As I ran for the ledge, I bend down and grabbed the rappel line with my left hand, my Tac-833 held tightly in my right. Holding the rope so my palm was between it and the ground so my hand wouldn't get twisted when I jumped. As I baled off the edge I let the rope slide through my fingers, allowing me to get some distance away from the rocks. Once I felt gravity take effect I tightened my grip on the rope causing me to swing back towards the the rock face. I swung my legs back, keeping me facing forward. Using them to brace the impact. Once my feet made contact I started running down the side of the mountain, using the rope to keep me steady. When I was about fifteen feet from the ground I tighten my grip on the rope, causing my legs to kick out below me. I slid the rest of the way down, landing in the gardens. The girls were to the southwest of me about 500 yards through changeling infested streets.

“Let the fun begin.” I thought as I took off for the girls. There were a few changelings standing in front of me looking at something on the ground. I stuck the Tac-388 back on the vest and ripped off the swords, holding them out to the sides of me. The changelings took one look at me and froze with shock as I slipped the swords under their chins slitting their throats. As they dropped to the ground drowning in their blood I spotted a small cylinder at their feet, I quickly picked it up, finding it to be a flash grenade. “Must have fallen off when we ran from the guards a few days ago.” I stuck it into one of the vest pockets as I turned back towards the city. I quickly pushed myself into a full dead run, going as fast as I could knowing the girls didn't have a whole lot of time left. I dove into the alleyways using the back roads to help me get to them faster. I came around a corner about 200 yards into the alley stumbling upon a pile of wood. It looked like a wrecked wagon had blocked the whole alley. I skidded to a stop just a few feet from the pile. I looked around until my eyes settled on a broken fire escape about 20 feet up.

“If I could get up there I could use it to get on the roof and that would make getting to them a hell of a lot easier than running through these alleyways.” I thought as I stuck the swords back on the vest and took a couple steps back standing against the opposite wall. I ran for the other side jumping up once I was a few feet away. I got about 7 feet off the ground then pushed off the side of the building getting a few more feet into the air. I repeated the process on the other side making it so I could reach the bottom of the fire escape, once I grabbed a hold I saw a few more changelings heading for the girls.

“They might still be fighting for them to send reinforcements.” I mumbled as I pulled myself up on top of the roof. I took a quick look around, seeing the changeling filled sky and streets. “There has to be an end to these bastards, right?” I turned and spotted the mass of the changeling horde. I beat myself to push my legs into another sprint. Once I was at the edge I looked down, what I saw was a massive group of changeling about twenty yards away creeping up on the girls. I could see the the rest of the girls surrounding Twilight, who was trying to stand up. She looked like she was running off of a pound of duck tape and a gallon of will power. The changelings haven't seen me yet and I was standing about 25 feet above the girls. As I stood there assessing the situation two changelings rushed forward, without even a second reaction I reached up and pulled the swords off with both hands and threw them at the changelings. The swords dove into the changelings’ heads and stuck them into the ground about ten feet from the girls. I heard them gasp in fright. The rest of the changelings looked up seeing me, hissing. Another charged at the girls as I jumped down.

Point of view: Fluttershy.

As I saw the two changelings get impaled by the swords I gasped together with my friends in horror of seeing them get killed. They were trying to kill us, but we would never kill them. My head filled with two questions;

1. Who would do such a thing?
2. Who threw those swords?

Before either of these questions could be answered another changeling charged. As soon as it got within ten feet of us a shadow fell across it. We all looked up just in time to see a creature falling down towards the changeling. Just as the changeling was a couple of feet away from us the creature landed on it in a roll grabbing the changeling’s horn and throwing it back towards the other changelings. The new creature stopped its rolls in between the two changelings that were impaled to the ground. One of the changelings spoke, startling me.

“What do you think you're doing demon? These ponies are ours.” it said in a hissing voice. I was doubly shocked when the creature returned in a harsh metallic voice.

“That's where you're wrong, these ponies are mine, if you want them you will have to go through me.” The creature said as it grabbed the sword handles ripping them out of the ground and the changelings head causing my lunch to try and make a reappearance. The creature spun the blades, causing blood to spatter the ground and any nearby objects. I dodged the green droplets as the creature turned towards us. It had to be around six feet tall and was covered in a dark forest green color except what I guess was its arms. It had a large golden eye that took up most of its head along with some weird kind of clubs on its back. I couldn't see any form of a mouth on it or any other features. It stood like a minotaur except its legs bent the wrong way. Its upper limbs were a light golden tan color and were bare except for a thin patch of hair on its lower arm. There were three scars on its right arm in a diagonal pattern. Other than that I couldn't see any other form of hair on its body, mostly because of the clothes it was wearing. They had a green leaf pattern and they looked a little torn up and burned. The creature stared at me almost like it was waiting for something. I saw another changeling come running up at it trying to attack it while it was distracted.

“Look ou…!” I tried to warn it but it was already turning around swinging its sword at the changeling. The sword caught it just above its shoulders cutting it clean through its neck, causing its head to fly a few feet away landing in front of the changeling that spoke earlier. It looked from it and then back at the creature.

“Get out of our way demon, we outnumber you by four hundred. You have no chance at surviving.” It said crouching down, getting ready to pounce. The others copying its movements. The creature gave a deep rumbling noise that sounded almost like a chuckle.

“I may be outnumbered, doesn't mean I’m outmatched.” it said widening its stance holding the sword in its left hand in front of it and the other to the side at a downward angle. “Girls head for the elements. I’ll hold them off.” I immediately turned and ran for the chamber.

Personnel: Stones.

I heard Fluttershy run off as I studied the changelings.

“Fluttershy wait.” I heard Twilight yell as she ran after her followed by the rest of them. I turned back towards the changelings. They were smaller than the other ones and didn't have any blue armor on except for a selected few. One being the changeling that called me demon. We stood there waiting for either one of us to move. The head changeling stared at me then hissed.

“Sarah turn on headstrong for me will you please?”I asked as the changelings lowered themselves preparing to spring towards me.

“What, why?” she asked as I cracked my neck a few times.

“I feel the need for inspiration.” shortly afterwards the first few notes started through the helmet's speakers.

“You will die monster.” one of the changelings said then charged. Normally such a thing wouldn't have bothered me but for some reason it made me pause. Just long enough for the head changeling to charge in. Just before he reached me I swung upward with the sword in my right sliced into his shoulder decapitating his head. I looked down at the head as it hit the ground getting a better look at its lifeless eyes, the other changelings looked at me in fear. We stood there for a few seconds as I looked at the dead changelings.

“The sword seems to move through faster and easier than with the last army. I wonder…” I thought as I flicked the blood off and put the sword in my right hand away and pulled off the pistol letting it hang down at my side.

“So guys, how’s your health plan?” I asked they looked at each other then charged. “Apparently it's great.” I lined up on the first changelings head and fired. Unlike the changeling we meet a couple of days ago the bullet went right through its shell. After that I started unloading rounds into any changeling that I could, slicing the rest that came to close. Once the slide locked into the open position I stuck it back on my thigh, still slicing with the sword. I reached up and grabbed the assault shotgun sticking the stock into the crook of my elbow, allowing me to shoot it one handed. After firing off a few rounds Jane cut through the music.

“Stones behind you.” without even a second of hesitation I dove forward sticking the sword into a changeling while shoving the shotgun barrel into another's mouth, making its head turn into a green mist. A green fire blast slammed into a group of Changelings, launching them through the air. At that moment the changelings pushed in closer. I looked around at the changelings surrounding me, they looked like they wanted to be anywhere but here. I lifted the sword looking into the Black reflective metal seeing the gold visor of my helmet staring right back.

“Alright boys we know how this song and dance goes. How about we cut out the middleman and you just get out of my way.” as I looked around they looked from one to another. They started to look like they would agree. Then I felt a change in the atmosphere of the fight.

“They will not disobey their orders from the queen.” A loud deep commanding voice shouted through the air. I looked up to see a new changeling that landed in the battlefield. It was about the same size of the queen except it was a few inches shorter and a hell of alot thicker. It had some kind of helmet on its head almost like the royal guards helmets but in a dark blue color. It had a stance of power that was rivaled by only that of the queen. If I had to guess this was the leader of her army.

“And who the hell are you?” I asked as I spun the swords, cleaning off some of the gunk that has begun to cake on the edges of the blades.

“I am commander Dark Shadow, soon to be general Dark Shadow, savior of the changelings and killer of demons.”

“Sounds too long, how about we cut it down to size.” I said spinning my swords for emphasis. “How about dead man walking?”

“You will die in a pool of your own blood demon.” He said as he charged at me with his own swords drawn. They were about a foot longer than mine and had a strange glow to them along with some kind of light blue glowing rune on the blade. As he made an attempt at my neck I used my swords to block it. He slid his swords along mine skipping over the guard and scraping against my left arm. When they made contact I felt a jolt of electricity shoot up my arm. I shoved him away shaking my arm trying to rid of the tingling feeling in that was running up and down it. “Do you think I would go into a fight with just basic weapons?” Black Shadow laughed. “My swords are charged with the fury of a thunderhead.”

“So I'm fighting against a shadow with a shocking personality.” I thought as I watch the changelings surrounding us taking a couple steps back giving us some room to fight. “I can't let him touch me but if I do it right maybe I can use that oversized cattle prod against him.”

I then jumped at him using the extra height to put more power into the swing. He raised his to block my attack, the swords giving off a spark as they connected. I quickly tilted the swords making them touch his head. He gave off a shudder then pushed me away. As he shook his head he turned towards me with a snarl. I smiled then charged again. I took both the points of my swords together and made a V out of them aiming of his head. He took his swords and slammed them into my guards locking them into place. I quickly turned the swords making the points hold his swords in between both swords, forming an X out of them. He tried to pull his swords away but I just pushed mine in closer causing him to take a step back or he would have put his head within striking distance. He then tried to push me away. I turned and yanked on the swords, pulling them out of his grasp. I threw them up in the air placing the ones I already had back on my back. I caught the new ones in a reverse hold then flipped them around.

“Nice swords, mind if I keep them?” I asked spinning them getting use to the new weight. Black Shadow snarled at me.

“I’ve had enough of this human. You will die at the hands of my queen.” He charged me along with the rest of the changelings. I swung the swords catching a few in the neck, not enough to go through but enough to kill them. The rest started to swarm me grabbing ahold of my arms and weighing them down.

“Looks like they are finally starting to learn.” I thought as tried to shake them off only to have more take their place. Soon I could barely move my arms as they started lifting me up into the air. “Well looks like they are going to save me a trip.” I thought as I stop struggling, allowing them to lift me up into the air. Most of them left leaving four to lift me until I was about 50 feet off the ground as they headed for the throne room. I looked through one of the windows to see Crystalist standing before seven green cocoons and Cadence standing next to a lime green eyed hypnotized Shining Armor with green slime holding her into place. I looked up at the changelings carrying me then back towards the window. I still had the swords in my hands so I put them to use. I spun them upwards catching the two changelings on the outside in the wings cutting them off. They staggered then dropped letting go as the went. The other changelings saw this and caught the two as more came to hold me. I quickly stabbed the one holding my upper right arm in the chest, ending its life leaving the one on my left alone letting it struggled to hold me. I quickly swung my body towards the windows causing the changeling to turn and head for it or risk dropping me. As I did this I killed any other changeling that tried to get too close. Once we were almost to the window I stuck the sword in my right hand onto the vest with the handle facing the ground, I quickly reached up and grabbed a hold of the changeling's wing causing it to fall out of the sky heading for the stain glass window.

Personnel: Princess Cadence. Location: Alter.

“You’ll never get away with this. He will stop you.” I said staring down the queen. I tried for the hundredth time to move my legs but the slime has already harden making it impossible. Not to long ago a group of these nasty creatures dragged in the elements and stuffed them into the cocoons along with my Aunt. “You and your army don’t stand a chance.”

“Silence, my guards will stop him from ever reaching this room. He is good as dead.” She snarled into my right ear. I leaned away not liking the sudden invasion of personal space. At that moment the air was filled with the sound of glass shattering. We turned towards the noise to see the creature crashing through the the stained glass window of discord puppeteering ponies. He had a changeling attached to his right arm and he had the two swords from the cavern on his back with his thunder sticks. This time he had a new set of swords in his hands and he looked a little more attacked than last time I saw him. When he landed he grabbed the changeling on his arm and threw it at a very surprised Chrysalis there was a flash of green light then the changeling connected knocking them both against the wall behind me, I looked from them to the creature in shock.

“How can it still have the energy to fight after what we went through today.” I thought as I watch the creature crack its neck. “I can barely stand let alone fight.”

“What have you done to my guards?” I turned to see Christalis standing over the changeling that was thrown at her. She almost had a look of sorrow on her face as the changeling struggled to stand. She set a hoof on its shoulder shaking her head, it stopped moving then layed back down.

Personal: Stones.

“Oh those are your guards, bug butt?” I asked jerking a thumb behind me pointing out the window I just crash through. “I thought they were walking punching bags.” I said sticking the sword in my right hand onto my vest grabbing a pistol clip with my left. I pulled the pistol off and dropped the empty slamming in the other. The whole time she stared at me with hatred and disgust.

“You will pay for what you have done here today demon.” Chrysalis hissed at me as she turned, igniting her horn.

“Don’t worry I’m good for it. ” I said releasing the slide locking a round in the chamber. “Do you take swords, or bullets?” She snarled then fired a blast of magic at me.

I dove to the side dodging the green fireball. I rolled across the ground coming up behind a pillar. I press my back to it as another blast hit the other side, after a few seconds I darted out running at a full sprint heading for the alter. I fired off a few shots causing her to throw up a solid bright green shield to block them, the rounds quickly shattered the shield. When I was almost fifteen feet away I lowered the pistol and ready the sword preparing to catch her in an upward swing only to be thrown off my feet when I felt something yanked on my right shoulder hard enough to nearly disconnect it again. I landed on my back quickly looked over to see a green glow on the shoulder of the vest. I swung the pistol around and fired. She let go of me raising another shield, the bullets ricochet and hit the ground a foot away from me. I lifted my feet up and put my hands above my shoulders pushing off making me land on my feet. I launched myself into the air raising the sword and hit the hilt of the sword on the shield making it shatter. Before I could swing again the sword was ripped from my grasp and I was thrown back. I used my momentum to roll backward landing back on my feet firing a few more rounds at her, as I stood back up the pistol's slide locking back. The sword held tightly in her magic as she raised another shield. I threw the pistol away and charged again, she dropped the shield thrusting the sword at my chest. I spun around the thrust like a linebacker would an opponent. After I made a full turn I slammed my left elbow into her temple knocking her off balance. I quickly turned and slammed my shoulder into her chest knocking her to the ground. I ripped the other lightning sword off my back and swung it down attempting to finish her off. But she raised her blade just in time to stop mine. When the blades connected they let loose a flash of white light and a crash of thunder, knocked both of us away. I quickly got to my feet as she fired off another magic blast at me, I dove for the ground, the blast missing me by inches. I quickly rolled to my right putting me behind the altar. I jumped up and pressed my back to it. I looked around spotting the sword sticking through the wall about fifty feet away, too far to make a run for it, I did have the other set but crystalis was too far away to reach before she’ll blast me to pieces. All I need is a distraction.

“Why won't you just stop!!!” She yelled as I tried to catch my breath. “Just roll over and die already.”

“I'm not a dog you dumb bitch.” I shouted back. “As long as those ponies are still breathing I will never stop.”

“Why do you insist on having this pointless battle? No matter, once I’m done with you this war will be over soon enough.” While she was rambling I reached into one of the pockets and pulled out the flash grenade. I poked my head around the corner.

“Hey Christalis…,” She spotted me and raised her sword. “Catch.” I quickly pulled the pin chucking her the grenade. She easily caught it in her magic before it could hit her in the head. She pulled it closer than looked up at me with a smug grin. I quickly ducked behind the altar.

“Nice try demon…..” the grenade detonated, I ripped the swords off and dove out of cover, charging the blinded changeling. She ignited her horn and fired a blast at me somehow guessing where I was. I stepped to the side but i had to use the swords as a balancing device putting them in the path of the blast.

The blast ripped the swords from my hands, causing me to spin due to the momentum they carried. I released the swords and keep the spin going until I was lined back up with Crystalis. Somehow I was able to keep running during this ordeal getting me close enough to crystalis I could see scratches in her chiti. I wrapped my arms around her barrel and kept running. I saw a window behind her of Celestia and Luna with the elements of harmony. Without a second though I surged forward slamming both of us through the window, glass flying all around. As we fell through the air her wings buzzing slowing her fall. She snarled and snapped at me now being able to know exactly where I was, I lean back and slammed my fist into her head. I then curled up and slammed my foot into her chest shoving her towards the ground slowing my fall to almost a stand still. She slammed into the ground. I pulled back my arm just before impact. My feet landed on both sides of her barrel my fist coming down striking her in the snout. Her head slammed into the ground her eyes closed as she let out a groan. As I breathed in deeply I stepped off of her, then I heard something clatter a few feet away. I looked up to see my Tac-388 laying on the ground. The sound of glass soon followed. As the glass from the window rained down on us I walked over and picked up my rifle, the stock was scratched to all hell, the scope was smashed and dented but I didn't need it for this shot, I pulled back the bolt inserting a round into the chamber. I turned back towards the dazed changeling queen. She gave off another groan as I walked back over. She opened her eyes as I lined up the barrel in between her eyes. She looked up at it and her eyes crossed before looking up at me. Fear quickly settled in her cat-like eyes.

“This is your last chance Chrysalis, leave Canterlot and take your swarm with you. I better not ever see you anywhere near canterlot or any other pony settlement.” I said resting the barrel on her forehead. “I'll let you know that if you even try to use your magic or signal your guards to attack l’ll put a round through your cranium. Now before I let you go you have some explaining to do.”

“What do you want?” she asked shaking.

“Well for starters, how about some answers that have been pegging my mind for the last couple of days. Your kind can change into anyone, so why didn't you stay hidden and get love that way even though you would have to kidnap ponies. But even that's better than starting an all out war.” I said backing up a little giving her room to sit up. She looked at me then down towards the ground. We stood there for a few minutes then she gave a sniff

“I surrender.” I looked back down at Chrysalis, she was still looking down at the ground but I could see a few wet spots forming on the ground. She looked up at me, I could see the trail that the tears made through the dust that covered her shell. “I give up I can't stop this, I can't stop you, even if I could they would just chase me out. They won't help me, I didn’t want this. I just wanted my hive to live in peace and quiet. Now that can never happen unless I was able to stop you. I only attacked because I had no choice. We only attacked because we didn't have a choice.”

“What do you mean?” my curiosity getting the better of me. I lowered the rifle a little but keep it trained on her just in case she tried something.

“We need to feed. Our species can only survive for so long without love and with the love reserve almost out we were getting desperate. We lost so many as it is, we couldn't risk not showing ourselves to Equestria, in seek of aid, they didn't give us the chance, they attacked me nearly killing me, I was forced to flee, told never to return. With my hive slowly dieing off I was confronted by another queen, she told me that if I wanted to keep what little of a hive I had I needed to destroy you.” She said looking back down, her voice softening. “Now she will wipe out the rest of my children, and there is nothing I can do to stop her.” I looked at her in distrust. “I know you have no reason to believe me. But she took my form to make Equestria hate me even more, and to trick you. These changelings aren’t mine, they belong to the queen that is behind this. I know you can find the answer. Look and see the truth.”

“Sarah, is there any way we can see if she is telling the truth?” I asked after turning off the external speakers, my mind spinning with what I have been told. The rifle didn’t move a centimeter.

“I have an idea that might work, give me a second to test it.” she stated as I stared at Crystalis.

“Is what she’s telling me even possible. If she is a victim in this then what am I going to do about it? I need to help her… why do I need to help? They have only cause me trouble, not to mention they put a serious chance of me getting killed." I thought as Sarah did her little science experiment. “Just because they can’t protect themselves, why do I have to help them? Because it’s your job to protect those that can't protect themselves. That's what a Guardian is……….. I haven’t heard that for a long time. I guess my old instructors left quite the number on me.”

“Stones I think I have found something.” Sarah stated breaking me from my thoughts.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Okay I was able to use the sensors in your helmet to scan her for her magic signature.”

“Okay what did you find?” I asked resting my finger on the trigger.

“Well first off that won't be needed. She is not the changeling queen we ran into earlier.” With those words I removed my finger but kept the weapon trained on her.

“I'm sensing a “but” in that sentence.” I said not liking where this might go.

“But we already have her in the system.”

“What… how?” I asked.

“We have her magic signature as the pony that you went after before you were dragged to the caves below.”

“So that's why that pony acted scared before I even had the chance to take them down. She was just a distraction for me.” I reached for the trigger again but stopped. “Why did you lure me into the alleyways?” She looked up at me in surprise but then lowered her head back down.

“I was forced to be a decoy for the creatures that were attacking the changelings. When I saw you I could feel the strength of your heart. Your heart is filled with the compassion to protect those in need. At first I didn't want to believe that you would help me. Seeing how you have attacked every changeling you came across. Then when I meet you in the throne room my hope returned, but the threat of my sister crushed it. Now with no chance of beating you, I turn to you for aid. Begging you to help me and my hive. If you do we will leave equestria and not return.” She said her voice getting stronger as she spoke but then dropped, knowing if they left they chances of her hive survival dropping next to nothing. I looked at her then looked down at the ground deep in thought.

“If I help her I will be placing everything I have at risk on her, but if I do and succeed then she could make great allie.” after a few seconds I gave a deep sigh turning the speakers back on. “I’ll help you.” she looked up at me in surprise. “Head out for the Everfree, I’ll meet you at the castle of the two sisters in a few days. I need to find any info I can on your sister. If I find out you trick me in any way I will personally tear your hive apart piece by piece. Do we understand each other?” I asked holding out my hand for her to shake. The rifle now hanging down at my side. What she did next, I wasn't expecting. She jumped past my arm and latched herself around my neck with her head nuzzling my cheek.

“Thank you. Thank you so much. I don't know how to repay you.” she said.

“Well for starters you can let go.” I replied patting her on the back with my free hand.

“Oh sorry.” she let go and stepped back, her cheeks were red.

“Alright now to finish this mess. Maybe the princesses won't want to kill me if I help free them. Maybe I can see if they would reconsider opening up trade with your hive.” I said removing the rifle's scope throwing it way. She looked confused.

“How will you do that?” she asked tilting her head slightly.

“talk to them?” I said shrugging my shoulders.

“How they can't understand you?” she said making me pause.

“What do you mean, how can they not understand me?”

“You can't speak their language.” she stated tilting her head.

“Then how can I understand what they are saying and how can I talk to you?” I asked confused and slightly set back on the idea that if I’m captured I won't be able to talk my way out of it.

“You have a magic filter on your ears but not on your vocal cords. It's what give the changelings the ability to change voices.” she said stepping closer. “Why you only have it on your ears confuses me but I still don't know a lot about you.”

“For now lets keep it that way.” I said then another changeling decided to wreck the party. It landed a few feet away from us hissing. Without even looking I raised the rifle and fired, disintegrating the changeling from its snout up. “How about we have this conversation after I finish this and get out of here.” she nodded and took flight heading for the Everfree. After a few seconds I turned and headed for the front doors of the castle.

Along the way I killed any changeling that came at me and freed any ponie trapped. Most of them screamed and ran but some said thanks before they left. Giving me some hope that maybe they won't kill me on sight. That hope didn't keep when I was almost stabbed by a guard. Lucky for me the stallion doesn't have a good aim. After taking the sword away and throwing it into a fire I reached the doors. They were still open and I could see Cadence standing next to a very confused Shining Armor, what confused me was the fact he was no longer hypnotized and his hooves were covered by more green slime holding him in place. As I walked in both their eyes turned to me.

Point of view: Cadence.

“You're still alive?” I asked surprised. I could see small pieces of glass sticking to its clothing. As it stepped closer it gave a few grunts and shrugged its shoulders.

“What is it that thing?” Shining Armor asked trying to free himself, his magic sputtering a few times then died. The creature walked over to him and looked at the slime covering his hooves.

“I don't know what he is but I know he is here to help.” I said as the creature bent down poking the rock hard slime. After a few seconds it turned and looked at the pods hanging overhead.

“What's it doing?” He asked when the creature pulled out a large knife. Before I could even answer him the creature flipped the knife holding the blade then threw it at one of the pods hitting it where it connected to the ceiling. The knife cut through it causing the pod to drop, right into the creature's arms. It set it down then looked inside it. It shook its head then went and picked up the knife again. Throwing it at another pod. Again catching it on the way down. This time when he looked in he gave a nod. He walked over and picked up the knife. As he walked over he paused for a second to look out at the changelings still attacking outside. Again he shook his head and gave a few grunts.

“What are you?” Shining asked shaking. as the creature walked over to the pod. It stopped and looked up at him. The golden visor on its helmet was like a mirror but the way the helmet was formed was frightening. If i didn't know what was under that helmet I could see why ponies would fear it. The helmet was formed almost like a giant golden eye that didn't blink. The size of him wasn’t anything to joke about either. Every inch of him was rippling with muscle. I have also see the eyes that hide behind that visor. They were cold and calculating, but hidden deep within them was someone searching for something. The creature then turned away and walked over to the pod. It raised the knife with the blade held backwards in it grip.

“No!” I yelled. The knife stabbed in all the way to the hilt. Then he sliced the pod open. A strange green liquid poured out as the creature reached inside. His back was to us as he stood up. As he turned around I could see a purple tail dangling. He was carrying Twilight over. She looked around confused then looked at the arms of the creature following them up to its head. As it reached the steps it looked down at her. I could see Twilight was starting to shake. The creature quickly set her down and pointed at me. Twilight turned and looked.

“Cadence!” she yelled running over. She nuzzled my chin then looked back at the creature. “What is that thing?” she asked pressing up against me.

“Don't worry it's not going to hurt us.” I said as the creature walked closer. It kneeled down and pointed at Twilight then at my hooves, growling.

“I don't understand.” She said. The creature reached forward causing twilight to flinch and cower away. Then it touched her horn then the slime on my hooves again growling. Twilight looked at it then back at the creature. “You want me to use my magic.” The creature nodded and grunted.

Personal: Stones.

As Twilight backed up and aimed her horn at the slime, I stood up and walked over to the pod that I cut down early. As I looked in I could see Celestia with her eyes closed looking peaceful.

“Can things possibly be different between us.” I thought as I pulled out the knife reaching down to cut her out. Then I heard Twilight blasting the slime with her magic. I looked over and saw the slime disappear from her hooves. I walked around to the other side of the pod so I could keep an eye on them. Twilight walked over and did the same for her brother hugging him tightly. “Maybe this won't end as badly as I thought it would.” I lifted the knife to cut Celestia out but then I stopped, something felt wrong. The hairs on the back of my neck bristled.

“I guess it was to much for me to asks my little sister to do one simple task.” I turned to find another Crystalis standing behind me. I quickly jumped up putting myself between her and Twilight. “I have to say your have become quite the thorn in my side.”

“Comes with the job.” I said flipping the knife around, holding my arms up ready to fight her. “How about we drop the disguise? I already know who you are tic tac.” She raised an eyebrow then a smirk covered her face.

“Looks like I will have to make my sisters suffering even more painful.” She chuckled soon turning into a complete evil laugh her body was soon covered in green fire soon it turning red. When the fire died down Crystalis was no more. In her place stood a changeling of a dark blue green shell with a blood red mane done up in a braid that hung over her left shoulder. “Now Demon how would you like to be destroyed by Crudelis, queen of the changelings?” She asked igniting her horn.

“Tell you the truth just staring at your ugly mug is quite a terrible punishment.” I said covering my visor with my left hand trying to bait her out.

I heard her snarl then the sound of her horn charging. I pulled back the knife and threw it at her, striking her in the horn. She screamed and stumbled as I charged at her grabbing the knife off the ground and stabbing her in the shoulder. She fired a blast at me and knocked me to the side. I rolled to my feet and ran at her again and slammed my fist into her abdomen causing her to stumble. She coughed and groaned as I grabbed her by the horn swinging her around and slamming her into the ground. Then I swung her into a pillar cracking her shell and making spider webs form in the pillar. She laid on the ground and groaned, I turned to Twilight. She had both of them free and Shining was currently trying to activate his horn but only a few sparks fell from the tip.

“I dont have the strength to repel the changelings.” he said as his head dropped.

“My love will give you strength.” Cadence said stepping close to him lifting his head with her hoof.

“Foolish creatures.” Crudelis said catching my attention. I turned to have her tackle me and flew with me across the room. I raised my arm, driving my elbow into her back causing more of her chitin to crack. Then I felt my back slam through another window as she dove for the ground. I reached for the knife and yanked it out driving it back into the base of her wing, twisting it cutting her wing off. She screamed and blasted me across the ground. I rolled head over heel until I slammed into a wall dropping to the ground. I groaned as I pushed myself to my knees. Then I felt something grab a hold of my throat lifting me off the ground, my air cut off. I clawed at my throat trying to break free of the choking grip. I couldn't find anything except a numbing feeling. I lifted my eyes to find Crudelis walking towards me, her horn aglow. She had a snarl on her face and a look of death in her eyes. I could see green blood dripping from the stub that use to be her wing.

“You will pay for that demon.” She snapped at me. She stopped just out of my arms reach, but not out of kicking range. I curled up and slammed my heels into her head. Hitting her in the snout and her horn. She let go of me and stumbled back blood pouring from her nose. I sucked in air as hard as I could as I dropped to the ground. Without wasting a second I charged forward. She recovered to soon as she grabbed my throat again putting me out of reach.

“I’m really getting sick of you, time for you to say goodbye.” She said looking around, she didn't cut off my air supply as her eyes landed on something behind me.

Her horn glowed brighter as her mouth curled into a smile. I then saw a red hot sword appear out of the corner of my eye. She brought it between us as she looked at the burning blade. She looked up at me as she brought it closer to me. I could feel her grab ahold of my arms holding them into place as the heat coming off of it brought a sweat to my forehead. I clenched my teeth as she stuck it into one of the holes in my sleeve burning my arm. I held back a scream as my skin began to blister. She stuck the tip in causing a groan to escape my lips as the smell of burning flesh reached my nose. She pulled it back and covered the blade in her magic. I could see the blade starting to glow brighter.

“She’s heating it up.” I heard Sarah say as Crudelis chuckled.

“Any last request creature before I burn away your flesh and dine on your heart.” She smiled. I looked up to see the throne room beginning to glow.

“Ya, I have one.” I said as she smiled. “Can you get blasted out of Canterlot screaming like the bitch you are?” I smirked as a pink sphere exploded out of the throne room. She turned to see it approaching.

“Noooooooooooooooooo!”She screamed as she was launched into the air. Unfortunately she still had a hold of me with her magic but not for long, just enough to throw me into another wall. I landed on my back staring up at the blue sky.

“Stones are you alright?” Sarah asked as I laid there glad the fighting was over. “Stones answer me!”

“Ya I’m alright. Just catching my breath.”

“Okay but you need to move soon. I don't know the full extent of your injuries but we should let Tyrock look at them and we still don't want to be around when Celestia finds us.”

“Copy that.” I said trying to sit up but there was a sharp pain in my ribs. I gently rolled myself onto my front and pushed myself into a kneeling position. I softly poked around the injured area. It was tender and I could feel a very sharp pain in my fourth rib on my left side. “I definitely broke a rib.”

“Are you okay, what's wrong?” Sarah asked as I slowly stood up.

“I’m not positive but I’m sure I have a broken rib.” I said softly to not provoke my injury. turned my arm looking at the cut that bitch gave me. At first glance I could tell I will need stitches or magic to fix it. The cut was about three inches across and was cut deep. The area around it was red and blistered, the wound itself was black. The heat has cauterised it but I knew I can't do much with it without reopening it. “Alright Sarah can you locate the truck?”

“Locating. Whatever that blast was it launched all changelings in Canterlot. I can't find any signatures.” She said as a small ping went off inside the helmet. “I have located the truck, it's at the base of the mountain inside one of the cave entrances. It’s a mile walk so we better get going.”

“Great. What's the best way?” I asked looking around a little bit.

“Head for the western end of Canterlot near the tracks, there should be a relatively safe trail heading down to the truck.” She said as a small Icon appeared on my hud with an arrow pointing the way along with the distance to my destination. I nodded as I started heading for the truck. On the way I picked up what weapons were mine, I was able to find my Tac-388 along with my assault shotgun. Thankfully they weren't damaged. I found my knife sticking into a wall along the way. The icon soon lead me to Canterlot square.

“Just half a mile to go.” I thought as I looked at the remaining distance. I gently placed my hand against my ribs. “Let's just hope nothing else decides to fuck up my day.” I thought as I walked through the changeling littered ground. “This must have been where I first showed myself.” I mumbled. “Now that the girls know that I exist, what's going to stop them from trying to find me. They won't be chasing after the metal beast if they know of a more interesting creature to dissect. Maybe I can get Jane to send us back after I deal with Crudelis.”

“Stone we may have a problem,” Sarah stated dashing away my thoughts.

“What is it?” I asked stopping between two dead changelings. One had a spear resting in its limp grip. about ten feet away a set of swords lying across another's barrel

“This must be the creature my sisters student was talking about?” I heard in the air behind me. The voice sounded like old English and had a soft tone to it. I turned to find a dark blue alicorn landing ten feet away. “Now if only we could figure out what you are? Luna asked.

“God fucking damn it,” I said widening my stance.

Author's Note

Hey everyone sorry this chapter took so long to get posted. I was busy with boot camp and thanks to that I lost my creativity for a while but now I hope it never leaves. leave a comment down below on what you think of the story so far. if you find a problem with either spelling or grammar let me know and I'll get it fixed.

This one took to long for my taste, I hope you like it and continue to read as I keep posting.

Also I went back and fixed some chapters so they should be a little better now. or I just made it worst who knows. anyway thanks for reading.

The next chapter is in progress but I don't know how long it will take or how long it's going to be.