“There is no way my luck is that fucking bad.” I thought as I took a couple of steps back. I felt my foot bump into the spear. I looked down at it and then looked back up at the princess. She had her head tilted and her eyes were looking me up and down settling on the rifles I had on my back.

“I do have to say a creature that can take on an entire army by itself is quite an amazing feat,” She said stepping closer. “What are thou, creature?”

“God if this is your idea of a joke then just fuck the hell off,” I yelled into the air. Luna backed up a few steps. Her horn now glowing. I slammed my right foot down flipping the spear into the air, I snatched it up and pointed it at her. Sadly the motion caused a sharp burst of pain in my ribs causing me to groan and hunch slightly out of reflex. She looked at me questionably, the brightness of her horn intensified. She was charging up a spell of some kind “Try it, you're going to get a fight you won't forget.”

“I'm not here to hurt you, creature, I just want to understand you.” She said unfurling her wings.

“You have a funny way of showing it.” I said spinning the spear switching it to my right hand holding it over my shoulder. My left holding my injured ribs. Before I could react the spear was ripped out of my hand and thrown across the square. My eyes followed it then turned back to the midnight princess as I held my hands out infront of me.

“Now maybe we can have a civil discussion, well as one may have when they can't speak to each other.” she said blushing slightly. I took another step back. She looked at me curiously then her eyes locked on my arm. “You're injured?” I looked down at it to see blood starting to seep from the cut and drip from my fingers.

“You notice that instead of the ribs?” I asked holding my hand to the broken rib. “Then again I do still have my helmet on. So she can't exactly see me wincing.” I backup a few more steps. “I still don't trust this one and if she does anything I won't have a chance to escape unless I draw away her attention.”

“Easy creature, I’m not going to harm you.” she said sitting on her hunches and raising her front hooves. “I actually think we can help one another. If you help us I could heal you.”

“Kind of hard to help something you have never seen before.” I mumbled. Taking a few steps back trying to keep the distance away from the princess, I was just one more step away from the swords lying to my left. She stops her advancing and sat down staring at me questionably.

“Thou are not very trusting, are you creature?” She said tilting her head slightly. I shrugged and shook my head. Her eyes opened wide. “Wait, can you understand what I’m saying?” I slowly nodded but took another step back. My foot knocking one of the swords onto the ground with a clank of metal the other balanced on the dead changeling's barrel. I winced but didn't acknowledge them, trying to keep the alicorns attention.

“Stones do you think letting her know you understand them is a good idea?” Sarah whispered even though the external speakers were shut off.

“No, but the more time she is distracted means I have a better chance of getting out of this in one piece.” I pointed out letting my hands drop to my sides.

“This is incredible a creature that can't speak Equestrian but can understand it. When my sister meets you imagine what we could learn from each other, though she may have her student study you. The questions is how would she study you. She has been known to be a bit excessive when it comes to assignments from my sister.” She said holding a hoof to her chin. “She might just cut you open to see how, as they say “tock” or is it tick?” I looked at her for a few seconds then took another step back.

“Stones I don't like how she is joking about cutting us up.” Sarah said nervously.

“What do you mean us? What do you have to worry about? You’re a computer program. If you wanted to you could claim yourself as a ghost. They would leave you alone then.” I said holding my hands out getting ready for anything. “I, on the other hand, am made of strong fleshy parts. By the way if they do kill me you have my complete permission to haunt their asses.”

“Nononono I didn't mean it, creature. I do not wish to harm you, look I’ll heal you, to show that I don't want to hurt you.” Luna said her horn igniting.

The magic floated off her horn and snaked its way over to my arm. I watched it slowly get closer thinking of a way out of this mess. When the magic connected with my arm I couldn't have been given more of a surprised. The pain was instant. True it hurt a little when Jane healed me before but this was different. Instead of a tickly feeling that slowly goes away it was a sharp pain that got worst and it felt like someone stuck the ends of a set of jumper cables to each end of my arm and hooked up a daisy chain of ten batteries to it. I could feel myself losing feeling in my arm. A near primal roar flew from my lips as my brain when into an act of survival. My left leg slammed down on the sword handle flipping it into the air. I immediately spun using the heel of my right foot connecting with the hilt causing it to fly like a missile at the princess. It sliced into her ear, cutting it to the middle on the side closest to her horn, it then stuck itself into the wall eight feet behind her quivering. She screamed and cut off her magic as I grabbed my arm looking down at the injury, it was now wider and deeper, along with having more of the skin blacken. I looked back up at the princess. She turned her head when the sword caught her but as she turned back I spun around and charged forward heading for the alleyway behind me.

“Wait, stop!” She yelled as I ran as fast as I could trying to put as much distance between me and her as I can. The sound of wings flapping rose up behind me. As I dove into the alley I could see that she wouldn't be able to fly after me and would have to turn away. Instead, I didn't hear her turn. I looked behind me to see her flying sideways down the alleyway.

“Fucking blue bitch.” I said facing in front of me. The end of the alley split into a “T”. “Shit, Sarah which way?”

“Hang on... take a left.” she said in a slight panic tone. I tilted my feet causing me to slide on the gravel that covered the ground. I then ran up the wall keeping my momentum around the corner. I jumped off landing on a couple of crates on the other side. The alleyway was larger than the last one making it have more than enough room for the princess to fly through it. I looked over my shoulder to see how the princess would get around the corner. She must have pulled up a ways down the alley letting her fly straight up. She then arched herself flying over me upside down. I followed her as she flipped herself the other way making it so she was flying backwards facing me. She dropped to the ground skidding to a stop twenty feet in front of me her wings out to her sides blocking the alleyway, her horn ignited. I dropped to the ground skidding through her open legs. I grabbed her front hooves pulling them behind her. She flipped over onto her back giving a grunt as the act stunned her. I jumped up and continued to run. I looked back to see her shaking her head and began to roll over.

“You're not going to get me that easy Luna.” I thought as I skid around the corner.

“Wait, stop. Please” I heard her yell. I turned and looked over my right shoulder as I stepped out of the alleyway onto the main streets of Canterlot. I didn't go more than two steps before something collided with my head clotheslining me. Then before I could catch my balance my left knee slammed into something else and was thrown forward onto my back. A blast of pain erupted from my injured ribs. I let out a yell at the pain then laid on the ground holding my rib trying to get the throbbing to go away. I looked back to see what I hit. My mind went completely blank when my eyes landed on a cyan blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and a lavender unicorn with a pink stripe in her mane. My eyes locked onto the pegasus then the unicorns. They both put a hoof to their heads, their eyes searched around then landed on me. The world stopped for an instant and all around me went into an almost blur. their eyes felt like they were locked onto mine, they were like pools of light that pulled me in, trying to drown me. I saw a blast of color flow over them followed by a flash of light, then it was gone. This only lasted for a couple of seconds before something stepped in between us, blocking my view.

“Rainbow Dash, Twilight are you alright?” I heard one of the girls ask but it was wrong. It sounded distorted like I had water in my ears. I reached my hand up to check the helmet speakers. But when I felt my actual ear. I immediately went rigid and everything snapped into focus. I didn't have my helmet. I whipped my head around looking for it. Then I spotted it. It was at the entrance to the alleyway, behind the girls. The helmet was laying on its side facing towards me.

“Shit.” I said quietly pushing myself to a crouched position and started to slowly back away trying to not draw any attention to myself. Then Luna flew out of the alleyway, hovering above them looking around, then her eyes landed on me. “Double shit.”

“Stop that creature!” Luna shouted pointing a hoof at me. I turned around ready to take off but instead of an open path to run, there was royal guards and a lot of them. It looked like every guard that was under the crowns command was standing between me and the way I wanted to go and each one had a spear, bow, crossbow or a sword pointed at me.

“Shit times infinity.” I spat out reaching up ripping the assault shotgun off pointing it at the closest guard. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a flash of gold and white. Without even thinking I wiped the butt of the shotgun out and connected it with the head of a pegasus celestial guard flying at me, knocking him out. He landed at my feet with a groan, his helmet dented. I quickly aimed at an earth pony guard that was taking a step towards me. “Take one more step and I’ll drop you like your girlfriend.” I said loading a round in. The guard waved a hoof at the others then the rest of them took a step. I changed my aim to the guard at my feet flipping off the safety. “Don't test me.”

“Try to surround it. Maybe we can hold it down and get Wind Shear out of there.” One of the guards said. I rolled my eyes then lifted the barrel to the air firing off a shot. The sound echoed off the nearby buildings making it even louder. Everyone backed up now surprised and some with the look of fear in their eyes. I pointed it back at the guard at my feet.

“Try it.” I growl.

“Please don’t.” A small voice said. I turned to see Fluttershy walking closer. I switched my aim to her. She stopped and sat down just watching me.

“Fluttershy what are you doing get away from that thing.” Rarity said looking at me in fear and disgust.

“he’s just hurt and scared. Can… um everypony back up please. It's dangerous to corner an injured animal.” She said looking at Rarity then looking back at me. I gave her a growl “I'm not going to hurt you.” She said laying down with her hooves tucked underneath her barrel. Trying to make herself look less threatening. I gave a small snort.

“Like I haven't heard that shit before. Your princess said that not five minutes ago just before she shocked the hell out of me trying to kill me.” I said nodding towards the princess as I kept an eye on the rest of the guards. Fluttershy turned and looked at her.

“Um princess he’s saying you shocked him, I know you might have had a reason but right now he is hurt and scared, can you please not shock him again.... um If that's okay with you.” She added quietly. Luna looked at her then back at me.

“I did no such thing. I attempted to heal it then it roared at me and threw a sword at me cutting my ear.” She said pointing at the cut. As I watched I could have sworn it started to heal up slowly. At first, I didn't believe it but as I started at it I could see it closing.

“What the hell? She has some kind of speed healing. That a new fact to add to their files. Also, Fluttershy can understand me?” I thought as the barrel slowly lowered towards the ground.

“IT HURT YOU!!!!” Rainbow Dash yelled flaring her wings at me. I brought the shotgun back up aiming at her. Fluttershy moved to stop her but then something slammed into me, a flash of pain on the left side of my back in my injured ribs. The shotgun flew up and fired off a round as my body clenched from the sudden pain. A yell ripping from my throat. The force of the hit made me slam into the ground on my injured side, furthering the damage and pain to my ribs. I heard the sound of something flying over me. I looked up to see a celestial pegasus swoop down and grabbed the unconscious guard I had as a hostage. Then I felt the shotgun being ripped out of my hands along with all the weapons on my back. At the thought of being without a weapon, I beat the pain into submission and shoved it into another part of my brain and slowly stood up. I saw Twilight with my weapons floating in her magic and the rest of the girls ready to charge at me. I looked behind me to see all the guards aiming their weapons at me.

“You are under arrest creature for attacking the princess and the elements of harmony.” One guard said raising a crossbow. I could feel the adrenaline filling my veins masking the pain in my ribs and my arm. My heart felt like a jackhammer in my chest, trying to break its way out.

“I need a weapon. I can't get out of this with just my hands.” I thought looking towards the girls. Fluttershy looked like she was struggling between wanting to help and being afraid to move any closer to me. I turned my head to the guards growling as I turned and took a couple of steps towards the girls. I didn't get very far before I heard the sound of an arrow being released. The world slowed to a stop. I reached out to my right. One second my hand was empty then I had an arrow clenched in my grip. I looked from the arrow back to the guard that fired it. They all looked at me in shock and some in fear.

“How is that possible?” The guards said as I snapped the arrow between my fingers.

“Alright I have had enough of this, you want to kill me? Come at me.” I said quietly quickly getting louder. “HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT.” I yelled charging at the guards with my hands open ready to grab a weapon. Before I could get close I felt and saw my body and the guard’s freeze. I couldn't move but I could look around finding my limbs encased in a blue glow as I stood there mid stride.

“ENOUGH!” Luna yelled landing between us, her horn ignited. “Fluttershy, wilt thou come hither.” I heard her give a little squeak then her soft hoof steps coming closer.

“Yes pr...pr...princess.” she said softly. I could see her just out of the corner of my eye shaking.

“You can understand this creature correct?” Luna asked releasing the guard.

“Yes. I can understand him like I do with my animals.” she said looking at me.

“Okay creature I'm going to release you. I just want to have a civil discussion with you. Do you understand?” She said releasing my head. I turned and looked at her. After a few seconds, I gave a small nod and the magic holding me disappeared. “Okay, now first things first why did you attack me?”

“Correction why did you attack me?” I asked flexing my fingers trying to get rid of the feeling of the magic lingering on my skin. Fluttershy relayed my question.

“I do not understand. I was healing you how could I have attacked you?” she asked tilting her head slightly.

“I don't know but as soon as your magic touched my arm I was shocked and all you did was make my injury worse.” I said pointing at it. “I only attacked out of self-defence and to distract. Then I ran to get away to avoid more conflict.” after Fluttershy translated she looked at my injury noticing the damage.

“I must have made a mistake when I cast the spell. Let me try again to heal it?”. before I could say anything she wrapped my arm in magic holding it in place and activated her spell. Again a blast of electricity shot through my arm. I roared in pain and started hitting the magic holding my arm trying to break it. She just put more power into it, her face masked in concentration.

“Princess stop your hurting him!” Fluttershy yelled pushing the princess snapping her out of the spell.

Luna released the magic causing me to drop to the ground on my knees holding my injured arm to my chest. The smell of burnt fleshed poisoned the air. I glanced at my arm. The wound was now to the bone and the cut was now halfway around my arm and now twice as wide. I was slowly losing feeling in that area letting me know the nerves have been severely damaged. I have never received a wound this bad. Not without fighting back and I wasn't going to let today be the day I let it go.

“I’m sorry creature, it seems my magic can’t heal you.” She said stepping closer to me “and all I’ve done is....”

“YOU BITCH!” I yelled jumping up and grabbing Luna around the throat with my uninjured hand. I held on as she fell backwards onto her back with me standing over her. I slammed her head into the ground and tightened my grip as she powered up her magic causing her to lose focus and cancel the spell do to the lack of air. The guards rushed forward to stop me.
“Keep back or I’ll snap her neck.” I tightened my grip, even more, causing her to gasp and try to knock my arm loose. Her face started to change to a darker shade. The guards stopped then I loosened my grip letting the princess get some air but not enough to focus. She looked at me in fear. Then I felt something latch onto my shoulder.

“Stop please she didn't mean to hurt you please let her go.” I turned to find Fluttershy trying to pull me off. At first, I was just going to shrug her off then I saw something in her eyes that I haven't seen in a long time, innocence. A flash of memory flew before my eyes. I saw Tyrock walking through the academy gates the same look on his face. Innocence mixed with a hint of fear. The innocence, when they took him through training, the innocence didn't stay long. I looked back down at Luna then released her. She took in a loud gasp of air then gave a few coughs rolling onto her side. I took a few steps back putting a couple of feet between us. As she tried to gain her breath back I sighed.

“I'm sorry I reacted poorly." I said taking a step forward to help her when I felt a gun barrel pressed against my spine.

“Don't move creature, you have committed crimes against the crown and Equestria and you are here by under arrest.” I looked over my shoulder to see Twilight holding my rifle against my back in her magic. I looked down at it noticing the bolt was only locked halfway down. It won't fire with it being like that. I turned and grabbed it out of her magic and press the bolt down all the way with my thumb. She didn't waste a second and took my shotgun and pressed it against my forehead. I slowly raised the rifle and pointed it at her. She may have had the gun to my head but she didn't look like she wanted to pull the trigger.

“Come on let see if you have the guts to do it Sparkles. Show me you have what it takes to do what I do, to protect Equestria at all costs.” I said flicking off the safety.

“Wait, stop. Let him go” I heard Luna gasp out then gave a few coughs, still trying to breath properly.

“Let it go?” Rainbow Dash asked then crouching down low ready to attack. “This creature tried to kill you.”

“Princess are you alright?” One of the Luna guards asks stepping closer to the princess. He gave me his version of a cold look which was just barely enough to get me to notice it. “Lock this creature up in the dungeon.” The guards started moving towards me some of the unicorns lifting chains and shackles.

“No, I said let the creature go.” I turned and looked at the princess. She was giving all the guards a hard look. One that made even me take a second glance. “Twilight can you help him?”

“Help him, Princess?” She asked lowering the shotgun surprised, even more surprised when I lowered the rifle as well.

“Yes we attacked him first, he has only defended himself.” She said stepping closer. “For that, I apologize creature.”

“Princess we should lock this creature up, it's dangerous.” Twilight said.

“um I think it's only dangerous when provoked Twilight.” Fluttershy said.

“What about the changelings?” Rainbow pointed out. “This thing attacked them and destroyed the throne room.”

“Hey if it wasn't for me you would be nothing but a scorch mark on the pavement.” I snapped back at her. I was going to continue but then I remembered that only one of these ponies can understand me and she was currently cowering beneath Applejack.

“Enough, Twilight is there any way you can make it so we can understand him?” Luna asked flaring her wings. I guess she was also getting sick of this game of telephone. That or she also saw that Fluttershy didn't want to move.

“Princess this thing is a monster and should be locked away.” Twilight said raising my shotgun again. I looked at her for a few seconds then I flipped her off and sat down crossing my legs. I figured if they wanted to sit there and argue it was fine by me. I then opened one of the cargo pockets that I had on my trousers. Reaching in I pulled out a first aid kit and popped it open. Inside was a few basic components. I looked at my shoulder seeing the extent of the damage. It wasn't bleeding meaning the wound had been cauterised. I grabbed a roll of gauze and a bottle of disinfectant. After peeling the sleeve of my shirt away I grabbed the disinfectant and gave it a few shakes. I also pulled out a small wooden dowel out of the bag. We used it for makeshift tourniquets or in this case to give someone something to bite down on. I stuck the dowel in between my teeth and lifted the spray can to my arm. I gave it a quick press letting a burst of pain shoot up my arm. I let out a grunt as I let the spray do its job. Then grabbed a patch of gauze and applied it to my arm. I held my arm out so it wouldn't fall off as I grabbed the roll of gauze. Before I could begin to unroll it a yellow hoof pressed on my leg getting my attention. I looked up to see Fluttershy looking at me with soft caring eyes. She then reached up for the gauze. I moved it out of her reach. She then took a few steps back then sat down and looked at me, her face slowly turned stern.

“I know you don't trust us right now but you're injured and you need help.” Her face then went soft again. “Please let me help you”

I sat there staring at her trying to find some form of dishonesty but I couldn't. After a few minutes I held out the gauze. She smiled then reached up for it. Before she could grab it a cyan blur appeared in between us.

“Fluttershy stay away from it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed flaring her wings giving me a strong glare. It might actually be intimidating if it wasn't for the fear that appeared in them from the knife that she found pressed against her throat that I pulled from my boot. As I stared at her I searched her eyes for the spark that I saw there earlier.

“I know there was something there before now where did it go?” I thought to myself. Then the knife was ripped out of my hand and was carried over to the field of magic that Twilight had encased all my weapons in. I gave a small growl then picked up the gauze off the ground and proceeded to wrap it around my arm. Once the wound was covered I tucked the left over back into the case then put it away.

“Fluttershy would please tell them I'm sorry. All im asking is to get my weapons back and to be let go.” I said standing up and dusting off my pants. “Cause I have a very important meeting with a changeling queen that is a matter of utmost urgency.”

“You’re meeting with the changelings!?” Twilight asked nearly shouting. I looked at her and saw that everyone else was as well. Everyone except Fluttershy was staring at me with a look of complete hatred.

“How are you doing that?”. I asked slightly confused. “Literally two seconds ago you had no idea what I was saying.”

“I used a translation spell.” Twilight said igniting her horn. The guards and the girls both looked at me with hatred in their eyes. The princess on the other hand started looking at me with a little bit of suspicion in her eyes. “Now why are you helping the Changeling Queen?”

“Which one are you talking about?” I asked “Because if you think I'm helping that bitch Crudelis then I'm not even going to talk to you.”

“I thought her name was Chrysalis?” Fluttershy asked. I looked at her then sighed.

“Yes one of them is named Chrysalis but she isn't the one behind all of this. Her sister Crudelis forced her into this and then she used her face.”

“Forced?” Luna asked.

“Yes her hive is starving to death and she is doing everything she can to keep it alive. So when her sister Crudelis threatened to wipe it out if she didn't do what she said, I know none of you are mothers but if your children were starving would you not do anything to help them? With that in mind you can understand why she is helping her. Chrysalis isn't your enemy, she's just being used as a face for you to go after while the real threat gets away.” I explained. “Now if you'll excuse me I have a good changeling hive to save and a bad one to wipe off the face of Equestria.”

As I turned to walk away a spear was aimed at my throat. I looked from the gleaming tip to the owner. A male celestial guard.

“Why are the white ones always so quick to point something sharp at me?” I thought grabbing the spear just below the blade then shoved it to the side.. “You better get this out of my face before I shove it where the sun don't shine.” I said snapping off the end.

“You are not going anywhere until you have answered for you crimes against the crown.” another solar guard stated stepping into my path.

“What is going on here?” A boyish yet commanding voice that I recognised passed over the crowd. I turned to find Shining Armor trotting up with princess Cadence alongside him.

“Captain Armor sir, we are attempting to capture this dangerous creature sir.” The guard in front of me sounded off with a salute. I looked at him closely as well as the other guards. All the night guards were bowing to princess Cadence and leaving me alone but all the solar guards were saluting or pointing their weapons at me.

“Disrespectful little fucks.” I thought as I stepped closer to the soon to be newly weds.

“You are still alive?” Cadence asked looking at me in shock. I shrug.

“I've been through worse fights but I'm not exactly in the best condition right now.” I said wincing at the pain in my ribs from the shrug.

“You can speak now?” She asked looking at me in surprise. Shining Armor was surprised as well but hid it a little better.

“Yeah you can thank Twilight for that.” I said jerking a thumb in her direction. “Speaking of thanks I would like to thank you for all the help. Also for saving my life. I do believe that pink ball of light was the doing of you two, was it not?”

“Yes it was a combination of my shield spell and the power of our love.” Shining said hugging Cadence closer. “Speaking of thanking and love I would like to extend my gratitude for saving my fiance from the changelings in the crystal mines.”

“No need to, we watched each others backs, as far as I can see the scales are balanced.” I said holding out my hand. Before either of us could blink there was a blur and a sharp pain in my side along with a loud snap. I fell to the ground my brain overloaded from the pain signal my nerves were flooding it with. I tried to fight back the pain but it has broken from its shackles and was now strangling me with them. I could barely hear Shining Armor shouting at someone before a shadow covered me. I looked up to see Cadence standing over me looking down in worry.

“Are you okay, please, say something?” she asked looking me over looking at my arm and head. I when to speak but was attacked by a barrage of coughing. I covered my mouth with my hand feeling my ribs creak and crackle. When I pulled my hand away it was covered in blood.

“Well that's not good.” I said trying to take a breath. I tried to breath in but it was difficult and it felt like someone was stabbing my lungs. I gave another cough this time the blood hitting the cobbled street.

“Somepony get a doctor now!” One of the night guards saluted and took off heading for the hospital.

“C...C...Cadence.” I forced out pointing at my helmet. She looked over and levitate it to me. I turned it around so the hole was facing me I could faintly hear Sarah screaming at me through the internal speakers. I sucked in a breath. “Sarah tell them the spell matrix for the healing spell.”

“But Stones that is against protocol. We are not aloud to speak with the local pop…..” she stated before I caught a breath.

“Override code foxtrot uniform charlie kilo oscar foxtrot foxtrot.” I barely got out before I was coughing up more blood started to paint the streets red. As I was doing this I heard Sarah speaking through the external speakers telling Cadence how to administer the healing spell. After about thirty seconds I felt her magic stabbing onto me. My ribs gave a sharp crack as it moved back into place. I felt the air I'm my lungs get forced out as my body started healing itself. The muscle on my arm started to flow and connect as the nerves came back to life. I felt every bump scrape and cut on my body disappear as my lungs sucked in a large breath almost like I just missed drowning. As I laid there catching my breath Cadence stumbled then sat down breathing just as hard as I was. I looked over at her.

“Thank you, I owe you one.” I say sitting up slowly I reach out setting my hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay I heard that spell is hard on the caster the first time?”

“I'm fine” she said taking a deep breath. “I don't think I can do that spell again or any spell for that matter any time soon.”

At that moment the Luna guard showed up with the doctor. He looked at me and started to back away nervous. I remember seeing the doctor, he was one of the ponies I helped from the changelings.

“Princess are you alright?” He asked running over to her. I took a few steps back feeling my ribs and arm. After concluding the spell worked I picked up my helmet and slipped it on..

“Sarah do you see any way out of here?” I asked looking around seeing the Luna guards were bowing as were the celestial guard.

“Um Stones, I don't think escape is going to be an option right now.” She said as an arrow appeared on my HUD pointing up and to the right. Before I could ask what she or the arrow meant I heard the sound of metal covered hooves hitting the ground to my right answered my question about the arrow. I turned my head to get the second part of that question.

“I see you found the creature you were talking about Cadence?” A kind but firm voice sound through the air. I turned to find the princess of the sun standing not ten feet from me. I took a few steps back swallowing hard.

“Princess Celestia.” One of the guards sounded off bowing deeply. “We were capturing this creature on the orders of Princess Luna.”

“No I told you to let him go, he has done nothing wrong to require being captured.” She said as the glow around my weapons changed to a dark blue and were floated over to me. Luna attached them to my back and thighs as well as inserted the knives into their holsters. I shifted a few things around to provide an ease of access.

“What is this creature?” Celestia asked stepping closer to her sister.

“I'm getting really sick and tired of being called creature. Normally I wouldn't even tell you but I'm too tired to care. My name is Stones so please call me as such.” I said crossing my arms. Celestia looked at me in surprised stepping a little closer. One of the celestial guards stepped in the way of her holding out his hoof.

“I would be careful your majesty. It has already harmed a member of the guard and your sister.” He said looking back at me with a glare.

“It harmed you?” Celestia asked Luna. Then she saw the mark on her ear and the almost black bruise on her neck.

“Yes but it was only a……”

That was how far she got before a golden glow surrounded me and I was thrown backward.

“Son of a bitch!” I yelled then I slammed through a wall and slid across the floor banging against another wall. I slowly sat up leaning against the wall. Dust filled the air as I looked around seeing I landed in a blacksmith shop. “Alright that's does it, no more playing nice. They want to pick a fight with me then they will get a fight.”

Personal: Celestia. Location: 50 meters from Stones. Status: hostile.

My sister looked at me in shock as did Twilight and her friends. The guards looked either in the direction of the creature or at Luna as she moved to stand in my path.

“Sister please this isn't….”

“Stand aside Luna I will make sure this creature can never harm you again.” I said levitating her behind me and casting a shield spell over her and the bearers. I looked back in the direction I threw the creature. There was a cloud of dust covering the spot that I threw it. I slowly walked over ready to finish it off for harming my sister and my subjects. As I got closer I could see a large hole in the wall. I stepped through seeing splintered wood covering the floor of the blacksmith shop. I used a small wind spell to clear out the dust as I looked around trying to find the creature. I could see it has slid across the ground and hit the far wall but it wasn't there. “Show yourself creature. You will not escape from your crimes. You have harmed my subjects and my sister. I will not let you harm another.” I looked around seeing if I could spot it anywhere. “If you turn yourself in now I will make your end swift and painless.”

“That's a bullshit lie and you know it.” I heard behind me I spun around firing off a magic blast. All I hit was the wall that I walked through creating more dust and a larger hole.

“Show yourself monster!” I shouted

“Monster, ha hello pot my name’s kettle.” The creatures voice filled the air, I couldn't figure out the direction it was coming from.

“You dare insult the princess of the sun?” I said stopping in the middle of the room looking all around trying to find the creature. “I will lock you in the dungeon till the rest of your days if you dare insult me again.”

“Wow okay first, get off your pedestal before you hit your head on the roof. Second the whole dungeon thing, that would be pretty intimidating if your were… well… intimidating.” The creature chuckled. “Third you and your guards have almost starved a whole species to deathso dont act like your all high and mighty.” I lit up my horn sending out a magic sensory spell. The spell is made to show any living beings that have magic. As when it bounced back I was shocked to find that there was no magic bearing creature in the building but me.

“That's impossible no sentient creature can live without magic. How are you alive?” I asked my curiosity suddenly getting the better of me. I shook my head clearing it.

“I ask myself that same question every day.” I paused, its voice was fierce but there was a slight quiver hidden underneath it almost like he was upset that he was still alive. I looked more forcefully trying to remove the growing curiosity inside of me. I shake my head again burying it away.

“I'm not going to play your games creature come on out and face me.” I lowered myself ready for anything. At least I thought I was. The next second I saw the creature swing down from the rafters and kicked out its foot slamming it into my horn making cracks spider web its way up and down. My mind felt like it shattered, tearing all though and reason from me as I used my wings to fly back to the hole in the wall. I heard a thump turning to see the creature running towards me.

Personal: Stones location: 10 meters from Celestia. Status: Removing hostiles that are a threat to the status of the mission and personal health.

I smiled as I watch Celestia stumble back after I slammed into her horn cracking it making is so she could no longer use her magic. I charged forward giving her a spartan kick back out the hole into the streets. I kept the pressure on charging against and kicking her in the ribs hard enough to lift her off the ground, the sound of ribs snapping filled the air. Before she could even screamed I slammed my fist into to the side of her head knocking a tooth out then I grabbing her head and slamming my knee into her snout slamming her head back.I then wrapped my arms around her left wing twisting it popping it from its socket with a loud crack. I let go watching her wing fall limp to the ground. I then heard the sound of armor clanking and feathered wings coming closer I turned grabbing the pegasus guard flying at me then held him in the way of a stun spell that was shot towards me. I then threw the guard at the unicorn putting them both out of commission. I then heard Celestia trying to stand up I spun around and slammed the heel of my foot into her knee snapping it sideways, breaking it with a loud crack. She tried to scream only for me to wrap my arm around her throat cutting off her air. She struggled but couldn't do more then flail her three good limbs and batter at me with her one functional wing. I saw more guards running over ready to kill me. I dragged Celestia up in her rear legs using her as a meat shield.

“TAKE ONE STEP CLOSER AND SHE'S A DEAD MARE!.” I yelled grabbing my pistol holding it to her head. Celestia sucked in a large gasp of air breathing short painful breaths.

“Y-you think you can kill me monster? I am the raiser of the sun as long as it exists I will defeat you.” Celestia said through gritted teeth. “Nothing will stop me from protecting my subjects.”

“Careful sunbutt your cockiness already made you lose once today it would be a shame for it to get you killed.” I moved the pistol to the joint of Celestia’s right wing. She took in a sharp breath as sweat formed on her brow and a shiver ran up her spine. I leaned in right next to her ear and whispered. “You feel it don't you? The feeling of someone walking on your grave kind of hard to feel that if your immortal like everyone says you are. The thing is there one spot that all alicorns have that will put them down for good and each one is in a different place yours is just a half inch towards your spine on your right wing joint.”

“H-h-how did you…?”

“Figure it out? It wasn't too hard you almost always have your wings up to help protect this spot, now figuring out you had a weak spot that took a while but once I knew you had one I just had to figure out where it was. I bet this is how Chrysalis felt when you refused to help her and her hive.” I smiled pushing a little harder. She gasped as fear destroyed her calm collected demeanor she is known for. As soon as it was broken the guards soon showed the same face. They backed up now not knowing how to handle the situation, fearing for their princesses life.

“Please let her go.” I turned to see Cadence slowly walking over. Her head was down and her face was flowing with worry and a small hint of fear. I twisted the gun making Celestia whimper. “Please we are sorry for the attacks just let her go and we will let you leave.”

“Bullshit. I'm sick and tired of hearing the same fucking shit time and time again today. As soon as I do let her go I will be attacked again because I acted in FUCKING SELF DEFENSE.” I say tightening my grip around Celestia's throat. “I have let it happen again and again because I thought you were all about forgiveness and friendship but all you ponies have proven that if there is something you don't like you mark it as evil and want nothing to do with it but see it destroyed. You and your guards really need to know when someone is an enemy or not. So no I'm done acting like a doormat. You all think I'm a monster? I guess it's time to show you how much of a monster I can be. If she does anything I'll be starting with your little sun princess.”

“Please if you kill me you will be putting all of equestria in danger.” Celestia quietly gasped trying to breath properly. I locked my grip tighter.

“Shut up meat sack you lost your privilege to speak when you attacked me. So unless you want to say hi to some long dead friends, then that can be arranged.” I growled my anger slowly taking over more and more. “Now miss bride to be unless you want your auntie to start saying her final goodbyes I suggest telling your guards to fuck off.”

“Okay okay they'll leave.” She said waving a hoof to Shining Armor. Shining gave a few hoof motions and the guards slowly left. I slowly relaxed my grip enough that Celestia could breath. “Please just let her go.”

“Alright but I'm going to let you know that you and me are even and the first person that lights up their horn or calls the guards back is getting put down permanently.” I said through clenched teeth.

“We understand but please let my sister go.” Luna asked landing beside Cadence. I also saw the bearers running up behind her. When they got sight of their princess they all gasped.

Personal:Twilight Sparkle. Location: 30 meters from personal Stones. Status: Worried and afraid.

I couldn't believe what I saw. Princess Celestia looked afraid. I've seen her worried and even confused sometimes but never afraid. That plus all the injuries that covered her body filled me with fear. She had blood pouring out of her nose and the corner of her mouth. As I stared her right eye was starting to swell shut. Her right arm was bent it the wrong direction and her wing was limp hanging from her side. Her horn was cracked and gave off small sparks of magic every few seconds.

I turned my gaze to the one holding her. I couldn't see his face because of the helmet. His body looked tensed, like a spring ready to snap at any time. Celestia's sun reflected of his helmet as he slowly turned his head I'm guessing looking at all of us. The fact that Luna and Cadence were willing to let him go still surprised me. Everything I saw this creature do only made me believe he was a monster. But the fact that it saved us kept bouncing around in my head, then it leaned in close to Celestia's ear. I couldn't hear what he said but he then gently set her down on the ground and slowly turned and walked away. We watched it walk away then it turned to walk around the corner of a building. It stopped then looked back at us then shook its head and disappeared around the corner. We all rushed towards princess Celestia.

“Sister are you alright?” Luna asked slowly wrapping her wing around her to help her to her feet. Celestia turned to look at the direction the creature left. I saw her tilt her head as questions flash in her eyes. “Sister what is wrong?” Luna asked gently nuzzling her.

“I'm fine Lulu.” She said quietly. Her voice filled with fear but I also heard a small piece of surprise in her voice.

“What's wrong auntie?” Cadence asked moving to Celestia's other side careful to not touch her injuries.

“He knew how to kill me.” She said her voice level. Luna and Cadence gasped.

“B-but how, only we know the secret?” Cadence stuttered looking at Celestia worry covered her face.

“What are you talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked as she kept looking in the direction that the creature left in. I could see she was considering going after it. “If that thing threatened to hurt you I'll pound it into the ground.” She started to fly away but Celestia spoke, her normal tone filling her voice.

“No Rainbow Dash, I'm afraid that you would not be capable of fighting him. I also believe that he isn’t here to cause harm to Equestria.” She stated slowly standing up holding her broken leg off the ground.

“Excuse me your majesty but that varmint beat you up pretty darn bad and almost killed you, how can you say it ain't a threat?” Applejack said taking off her hat looking at Celestia with concern.

“It’s because it didn't. I attacked him first, it was within its it's right to kill me.” She stated with a sigh and a wince as her wounds started to heal. We all gasped.

“But princess how could you say that that monster…” I started wondering how she could even think like that.

“It's because of what it said to me before it released me that has me questioning what its purpose here is.”

I tilted my head slightly. “What did he say to you princess?” I asked stepping closer.

She looked into the direction of the creature her eyes filled with curiosity.

Personal: Celestia location: 20 seconds prior.

I took in a pain filled breath trying not to move or to provoke the creature. It leaned in close and whispered into my ear.

“I'm sorry for what I did to your sister and your guard.” I felt the gun being removed. I was surprised by the gentle tone coming from its mouth. “This wasn't how I wanted our first meeting to go but there's no changing it now. I just want to let you know that I'm not here to harm any of your subjects unless they are a threat to those girls. I'm here to protect your student and her friends that's why they brought me here and I have been doing a damn good job for the last year and I don't plan on stopping now. I really wished things could have gone differently. Maybe we could have made good allies. You might have attacked me but you should look into the fact that one of those changeling queens came to ask you for help before your guard chased her off and see why they don't respect your sister like they should. You already messed up on one potential ally no need to make it two.” The creature then let me go as it walked away. My mind reeling from everything it said. I turned to watch it leave. As it walked away I saw it shoulders drop. Once it reached the corner it turned back to us.

“Who are you?” I asked myself watching it shake it head and disappeared from sight.

Present time. Twilight Sparkle.

“Something that I must reconsider” Celestia said wincing as the doctor walked over to her. She waved him off and started hobbling to the throne room. A golden glow covering her body as her injuries started healing themselves. I watched her leave then looked back to the spot the creature last stood.

“What is it Twilight?” Applejack asked stepping to my side still holding her hat to her chest.

“What was that thing?” I asked not looking away from that spot.

“I don’t rightly know sugarcube. I ain't ever seen anything like it before. Whatever it is it's mighty dangerous to be able to take on the princess like that.”

“Indeed Applejack.” Luna said looking in the direction of her sister. “Though I have to agree with my sister he maybe violent but he did aid us in our time of need and for that I feel it would be best if we leave him be.”

Personal: Celestia. Location: Throne room Status: Puzzled.

As I walk down the hall to the throne room I could see all of the guards standing at attention. There was almost double the usual amount that patrols this hall. I could tell they were all tense about the recent discovery of a new creature and the changeling attack. I sighed then stepped into the throne room shutting the heavy doors behind me.

“This doesn't make any sense.” I stated to myself as I started to pace back and forth at the bottom of the altar. Thought of what the creature said spinning in my mind as a breeze blew through the shatter windows. Burn marks covered the ground and one of the pillars was cracked. “One of the queens came here to ask for Equestrias help and my guards chased her away? How was there two of them, I only seen one and I don't remember seeing the report of this incident.”

“Are you sure your alright dear sister?” I look up to see Luna sitting a few feet away looking at the damage around us.

“Yes Lulu I'm fine just trying to understand what the creature told me.” She tilted her head

“And what exactly did he tell you?”

I sighed and looked at the red carpet beneath my hooves. “He said that one of the changeling queens came to equestria asking for help. The first question I had was how was there two queens here? I only remember seeing one.”

“Well I can't say we seen either of them but the creature said something about helping one of them that was being forced to attack us with the threat of the destruction of her hive. Chrysalis I believe correctly.” She said tapping her chin a few times.

“That's the other thing I don't understand Chrysalis is the one that I saw attacking Equestria. How can she be the one being forced.”

“I asked him the same thing and he said the another one is called Crudelis and she is the real one behind the attack on Canterlot. She forces her sister to attack us in return of the promise of safety and love so her hive could survive.”

“That brings me to my second question. The creature also said the Chrysalis came to Equestria requesting aid but was driven off by the guard. If this is true why haven't we heard about it before now?” I asked sitting in front of her.

“Hmmm, I wonder this as well but the only way to know for sure is to ask the guards themselves. Though there is one thing that the creature said before you arrived. He said that he was meeting with Chrysalis soon to help her hive and to destroy the one threatening to do the same to hers.”

“He plans on taking on a whole hive?” I asked looking at Luna in surprise. “There isn't a chance he would survive that.”

“Why not he has done it before.” I turned to see my niece trotting towards us.

“What do you mean Cadence?” Luna asked.

“When I was trapped in the crystal mines there was an army of changelings down there with me waiting for the order to swarm Canterlot. If Stones didn't show up we would have been off a lot worse than we are now. Those changelings were a lot stronger then the second invasion force. He not only freed me but he also wiped out the entire changeling army that was waiting down there."

“The whole army, how is that even possible? If he did then what was the swarm that attacked Canterlot?” I asked trying to imagine the amount of magic it would take to complete a task like that.

“That was the back up army because Stones and I defeated her best soldiers if what the queen said is true. I helped a little but for him to not only beat one army then take on an entire invasion force and then both queens then you. I don’t think I have met any guard that would be able to do a fraction of that and stay standing let alone ask for more.”

“Well he was injured when I first found him, now that I think about it he did seem pretty eager to get away from me.” Before I could speak a knock from the main door caught my attention.

“Enter" I said standing along with Luna and Cadence. The doors opened revealing one of my celestial guards, lieutenant Fire Storm if I remember correctly, he stepped towards us then bowed.

“Your majesty I came to speak with you about the creature that was recently discovered.” he said after rising.

“Of course lieutenant. What did you come to discuss with us?” I asked sitting back down still feeling a slight bit of stiffness in my newly healed limbs.

“I would like to request permission to track down the monster and bring it to justice. It must pay for the damage it had done here today.” He said standing then pointing to the windows and burn damage, after doing so he stood straight looking at me waiting for an answer.

“What, how can you say that? He may have caused damage but he is a hero. None of us would be here if it wasn't for him.” Cadence stated before I could deny his request.

“With all due respect your highness I was asking princess Celestia.” I looked at him my face calm but inside I was shocked. The fact that the creature said they did this was one thing it was another to actually see it in front of me.

“Lieutenant may I remind you my sister holds the same authority as I. As does princess Cadence.” I said standing holding my wings flared. He bowed deeply.

“My apology your highness, I didn't mean any disrespect."

“As for your request I am going to have to deny it. No pony is to pursue the creature or the changelings until we say so is that understood?” His bow deepened

“Yes your highness.” He rose then slowly walked out, once the door was closed I sighed in relief.

“Well I can say I'm a little surprised with you Celestia.” I heard a deep voice behind me. I spun around to find both Cadence and Luna we also surprised by the voice. “With all that has happened I thought you would be sending your guards out in swarms searching for someone to blame for the attack.”

“Who are you?” Cadence asked looking around the empty room. The more we heard the voice the more Luna and I readied ourselves. It sounded like the creatures but different almost quieter. Like someone trying to not give up who or where they were but still wanted to talk.

“Someone that has our future alliance in mind and hope's to see it though.” The voice stated suddenly again behind us. I turned to follow it.

“Alliance? You ask us to ally with somepony that we can't even see or know who or what they are.” Luna stated stomping her hoof.

“I call this testing the water. So far it's a little choppy and just a tad hot. So I'm going to stay on this side of the river until it calms and cools down a bit.” I stepped towards the altar looking at the damage around me trying to find where the voice was coming from.

“What do you want?” I asked looking back towards the main doors.

“Simple, I just want to talk and maybe get a few questions answered.” I heard right next to me. I looked at Luna and Cadence to see both of them looking to the left of me in shock as Luna ignited her horn and spread her wings. I slowly turned to look at what was next to me. The first thing I could see was a loaded crossbow pointed at the ground. It was a non-reflective black with a silver dragon carved in the stock and there was a crescent moon next to it with three red apples near the butt of the weapon. The next thing I saw was the appendages holding the crossbow. The were five digits like the creature we saw earlier but they were covered in black gloves. The rest of the being was also covered in in black cloth but with dark red along the edges making something similar to a long coat with a hood. The hood covered most of the creatures face and had a slight v shape at the top. What I could see of the creatures face was hairless and a light golden brown skin. I took a few steps back putting some distance between us. I then could see a coil of rope sitting behind him leading up to the rafters above. I never even heard it along with the fact that it got through all the guards now covering the hallways scared me slightly.

“Sorry for dropping in like this but your guards are not all that friendly to newcomers and I prefer not to fight them if I don't have to.” It said slipping the crossbow over it back letting it hang from a strap.

It then reached up and removed its hood. The creature looked almost exactly the same as the other one. If what Cadence described it before is true. Short light brown hair covered it head as cold blue eyes looked me up and down inspecting me. I ignited my horn ready to attack. It slowly raised it hands holding them in front of it.

“Easy princess I'm not here to harm anyone I just want to talk.” It's voice was calm and almost soothing somehow. I slowly stood straight pulling back my magic. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Luna doing the same. “Good now that we are calm, let's talk.”

“Who are you and why are you here, and how can we understand you?” Cadence asked slowly stepping forward. The creature looked over at her then chuckled.

“Right off the bat with the fun ones mmmm. Well let's start with the reason you can understand me. Best way to put it I was ready for this conversation so I have Clover the clevers translation spell cast on me. Second thing is my name is Tyrock and assuming from the lack of surprised in your voice at my appearance you know who Stones is. I'm also assuming you can tell me something princess.” Tyrock said looking towards me.

“What would that be?” I asked

“Where is my cousin?”

Author's Note

Hey everyone sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. RL really got me hard and kicked me while I was down. I can't promise when I'll get the next one out but I will work on it to the best of my abilities. Anyway leave a comment on what you do or dont like about the chapter and I'll see you next time.