Chapters Duncan the Demon Wolf in Equestria
A new arrival v2
Duncan awoke in a forest with a large headache, reaching to rub his head he noticed his hands were not right. Looking at his hands he saw paws and black fur. "Woof," came out of his mouth as he went to speak to himself.
‘What?' Duncan thought to himself, pawing his face he felt an elongated nose and jaw, much like a dog, or wolf to be specific. After a few experimental woofs he began to realize he was trapped in a wolf body.
Duncan walked threw the forest on guard looking for some help, he came upon a castle shortly, with long royal banners some in orange and some in purple depicting two horse like creatures with wings and horns. As he approached he saw two of the depicted creatures fighting, tearing the castle apart. Not wanting to intrude he waited until he saw a beam of light lash out and saw the dark horse vanish into light.
'Well this sucks," Duncan thought seeing a white horse fly up and away from the castle. His instincts told him his last hope had just left the area.
Years later, more that the wolf could count, the wolf watched the night sky. It felt odd that night staring at the sky, from it's spot in the abandoned tower. Quietly it thought about how the night though about to end seemed darker than it should in mid summer, and how it knew that. As it thought the wolf saw stars move behind the moon, and in a flash the surface spots that made a face in the moon vanished. Moments later it smelled a new creature in the castle, and went to investigate.
Months later after failing to find the creature that had invaded its territory. The wolf observed the forest it lived in going chaotic with bramble vines growing everywhere. It hid in the castle during this time and waited till a bright light banished the vines.
A few days later the wolf was graced with visitors, to his castle. One he recognized as a powerful flying horned horse, and the other was a small dragon. Having lived as long as he had the wolf knew better than to tangle with a dragon however small let alone one of those weird horses, even if it was only pony sized. The wolf watched as other ponies came in, it knew they were not as strong as the first but it also knew that if he attacked on the others would come before he could do anything serious. Watching how they acted started to spark memories in the wolf. Long dead forgotten memories lost to time seemed to float to the surface as though they had just been on vacation and walked in the front door home.
Mulling these memories over the wolf failed to notice something sneaking up on it, until a few leaves rustled behind it. Lunging to the side, a claw grazed it's flank tearing open large gashes. The wolf glanced to it's side in time to see a claw coming at it's face. Hopping back the claw drew open a cut across the top of the snout. Without a second glance the wolf took off running figuring being alive was better than knowing it's attacker.
Running threw the forest the wolf realized two things first was what ever creature was chasing it, was faster than it. The second thing the wolf noticed after tripping it in a few hidden holes was this creature wasn't native to it's forest. It didn't know the terrain and it's smell so foul was entirely unique to the wolf's memories.
Using what he remembered of the forest the wolf led the creature threw a series of dangerous and deadly obstacles. Over time the wolf learned the creature was three times his own size, and very strong. Eventually the wolf lost the creature and paused to lick its wounds. The wolf realized that its wounds weren't healing as fast as they normally did, and the blood tasted bad. Memories of poison surfaced and the wolf knew it needed help. It was a long shot but he knew of a near by settlement at which the pony creatures stayed. The wolf decided to risk the settlement over death by poison. Using its remaining strength the wolf walked to the edge of the forest to a small cottage, where all sorts of animals lived.
Fluttershy was getting ready to turn in for the night after her adventure in the forest, and was making a final check on the animals outside making sure they were warm and cozy in their little homes. As she went by she saw a dark shadow crawl out of the woods and collapse. "Stay back Angel," Fluttershy told her bunny friend as she flew over to the shadow. She recoiled slightly seeing that it was an everfree forest wolf, but came back after seeing that it was wounded. "Oh dear, this is horrible," she said as angel came over to a safe distance. As Fluttershy was about to get her bear friend to help her carry the poor wolf in she saw a robed figure walking to her.
"Good Evening good Fluttershy," said Zecora her zebra friend,"the winds spoke of pain, but why?"
"The wolf came out of the everfree forest," Fluttershy said as angel arrived with the bear, "He's badly hurt and needs help." The bear lifted the wolf carefully and carried him into the cottage as Zecora and Fluttershy followed.
"Are you sure?" Fluttershy asked cleaning the wounds as Zecora borrowed materials to start a brew from herbs in her pack.
"The demon wolf has hair of red, pack of none, and intelligence of great," she answered, "this wolf is alone, has red hair, and the forest tells me came to you for help."
"Well I can't let him down if he came to me for help," Fluttershy said working, "what are you mixing?"
"An antidote I am mixing, for many poisons live in the everfree," Zecora said bringing the teapot to a boil.
"Okay," Fluttershy said as she finished cleaning the wounds and started to cover the wounds in gaze with Angel's help. Threw the next few hours the three of the worked bandaging the wounded wolf and administering the antidote tea in small sips. Finally the work was done and Zecora bid Fluttershy good night.
-Butterflies-
The wolf awoke the next morning confused, he was warm, on a soft cushion, and surrounded by strange smells. Slowly he opened his eyes and saw he was in a building surrounded by animals. There was a blanket laid upon him, and a couple pillows underneath. Remembering what happened the night before the wolf came to the conclusion that somepony had helped him. Moving he felt his wounds ache, his side and snout were bandaged, but his side hadn't finished healing enough to not tear the thin scab.
"Oh good Angel said you were awake," a yellow winged pony with a pink mane said stepping into view, a small white rabbit was at her feet pointing at the wolf. The wolf nodded his head carefully.
"My what a smart wolf you are," the pony said approaching, "I'm gonna check your wounds now is that okay?"
The wolf nodded and put his snout out for the pony to see. "I'm Fluttershy, I take care of animals do you have a name?" The wolf looked at her with a cocked eyebrow, an odd thing to see a wolf do then he waved his snout again.
"Oh I'm so sorry," Fluttershy said realizing the bandages kept his mouth shut. She carefully removed them, and was pleased to see the wound was already sealed up, "your snout isn't bleeding at least but it'll be sore."
The wolf woofed quietly. "Demon? What an interesting name," Fluttershy said with a fake smile. The wolf growled a little. "Oh that's just what ponies who wander into your forest call you, do you have something you want to be called?" she asked him, but he only shook his head, "Okay I'll call you Demon Wolf for now if that's okay."
A knock came to the cottage's door, "Fluttershy are you okay?" a voice called. The yellow pony opened the door, "Hello Twilight, I'm okay."
"Okay we were expecting you over at the library an hour ago, it's not like you to be late," the voice said carrying threw the cottage.
"Is it that late already?" Fluttershy asked looking at a clock, "I'm so sorry I woke late this morning and didn't get to finish my chores till a few minutes ago."
"It's okay shall we?" Twilight asked.
"Actually, I really need to stay in today," Fluttershy said, "normally I would but I have a patient that needs me to look after him." Wolf hear this and checked his wounds in the short time they had talked his wounds had sealed up taking an experimental stand the wolf felt the wounds ache a little but didn't tear. Walking carefully over to Fluttershy wolf whined at her.
"Now you shouldn't be moving around yet," Fluttershy said looking at wolf, "you'll be okay now and I should go see my friends?"
"Is this the patient?" Twilight asked, wolf looked at her realizing it was the purple horned winged pony from the day before. Wolf was a little nervous but held his ground telling Fluttershy he was fine.
"Yes he is I found him last night as he came out of the everfree forest, he was hurt and Zecora said poisoned," Fluttershy said petting the wolf who was as big as she was.
"Interesting why was Zecora over?" Twilight asked.
"She said the winds told her something strange was happening here," she answered.
"Interesting," Twilight said looking over the wolf, "he's interesting does he have a name?"
"He says ponies call him Demon," Fluttershy told her.
"Okay, Demon are you sure you're okay?" Twilight asked.
The wolf gave her the same raised eyebrow it had given Fluttershy earlier, and woofed.
"He says he is fine," Fluttershy said grabbing a set of saddlebags by her door, "Demon please rest and heal, Angel please watch the house."
Angel pushed the ponies out the door and closed it, while the wolf went back to it's pillows and laid down for a nap.
-Luncheons-
-The Moon-
Later that evening the wolf woke to voices walking up to the cottage, he recognized the voice of Fluttershy but trembling more than usually, Twilight was there and a new voice with a restrained strength behind it.
"Are you sure I need to see this creature?" the voice asked.
"Princess I'm positive, this wolf doesn't act anything like Fluttershy says it should," Twilight said.
The wolf watched the door open and reveal the ponies it knew and a black and purple horse with wing and a horn. The wolf trotted over and bowed to horse and ponies.
"Oh dear demon you shouldn't be moving yet your wounds," Fluttershy started before seeing that the nose wound was gone. The wolf whined. "You're all better now?" Fluttershy asked. The wolf barked. "He says he is healthy again and wishes to thank me before he left," Fluttershy said as she removed the bandages with Twilight's help.
"Does he truly say this, he is a truly smart wolf if it is so," the dark horse said. The wolf barked.
"He says not to talk like he isn't here, and it's true other than some pale scaring he's healed," Fluttershy said amazed.
"How bad was the wound?" Twilight asked.
"It was a deep gash, it should have taken him weeks to heal at least," Fluttershy said confused.
"Demon Wolf, Do you have a home?" the dark horse asked. The wolf whined.
"Oh sorry, Demon this is Princess Luna, she was having a luncheon with us earlier," Fluttershy said introducing them. The wolf bowed again and woofed.
"He says he lives in an abandoned castle after two ponies like you and twilight fought and left it," Fluttershy said, "wait the castle of the two sisters?"
"Surely you jest wolf, that was over 1000 years in the past," Luna said shocked. Wolf growled.
"Sorry Princess he doesn't like being called a liar," Fluttershy said, "he says he kinda remembers a white and black, horned and winged pair of horses fighting."
"I concur Twilight Sparkle," Luna said nodding, "however I do believe my sister give that castle to you?"
"Yes she did," Twilight said, "I need to see about establishing a safe path to the castle for the workers to reach it. It's going to take a while before it's ready."
Wolf barked. "He says it's his castle," Fluttershy translated.
"I propose an alternative solution, Demon would you join us in Canterlot?" Luna asked. The wolf looked confused and woofed and barked.
"He doesn't understand what you're asking," Fluttershy said.
"A smart wolf such as Demon would be most welcome at the castle," Luna said, "I am asking the wolf to come live there, in part because I would like another friend in the castle and because it would clear the castle for you Twilight Sparkle."
Wolf thought it over, the forest was getting more dangerous and with the random spurts of memories he was getting living there was far more dangerous than it use to be. Finally he barked.
"Demon agrees, he said the forest is getting too dangerous even for him," Fluttershy translated, as wolf woofed, "and suggest that if the castle is to be fixed we should very careful, regular ponies won't survive out there."
"I thank you for your concern Demon," Twilight said nodding to the wolf.
"I am most pleased by your answer Demon," Luna said, "let us be leaving then, we must return to Canterlot before I must raise the moon."
Wolf gave her a confused look as he carefully followed her out with good byes to everyone, even licking the little bunny Angel, who glared at him.
Wolf road at the front of the chariot pulled by winged ponies, Luna had promised he wouldn't fall, but was still unsure of flying. Though once off the ground he for a moment remembered a similar feeling, as though he had flown long ago like this.
They arrived shortly in a large bustling city with ponies everywhere, as with the guards pulling the chariot, the guards at the castle said nothing as Luna and the wolf dismounted the chariot.
"It’s later than I had desired," Luna said looking at the clock tower, "We will have to introduce you after the raising. Demon would you be fine riding my back?"
The wolf nodded at her and climbed on as she knelt for him, "Our magic will keep you from falling."
Luna flew to the tallest tower in the castle where a white alicorn was waiting, wolf was shocked as he recognized the alicorn as the one from the castle all those years ago. The wolf tensed up remembering the fight leaving the dark alicorn vaporized.
"Be calm wolf this is my sister, Celestia, she is a kind pony," Luna said landing, "good evening Tia."
"Good evening Sister, I see you have a friend with you, is that why you were so much later than expected?" Celestia asked.
"Yes sister this is the wolf Demon, I will explain after we finish our duties tonight," Luna said visually relaxing with her sister.
"That is well enough," Celestia said as she began to glow with magic. Luna glowed at the same time, and then the sun fell quickly past the horizon, and the moon rose from behind it. The wolf was shocked these two alicorns had moved the sun and the moon. The wolf suddenly felt very nervous feeling that the two alicorns he stood with were powerful beyond understanding.
"Your friend seems a little unsettled by our display just now," Celestia said noticing the slight shivers in the wolf.
"It’s fine Demon, that was just our royal duties as alicorns," Luna said nuzzling the wolf, "now then Demon Wolf this is my elder sister, Celestia ruler of the day. Sister this is Demon Wolf, he was found by Fluttershy after it was wounded, she told us, that this wolf has been staying in the castle of two sisters, sense not long after my banishment."
"That's quite the claim," Celestia said looking at wolf, "how do you know this?"
"When I asked Demon of his home he said he had been living in a castle in the forest after white and black alicorns fought, then took offence when I thought him jesting," Luna said, wolf whined but seemed to know without Fluttershy to translate he wouldn't be understood.
"Well this is quite the development, so why is Demon with you?" Celestia asked.
"I have decided to take him in, seeing as his home is to be remodeled soon, and he seems to be a intelligent and wise wolf, a great friend for me in the castle, especially when everypony is asleep and wolfs tend to be nocturnal," Luna explained.
"Well a pet would be good for you," Celestia started, but was interrupted by a fierce bark from Demon.
"I apologize Demon," Celestia said, "You are welcome in the castle so long as you like."
The wolf barked happily bowing to the princess. "Very well, Luna as your guest you're required to teach him proper etiquette for staying in the castle."
"Yes sister, come Demon we will get you settled in," Luna said taking the wolf with her to a guest room in her tower. As they walked Luna explained many things to the wolf, such as not to eat other creatures, and that their was a place called the privy to do ones business. Marking territory wasn't necessary, and until the next canterlot royal decree ceremony he needed to stay in the castle grounds so as not to scare everypony. The wolf listened carefully taking in the new rules, that felt mostly familiar like a distant dream.
Luna left Wolf in a rather spacious room, telling him she had business to attend to and would return soon. Wolf yawned trying to let her know he was going to take a nap, as he curled up on the floor. "I will still see you soon Demon."
-Dreams -
Luna shifted to her dream form when she returned to her room, and scanned Equestria for anypony who was suffering and needed help with a nightmare that had been given form by a problem they needed to resolve. Seeing that things were clear for now in the peaceful kingdom of Equestria, Luna tracked down her new friend looking to surprise him with her powers. As Luna shifted into the wolf's dream she was treated to quite the surprise.
Instead of dreaming of the everfree forest and hunting like most of his kind did, the wolf was walking threw a city at night, similar to Manehatten, but darker and less inviting. There were many lights and chariots the like of which Luna had never seen or heard of. The covered chariots were larger than the ones used in Equestria, and had no visible points for a pony to pull from. Luna decided to watch the wolf from afar and see what would happen.
The wolf walked threw the streets with a strange sense of determination, no other ponies were around though the noise of civilization could be heard, and looking up Luna saw the stars and moon of this dream were blocked from view by a layer of light hitting a strange mist that made her feel queasy.
Eventually the wolf made it to a building that shone with white light, Luna could sense a great amount of Magic being held within what she figured was a house. Luna flew down seeing the wolf stop at the front door. "It was my home," the wolf said calmly.
"You speak well," Luna said shocked at the wolf's abilities "what happened to it."
"Don't sound so surprised this is a dream world," the wolf said, "I don't remember why I left this home it was so long ago. I do know this though, recently every time I come here I remember something new of my old life."
"Such as?" Luna asked.
"I remember I had a different form than this, I don't remember what it looked like, but I know it wasn't this form. I also had a family we lived here, it was tough, but fun. At least that is what I feel," the wolf said, "I've also come to understand this is a barrier I put up over my memories, I know not why."
"I see would you like me to release them?" Luna asked examining the barrier of light around the house.
"I see would you mind if I slipped in and looked at your past, maybe I can find a clue to help you understand better," Luna offered.
"You have my permission Princess though I don't know if mine is the permission you need," the wolf said.
"I will be back in a moment," Luna said phasing threw the door. On the other side Luna was treated to a surprise, a creature she had never seen before stood before her. It stood on it's hind feet like the dragon Spike, but it was tall 5 feet and 9 inches to be exact. The creature had pale pink skin, and wore black clothes, decorated with a red trim. The biggest shock to Luna thought was it's hair was the exact same style as Demon's covering his left eye, and his right eye a red as blood.
Luna was shocked for a moment, "I am Princess Luna of Equestria, I mean no harm by entering here and would prefer not to be called an Invader."
"Well Princess Luna, I welcome you to my home, please come join me for some tea in the study," Duncan said indicating she should follow. The hallways were tight for the princess, but she made it through without incident. In the study she found it was filled wall to wall with books, all neat and organized, much like her sister's student's library. Luna took a seat on the ground by a small table, seeing that the chairs were not meant for a pony her size. Duncan poured some tea into two cups and offered it to Luna with a tray of sweeteners and cookies. Luna sipped her tea, and found it to be a blander tea than she prefered and added some honey to it.
"So seeing as you were talking with the wolf and passed my barrier with ease you must be powerful," Duncan stated drinking his tea straight.
"I am one of the strongest magic users in my land," Luna said sipping the much better tasting tea.
"I see, you must also have questions for me, please ask them," Duncan said calmly.
"Please explain both what you are and why you reside in Demon's mind," Luna asked.
"Ah that is both simple and hard to explain," Duncan said, "What I am is called a human, I come from a different universe. As to why I reside in the wolf's mind is because this is my mind and body. You see in my youth of only 65 years I found a way to travel between worlds. With this power I found eternal youth and power beyond what my homeland thought possible."
"Are all humans as long lived to call 65 years young?" Luna interjected.
"No actually at the time I felt quite old, but being over 21 centuries old makes 65 sound like I was a kid," Duncan explained, "humans tend to at best live till 100, usually less. Now as I was saying, when I was traveling the worlds in my way I came across an abnormality and was pulled into your world. Having arrived here I was forced into the shape of a wolf without the power to speak. The problem with my magic I admit is I require words to cast most of it, and could but woof and bark. Upon seeing, what I have gathered is a fight between you and the alicorn Celestia, I realized that the only power that could help me was one of you. However I knew not where Celestia resided, nor how to get her to help me. In addition from my perspective she vaporized you, which made me hesitate to try."
"We follow thy story," Luna said sipping her tea.
"Yes, well a problem with being trapped in an animal form with no speech or companionship, is it breaks down the mind over time, effectively killing the sentient personality. I used a skill from one of the worlds I visited to in essence trap myself in my own mind, thus preserving my existence, I also created a personality to manage my body while I was in here, which you call Demon," Duncan explained this generating small animated visuals for Luna to follow.
"And now that you have made contact with another pony?" Luna asked.
"I will beseech you to find a way to grant me speech, and in exchange I will offer my services to your crown until you dismiss me from your service," Duncan told her.
"What becomes of the wolf personality?" Luna asked.
"I will retake into my mind his existence, he will no longer be a mind independent of me," Duncan said flatly.
"What will you do if I refuse to help you?" Luna asked.
"Not much I can do," Duncan said, "I will leave the wolf's mind alone and reside here until either the wolf dies or I gain another chance to convince someone to return my speech."
"We will consult with our sister and the wolf, ye shall have our answer tomorrow night," Luna said setting her dream tea down.
"I can ask for nothing more," Duncan said guiding her to the front door. After pleasant parting words Luna walked threw the door just as when she had come in.
"What was in there?" the wolf asked as Luna came out.
"Your past self it seems," Luna told him, "a polite enough person but he seems a little aloof."
"Is that bad?" the wolf asked.
"It just means he gives off the presence of thinking he is better than others," Luna explained, "though based on his story I could see why, his age is greater than mine own."
"That's old, so did he say why he sealed the memories?" the wolf asked.
"He told me that he was trapped in the body you both now inhibit, and was in danger of losing himself so he sealed himself away until he could get help, making you in the process to protect the body," Luna explained.
"So what's going to happen to me now?" the wolf asked.
"That depends mine sister and I must discuss it," Luna said, "I am happy to have you as you are, however I would feel bad leaving anypony trapped as your past self is."
The rest of the evening Luna kept vigilance over the night and met with her sister as she woke for the raising of the sun. The wolf with her, Luna and Celestia went to Celestia's room after the sun was raised and Luna explained what she had seen and heard the night before. Explaining her following of the wolf in the city, here meeting with the persona Duncan, and her conversation with the wolf.
"I see so this Duncan is the actual mind of the wolf then?" Celestia asked in confirmation, "and he created this wolf persona to protect himself from the isolation and passing of time."
"As I understand it," Luna replied, "he asks that we restore his speech in exchange he offers his service to us."
"What does the wolf think of this?" Celestia asked. The wolf gave Celestia a confused look.
"When I asked him he was confused, and scared. Demon hath spent the last thousand years acting and thinking he was just a wolf. It seems that he doesn't really understand what would happen if Duncan is released," Luna explained.
"Do you know what would happen to Demon?" Celestia asked.
"Duncan told me he would take in Demon's persona and Demon would lose his independent existence," Luna explained looking at wolf, who had a downcast look on his face.
"I see, though it pains me to leave a soul trapped as it where," Celestia stated, "I believe it is up to Demon if he wants to free his prior self."
"I agree," Luna said looking at the wolf, "tonight we shall speak."
"Good, in the case we want to give him back his speech I will have Twilight find a spell and prepare it," Celestia said, "Now then I have court to attend you are free to come with me."
"Thank you sister," Luna said rising, "I would actually like to take wolf out for a walk, so I can let the guards know his status and to let him wander the castle."
"That's fine," Celestia said leaving with Luna, "I will see you tonight then."
"Yes sister," Luna agreed and turned down the hall.
The day passed slow for the wolf, he met the guards and was shown where he could go in the castle and where he couldn't. The Wolf chased some of the wild life in the royal garden for some fun though he knew he'd get in trouble for eating one.
The wolf was taken to the kitchen around noon with Luna to find out what he'd eat, which was more than Luna thought for a wolf. Wolf had eaten eggs, toast, and some of the salad though he wouldn't go near the flowers or hey.
One of the guards offered to take him out to play when Luna asked them to watch him some while she took a nap. The wolf enjoyed the game of fetch very much though, he wondered why the ponies kept throwing the stick and making him get it.
That night the wolf went to sleep right after Luna raised the moon, and waited by the house of light. Luna met with the wolf a few moments after he had arrived at the house.
"Good Evening Demon," Luna said landing.
"Hello Princess," the wolf greeted back.
"So what is your answer?" Luna asked referring to releasing Duncan.
"I don't know," the wolf answered, "I just found out that I'm not a real wolf but some immortal creature trapped in a wolf body. All my life of being a wolf was just some elaborate ploy to keep him alive, to be honest I don't know what to do. I am just a wolf construct."
Luna listened to the wolf rant and smiled, "Demon you are more than a construct, your birth is irrelevant to who you are. You have become your own existence, so you should think long and hard on what you want to do. If you want to live as you are no pony will complain."
"I can just live as a wolf?" the wolf asked.
"Yes you can do as you like, you can return to the forest or stay here at the castle, or go anywhere," Luna said.
"I need to think," the wolf said walking away. Luna nodded and walked threw the protection of the house.
"A good evening Princess Luna," Duncan said waiting in the hallway for her.
"Good evening Duncan," Luna replied.
"Shall we retire to the study or will your answer be short?" Duncan asked.
"My sister has our best magic user working on preparing a spell for you incase we decide to release you, however the ultimate choice has been left with Demon to choose," Luna explained.
"Fair enough, he is the one getting the short end of the stick if I get free, well unless you have other things to discuss I believe you need to attend to the other ponies of the land," Duncan said face passive and unreadable.
"Yes I bid you good night we will speak in the future I am sure," Luna said and left. Luna left the dream of the wolf after walking out the door and went about her nightly duties.
Author's Note
I re-worked Luna's lines and tweaked the chapter some
Duncan the Demon Wolf in Equestria
-Enemies-
Three months later the wolf had decided to move back to Ponyville with Fluttershy, so he could talk to somepony. Luna had explained to the element bearers what was up with the wolf and Twilight had prepared a spell in case the wolf decided to release this Duncan. The wolf had settled into his new life as a scout and protector of Ponyville. Most of his time was spent sleeping, or at night he would watch over the edge everfree forest.
Little had happened since he had met the ponies. Many of the towns folk still treated him with mild suspicion, though they never acted on it. The wolf generally spent his days at the cottage thought when he went to town he always went with Fluttershy probably part of why he hadn’t been harassed.
This night though Luna and Twilight had come to visit him, while he was on patrol in the forest. They spoke with him about a variety of things that had happened, and showed him some artifacts Luna had uncovered from the pre-Discord days. The wolf knew they were trying to be more friendly with him, as neither had been able to talk with him due to their royal duties.
"And that's when Applejack stood before everypony and told them the truth of Flim and Flam's elixir," Twilight said finishing her story about one of the bearers.
"It is a good thing Applejack found her honesty despite knowing how it would disappoint other ponies," Luna said as they walked. The wolf was about to agree when he caught a whiff of something in the air.
"What's wrong Demon?" Twilight asked as he started to growl at the forest. The wolf remembered the smell of the creature that had hurt him and caused him to seek help from the ponies. The wolf began to worry as he began to smell a pack of these creatures, they had managed to surround the three of them.
"Twilight Sparkle I believe there is something dangerous in these woods," Luna remarked as she began to see the outlines of creatures forming. The wolf saw one of the creatures in full form as it was stalking closer.
The creature stood 9 feet tall, and was covered in razor sharp spines everywhere. The creature's head had a long snout with forward facing eyes denoting a predator. It's eyes consisted of six orbs, three on either side of the face, all pitch black. From it's boney scalp grew a set of twisted horns meant for gouging prey. It stood on it's hind legs with feet that ended in massive claws, much like it's forearms both sets of limbs were marked with bone plates with spikes on them. The last part the wolf saw was long tail with a spiked club on the end, it looked to be a balance support and a weapon to strike anything the snuck up on it.
"What are those," Twilight asked seeing them at last.
"I don't know," Luna answered, "we should leave."
Twilight started flying as Luna lifted the wolf on her back. The creatures sprang into action, but missed the alicorns by a few inches. They flew to Fluttershy's house which was closest and asked for admittance.
"Please come in," Fluttershy said opening the door, "please be quiet though everyone is asleep."
"Thanks Fluttershy," Twilight said, as wolf started whining at the yellow pegasus.
"Shuush, Demon softer and slower," Fluttershy said trying to calm the wolf. The wolf took a breath and whined and woofed slower and quieter.
"Oh dear are you sure?" Fluttershy asked as Luna and Twilight looked at each other, "Demon says that Duncan is demanding the speech spell. It seems Duncan knows what the creatures that attacked you are, you were attacked?"
"Yes by creatures we've never seen before," Twilight confirmed, "can you tell us how Duncan knows them?"
Wolf whined at Fluttershy, "He said they're from a world Duncan had visited, oh dear."
"What is it young Fluttershy?" Luna asked as the yellow pony turned pale.
"He says they're a race that nests and devours w..whole w..worlds," Fluttershy stammered.
"How bad are they, can we stop them?" Luna asked and the wolf whined his reply.
"Oh dear, he says the only way to stop them is to exterminate them," Fluttershy was on the verge of fainting from translating this bad news. "he... he says unless the alicorns know annihilation magic that can... that can kill all of them then we don't stand a chance."
"You're sure Demon, Duncan's not lying?" Twilight asked, the wolf barked.
"I'm gonna go comfort her," Twilight said.
"I will see if we can get into Demon's dreams," Luna said nodding, as wolf closed his eyes. It took him a few minutes but he fell asleep with the help of Duncan, and met Luna in his dream at the silver house. However tonight Duncan waited outside the door.
"I wish not to make demands but if Equestria is to survive then I need that speech spell," Duncan said ignoring the normal pleasantries.
"Why do these creatures have you in such a panic?" Luna asked, "what makes you want to kill them?"
"You want to know?" Duncan asked fury starting to show on his face, "Remember how I said I traveled across multiple worlds?"
"I remember," Luna stated.
"Well let me show you a memory of the last world I had a family on," Duncan said his eyes burning with fury. The scene shifted in a whirl of colors and they stood on the sky over a city. Luna noted the oddity of this world, as grass was blue, water was orange, and clouds were all pink. In the city was more like Duncan two leggers called Humans.
"I had come to this world called Fiaht about 200 years before I ended up in Equestria," Duncan started. The scene shifted to show Duncan and three other humans a female as tall as him, then two males half as tall. Luna realized this was the family Duncan had mentioned.
"We lived peacefully, I had an expanded knowledge of herbal medicines, and was good with computers. I had married my wife Tsunami and had two sons, Nuada and Lugh." the scene shifted again, they were out on a picnic it seemed.
"My wife knew of my immortality, through my sons did not. Then they came," Duncan's face showed untold amounts of fury and pain, Luna began to regret asking.
The newest scene showed fire and chaos all around. Luna saw the same creatures that had attacked them in the woods, slaughtering everything they came across. The monsters gorged themselves on the humans, while others ran survivors down. "Don't think we gave up without a fight," Duncan remarked as what looked like soldiers attacked the creatures with ranged weapons that sounded like thunder, and tore chunks from the monster's flesh. But Luna could see they were out numbered, the soldiers went down as their weapons stopped firing and the creatures surrounded them.
Luna was feeling sick, in all of Equestrian history she knew of nothing that could come close to the violence she saw here. The scene swirled again, Duncan was in front of his home throwing spells and using one of the thunder weapons to stop the advance of the creatures. "In desperation I began using the magics I had hidden from the people of that world," Duncan explained, "I was doing everything I could to protect my family, my wife and children were using the guns of the fallen soldiers to help, but they ran out of ammo quickly. I used all the spells I could draining myself to the brink of death, and then..."
Luna watched as Duncan's wife came running out of the house taking claw meant for the exhausted Duncan. In a rage Duncan threw a massive anialation spell taking out over 50 monsters in one shot. The scene went dark.
"I should have died," Duncan said as an image of Duncan's past self formed, and a black robed figure with a large scythe floated into view.
"Death had another plan for me though," Duncan said as the scene rotated and revealed a skeleton face. "Death told me my time had not come yet," Duncan said, "that my job in the worlds was yet to come."
The scene left, and they stood in the dream city by Duncan's house, "I found myself on another world. I never found out what happened to my children. I could only assume they had perished while I was saved."
Duncan looked at Luna his fury replaced with sadness, "I found out threw research in the multiverse library what those monsters where. They are called the Mortis Letum, for the bring fear and death with them. Creatures without origin that devour worlds appearing seemingly without reason"
Luna couldn't move or say anything, in all of the recorded history of Equestria, Luna had known nothing like the darkness that Duncan had shown her.
"Luna, please grant Duncan speech," the wolf said rubbing her leg.
Luna looked at the wolf confused, "You're sure."
"If this is the only way to save everyone, then I don't mind. Besides it's not a full death, I'll live on as a part of Duncan," the wolf said.
"Okay, good bye Demon," Luna said and shifted away. Luna found Twilight Sparkle looking at her concerned as she brought herself out of the dream.
"Princess are you okay?" Twilight asked.
"I will be eventually," Luna responded trying to shake the sadness from her mind, "How is Fluttershy?"
"She's fallen asleep, I don't understand what upset her so," Twilight remarked.
"Let us hope nopony ever has to know," Luna said looking at the wolf who was stirring, "now then for the safety of Equestria I need you to grant Demon speech and restore Duncan's presence."
"Princess?" Twilight asked confused, "what about Demon?"
"Okay, bye Demon," Twilight's horn glowed as the wolf smiled in his fashion. A beam of power shot the wolf. The wolf glowed purple from Twilight's Magic for a moment before they heard a rusty, "Restoration." A dark red flame flowed out from Duncan's covered left eye, pushing back the purple magic. The red flame enveloped the wolf body and levitated as an orb into the air. It hovered two feet up for twelve seconds before coming back down for a gentle rest on the ground. The fire drew back into the eye and revealed the restored Duncan.
Duncan looked the same as he had previously, still a black wolf with red hair. However a cape now rested across his back, black with an intricate red symbol down the full back. The cape rested to the side slightly revealing a red flame with a spiral on his hindquarters.
"Hello?" Duncan said roughly practicing his long out of use voice, and new vocal cords.
"Hello," Twilight responded, "Duncan?"
"Yes I am Duncan," he replied, "hum strange I was supposed to return to my human form. There must be a law in this world preventing me. Now then thank you both for restoring me and watching over this body."
"No problem," Twilight responded, "what are you going to do now?"
"I need to ask Princess Luna and Princess Celestia for some help then I will eradicate the Mortis Letum," Duncan stated.
"What?!" Twilight exclaimed.
"It is for the best Twilight Sparkle, please keep this between us for now," Luna said, "Come Duncan we will go to Celestia now."
"But Princess eradication?" Twilight asked confused that the Lunar Alicorn who had been so gentle lately would agree to something so horrible.
"Twilight, if you wish to know why come with us to see Celestia, as a princess it is your right, however I would rather you forget this whole event," Luna explained.
"I'm coming with you then," Twilight stated, "I need to understand what's going on."
"Then let's go," Duncan said, impatient, "each minute we dally is a chance for them to destroy something."
They road Luna's chariot to the castle, Duncan rode as far forward as he could, not afraid of the height. Duncan was muttering to himself most of the way, trying to get use to his voice and body again.
As they arrived Celestia came out to meet them, "Welcome back sister, and Demon, and what brings my most faithful student to Canterlot this late?"
"Sister we need to speak in private," Luna said, "there is a danger in the forest that warrants serious care."
"But of course," Celestia said seeing grim looks on Luna and the wolf. They walked in silence thru the castle, heading to Celestia's chambers. Once in her chambers Celesta dismissed her guards, and Twilight put up an anti-eavesdropping spell. Duncan introduced himself to Celestia and explained the rough problem. Celestia asked to be shown what Luna had scene.
"I would like to see as well Princess," Twilight stated.
"Twilight please wait until I see, some things are better off being unknown, especially where other worlds are concerned" Celestia explained nodding to Duncan. A black sphere enveloped Celestia and Duncan, a few seconds later the sphere faded and Celestia was paler than a white alicorn should be.
"Princess?" Twilight asked seeing that expression for the third time in that night.
"Twilight you know I trust you and believe in you, however this is something that should never have come to Equestria," Celestia said, "In truth this makes, the changelings, Discord, and King Sombra look like simple schoolyard bullies. I will not stop you from seeing it, however, I advise against it."
"Well if you say so Princess I won't pursue it," Twilight said looking away, scared that something scared her mentor.
"Okay now then I personally can't condone your choice of action Duncan, nor can I permit them as a Ruler of Equestria. Our rules are set, no killing ever, banishment and sealing is permitted, but never killing," Celestia explained, "I can not break this law even for such a situation, or a precedence will be set and I can not permit that."
"I understand your position," Duncan agreed nodding, "in that case permit me to offer an alternative. I will open a portal to another world, if your soldiers can coral them thru that portal, I will ensure they stay there."
"I must ask what world you will take them to?" Celestia asked, "in good conscious I can't send them to their death."
"I have a world bookmarked that is rather hostile, I admit that their survival will be limited, however it is no different than the predator ranks in the Everfree forest, they will have a chance to survive but they will be kept in check by stronger predators," Duncan explained.
"I suppose that can be acceptable," Celestia agreed, "I will contact Shining Armor to gather the guards and form a group for you. Twilight Sparkle I request you gather the others and help Duncan."
"Yes Princess," Twilight said. The two were each led to rooms for the night, after a letter was sent to Spike letting him know that Twilight would return in the morning. Duncan began preparing his dimensional gate spell, writing a list of what was needed, and drawing out the magical sigils he would need on planks of wood. Twilight borrowed a book from the library to read before she fell asleep, looking into dimensional magic specifically.
The next morning Twilight caught the train back to ponyville while Duncan worked with the Princesses and Guard to gather the needed supplies and organize small patrols to watch the edge of the forest, making sure none of the monsters escaped. Establishing a criss crossing patrol around the forest, they arranged to have camps established for relay and rest point. At midday Shining Armor arrived with a large group of crystal ponies, saying more were on the way.
Twilight met Duncan and Shining Armor at the train station at mid afternoon, after the pegasi guards had arrived and started the patrol of the forest.
"Brother how are you, how's Cadence?" Twilight asked bouncing up to meet them.
"I'm doing good Twilly, Cadence is a little under the weather but otherwise is doing well," Shining Armor said as they walked, "Have you briefed the others?"
"I told them about the plan everyone is eager to help," Twilight said indicating how the town had arranged into groups to help the guards patrol.
"What about the other element bearers?" Shining asked.
"Everyone is ready to help, they'll meet up with us at the edge of the forest," Twilight explained.
"Okay now then, start rounding them to the castle of the two sisters, I will use the ancient power there to help stabilize the portal," Duncan said moving forward, "remember don't fight them, and they move in packs so keep all eyes open."
The guards moved at Duncan's order, and spread out into the forest. Unicorns would work together to pick up the creatures, while earth ponies would act as vanguards defending the unicorns. Pegasi were patrolling threw the air to watch for missed creatures. Duncan and the bearers moved to the castle with Shining Armor and a few guards watching over them.
At the castle Duncan set about using the entryway to build his portal. Sigils were affixed to stones, and seals drawn on the ground. As the first group came threw the clearing edge with creatures held aloft, Duncan sat down his tools.
"Okay girls to sustain this long enough please channel some power into this crystal," Duncan said placing a ruby stone into the center of the arch. Duncan spoke words of great power the air pressure from the gathering energy tossing hair about. Between the arch a black vortex formed, slowly growing, taking that as a signal Twilight and the bearers channeled power in a rainbow beam threw the crystal. The portal opened to full size and Shining Armor ordered the unicorns to begin throwing the creatures thru the portal.
Duncan stood focusing on the portal his hidden eye glowing in a red fire. Twilight and the others were channeling as much as they could thru the crystal. Group after group came thru with the monsters, throwing them thru the portal. During this a few reports came thru to Shining Armor who had affixed a barrier over the forest just to be safe. A hand full of guards had been caught of guard and wounded, nothing serious but enough to remove them from the front lines. After two hours a pegasus came down and informed them the last group was five minutes out, and at this time no other Mortis Letium had been sighted.
Duncan stayed on edge while the girls relaxed slightly, the task would be done soon and Equestria saved once more. Only Duncan noticed the monster sneaking up on Shining Armor who stood off to the side from the main action. "Shining Armor look out!"
Almost too late Shining Armor saw the threat and dodged, taking a serious cut to his side. Blood oozed from the wound as the monster prepared a second strike. Duncan grabbed the beast by it's tail, with his mouth and yanked it towards the portal. The creature seeing what was happening grabbed Duncan.
In a few moments several things happened. The last Unicorn group came thru, with the last of the creatures getting tossed into the portal. Duncan wrestled with the creature that had wounded Shining Armor into the portal going with it. Twilight broke her spell to check her brother not seeing Duncan go thru the portal. Without power, the portal collapsed on itself in a loud thundering crack.
"We've got to get you to Zecura," Twilight said remembering the poison Fluttershy had mentioned when Duncan was first found as Demon.
"Is that the last of them?" Shining Armor asked a guard.
"No more are being reported, we'll continue our vigilance for the next few days," the pegasus said hovering.
"Okay, lets go," Shining Armor said leaning on a guard.
"Guys where's Duncan?" Fluttershy asked. Everyone started looking around for the wolf. A guard came forth, "I think I saw him fall thru the portal with the creature that had harmed the Captain."
Author's Note
I had a couple of these written already trying to edit them as I go, and sorry for the delay I have chaos in life, I might try setting myself a schedule for releasing these chapters to keep me on target better.
Duncan the Demon Wolf in Equestria
Duncan felt himself change as he fell thru the portal. In the split moment of non-time Duncan grew into his old human form. His fur became a long black coat, and matching shirt and pants. His paws became hands and boots, his face became pale skin, while his ears fell to the side of his head and shrank.
Emerging from the portal Duncan registered this and called out for his sword. A long sword appeared on his back, the hilt a simple leather wrap and steel curve cross guard. The pomal was steel with a pentacle etched in, at the crossguard the word, Falimial, its name, pulsed with power. The scabbard was red would with steel bands each etched with a different magic sigil.
Duncan was still entangled with the Mortis Letium as they fell threw the air. Duncan had set the portal above the tree tops of the world, he logic'd to keep the enemies from coming back thru. The creature was confused at the sudden falling so Duncan drew his sword and dispatched the creature in a swift cleave. Duncan then used his powers to slow his descent as he met the tree line and landed like a feather on a branch.
Below the Mortis Letium were cannibalizing the wounded and dead. They were oblivious to Duncan's presence for now. Duncan scanned the area taking note that the smaller carnivores had decided to keep back, while the larger carnivores were eating the creatures on the outskirts. Duncan grinned this world was much like the cretaceous period of his home world of Earth only more dog eat dog.
Not far he had a cave near by from living here for a year while training. Duncan noted his mana reserves were low and he would have to eat and sleep before he could leave this world. Making his way to the nearby crevices in the ground Duncan evaded many of the creatures going to investigate, while picking safe fruits. Duncan found that the vines he had cultivated as a ladder were still intact and climbed down to a small crevice in the cave wall. He had to kick some small pterodactyl like creatures out but got in and moved the wooden gate in the cave to cover the cave entrance.
Duncan used the last of his mana to start a fire with the stored supplies to the side, ate a light meal, and slept.
In the morning Duncan's mana had partially recovered though it was not enough to leave the world. Duncan spent the day gathering some food and hunting some grazers for dinner. He checked on the Mortis Letium they had started to move off and search for a safe place to nest, the creatures of the area had thinned their numbers to less than 20 from what Duncan thought was closer to 70 that was thrown through the portal, he really hoped there weren't any left in Equestria.
Duncan gorged himself on the meat figuring it would be his last for a while, and slept again.
Duncan woke and stretched in the morning. He noted his mana was full again and he could return to Equestria. Duncan went to the very back of the cave where a stone circle was slightly disheveled. Duncan straightened the circle and used a charred stick to draw sigils on the stones. Duncan prayed to his gods and activated his spell.
Twilight stood before the gate way that Duncan had used to send the monsters away. She had studied a bunch of spells over the last week, including Starswirl’s notes on the mirrors he had created, after verifying her brother was okay. In all the spells she read thru none of them mentioned a spell like Duncan's, the sigils he had used were foreign to Equestria and the magic that needed speech was strange to her.
Twilight was looking over the patterns Duncan had used that still pulsed with residual power. Every night she would fly over and stare at the magic, trying to figure it out. Luna and Celestia had come and looked as well, however even they did not understand this power. Twilight was about to turn and leave when the magic pulse solidified into a solid spell.
The sigils glowed with power, and the seals on the grounds that had been scuffed redrew themselves in a red fire. Twilight stepped back seeing this spell working. The portal began to open once more though it only opened big enough for a pony to come thru. A black shadow fell out of the portal landing just beyond the spell work. The remaining power swirled into the shadow and the area went dark.
"Duncan?" Twilight asked lighting her horn.
"Miss Twilight, good to see you again," Duncan said triggering his own light spell of fire over his left eye.
"Thank Celestia you're okay," Twilight said hugging him, "we were all so worried when you went thru the portal and it closed."
"I'm more glad you're okay, how is Shining Armor, and did we get all the Mrtis Letium?" Duncan asked questions jumping to his mind.
"Shining will be okay with plenty of rest, the poison was neutralized quickly," Twilight answered, "and over the last week the pegasus and unicorn guards have been watching the forest. Not a single sighting of the creatures."
"Good, good," Duncan breathed a sigh of relief. They began to walk to ponyville, Duncan explained some of what happened in the otherworld. Twilight was confused when he said he had only been over there for two days, but Duncan explained that time flows differently in other worlds, and is in constant flux. In one of the other worlds he had been to 6 months had passed for it, but to him it had been 1600 years traveling the worlds and researching at the magic repository.
"So that’s where you learn all this magic?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, you see when I first learned the power to travel worlds I went to two worlds, first to a world with a well that grant's eternal life. The second was a world with a magical repository where I studied magic. I spent three years going between my home and the repository before I just left my home and moved into the repository for a few years," Duncan explained.
"Wait, Eternal life?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah, it's quite common for those who travel the worlds to obtain a form of immortality. As the worlds exists in infinity, those who wish to see them all need all the extra time they can find," Duncan said.
"And all you needed was a well?" Twilight asked.
"The worlds are infinite and magic as diverse a the worlds, in some worlds there is simple means to eternal life," Duncan said, "Though you have to know how to look for it, I've met travelers who've done terrible things for their eternal life."
"Terrible things?" Twilight asked.
"You wouldn't want to know," Duncan said, "most of the worlds aren't as peaceful as Equestria is on it's bad days."
Twilight shivered thinking about Discord and the Changelings and how bad they had been. They arrived at Twilight's library at this point, and was greeted by Spike. "Duncan you're back," Spike exclaimed.
"Yes I am," Duncan stated, "a pleasure to see you again Spike."
"What happened? where were you? how'd you get back?" Spike started asking.
"All in good time," Duncan said, "I'll tell you and the others later. Can you do me a favor though?"
"Sure what do you need?" Spike asked.
"Please send a letter to the Princesses letting them know I am back," Duncan told him.
"Will do," Spike said running off to write a letter. Twilight lent Duncan a bed and everyone went to sleep.
In the morning Duncan was greeted by Spike waking him up for breakfast. Duncan hid his mild disappointment at the lack of meats and ate quietly. Twilight ate with him though she was reading a book called, "Other Worldly Theories and Discoveries," Duncan felt he might be probed for information again later. Spike ate quickly and started asking Duncan about himself. Duncan gave him simple censured answers, taking his age and society into account.
"If you're finished Duncan the others will meet us at sugar cube corner soon, with the princesses," Twilight mentioned putting her book in a satchel and picked it up.
"Sounds good," Duncan agreed handing Spike his plate. Spike left the dishes in the sink and hopped on Twilight's back. They set off, Twilight respectfully holding back a myriad of questions, Duncan taking in Ponyville properly with his own eyes, as his last visit took him straight thru and out in a hurry.
Duncan, Twilight, and Spike were greeted by a pair of pegasus guards one in gold and the other in black signifying both princesses had arrived. Inside where the other element bearers, the princesses, and a few ponies serving food and tea. Duncan walked up to the princesses and bowed, "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, I have returned from my unexpected trip."
"Duncan it's good to see you okay," Celestia replied.
"We are pleased to see thee," Luna said levitating a plate of sweets and a cup of tea over to him.
"Thank you," Duncan responded taking the plate and cup and set them down, "How are you both doing?"
"We are well, Shining Armor is back at the Crystal Empire already healing and handling his duties," Celestia informed him, "Our guards report no further activity in the Everfree forest, and the news of your safe return has put many ponies in a happy mood."
Duncan noticed the bearers were talking with Twilight, Pinkie Pie was held in place looking like she was about to jump over to him. Duncan sighed in relief, and looked back at the Princesses, "As per our agreement I am yours to command, princesses. What would you have me do?"
"We have no pressing matters that require your help, so if it would be acceptable I would have you stay in Ponyville for the time being," Celestia told him, "maybe make some friends and teach everyone about yourself."
"If that is your request I will do so," Duncan said.
"We also request you write or visit us in Canterlot," Luna stated, "we would like to confer with you and be your friends."
"As you asked," Duncan agreed mentally sighing.
"Now that's out of the way I think the others would like to visit with you," Celestia said nodding to Twilight.
Duncan found himself on his back, resisting the urge to fight he found Pinky Pie in his face, "OH MY GOSH!!! DEMON, I MEAN DUNCAN WELCOME BACK!"
Duncan woke to his small cottage at the edge of the Everfree forest, Celestia had commissioned it so he could watch over the forest. Duncan's job was guardian and would get a small monthly stipend, which he had used to furnish the small four room cottage. He started his morning with toast and eggs, and some bacon he had gotten from the forest. Duncan ate and went out for a morning jog and patrol. It had been three months since he'd returned and become the princesses servant, and he still kept an eye out for Mortis Letium, though he trusted Celestia and Luna were right and they were gone.
He finished his patrol around noon and headed into town, for lunch. Today was Tuesday so he was to meet at Twilight's library for lunch and Twilight's lessons. Duncan had taken upon himself to teach Twilight his healing and non-harming combat magics, such as Chains of Power, and Scrape Soothe. The combat magics such as Firebolt, and Soul Drain he kept to himself, knowing they had no place in Equestria.
"Hello Duncan," Spike said greeting Duncan at the door, "How was work?"
"Peaceful thankfully," Duncan stated, "How are you Spike?"
"Uhg Twilight's making me help research a new spell," Spike said going back to cooking what looked like lunch, "something about seeing other worlds."
"Ah I see, well I'll be helping with that after lunch," Duncan stated, "Twilight down stairs?"
"Yeah I'll have food for you soon," Spike said letting Duncan in. Duncan nodded and descended the nearby stairs to the basement where he found Twilight with a crystal charging magical energy into it. Duncan watched her finish the spell and mutter as nothing appeared.
"Just so you know the spell is working," Duncan said observing the sphere.
"What do you mean the crystal isn't showing me anything," Twilight asked.
"It's showing you everything at once," Duncan stated walking up, "this is the problem with dimensional magic, it's very finicky with targeting. What are you trying to look at?"
"I'm trying to see how my friend Sunset Shimmer is doing in the other world," Twilight said.
"Okay in your spell how are you defining the other world?" Duncan asked.
"The world connected to this one threw the mirror," Twilight explained.
Duncan laughed a little, "that is too broad, you see many worlds can be connected to another threw mirrors. Such as I have a mirror to let me talk to a friend in the repository, which means your spell is tapping into my mirror's connection. Equestria is also a very large land so I wouldn't be surprised if other travelers like myself were here and with mirrors as well or just old relics like the one you mentioned."
"So I have to be more specific?" Twilight asked.
"A lot more, get a specific as possible," Duncan told her.
"Okay let me try this," Twilight said charging her horn. Her magic lit up the crystal only this time, an image came into the crystal. "It worked!" Twilight exclaimed watching the red and orange haired individual, "But why is it so blurry?"
Duncan stared at the crystal and saw a fuzzy overlay, focusing harder he saw a second image with a much meaner looking Sunset Shimmer, "branch realities, you did well and got the right core world and Sunset Shimmer looks right however..."
"However?" Twilight asked.
"Do you remember how I explained other worlds are formed?" Duncan asked.
"Yes, you said, 'each choice made splits the world, much like how a tree grows branches, each branch, twig, and leaf is a new world,' that's why I focused so hard on the other world I had been to," Twilight said quoting him word for word.
"Yes but do you realize that includes micro choices?" Duncan asked.
"Micro choices?" Twilight asked confused.
"Think on the root words," Duncan said, this is how he'd teach, mostly by making his student think for themselves over being hand fed information from a book or lecture.
"Micro as in super small, and choices as in the possibilities to perform one of two or more actions," Twilight said, "so micro choices are very small choices such as whether to start walking with your left foot or your right foot?"
"Exactly, and this goes down to the smallest creature's choices," Duncan explained, "a squirrel waiting a second longer to run and grab a nut will create a split."
"I see so how would I clear up the image?" She asked.
"Focus on getting the image of one Sunset Shimmer, the one whom you saved and is friends with your friends and tell the spell to pick one world to follow," Duncan explained, "But you have to be very precisely that's why dimensional magic is so hard."
"How long did it take you to learn?" Twilight asked.
"It took me 40 years to learn my first dimensional spell," Duncan explained.
"40 years?" Twilight exclaimed.
"Yes, it was a traveling spell so it was rather difficult, and my home world magic was generally thought as being fake," Duncan said his face becoming impassive, "anyways you'll learn it quickly I'm sure."
"Okay thank you," Twilight tried a few more times the picture getting clearer each time until she was forced to stop for lunch and work on other projects by Duncan. Such as trying to teach him non-verbal magic which due to his lack of a focus point began to prove fruitless. Duncan left Twilight's at 3:30pm and went to the market to buy a few essentials for his dinner.
At home Duncan ate a light meal, studied a Equestria History book, and worked on his interdimensional detection spell before sleeping.
The next day passed as before however this time he visited Applejack after lunch to help her with some chores around the farm. Duncan used some cleaning spells on the house, and worked on his networked protection spell, over the trees to ward off harmful creatures such as termites and fruit bugs. This spell was a mark carved into tree then the natural magic of the tree was tied to the other trees, as Duncan put it much like many trains and towns. This spell let sick trees borrow strength from strong trees and made it so other trees could send energy to fight off parasites. In the evening he ate dinner with the Apple Family telling Applebloom only a little of his past.
"So if you're not a pony why do ya ave a cutie mark?" Applebloom asked that night.
"Knights of Flame?" Applebloom asked.
"They're a group of travelers who work to keep the peace of the worlds. This symbol was created by their first Knight Commander whose name was lost to time," Duncan explained.
"Does that make you a Knight of Flame too?" she asked.
"No, I uses this symbol because it is a protection sigil, it catches low level magics that intend to cause me harm and neutralizes them," Duncan explained.
"Ah I see, so do the Knights get mad at you for using it?" Applejack asked.
"No they don't mind so long as I don't go against their rules, they even made me an honorary member," Duncan explained.
"What kind of rules do ya have to follow?" Applebloom asked.
"Well no killing as a general rule, and no conquesting," Duncan said thinking, "those are the big ones, some minor other rules but those are only of little importance."
"Do you think I could be a Knight of Flame and get a cutie mark that way?" Applebloom asked. Duncan looked at her innocent face and visions of carnage crossed his memory, wars the knights had waged on conquers and genocidal psychos, horror slowly creeping across his face.
"I do not mean this as an insult but I don't think you would do well as a knight, it would mean fighting, and never seeing your family. It's not something someone chooses to do lightly," Duncan said, "now I thank you all for the meal, I'll be by Friday to help again."
"Thanks for coming by sugar we really appreciate the help," Applejack said leading Duncan out as Big Mac and Applebloom cleared the table.
"Not a problem," Duncan said walking with her.
"By the way thank you for talking with Applebloom," Applejack said.
"It's always a pleasure to talk to those who'll listen," Duncan said.
"That's true I s'pose, I do have a question though," Applejack said.
"Ask away," Duncan replied.
"When any of us ask about the other worlds and such you seem guarded, or even pained at answering. I saw it when Applebloom asked about being a Knight of Flame. Is there a reason?" Applejack asked.
Duncan sighed and looked at the evening sky for a long moment before looking back at Applejack, "Applejack what is the most evil creature in the history of Equestria?"
"Not sure either Discord before redemption, King Sombra, or the changelings," Applejack answered, "what's that got ta do with it?"
"I read about those in the history book Luna lent me. I read details about each one's rule and the atrocities they committed in their rule," Duncan explained looking up again, "Do you know what I thought to myself?"
"Uh... not sure where you're going but no I don't," she replied.
"I thought to myself how lucky you ponies were, that they were the worst you've ever dealt with," Duncan said, "I thought to myself, compared to the pain of the other worlds, you ponies didn't suffer too badly. Can you guess why?"
"Ta be honest sugar I don't think I want to," Applejack said, "cause I'm betting that means there are worse things than what we've seen."
"Exactly, which is why I am careful with what I share, only Luna and Celestia have seen some of what I've seen, when I had to make a point. I would rather not share with such kind innocent folk the darkness and corruption that doesn't appear in their world," Duncan stated walking away, "I'll see you later AJ."
"Later Duncan," Applejack answered turning away from Duncan.
Duncan continued his week he would visit each pony and help them with their jobs or teach them something he had learned in his travels. He would help bake at Sugarplum Corner while Pinky Pie ran the register. Rarity he would help with gem cutting, and show her drawings of fashions from the worlds he'd seen. Fluttershy he would help feed animals and taught her herbal remedies for various sickness. Rainbow Dash he would train with and teach her ways to move about without flying if she needed to. With Twilight he would teach his strange magic, and study her magic, while with Applejack he learned about apple farming while doing chores.
With all of this Duncan kept his week busy, and he interacted with the element bearers like Luna and Celestia had wanted him to. He occasionally took a day off to work on a private project he would tell nopony about but otherwise he seemed to have found his spot and fit in.
“Duncan, thank you for coming,” Luna said as Duncan walked into her office.
“I am but your humble servant, your majesty,” Duncan said bowing to the Princess of the night.
“Please refer to me as Luna,’ she said waving Duncan up, “we are friends are we not?”
“If that is your wish Prin… er Luna,” Duncan said sitting on his haunches.
Luna raised her eye at this but continued on, “My sister and I agree, that we need to protect Equestria from world travelers like yourself, but who are less friendly.”
“What would you like done?” Duncan asked.
“I want to know, can you track those who travel the worlds?” Luna asked.
“With the right crystals, time, and some travel I could create a system that would let you know where anyone who has crossed the worlds is,” Duncan stated, “You would see my position at all times, unless they are actively cloaking against it.”
“That sounds like a good start,” Luna pulled out a medallion, “take this it will grant you access to all areas of Equestria. Also submit to me a list of materials you need.”
“It will be done, Luna,” Duncan stated leaving once dismissed by a hoof wave.