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!