the thing in the dark

Chapters

chapter 1 the thing that walks on 2 legs
chapter 2 mission briefing
chapter 2.5 escort mission
chapter 3 the chase
chapter 3.5 the chased
chapter 4 the man is back
chapter 4.5 a man of the past
chapter 5 A Nightmare In the Woods
chapter 5.5 Dawn after the Nightmare
chapter 6 Set Up Us the Party
chapter 6.5 set up us the filler slash character developement
chapter 1.5 the two ponies

chapter 1 the thing that walks on 2 legs

"OhmygoshTwilightIcantwaittillwegetthere" said pinkie pie at full speed while bouncing along the path “It's been soooooooooo long since I’ve seen Corey". Twilight shot pinkie a puzzled look and asked "Corey? Who's that?" Pinkie stopped bouncing and smiled “It’s Zecoras new nick name silly filly" she said as though it were obvious and then resumed her happy bouncing "I can't wait and after I see her I’ll throw her an ‘I haven't seen you in a while party.’” Twilight couldn't help but smile she hadn't intended on bringing Pinkie along on her trip to Zecoras to get some herbs but as per usual Pinkie had a way of showing up in unexpected places so her showing up from under a rock at the front of the Everfree forest, while startling, wasn't all that strange; At least not for the pony in question.

"Remember Pinkie" Twilight said trying to keep the bouncing mare on track "We're going primarily to get herbs. As much as I’d love to stay for a visit I simply don't have the time for-" before twilight had a chance to finish a loud roar burst through the air as a Manticore jumped in front of them snarling and growling, causing both mares to freeze in thier tracks. While they had faced a Manticore before, this one was quite a bit larger as well as had numerous battle scars from the territorial conflicts it had won and in short not something to be taken lightly. As it crept forward it felt the two ponies in front of him shrink in terror and it grinned to itself; This was going to be easy, however as the Manticore advanced closer all three began to hear something. It sounded like a flute playing.

Twilight began to whip her head around as she looked for the source of the sound before looking back to the Manticore and seeing something strange. The Manticore too was looking around franticly and seemed very afraid of the sound, as if hearing it meant something terrible was going to happen then after looking at the ponies for a brief moment seemed to consider its options before hesitantly deciding to follow through with his plans, once again advancing on the ponies only this time with a hint of panic in its steps. Twilight tried to ready a teleportation spell as the beast ran forward, but all at once there was a deafening crack through the air as the Manticore fell limply to the ground, with a bloody hole newly opened on the side of its head leaving Twilight to wonder what in the hay just happened.

As if in answer to her question, a rustling sound came through the trees as the strangest creature either of the two had ever seen stepped out. The creature stood on two hind legs which made it about three feet taller than they were and it had armor covering its body. Upon closer inspection, Twilight could see it was holding 2 things with its armored hands, one was a knife the other was a long tube of metal with a wooden handle with a strap attached that was smoking a bit from the end. Whatever it was it swiftly slung the device over its shoulder and walked towards the Manticore picking it up by its mane stopping only to look a the ponies for a moment before disappearing into the forest with the Manticores body leaving the mares dumbfounded. After sitting there for awhile pinkie pie broke the silence “WHAT THE BUCK WAS THAT?" she said looking at twilight who simply said “I... I don't know".

well here it is the first chapter of my first fan fic please tell me what yu think i look forward to seeing everyones coments X3
i would also like to thank my fantastic friend Freelance173 for the newly edited versions

chapter 2 mission briefing

"Ugh when is she getting baaack???" whined Rainbow dash "Like I said" Spike began "she went to go see Zecora about 10 minutes ago and she takes about 20 minutes to get there so not for awhile.” “But I need her help noooow" Dash sulked; she had come to Twilights hoping for a fix for her air friction problem. After all at the speeds she goes the wind starts to sting and there was no way she'd wear any flying suit that wasn't the Wonder Bolts, that would just cramp her style; so she'd hoped Twilight could help her out quick and then she could get back to practicing. Now I gotta sit here and be bored outta my skull, thought Rainbow as she glared with annoyance at Spike. Suddenly the door to the library burst wide open as Twilight and Pinkie rushed in "Oh thank Celestia!" Rainbow said with relief.

"I’ve been waiting forever, you see I kind of need you too-" "no time Rainbow Dash" Twilight said, cutting her off; the panic obvious in her voice. "I need you to go get the others and bring them back here as fast as you can. It’s an emergency." That was all dash needed to hear as she bolted from the library in ten seconds flat to go get her friends

Around 10 minutes later they were running to the library. "Wadda ya'll reckon got Twi so spooked?" Applejack asked as she and the other raced back to the library "Don't know; don't care, all I know is she needs us." Rainbow said leading the pack as they came in through the still open library door to find Twilight finish up reading a letter. From the seal on the bottom she could tell it was from the Princess but before she could ask about what the she had written Twilight gave the letter to spike and opened up her speech with a doozy. "I’ll get straight to the point" Twilight simply stated clearly having calmed down a bit "on our way to visit Zecora, Pinkie and I encountered an unknown creature in the everfree forest which killed a Manticore with a single attack" Rainbows jaw hit the floor. She couldn't believe any thing aside from the Princesses could defeat a creature as strong as a Manticore so easily.

"Yeah" Pinkie said bolting upright "we were walking and I said something about how super-mega-spectacular I was gonna make a party for Zecora and then the Manticore is all like RAUUUOWRRRGUH" Pinkie explained while doing her best manticore impression "and we were like oh noo and then there was this flutey like sound like ‘do do doo doo doo’ and the Manticore got all scared and charged, and then there was a KAA BOOOM and the Manticore was all ‘blargh I am dead’" Pinkie flopped to her side to show before getting up to continue "and then this thing walks out and grabs it and is like" Pinkie stood on her hind legs and looked at the group for a bit before continuing "and then it walked off and I was like ‘WHAT THE BUCK WAS THAT’ and Twilight was like ‘I don't know so we ran back here and Rainbow Dash was like ‘I need a favor’ and Twilight sent-" Rainbow Dash put her hoof in Pinkies mouth having recovered from the shock and wanting to keep the mare from going on forever.

"I think we get it Pinkie Pie." Twilight said in a calm voice "Now while you were getting here I sent a letter to the princess explaining the situation, and I had just gotten through reading her reply and the princess is definitely concerned about this, however what with the recent Changeling invasion that happened at my brothers wedding she can’t spare the time or mare power to go after it; So she would like us to find the creature and bring it to Canterlot, so the princess can decide whether or not its a legitimate danger to the citizens of Ponyville." "Aww yeah bring it on!" Rainbow Dash pumped her front hooves in a jabbing motion. The mare was always up for a challenge, but more importantly she wanted to keep her friends safe from whatever this thing was. "But" Fluttershy chimed in "if it can take down a Manticore so easily then what happens if it decides to come after us? After all this creature must be able to move fairly silently if no ponies ever seen it before.”

Twilight smiled "That’s why the princess sent us these!" Twilight levitated a gold brooch to each of the ponies. They were small and round with Shining Armors cutie mark emblazoned on it "The princess had my brother work on this after the wedding just incase the Changelings returned. It creates a mini version of my brothers’ spell that will protect the wearer from harm.” "That’s wonderful darling, I just wish it wasn't so... gaudy." Rarity shuttered, to which Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. Twilight continued “I want everypony to get ready, and meet back here in 10 minutes, ok?" to which they all nodded. Before rushing off Rainbow looked at the Everfree Forest and said “You better be ready whatever you are. Cause if you try and hurt my friends you’re gonna taste the painbow."

chapter 2.5 escort mission

"STUPID STUPID STUPID." the man said as he banged his head against his makeshift house "how could I just let them see me?! What if they report me to their authorities?! DAMN IT" he screamed in frustration. After all that time he spent making sure none of those ponies knew he was here, how could he slip up so badly? "What if they send a detachment of their army and I have to fight them?” I don’t want to kill ponies. Wait, why not? He thought starting to think it over "I mean when you really get down to it aren’t they just animals? Ok so their smart and can talk, but they are still just horses “I mean granted I’ve never killed a horse but if it comes down to necessity should I really feel bad if I have to kill them to save myself?"

He didn't have long to ponder that though. As he looked up just in time to see a grey blur crash into the distance "Oh well I guess I’ll put that on hold for now" he said rushing to the crash site. After about 5 minutes the man slowed down both not wanting to alert whatever crashed, but also because he had to move carefully, as there was a poison like flower, that grew in grew around this part of the forest. He'd seen the strange effect it had on anything that touched it, as six ponies had demonstrated awhile back. Huh he thought now that I think about it the two ponies I saved were in that group, odd.

As he crept closer he heard a voice crying out for help in what he thought was a very sweet voice. "Help somepony, anypony please help I can't see anything" then the man saw who was calling, it was a grey pegasi with 3 bubbles on her flank and blond mane. He had seen this mare before a few times as she often went to the edge of the everfree to picnic with her daughter on a sunny hill and sometimes, she just went there to cry about being cross-eyed which always made him a bit sad to hear because it reminded him of his sister.

As the poor pony whipped around calling for help the man saw what the problem was the poor mare had landed face first into a patch of poison joke which caused her to go temporarily blind. Poor girl. He thought she's already suffering and now she's blind? Talk about terrible luck. Wait no wait this is perfect if she can't see then I can help her without her being able to report what I am like the others! Who knows maybe she's friends with those other ponies and they'll be so happy to see she’s alright that they'll forget all about me... well worth a shot, still I can't just walk up and grab her she'd freak out and might hurt herself plus it would be hard to explain why I have such hard armor on. I’ll have to convince her I’m some kind of pony and lead her out by voice.

The man worked up the best cockney accent he could muster and yelled “OI ya awright missy?" immediately the grey mare wiped her head towards the sound a smile bright on her face "Oh yes... Oh wait I mean no but I’m super happy somepony else is here" "Yah I saw ya crash an' I rushed ova" the man said in an unbelievably fake accent. "Looks like ya landed in some poison flowers d'ere" Great now he was slipping into a Brooklyn accent. Stay focused damn it. The mares head sunk a little "Oh yes umm I was coming back from delivering a package when there was this really big gust that blew me down and now I can't see" She let her heard hang as if she was about to get yelled at

"Right then well falla my voice an' I’ll getcha outta 'ere" he almost squawked man was he bad at this good thing she was buying it "Alight I’ll follow you mister.. Uhhh what was you name?" Oh crap think, man think. “Ma name is... Burgandy ya that’s it, Iron Burgandy." he said quickly "Okey Dokey, Mister Burgandy my names Derpy Hooves" she said cutely as she followed the sound of his voice. About 10 minutes later they were almost to the edge of the Everfree Forest and the man was stunned. He and this mare had been talking to each other the entire way and he was shocked. Talking to Derpy was almost like talking to his sister "Oh once we get back I’ll bake you some muffins I like muffins" strike that, it was exactly like talking to his sister "Sorry Derpy but I won't be able ta join ya fer that in fact as soon' as we’re clear of this forest I gotta jet." All of a sudden he heard her hoovesteps stop which in turn made him stop and turn around. "Oh... Ok I’m sorry I didn't realize they bothered you" The man looked at her quizzically "What are ya talkin bout?" Derpy lowered her head "its ok you don't have to pretend, I hate my stupid eyes too" she said on the on the verge of tears. The mans heart shattered for the poor mare. She thought that he didn't want to be seen with her because she had crossed eyes "Derpy… Derpy open yer eyes wide" Derpy picked her head up “What... What?"

”Yer eyes Derpy open 'em up" the mare looked confused but obeyed. The man then took off his helmet and walked over to her and kneeled down when he got close to her and nuzzled her with his bearded face, and as Derpy blushed in surprise he said "You 'ave the most beautiful eye's I 'ever seen Derpy an' I fink yer a great pony too" she blushed harder and smiled simply saying "Thank you" The man smiled and put his helmet back on and they continued onward. 5 minutes later they were finally at the edge of the Everfree Forest and just in time too. Derpy was starting to get her sight back since the poison joke patch she landed in was older and not very healthy so it tended to weaken faster. "Right then from 'ere ya gonna 'ead straight until ya 'it Ponyville can't miss It." he said

“Umm mister Burgandy? Will I ever see you again?" Derpy asked a bit sadly "Uhhh yeah o'course you will." he cringed a bit. He hated to lie to her but its not like he could just stop by whenever he wanted. Derpy smiled brightly and said "Okey Dokey then see ya later Mister Burgandy" as she walked away from the forest and disappeared out of view. The man stood there for a few minutes before turning back towards camp Yah I really don't want to kill ponies, but now the question is if I have to…He sighed inwardly. What do I do? he thought to himself as he disappeared into the black of the forest.

chapter 3 the chase

"Ya sure ya'll got everythin sis?" Big Macantosh said as he loaded his sisters pack. "Sure as shootin Big Mac. Now I'll be back soon as I can, mean time ya'll know what to do right?" Applejack said, to which her brother responded with his trademark "Eeeeyup" "Then I reckon I'll be on my way." Applejack said as she started to run back to Twilights'. Ordinarily she wouldn't have left before bucking her daily harvest of apples, but today was a special case after all. After about 5 minutes as soon as she and the others had gotten back, Twilight led her friends to the edge of the Everfree Forest. Applejack shuttered a bit. She may be a brave pony but that place would always give her the willies like nowhere else could. "So Twilight," Applejack began "how exactly are we gonna find this ... thing we're lookin for?" Twilight smiled. "Well the first thing we're going to do is search the area where Pinkie and I first met the creature and if we find anything strange, I've prepared a powerful teleportation spell in advance." Twilight held up a scroll of parchment.

"This will take us to the creatures exact location, as long as we have something that belonged to it and that object could be anything." Twilight said as they reached the spot. "Now lets spread out and search for anything out of the ordinary." Everypony nodded and proceeded to get to work. About 10 minutes later Applejack had combed every inch of the area and still had nothing, and after looking around she could see the others wern't fairing much better. Fluttershy had been searching the canopy, while Rainbow Dash had to help rarity who was afraid of getting too dirty. The very idea made both Applejack and Rainbow roll their eyes. Twilight had been searching with magic, and Pinkie Pie was trying to be a Bloodhound. Twilight sighed. "I suppose I could take a short break." Applejack mumbled to herself and leaning against a tree for a second while she took a break.The branches swayed around a little. Then for a small second a faint glimmer hit her eye, to which she immediately found the cause. It had been obscured by a few leaves and the lack of direct sunlight, but there it was. "Hey ya'll I found somthin." Applejack declared, which brought smiles to the group as they walked over to see what she was picking up. It was a small gold tube that was sealed at one end and open at the other which was slightly singed "W-w-what do you think it is?..." Fluttershy said timidly. "I'll tell ya what it is Sugarcube, it's our way to find that critter!" Applejack said happily "So lets get too it ya'll ready Twi?"

Twilight nodded and unfurled the parchment. "Okay," Twilight said clearing her throat. "now when we appear in front of the creature everypony stay calm; we don't want to scare it. Is everypony ready?" They all nodded their confirmation. "Then here we go." with that she activated the scroll and the next thing she saw, was Applejack and her friends were standing in a clearing twenty feet in front of the creature that Twilight had described to them. "For a long time there was nothing but silence which Twilight was the first to break. "Hello there my name is Twilight sparkle and-" befor she could finish the creature bolted for the tree line. "Aw horse apples." Applejack said as she and the others tore after him. After about half an hour Applejack was the only pony able to keep up with the creature, as the undergrowth had stopped the others. Lucky for her she could muscle through, but it was still going tough. "I'll give that varmint credit, it sure can run." she said in-between breaths. She kept chasing it until they came to a deep chasm bridged by an old fallen oak which the creature crossed swiftly. However as Applejack followed, mid-way through the log cracked in half and Applejack had to jump for the edge of the cliff, just barely grabing it by the edge of her Hooves. Ordinarily she'd have pulled herself up no problem, but the fatigue of the chase had sapped her strength, and to her terror she could feel herself slipping. In seconds she started to fall, closing her eyes so that she wouldn't have to see her doom rush to meet her but then she felt somthing cold and hard grab her leg.

Looking up she saw the creature she'd been chasing holding on to her. "Hang on I'll pull you up." it said. It proceeded to do just that before putting her safely down on the ground. Applejack was breathing heavily. "Thank ya kindly fer savin ma hide there." she huffed out while trying to catch her breath. "Your welcome." the creature said before turning to leave. "PLEASE WAIT!" Applejack screamed, stopping the creature in mid-stride. "Please all we wanna do is talk." "You sure followed me a long way just to talk," the creature said turning back "how do I even know I can trust anything you say?" Applejack thought for a moment. She hadn't condsiderd what she would say in this situation but after a moment she had the answer. "Look into ma eyes with yours and I'll tell ya the honest truth." the creature seemed to consider this a moment before walking over, and taking off the goggles on its helmet and staring straight into her eyes. What struck Applejack the most was just how different both of his eyes looked. His right eye was the iciest blue she had ever seen, while the left eye was a deep burning crimson and both were staring straight into her as she began. "The Princess sent us in here to try and convince you to come to Canterlot with us. Now I'm not the best with words but I can tell ya this, I promise nothin bad will happen if ya just go back to where we found ya and let us talk to ya." After she finished the creature put his googles back on and thought for a while before saying "I suppose it couldn't hurt just to talk." Bringing a smile to Applejacks face. Then it pointed and said "There's a natural land bridge a couple hundred yards that way, and from there we can find your friends and make our way back to my camp." Applejack smiled "Sounds like a plan to me sugercube." she said as she tipped her hat respectfully. "Names Applejack what's yours?." The creature simply said "My name is Sam Maxwell

quick authors note i've been thinking about going back and breaking up the dialoge to their own lines but i think i'll wait untill the entire story is done before i do that kind of a last minete polish thing anyway hope that answers some questions

chapter 3.5 the chased

this chapter is a bit shorter but bear wth me i'm building up the next chapter t be bigger

"Fine mess your stuck in this time Sammy boy" Sam mutterd to himself as he walked back to camp. "I can't just hurt the ponies but if i don't fight back i might as well just strap myself down to an operating table and say, 'Hey you want me to help you rip my guts out as you experiment on me?'. He sighed, and he let his shoulders slump forward, he just didn't know what to do. "Whatever I still got that Manticore to skin and then I can make a quick meal out of the meat, it should last me a while. Shame I couldn't have hunted him though, that would have been a great game." He said now stepping into his camp site "Finally! It's been 2 hours at least, that Manticore is gonna be stiff as a bone." But before he could even sit down to start, a bright flash of light appeared and there standing before him; Was a group of ponies. There was silence in the air as he quickly asked himself a multitude of questions in his mind. 'WHAT?!!? HOW COULD THEY BE HERE ALREADY? HOW DID THEY FIND ME?' and most importantly 'WHAT THE FLYING FUCK DO I DO NOW?' then the purple one started to talk. "Hello there my name is Twilight Sparkle and-" before she could finish Sam bolted. It was the only thing he could think of to do at the moment,and as he ran he felt felt the ponies follow closely behind him, but he wasn't too worried. 'This won't last long.' he thought.

'Out there they may have the advantage but in here? This is my kingdom! I know the sound of each rock and stone and I embrace what others fear. I can lose them in no time and then find a safe place to collect my thoughts. There is no way they can possibly keep up with me. About half an hour later, he was starting to go a little crazy. 'HOW THE FUCK IS SHE KEEPING UP WITH ME?!?!!' Sam thought to himself as he continued running away from her, until they came to a deep chasm bridged by an old fallen oak tree, which he crossed quickly. However afterwords he heard a loud snap and turned just in time to see 2 orange hooves grab onto the ledge. He quickly ran to her, thinking 'What am I now, the pony rescue squad?' He quickly grabbed her leg, as she looked at him thankfully. "Hang on I'll pull you up." As he proceeded to do just that before putting her safely down on the ground. The orange pony was breathing heavily. "Thank ya kindly fer savin ma hide there" she huffed out while trying to catch her breath.

"Your welcome." Sam said before turning to leave, hoping to get some distance between himself and the pony "PLEASE WAIT!" the orange pony screamed stopping him in mid stride "Please all we wanna do is talk." "You sure followed me a long way just to talk," Sam said turning back "how do i even know I can trust anything you say?" After a moment she had the answer. "Look into ma eyes with yours and I'll tell ya the honest truth." He thought about for a second. Eyes were the window to the soul, they said. After all he had been through he supposed it was worth a try. He walked over to her took off the goggles on his helmet and stared straight into her eyes. What struck him was how beautiful they were. They were his favorite shade of green and he felt like he could get lost in them, as if they were a forest of their own as she began. "The Princess sent us in here to try and convince you to come to Canterlot with us. Now I'm not the best with words but I can tell ya this I promise nothin bad will happen if ya just go back to where we found ya and let us talk to ya." After she finished, he put his googles back on and thought for a while before saying "I suppose it couldn't hurt just to talk." Sam said, bringing a smile to her face. Then he pointed and said "There's a natural land bridge a couple hundred yards that way, and from there we can find your friends and make our way back to my camp." She smiled again. "Sounds like a plan to me sugarcube." She tipped her hat respectfully. "Names Applejack what's yours?." He replied in the coolest way he could "My name is Sam Maxwell."

chapter 4 the man is back

"Umm do you think Applejack is okay?" Fluttershy said timidly as the rest of the group pawed around the creatures’ campsite.

"She's been gone an awfully long time" Rainbow Dash looked over “For the sake of whatever that thing is she better be or it'll get a sonic rainboom upside the head." Twilight looked over to Rainbow.

"Rainbow if it was hostile it would have attacked not run away."

"Well darling I wouldn't exactly call it peaceful." Rarity said pointing to a few skins of forest beasts tanning as well as some dried meat.

Fluttershy squeaked a bit in terror; she had taken care of carnivores but it always scared her when she saw their eating habits and it seemed like she wasn't the only one. She briefly looked around to see the whole group gulp in fear a bit as they looked at the grim display.

"Umm perhaps we should look for Applejack after all." Twilight said the fear in her voice evident.

"No need, I’m already back with a friend." Applejack said as she and the creature walked into view. The unexpected arrivals startled Fluttershy into hiding behind a log and quivering in terror. At this the creature glanced at her but much to her relief Rainbow started to distract it.

"Hey you better not have hurt Applejack you walking hunk of tin!" Rainbow said jabbing her hooves at the creature.

"Calm down Rainbow" Applejack said "Sam here's mighty respectable; even saved me from fallen to ma death." The camp was silent for a moment and then much to her and everypony else's shock Fluttershy timidly asked "S-Sam?"

"That’s right."

Applejack said smiling "He says his full name’s Sam Maxwell."

"Well way to steal my dramatic reveal there Applejack" Sam said once again silencing everypony and causing a small squeak of terror from Fluttershy again. Sam shrugged
and continued.

"Any way Applejack says you want to talk to me so I decided to come back and give you all a chance to say your peace." he walked over to a small log and sat down "But first, you. Yellow pony, come here for a second." Fluttershy froze in sheer terror
‘What does it want with me?!!?' she thought, panic flowing through her mind. "Well? Come on." Sam beckoned again. Fluttershy was scared of the creature, but she was even more scared of what might happen if she got it angry so she causally made her way over to Sam.

She noticed he was taking off the armor on his hands which looked white with a tinge of pink. When she was there she and everypony, except Applejack, held their breath and as Sam lifted up his hand, she closed her eyes in fear. Suddenly she felt something warm and slightly soft petting her and stroking her mane. She could feel gentleness to it, as if whatever it was, it wasn't going to hurt her. She slowly opens her eyes to see Sam gently petting her.

"Don't worry I promise I’m not going to hurt you." he said as he slowly stopped. Fluttershy smiled and blushed for a moment. She'd never known anyone besides her to be that gentle.

She decided to give him a fair chance and, sat next to him smiling all the while. "Right, now that we've got that done I think we'd do better talking face to face.” Sam said as he took off his helmet. Fluttershy stared at him for a bit.

He had a large scar of 3 claw marks going down the left side of his face. It probably went to the chin but the beard made it hard to tell. His hair was black and messy but short. The most striking thing, though, was his eyes. Those two completely different eyes. They entranced her and Fluttershy felt herself being pulled into them.

Thankfully he didn't notice and she pulled out of her trance by him continuing

"Alright then, let’s begin." Twilight cleared her throat and began.

"Ah yes well as I said last time; hello there my name is Twilight sparkle and first of all I would like to thank you for rescuing me and Pinkie Pie early today."

"Yah" Pinkie Pie cut in cheerfully "thanks super omega much Sammy" Pinkie quickly bounced up to him and hugged him tight, before bouncing right back to where she was before. Twilight continued

"We would also like to invite you to the capital of Equestria, Canterlot so that you may have an audience with her royal highnesses Princesses Celestia and Luna." Sams expression immediately hardened.

"Why in the world would I do that?" he said bluntly everypony starting at him in disbelief for the third time in a row.

"What’s the problem?" Twilight asked a bit of worry in her voice.

"The problem" he began “is that you want me, who you regard as little more than a monster, to step into your capital full of guards that could at anytime capture me, and throw me in the dungeons or worse yet, have doctors experiment on me. I’m happy that you and your friend are safe and everything but I’m not going to step on an uneven playing field."

Fluttershy looked at him with concern

'He's scared oh poor thing'

“B-but I-" Twilight began

"Save it" Sam cut her off harshly "if your leaders want to meet me so bad they can come out here because I ain't going."

“Umm I have a suggestion." Fluttershy said prompting everyone to look at her, which made her nervous.

"I-I'd like to stay with him tonight to talk with him." and she cracked a small smile while their jaws dropped.

chapter 4.5 a man of the past

"So ..." Sam started as he and Applejack started back to camp. "Just out of curiosity how did you all find me? I mean I've taken great steps to make sure my camp was hidden from any of you ponies. "Applejack looked at him as they continued walking.

"Well Twilight used a spell to teleport us ta where ya were once we found this tube thing that we thought might be yours."

"Tube thing?" the human asked then he stopped dead in his tracks realization ringing like a bell in his head "The shell casing..."

"The what now?" Applejack said as she stopped and tilted her head in confusion.

"Excuse me for just a moment" he said as he made his way over to a tree taking his helmet off and putting it on the ground letting Applejack see his messy black hair. Then he began to bang his head against the tree all the while saying "STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID!!!!" After about five minutes he finally stopped and turned around letting Applejack see his face. It had a slightly long beard and a red spot on his forehead, which was obviously from his most recent activity and of course there was his eyes. His strange aluring eyes. But what really drew her attention were the 3 claw marks that dragged down the side of his face.

"What the hay happend to ya?" Applejack said slight alarm ringing true in her voice. At first he seemed confused by her statement but then he saw where she was looking and understood.

"Well hunting involves some inhernt risks. particularly when you're young and stupid." he said as he started walking while dawning his helmet once again. "For example lets say a young male is out hunting bears with his father for the first time. Eager to impress his dad he trys to shoot the first bear he sees but just grazes it and that pisses the bear off quite a lot. So the bear desides hes gonna get some payback and slashes the poor kids face open, even ripping the eye right out and crushing it. Luckly the boys father is there and blasts the head clean off and gets his boy to the hospital so he'll live. Heck he even manages to get an eye transplant to replace the one he lost doing his dumbass stunt." Sam pants a bit while he finshed the story, having been getting angry at his past mistake all the way through, then he stared back at Applejack who looked a bit scared.

"Y-ya mean ya eat meat?" he was a bit surprised that that was the part she lached onto. "Only when I'm hunting and I only hunt things that have just as much chance at taking me down as I do them. I think it makes it fair; the rest of the time I just eat fruits and vegtables." he said. This made applejack relax.

"Actually I'd be eating alot more fruits n' veggies if I could find any that are safe for me to eat around here. It's like every freaking plant in here has some kind of gimmick." At this Applejack smiled. He guessed because she thought he hunted more out of necessity than plesure.

"Well sugercube ya'll should come down to ma farm. I grow the best dang apples you ever tasted." then Sam stopped again.

"Did.. did you say apples?"

"Ya" Applejack said "Why do ya ask?" Then out of the blue, Sam hugged her tight.

"OH GOD THANK YOU I HAVN'T HAD ONE IN SOO LONG AND THEY'RE MY FAVORITE." he nearly screamed as he hugged her tighter. Applejack smiled after their little hug session. They continued to walk, Sam nearly talking Applejacks ear off about how much he adored apples until finaly they reached the campsite.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm honestly suprised you want to stay the night here." Sam said as he rolled out his cot. "Ya dont seem the type to stay with a total stranger." He was still disbelieving that Fluttershy the pony, who had shyed away from him when he and Applejack first got back, not only said she wanted to spend the night with him; but also had managed to convince both her friends and him that she should before shooing them back home

"Oh, umm, well I just would like to get to know you. Umm if that's okay with you." Sam smiled. He had thought all the ponys where cute, but this one was especially adoreable. It was as if someone had taken everything that was cute, and made it into one creature.

"Of course it's okay. But just so you know, you're not changing my mind about this. I'm not going to this 'Canterlot' place." On that Sam was firm.

"Umm why not though?" Fluttershy asked.

"Uhh weren't you listening the first time? I dont wanna be at a disadvantage. Besides, even if that wasn't the case... well lets just say me and those in power never really clicked. Even with my kind."

"Umm what exactly is your kind? If you don't mind telling me that is." Sam smiled "I'd be happy to. I'm a human."

"A hyuuman?" Fluttershy trying to say it made her sound even cuter

"I see...umm can I ask a question?"

"Sure" Sam said happily "ask away."

"Why are you scared to go?" Fluttershy asked begining to gain a bit of confidence. Sam looked confused.

"Scared? I'm not scared of a bunch of ponies."

"Then why wont you go?" Fluttershy said a bit louder than before.

"Well I..just don't like the odds."

"But you said you wern't scared." Fluttershy said, gaining momentum. This wasnt her normal self but her feelings told her that he needed this.

"I'm not!"

"Then you should go!"

"I wont!"

"Why not?"

Finally Sam broke. "BECAUSE THATS HOW MY DAD DIED." Flutteshy stood there in silence as he continued "DAD WASN'T AFRAID SO HE CHARGED BACK INTO THE ARMY WHEN THE WAR STARTED UP. WHEN HE KNEW THAT THE ODDS WERE AGAINST HIM AND HE DIED BECAUSE HE GOT STUPID AND CARELESS." sam started to cry and seemed to forget Fluttershy was there as he began to ramble to himself. "Why.. why you stupid bastard? Why did you have to go in there? You knew you were too old you knew that you probably whern't going to make it back...why did you have to go and fight?"
Fluttershy flew over gently and hugged him as he cryed into her mane for what seemed like hours. Once he finally calmed down Fluttershy asked

"Do you feel better?" Sam sniffled

"Y-yes I think I'm better now." Sam straightened up a bit "I really think I needed that...hey Fluttershy?"

"Yes?" Fluttershy said in a sympathetic tone

"I think as long as you and Applejack go with me, I'll go there but only if you promise." Sam felt a bit like a child talking this way, but his break down combined with the warmth and caring of this pony had made him shaky and he desperatly needed some assurance. Fluttershy smiled and said "I promise." as she nuzzled him and laid down to go to sleep. Sam smiled and lied down to only manageing to say two words before he fell asleep.

"Thank you"

chapter 5 A Nightmare In the Woods

"Hmmm maybe if I... no, no, no, that won't do...what if...AUUURGH wrong, wrong, wrong! It's all wrong!" Rarity screamed in frustration as she tossed her sketches of new dresses to the floor. It was late and she knew she should get some sleep, however the events of the day would not leave her mind be and she desprately needed a distraction. Sadly her favorite past time wasn't providing its usual release.

"Of all the times to have a mental block, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. TIME. Stupid Sam! How can a lady get any sleep knowing that, that.. human is alone with her best friend?" Rarity fumed. It was true, although she cared for all her friends deeply, she had the deepest connection with Fluttershy as they had known each other far longer than the others knew them.

"Ooooh I do hope she's alright. I mean really now! What was I thinking? Leaving her there all alone? How could I just leave her to the mercy of that beast?"Rarity said as she chastized herself.

"That's it!" she said with determination "I will sit here no longer! Though it disturbs me to go back, I have to help Fluttershy right now." she finished by punctuating her statment by pounding her hoof on the ground before going off to gather her gear. Five minutes later she was standing at the entrance to the Everfree forest.

"Alright, here I go.... right now..... this instant...ummm..." Rarity mumbled as she tried to go in but found that she couldn't seem to get her legs moving.

"Oh come now Rarity you were just here this morning! Just go in." she said trying in vain to will herself inside.

With a sigh she resigned. "It's no use. I just can't work up the courage to go in by myself." she said letting her head hang. She just couldn't go in all alone. Not in there, not that filthy terrifying place full of beasts and monsters.

"Beasts and monsters...BEASTS AND MONSTERS?!?!" Rarity yelled loudly, her head snapping to atention.

"A-a-and Fluttershy...SHE'S IN THERE ALL ALONE!!!" With newfound urgency coursing through her, she ran into the forest determined to find her friend.

"YES THAT'S RIGHT RARITY! YOU CANT AFFORD TO BE SCARED FLUTTERSHY NEEDS YOU!" she nearly screamed as she pushed herself to run faster. Ten minutes later, she still couldn't find the camp.

"(Huff huff)...Where...is (huff)...that..blasted (huff) camp?" She said, nearly out of breath from her long sprint. She clearly hadn't thought this through. The forest was so dense that even the small light from her lantern barely illuminated the area around her.

"I should have just woken Twilight and asked her to teleport me there." she said continuing on "Now I'm stuck here in this dreadful place. Can it possibly get any worse?" As luck would have it, yes it could. For just then Rarity heard a roar and a hiss coming from behind her. As she whipped around to discover the source she saw a pair of green slitted eyes peering in from the darkness, soon joined by another and another, until there were 6 pairs of eyes staring straight at her. As she backed away, one set of eyes began to grow close. Close enough for her to see what they belonged to. She came face to face with something that looked like a mid sized black cat. However after the waist instead of another pair of legs, there was a long almost serpent like tail. Rarity gasped as she realized what it was. There had been stories told of this creature.

It never hunts alone, they like to toy with their prey, and their speed is the stuff of legend, one of the Everfree's most deadly creature the Lindwyrm. Rarity quickly spun around and bolted as fast as she could, the lindwyrms giving chase, close enough that she could feel their hot breath. As she powered through the foliage desprately trying to run from the monsters, from behind her she could hear them make a noise almost like...laughter? They were laughing at her, at how slow she was to them and at the sound a icy chill ran through her body as the facts settled in.

'They're toying with me...I'm nowhere near fast enough to get away...I'm...going to die.' The thought pounded at her, trying to force her to go faster every part of herself screaming out in fear until, at long last she could go no further as she collapsed in a small clearing. The Lindwyrms stopped wanting to toy with their prey a bit more. Rarity crawled over to a small tree and looked back at her assailants, tears beginning to stream down her face.

'I'm going to die....I'm going to die...I'M GOING TO DIE!' her mind screamed as absolute fear and dread took hold of her. The Lindwyrms seemed to sense her fear and began to move closer. However as they drew near, the sound of a flute began to play forcing the Lindwyrms to stop dead in their tracks. Suddenly a loud crack roared out from behind Rarity's tree and one of the Lindwyrms was blown back with half of it's head blow off. The Lindwyrms jumped backwards in surprise as a certain yellow pegasus rushed to her friend.

"RARITY! Are you ok?" Fluttershy said while hugging her friend. Before she could answer Sam came out from behind the tree and was loading his long barreled weapon with a object that looked like the one they found earlier that day. Having regrouped, the Lindwyrms enraged at their comrades death, rushed forward to attack Sam, but he was more than ready. As the first one came near, Sam jammed his knife down into its skull then he shoved the open end of his barrel into the next ones mouth and with a deafening crack blew off its head. Next he flung the one he stabed into the next one, knocking it away then coming back and jamming the knife into the side of the next ones head.

As it died the momentum from both its lunge and the blow causing it to slide off the knife, which he quickly flipped while ducking to the right as he rammed the knife into the stomach of the next one as it leaped overhead, effectivey gutting it. Finally, he took out another shell and reloaded his barreled weapon and aimed it at the Lindwyrm, that was trapped under its dead friend and with one last deafening crack it was dead. Rarity couldnt belive her eyes. In the span of 15 seconds, six of the most terrible monsters ever to walk Equestria were dead and all thanks to him. Sam quickly slung his weapon over his shoulder and sheathed his knife and knelt down to Rarity.

"Are you ok?" he asked while removing his helmet. Rarity's eyes teared up in relief. She was safe she was going to live; She quickly hugged Sam tight only managing to say through her sobs, "Thank you." Sam then picked her up.

"Let's get you back to camp, you'll be safer there." As all three of them made their way back to camp, exhaustion overtook Rarity and she fell into a deep sleep.

chapter 5.5 Dawn after the Nightmare

It was a little while later when they returned to the camp as Sam set Rarity down on his blanket.

"Well that was fun. How 'bout next one of your friends gets poisoned and I can save them from that?" Fluttershy looked at him, a bit stunned.

"It was a joke. I'm just saying, that in one day, I've resuced 5 of you ponies. So tell me, are you all the danger prone? Cause if you are I may

just have to go to Canterlot to keep the lot of you from dying." Sam said sarcasm heavy in his voice. Fluttershy giggled a bit. God it was cute

when she did that...come to think of it she was cute when she did anything.

"Well umm we don't normally go into the Everfree Forest because it's dangerous for us." Said Fluttershy

"Yah I can tell." Sam shot back causing Fluttershy to giggle again. Then somthing crossed Sam's mind.

"Hey aren't you freaked out by what I did back there?" Fluttershy looked at him quizzically for a moment before realizing what he meant.

"Oh umm well I don't like it, if thats what you mean." she said shuffling her hoof. "But I've seen a lot of carnivores eating habits so it won't

bother me as much as other ponies." Sam looked at her in surprise.

"To tell you the truth I'm stunned. You are a lot stronger than you let on." At this Fluttershy blushed. 'Well seems she's vunerable to

compliments at least.'

"We should get some rest, it will be morning soon enough and I'll need the sleep in case I have to save your other friends." Fluttershy

giggled...again, and nodded as they both went back to sleep. A few hours later Sam woke up just as he had done on any other morning save, the

small ponies laying around his campsite. Suddenly he noticed something. He reeked terribly. Though he knew the fire in the camp masked his scent,

the smell of the blood on his armour would draw more predators to them as they made their way to Ponyville.

"Probably a good idea to clean it before they wake up." he said as he walked to the small stream that flowed behind his camp. All the way he felt

a presence stalking him but he sensed no danger from it. Besides whatever it was obivously wasn't in the best of shape so he had a pretty good

idea what and who it was. He slowly removed his armor leaving only a t-shirt and a pair of boxers on, as he diligently cleaned his armor in the

stream. He didn't like cleaning his armor when the dust of the forest settled on it, as the color merged with its natural color. It was perfect

camoflauge. However now it would have shine to it and be easier to spot, and that idea didnt sit to well with him so he desided he'd like to freak

his stalker out a bit. After taking a moment to figure out where she was without turning around, he said

"You know if your gonna watch me, the view is better up close rather than in that bush." As he heard a russle and a "eeeep" from behind, he

chuckled a bit. Soon after Rarity walked up to sit beside him, slightly blushing from embarassment

"How could you tell where I was?" she said he voice a bit shaky

"Three things. One I'm an expert hunter so noticing stuff around me without having to look is essential. Two you're tired, so on the way over here

you were stumbling over yourself a bit. and three...you're not very good at hiding." He took a moment to look at her stunned reaction before

laughing.

"Well let's see you do any better." Rarity said without thinking.

"I have done better from the past two years remember?" Sam was having a ball with this. She just kept giving him ammo for these jokes.

"Oh right...umm well thank you again for saving me last night." She said giving a slight bow out of gratitude.

"Think nothing of it. It seems like saving you ponies is quickly becoming my new hobby." Rarity giggled.

"Indeed it does Mr. ...deary me with all the excitement last night, your name seems to have slipped my mind." Rarity gave a sheepish grin "What

was your name again Maxfeild?"

"It's Maxwell, Sam Maxwell." Sam said, not letting his irritation show. He hated when people called him Maxfield. People had been mixing that up

for ages and it always pissed him off when they got it wrong.

"Ahh I see. Thank you again Mr.Maxwell." Rarity said "Don't mention it, but please call me Sam. Being called Mr. makes me feel old." he smiled a

warm friendly smile towards Rarity. {Freelance173 is awesome!}

"Alright Sam then...I feel I must also apologize." For the first time today Sam was surprised.

"Apologise? For what exactly?" Rarity looked ashamed.

"Well you see darling...well I was worried about Fluttershy being in this forest... all alone... with you." Sam understood.

"Ahhh so you dont trust me then!" Rarity's head shot up.

"NO.. I mean, yes I didn't, but now I do oh please can you forgive me?" For a moment Sam wanted to mess with her a bit more, but quickly decided

against it. After all it looked like she might kill herself if he didn't accept her apology.

"It's fine really, after all if my friend was stuck in a dangerous place with a wierd creature I'd probably freak out too." A smile immediately

returned to her face.

"Oh thank you darling it means ever so much to hear you say that." Sam smiled as he finished up cleaning his armor and started to put it back on.

"Well better go and wake Fluttershy. We've got a ways to go if were going to get to Ponyville so I can see these princess of yours." Raritys

shocked exprestion returned with full force.

"You mean you've changed your mind?" As Sam put his helmet on he said

"What can I say? Fluttershy got the best of me."

chapter 6 Set Up Us the Party

Pinkie: Hey there everypony my name's Pinkie Pie and I’ll be reading todays story. (smiles) If you’re wondering where your normal narrator slash

writer is...well see he was opening portal to our world, and he kind of succeeded. But not before letting all sorts of creatures get through from

different worlds. Soooo he’s gonna be gone till then, so I’ll be reading today (smiles wide) Okie Dokie Lokie let's see...(picks up pages)

OOOOOooooooh todays chapter is about me! Yay! Okay here we go...

“I hope he’ll change his mind, I wanna see him meet Celly and Lulu.” Pinkie (Hey that’s me!) said as she bounced around, just outside the Everfree

forest with Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack.

“Ya think he will? Doya? Doya, doya, doy-“ Applejack stuck her hoof in Pinkies mouth.

(Well that’s not very nice, although I do kinda like it when that happens, cause when their hoof gets out of my mouth they're close enough for a

hug attack. (smiles))

“Well sugercube ah don’t know. He seemed pretty sure about not go’in.” Applejack said a bit glumly. Before any pony could question it, Sam walked

out accompanied with Fluttershy and “Rarity?!?” everypony but Pinkie said.

“What? Why are you with Sam and Fluttershy?” Twilight asked with both confusion and worry in her voice.

"Ahh yes well...” Rarity began as she lightly pawed the ground.(But she has hooves, not paws, silly writer.)

“You see I was terribly worried about Fluttershy and so, against my better judgement, I went into the forest where I was attacked by 6 Lindwyrms"

Everypony tensed up at the name. “They cornered me and I thought it would be my last breath, then Sam steped in and single handedly killed all of

them without even so much as scratching his armor!” This time everypony including Pinkies jaw fall to the ground. Killing even one Lindwyrm was

impressive, but 6! And with such ease (Pfffft, ease, that’s such a weird word to spell.) was unheard of. “And in addition, on the way here he

managed to convince a pack of Timber Wolves to guard us as we left. He is truly a marvel.” Rarity said smiling strongly. (Does her smile lift

weights or something?)

“WOWIE ZOWIE.” Pinkie nearly screamed as she bounced over and sat on his head. “Now I have even more reasons to throw you a party. Ooooh that

reminds me, when is your birthday?” Pinkie said, being her usual friendly self.

“Uhh March 17...Huh,it's been two years since my last birthday party.” Suddenly Pinkie jumped off his head and just stared in confution for a

moment at him.

“…what? What did you say?” Pinkie said slight panic in her voice.

“Uhh it's been two years since the last time I had a birthday party. Or any party for that matter.” Suddenly Pinkies eyes became pinpricks (Ow

that hurt, hehe.) and she went white as a ghost, as she froze in place.

‘No party… on his birthday….FOR TWO YEARS?!?!?!!?’ Pinkie suddenly shot up into the air screaming. “DON’T WORRY SAMMY I’LL SAVE YOU.” Before

bolting off, leaving everyone quite confused. As pinkie raced along on her newfound quest, she found her thoughts racing. (And decided to give

them a ticket for speeding? HAHAHA.)

‘Oh that poor man.’ she thought. Going with out a party was one thing, but going without a party ON HIS BIRTHDAY?!? That is beyond terrible(Or as

Rarity would say, "IT WAS THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING.") She had to fix it.

'I have to throw him the most spectacular, the most amazing, the most out of this world party I have ever thought of.' She quickly went down her

own mental checklist of all the supplies she would need, and knew there was only one way to get it all done any time soon. She skidded to a halt

in front of the mayors office and quickly rushed inside. As she came in, the mayor said.

“Oh hello Pinkie what can-“

“PARTY EMERGENCY!!!!!” Pinkie screeched at top volume while rushing right into the mayors face, stopping just short of a collision.

“Uhh what?” The mayor asked, and pinkies response was to shove a list in the mayors face.

“I need these supplies to be sent to Applejacks barn and make sure everypony in town is there, but don’t let Twilight or my other friends know.

They might accidently tell our new friend and that would ruin the surprise.” The mayor gave a look at the list, shocked by what she saw.

"Ummm Pinkie this seems like a bit much, just to welcome a new pony to Ponyville.”

“But that’s just it! He’s not a pony, he’s something new called a human, and he saved me, Twilight, Derpy, Applejack, and Rarity all in one day,

and he hasn’t had a party in two years. TWO YEARS!” Pinkie said nearly screaming “You have, have, HAVE to help. You’re the only pony who can.”

Pinkie gave the mayor the biggest puppy dog eyes she could muster.

(Where did I get those from? Why would I have puppy dog eyes? I should give those back.) The mayor sighed and said.

“Well I suppose I could-“

“AWESOME! Thanks bye!” Pinkie said as she shot off to Sugarcube Corner to get the treats. Three hours later Pinkie was leading her friends

forward.

“Come on, come on, it's this way." Pinkie said, happily bouncing along in front of Sam, her friends, and derpy who was tagging along because of

Sam.

“Okay stop right here.” Pinkie said indicating the spot right in front of the barn. As they stopped, Pinkie pulled out a airhorn and as she began

to smile her biggest smile yet. She blew the horn and everypony of Ponyville burst from the surroundings with tons of treats and streamers.

‘Party supplies, 907 bits. Apple baked goods made by the cakes and granny smith, 5 months paycheck cut in half. Seeing the smile on a new friends

face...’ Just then Sam flashed her a warm happy smile and she thought to herself. ‘Priceless.’

Pinkie: Well that was fun (smiles)
Nallok: Dragging himself onto the table: "Uuuuuugh Done."
Pinkie: Oh hey, welcome back! I was just finishing up!
Nallok: Thank...you...Zzzzzzzzzz
Pinkie: Looks like he’s tired. Seeya next time everypony. Oh yea, and Freelance173 is still awesome

chapter 6.5 set up us the filler slash character developement

"Let me see, where is it..." Sam said as he searched the campsite
.
"Uhhmmm, what are you looking for?" Fluttershy quietly chimed in.

"Oh nothing just a little... AH HA here it is." Sam said as he pulled out a bag, and after quickly rustling through it, pulled out a few rifle shells and a small vile of blue liquid. "Only one of these left huh?" He mused to himself as he stuffed it back in the bag, which he then slung over his shoulder.
"What was that darling?" Rarity asked.

"Oh nothing, just something my mom made me along while back.” He said a bit sullenly. He missed his family, or what was left of it; more than he could say. Fluttershy, quickly picking up on his sadness, offered a gentle hug which Sam happily returned.

"Thanks Fluttershy. " Sam said, as his mood lifted a bit.

"You should try being a therapist. Well, let’s get going. I’m sure your friends are all very concerned." They nodded in agreement and started off following Sam’s lead. After a good 10 minutes or so, there came a rustling from the woods.

"W-w-what’s that?" Rarity asked, practically latching onto Sam after what happen last time. Almost in answer, a pack of Timberwolves crawled from the shadows directly into their path. Sam, however didn't flinch as he strode right up to the leader of the pack, and then, much to the surprise of his two friends, he began to pat it on its head with no fear. The creature responding by gently nuzzling his hand.

"Been awhile, huh Fenrir? What’s it been, 2 months since I last saw you?" Sam said, the wolf responding happily to his words. "You actually have pretty good timing. I'm taking these ponies out of the forest for awhile; you think you can follow us till we get to the edge?" Fenrir nodded his head and barked to his pack mates, and they all melted back into the darkness of the forest. Fluttershy and rarity simply stood there, their mouths agape.

"How…“ Rarity began "How did you do that?" Turning back to her, he said.

”Oh I saved him a few months back, and it turns out Timberwolves are quite loyal to those who help them. Provided of course you don’t cut any wood from their, sacred tree, now let’s go." Sam said as he walked forward, both ponies following in silent amazement.
~~~~~~

"Oookaaaay?" Sam said as pinkie dashed off, confusion full in his mind. "Is she always like that?"

"Eeyup" Applejack responded. "After awhile ya stop questioning it. After all it’s just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie." Sam nodded in understanding. He'd known a few people like that, and AJ was right. Better to just go with the flow.

"Well," Twilight began, clearing her throat. "Have you given any thought to coming to Canterlot?" she said, almost pleading. Sam, in a serious voice, said

"Yes, I’ll go to Canterlot, but only if I can bring my weapons." Twilight thought for a moment before letting her head hang slightly.

"Fine, if it will get you to come with us, I guess we have no choice. Now please follow me." she said as she turned. Following her, after about ten minutes they finally reached Twilight’s library. As they went inside, Spike was tidying up.

"Oh hey Twilight how'd it-" Spike stopped as he turned around and saw Sam and was immediately frozen in fear.

"Spike," Twilight began "This is Sam…You know, the human?" Quickly shaking out of his panic, Spike rushed close to Twilight, whispering as best he could.

"Are you sure it’s safe to have him here?" Twilight nodded.

"Yes Spike, I'm sure. After all, I wouldn't risk him hurting my number one assistant. Now if you would please take a letter." Spike, now assured that he and more importantly his friends would be ok, pulled out a quill and parchment as Twilight began. "Dear Princess Celestia, we have convinced the human now identified as Sam Maxfeild-"

"Uhh, Twilight?" Sam interjected. "It’s Maxwell." Twilight blushed a bit in embarrassment. "Oops uhh sorry.” Spike quickly scratched off the name he had written, and rewrote it as Twilight continued.

"To come to Canterlot to seek an audience with you and Princess Luna on the condition that he be allowed to bring a means to protect himself. Please respond with a time and date that we should arrive at the castle. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." As Spike finished writing, he burned the letter with his fire, which confused Sam.

"Uhh, why did he just do that?"

"Spike’s fire is magic. It sends letters directly to the princess." Twilight said obviously proud to have such a privilege as a direct line to her mentor. Spike then burped out a letter in response which Twilight quickly grabbed and began to read.

"My faithful student Twilight. I am happy to see you have accomplished your task. However, while I had originally wanted him to come right away, with the recent invasion of Canterlot, I will be preparing a more discrete way of entering the castle and so it is with a heavy heart that I must ask you to allow Mr. Sam Maxwell to stay in Ponyville for the next 3 days until I can spare a guard to take you here. Understand I do not wish to anyone in danger, but right now everypony needs my constant watchful eye.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia." For a moment everypony was silent.

However that silence was broken by a grey pegasus busting through the door. "Heya Twilight I got mail…For…you?" Derpy said as she stared at the strange creature standing amongst the ponies.

"Who’re you mister?" Sam smiled.

"Well my name is Sam Maxwell, but you already know me by a different name Derpy." Derpy’s confusion only deepened. Once again donning his, terrible, cockney accent he said.

"Good ta seeya again Derpy." Derpy’s eyes went wide with recognition and she quickly tackled her friend.

"MISTER BURGANDY!" she yelled as she hugged him tight. Sam began hugging her in return. Rainbow dash looked on in confusion.

"Mr. Burgandy?" Sam nodded as he began to tell the tale. Ten minutes later he was finally done.

"Well that was mighty nice of ya Sam." Applejack said, a bright smile adorning her features.

"Well, it was the least if could do.” Sam said as he looked down to Derpy "Sorry I had to lie about being a pony." Derpy simply cuddled him and said.

“It’s ok, I'm just glad you’re here now Mister Burgandy, oops, I mean, Sam." he simply smiled as he hugged her. It really was just like having his sister back.

"Hate ta break up all this mush," said Rainbow Dash "But this guy’s stuck here for the next 3 days right? So who's he staying with? I mean he can't stay with Derpy or me since we live in the clouds and don't know how all of Fluttershy's little friends would like having a hunter around." Applejack was the next to chime in.

"Well obviously, he should stay with me. After all, he loves apples so I'd just make sense for him to live on the farm."

"Now hold on just a minute!" Rarity said "I can't simply let my savior just tip his hat and walk away! I shall house him!" Applejack shot her a look.

”Iffin he stay with ya'll he'll be close to the center of town and most ponies might freak out. He's stayen with me." Sam thought

'Oh boy this could take awhile.' And boy was he right. About three hours later it was decided through the flip of a bit that he would stay with Applejack then Rarity then Applejack again. As Sam and everypony sighed in relief, Pinkie busted through the door and grabbed Sam’s hand saying.

"Come on come on Sammy!"

"Wha-? Come where exactly?" Pinkies only response was,

"Someplace to make you smile."

Nallok: And done! another chapter finished.

Celestia: So this is what you meant when you said humans wrote about us.

Nallok: Yes well I admit I’m not the best but... HOLY CRAP how did you get in here?!?!

Celestia: I’m a goddess. Remember breaching the boundary of space and time is a perk of the job.

Nallok: Oh yah right..... Would you like some coco?

Celestia: Yes please. Oh yes, I also came here to say that Perception Filter (Who used to be Freelance173) is awesome.
(Walk off together to get coco.)

chapter 1.5 the two ponies

“Finally I’ve got one that works” the man thought as he happily loaded his newly made shell into his gun. It had been 2 years since he landed in this strange place but finally things were coming together. The animals feared him due to him being a skilled hunter as well as having an intimating armor. Hell, it had gotten to the point were all he would have to do is play his flute and most creatures would cower in fear and now he had found a way to make more ammo for his gun albeit crudely.

"Now all it needs is a field test" So once again he set out into the forest to find some prey. As he walked he couldn't help but feel thankful that his father had taught him so many skills from how to survive in unfamiliar circumstances. Mostly making his own weapons from scratch "God bless ya dad... And God bless the marines too for teaching you all that stuff. Lord knows without it I’d be dead" he smiled as he continued to wander for a few hours being careful to remember the way back to the base of the large oak tree that he had been using as his home.

Suddenly a loud roar echoed from a few yards away calling the man’s attention as he quickly rushed over to see what could make such a roar and then he saw it, a Manticore advancing on two ponies. Now the man had always been fond of the ponies that he had seen from the edge of the forest, and they seemed peaceful and the man didn't want to see any violence or fear among the pony folk so for the most part he had stayed hidden but this was an emergency. The lives of those ponies rested on him and he'd be damned if some over-sized furball was gonna kill them here.

Still probably best not to shoot if he didn't have to at least not with the ponies around, so he played his flute as a warning. At first it seemed to work as the Manticore was certainly frightened. Though he readied his shot just in case the thing tried something, and low and behold it did. “You stupid bastard I was gonna letcha go but oh well..." as the beast lunged for the ponies the man let loose his bullet and took the beast down "Whelp. I guess now I know it works but... what the hell do I do now? If I leave it there I’ll be wasting a meal that could keep me fed for a while, but if I get it they'll know I’m here." he thought.

The growling of his stomach quickly turned the tide of the argument and he fetched his prize, stopping only to look at the ponies he had saved before rushing off. “Smooth." he thought "Very smooth."

as you can tell this chapter is just kind of a buffer between segments of twi's and pinkies story so yeah hope you like it.