It let out a gravelly chuckle as the energy surged through its body, filling every crevice and vein. He screeched outward, the heart-wrenching sound of hate crashing against the cavernous walls, slithering through the cracks, upwards and upwards, before coming out as a whisper through the crack below the now stunned knight. Twilight was too busy berating her friend to hear, but she cut off. The blue Pegasus responsible flapped her wings guiltily, watching her in confusion as to why she stopped. Twilight darted her eyes around, the thick silence of the night weighing down on them. What was it...what is this feeling..? She looked up at the sky, towards the stars. Strange...she swore there were more of them on the sky tonight. As she stared, several more blinked out of existence, making her gasp. A black void was forming in the sky, slowly expanding outwards. It quickly blotted out the twinkling lights, consuming them ravenously. It eventually stopped, and the rest of her friends gathered around her. They all gazed up at the void, watching as a ring of fire seemed to alight around it. Finally, it gave one last flash, shining in darkness of the night, before the black energy ripped through the ground around the world. Not even one person could scream as it speared through their bodies, taking ahold of their souls. They all collapsed, and the world went silent, the change beginning to take ahold of their petty lives forever.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long delay, Dark Souls 3. The Red Phantom's equipment: Gold-Hemmed Hood, Black-Thief Chest, Darkwraith Gauntlets, Leather Boots, Server, Darkhand, Canvas Talisman. This chapter was honestly rougher to write, it didn't flow as well. But the story will continue!