It's a brutal world mate...

Chapters

The broken world- Another Guy!?!
The Broken World- Couch it is...
Broken World: First Quest
The broken world: Everfree
The broken world: The Manticores
Prelude: Spirit of earth
Spirit of Earth: Disturbance
Spirit of Earth: Sun and Maniticores
Spirit of Earth: Strike
Spirit of Earth: Heart
Spirit of Earth: Gone
Group Up!
Prelude: Abyss

The broken world- Another Guy!?!

---POV: JERICHO---

"Wohoooo!" I shouted out as I threw my hands up in the air. My cheer was greeted by our opponents slamming their fists in the frustration of losing.

We were playing a two on two custom in League of Legends at our usual Internet Cafe. We sliced through them like Swiss Cheese.

"God damnit!"

"Now now darlings. Don't fret, if it's any consolation you weren't that terrible." My friend Samson said.

Samson is my best friend and dou partner in ranked games. We usually bet our money against other players.

He is... Gay... Both happy and in between both genders. He wants to be refered as Samantha though. Sexuality doesn't matter, we just flattened those chumps anyways!

"You guys should practice more. How did you guys even reach gold rank?" I said as I grabbed the money. "Let's go Sam." I said as I pocketed the money and turned around. Only to be grabbed by my arm. I turned around and it was one of the guys we beat.

"Hey! Where are you punks going, eh?" I tried to shake his arm off but he had a iron grip.

"Home you idiot!" I replied.

"Sorry dear but we are... Apparently late for something..." My friend quickly chimed in. "We can have a rematch another time." He quickly added while stroking his hair.

"You ain't going anywhere with our money." The other replied. This is not going to end well...

"We won that money! All or nothing you idiots!" I snapped back. But it looks like they have other plans...

"Yeah, and we pick all of the money kid." The one who had the grip on my arm stated. I'm not giving up my money!

Okay. Simple, sucker punch him and get the hell out of here. "Okay here." I shook his hand off and I pretended to grab the wad of cash in my pocket. I then balled my hand into a fist and punched him as hard I could.

"Run!" As he staggered back and his companion went to him I grabbed Sam and turned tail. "Run!" Dragging him/her we ran out of the Internet Cafe, moments later the two guy started chasing us.

"Come back here punk!" The guy I punched shouted, sporting a bleeding nose.

"Imma gonna beat the shit out of you!" The other one shouted.

"My hair! My outfit!" Sam wailed out as I let go of him/her. Damn, she runs fast! I guess all of the training for the volleyball help him/her. Unfortunately, it doesn't help me.

"Just run you idiot! We are not going to look good when they're done with us!" I shouted back. I was running with my hands up in the air.

I'm still a virgin! I don't wanna die! I knocked down several trash cans as we ran. The clanging of said trash cans were soon accompanied by the sweet sound of crashing like idiots.

"FAGS!!! So long suckers!" I shouted as I turned around and gave them a mock salute. We then continued running.

We probably ran for quite a long distance. We then retreated to a nearby alley to split the money. I was absolutely winded, I feel like my heart is going to burst. Samson on the other hand didn't look tired at all. In fact she/he was smiling in amusement.

I was huffing and puffing in exhaustion. "*pant pant* We lost them... *pant pant*" I then soon regained my breath.

"Jericho dear, you should exercise more. It is the reason why I look so... Vibrant! So, fabulous!" She/he said.

I on the other hand was ignoring him/her and splitting the money that we won. "18,19,20!" I exclaimed. I then handed her/him her share. "Now, here's your share." I then pocketed the rest.

"They were... Violent. Sore losers." She/he commented.

"We won that money fair and square! The nerve!" I then kicked a nearby trashcan.

"Jericho, we have to skip that place for a while." I then turned to her/him. "A week or so." She/he stated as she/he combed her hair.

Damn, I'm almost diamond! At least I can still play at home. "I'll give it a week. They probably have the memories of a goldfish anyways." I said with a smirk.

"Memory of a goldfish, eh?" I froze as I saw the two guys from earlier. I gulped and looked over to Sam only to see him/her climbing the fence.

The fucker! As they started to run towards me I frantically tried to climb the fence. "Help me!" He/she was already on top, I extended my arm and he/she pulled me up. I was then pulled down and tossed me at a bunch of stuff. "Ooof!"

"Jericho!"

I rested against the wall, I used one hand to get up using the nearby dumpster as support. I grabbed a trash can lid and used it as a impromptu shield.

"You know kid, hand over the money and I will only partially unalive you." The guy I punched said. I saw Sam back on the ground facing the other guy in a standoff.

"We flipping won! Get the fuck out of here before... Before I..." I stammered.

"Before ye what?" He then lunged forward and I shielded myself with the trashcan lid. Instead of throwing a punch he grabbed the lid and hit me with a right hook. I staggered back and tripped over the trashcan. "Hahahaha! Yir a wimp!" He then threw the lid aside.

I just groaned a lay on the ground.

Samantha was being beat up by the other guy. She/he then managed to kick the guy in the balls. She/he assaulted the guy with a a series of slaps, she/he then kicked the guy aside.

"Hehe... Lee Sin..." I managed to croak out as I got up. The other guy's attention was focused on my friend.

"You boys attempted to cheat us, you then assaulted me and my friend and the worst of all... You ruined my outfit!!!" She/he wailed out. "But I'm going to give you and your friend a chance to skedaddle now and we'll forget what happened." She/he said while dusting herself.

I picked up the discarded trashcan lid and gestured from behind the guy that I'm gonna whack him.

"Hey." As he turned around I hit him as hard as I could. "*Clang!* Imba!" He then dropped like a fly. The other one stirred and I whacked him too. "*Clang!* You don't have anything on us fuckers!" I then high fived with Samson. "Ow..." I groaned as I touched the part of my face where I got hit.

"Jericho dear are you alright?" Sam asked in concern.

"Yeah. See you around Sam!" I said as I ran off. As she/he disappeared around the corner, I ran back. "Oh! You headed to comic con!?" I asked her/him.

"Of course, I'm headed as Ivan from one piece. How about you Jericho dear?" She asked.

"Cool. You'll find out. Chow!" I answered back as I dashed off. Oh fuck! I got into another fight, mom's gonna kill me! I then hopped on the taxi headed home.

The ride home was mostly uneventful. As I went through the neighborhood I was greeted by several people. I went up to the door of our house and jiggled the door knob. Locked.

I groaned and got the key under the welcome mat. I then got back up and opened the door. I then flipped the lights open and proceeded to the kitchen. As I was about to open the fridge I saw a note, I plucked the piece of paper off and read it.

I will not be home until later tonight, do your chores and homework.

-With love, your mother.

P.S. There is leftover meatloaf in the fridge.

Meatloaf? I then shuddered, mom's meatloaf is horrible. Why does she think there are leftovers? I don't have the heart to tell her though...

I'm in college now, but she still keeps treating me like a child! I crumpled the note and threw it in the thrash. I then warmed up a portion of the meatloaf and slapped it in a sandwich with cheese afterwards.

I went upstairs with the sandwich on a plate, I entered my room, slammed the door behind me and placed the plate on my desk. I tossed by bag to some random corner and turned on the computer on my desk.

I sat down and cracked my knuckles. "Okay let's do this." I logged on in LoL and was about to start a ranked game, I saw a notification at the bottom. Clicking on it, I saw it was a custom game. Shrugging, I accepted the invitation.

"A 1 vs 1? Howling Abyss? Sure, why not?" The summoner name was 'ThE ProGramMer', not a name I was familiar with so I checked his profile. A Challenger tier? So what? I can totally own anyone in a match.

Thirty minutes later I managed to win the match. "I don't remember the last time I fought so hard!" I groaned. Most of my games were smooth, this guy had some serious skills! Why isn't he part of some team?

'Good match.' The guy typed. A sport eh? Not many good sports round these days... I began to type in my response.

'You got some serious skillz dude...' I replied.

'You got *real* skills. Not many have that kind of skill in this world.' The guy said. I know. I don't think I'm that awesome but I'm getting there.

'What do you think about your world?' The guy asked. I flinched at the question. What do... I think?

'Is it fun? Is it easy to live in?' What the fuck is this guy saying?

'What is your wish?'

M-my wish... I don't wanna be weak, I want to be strong! I'm tired of being treated like a punching bag. I want to be free, free to be able to do anything I want!

'I wish that I could have the power and freedom to do anything I want' I replied.

"Oh? A selfish one?" A voice suddenly came from the computer. What the fuck!? I stood up and backed away, only to trip and fall down. "Very well then, I shall grant your wish!"

The monitor went black and the voice echoed around my room. "GO FORTH! YOUR WISH IS FULFILLED!" HOLY CRAP! I think I wet myself in fear. What the fuck is happening!?

Suddenly, the whole room rumbled and I was slowly being pulled by something. I turned around and there was some kind of vortex of energy. In panic I tried to escape it by clawing at the floor.

"Nonononono! Noooooo!" I shouted as I was sucked into the portal. "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

Everything then went black.

IT'S A BRUTAL WORLD MATE...

The Broken World.

Another guy!?

---POV: JERICHO---

I groaned as gained consciousness. "W-what happened?" My voice... Why does my voice sound like I swallowed a speaker or something? "What the fuck happened to my voice!"

With a grunt, I rose to my feet. "Why does everything look bigger?" I asked myself as I looked at a nearby dead tree. And for that matter, where am I? I then fell on my face. "Ooof!" Why can't I stand up straight?

As I lay there a note appeared in front of me. I groaned, and read the letter without trying to reach it.

Dear Jericho,

I have been watching you. You do not know me but I know all about you.

As you have probably noticed, you are now a pony, more specifically a gender swapped Brutalight Sparcake. You must be relieved I didn't I didn't take your junior away.

You have all of her abilities. Chaos magic. All of Christian Brutal Sniper's weapons and hammerspace. Weaslecake's color coded abilities. And Twilight Sparkle's magical prowess. As a addition, I have given you all of the instincts and basic knowledge of your new body and powers.

You are now effectively kinda immortal. You will not age. But you can still die. Either by acts of stupidity, starving or by conventional means.

You now have the power and freedom to choose your own path. But still, I plead you to pick good.

The game has started.

The fuck? What does he... I stared in shock as I raised my 'hand'. Only it was not a hand, but a dark purple hoof.

I struggled to get on all fours, for some reason it soon felt natural, like I did it for all of my life. I then looked behind me, a dark blue tail was swishing back and forth, a pair of wings were spread out, on my ass was a marking of a cross and a bottle of jarate.

I touched my face, and indeed there was a muzzle, I trailed my newfound hoof up my forehead, touching what I could assume my horn. I admit, I'd wonder how it would be if I was a pony but...

"HOLY FUCKING GOD I'M A FRICKEN PONY!!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! HOLY CRAP! WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED!?!"

I could only freak out.

"*Panting heavily* Ok... Got that out of the way. So I have powers now... What could I do with all of these abilities?" After a little freakout session I went ahead and began to test my abilities.

As I focused I felt a strange sensation in my horn. I imagined one of CBS's shivs, and one appeared. I stared at it in awe as it floated in a dark purple aura. I managed to control it, I swung it a few times. Satisfied, I concentrated and it disappeared.

I looked at my back and folded my wings with my hooves. Whoever sent me here... But where is here anyways? This place looks like a barren wasteland. I just realized I was on a cliff.

"Hey there miss where ya headed?" I heard someone say. I look down from the cliff and I saw four ponies. One was a grey pegasus attached to a cart... Its derpy! Three stallions where in her path, two were earth ponies and the other was a unicorn.

"Home." She flatly replied. And then she tried to go around them. They just blocked her path again.

"Why in such a hurry? We can show you a good time..." One of them said. A pig! I concentrated and a sniper rifle appeared. I held it in my magical grip and aimed. Let's see how painful is It for a unicorn to lose his horn....

I squeezed the trigger and the shot met its mark. "*Crack!* OH BUCKING FAUST! AAAAARRRGGGGHHHH!" The stallion shouted out.

I then flew down the cliff and landed in front of them. The two earth ponies attended to the... Once a unicorn. Said once a unicorn was trashing on the ground, tears and blood streaming down his face. He was letting out a cry of agony. For some reason that made me smile.

"Y-you bastard!" One of them shouted. His eyes then shrunk to pinpricks as I flared my wings accompanied with a grin. "A-an Alicorn!? There's only two!" He then backed away in fear.

"Take your friend and get the hell out of here. If I catch you doing this again I will find you. And break. Every. Single. Bone. In your bodies." I threatened. The three stallions were hugging each other in fear. "You guys get it?" Said stallions nodded rapidly. "Good. NOW SCRAM!!!" The two stallions bolted off, carrying their passed out friend, leaving three small puddles of a suspicious yellow liquid.

I turned around and faced the grey pegasus. Only then I noticed that she was wearing a pair of glasses and her mane was well kept, unlike her appearance in the show. Her eyes were also normal, scratch that, her left eye slowly went to the left while the other one focused on me. Her mouth was also wide open in shock.

She closed her mouth with a hoof, and then tapped the side of her head and her eyes focused on me. She put a calm expression on her face and adjusted her glasses with a wing. "Thanks for saving me." She said calmly.

What. The. Fuck. So... OOC.

"S-sure..." I replied slowly.

"My name is Derpy, Derpy Hooves." She said while extending her hoof. "What is your name?" She asked politely.

My name... I need a new name. Ah! That's perfect. "My name... My name is, Dusk, Dusk Shine." I said as I shook her hoof.

I wonder what is in store for me in this world. I have no idea where I'm going or what I'm gonna do. I haven't even wrapped my head around what's going on. But I'm not going to be a pushover.

After all wherever a person is... It's still... A Brutal world mate...

Author's Note

Shattered_sky here!

I have no idea what I am doing...

Again...

Wrote this when I was stuck in bed with flu. Drop a like or a comment, constructive criticism is gladly accepted.

The Broken World- Couch it is...

Author's Note

Hello shattered_sky here! First things first. I'M STILL ALIVE. Second, why is the alignment of the text like this? Third, I'm grounded. Forth, I'm editting this when I come back, imma just post this chapter before handing in my gadgets. Fifth, here is fifth.

Imma see you guys in a week! Stay frosty.

Edit: Okay 4 years after why can't I remove the center align.

The Broken World- Couch it is...

---POV: DUSK SHINE---

Yep. I've known mlp. It's just... This place is way different from the show, kind of like the crappy fanfictions some of my friends make. I may be a brony but I'm not super obsessed. I idly chewed a sniper round as I lay down in the cart.

“I know you saved me back there.”

“Yeah.” I imagined one of those hats that the Sniper wears. The one with the crocodile teeth around. It appeared and I covered my face with it.

“And you fixed those stallions good…” Derpy continued. Suddenly, the cart stopped. I tilted my hat to see her right in front of me, staring in annoyance. “I'm going to have to ask you to get off.”

“Let me think about it. Nah.” I then covered my face again. “I'm tired.” I then felt myself being lifted up and tossed off. “Shit! That hurt lady.”

“I'm getting the idea that all Alicorns are cunts, you're a weiner.” She replied. What!? I'm a dick and an asshole, not a weiner.

I picked myself up and walked beside her, for some reason it felt natural walking with this new body. Though after floating around some books I found out every time I shift my attention “Excuse me m’lady, I apologize. I'll try to live up to your expectation of me being a dick.”

She snorted and I chuckled. “But… You seem way heavier than you look. It's like you're twice the weight of an average stallion.” She then looked at me weirdly. “And why does your voice echo like that? Are you using some sort of sound amplifier spell?”

Come to think about it my voice did sound weird. “Nope. All I can do is dimensional storage, teleportation and simple Windgardium Leviosaaaaaah.”

“Windgardium Leviosa?”

“No, it's Leviosaaaaaah. Stress the ‘sah’.”

“What the buck is that?”

“Unicorn TK.” I simply replied, she rose an eyebrow. “Telekinesis, duh. That handy dandy lifty magic for sloths.”

“That's all you know? Seriously? “ I nodded. “Anyways. What is an Alicorn doing all the way here? Much more helping somepony.”

“Wait are all Alicorns evil or something?” Something… No everything doesn't add up so far. Derpy is not Derpy and Equestria is like a barren wasteland.

“Right now, yes. But you seem to be the most pleasant right now.” That speak levels on how good they are. “Alicorns used to be the guardians of Equestria. They symbolized the three pony tribes and guided us through our darkest times.” She started story time.

“The Alicorn Sisters, Luna and Celestia used to move the sun and moon. They watched over us and protected us.” She said sadly. “That was a thousand years ago. Celestia refused to do her duty and began to seek after power. Luna battled her sister and won, banishing her to the badlands.”

“Luna then took on the responsibility of raising the sun and moon. She anointed and guided each king, protecting the land against her evil sister.” Derpy continued. “But one day she was corrupted by her sister. They both ravaged the land making us live in terror ever since.”

“Wait who raises the sun and moon?” I found myself interested in her story. It's like the polar opposite of the show. A friend of mine did say that there was an alternate dimension in the comics…

“I don't know who does it.” She simply replied while pushing her glasses up. “This is basic knowledge… And you don't know?” We both stopped and she stared at me with suspicion. “Very odd…”

I actually shrunk under her gaze. What the hell should I say? “I uh… *ahem* I was you know… Not raised in Equestria.” I offered, it's true anyways. “I lived with cats in Egypt.” What can I say? I pulled a random ass explanation.

“Cats?”

“You know like diamond dogs. But catlike, stands on two legs a bit smaller. I lived with a bunch of nomads there.” I managed to make up a story on the spot. She didn't look that convinced though. “Your little story explains why the pony refugees shouting ‘Spawn of Tartarus’ or something along those lines.”

By the looks of it she isn't buying my story. “My mother, the one who raised me. Wasn't really that great, always out with her friends, but we were family. Never met my real parents, probably assholes who dropped me twice…” I grumbled. Damn it, I never got to say goodbye to mom.

For some reason I felt my anger flare up and I somehow shot a magic beam from my horn, shattering a nearby rock into smithereens. “DAMN IT!” I then stomped ahead.

I guess she didn't expect me to blow up like that. She paused as she gave me a pitying look. Damnit don't look at me that way! “Are we moving? I have no idea were the nearest village is.” I asked impatiently.

She fixed her glasses and ran- trotted- up to me. “Um… I, didn't know. I am terribly sorry.”

I snorted. “Yeah, yeah. Don't feel sorry for me. Life here must suck too. I normally don't
think about it.” I replied. I'm itching to change the topic. “So… Being an Alicorn is like they fear you and stuff?”

“Yes. It would be foolish to walk into Ponyville like that. The king may be kind but you aren't exactly the most pleasant pony.” She lifted her glasses up again but in a way they shimmered for a moment. “A king would eliminate a threat to his subjects.”

“Are you saying I'm dangerous?”

“I'm saying you're jerk with the power of a god. Yes that's very dangerous. Though I believe calling an Alicorn a god is too much.”

“Damn… I don't believe in gods either.” I replied, but living for thousands of years is the closest I guess. “Well I don't really have any place to stay. Can I crash at your house?”

“If you can find a job, sure. I don't really have much to live by.”

“Yet you have a cart full of books.” I retorted. If she can't affort much why does she have a fuckton of books!?

She simply replied. “Knowledge is the greater treasure.” I just stared at her. You wanna starve for books!? “These books were given to me by somepony I know anyways. Sadly most ponies have nothing to do with books today.”

“Pe… Errr… Ponies have a lot of problems these days.” She just sighed. “Gimme that. We're never getting anywhere with you pulling that.” I told her.

I levitated the harness off her and strapped it around my back… Stomach? Barrel? Whatever. She looked at me weirdly before smiling and shaking her head. “You're really odd.”

“You don't say?” I sarcastically replied, smiling. “Let's get going the sun ain't waiting for us.”

*****

“Welcome to Detroit…” I said as I eyed the town. I admit I have never been to Detroit but it doesn't really have the immaculate reputation.

A few buildings were nothing much but a pile of rubble and others were a few still standing walls. The majority however were still decent but were barricaded.

I also noticed there was a mansion in the distance and the Everfree southeast to it… I think. Shit these ponies have it rough… I haven't really thought about what I am gonna do now.

I was snapped out of my thoughts as I felt her put something on me. I craned my neck to see it was a pair of saddlebags. “Why do I feel like your personal slave?”

“Stop whining. Those are to hide your wings, not everpony would react nicely to them.” She clarified.

“Ok mom. I'll brush my teeth, take a shower, drink my milk and go to bed early.” I replied.

“And suddenly I don't feel sorry for you anymore.”

“It's better that way… So where is your pad?” I asked.

“Pad?”

“House.”

“Ah, follow me, it's this way.” She then began to walk ahead and I followed her.

As I walked through ‘Ponyville’ I noticed no one was outside. The town seemed like it was deserted. The buildings seemed devoid of life as the surroundings, the black tiled roofs along with the grey walls made the town feel depressing.

A rather large building- compared to the others that is, seemed to been damaged recently. An orange pony was on the roof hammering away. She wore a black cowboy hat and red banadana around her neck, I also noticed there was a golden plate on the bandana.

“Hey RD hand me some planks!” She hollered from up there.

A clyan mare with a rainbow mane was lying down on her back on a bench, snoring, one of her hoof's twitching everynow or then. Rainbow dash.

“RD!” Aj shouted again. She looked down and saw the sleeping pegasus. “Why the nerve of that little…” She then looked to the side and saw a nearby bucket and she smiled deviously.

She grabbed the bucket with her mouth and dropped it on the sleeping mare. “*Thunk!* OW! Damnit!” She woke up and squirmed around, clutching her head.

“Oh ‘am terribly sorry partner. Did ah wake you up?” Aj mocked. “So get your lazy flank up here!” She shouted.

RD smiled and waved her rump at AJ. “Can't reach, sorry!” She then dumped the content of the bucket, turned it around and used it as a makeshift pillow to return to her sleep. AJ grit her teeth and jumped down, crushing a nearby table.

“I had enough!” She grabbed a plank of wood on the ground and swung it at the rainbow. RD rolled off the bench, avoiding the swing.

“You wanna go Applesuck?!” RD challenged. I just noticed then there was a silver plate dangling on a necklace around her neck.

“Bring it on Rainbow Crash!” AJ shouted back. RD then charged, unleashing furious jabs that AJ simply blocked with one of her hooves. She then stopped blocking and threw a hook at RD which she dodged. “That's all you got!? Mah granny can punch harder than that!”

“You. Can't even. Hit. Me!” Rainbow replied as she dodged each punch, at the last word she landed a punch on AJ. She then followed with a few more punches and finished with a headbutt… Which hurt her more than AJ. RD clutched her head and teetered.

AJ rubbed her forehead and laughed. “Stupid!” She then threw a haymaker at RD. RD suddenly smiled and ducked, aiming for the chin. Hoof and chin connected but AJ didn't seem fazed though.

Evident by the fact that she managed to quickly spin around and deliver a double buck.

“Ponyfeathers.” RD managed to curse before she flew into the building, through the wall though.

Derpy sighed. “That's the Adventurers guild, Manticore Sting.” She told me. What kind of name is that? “Though it is more of a den of cutthroats, roughnecks and drunkards.”

“And they are?...”

“Idiots.” She simply replied. I snickered. “But don't underestimate them. They're both pretty strong.”

“Strong eh?” I mumbled. I wonder how strong my new powers are.

“I don't like that smile. Don't start anything.” I then sighed and started walking again. She walked ahead of me. “Let's go.”

“YA BONEHEADS! I SAID FIX THE DAMN PLACE, NOT DESTROY IT!” I heard a voice holler as were a bit far. I chuckled and shook my head. That place seems lively. How would mercenary life turn out?

*****

“So a giant tree? That was uncalled for.” We were standing in front of the golden oaks library. It looked a lot less colorful and there were no leaves on the branches.

“Everpony thinks that's weird.”

“What next, you're living with the magical protégé of the king? Yeah right.”

She just stared at me. “...Yes.” She answered, her glasses some how sliding down a bit. Wait. I didn't call that out on purpose! What the fuck!? “How did you guess?” She slowly asked.

“This never happened.” I declared levitating off the harness.

“What never happened?” She replied with a nervous chuckle. She gets it. “Just put the cart there, I'll bring the books in later.”

“Here. Lemme get that for you.” I said as I opened the door. She went in first and I followed. “Your welcome!”

“I was gonna say thanks.” She responded.

I took a moment to look at the library. The place was fairly clean but by the looks of things around here nobody really passes by here. At the other side of the room, sitting behind a desk was a light blue… Yeah, cerulean mare with a silver mane. Trixie. She seemed to be engrossed with the book she was reading.

She didn't have that stary… Starfull cape? She didn't have that wizard's hat and cape that was full of stars. But seeing Ponyville and some of its inhabitants I'm not surprised if she's different too.

“Hey Trixie, I'm back.” Derpy greeted, walking towards the blue mare.

“Welcome back.” She muttered, not looking up from her book.

“Romance novels? Is that the one about the sailor and his maiden or something.” Romance novels? I thought she would be reading a quantum physics book or something. “The story is cheesier that those rolls you like. Plus the ending is quite…”

“Don't spoil the ending! I'm getting to the good part.” She whined as she put down the book.

“Where the guy died?”

“So bitter… Derpy you make bittergourd taste sweet.” I joked as I approached the two mares.

Trixie looked at me, then at Derpy. She then walked over to derpy and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Derpy… I'm happy to see you moving on.”

Derpy batted the hoof away and glared at her. “*Sigh* No. He's just somepony who helped me out and he's looking for a place to stay.” Trixie simply giggled. Derpy pointed to me. “His name is Dusk Shine.”

I extended a hoof and introduced myself. “The name's Dusk Shine. Nice to meet you…” If I said ponies names before they told me would they freak out?

“Beatrix Lulamoon. Just call me Trixie.” She smiled and shook my hoof. “So you're looking for a place to stay?”

“Yeah…”

Trixie put a hoof to her chin and thought for a moment. “Well we have to discuss it first. Okay?” She told me. “In the meantime make yourself comfortable.”

“Sure, uh… Thanks.” I nodded and sat on one of the wooden chairs. Trixie and Derpy went to another room.

A few minutes after they left I pulled out a random book with my magic, for some reason it felt natural. The first book I pulled out… Mating Practices of the Common Cow. Nope. Nope nope nope” I shook my head and returned the book. Why do they even have that kind of book!?

“Goof-off Official Rulebook.” I then returned the book where I found it. Another try. “Language of the Heart… Ain't need that shit.” Does anybody arrange these books? I found the love book beside the Goof-off book.

Last try. Bingo “Arcane Magic Volume Two: Combat Magic. This looks interesting.” I then began to read it. “Page 59 for fireballs… Page 12 for Magic Missile.”

*****
“He's a what!?” Trixie shouted. Only to receive a hoof to the mouth from derpy.

“Yes. An Alicorn.” She repeated. “He saved me from some bandits awhile ago.”

“Yes he does seem nice but… I have to tell the king about him.” Trixie replied.

“I would not suggest that.” Derpy argued. “King Sombra would send guards and I think Dusk would not react kindly. He's impulsive.”

“I could just suggest to bring him there…”

“You should withhold the information for now.” Derpy suggested. “Dusk’s is not from Equestria.”

“You want me to lie!?” Trixie shouted. She then tilted her head in confusion. “And not from Equestria?”

“Yes, I want you to keep quiet about this.” She then lifted her glasses a bit. “Dusk Shine is a unicorn who's parents are refugees presumably dead. Grew up in Egypt and decided to see his homeland. That is the story, I think he lied though.”

“Plus a lot of things are odd about him. First of all… He doesn't have the accent. His accent is similar to a pony from Manehattan. Second, the weapon he used was not made for hooves but for creatures with fingers. Third he doesn't know how to properly use magic.”

Trixie opened the door a bit and took a peek. Dusk was reading a book in his hooves. He tried to flip a page with magic, ripping the page off instead. He stared at the page before putting it back in and whistling to himself.

“He's untrained. The way he uses his magic… He's like a foal who's experiencing bursts of magic for the first time.”

“So that means he could have lost his memories?”

“Maybe.” Trixie replied walking over to the door. “Magic is Instinctive to some like muscle memory. You may forget the spell but you can perform the same spell if you used it a lot. ”

She took another peek. Seeing him reading the spell book and pointing at a passage. Dusk concentrated and a sword materialized. “That ain't right… That was supposed to be a block of ice.” He mumbled and lifted the sword with his magic. He closed his eyes and the sword disappeared.

“One does not simply forget how to levitate objects. But maybe he lost most of his magical instincts too.”

“He must specialize in dimensional magic, pulling weapons from a pocket dimension.” Trixie pondered. She then slightly paled. “You did say he defended you from bandits, right? So that means his instincts kicked in and…”

“He could have been an adventurer, I'll ask the guildmaster.” Derpy then shook her head “At least he's an idiot. But why is his voice like that, is it a spell?” Derpy asked, sitting at the table.

“Probably a spell gone wrong…” She then shook her head. “That's not important. So what do you think? I'm not comfortable having him around but it's better that he's here then elsewhere.”

“I'm thinking the same.” Derpy paused for a bit before speaking. “I wonder… It might make sense that he was a adventurer and a spell gone wrong jumbled his memory and affected his voice. But the important question is…”

“Who is he. Or who was he.” Trixie declared. “I'll find out if he really has amnesia or something similar. I won't tell my teacher… But I have to tell him eventually.”

*****
I took a while but I managed to flip pages with my hooves. Flipping the pages with magic was harder...

It isn't obvious but I like to read. But for some reason the information sank in faster than usual. I concentrated and my horn lit up. A dark purple blade of magic appeared, I pointed my hoof and the blade shot forward.

I totally killed a chair. The blade flickered for a moment… “*boom!*” Then it exploded.

Well shit.

I walked over to the pile of ashes and stared at it. I fetched a broom and tried using my magic to sweep it but I couldn't do it properly. I then placed the broom in my mouth and tried again. “*Crack!*” Shit. The broom broke.”

It took a while to scoop up the ashes and broken broom. I then walked over to the door… “How the fuck do I open this with hooves?” Mouth? No. Hooves? How does that work!?

I then pushed the door… “*Creak… Crash!* Ow!” That was not my fault. Why are things so flimsy?! I tossed out the garbage and lifted the door.

I placed it back and waited for a few moments. “.....Nobody will notice a thing.” As I said that the door fell down on me this time. “Fuck.” I then walked out and pulled the door off my horn. The door to my side I'm gonna say sorry to whoever.

Staring at me was a very unhappy looking mailmare. “Uh I'm, sorry. Pffffftt!” I couldn't resist laughing, she had a cartoonish bump on her head the size of a baseball. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OH SHIT! Hahaha, I'm so sorry. Hehehehehahahaha, how can I... *Snickers* Help you?” What? It was funny.

She glared at me as she straightened herself. “Package for Mrs Lulamoon.” She muttered through gritted teeth. I grabbed the package, its probably a magazine or newsletter. “It's already payed for.”

“Uhhh… Hehe. Sorry about the door.” I managed to conjure a piece of ice and handed it to her. “Ice?”

She stared at it then shoved it in my mouth, she followed up by hitting me with her mailbag. “Have a nice day sir.” She practically spat out each word. She then flew away leaving a cloud of dust. I spat out the ice and coughed.

“Bitch…” I muttered.

I then carefully placed the door back. If someone touches it it'll fall down. I placed the package near my small pile of books and sat down again. “Magic Lance… This sounds good.”

As I flipped through the pages the two ponies came out. I wanted to crack out another joke but it didn't feel appropriate at the time. I placed the book aside and stood up. “So can I stay?”

“Well… Yes.” Trixie replied. She looks nervous for some reason.

“As long as you pay for rent of coseventy seventy five bits a month.”

“Is that cheap?”

“Maybe. You don't know the value of money?”

“Cats use barter, of course I don't know.” I hope that adds up, I'm been pulling lies from my ass. I then turned to Trixie. “You look uneasy. Number two?”

“Number two?” She asked, her head tilted. It took her a while to understand, I made crude farting sound. “Oh no, it's because…”

“You can take off the saddlebags off, she knows.” Derpy rolled her eyes. I focused on the saddlebags and I managed to float them off me.

“Those felt uncomfortable honestly…” How do I use my wings? I just gave them a few flaps, I can only glide so far. “Just relax Trixie, I don't bite. And I can just find somewhere else to stay if you want.”

“No!” She suddenly burst out, I just raised an eyebrow. “I mean, it's fine really. It's just that…” She pawed at the ground. My god that's cute.

“Yeah solar and lunar tyrant? Oh! Is there an Alicorn of Love or cute bunnies?” I joked. Derpy didn't look amused.

“Well no. You're the third Alicorn that is alive.”

“Actually he's the forth one. Mi Amore Cadenza rules the Crystal Empire with an Iron Hoof. She wasn't always like that though… But that is a different story.”

“Evil is not a hereditary trait, even if it was I'm not related to them.” Derpy seemed to be surprised when I said hereditary. “Let's put it this way. I promise, I have no malicious intentions and I only desire to coexist with other ponies. I merely wish to survive and make a living. I promise. Cross my heart hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Derpy gave me a look and Trixie giggled. “What was that?”

“Its a really serious oath. Something worse than a demon will chase you to the ends of the earth.” Its kinda true, though I'm not sure pinkie would pop out here. What's the opposite of her attitude? Depressed?

“I swear, I am already regretting our decision.” Derpy said, shaking her head she went outside. Probably to pick up her books, leaving me and Trixie inside.

We stared at each other for a moment. I idly looked around… “*Crash!*” There goes the door. I heard a loud sigh and Derpy angrily muttering something.

Trixie just stared at the broken door. Covered my mouth and let out a yawn. I didn't realize I was tired. “I'm a bit tired. Can I hit the sack now?” I asked.

“Yes, there's a spare bed in the basement.” She replied.

We went down to their basement. Scattered was various machinery and scientific equipment, not used in some time evident by the dust. She pulled a white sheet covering the said bed.

“So uh… I haven't cleaned up here in a long time. And don't touch any of these flasks, some are volatile and others are poisonous.” Okay living here seems like a health hazard.

“I'm gonna crash on the couch tonight.”

Broken World: First Quest

I didn’t sleep at all last night. My mind kept wandering to yesterday’s events. Should I be concerned that I just shot someone right off the bat? Or that I don’t feel guilty in the slightest. Eh he deserved it anyways, I guess? Well despite the lack of shut eye I felt fine, energetic even. I gave myself a few experimental sniff. Green light, I don’t need to shower for now. How often do ponies need to shower anyways?

The smell of food seemed more compelling than pondering on everything going on. And by compelling I mean something smells like I need to get up because something is burning. Damnit. I rushed over to the kitchen fearing something got caught fire.

“Oh good morning Dusk!” Trixie cheerily greeted. The unicorn was levitating a smoking pan which contents she added to the spread on the table. I sighed in relief as I trotted over to the table. On the menu was a dozen muffins, a few green sausages(?) and a bowl filled with a black bubbling substance. Aren’t ponies vegetarians? “I think I overcooked the leftover applesauce too much.” She winced as she took seat.

“Yeah. Morning.” I smiled as I sat on one of the stools. She started to giggle. I’m not sure which Trixie I like better.

“Do you always sit like that?” She asked as she levitated a few sausages and muffins unto my plate. I shook my head and levitated a fork. “I know somepony who usually sits like that. Isn’t it uncomfortable?”

“Not really. It is kind of weird I guess.” She tilted her head in confusion. I decided to abandon the fork and levitate a muffin to my mouth. *Crunch!* The muffin I ate was almost flavorless and crunchy for some reason.

“So how is it?” She asked.

“Pretty filling and could use a little more flavor. It’ll get anybody throughout the day.” I answered. She smiled at that.

“Well that’s what the applesauce is for.” Trixie offered.

I politely declined and we ate in silence for the rest of the meal. Derpy wasn't here when I woke up, though the bubbling bowl of black liquid served as food may have something to do with that. The sausages were okay. Trixie seemed to be a bit nervous. She occasionally glanced at me with a worried expression while we were eating.

“Thanks for letting me stay for a bit. The food was nice too.” I thanked her as I got up.
“I should be looking for a job and a place to stay.” I have a feeling any longer and I would overstay my welcome. I should try to find somewhere else to stay.

“NO!” She shouted forcefully. She covered her mouth. My eyebrows raised in surprise. “I-I mean you’re welcome here! Yes and you saved my best friend’s life. And umm let me at least repay your kindness. ” She blurted out as she pawed the air.

Yeah… Totally not weird. “Well that’s great to hear. I know that we came to an agreement but… I can find somewhere else to stay.” She’s uneasy because of what I am I guess. I really wanted to see more of the world at first. But after yesterday’s events I don’t really know what to do.

“No it’s fine. You are welcome here.” She assured me. “Well I’ll talk to Derpy, you don’t have to pay this month’s rent. Umm if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I guess I’ll stay for a while. Until I get my own place.” I offered a bit hesitantly.

“Oh thank goodness.” She sighed in relief. “I-I mean I don’t mind! Not at all. Sure as long as you like.” She corrected herself again. She coughed, changing the subject. “Derpy’s at the local guild by the way, you seem capable enough in fights. She could get you membership perhaps?”

“Guess I’ll swing by and check thing out.”

“Oh and please get this to Derpy, she went out without eating. Could you please deliver this to her?” She asked, floating a bundle over to me.

“Sure.” No. Not about anything.

---POV: 3rd person---

Dusk shine soon left for the local guild Manticore Sting. Donning a black vest and a faded pair of saddlebags to conceal his wings. Trixie gave him directions but Dusk explained he already saw it while entering town. The town looked every inch of depressing as yesterday. Minus the bickering ponies yesterday this town looked almost deserted. He noticed the eyes peeking out of the houses as he passed by.

Nearing the guild he saw a grey earth pony with a purple treblecleff cutiemark near the guild. She was hammering nails into the walls of the guild with her hooves. “Hey there.” Dusk greeted. The mare snorted as she just continued her work. The mare with purple eyes and black messy mane dipped her muzzle into a bucket filled with nails. Her head jerked back and knocked the bucket over. She sat on her haunches and rubbed an eye.

“Owww... Buck me to Tartarus what do you want?” She complained. Dusk turned the bucket upright and refilled it. He levitated some nails in front of her. The mare raised any eyebrow and stared for a while. Eventually she grabbed the nails with mouth and started working again. Side by side they nailed planks into the various holes in the wall

“Huh. Thanks for the help I guess. I’m Octavia.” Octavia Introduced herself.

“Dusk shine.”

Octavia sighed and rolled her eyes. “Great, another freaky pony. The nice sort I suppose but still weeeeiiird.” Dusk simply chuckled. “Sound spells dude huh. Not really common but most are able to.”

“Naw Zebras curse. I blabbed too much and a Zebra Shaman did this.”

To Dusk’s surprise Octavia stomped. “Don’t joke like that. You speak of spirits and curses lightly. I knew a guy who was cursed by a zebra. He broke a deal and spirits were witness. He was then enveloped with freaking vines Shine-“ She looked harrowed.
“Dusk, just call me Dusk. Also I just sound like this.”

Octavia simply continued. “So don’t joke about things like that, alright? You do seem like you could spin a tale but just don’t talk about Zebra Shamans ‘Kay?” Dusk was unnerved by her reaction. But then again magic was real, so probably curses are too. “Anyways I have more stuff to do. Maybe Vinny could tell what kind of magic is causing that. Bec” Octavia suggested as she tended to other repairs.

Dusk swallowed as he entered the guild wondering what kind of weird ponies he’d meet. The guild hall looked like your average tavern in an rpg. There was a bar at the far end and a request board on the left side of the room. The place looked like a hurricane went through, smashing most and tables stools were scattered about. The room reeked of alcohol and neglect. A few dozen ponies were sprawled about either drunk or unconscious. Only a few ponies were actually up and about.

The bartender was a crimson cat with spectacles. He grabbed a broom and stated to sweep the mess and the passed out ponies alike. Derpy and another Pegasus poked their heads out from behind the counter. The other Pegasus was black and he had a silver blue buzz cut style mane.

“Most of the bucking monsters were out today. Good thing too, the roof really looked like it was going to collapse.” The black Pegasus gulped loudly at the thought of being crushed.

“Where have you even been lately Thunderlane? It DID come down once, it was…”

“Bucking amazing my little ponies!” One of the drunk mares proclaimed. She wore a green hoodie, that’s the only thing that stood out for Dusk anyways. “It involved a chain, a drunk rainbow pegasus and AJ’s fat flank! Hey kitty watch the sweepy.” The hooded pony complained as the bartender… swept her into a pile of groaning ponies.

Thunderlane stared at Derpy for a few moments and mouthed ‘really?’. She sighed and nodded.
“These idiots always do this. Maker damnit who even started this fight?” Derpy complained as she cleaned her glasses. “Although Domino effect is impressive. One split drink or a collision causes all of this.”

“I already love this place.” Dusk sighed happily. He trotted up to the counter and laid the package before Derpy. “Special delivery, edible improvised weaponry.” Dusk grinned as he sat at the bar. Derpy grimaced and swept the package with a wing.

Thunderlane stared at Dusk for a good while. “What the buck did this stallion swallow?” He finally commented.

“This guy must be pretty fast.” Dusk retorted, chuckling that they didn’t get the joke.

“Thunderlane meet Dusk Shine, Dusk Shine meet Thunderlane.” Quickly introduced the two stallions.

“Nice meeting you Thunder.” Dusk extended his hoof and they shook. “Just stick to food and don’t swallow weird objects.” Dusk advised. He turned to Derpy. “So Derps where do I sign up? I think I’m sold on the whole Adventurer thing.” Dusk excitedly spoke, rubbing his hooves together.

Thunderlane simply frowned and looked at Derpy. “I vouch for him. Dusk skills as a combat mage are… adequate. He protected me against some bandits.” Derpy supplied. “Also, I already filled out the necessary forms and approval for his membership. All that needs to be done is the branding.” Derpy fished out a plastic folder from her saddle bags and passed them to Dusk.

“Looks like I’m not the only one who’s excited.” Dusk teased. Privately he wondered why she did it so quickly and if he could get her to do his taxes.

Thunderlane looked ashamed for a moment before smiling. “Well, if he’s good enough for you then he’s good enough for me.” Thunderlane concluded. Dusk simply did a mock bow and waved a hoof.

Derpy was grasping what looked like a giant stamp usng her left wing. “That said where do you want the guild mark?” Derpy asked.

Dusk looked upward in thought for a few seconds. “My right forehoof I guess.” He shrugged. “So just this is the final requirement huh? Wait what is the cat doing-“The bartender cat held Dusk firmly in place as Thunderlane grabbed his hooves. Before he could get another word out Derpy shoved one of the muffins into his mouth.

There was a sizzle and a crunch as the stamp – actually sort of magical brand Dusk realized – was brought down on his hoof. His eyes and a vein at his neck bulged as he angrily shouted something. Dusk collapsed on the floor as they let him go. The brand glowed with a bronze hue. The design was that of a lion’s head with wings and a stinger overhead.

Dusk felt dizzy and weak as the brand began too cool. He spat the muffin at Thunderlane but the Pegasus ducked. “Damnit warm me next time. I thought it was just some kind of magical stamp.” Dusk groaned out as he got back up. He swayed and tried to shake himself out of his stupor. “Why do I… Ughhhh.”

“You are part of us now, that is the proof. The mark of the Manticore grants you blessings. It grants you a bond like no other, engraved on your very soul. You are welcome among us and to our knowledge.” The bartender explained in a calm tone. He walked away without another word and continued to clean the area.

Dusk just stared in bewilderment at the cat. “Well you’re a member now. Also you get some enhancements and access to special spells as you get a higher rank.” Derpy explained as she pinned a bronze plate to his vest. “Bronze is the lowest while Adamantium is the highest. This book should get you started.” Derpy leapt over the counter and stuffed the Guild guidelines book into Dusk’s saddlebags.

“It’s kinda intense. You’ll feel better in a bit.” Thunderlane promised, he then winced as he recalled his own branding on his neck. Now that dusk had a better look Derpy had the mark on her right shoulder. There didn’t seem to be much reaction among those not incapacitated. Knives climbed to the pile of ponies and cheered before falling down.

A white unicorn approached the trio. She had an electric blue mane that was Dusk would describe as ‘from a toothpaste tube. Her pink eyes seemed to dance. “Milady, I am Dusk Shine.” Dusk tried to sound as cultured as he could with a bow. The unicorn nodded and extended a hoof. Dusk kissed it and smirked.

Derpy rolled her eyes and Thunderlane blinked owlishly. “This is Vinyl Scratch, probably the only one who could be in high society.” Vinyl lifted a hoof her muzzle as she smiled. She then looked around disdainfully at the other conscious ponies in the room. “By now you shouldn’t be surprised. Not many ponies give a damn about much.”

“Yeah even to the Hoofball announcer.” Thunderlane joked back. “So Vinyl, what’s up?”

Vinyl simply levitated a sheet of parchment in front of them. “Request drive back monsters from Sweet Apple Acres and place protective wards around the perimeter facing the Everfree. Reward is-“

“Two-hundred bits nice!”

“Is that a lot?”

Derpy sighed. “That’s a little low considering the Everfree.” Adjusting her spectacles she opened a thick red binder. “The Creatures of the Everfree are dangerous we’ll need to get more info on what’s attacking first.”

“No sweat! A few smacks here and there and two-hundred bits.” Thunderlane boasted, swinging the bat tied to his tail around.

“They may be out of their territory but it doesn’t make them any less dangerous. We should gather more information and then renegotiate for a better reward. Monsters just don’t trot out of the Everfree, this could be serious.”

“Hey Dusk, the four of us should go!” Thunderlane crowed. “We’ll assist in your first quest. Easy bits and we can show you the ropes.”

Dusk seemed to think about it for a few minutes before enthusiastically accepting. Derpy was groaning and shaking her head. Vinyl smiled and nodded. The notice was time sensitive so Vinyl decided to port them. Dusk assisted by giving extra power. He wasn’t sure how to teleport properly yet. Derpy prepared the supplies and the protective wards. Once ready, Dusk and Vinyl touched horns. The four of them disappearing in a light blue flash.

The four of them reappeared right in the middle of the Sweet Apple Acres Orchard. The ‘Apple’ trees had pink blob like fruit. Dusk decided not to question or eat those weird fruits. Several Baskets and ladders were scattered about, abandoned by the workers. Spilled fruit and traces of blood was spilled all over.

Arriving at Sweet Apple Acres, Vinyl’s horn was smoking. Apparently Dusk poured too much magic. She was rubbing a hoof near the base of her horn while Thunderlane gaped at it.

She pouted and looked at Dusk who winced in sympathy. “Did I.. Do that?” He asked in a small echoing voice. Vinyl gaped at Dusk, surprised that he showed no signs of fatigue.

“Woah! Vinyl are you okay?” Thunderlane asked also concerned. Vinyl closed her eyes and tried to cast a spell. Purple arcs of lightning raced over her whole body. She shuddered and fell on her haunches. Thunderlane and Dusk were about to rush over but Derpy blocked them with her wings.

Suddenly Vinyl’s coat puffed up.

Thunderlane and Dusk stared for a moment before cracking up. Derpy snorted as she tried to keep herself under control. Vinyl blinked as the two stallions as they broke into uncontrollable laughter. “You two are insensitive jerks.” Derpy scolded only to start snorting laughter as Dusk made poofing noises.

“I’m- hahahaha hehehahaha – fucking sorry. Aha no really. Hahaha I really am.” Dusk struggled to contain his laughter as he spoke. The poofy white unicorn stared at her companions with flat eyes. “Hey Derps, brushie brushie?” Derpry sighed and pulled out a brush and passed it to Vinyl.

The unicorn seemed surprisingly adept at smoothening her appearance even without her magic. Vinyl however looked a bit awkward donning the brace and sheathed sword. The sheath was located at the side of her barrel.

“Now this is most unfortunate, Dusk’s magic transfer had some unforeseen consequences.” Derpy gravely intoned. Dusk having just realized the outcome was really apologizing now. “Hopefully this extermination quest won’t go anymore south. We can negotiate payment after we sort out this mess.” Dusk and Vinyl nodded.

“Question!” Thunderlane called out, a hoof raised. “But would they pay us for our services? We haven’t met the employer yet.”

Vinyl passed a sheet of parchment to Derpy. Derpy read the note before stuffing it into her bags. “Vinyl already took care of that earlier. And if they won’t honor it. Well let’s say they will have to deal with extreme weather conditions instead of pests.” Derpy’s glasses gleamed.

“I want to be paid…” Thunderlane whined.

“If all else fails we can simply settle the dept. By appropriating resources of value equal to services rendered. With interest.” Dusk declared with an evil smirk. Vinyl raised her head in a snobby fashion complete with a condescending smirk.

“You three are evil. That’s how the mafia works!” Thunderlane accusingly pointed at the three. Smiling broadly he half meant it. He was convinced those three would fit in.

However their amusement was cut short. The atmosphere became oppressive as the two Pegasi tensed up. Dusk summoned a broadsword to his side and Thunderlane unslung his bat. Vinyl’s horn simply sparked. Glaring at Dusk she drew her rapier with her mouth.

“Sorry.” Dusk lamely muttered.

Dusk could barely register the snarl as Thunderlane blurred forward and smashed a wooden wolf’s head. “Strike! One down.” He cheered as he took to the air. Thunderlane spotted 6 wolves around the orchard.

Dusk remembered Timberwolves from the show, but these were nothing like that. These creatures seemed like carvings of real wolves and moved so fluid and lifelike. The wolf Thunderlane hit jumped back, a chunk of its face crushed. A vine like growth enveloped its face and repaired itself. The two stallions reacted appropriately.

“Oh come on!”

“You got to be kidding me!”

“Quite interesting. What other fascinating creatures inhabit those woods?” Derpy mused flipping through a book. Without even looking she also took to the air. Two wolves colliding into each other.

Dusk jammed his knife into the head of the wolf. He was shocked as the magical grip on his weapon faded. He tied to fling the wolf with his magic but he felt it drain him. The wolf lunged and bit down hard on his right shoulder. Screaming in pain he slammed his other hoof repeatedly on the handle.

Vinyl looked like she was dancing, the two wolves unable to close in on her. She struck out and evaded gracefully but she overexerting herself physically. Two were being led on a merry chase by Thunderlane. The black Pegasus flying low and weaving around various obstacles. One was futilely trying to reach Derpy. The grey Pegasus was observing what was going on.

“Dusk hold your weapon in your mouth. They seem to be feeding on your focused magical fields.” Derpy suggested. Dusk struggled for a few moments before biting hard on the handle and twisting. The jaws still locked on Dusk as the rest of the wolf collapsed. “Thunderlane execute Shock and Awe Maneuver. Then assist Vinyl.”

Dusk let out a scream of rage as he lunged on top of the wolf trying to get at Derpy. He plunged his knife into its back. The wolf yelped in surprised and tried to shake off the pony angrily holding on. The wolf Dusk took down stilled.

Thunderlane flew high then came down on the two wolves like lightning. Then he exploded. As the cloud of dust the settled the wolves were shuddering and sparking. The smoking Thunderlane proceeded to wail on one of the wolves circling Vinyl.

Derpy was staring at the still wolf for a bit before barking out orders. “Decapitate the wolves! They don’t regenerate if you manage to do that.” Derpy stared at Dusk, unsure what to do.

Dusk lost the grip on his knife and was now swearing loudly about the wolves’ mom. Vinyl attempted to decapitate the wolf she was facing. The strike failed to cut all the way through and the unicorn struggled to pull out the blade. Thunderlane too couldn’t pull out his bat from the vines growing on the wolf. Dusk was finally flung off all. Worst of all the two paralyzed wolves got back on their paws.

*BANG* As Dusk shot the wolf his stomach felt empty for some reason. All of the wolves glared at him with gleaming red eyes. “I think I did a stupid.” He nervously said. The four wolves rushed him. Dusk was once more screaming but now in a hysterical fashion.

Vinyl collapsed in exhaustion and Thunderlane tried to pry the predators off Dusk. Derpy’s eyes wandered in opposite directions. She slapped herself to get her eyes back into focus. She rubbed her forehead as she tried to figure out what to do. “Derpy! Just bucking do something!” Thunderlane yelled desperately.

“Don’t you have any other maneuvers!?” Derpy yelled back. “Something with a little more power.”

“Well I do but I’d hit the newbie too! Not to mention I can’t pull off any more if this one fails.”

“He can take it!” Derpy insisted. She flew into one of the trees. Fearing whatever Thunderlane was going to do.

Thunderlane shook his head and shot up. After reaching a certain height he flipped and flew straight down. His body sparked all over as he gained momentum. Dusk could have sworn he heard plane noises. Then Thunderlane exploded again.

The explosion shattered the wolves into dozens of pieces. The soot covered Dusk was lying down in the middle of a crater. Covered in various bite marks and embedded shards of wood. Thunderlane was flying in circles as he slowly decended. This time however he had a few burns.

Dusk slowly got to his hooves and so did Thunderlane. Derpy poked her head out and looked around. “Well I didn’t think you knew the Japonese Burst Dive. I’d give you a 7.6 but still quite impressive” She said with a hint of surprise. She spied one of the wolf heads rattling. “Sompony axe it.”

Dusk summoned a sledgehammer. Holding it in his mouth he smashed the wolf head into splinters. “Wood you stay down?” Thunderlane joked. Dusk glared at Thunderlane and spat out his weapon. “Also how is this buck still standing?”

Dusk took calming breaths for a few minutes before calming down. “Because I ate breakfast. Hah, take that Derpy! You would have exploded.” Dusk grinned but it was bit forced. He seemed to be shaken by current events. He winced as he limped forwards. “I need healing!”

Derpy shook her head and flew over to Dusk. “Thunderlane check on Vinyl.” She asked. Thunderlane nodded and trotted over to Vinyl. Derpy used a cheap bottle of alcohol to disinfect Dusk’s wounds. She then took her time pulling out wood pieces out of Dusk. Thankfully his wounds were shallow. She then pulled out a bottle with a pink fluid and told Dusk to drink it.

“Why does it taste like blueberries? Also I feel way better.” Dusk laughed as his wounds healed. He stared in amazement as his wounds rapidly healed. He gave his formerly crippled arm a few experimental flexes. “Magic~.” He singsonged.

“A potion that stimulates a pony’s natural healing ability. The guild supplies a few to members of eligible rank” Derpy explained. “Also it shouldn’t work that fast.” Derpy frowned as she went through her notes again.

Dusk walked over to check on how Vinyl was doing. The unicorn just overexerted herself and was now on her hooves. She was still a bit wobbly though. “You want a ride Mistress?” Dusk offered. Vinyl rolled her eyes and tried to walk. Thunderlane caught her as she fell and deposited her on Dusk’s back. “Just think of this as a taxi.” Thunderlane laughed as Vinyl mouthed ‘I hate all of you”.

“Ughh… So how you’re holding up?”

“Great actually. That potion fixed me up good. You don’t look that good though.” Dusk pointed out.

“Well my magic is low. I’d have to walk home.” Thunderlane groaned as he flapped his wings.

Catching Dusk’s confused look Derpy explained again. “Pegasi need magic to fly. Those maneuvers used a lot of magic. Both to use various elemental effects and to protect himself.” Looking Thunderlane over, she then added. “I’ll place the wards. I’ll rush back if there are more hostiles.”

“One more question. Why weren’t you fighting?” Dusk ask a bit sharply.

“Well… I’m no good in combat. But pegasi don’t miss much. Because I’m not fighting I see things that you would otherwise miss.” She explained. “Oh and I’m quite knowledgeable. My knowledge and observations give more of an edge to my team than you realize.” She proudly added.

“So your combat skills are moot so you play backseat gamer.” Dusk replied, still not happy with the answer. He held a hoof up as Derpy was about to retort. “I know. I know. I actually get it okay. It’s just that hovering over me while I’m being torn apart isn’t pleasant.” Dusk then shuddered.

Derpy look sympathetic for a moment. “Well I’ll be off now.” Derpy then flew over to the Everfree.

Dusk’s anger gave way to amazement as he gazed upon the Everfree. Now taking a look at it Dusk realized the green spot he saw when he was outside Ponyville was this. The pastel bown trees had seafoam green leaves and motes of golden light floated around.

“Okay. How did I miss the giant forest with glowing lights?” Dusk questioned as he dispelled his weapons.

“Well we did port in. And there were the wolves that attacked us.” Thunderlane suggested. “Anyways, the Everfree is a massive natural maze filled with the most dangerous creatures. If you don’t follow the path chances are you’d be stuck for a very long time.” Thunderlane gave a summary before slurping a potion.

Vinyl was staring at Thunderlane intensely. She mouthed ‘You make it sound so simple’. Thunderlane processed the lip speak for a few moments before replying. “Well yeah, we all know that place is a deathtrap.” He casually replied. Vinyl seemed to be displeased that he downplayed the danger the forest posed.

“Are those glowing lights normal though?” Dusk clarified, pointing at the large forest. However his two companions didn’t see it. They stared at each other. Then at the forest for a bit.

“What lights?” Thunderlane asked and Vinyl mouthed. They looked confused and they gave Dusk wary looks. “Maybe you hit your head too hard.” Thunderlane carefully suggested. Dusk kept on looking at the forest. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Maybe I’m just seeing stars.” Dusk absently replied.

Thunderlane gave a nervous chuckle. “Yeah. We’re all spent. We could kick back and share a few drinks at the guild.” The black Pegasus offered. Vinyl cleared her throat. “Well after we collect our pay and drop Vinyl off of course.”

Dusk smiled. “Yeah that sounds good. As long as I’m not paying.”

Author's Note

So nalaman ko na... este. I just realized I had this account. I forgot about it for awhile honestly. I'll find some time to edit this mess I suppose. English seems really hard to write compared to speaking it. So yeah enjoy i guess? Also I haven't watched mlp since season 5 so I have a lot to catch up on. But this is based on the comic au.

The broken world: Everfree

---Dusk: POV---

You know. Yesterday was the most terrifying day of my life. Ever since I was young I always got into fights. Said things, pissed bigger kids off and got reduced to a crying beaten mess. Sometimes I got away though. I guess one of the biggest drawbacks of being an Alicorn is…

We can’t get drunk apparently.

Derpy managed to place the wards without any trouble apparently. Well I like being paid but I’m still wondering what was going on. The wolves attacked the workers on the orchard for some reason. I had some questions but Derpy told us to wait outside the orchard. Thunderlane and Vinly didn’t have any objections so I begrudgingly waited with them.

Afterwards we all headed back. Thunderlane was true to his word and treated me to some beer. Derpy went home and we dropped off Vinyl. Earth ponies are really scary. So Octavia apparently shared the same house with Vinyl. She took our unicorn companion inside then chased us off with a chainsaw. Yes a FUCKING chainsaw. Guess she was pissed at us. That’s the first time I teleported by the way. With luck Thunderlane got swept up too.

So anyways we drank, everyone else got drunk and somebody smashed a table over Knives’ head. That was my cue to exit. From what I gathered two days ago, a few smucks start a whole mess. I'd go back to the Library and get some rest.

So today I wanted to make more bits. But there wasn’t many jobs I could tackle on my own. Most were scouting or escorts. And I knew nothing about the areas around. In fact on my own I couldn’t really go anywhere without getting lost. I needed someone who knew the lay of the land.

My rank was at the lowest so I needed to be with a silver or gold for most of them. I didn’t go with Derpy. If it was just the both of us I’d be on the front all the time. Thunderlane got sick from drinking too much. Vinyl was still recovering from whatever happened to her. And I knew no one else. I need a better idea on how to get around. “Maybe I should go back to the Library now.” I muttered to myself.

“Hey newbie! How didya get up there?” A scratchy voice called. I walked over to the edge to see who it was. Oh it was knives. Her hood wasn’t revealing her messy peanut brown mane and very light brown coat. “Yes you! Drunk unicorns are the funniest eh?”

“I just got here.” Maybe she’s out on a quest. “You going a quest? You could use some backup.” I suggested. I hpe it’s not like yesterday though.

“They always say that they're stargazing. Damned drunks. Yeah that star is really bright!” She pointed at the sun. She isn’t even listening to me. Wincing at the offending bright light she lowered her blue eyes. “Ugh. It totally drives away the others amirite?” She asked a bit drunkenly. Is she- oh yeah I guess. The drunk mare took swig from a bottle. How do ponies hold things in their hooves like that? Also she's rambling.

“Yeah, I guess. So Quest. You going. Right?” I irritably inquired.

She stared at me for a few minutes. “Yeah. I have a job if you’re interested. More like an errand though. But good pay.” She spoke.

“How much?”

“Oh something better than money~.” She singed as she waved the bottle at me. I don’t like it when somebody says that. But it couldn’t hurt to listen. “You in?”

“Depends.” With that I jumped down. Huh I forgot my wings were tucked in. So my face met the earth. Spitting out the earth and getting back up I turned to the earth pony. “So what’s up?”

“Oooohhhhh! Why are these ponies so careless? Are you okay mister?” A pony ran up to me with a worried expression on his face. He wasn’t really a colt but he wasn’t a stallion yet either. Now getting a closer look he was a unicorn with a curved horn. He had fluffy white coat and shinning blue eyes. “You think he’s concussed?” He turned to knives.

“Naw he’s tough. I heard he took a pegasi maneuver point blank. Though Thunder isn’t the best.” She mused. “Also what’s a concussed?”

“I don’t think a person could get a concussion from that.” Dusk pondered. “Well not me.” I proudly declared. Well the glowing light might say otherwise. Huh his Cutie mark was a blue star with five tiny four pointed stars.

“Well you can call me knives and this is my bro, Isaac Stargazer.” She introduced themselves. Turning back to her brother she took another swig. “And this buck’s name is Dusk shine.” She then let out a loud belch. “’Cuse me.”

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you!” He brightly greeted. There was something about this pony. Like he literally radiated happiness. Something tugged at my lips. Wait I just noticed he had a basket on his back. He seemed to follow my gaze. “Oh, are you hungry? Here have some bread.” He offered.

I swallowed. I didn’t eat dinner last night. He floated out a loaf of bread. Huh his magic is colored gold. It wasn’t exactly fresh, probably baked yesterday. Well no harm I guess. I grabbed it with my magic and took a bite out of it.

“Umm are you okay?”

I zoned out for a moment. Suddenly I had memories of a long haired girl. She was kinda afraid of everything outside. She used to babysit a friend of mine. Brown hair, flat nosed and he was really skinny. His father was a businessman from the Philippines. Yes his name was Nathan. He was really shy.

We visited her frequently at the mental institution. Her paranoia was so bad she could barely function sometimes. Her name was Trisha. I’m not sure what happened to put her in such a state. She was a kind small woman. We frequently visited her and brought her bread from our favorite bread shop. Arghhh why can’t I remember the name?! Nathan only really smiled when he was with her. He didn’t have that good of a relationship with his family ever since his mother passed away.

Then one day she disappeared. Nathan never went back to that bakeshop again.

What the fuck?

“Dude are you crying?” Knives asked with snorting laughter.

“I… This is the best bread I’ve tasted.” My voiced wavered for a moment. And I meant what I said. Even if it was a day old it somehow trumped any fresh bread I’ve eaten. Light and tasty and somehow really filling. I just took bite after bite until it was gone. Knives was covering her mouth and snorting. Isaac looked concerned and confused.

“Thank you.” I said with as much sincerity as I could. Just now I felt something warm slide down my cheeks. I quickly wiped the tears I didn’t know were there. Wait Isaac isn’t a pony name right? “Wait Isaac is a weird name for a pony.” I tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. Plus I was curious.

“Well that’s just my name.” He innocently offered.

“Yeah you’re weird. You named yourself didn’t you?” Knives sneered. Well… not really. “Well anyways I need help. Word is you could do me a solid.” Solid what?

“Yes Job! What and where?” I impatiently asked. I was about to shake this mare. Hopefully it wouldn’t involve those things from yesterday. I suppressed a shudder.

“Naw. Maybe? Well not really but sorta. Just simple really all you need to do is go with my brother?” She declared. “I would but I have very important business.”

“You want me to escort your brother somewhere.”

“Yep!”

“Probably somewhere dangerous.”

“Not really.”

“And I just met you and your brother today.”

“Nope. You met me yesterday. Also you want a job right?”

She just messing with me right? “Are you serious?”

“Totally.” She easily answered. “Well everpony else is hung over or unavailable. Plus Octavia apparently holds you in high regard.” Oh fuck. She IS pissed at me. This must be really dangerous or something.

“Well I was thinking of going on a quest. I need to pay the bills you know. I don’t think bits are up front in this arrangement.” I tried to dodge. I have a bad feeling about this.

“Well it’s not like I’m not going to pay you. In fact it’s worth risking a limb. I’m talking healing potions and other medicine. Really valuable in times like this.” The offer did sound tempting. Only when I got a higher rank I could get the freebies. And medicine could save my life in dire situations. Also I didn't have much money. So far.

“Well I’ll think about it. But I need details…”

“Great! Here’s all you need to know.” She interrupted. Shoving a piece of paper into my mouth.

Suddenly an iron-plated wagon pulled by Rainbow dash came to a screeching halt in front of us. She was wearing what appeared to be a light barding with an out of place ornate silver bracelet with a red stone on her left shoulder. The unicorn with a purple meticulously styled mane rode in the back. She wore some sort of a battle dress? Wait that’s Rarity. “Get in darling. There is fashionable late and there’s never.” She spoke as she pulled Knives into the wagon.

“Well gotta go lubya bro!” She spoke while letting out a few flying kisses. Then the cart sped west. She shouted something in the distance.

“Wut?” The only word that came out of my mouth after spitting out the paper. This was beyond bizarre for me.

Isaac was pouting. “She runs off like that sometimes. Well I can grab the herbs but she doesn’t want me to go alone.” He sadly explained. “I guess she can’t keep an eye on me all the time.”

Wait herbs? My blood froze. I slowly uncrumpled the piece of paper. Panic rising as I read the note. ‘Everfree: Escort Isaac while he gathers herbs. Rewards are 3x healing potions 6x healing bandages 2x burn gel misc. herbs.’ Everfree.

Nononononononono fucking damnit! “Mister Dusk? Are you okay?” He asked in concern.

No. I’m not okay with this.

*********

I’m still not okay with this.

“NO!” My voice boomed as I sat in the guild’s infirmary. I’d went in to check how much potions sold for here. The young unicorn shrank for bit before pleading again.

“Please Mister Dusk! This is really important for the whole guild. These medicines save our guildmates” He pleaded. Those soulful blue eyes teared up. RESIST!

“Look boy. I didn’t even accept it. I would have turned it down flat out if I knew!” Fuck that drunk. Dropping things like that on me. I don’t even know her or this kid!

“I promise, I know how to traverse it safely.” He promised. Safe way? I then fixed my stare on him. He shrank again from the intensity of my gaze. I relaxed then he swallowed. “I-I promise Mister Dusk I know how to get in and out safely.”

“Anything else than follow the yellow road?” I joked.

“The road isn’t yellow, it’s grey actually. But there are certain rules and safe places I’ve discovered.” Isaac explained. “And as long as you follow them you’ll be safe.”

I prepared to listen. If what this boy is saying is true I can do a lot with this information. “Why are you smiling Mister Dusk?” He questioned.

“Well because I’ve experienced dangerous things from that forest. I guess that means I’m safer now.” His face became serious for a moment as he studied me. His blue eyes had a faint golden glow. Okay what the hell is going on? His features relaxed. Suddenly I feel pressured.

“Mister Dusk sir? What weapons do you use?” He asked. Why does he want to know?

I decided to be honest with him. He seems like a sincere person errr pony. He couldn’t make food like that if he was deceitful. “Well I use various melee weapons. From a butterfly knife to sledgehammers.” He frowned. I sighed. “I also use a sniper rifle.” His eyes widened.

“I see…” He said slowly. He went quiet and started studying me again. This kid is making me nervous now. Are all ponies this weird around here? Something different about him I just don’t know what. “I’m sorry Mister Dusk. I just don’t like weapons. Especially guns”

So the kid’s a pacifist I guess. “Yeah guns are really dangerous. I prefer not to use them if I can.” Not to mention how easy it to use now. I never thought how I feel about that. About these changes. He looked sad too now. “Not to mention sometimes you can talk things out or run away.” I told him. He smiled at that.

“Well you see. Please don’t disregard what I’m going to say okay?” He pleaded. I solemnly nodded in response. “The spirits of the forest are disturbed greatly manufactured objects. Especially those made of iron and wood.”

Wait when I was attacked... I shot the wolf and they attacked me. All of them attacked me. “Umm Mister Dusk have you ever encountered wolves made of wood?” He asked in a soft tone. I need to breathe. I got up to get some air.

“Just stop kid you’re freaking me out!” He was weirding me out to much. First the bread now this. His eyes stopped glowing and I felt the pressure go away.
“I’m sorry! Mister Dusk please calm down!” Isaac began to tear up. In the corner of my vision a bright purple unicorn levitating a bonesaw rushed in. I felt my body being forced down. I my body was covered in a lavender hue of magic. As I tried to cast my own magic but a chain wrapped around my horn and my body. The chain squeezed me tightly especially around my horn.

As pain shot through my body the chain wrapped around my mouth. Oh I had a lot of profanities to spew. This motherfucker is going down! I’m going to stab him with my horn if I see the guy doing this. I flopped off the bed and saw my assailant. The unicorn mare stared at me coldly and fired a spell at me.

It didn’t seem to do anything. So I stilled. She relaxed and walked over to Isaac. Chance! I jumped up and attempted to skew her with my horn. Her horn lit up and she tossed me aside. “Miss Twilight stop!” Isaac pleaded, blocking her. “And Mister Dusk please calm down.”

“Ugh fine.” She disgustedly conceded. The chains faded and I gasped for air. I tried to stand up. I felt a warm aura surround me and gently lift me.

The mare with the dark purple mane with a pink stripe was Twilight Sparkle. She wore a lab coat and a pair of spectacles. Her mane was tied up in a messy bun. “Put me down.” Isaac squeaked and I dropped on my hooves. Twilight was studying me. I wanted to strangle her but I relented. I could pay her back another time.

“You should be asleep. That was an anesthetic spell.” She muttered in amazement, “Fascinating.” She marveled for a moment before scowling. “Not another idiot. This time one that can’t be put underneath the operating table easily. Great.” She whined.

Her blueish grey plate was in a black choker. A platinum? “Well it is called an anesthetic spell and not a sleep spell.” I snarked. Still trying to collect my bearings. She looked at me like I was a total idiot.

“Miss Twilight that wasn’t very nice!” Isaac stomped as he scolded the older mare. “I offended Mister Dusk and I upset him. But he wasn’t going to hurt me.” He insisted.

“Yeah. You jumped the gun on that one. Shame on you.” I sneered.

“Well you look like the type. But sorry I guess.” She halfheartedly apologized. She looked me over for a bit. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. And you must be Dusk Shine.” As I opened my mouth she interrupted me. “Having a Pegasus explode on you to remove a group of living wood golems is the top story this week.” She was amused. I couldn’t help but glare.

“Oh I’m sorry. You don’t seem to be a big deal.” She glared back at me. “I would have heard about you. If you were a big deal.”

“Well you are an impressive punching bag at most. A reputation you deserve I suppose.”

“Both of you please stop.” Isaac pleaded.

“He’s requesting his medicine.”

“I changed my mind. This mare is ending up in this infirmary.” Oh it’s on!

“Even at failing though you aren’t the most spectacular. Two weeks ago Rainbow Crash flew into a flaming flag and actually set a whole camp on fire. Oh then she fell into a toilet.” She then gave a wicked smile. “Mind you most areas don’t have proper plumbing. And the definition of their ‘toilets’ are a few holes in a wooden surface where their excrement dropped into a pit below.” WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!?

“TM! TM! Why are you telling me this!?” I shouted as I formed a T shape with my hooves.

“Twilight!” Isaac stomped. He was looking a little green.

“I was just trying to say there are worst ways you could go. RD almost set an example.” She was enjoying herself. Suddenly the magical forest of death seems like the better alternative.

“Come one Isaac, let’s go.” I declared as I rushed out of the clinic. “We’re going to the magical natural death maze for herbs.” Anything but this crazy mare. She might even charge me a hoof for medicine.

“Wait really?”

“I need good healing stuff. I don’t trust this doctor.”

*********

Now I was really scared to be honest but Isaac told me everything he knew about the Everfree.. Apparently there’s some great spirit watching over this forest along with countless others. Those glowing lights were actually spirits. When I told him that I saw those he seemed eager and overjoyed, apparently not everyone is sensitive to those.

First rule of course was to limit the amount of manufactured equipment I carried. I left my bags and my guild plate behind. My weapons aren’t carried on my person and with a thought I could get those but I wasn’t keen on drawing anything here. I insisted on the vest though. He pressed and I told him I had scars. He looked troubled but he didn’t object anymore.

I also had to respect the plants and wildlife in the forest. And to try to keep my thoughts as neutral as possible. If not I’d agitate the more dangerous things in the forest. Isaac confirmed that those wolves were golems fashioned by a shaman of some sort. And that we would try to avoid her or give her an offering of sorts.

He also stressed that for each herb we plucked with should help grow more. He said he’d take care of that. If not possible he’d plant one of these saplings instead. He loaded them in a stone cart that I hauled. If something extremely dangerous came along I’d chuck this at them and teleport out with him.

Fuck why did I even come here? Greed? Was it to face my fears? Or a mental image of this colt being torn apart by wooden wolves? I’m shaking again damnit. He looked concerned but I told him I was just cold. Steeling myself I started walking upon the grey road. It wasn’t straight though. It curved and slithered like a snake and nothing grew on it. All around us were those weird trees, various mushrooms, herbs and tall grass.

Oh and the glowing lights were a light green now for some reason. Some of them floated over and brushed Isaac’s coat occasionally as we walked. “Leave the cart here Mister Dusk. And please mind the grass.” Isaac instructed.

I wanted to protest but he smiled at me, encouraging me to follow him. He carefully stepped into the grass and after a while I followed him. I made sure to follow in his footsteps. He led me into a clearing and he started picking herbs.

I kept an eye out for trouble. He carefully plucked various herbs and mushrooms. He planted some branches from the bushes he harvested from. I don’t really know much about plants but the spirits did. They swirled and danced around him and Isaac looked really happy.

My ear flicked as I heard something rustling in the bushes. A figure blurred between the trees. “So. Aside from the wildlife and plants. What else lives here?” I asked him. Trying to stuff my fear in a box, and ship back to my world.

He continued his delicate work for a moment before answering. “Well I’ve heard there are the deer folk. But nopony has actually seen them.” He had his held a sizable clump of herbs in his magic. The pile was as big as him. He left dozens of stems embedded in the ground and piles of dirt. “Let’s go back to the cart. I still need a few more ingredients for the guild.”

“So you plant these sticks and seeds and the forest calls it even.” It wasn’t a question. I was a bit skeptical.
“These will grow one day into more bushes, flowers and other plants. Derpy gave me a book on horticulture. I learned a lot from it.” He beamed. I hooked myself to the cart and started walking again. I can’t shake off the feeling I’m being watched. A floral scent wafted through the air. “Hmmm what a wonderful smell. Isn’t nature amazing?” He asked.

Yeah. I like killer death forests. “Yeah. Totally amazing.” I said sarcastically.

“I know right?” Right over his head.

He led me into another clearing. You know I think I should have meant that. This time there was a pond filled with sparkling water and all sort of animals went on their own business. Squirrels scurried up and down trees and rabbits hopped here and there. Lily pads were scattered in the pond and frogs jumped back and forth. Birds of all color and size flew around. Insects buzzed around a bed of scarlet flowers. All sorts of sounds were thrown around but it wasn’t annoying honestly. It actually calmed me down. I felt peaceful.

“If you don’t mind Mister Dusk could you plant a few sapling over there?” The fluffy unicorn pointed over near a great tree that was felled. The stump had scorch marks. This was hit by lightning. A voice in my head told me it was Rainbow Dash. Well that could be true too.

“Sure.” I easily replied. I guess I should help too. Levitating a group of objects seemed to be difficult. I wanted to bring the whole cart but I guess he made me leave it there for a reason. So far following his advice mad this place seem hospitable even. So I levitated those one by one.

I was going to summon the Market Gardener but that shovel would probably agitate the spirits according to Isaac. So I slowly dug up six holes and delicately planted each. I wondered if I could bring the tree stump, mushrooms were growing on the side. I could bring it back and call it a mushroom farm. One ingredient we didn’t have to come back for every time. Now that I think about it why couldn’t we just plant things back at town?

“Oh great spirits. May I bring this tree stump? I present an offering in the form of these saplings. Which will one day become mighty trees.” I joked with a sweep of my hooves and a bow. Of course they didn’t talk back. They were probably either solemnly nodding or just laughing at me. I began to dig out the stump.

“Oh warrior pony. You show honor the spirits of this forest. I bid thee only partake of the mushrooms themselves. This was once a mighty tree as you see.” A dignified voice echoed softly. I froze mid bow. Smell of flowers. “This once mighty tree will be home for mushrooms and little creatures of the land.”

“Young warrior you show some measure of wisdom and respect for the forest. I would honor you in return.” The voice said with a touch of apprehension. Oh no. “If you honored the forest’s wishes sooner.” The voice turned cold and suddenly the animal sounds quieted.

I was scared speechless. The spirit actually answered and I was in deep shit. *Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.* It sounded as if something heavy was rumbling towards me. I wanted to shout but I could not find my voice. I wanted to run but my legs were shaking.

“You are of them. Who defiled my forest. You defended them who wanted to take. Until this place is barren.” Anger was rising in its voice. I began to shake. I stood no chance if I fought. And I couldn’t move. *Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.*

*Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.*

“The forest charges its due. From the forest, for the forest, is the forest.” It chanted.

*Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.*

“And it demands… A life equal to the lives taken.” It concluded. A shadow loomed over me. I slowly turned around. A creature of stone covered in vines, plants and mushrooms. It gazed at me with a yellow light from the hole in its face. A golem.

I found my voice and I screamed. I can smash it with something! Something! The tree! My head ached as I lifted the giant tree of the ground. I put in everything I got in my telekinesis and lifted it high above me. My horn ached too now.

Then I lost my sight. All feeling in my body. I felt cold. I was dead. I just didn’t know it yet.

---POV: 3rd person---

“MISTER DUSK!” Isaac shouted as he ran towards where he heard the shout. He was panicking and the animals were the same. But he had to save him. It was fault the young unicorn thought. Dusk unwittingly raised the ire of the forest. Dusk was meant to protect him from the more dangerous creatures but the purple pony was in danger himself. Oh he could have waited for knives to accompany him.

He saw Dusk levitating a giant tree. His mouth was wide in a silent scream and his eyes were rolled back. He fainted standing up. Isaac then saw the stone golem covered with plants. “Please stop!” He yelled putting himself between the golem and Dusk. He was scared to death but he couldn’t leave an innocent pony to die.

“Young Isaac Stargazer. Welcome.” The voice greeted. A hooded figure stepping out.

“Flora it’s not funny!” Isaac stomped. He looked like he was going to cry.

The hooded figure removed her hood. Revealing the young female speckled deer. She smelled of flowers and her green eyes twinkled. “I’m sorry. *ahem* Sorry okay I couldn’t resist.” She beamed. She had a mischievous air to her. She went over to Isaac stroking his mane. “I’m sorry okay I got bored.” She said a bit more seriously.

Isaac sniffed and looked at Dusk. “He’s has trauma of some sort you know. You almost gave him a heart attack. Isaac looked over the unresponsive pony with his magic. He gave a sigh as he realized Dusk was simply unconscious. The tree fell down along with Dusk. Isaac jumped and let out a yelp.

The doe stared at the purple pony sprawled on the grass. “He’s one of those ponies isn’t he? Who fought Fern’s wolves?” She curiously asked. Isaac sat on his haunches and sniffed again. He gave a tiny nod. “Huh. Me and my sister are supposed to protect the forest. But he followed the rules of the forest so I can give him a pass this time.” She allowed with a smile.

“Thanks…” Lifting Dusk in his magic he carried him back to the cart. “I wished you didn’t frighten us like that though.” He pouted.

“I’ll walk you as far as I can. Next time we can play.” She merrily spoke. Skipping around Isaac as he hooked himself to the cart. “You can handle that fluffykins?” She asked.

“It’s a little heavy but I’m tougher then I look.” He reassured her. It wasn’t a boast. He was able to pull the cart with the same effort but a bit slower. Flora stared in amazement at the normally timid unicorn. “I’d love to visit you next time.” He smiled warmly at the doe.

“You can bring your new friend next time too!”

“…I’m not sure he’d want that.”

Author's Note

Well I'm pumping this chapter out early. Because. I'm still trying to get a feel for this whole thing honestly. Well enjoy I guess. (Maybe I should get someone to look at these things first.)

Huh it's around 10 pm here in the Philippines.

The broken world: The Manticores

I fucking hate all of these ponies. Isaac told his sister about our venture into the Everfree. Not including the deer – saying it was a spirit of the forest – that scared me to death. Knives then requested Vinyl to enhance her voice to tell the whole tale to the guild, of course with her whole ‘charming’ version of the tale. Most of the guild laughed at my expense.

Thunderlane and a few didn’t seem to laugh through. They looked scared or grave. Octavia was simply smirking at me while Vinyl gave me a tiny nod. Somehow I felt that was payback. “Jokes aside where did you teleport Knives?” She asked.

“The Everfree.” I glared back at her. Isaac gasped and went right after Knives. She actually looked shocked. “Don’t believe me? You can get a fucking express ticket.” I continued with my best shit eating grin. I stood up and yelled. “YEAH ALL OF YOU SHITHEADS! ONE WAY TICKET TO THE EVERFREE STEP RIGHT UP!” Any takers? All the ponies at my table looked at me nervously.

“You aren’t serious, right?” He nervously asked. I stepped down the table as he poked Derpy. Derpy had her muzzle in some book and smacked Thunderlane with her wing. “Ow! Would he do it? He just kidding right?” He continued to pester Derpy. He seemed shaken by the idea.

“No. He’d throw a tantrum of god tier level. Then bestow unto you the punishment of one.” She evenly replied. “Half of the ponies of the guild would do something similar too. If somepony is annoying.” Her eyes glinted as she stared at Thunderlane. Thunderlane gulped and downed his mug in one go.

“You should really calm down Dusk.” Derpy suggested as she closed her book. Vinyl nodded as her horn glowed. Two sets of eyes appeared, looks like someone drew in the air with a magic marker. One eye got crossed out, then one of the other pair. Then both pairs. Ten more pairs of eyes appeared crossed out. Derpy concentrated on the images before turning back to me. “If everpony charged eye for an eye, everypony would be blind.”

“Yes, because all of you are such forgiving saints.” Thunderlane deadpanned before downing another drink.

“Not to mention, you just want me to take a chill pill. But I’ll simmer down okay?” I took in deep breath and let it out slowly. “Now I’m a chilled eggplant.” I concluded with a nod. They all eyed me with amusement for some reason.

“Yeah right.” A mare countered. I looked behind be and there was the prismatic Pegasus behind me. “Twilight can’t pull off a teleport like that without getting tired. You probably just teleported knives somewhere in town.”

I just stared at the hovering smug Pegasus for a bit. “Rainbow crash is cool right ponies?” I nudged Thunderlane and he chuckled. “You’re quite amazing. I have no fucking idea how you could nail a landing into a literal shithole!” I declared and the whole guild erupted in laughter.

Then a pain and a tingling sensation all over my body. She blurred into me and dragged me through the dirt. Spitting out the dirt I faced RD. Damn how did she move so fast!? She was grinning as she crouched low. “Yeah. I get you. I’m too fast. Better not blink, you might miss the awesome!” Her bracelet then morphed into an ornate white and gold Warhammer. Twilight and applejack started taking bets. A blackboard with a scowling purple drawing of me and a grinning blue Dash. The bets were 13 to 36.

“Now I don’t have to listen to you.” I summoned five arcane blades overhead. As I launched those at her she blurred and striked me in the face. She danced around be striking everywhere, the hammer crackled as it hit me. Eventually my body locked in place. Fuck I can’t move!

She then tauntingly hovered around me. “One of us is all talk eh?” She slung the hammer over her shoulder. “Well this is over.” She then raised the hammer above her head. I can still use my magic!

My horn glowed as I forced her down with my magic. A small crater appeared as if gravity was pushing her down. That’s one of Weaselcake’s abilities! I then slammed her up and down a few times before pushing her down again. The battered Pegasus screamed in rage as she tried to stand up.

“Stay down! You’re so good at crashing you should just! Stay! Down!” I yelled. Sparks began to run over her body. What is she doing? A bolt of electricity shot at me but I teleported out of the way. Before I could get a lock on her she started charging at me again.

…

Everything went black for a moment. Then a lot of fucking pain.

“Is he out?”

“He’s been staring like that for a bit.”

“A-HAH!” Okay what was happening? Oh yeah cheeky rainbow horse. “C’mon fork it over! I won!” RD complained. My surroundings blurred for a bit before refocusing.

“He’s still standing.” Derpy supplied. “A kick to his backside should remedy it.” Ok not cool. Wait why is she smiling at me? RD blinked for a moment before giving a wicked smile and flying behind me. A few moments later Derpy mouthed ‘kick now’. I did a double buck with whatever strength I had. A loud crunch and few crashes ringed out.

“GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!” Thunderlane shouted as a fourth of the ponies cheered. The rest muttered curses.

“Wait a darned minute! He hasn’t beat her yet!” Applejack argued with Thunderlane. “Just you wait, she’ll come soaring back.”

“Perhaps. Because if there’s one thing she’s well versed in, it’s crashing.” Twilight agreed. “Although… She might be hovering back with broken legs though.” She guessed as she tapped her chin. “Or maybe a broken pelvis. Or a spine. Hmm. it’s hard to tell.” She shrugged as she levitated a bronze pocket watch.

My body felt numb all over as I walked over to them. Thunderlane started chanting a countdown. I looked at the direction of Pegasus sized holes. Huh, neat. “Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven!” The crowd began to stomp as he counted down.

“Faust dammit! Why has no pony started the count on this buck?” She pointed accusingly at me.

“I’m still standing.” I simply replied.

“You’re a hot mess colt.” She retorted as she shoved Thunderlane aside.

“Hooooweeeeeee! Now butter mah butt and call me a biscuit! Y’all this mare here is throwing a might hissy fit!” I drawled in a mock southern accent. She snorted as she stared me down a few inches from my muzzle.

“I’d reckon at full strength. You. Couldn’t. Beat me.” She punctuated with a few pushes.

“Right now certainly not. He’s about to fall over.” Derpy replied. No I feel fine. Wait something warm is trailing down my mouth. I wiped my muzzle with a hoof. Huh, red.

Twilight opened her watch and muttered. “Time. Dusk won.” She sighed. “Huh. I was right.” For somepony who won a bet she isn’t happy.

“You bet on him?” Derpy asked curiously. She grabbed the bag handed to her and jingled it a bit. “Don’t try to stiff me. I didn’t miss the five missing bits.” The pony sputtered then sighed in defeat. Tossing the five bits to her.

“It was obvious. There’s a huge power gap. The way it played out was… comical. It’s was greatly disappointing how RD played it though. She has ranged attacks and a wing power of 15.7 on average.” And she placed the bag of bits she earned in her saddlebags. “She gloated, twice. Giving him an opportunity to lock her down, then knock her out. She had him.” She shook her head and sighed. “I’ll go fetch her.” She disappeared with a pop and a violet flash.

Now I’m feeling lightheaded. Why is everybody staring at me like tahabbamnsbabdj-

***************

Sands. As far as you can see. It’s been so long. I cannot recall anything else. As mountains wear down under the assault of winds so too has my memory. But I am certain, this was what my home looked like. Was my home I suppose?

My travels have brought me through Equestria. All over fighting wages. Your kind waste what bounty it has, and you drag all with you. I do believe this is the nature of most creatures of your intelligence. Birth. Life. Create. Consume. Endless renewal. Endless garbage. Nature has been forced by your whims. And as you fall even the forces of the world fail to assert themselves. Wounded. Possibly forever.

But hope is there. As once the Desert sands were once bountiful oceans, I believe that this world can return to the green paradise it was. The forest which is free from your kind’s meddling was not always so. The forest required the spirits of ancient in order to persist. The soul of one who once roamed the heavens. So here I rest.

What the fuck?

I feel like I got hit by a truck. What in hell happened to me? Oh right Rainbow Pegasus. To my left I saw two sleeping ponies. The fluffy unicorn and the light blue unicorn. They snored softly as their heads rested at the foot of my bed. Trixie was cuddling Isaac’s head. Damn. He looks so comfy, like a stuffed toy or something. I couldn’t help but give a goofy grin at the sight.

His horn looked burnt though. He overtaxed his horn on something I guess. After I teleported knives earlier my horn was smoking a bit. He must really pushed himself. I pushed off my blanket and my stomach was covered with bandages. Also patches of bandages were all over the rest of my body. I began to feel the mild pains all over my body.

How long was I out exactly?

I rest my head and turned to the right. The rainbow maned Pegasus glared at me with her bloodshot pink eyes. Dark circles surrounded her eyes and her intense gaze chilled me. I slowly looked up then back at her. I seized the curtains with my magic and closed it. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Wow she is super pissed at me.

I might be in danger. I got super lucky the last time I fought her. I slowly tried to get up but the pain shot through my body. “Arggghhhh…. fuck!” I swore as I lay down once more. Both ponies stirred and woke up. “Hey.” I casually greeted as they stared at me sleepily.

They both blinked and Trixie swatted me with a newspaper. I blinked as she glared at me. She then began whacking me over and over again. “You. Are. Not. Indestructible!” I blocked her assault with my hooves and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Ohhhhhh! Stupid! All of the ponies in this guild are stupid!” She scolded. Finally I caught a piece of the rolled up paper and ripped a piece off and chewed. Fuck this tastes like plastic! I spit it out.

Trixie and Isaac looked at me in shock. “Newspaper is synthetic I think.” I concluded. They weren’t laughing though. They exchanged worried glances. Isaac looked at me with a hint of fear as his eyes glowed golden. Trixie stared at the fluffy unicorn in confusion. She felt or saw it too then. So I wasn’t just seeing it.

“So… Have you ever seen Princess Celestia?” He spoke in a hushed tone. I shook my head. He relaxed a bit. Trixie looked around frantically at the inquiry. “She’s… done a lot of horrible things. And Princess Luna used to be so nice. But now they’re the same.” He swallowed as he phrased his next question. “Did you work with her?”

“Never. And I don’t plan on becoming a henchman or something. She’s crazy and bad news. It can never be worth it.”I countered hotly. Why is he bring this up? This world’s Celestia is the equivalent of a power hungry dictator. Closest thing to a god around here. Who moves the fucking sun. Or does she? I then turned to Derpy as realized why he was asking. He knew. “Does he know, what I am?” Trixie gulped then nodded.

I sighed as both unicorns looked at me with uncertainty. “We can talk about it later Isaac. But I’m not going to annihilate ponies with mah lazor gun.” I joked. “What I am. Has nothing to do with any of those locos. I’m just trying to make a living here.” I explained. Isaac relaxed as he eyes stopped glowing. He smiled. That was more honesty than I would prefer.

“I believe you. And so does Miss Trixie.” He replied after a bit. Trixie bit her lip and looked away. There was a few full minutes of awkward silence.

I coughed and scratched my mane. “So what’s been going on?” I asked desperately. We needed a different topic.

“Oh nothing much…” Trixie sighed as she straightened her mane.

“Now that I think about it, what DO you normally do?” I asked. Usually all she does is read books and clean. “You’ve thought me some things about Equestria and spell casting.” And I admit, reading more complicated spells make my head hurt. It’s the formulas and the theories that I have a hard time grasping.

Isaac put a hoof on Trixie’s shoulder. “Miss Trixie we could bake together if you want! Or we could trade spells.” He suggested happily. “I need to work on my spells.” He admitted.

“Or we could go somewhere. I mean there are probably some amazing places around. Right?” I suggested. I’ll widen my travels so that I could take her places. I just realized that’s she’s very lonely. It’s kinda sad now that I think about it.

Trixie actually blushed as we smiled at her. “W-well I could get some fresh air from time to time. But I’m fine!” She insisted as she pawed at the air.

“Miss Trixie is really pretty though. Don’t you think so Mister Dusk?” The little ray of sunshine was blushing too.

“She’s too adorable honestly.” I muttered as I rubbed my chin. “I definitely take her out. Hey Trixie what do you thing about Lasagna?” I asked her jokingly. She blushed even harder and actual steam came from her head. Trixie stammered something for a few moments before disappearing in a pink flash. “I think I broke her.” Honest to God thee ponies could be so adorable.

“Mister Dusk we have to talk about one thing however.” Isaac declared firmly a few minutes after Trixie left.

I was caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. “Sure I guess.” I replied after a bit.

“You and Rainbow messed each other so bad. Twilight managed to perform surgery on Rainbow. If I just healed her, her bones wouldn’t set right. She would have been a cripple.” He explained softly, lowering his eyes. “You were lucky though. Anypony else would have had died. But you’re a lot more durable. In fact, of you shouldn’t even be awake right now. Twilight expected you to be out for weeks.” Yeah but I’m not a unicorn.

“How long was I out?”

“Three days. What I found out though…” He shook his head. “We were worried you know. You should be more careful.” He then stood up and headed for the door. He turned back. “I need to go now Mister Dusk. I hope you get better soon.” He gave me a sad smile as he left.

Maybe I should slow down a little. So much has happened ever since I got here. Maybe I should take a break-
“AAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGHHHH!”

Time seemed to slow as Rainbow Dash cut the curtain with an ornate spear charged with lightning. She flew at me, screaming in rage. I tried to summon a weapon or my magic but nothing happened. She was aiming for my head. Now I felt scared.

Time returned to normal. My gut erupted with pain as she landed on top of me, raising her spear overhead. Her face was contorted in rage as she tried to skewer my head. I caught the spear between my hooves and the point threatened me inches away from my face. My nerves felt like they were on fire. I couldn’t do anything! I can’t muster any magic. I’m already dead.

Then she went limp and fell on top of me. The spear glowed and transformed into a bracelet on her hoof. She was really light actually. I shoved her aside and an armored pony caught her. “Well now. I believe that is not how we must treat or wounded guildmates. No?” The pink pony then lay her gently back on her bed. Braces adorned the knocked out Pegasus’ legs. “Everypony always destroys indiscriminately. Guild property or not. Master hates dealing with all of the complaints you know?” She explained in monotone. She gave a tired smile as she looked at me.

This was Pinkie pie. Her mane was straight and her blue eyes and pink coat were dull. She wore some sort of heavy iron armor. “Well. I hate being murdered. And she hates losing. I did have it under control Miss Diane.” I joked. I’m trying to shake off my nerves. “I could make her stop. Maybe kiss her or something.” She snorted at that.

“A yes. Copulation while angry. That’s a thing now apparently.” Her coat seemed to brighten for a few moments. “You must be Dusk Shine, our newest member.” She offered me a hoofshake, I shook it. “Good, a firm grip. Especially for a unicorn.” She praised, but her tone didn’t seem too into it. Of all of the mane six, she seemed the most out of character. The Pinkie from the show wasn’t always cheerful either though. And what if Pinkie couldn’t make ponies laugh anymore?

She stared at me intensely. “Is something wrong?”

“You’re a lot less energetic than the others.”

“It’s better not to waste, energy too.” She frowned as I got up. Everything still hurts. “You shouldn’t be up.” She then sighed and walked out. “What am I doing? Nopony does the smart thing here anyways...” She sounds hella depressed. And I’m still sore all over. I retrieved my bags and my vest on the way out.

Walking out of the infirmary I see Applejack and Rarity tying Twilight up. She was screaming through the gag. Pinkie stared at the scene and simply walked away. Rarity was clamping down Twilight’s horn with something. Twilight’s eyes widened as she saw me. She slammed herself into Rarity and the white unicorn lost focus. Her horn lit up and she disappeared.

My gun summoned to my side and all I knew I was pointing it at Twilight. “When… When did you get so fast?” She croaked as I pressed the rifle to her throat. She was floating what appeared to be a bonesaw fused with a needle.

“Guess I needed electrotherapy. It did wonders.” In the corner of my vision the two other ponies were slowly advancing. “Drop it Twilight. Or else I’m going too. I’m tired, hungry and sore.” She stared at the two ponies flanking her and ‘tch’d’. Her needlesaw thing disappeared in a flash.

“Ah don’t know Twi. I’d reckon you should just ask him.” Applejack reasonably. “Well he’ll snark you ah guess.” She smirked at me.

“Hmm… I don’t think we were introduced properly.” Rarity mused.

“Yeah. I’m Dusk Shine.” I did a slight bow. “And I have the pleasure of meeting-“

“Rarity.” She looked me up and down. “Goodness you definitely need better armor darling. That vest won’t protect you from anything. And no offense, you look like a tourist.”

“Armor ain’t my style. And you look like you have a personal beautician.” Her mane was meticulously styled, coat was almost sparkling and she smelled good compared to everybody else.

She giggled. “In our profession we must look pleasing.” She stared disdainfully at two drunk ponies headed to the infirmary. “Or in the very least, fierce. You should don armor, if not a fine looking vest. You should stop by my shop.” She offered.

“Yeah I guess… But what I’m really wondering what the hell were you three doing?” I demanded. All of this was just too much to roll with.

“Twilight wants to open you up ta find out what makes you tick.”

“Hey!”

“Twilight, darling we’ve talked about this. You need to be more subtle.” Rarity chided. Wait what?

“He’s a unicorn! How did he survive that!? The feedback alone would have killed him!” Twilight complained. “You should be in a coma! Or dead because you brain was supposed to hemorrhage!” She shook me as if it would give her the answers she needed. I summoned the gun again and pointed it to the side of her head. She raised her hooves and growled in irritation.

“Yeah. I just really like not being dead.” I easily replied. “But the real reason why I’m durable is…”

“Are you an experiment of some sort? Or is it a curse? Or a spell?”

“Ah think ‘cause he’s too stupid to realize he’s dead.” Applejack smugly added.

“Well ever since I was a colt I-“ I leaned forward and Twilight did also. I pulled my head back. “I’m just magical! Lata bitch!” I put my hoof on her shoulder and teleported us outside of the guild. I then teleported back inside. The two ponies looked at me in horror.

“What are your measurements Dusk? I think you might need a new suit. For your funeral that is.” She offered. Oh I can handle that freak easily. I’ll just be more on guard. RD caught be off guard last time and so did Twilight but it won’t happen next time. “My condolences.” She placed a hoof on her chest and bowed slightly before heading to the main hall.

“Oh you darned did it this time. Now she’s going to go after you now.” AJ chuckled as she followed after Rarity. “You better sleep with one eye open from now on Dusk.” She cautioned.

“Snakes sleep with their eyes open.” I replied with as much confidence I could muster. Oh I was more powerful than Twi. She couldn’t get me, unless she got the drop on me. Eh whatever. Maybe I should see the other members of the guild. I’ll just handle things as they come.

So meeting new ponies…

“Hey kids you wanna see a magic trick!?” Knives yelled at two young ponies. They both shared a tan coat and one had an orange curly mane tied with a blue ribbon and the other had a brown mane in the shape of an ice cream. And knives was elbowing Fluttershy. “Pssst! C’mon stab me in the head.” She whispered. Fluttershy just stared at her before walking away.

Uh oh now she’s looking at me. “Hey look who’s up!” She darted over to me and hooked her hoof around my neck and dragged me over to the two nervous ponies. “This guy took a few dozen thunder charges of RD and he’s still somehow not a vegetable!” She proclaimed. Wait, these ponies are the cake twins!

“Wait, really?!” Pound cake exclaimed.

“Yeah, then Dusk kicked her through a few buildings!” Wait that happened? I think. Hmmm I’m not really sure. My head hurts a ton. “So if he survived that I can definitely survive being stabbed in the head.” She concluded. How did she even come to that conclusion? Oh wait, she’s drunk. And she makes my head hurt even more.

“He doesn’t look so good.” Pumpkin cake pointed out in concern.

“Yeah but he messed up Dash pretty bad! Which means she looks way worse.” Pound Cake seemed to be amazed. “I wish I saw the fight.” He pouted.

“Comes with being a living lightning rod. It doesn’t give you awesome super magic.” I rubbed my temples and sighed. “It gives you migraines. Or for most ponies, death.”

“Except for pegasi with a larger mana pool.” Pumpkin cake mused. “Oh! We haven’t introduced ourselves. My name is Pumpkin Cake.”

“And I’m Pound Cake!” He cheered as he did a few loops. I only now noticed their golden plates. So they had a higher rank than Thunderlane, Octavia, Vinyl and Dash? That makes me wonder what the standard for ranks are.

“Dusk shine.”

Knives’ eyes gleamed as she followed my gaze. “Heh. So you must be wondering why the twins have a higher rank than the others you’ve met.” She asked as she was sprawled on the floor. This pony had selective reasoning and senses.

“It’s because they aren’t the screw-ups.” The yellow Pegasus offered as she approached. “Dash and Thunderlane have a great deal of skill and power. Octavia knows the lay of the land well, alongside being the only pony shaman in the guild. But they consistently fuck up their missions.” She sniffed disdainfully. I got a peek of a platinum plate. It was hidden by her pink mane near her left eye.

“Ehhhhhh… Not really. More like they can’t hold on to their shards.” Knives’ delicately put it. “Also ponies can’t be shamans. But she was a DJ.”

“What kind of shards?” I asked. Fluttershy groaned, rolling her eyes.

“Well… Honor shards are granted to those who excel. If you can get a certain amount you can take a Trial. If you pass you rank up and if you don’t you lose a few shards.” She explained to me. “Although in Thunderlane and Octavia’s cases they underperformed or committed bad acts to the point they got Dishonor shards… Which if you keep for too long get you demoted.”

“Yeah… Ain’t Thunders fault, he just had a few run-ins with the Ideals. He used to be gold ya know.” Pound Cake hissed in sympathy,

“Octavia’s just a fucking ass.” Fluttershy grumbled. “In fact, she’s got multiple dishonor shards. Too bad she can’t drop any lower. There should be a rank lower than bronze.”

“Yeah. And you’re the kindest, sweetest mare I’ve ever met.” Knives’ coed as she grabbed one of Fluttershy’s hooves. The yellow Pegasus growled and repeatedly stomped on Knives’ head. She didn’t seem to be fazed at all. In fact she was laughing. The Pegasus took off with Knives in tow.

“Lower than bronze? Scrap I guess.” He shrugged.

“It has to be tin.” Pumpkin concluded.

Lightning seemed to flash between the two as they locked gazes. They then shouted ‘tin’ and ‘scrap’ at each other. Pumpkin explained the properties of tin while Pound explained that scrap was scrap and therefore it was worth less. I honestly think it would be plastic, that wasn’t even a metal. It would be like a kiddie badge or something. I decided to leave them to their argument and slip away.

Then suddenly I was on the ground. My horn ached. Did I hit a wall or something? A deep laughter boomed. I looked up and I saw a huge beige colored stallion. His mane was incredibly long, fiery orange and braided. Six thick braids and I wasn’t sure if it was all mane or all beard. “Ah hello there! You must be the new blood.” His deep voice rumbled.

I rubbed my head as I got my hooves. He looked at my injuries and he smiled broadly. “I see you got well acquainted with some of the other members.” He declared with a deep-bellied laughter. “My name is Rock Hits the Wave… The Third! And I am the Guildmaster of Manticore Sting.”

I blinked as I looked at the red plate hanging from one of his braids. He held the highest rank of Adamantium. “Yeah I’m Dusk Shine. You certainly look like the Stallion in charge.”

He really laughs a lot. “Bwahahahaha! Bigger than life itself! That’s the way I live Dusk.” He then put a massive hoof on my shoulder and swept the other across the crowd. “And how everypony else here lives. Some live pushing their limits. Others savor their life together. But most live for the journey, the fame and the glory."

His face adopted a grave expression for a moment. “But these are trying times, I feel many have lost their spirit.” He sadly told me. “But things will get better. That’s the cycle of things.” He then started pushing me around to meet the other ponies. Some I’ve already met, others not yet. But things slowed down and felt like I was watching from far away.

I just feel so tired. And before I knew it I was back on the couch resting. Trixie insisted I take her bed for a few weeks but I turned her down. I guess I just like it.

Author's Note

Huh. I actually didn't take a long time (compared to before) Also I'm not sure what to say. But I feel author notes are somewhat expected so I'll ramble here instead. Also maybe I should show this to someone before I post these...

Prelude: Spirit of earth

“Helloooooooooooooooooooooo Ponies!” The male Dj announced. “This is your only one, More Radio! And we’re your hosts Dj Fliptop-“

“And Echoing Cavern!” The female Dj chimed in.

*Sound effects of multiple horns*

“Bringing you the hottest news!” Dj Fliptop announced. “So have any of you magnificent bastards heard of this mysterious Phantom?”

“Well Flip, many certainly have. The newest cat in town who rends and heals!”

“You heard him folks, a cat! Straight from the Nile this angel of death single hoofedly-“

“Cats have paws Flip.”

“-turned the tide of battle in favor of the army of Equestria! You see my ponies, Celestia’s forces marched right up to Fort Craig to control the gemstone farms in the area. The regiment of Sawdust Shower suffered heavy losses to the countless abominations unleashed on them.”

“The so called abominations were bipedal creatures of some sort. Eyewitness accounts report they were large, roughly two and a half times bigger than the average mare. They wore red dress uniforms and black pants-“

“Yeah and they were loco Echoes! Inexplicably flying and only repeating one word over and over. Bludgeoning soldiers to death with brute force. If only if it wasn’t so tragic, it would be like a B-rated horror film.” He sadly added. “Alongside the Hellbats and Celestia’s elite soldiers the Ideals they didn’t stand a chance.”

“Well it seemed like it would just be a normal day. The daily patrols, card games and the like.” Shuffling through papers could be heard. “Sawdust Shower received a message that Celestia’s forces were attacking Appleloussa and Dodge City. So they sent reinforcements to those two cities.”

“Spread thin, this is when Celestia’s forces decided to strike. And this was a battle they were going to lose.” He solemnly declared. “But then… In their darkest hour their savior came. A wave of light and green mist swept through the battlefield! Our defenders were restored and the forces of evil were BURNED!”

“Well kind of. Most reported that they recovered from what would be life threatening injuries. Some were restored to full health and- Why are you looking at me like that?”

…

“Anyways folks! A figure emerged coated in the green mist. Raising her weapon and shooting beams of light and waves of green mist. Healing her allies and smiting her enemies. The abominations were slain and the Hellbats and Ideals retreated.”

“Reports say that she is a young dark brown cat with dark green eyes. Donning a white cloak and a dark green scarf.”

“She didn’t stick around however. She was wrapped in the mist and was swept up by a beam from the heavens!”

“That actually happened?”

“[Bleep] if I know! I’m just your average host and THAT is what they said happened.” Clearing his throat he continued. “Anyways Serene Grace is holding a concert singing hits from her latest album Legends.”

“The greatest star Equestria has seen is the afterthought here?”

“I guess so Echoes. You know things are big when she is the afterthought. Not to mention we talk about her almost all the time.”

“I think I heard fan rage Flip.”

“I’m just kidding folks we all know and love her. Please put down your pitchforks, throw away the hair samples and please sing her songs as long as it doesn’t make me go ‘ow gawd pleash kill me’. Moving on to other news!”

Echoes laughed. “Well folks be careful if you plan to go to Hoofington. The path between Hoofington and White tail Village is extremely perilous. Bandits have become more organized and have managed to get their hooves on a shipment of high powered firearms.”

“Not to mention you could take a wrong turn to the Everfree. You might as well turn to Las Pegasus and live it up! Although bandits have been showing up on the way there too. Is anywhere safe these days?”

“Well Flip there are the local Adventurer Guilds around. Hoofington’s Hydra Shuffle, in white Tail Village The Storm Stampede and Canterlot’s The Scales. Well I’m sure you could negotiate for a manageable fee. Otherwise you should avoid the Southwestern Equestria for a bit.”

“On the eastern side we have Dodge City. Even after being attacked they are still continuing the Cherry Festival in a few weeks from now! That’s right folks, not even the self-proclaimed Queen can’t stop these ponies from celebrating. She should take that up her fat flank and get a clue.”

“On the other hand Appleloussa isn’t doing so good Flip. However, thanks to the Buffalo Tribes in the area they managed to repel the invaders. Not without great cost however. More than half of the city’s inhabitants were killed along with two thirds of the defending force sent there.”

“Wasn’t there a guild there? I think they Wailing Mandrakes.”

“Well they WERE there until they were forced out by Apple Corporation. They owed a lot of money apparently for the property the guild was sitting on. They were kicked out so they moved to Dodge City a few months ago.”

“Imagine if the adventurer’s guild was there right?”

“To bad they weren’t. Yeah! Shout out to Miss Smith you’re a [bleep]. I’m pretty sure they were overpaying at this point. I guess the old hag got couldn’t pay for a bit longer or she just wanted to build something there.”

“Actually Flip they were constructing a factory where the Guild Hall used to be…”

*Bzzzzzzt *

“You guys are this bored?”

“I won’t have these shitstains talking shit about us!”

“They weren’t. They didn’t even mention us. Also, how the fuck are you and Vinyl puling this shit off?”

“We used to work for these fuckers. Heh. You pick things up. Also shout out to mom. Doesn’t mean you married some old rich guy I should too! I’m with the mare I love!”

“Fuuuuck, now I want in. Manticore Sting is the greatest you know. Also I love my bro!”

“Yeah! You mention great guilds and we’re supposed to be in the list!”

“Yeah Dusk! Team spirit. You wanna introduce yourself to the world!?”

*Bzzzzzzt *

“And we are now back. I do apologize for the interruption.”

“Ahahaha. That’s Manticore Sting for you.”

“You know Flip I’m beginning to think that the wanton destruction they cause is just for them to stay in the limelight.”

“You got it! If you hire most of their members you’re probably in more danger just being with them. They attract all sorts of trouble and seek it out too.” A laugh track played. “Well moving on to other news.”

A loud pop could be heard along with the two screaming hosts.

“Goooooooooooooooooood morning Eques. Triaaaaaaaaaaa! It’s your former host Symphony! ”

“Take that *belches* you can’t keep us out!”

“Fuck me with the sun my horn is on fire! Where did you make me teleport to?” A sizzling sound could be heard along with a facehoof.

“How in Tartarus did these ponies get in?!”

“How did Dusk pull that off?”

"Hot. Hot. Hot!

“Now listen Colts and Fillies. Most unicorns can teleport based on visual memory. The real brainy types can teleport by calculating distances. But if one can connect areas using anchors one can teleport back and forth easily.”

“So you’re saying that… Two Unicorns managed to teleport all the way to Manehattan. One skilled enough to place an anchor after tracking our broadcast frequency. And with enough power between them to teleport all the way from Manehattan to Ponyville?”

"Hey! My iced tea!" The female DJ protested.

Dusk sighed in relief before speaking. “Actually that was all my power. Vinyl managed to secure the anchor. Also why does Octavia sound smart?”

A cry of rage was heard and the sound various objects breaking.

“What are you doing this is very delicate equipment!” A few more crashes. “SECURITY! Pull the plug! PULL THE PLUG!”

“I got- Gah let me go!”

“Okay guys say your pieces!”

“Let me beat this motherbucker first!”

“Who needs an escort when you have fast travel!? Contact Manticore Sting for more details! Ask for Dusk Shine. Fuck, get of me Tavi!”

“Yeah ponies. Down at Manticore Sting we have the toughest ponies out there. We can level buildings we can knock down anything else.” Knives quieted for a bit. A long chug could be heard folowed by a burp. “Uhhh Tavi you have horrible hoofwriting.”

“You smudged it with your slobber you foal!” Hey ow!”

“Without your chainsaw you ain’t much huh?”

“GACK! H-how are you so strong!?”

“Well folks see you next time!”

*Static*

*****

This was not what Master Rock wanted to hear in the morning. He would have laughed off their shenanigans usually. He stared at his breakfast of a bottle of vodka and two toasted buns and sighed. He decided he needed something stronger for this morning. He brewed a cup of coffee and poured some whiskey.

A golden flash with a pop signaled that more headaches were to come.

“Hey sis that smells good!” A cloaked figure darted over and grabbed his mug and started to chug the contents.

“Don’t touch that Flora!” Another figure shrieked as she tried to wrestle the mug from the other deer. Flora let out a hick and giggled.

Isaac Stargazer pawed the air with his hooves with a nervous expression on his face. He looked back and forth between the deer sisters and the large Master. “MasterI’msorrybuttheyreallywantedtospeaktoyou!” He let out in one go.

“Slow down young one. Why have the Guardians of the Forest visited me?” He calmly asked. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the swaying deer. Everyone else were real lightweights he thought.

“YOU! Get your ponies out of the forest Rock!” The older deer slammed her hooves on the table as she demanded.

Rock looked confused for a bit before frowning. “We agree to honor the spirits will. You think we would break that?” Rock laughed hard before glaring down at the deer. “Foolishness. It is not us.”

“Lies! All of you ponies just take and take! Never give! You seek to bend the spirits under your hooves!” She accused.

Flora fell on the ground and giggled. Isaac sighed. “Fern. It must be the Apples.” He explained. “You said that weird rocks were messing with the spirits? Thunderlane told me those were warding talismans.” Isaac explained.

“So it is you ponies! I thought you were different Stargazer.” Fern glared at the young unicorn and he shrank back. “The Great Earth Spirit spoke to us. There are ponies seeking to defile the forest. And they brought more of those horrible stones!” She once again faced the Master.

“The stones suck the life out of the very soil! The animals cower in fear. The spirits cannot strike back at the horrible magic. I demand you undo this!” She continued.

The Master sighed as he rubbed his temples. It wasn’t just a great headache. He also felt a crawling dread. “I’m not drunk enough for this.” He moaned.

Author's Note

Just a quick update before the next arc I guess.

Spirit of Earth: Disturbance

“The Master wants to see you Dusk.” Pumpkin Cake told Dusk. The dark purple pony slowly turned towards her. “Are you okay?” She asked in concern

Dusk nodded slowly. “Did he say why?” He wasn’t surprised. After that stunt on the radio he’d been waiting for the reprimand. He then wondered if it was about the mess Twilight did. He DID give her the information.

“Well he looked serious. He called us too.” She replied as her brother swooped down.

“Yeah, usually he’s jolly. You totally seem weird too Dusk.” Pound cake pointed out. Dusk slowly poured himself a steaming black beverage. Inhaling it, he smiled and took a small sip.

Dusk seemed unusually calm for everpony else in the room. He gave a sigh of contentment as he dipped a piece of a muffin into his coffee. “I’m just relaxing. It’s been a rough few weeks.” Dusk easily replied as he ate his muffin. He felt like he’d been here for months.

“So are you fully recovered?” Pumpkin asked.

“Yeah.” He did not want to go into further detail. He still experienced migraines when overusing his magic. All of the lightning magic messed him up somehow he thought. So did getting punched by a deer who could apparently bench-press boulders. He was quickly finding himself out of his depth.

“Well… That’s great then!” She cheerfully replied after an awkward silence. She sniffed the air recognizing the beverage Dusk was drinking. “Is that coffee?”

“One of my clients gave me a free bag of coffee. Some businesspony headed to hoofington. I teleported him back and forth.” He explained.

“Lucky you. Our little stunt on the radio is why you’re enjoying yourself.” Octavia scowled as she went up to Dusk. Dusk simply levitated a bag of bits over to her. The charcoal pony raised an eyebrow.

“And thanks to you I can take it easy for a while. I’m giving you and Vinyl half. I wouldn’t get good clients without your help.” He happily explained as he poured himself another cup. Octavia’s jaw dropped at his gesture. She’d expected him to lord it over her how powerful he was or brag about the bits he’s collected.

Octavia sputtered and grabbed the bits and ran. Dusk gave a wave before inhaling the scent of his coffee again. “Oh yeah! That was totally rad how you guys interrupted the broadcast! Then you and Vinyl teleported to give it to them!” Pound cake jabbed a few times at the air.

“Master was had a good laugh out of that. Until a representative of the station visited a few days later.” Pumpkin cake sighed as she shook her head. “Master began heavily drinking again. It isn’t good for his liver.” Glaring at the black beverage she added, “And too much Caffeine isn’t good for you.”

Dusk shrugged and downed the rest of his coffee. He got up and gestured for the Twins to lead him. “So let’s see the big pony.” He declared as they headed for the Guild master’s office.

Dusk and the twins sat in the Guild master’s office. It was a simple room with a really heavy looking desk where the master did his paper work. Which had several high piles of papers scattered about. There were a few barrels in the room, filled with the Master’s personal brew. A large map of known equestrian hanged behind the desk. And a few display cases were around, containing some broken weapon or a helmet.

One in particular caught Dusk’s attention. An Amber glow densely hugged the display case. It contained a weird looking gauntlet. An inscription was written in elegant script ‘As of any sin Envy heralds destruction to whom lets it in’. Dusk’s instincts told him to throw the thing in the ocean or into a volcano. Pumpkin Cake looked warily at the object clearly having similar sentiments about the object.

“It’s dangerous somehow… I don’t know why.” The tan unicorn swallowed as she tried to focus on the older pony.

Dusk scowled and shook his head. “It’s sealed I guess. But I’m hearing things.” He snorted and rubbed his forehead. “And I was feeling fantastic earlier. How about you Pound?” He turned to look at the tan Pegasus but he disappeared.

Pumpkin just stared at her brother climbing the walls, beating his wings to keep him up. Dusk followed her gaze and saw Pound cake crawling across the ceiling like some demented spider. Dusk shouted and threw his swords at the ceiling. Pumpkin pulled her twin away and placed him beside her.

“Stop doing that Pound! It’s creepy.” Pumpkin complained. Pound cake simply laughed like crazy.

“God dammit! You’re like some sort of demented monster from a horror flick.” Dusk growled.

“Sis he was so chill earlier! Now he’s so jumpy.” Dusk sighed and retrieved his swords.

“It’s probably the coffee. You shouldn’t drink so much.” Pumpkin advised. Dusk simply pulled out the canister and hugged it. Putting it back and shrugging.

“Telling anypony in this guild to refrain from excessiveness is futile.” Pinkie declared as she entered. Dusk was wondering how a mare wearing bulky armor could be that silent. “Anyways, I’m here at the master’s request.”

“The master called you too?” Dusk curiously asked. Pound cake was snickering to himself. Dusk growled and pulled out a fire axe. Pumpkin got up and wildly waved in front of Dusk asking him to relax. “I’m going to slice that cake!” Pinkie walked over and backhoofed the Pegasus. She then walked over to Dusk. Dusk sat down and raised his hooves in surrender.

“Now that we’ve all calmed down we should hear what the Master has to say.” Pinkie sat beside Dusk. The other three ponies looked at her in confusion. Pinkie frowned and looked at the desk. A loud yawn could be heard as a large figure emerged from behind the desk. The Master.

“Wait, what!? He was here the whole freaking time!?” Pound Cake exclaimed.

“You three didn’t sense him?” Pinkie questioned. They shook their heads. Dusk simply stared at the huge stallion and wondered how these ponies hid so well.

“Master g-good morning.” Pumpkin nervously greeted.

The large stallion gave another large yawn as he stretched. He smacked his lips and sat down. He somehow placed a tiny pair of spectacles on the bridge of his muzzle and started reading some papers. “So, morning lads. The reason I called you ponies is for an important quest.” He cleared his throat and shifted through his papers. “Dusk Shine, you were on that mission from the Apple family right?”

Dusk nodded. “Well as Derpy reported they have talismans that repel creatures of the forest. So you must be familiar with them, yes?”

“I actually never saw ‘em. Derpy placed them. We were all so beat after the fight.” The Master groaned and placed a grey stone with a few black pearls embedded. Pumpkin and Pound shivered as the room felt colder. Dusk got up from his seat with a start. What he saw was black ichor seeping out of it. “What the fuck is that thing!? Why does it look like that?” Pinkie frowned in confusion as Dusk freaked out.

“What do you see?” The Master calmly asked.

“Black inky stuff… Like a sludge or slime. Coming out of it.” He swallowed as he focused on it. His companions looked at him in confusion.

“How about you three?”

“I don’t see anything. Just an odd stone.” Pumpkin was scared of it though. “I f-feel, faint. Like it’s trying to get me.” She was starting to sweat profusely.

“It’s just plain wrong.” Pound Cake was also terrified of it. Pinkie simply nodded.

“Well somehow the Apple family have access to this kind of talisman. It feeds on the life force of those around it.” He explained. Dusk summoned a sledgehammer. This actually caused the master to laugh in surprise. “No Dusk. It won’t drink your soul. Unless you’re dying.” The master’s grim expression returned. “However it will slowly drain your magic and kill weaker creatures. The spirits of the forest are repelled by it too.” He explained as he placed the stone in a box with runes etched on the sides. The feeling of dread then abated.

“We helped put those things?” Dusk asked in horror. “Damn.”

“But the issue is that they have more of it. Right master?” Pinkie guessed.

Nodding the master began to debrief them. Apparently the Apple family were using the talismans to expand their farm. To repel the dangerous creatures and push them out. Their goal was to push out the dangerous creature and utilize the fertile area for agriculture. The resource were so rich and ripe for the taking.

What they didn’t know was that it would render the land useless. “And why is that?”

“Dusk shine. The Everfree isn’t like any other forest. The magic which we use too control the weather has no effect there.” Pinkie then lifted a hoof and waved it in front of Dusk. “You don’t see anything right? There are forces besides magic. Dangerous and beyond ponies. Spirits allow the forest to prosper. Without them the forest would die away.”

“What were you trying to show me?”

“Ponies are sensitive to magic around them. Some feel, hear and see things no other do. But there are forces that are unknown to most of us. Or ways that magic could be hidden.” The Master explained. Dusk frowned, clearly not liking it.

“Team Diane. Your mission is to relocate the workers around the forest and to destroy all of the talismans you come across.” He continued.

“We are getting paid for this right?” Dusk asked. Pumpkin glared at him while Pinkie raised an eyebrow. “I won’t go there without something in it for me. It’s too dangerous. Last time the forest was agitated. Now it’s probably godamned pissed at everything.” Dusk stared right at the master. “Otherwise I’m out.”

Pinkie gritted her teeth. “You vile cur. It’s just money for you?” She spat in disgust.

“Yes you will be rewarded. Yes it’s a ways above your rank. And it is extremely dangerous.” The Master listed down. He then laughed. “Oh but I understand if you’re scared.”

“Yeah! You scared? You big stallion?” Pound taunted. “’Cause I ain’t!” He bragged but he sounded nervous.

“Fuck you all.” Dusk growled out.

“Hmmm. Well I understand your concern. But you don’t have to take it, I could ask Twilight
Instead.” At this comment Dusk’s eyes sparked with hate. “I need a unicorn who can teleport massive distances with multiple ponies in case things go south. With assistance she could pull it off.”

“She’s been miserable for a while sir. Is she okay?”

“Buck. She’s not right in the head. Of course she’s not okay.”

“She’ll be fine.” Dusk muttered through gritted teeth. “Unless she pulls something.”

The master sighed. “She took some time off. But she’s acting like usual.” Master replied.

“Faust forbid.”

“God forbid”
The master chuckled as Diane and Pumpkin hit the guys. “Well do you accept?” He asked.

The twins looked at each other before nodding. “We’ll go.” They simultaneously announced. Pinkie nodded in agreement also. Dusk sighed and nodded.

“Team Angel will be in charge of placating the forest and assessing the threats. Consisting of Fluttershy, Thunderlane, Isaac and Andromeda Stargazer, Derpy, and Octavia.” The master then pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment. “Diane, Pumpkin Cake, Pound Cake and Dusk Shine. You will stop the workers from destroying the forest and evacuate them. Expect resistance. Diane has flares in case you need their backup.”

Dusk wanted to know what the reward was but he decided not to press. He knew it would be worth it. Or it better should. The other ponies nodded.

*****

Octavia pulled out a wooden mask. Made of living wood with various flowers growing on it. “I thought that we weren’t allowed to bring things like that.” Knives commented. She pulled out a steel canister and greedily gulped the contents. Isaac looked horrified. “What? Its coffee. Dusk wouldn’t notice two cups worth.” She grimaced at the bitter taste. She wondered how Dusk downed that drink every morning. It worked wonders for her hangover though.

“Andy! You’re not supposed to bring stuff like that!” Isaac exclaimed. Knives lazily looked at the canister before chucking it as hard as she could.

“How about her?” Knives questioned, pointing to the charcoal earth pony. She then stared blankly at the mask as it wrapped around Octavia’s head. “Now she’s being eaten.” She concluded. “Nopony will notice if we leave her-“ She began to lead her brother away.

Isaac stomped and pushed her hoof away. “She’s trying to communicate with the spirits.” He clarified.

“Sorry bro but that’s impossible. She’s not a shaman, ponies can’t be shamans.” Knives insisted.

“Actually it is possible. A PERSON can only have their eye opened when they’re young. Any species.” Octavia explained. She pulled out a stone bowl filled with all sorts of seed and placed it on the ground. “Children are sensitive to these things. They can retain the ability to see spirits even if they grow up. If they choose.”

“Wow that sound amazing!” Isaac exclaimed. He then shivered. “Sound a little scary though.”

“Why did you choose that though?” Knives idly asked.

“Because dead ponies are infinitely more wise and entertaining.” She smirked behind the mask. “My great grandfather was an adventurer too. And he had a Zebra lover who taught me about spirits. No wonder why my great grandmother was so bitter.”

“Oh they’re still alive?” Isaac curiously asked.

“Dead of course. Except for the old hag, she’s probably going to outlive me too.” This caused Knives to break out in laughter. “Now shush. I need to focus.” She then stood on her hind hooves and began to chant. She hopped around the bowl while waving her hooves in the air. Knives laughed even harder.

“Next thing you’ll reveal is that you play a cello or a former idol.” Knives joked. Octavia stopped her chanting and dancing to look at her. She sighed before continuing. Knives howls of laughter got louder.

The contents of the bowl were blown away by the wind and the clearing they were in was filled with mist. Octavia bowed low. “Spirits of the forest hear me.” She spoke in a low voice. “We who bear the mark of the Manticore do not mean you harm.” She promised.

The winds began to blow wildly as hundreds of golden motes swirled around the clearing. “YOU PONIES DARE DESECRATE OUR HOME!? YET YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO CLAIM INNOCENCE.” Octavia clutched her head and screamed.

A red aura surrounded Knives. She seemed relaxed however. “Andy no! Suppress your magic!” Isaac begged. Knives sighed and the aura dissipated. “Tavi what’s going on?” He worriedly asked.

“W-we have our hoof in this I admit. But we acted only to shield our land from the-“

“PONIES YOU STRUCK FIRST! WE ACTED ONLY IN DEFENCE. NOW YOUR KIND TRESPASSES UPON OUR LAND. FULED BY GREED YOUR KIND WILL DESTROY EVERYTHING!” Octavia whimpered as her ears bled. She was the only one that could hear the voice.

“THEY’RE ANGRY! THEY SAID PONIES AIM TO DESTROY THE FOREST. IT MUST BE THE APPLE FAMILY WITH THEIR TALISMANS!” Octavia shouted at her companions.

“Why are you shouting?” Knives asked.

“WHAT!?” Octavia shouted back.

“Oh no, she’s gone deaf.” Isaac gasped and covered his muzzle.

“TELL THE SPIRITS THAT WE”LL STOP THE PONIES DESTROYING THE FOREST! THEN WE”LL PLANT A LOT OF STUFF OR SOMETHING.” Knives shouted.

“WE WILL DESTROY THE TALISMAS THAT ARE DISRUPTING THE FOREST AND REMOVE THOSE PONIES DESTROYING IT.” Octavia coughed before continuing. “WE ARE OF THE GUILD MANTICORE STING. WE APPLOGISE FOR OUR HOOF IN THIS. AND WE OFFER OUR EFFORTS IN RESTORING THE FOREST. THIS I SWEAR ON MY GUILD’S NAME.”

The wind quieted as the golden motes slowed.

“PONY. WE WILL HOLD YOU TO YOUR PROMISE.”

Octavia blinked as her ears stopped bleeding. Knives smiled as she looked around. Octavia once more bowed low.

“YOU ARE AN ODD ONE PONY. FEW PONIES OPEN THEIR EYES TO THIS WORLD. FEWER CHOOSE TO WALK IT. WE WILL GRANT YOU TIME TO UNDO THIS. AS LONG AS YOUR CLAN BRING NO FURTHER HARM THE CREATURES OF THIS FOREST WILL GRANT YOU PASSAGE.” The golden motes then spread out and floated around.

“Sooooo. I’m guessing I don’t have to wrestle a Sentinel.” Knives remarked. The mask around Octavia’s face returned to its normal state and she placed it in her bag. “Also these cool lights are a bad thing huh.” She deduced.

Octavia scowled as she stomped towards Knives. “You idiots are going to NOT cause wanton destruction this time!” She fumed as Knives raised her hooves. “Unless you want to kill us all that is.”

“Hey. Master would be real pissed if only me and my bro walked out.” She gave a small smile. “You don’t have to worry about us. Be worried about the Cakes and Pinkie.” She then tapped her chin. “Although Dusk might be a problem too-“

Octavia pulled Knives by the collar of her hoodie. “I am. Fucking serious.” She spat out, glaring at the light brown pony. “I will not be cursed. Because you dumbasses. ‘Accidentally’ knocked down a tree.” She gritted her teeth.

“This is why you’re still bronze.” Knives laughed in Octavia’s face. Isaac floated away the angry flailing pony away.

“I’m going to cut you in pieces after this mission!” Octavia threatened.

“Guys calm down!” Isaac rushed in between them. “We need to focus on helping the forest.”

Octavia sighed as patted where her chainsaw was usually slung. “Why are we doing the reforestation?”

“Because we don’t have wings. And two of us are earth ponies.” Knives explained as she pulled over a huge stone cart into the clearing. “Also my bro knows this stuff.” She proudly declared as she rubbed the unicorn’s mane. He blushed and giggled.

“Now you two get planting.” She commanded as she climbed one of the trees. “I’ll uh, keep an eye out for the fliers.” With that she pulled the hood over her head and rested on one of the branches. Isaac gave a nervous laugh as Octavia growled.

*****

Derpy frowned as she looked at the workers cutting down the trees. She jolted down notes of the placements of the talismans and where the groups of workers where. Fluttershy silently landed beside her. “Hmmm… You got anything?” Derpy asked without looking away from her work.

Fluttershy groaned. “I feel naked without my weapon.”

“Ponies don’t have any taboos towards public nudity.” She simply replied.

Fluttershy scowled. “Well why can’t we just beat them up and break the talismans?” She questioned. Derpy rubbed her head in anticipation of a migraine.

“Because Angel, we’d all be sitting ducks.” She finally looked at the yellow Pegasus. “And even if Octavia managed to ‘talk to the forest’, the workers would get hurt of course. She told me that she couldn’t extend ‘protection’ to them.” Derpy punctuated with air quotes. Derpy was skeptical of shamans and such.

“So?” Fluttershy asked in disgust. Derpy simply looked back, flat-eyed. They both saw a red beam of magic. “So apparently she talks to trees now. Huh.”

“I doubt it. But I’ll play along. But I do know the presence of the deer placates the forest inhabitants.” She then rounded on the yellow Pegasus. “Info. Now.” She demanded, losing her patience.

Fluttershy rolled her eyes as she told Derpy about two more groups. One mining near a cavern and another clearing the land. She also reported odd individuals lurking around.

Derpy’s brows furrowed. To her it didn’t make sense. Nothing of this whole affair did. If they wanted to expand wouldn’t the slowly push from THEIR territory. Not in the middle of the forest. Not to mention the spirits were the things keeping this forest healthy. After those sickly things did their job no crops would grow.

To her it seemed that their goal was to gather lumber and other valuable resources. Lumber was worth a LOT these days. And they were going to damn the forest to get it. “Tch. Idiots. What a waste.” She said in disgust. To her they could get a lot more if they just played by the forest’s rules.

Something just dawned upon Derpy. “Odd? Also what do you mean lurking around?”

“They were staying out of sight. Thunderlane didn’t even notice them. A few oddly dressed ponies. A monkey, a cat and a minotaur.” She listed down. “Quite the collection of freakshows eh? She laughed at the thought of a circus.

Derpy however went rigid. “Describe the Minotaur.”

“Eh? He was wearing a swirled bronze armor or something and he was purple. And there was a blue cat. Monkeys are monkeys why are you nervous?” She asked. Derpy began to sweat.

“You foal! Those were Ideals!” At this declaration Fluttershy smiled wickedly. “We’re ill equipped, in a forest of death! And there are elite soldiers on your level!” Derpy frantically looked around. “Where is Thunderlane!? And where you two followed!?”

“Actually yeah.” She happily replied. At this statement Thunderlane went hurtling past them. The black Pegasus looked worse for wear as he shook himself and steadied midair. One of Derpy’s eyes went to the side.

“WHERE DID YOU GO!?” He shouted at the top of his lungs. Fluttershy shrugged. Thunderlane growled and landed a branch below them. His chest was burned and still smelled of cooked meat. He grabbed a wad of herbs and pressed it to his chest. Hissing in pain, he awkwardly tied a bandage around his chest. “Flare the beacon now!” Derpy was already on it and shot a red beam from an orb.

An orange Pegasus came into view. He wore a white armor with silver blue accents. A pair of blue curved swords were strapped to his back. “Well now. I was wondering where the babe went.” He gave a smug grin as he glanced at Thunderlane. “He’s still alive?” He asked mockingly.

Thunderlane growled at the remark. “Eh he’s a solid six.” Fluttershy dismissed with a wave.

“You just caught me off guard. I’ll turn you into a light bulb.” Thunderlane started to spark.

“Ow that hurt.” The Pegasus complained as he clutched his chest. “Thorns on roses I guess.”

“Flash Sentry. Former Shadowbolt. Ideal under the Testament of Love.” She frowned as she pointed a wing at him. “You’re a long way from the frozen north. Cadenza Mi Amore must have control of the place now. Or lost it.”

“Now this mare knows ponies. Also we crushed the opposition.” He sweetly replied. He dodged a thunderbolt launched at him. “Whoa there.”

“I’m going to smash that grin!” Thunderlane then flew over to his companions. “Get out of here! This one’s mine.”

Fluttershy shrugged and headed off. Derpy looked concerned for a change. “You can’t win this one. I’ll fight with you.” She hovered around. “I know how to beat this one. He uses black lightning maneuvers and the swords on his back allow him to-”

“Go. I won’t leave anything left for the cavalry.” He promised.

Derpy stared at Thunderlane for a while, shaking her head and went in the direction Fluttershy left. “There is nothing I can say to convince you otherwise. But he’s not the mission. Stalling him should be your priority, we’ll handle the others. Diane and her team should be here soon.” She then flew off. “I hope that idiot doesn’t die.” She whispered

“Aw man they left. The pink maned one was Manticore Sting’s Angel. What a shame you’re the one I’m fighting.” Flash sighed. “Maybe I can still go after her.”

“As awesome it would be if she destroyed you.” Thunderlane started flying around Flash. “I’m going to tear you apart.” The air around Thunderlane crackled as he gained momentum. “Imma hit you like Thunder.

“At least put up a fight.” He requested with a bored tone.

*****

Diane was furious. Dusk was supposed to wait. Instead he raced ahead

Dusk walked into the clearing where they were cutting down trees. “We’re supposed to wait for Intel!” Pinkie hissed as Dusk simply entered. Pinkie and the Cakes were still hiding in the bushes. As Dusk showed up the workers stopped and began to murmur among themselves.

Dusk however spotted two glowing figures. One glowed with a green aura standing along the workers, a Minotaur. The Minotaur had purple skin and was wearing a bronze armor. Tiny green spheres flowed around his body. A dark blue aura was glowing in the trees. Dusk couldn’t make out any and details

“EVERYBODY GET IN ONE CORNER SO THAT I CAN KICK YOU ALL OUT!” Dusk shouted at the top of his lungs and everybody present almost went deaf. Pinkie and Pumpkin both facehoofed. The Minotaur took one glance at him then turned away.

“Look at the fancy unicorn and his tricks.” A gruff stallion wearing a red lumberjack outfit mocked. “Look sir we’re a little behind schedule so if you would get-“ Dusk then used a gravity spell to slam the stallion up and down before tossing him in the aforementioned corner.

“Next!” Dusk hollered. The Minotaur raised an eyebrow and lumbered forward “Tickets for you cow. Next trip.” Dusk offered with a grin.

The Minotaur chuckled as he unslung his Warhammer. “Only Manticore Sting would be stupid enough to interfere with our Queen Celestia’s business.” Studying Dusk for a moment he sniffed. “Have we met before?”

“No. You would not be here if we met.” Dusk taunted. “Also the Apple family and Sunbutt? Fuck, we might as well piss off King Sombrero too.” Dusk then pointed his head to the groaning stallion. “Do I have to make you go over there?”

“Ponies are funny. But that wasn’t a good joke.” The Minotaur then advanced. Dusk’s horn glowed dark blue as he used his gravity spell. To Dusk’s surprise the Minotaur wasn’t fazed. Dusk forced him down harder. The Minotaur grinned as he was brought to his knees. The ground sank as the Minotaur somehow charged forward.

Dusk canceled his spell and teleported back but the Minotaur blurred forward and swung his mighty hammer. Dusk managed to dodge but the power of the blow knocked him into a tree. As he lay on the ground he saw a red beam of light shoot into the sky. “The other guys are fighting. Huh.” Shaking himself off, he summoned arcane blades to his sides. “Better finish this.”

“Hmph. Ponies only good for talking. Can’t back up words.” He firmly declared.

Dusk then thought to himself. If unicorns could force themselves to lift massive weights, he probably could overcharge his spells. He was an alicorn afterall, which meant his limits were greater. “I’m going to give myself the biggest fucking migraine.”

His horn once more glowed a dark blue as gravity tried to push the Minotaur down. “This again?” He asked in disappointment. The arcane blades shot forth and the Minotaur moved to deflect the spell. An overglow enveloped Dusk’s horn and once more the Minotaur was brought to his knees. The blades sank into his flesh as a crater was formed beneath him. The Minotaur’s muscles bulged as he attempted to get up. “W-what? How!?” He growled as he was forced in place.

“Get him now!” Dusk commanded. A fireball launched pass Dusk and nailed the Minotaur in the face. He screamed in agony as a sizzling sound could be heard. Pinkie charged, enveloped in a blue aura.

“Dusk look out!” Pound Cake cried as a projectile was heading for Dusk’s face. Pound Cake swooped down and grabbed Dusk. Dusk’s spell was cancelled and the Minotaur hit a home run. Pinkie crashed into a boulder and slumped over. Pound cake stared in shock as the projectile fell a tree. “Holy guacamole what was that!?” He landed and set down Dusk beside Pumpkin Cake. He panted from the effort of carrying the older pony. “Yikes you’re heavy.” He complained.

“Diane no!” Pumpkin screamed, her eyes watering.

Dusk scowled as a figure emerged. “A monkey. Did that.” The projectile came back and was caught by the owner. It was a yoyo. “A yoyo!? That thing knocked down a tree!” He shouted in disbelief. The new foe was even shorter than the cakes.

“Hey horsies let’s fight fight yo. Time to party!” He proclaimed in horrendously accented English.

“I don’t think the coffee woke me up.”

Author's Note

If you're night shift this is technically my night. But on the other side of the world it's night but here it's morning. But morning here is my night. Imma go to sleep now... Let me know about any errors.

Spirit of Earth: Sun and Maniticores

Dusk stared at the situation he’s gotten him and his teammates into. The workers didn’t seem that eager to join in and stepped aside. The monkey annoyed the hell out of Dusk and Pound but neither could place why. He wore what appeared to be a dyed blue straw vest and a straw hat. Dusk couldn’t see or feel any magic from him. But he was definitely dangerous he decided.

Yeah taking down a tree with a yoyo decided that.

Pinkie slowly got up and cracked her neck. “…How in hell does anybody survive that? I’m pretty sure a hit like that would kill me.” Dusk muttered.

“Why were you even worried sis? I’m pretty sure Diane is indestructible.” Pound joked.

“Scatter the twins! They’re the Cakes!” The Minotaur bellowed.

“Okay right up!” The monkey yelled as he leapt into the air. Dusk fired off a few blades and the monkey deflected those by swinging his yoyo around. Dusk decided to grab the twins and teleport behind the Minotaur. Leaving behind the bewildered monkey who landed where they were a few moments ago.

Dusk latched onto to the Minotaur’s back and tried to stab him with an arcane blade. The Minotaur flexed and the blade broke against its back. Dusk not missing a beat dived beneath his legs and started rapidly slashing his torso. “Damn it.” He muttered as the bladed he conjured had no effect. “Maybe I should have tried gelding you…” He offered as the Minotaur raised his hammer.

“Dusk, behind you!” Pinkie yelled as the yoyo went at him. Dusk teleported behind the monkey and tried to skewer him but the monkey flipped and dodged his attacks. The yoyo went straight at the Minotaur’s stomach. He doubled over in pain and glared at the monkey.

“Ah. Senysa po…” The monkey nervously laughed as he rubbed the back of his head. Dusk seized on this moment and stared slamming the monkey up and down with his magic. A huge explosion erupted on the Minotaur’s back. Dusk saw that Pound was carrying Pumpkin and a large orange aura enveloped them both. And she was shooting fireballs.

“Neato.” Dusk whistled in awe of the magic. The monkey then pulled out another yoyo and swung it at Dusk’s horn. Pinkie ran at Dusk and kicked him out of the way, canceling his hold on him. The yoyo impacted one of her shoulder pauldrons as she ran towards the monkey. Before the monkey could run off she seized him and started beating him with her hooves.

“Cakes! Go to the beacon, our comrades need your help!” Pinkie paused to yell before wailing on the monkey again. “Yield Scoundrel!” She paused again, the monkey simply let out a groan and fell unconscious.

The Minotaur was smoking and on her stomach. Pound saluted and grabbed his sister, flying off to the beacon. Dusk walked over and raised an arcane blade over the Minotaur. “Should I off him?” Dusk asked.

“No, he is beaten.” Pinkie replied and Dusk sighed. “We are not like them, they shall face justice.” They both stared in the direction the third individual was. “Show yourself coward! Face us!” She demanded. She coughed up blood and Dusk offered her a healing potion.

“That one was mine by the way. So I’m collecting later.” Dusk told her.

Pinkie scowled as she looked at Dusk. “I’ll remember not to team up with you in the future.”

“Father was right, there is no good help these days.” A dignified voice chimed from the trees. A bipedal cat leapt down to one of the lower branches. She wore a silver blue vest with some sort of greenish grey crest and white baggy pants. “Alistar. Aga. Do please get up.” She requested.

The monkey got up and mumbled something before falling over again. The Minotaur snorted. “I guess I have to dispose of them myself.” She concluded. She then slowly slid down the tree, one claw dug into the trunk. Her brown hair was braided and went past her shoulders.

“Imma shoot her.” Dusk simply spoke as he summoned his rifle.

“Don’t” Pinkie swatted the riffle away.

Dusk stared at her like she grew two heads. “You gotta be kidding me.” Dusk stared again at the cat and decided she would listen to Pinkie. After all she could probably take hits as much as she could dish them out. “Alright but that’s bullshit.” Dusk growled. The Minotaur snorted again. “Okay horseshit then. You happy?”

“So uncouth… So, uncivilized.”

“Okay then how about this?” Dusk cleared his throat and hit his chest a few times. “My dear fellow. As you have just heard my pink companion who spoke rubbish. If I do dare say so myself, is as fragrant as feces of the common pony.” Dusk concluded, his head held high as he gave a dismissive sniff.

Pinkie’s mane poofed up a little as she suppressed her laughter.

“Charming.” The cat flatly remarked.

Dusk took out his canister and did a long exaggerated sip. “Miss Diane and Sir Dusk of Shine humbly request’s her lady’s name.” Dusk bowed and Pinkie began to giggle.

“Dusk. We should take this seriously.” Pinkie concluded as she managed to get herself under control. Dusk smiled at a glimpse of the Pinkie he knew.

“Quite. I do apologize, this is a brief acquaintance so no point in introductions. You will both die here and now.” She smugly spoke as she reached the ground. Dusk’s eyes widened as he saw the Minotaur’s wounds healed. ‘The bitch was stalling!’ he thought to himself. “Rise Alistar, your master commands it.”

“You got to be kidding me.”

*****

Thunderlane groaned as he hung on one of the branches. This fight was definitely going south. As much as he hated to admit it Flash Sentry was better. Faster, stronger, had far larger magic reserves, better equipment and more skilled than he was. Not to mention he phased through him every time he tried to charge. He knew that wasn’t a maneuver. So what was it?

“So you had enough?” The orange Pegasus taunted. Thunderlane grit his teeth. He had tricks that he didn’t want to use. He dropped down as a black bolt of lightning was hurled at him. He could win this if he used his ace, but he didn’t want to drop unconscious in the Everfree. Especially not while these guys were around. He dodged more bolts of lightning before taking to the air again.

Flash Sentry stared at Thunderlane for a good while. “Have we met before? Shadowbolt boot camp?” He mockingly asked.

“Nope. Those featherbrains are glorified performers slash killers.” Thunderlane replied as he hovered to one of the branches. “If I wasn’t hurting for bits I might be in the Equestrian Skyguard.”

Flash snorted at this and hovered in front of Thunderlane. “You’re holding back. I can tell.” Flash replied. “I really think we did meet each other before.” He pondered. Thunderlane charged at him again, only to go straight through. “That’s rude.”

Flash Sentry crackled with black lightning as he charged for Thunderlane. Thunderlane leapt and flied away. Spinning in the air lightning danced around Thunderlane. “That again?” Flash Sentry yawned as he dodged several bolts launched at him. Thunderlane began to wonder why he was dodging his ranged attacks but not his charges.

A few more exchanges of lightning and collisions Thunderlane began to lag, he knew if this continued her could not retreat or beat him. If a few bolts hit him he might go down. Those weren’t normal lightning attacks that Pegasi could shrug off.

Now desperate he pushed himself to generate enough speed for a maneuver. An orange aura surrounded him as he built up speed and magic. Flash Sentry hovered in place as Thunderlane looped around the area. “It’s futile you know.” Flash boasted.

Thuderlane charged straight at him. “Some ponies never learn.” Thunderlane instead of ramming the other Pegasus pulled a stop just before hitting him. A huge blast erupted from Thunderlane’s wings, knocking Flash into a tree. He coughed up blood as he was embedded in the trunk. Thunderlane crackled with lightning as he head-butted Flash’s gut.

Flash Sentry realized that Thunderlane wasn’t properly shielding himself. He then remembered what everyone said about Manticore Sting. They’re the craziest ponies out there. He actually felt fear as Thunderlane gave a wide grin. “Payback time.” Thunderlane pummeled Flash with his hooves as they both fell down.

Flash struggled to recover and put some distance between them. Thunderlane managed to bite down hard on Flash’s right wing and wrapped his hooves around him. “You’re bucking crazy! Argh!” Flash let out a cry of pain as Thunderlane ripped off a bunch of feathers. Thunderlane landed on top of Flash.

Thunderlane rolled of Flash and groaned. He was badly burned and beaten. Flash was knocked out cold, his chest slowly rose and fell. His armor was blackened by the blast and he lost his helmet sometime during the fall. Thunderlane slowly stood up and stretched. He wasn’t flying again for a while. His wings ached and burned as he trudged over and grabbed the twin blades on the Ideal’s back.

“He never used them in this fight. I wonder why.” Thunderlane shrugged and strapped them to his back. For some reason he felt luckier and more agile. He dismissed it as being lightheaded. He was battered and low on magic.

He then stepped into the clearing where the workers were. They all paused as the injured Pegasus came into view. “Now, if you would go in one corner and sit there I would appreciate it.” He requested. “C’mon folks party’s over get going!” He yelled.

The gathered ponies murmured among each other for a bit.

“He took down Flash!”

“Yeah but he don’t look so good.”

“The boss is going to be pissed at us if we don’t complete our quota.”

“Are you sure he took that stallion down? He’s a real beast.”

“Yeah, I mean how did he walk away otherwise?”

“Get in one corner! Manticore Sting will disable the Talismans protecting you so-“ Thunderlane announced but the workers still debated.

“Hey you hear that?”

“Yeah that guild is nuts.”

“They would probably do it.”

“We’re all going to die!”

“No let’s jump him! Before the others come!” One shouted angrily. All eyes went on Thunderlane as they murmured in agreement. They raised their axes and saws in unison. Thunderlane stared in disbelief and grabbed one of the swords.

Thunderlane immediately sheathed the blade and hopped to one of the trees and started climbing. “Faust damn it!” He swore as he somehow summoned the strength to climb. He managed to reach one of the lower branches and pulled himself up. With a grunt he lay down. “Looks like I’m stuck here…” He muttered.

His head jerked up as he heard the revving of saws and metal striking the trunk of the tree. “Oh no.” He tiredly spoke. He knew that the ponies could take down the tree in no time. He thought about killing them for a moment but was immediately repulsed by the idea. He decided to wait for a bit then run. He wished the back-up would arrive soon.

A large explosion caused the ponies to halt their assault. Thunderlane let out a sigh of relief as the Cake twins arrived. The mob looked unsure of themselves. “Everypony go to the corner over there. RIGHT NOW!” Pound Cake demanded. They didn’t move so Pound Cake threatened them. “Hey. All of you, see that explosion a while back? You wanna get that?”

“Umm please everypony group up over there. We’re evacuating because the forest isn’t going to be safe…” She pleaded. The ponies hurried over to the spot Pound Cake pointed at.

“Chop! Chop! Chop! Let’s go!” Pound cake hollered as he flew around the panicking ponies. Thunderlane weakly smiled and waved. “Whoa dude what happened to you?” He asked.

“What if I told you I kicked Flash Sentry’s ass?” Thunderlane boasted before breaking into a coughing fit.

“You didn’t…” Pound said in disbelief.

“Yep, but I look worse I guess. But he’s out for the count.” Thunderlane chuckled weakly at Pound’s expression. The young pony was absolutely awed by the claim.

“I GOT to hear the deets on this one. When we get back let’s trade our victories.” Pound Cake did a few loops before sitting beside Thunderlane. “But me and sis took down this Minotaur! Yeah I guess Dusk and Diane helped us too… But we took him down!” He bragged as he flexed his hooves.

Thunderlane pressed a hoof to his side and groaned in pain. Pound winced and pulled out a potion. The younger Pegasus tore the bandages off his chest and Thunderlane gritted his teeth. Handing over the potion Thunderlane greedily gulped it. “Maybe I should have checked for broken bones first.” Pound Cake swallowed.

“Naw I’m fine. I don’t think I broke any bones… But if I did I think those bounties would cover the bill.” Thunderlane slid down the tree and Pound Cake landed beside him. Giving a few experimental flexes and steps Thunderlane was convinced that he suffered no troublesome injuries. Broken bones healed poorly with potions.

“Crap we should tie the guy up.” Thunderlane muttered as he ran to where he left Flash.

“Hey sis wait here for us! We’ll be right back!” Pound promised as he flew after Thunderlane.

“Eh!? Wait Pound! Isaac said his friend would help us.” She stomped as Pound waved. “She’s Cervidae doe she’ll expect us out of here ASAP!” He yelled. She pouted and fell on her haunches.

Thunderlane and Pound cake arrived to quite a sight.

A Sentinel stone golem was lifting the unconscious pony near one of the trunks. “Hmm… Daisy a little higher.” A female voice muttered. A deer popped out from the bushes and started directing the golem. She then grabbed a few leaves with a thick brown sap and started to apply it around Flash. The Ideal was firmly glued in place.

She then smeared it all over his face and sprinkled a bunch of brown leaves on it. She grinned widely as she looked over her hoofwork. The Sentinel reached for the doe and she scampered up its head. “Isaac’s friends should be here soon I wonder if I could-“ She then stared at the two like a deer caught in headlights. “Aw, now there goes the fun.” She pouted.

“So you’re Isaac’s pal?” Thunderlane asked.

“Yeah, once you break the talismans I have to lead you ponies out.” She sighed as she hugged the Sentinel’s head. “Well I guess that’s enough fooling around for now.” She sadly concluded. “I could have played tricks on you guys.”

“I like her!” Pound Cake decided. Thunderlane grabbed Flash’s helmet and wore it.

*****

Derpy stared blankly at the pile of groaning and bloody ponies. Fluttershy wasn’t a patient one, she beat up the workers and piled them outside the cavern. They were harvesting mana crystals and Chlorophite.

Derpy heard from her sources that somepony was creating robots of all things. Rumors were that techs managed to salvage a robot of some kind. And AI templates could be created based on a pony’s mind. This was way less information than she preferred.

But Celestia’s hub of technology had the most secure facilities. Fillydelpia was the most heavily defended of her territories. Which was why Equestria’s army was most visible in the cities of Manehattan and Baltimare. Filydelpia was in between those two cities after all.

Derpy frowned as the Yellow Pegasus emerged from the cave. Grinning ear to ear the bloodied Pegasus tossed a battered mahogany brown stallion at Derpy’s hooves. “You know this hottie?” Fluttershy asked with a smile. Derpy thought that smile was too bright for a mare like this. Fluttershy pulled hard on the Stallion’s blond mane. What stood out to Derpy was the black leather jacket and his lower jaw was made of steel.

“Rusty Rails. Ideal under the Testament of Progress. Has prototype mechanical enhancements. Famous for the Bank of Baltimare heist. Carried a whole vault- which I’m sure is just an exaggeration- full of precious gemstones.” Derpy then opened a note pad and held a quill in her left wing.

Fluttershy snickered and spat out a chunk of the Stallion’s mane. “Bank of Baltimare? If shortened its BoB!” Fluttershy was crying with laughter as she rolled around.

The Stallion groaned and opened an eye. “Oh shite. Never mind Angel. This mare’s the devil I tell ya!” He then looked over to the laughing Fluttershy then at Derpy. “So what now lass? What ya gonna do? I don’t know nuthin.” He groaned and closed his eyes again.

“I doubt it. There must be something larger going on.” Derpy then dug for a book in her saddlebags. It was labeled ‘Medieval Torture Methods’. “I don’t believe you’re just here for the resources. There must be something of great importance to the grand scheme.” She insisted.

“Eh what’s that?” Fluttershy curiously asked, pointing to the book. Derpy simply tapped the cover of the book. “Torture? I don’t need a guide, between us we can come up with something even better.” Fluttershy dismissed. Taking hold of the stallion’s head she forced his mouth open. “Huh. Your teeth are all metal.” She then tossed him into a tree. “So lumber, mana stones and green metal? That’s all they’re here for?” She curiously asked.

“Well they have to be up to something bigger than this.” Derpy pondered. Her eyes unfocused for a moment before she hit her head to put it back in place. “Celestia wouldn’t just loan her men as security for a big corporation.”

“You know we could ask him.” Fluttershy pointed at Rusty Rails. “It would be simpler if I could pull out a tooth or a hoof. Well I mean I could but he seems to be doped on something.” Fluttershy frowned as she thought on how to make him talk. “I mean he hardly reacted to the damage I inflicted on him.”

“A strong painkiller I suppose. Not just his jaw but his digestive system has been replaced. Who knows what else he had to put in himself, it would be unbearable without anything to numb the pain.” Derpy concluded.

They both sat silently as they contemplated what to do. The ponies in the pile were groaning. “SHUT UP!” Fluttershy shrieked at the workers. She then shouted in frustration “Why are we even wasting our time! We just need to kick these assholes out!”

“We’re waiting for Diane’s team. We don’t have the means to transport the civillians.” Derpy stared at the Ideal. “We need to get information out of him though. I know they are up to something.”

“I’m hungry now…” Fluttershy whined.

“Resource harvesting isn’t a good enough reason to come here of all places. And they definitely aren’t going to start farms here. The talismans would render the land useless.” Derpy turned to Fluttershy. She was currently reading a book while giggling. Derpy turned red and she immediately snatched the book away.

“Hey! I was reading that.” Fluttershy complained.

“Private property!” Derpy glared at her while stuffing the book back in her bags.

Fluttershy then grinned wickedly. “I know how to make him talk now.” She said with absolute certainly. Rusty opened his eyes and slowly looked at the giggling mare. It would be cute if for not the crazed expression on her face. “Don’t you have a truth serum?” She sweetly asked.

Derpy stared at her in confusion for a bit. Her eyes widened as she pulled out a vial filled with a bubbling purple liquid. Her glasses glinted as she gave Rusty an evil smile. “This is called, Anthocyanine. It’s not some cheap drug like sodium pentothal. I inject this into you, and you talk. Everything I want to know.”

“There’s no such thing as a truth serum. And speaking o’ drugs yer the one trippin.” He insisted with a dismissive expression on his face. “Ain’t nothing gonna make me betray her Majesty.” His eyes turned flinty. “I’d die first.”

“Well it doesn’t matter. Me and Twilight developed a derivative of LSD. How could I explain it to a pony of… your intellect.” She rubbed her chin for a moment and Rusty growled. “Ah yes. As soon as I inject this into your bloodstream, you start tripping.”

“Yeah just like if you were on acid!” Fluttershy added.

“However you don’t quite get there. Just halfway. And you will become docile and answer anything I ask you, truthfully. But it has some interesting side effects.” Derpy explained.

“Wait. THE Twilight Sparkle?”

“Yes. Platinum Adventurer of Manticore Sting. Her family died on their vacation to Cloudsdale. Expelled from Canterlot University. She took degrees of medicine and arcane studies. She was performing experiments on ponies so she was expelled.” Derpy then looked sad. “You know what lengths she would go for her research yes? But I am merciful and I will give you an option. Because this drug has dire consequences.”

“I see your genitalia is still intact. But if I inject this it would be just an ornament.” She then inserted a syringe into the bottle. “The side effects will be lifelong sexual dysfunction and an inability to attain orgasm.” Rusty believed what the two mares told him and was now cowering.

“What Derps is trying to tell you is that you will NEVER be able to get it up again.” Fluttershy translated. She lunged forward and held him down. “Why are we even telling him this!? We can just inject him right!?” Rusty tried to struggle with whatever strength his limbs had left.

“NO! Get away from me! You two are crazy!” He yelled as he failed to fight Fluttershy off.

“Sadly, he leaves me with no choice.” She concluded as she slowly walked forward.

“There’s nothing else! THERE’S NOTHING ELSE!” He screamed with tears running down his face.

Fluttershy made a choking sound and slowly turned around. Blood trickled form her mouth and eyes. She spasmed and fell over. After what seemed an eternity of her retching and flailing she went still. Derpy stared in horror as her comrade fell. Her eyes rolled up and she collapsed.

“You took your sweet sweet time eh?” He sniffed. A purple blob materialized into existence. It grew stubby arms and legs, ears and dull spikes on his back. The figure crackled wickedly as it opened its crimson eyes and gave a wide grin.

“Yeah sorry about that. If that little bird saw me I was toast.” His voice echoed. The figure started digging through Derpy’s bags. “She has wings, therefore she can hurt me.” He explained if that made total sense. He giggled as he pulled out a few potions.

“What in the blazes are you talking about?” Rusty demanded. He let out a sigh of relief as his strength returned and his injuries healed partially. He groaned and stared dumbly at his comrade. Which was now injured. “What? Ghost, what gimmick was that!?”

Panting heavily Ghost landed on the ground. “Pain split. I split the damage evenly between us.” He explained. Ghost then lay down. “Heh. You really took a beating.” Rusty walked over and started sipping a potion.

“You are one weird bloke I say.” Rusty shook his head and offered a potion. Ghost declined, promptly put a dirty sock on his face and slept. Rusty marveled as Ghost’s wounds healed. A few minutes later he woke up and made retching sounds. “Ignoring your antics you’re quite powerful. Figuring you out would crack me skull in two.” Rusty muttered.

“Ugh. Alistar has the smelliest socks. Without that I wouldn’t have woke up.” He put the sock… somewhere along with other vials retrieved from Derpy.

“Thanks for the save though.” He then stared at the broken syringe on the ground. “Huh that smell seems familiar.” He sniffed the air.

Ghost pulled out the vial of ominous purple liquid. He gave the vial a few pings. Held it up to the light. Sloshed the contents for a bit. He shrugged and threw the whole thing into his mouth. Rusty reached out with his hooves as he stared in horror. Ghost crunched loudly while looking in different directions. Rusty could do nothing but stare in stunned silence.

After a while Ghost spoke again. “Glass is normal. Therefore it cannot hurt me.” He concluded as he closed his eyes. He then stared at Rusty flat-eyed and muttered. “This is grape juice.” They both stared at each other for a good while.

“Ya mean-“

“Yep.”

“She-“ He began to shake with rage and Ghost broke into laughter. Rusty walked over and kicked the grey Pegasus over and over again while screaming curses. The sound off ribs breaking sounded.

Eventually Ghost reined him in. “Whoa there. Don’t break her! She can still be useful.” Ghost insisted pulling his companion back.

“That bloody sow played me!” He then kicked one of the nearby workers. A sickening crunch and pop sounded as the body sailed over the trees.

“Even though you sounded scared. Still, Mad respect for not spilling the beans.” Ghost pointed with both hands. “Mah man! Well Stallion but that doesn’t have the same ring to it.” He shrugged as he touched the ground.

“So what are the spirits saying?” Rusty asked curiously. Ghost was no shaman but, well a ghost. Or so he said. Rusty doubted this but Celestia entrusted him with this task.

“Ooooohhhh! They’re real scared! We know about the forest. The secrets.” Ghost crackled loudly. “All of this power. Can be controlled. A weapon! Her royal stuck up will be mightily pleased!” Rusty back up a bit.

“Uh do refer to her Majesty with respect.” He scolded but his voice wasn’t firm. He was weirded out by the new Ideal. But respected him for his effectiveness and was actually fun to hang out with. “Also a power like that existing-“

“It’s real all right. And it’s for our Queen of course.” He then inhaled deeply. “The earth itself is crying out. The Great Spirit is uneasy. She has reached out. But nobody understood aside from us.” He stretched his arms out and laughed.

“Uhhh... we should get going.” Rusty Rails suggested as he placed Derpy on his shoulder.

“Yes! Many things to do~!” Ghost giggled as he disappeared. Rusty Rails stared at where he’d been before heading to reinforce his comrades. He failed to notice Fluttershy’s chest slowly going up and down.

*****

Dusk gritted his teeth as he pulled himself out of a tree. Through wet eyes he stared at the Minotaur slowly advancing. Alistar could take his time. He healed after not fighting for a bit. He simply had to outlast Dusk. Dusk fumbled with a health potion, down to his last two. Dusk cursed as the pain of his bones snapping back into place sounded. He wondered if his bones set right. Surgery had to be expensive.

Pinkie wasn’t faring any better. Her armor had been reduced to hanging steel plates on her chainmail. The Cat was too agile to be caught by her powerful blows. Pinkie was clearly struggling but her face was still absolutely calm.

“Alright I’m going to kill you.” Dusk growled out with hatred.

Dusk’s horn glowed orange as he focused on the Minotaur. Alistar flexed while looking himself over. He shrugged as he felt nothing happening to him. Dusk poured more magic into the spell and Alistar began to feel weaker. “Two spells so different from each other. And here I thought another one trick.” Alistar sounded a little impressed as he stopped a few feet from Dusk.

“I’m going to turn you into a fucking raisin.” Dusk snapped.

“Unlikely.” Alistar scoffed as he raised his hammer. A boulder knocked him over. Pinkie jumped over to a cart loaded with lumber and lifted it over her head. Dusk stared in disbelief as the cart flew through the air and landed on top of the Minotaur. With a roar the cart was knocked aside but Alistar immediately fell to his knees again. He stared in horror as his muscles slowly shrank.

“You’re not turning dark. I think I’m doing something wrong here.” Dusk gave a dark chuckle as the Minotaur clutched his chest. “I haven’t killed anyone before. At least I don’t think I have.” He pondered as the Minotaur became mostly skins and bones. “Oh but I’m going to enjoy this.” He cancelled the spell and grabbed the Warhammer. With a mighty swing Alistar’s head flew over the trees.

“Guess I’m going for a home run now.” He chuckled as teleported behind the Cat and held her down using his magic. “One for the Manticores.” He smirked as he lifted the struggling Cat into the air.

“Let go of me!” She shrieked. Dusk let her go for a moment before forcing gravity on her. Dusk smirked as the Cat growled at him.

Pinkie frowned at Dusk. “I don’t like the way you handled that.” Dusk rolled his eyes. “But the Master and I can discuss that at lengths when this is over.”

“Well what I supposed to do? Yeah leaving him alone was the best idea. My bad.” Dusk shot back.

“I’m curious about their objectives. Ideals lurking around means something serious.” Pinkie fixed her gaze on the Cat. “What are the Ideals really here for?” She demanded.

She was quiet for a while before answering. “Why resource acquisition of course.” She explained as if she was speaking to an idiot. “Quality magitech needs the best Mana Stones and Gems. Synthetic won’t cut it.” Dusk was convinced she would have raised her chin if he wasn’t keeping her down.

Pinkie stared intensely for bit before returning to her depressed look. “There is some truth to that. But all lies have some shred of truth.”

“Who is this Cat anyways? She seems to be important.”

“I recognize the crest. This is the crest of the Platinums.” Pinkie pointed to the crest on her chest. Two unicorn heads with a unicorn on top holding a sword. Roses and thorny vines surrounded. At Dusk’s blank look she added. “King Sombra currently holds the scepter of the Platinum Family. He descends from the great line of kings. The first Platinum united Equestria. It is by right-“

“King Sombra has no right to be King! He was never meant to hold the scepter! For that right only belonged to my father!” The Cat burst out as she strained against Dusk’s magic.

“Father?”

“She’s definitely adopted. Unless fertility potions are a thing.” Dusk was beginning to feel the strain of using his magic. He shrugged as he thought of that. “Let’s speed this up. Name and profession?” Dusk asked,

“Pardon me?”

“I’m going to crush you if you don’t answer my questions.” Dusk shook his head. “Say something I don’t like I’m going to crush you. Damn it you know how it goes. Name and profession.”

The Cat swallowed. “Mist… Platinum. Daughter of Lord Courageous Platinum. Ideal under Testament of Truth.”

Dusk nodded. “Pinkie go tie up the monkey.”

“Don’t call me Pinkie.”

“Please Diane?” Pinkie nodded and headed to bind Aga. “Anyways, Master didn’t give much details. But I had a dream about a desert and someone talked to me about the Everfree. I think this has connection to that.” Mist froze for a moment.

Pinkie turned to Dusk wide-eyed. “You had the vision? Spirit of Ancients, of the Great Earth Spirit?” Pinkie demanded. Dusk nodded. “…I see. I did too, we should discuss this with the others later.” She nodded after a time and went towards the still unconscious monkey.

“So I guess I’m right. I thought it was just brain damage but something was trying to reach out. Because it feels threatened.” Dusk concluded. Mist simply glared quietly. “So what are you trying to do with it? That power is definitely useful.”

To his surprise she chuckled. “You’re not quite slow as I thought. And you seem to have a wide spread of spells. And with determination and resiliency of an Earth Pony.” She praised. “You’re quite talented actually. I have the resources for you to grow and to taste anything this world has to offer. Her Majesty would consider you quite the asset.”

Dusk was silent for a time. “Yeah nice try. Answer my questions.”

“Oh? I can tell you want more. You know what you can do but you’re holding yourself back. Is the Guild worth your loyalty?” Mist questioned with a smirk.

“At least I know not to fuck with everything. Also wrong answer.” Dusk pushed more power and Mist screamed in pain. Dialing it down again he asked another question. “What are you trying to do!?”

Mist glared at him. “What? Daddy dearest wants you to capture an Ancient Spirit. Because boss lady told him too?” Dusk smiled as she continued to glare at him. “Well I can make you talk but I wouldn’t want to mess up such a pretty thing.”

“Pretty thing?”

“You’re kinda hot. Not to mention you would cute if you didn’t look so pissed.” Dusk chuckled.

Pinkie dragged over the bound monkey and stared at Dusk for a long while. “Ah. Derpy told me you were raised by cats. That would explain your preference.” Pinkie stared at her for a while. “But all races determine sexual attractiveness by curves. It’s the standard that differs however.”

“I guess.” He shrugged as one of his knives fell in front of him. “Okay new rules. I’m going to pull out your claws. I haven’t done this before. So you might lose your fingers too.”

“You wouldn’t.” Pinkie and Mist muttered at the same time.

“Then I’m going remove your tail. I’ll also cut off your ears and turn them into a kitty hairband.” Mist looked horrified at the implications. “I’d also shave you bald and make a wig and mustache. Because everybody loves mustaches.”

“Dusk.”

“You’re quite sick.”

“We want answers. And I will only stop if I get them.” Dusk was sweating, he was beginning to have difficulty sustaining the spell. “So all you have to do is answer my godamn questions!”

“He’s serious.” Pinkie assured her. “He has a bad temperament so for your sake answer our questions. I can’t stop him if gets going.”

“I will not betray what I stand for!” She shouted. “On the name of my father and my Queen I swore! You won’t break me. No matter what happens to me our mission will be accomplished!” Dusk stared at her for a few moments and sighed.

“Her conviction is steadfast Dusk. We won’t get anything out of her.” She declared. “Not that I’d let you do any of those things.” She insisted. Dusk simply rolled his eyes.

“You’re the one who wanted answers.” Aga began to stir. “But I’m sure he’ll talk.” Dusk gestured to the monkey. Dusk walked over to the groaning monkey and poked him with his hoof. “Wake up!” He turned him over and stomped on his gut.

After coughing for a while he looked up at his captors. He immediately struggled against his bonds. “Stay still!” Dusk shouted at the monkey and leaned down. “I have que- ARGH!” Aga jumped up and bit hard on Dusk’s horn and his spell was cancelled.

Mist glowed with a blue aura and the grass around them dried up. Droplets of water combined into a sphere of water and trapped Pinkie within. Clenching her paws the sphere froze and fell to the ground.

Dusk managed to remove the monkey and knock him away. His horn was broken in the middle and tears were streaming down his face. His horn was sparkling wildly as he summoned arcane bladed and launched them at Mist. She dodged them and Dusk charged forward with a knife in his mouth.

She crouched and waved her arms around sucking water out of the grass around. She formed icicles and launched them at Dusk. A few ice shards pinged off his blade but most hit him all over. He looked at her in shock as blood trickled down his horn and mouth. He fell on his side, yelling as blood pooled over the dead grass.

“A shame really. You had potential.” She spoke. Her voice had no malice, joy or anger. She just gazed at him with empty eyes.

“I’m… Only starting.” He hacked up blood. “You ain’t the end of me.” Dusk promised. “I'm going to kill you. And I'm going to turn you into some weird...” Dusk spoke with pauses. And he went into a coughing fit. “F-fuck. You.”

Mist stood there for what seemed to be an eternity. But the light in his eyes refused to go. In fact she started a fire in them. “I would grant you a swift death. I should.” Mist walked past him and sliced Aga free with an ice sword. “But you have to survive in order to acquire your revenge.”

Aga hesitantly approached and dug through his bags for the two potions he had left. “Sleep now warriror.” He walked over and kneeled in front of Mist. “My Lady. My honor speaking to me. They saying I must give him sleep.” He spoke in broken English as he offered the potions to her

“No Aga. If he is weak he will perish. If strong he will persist.” She grabbed the potions and gulped one. “My father would do the same.” Dusk let out another strangled sound. "The hate will keep him alive."

“Ghost can really absolutely do it?” Aga asked nervously as they went for the heart of the forest.

“My father know he can do it. He will bind the Ancient to his will.” Mist spoke with confidence.

Dusk’s eyes stared long after they were gone. He needed to live. He refused to stop here. His eyes darted wildly as the workers crept out of their hiding spots. He struggled to get to his hooves. He gave a crazed grin as he picked up an icicle.

He didn’t notice the black ichor fly into the air and dissipate. And the beasts circled them all.

Author's Note

Author's Notes Position

Nothing to see here.
Edit: Yesh. 69 likes!

Spirit of Earth: Strike

Thunderlane and the Cake Twins were surprised to see another group of workers were already there. They were almost beaten to death. Fluttershy was wrapped in vines and was stained with blood. A sheet covered another pony. A deer stood among the ponies and was frantically mixing herbs and wrapping up ponies in bandages. She was wet with perspiration and wore a worried expression on her face.

“Oh dear oh dear… The Ideals did this? But why?” She frantically muttered as she worked. She had a long blond mane that reached well beyond her hooves.

“Yo, is this your sis?” Pound asked Flora. He took to perching on the golem’s head.

“Yeah. Hey, Hazelnut. Long time no see!” Flora happily waved to the other deer. Hazelnut let out a yelp in surprise as she almost dropped the herbal medicine she just made. “See you haven’t changed much.” She grinned as she slid down the golem’s arm and in front of her.

“Sis!” She squealed happily as she grabbed Flora into a bone crushing hug. She spun but she tripped on her own her and both deer were sent tumbling. They shared a laugh for a moment. Thunderlane chuckled, Pumpiken ‘Awwwed’ and Pound gagged.

“Wait a minute. Hazelnut!?” Thunderlane got up with a start, only to lie back down in pain. “Trottingham’s Avalanche!? Holy shit.” Thunderlane swore as the golem set him down. “One of the strongest Adventurers alive.”

The deer blushed. “Ah, you’re too kind. I’m just a Platinum rank.” She then gasped as she returned to her patients. “These poor ponies need help. Could you all lend me a hoof?” She requested. Several workers immediately headed to their companions to give them aid.

“Just a Platinum rank?” The twins muttered at the same time.

“Geez sis, you didn’t even braid your hair?” Flora playfully chided.

“Well I had to travel all the way from White Tail Village.” She admitted. “I had to leave my armor behind too, it would have taken me too long.”

“Thank you for your help Miss Hazelnut.” She then gasped. “Oh we haven’t introduced ourselves. I’m Pumpkin Cake and this is my twin Pound Cake.” She cheerfully declared. “We’re really grateful for your help.” Pumpkin bowed in thanks.

“This used to be my home. And I want to help anyone I can. “She then turned and smiled at Thunderlane. “And this must be Thunderlane, Dusk talked about you and his other friends.”

“You met that guy?” Thunderlane asked, his eyebrows climbing to his forehead.

“This is still your home sis. The spirits themselves blessed you on your journey.” She jabbed her in the side with her hoof. “Whoa. Have you been working out?” Flora began poking her side.

“I thought your sister lived with you Flora.” Pound tilted his head in confusion.

“Yeah, Fern lives here with me. Hazelnut on the other hoof is an adventurer.” She explained. This raised up more questions, but neither of them seemed keen on explaining. “So what’s up sis?”

Hazelnut went on to explain that the spirits called her. She destroyed the talismans near a cavern and moved all of the workers to safety. The ponies were stupefied by her supposed strength. She then went on to explain that one of the workers were beyond her ability to help. She also thought that Fluttershy wouldn’t make it. But she’s somehow healing herself. Fluttershy was trashing in her sleep so she wrapped her up in vines.

“Wait how about Derpy!?” Thunderlane asked with concern.

“I’m sorry Mister Thunderlane, I didn’t see Miss Ditzy.” She apologized.

“Oh no…” Pumpkin despaired.

“Naw Pumpkin, I’m sure she’s fine.” Pound Cake tried to reassure her. But he didn’t seem convinced himself.

“We need to head for the Heart of the Forest.” Hazelnut declared. Flora’s normally playful expression turned serious.

“You know sis we can’t lead others there.” Flora firmly reminded.

“They have a plan to capture the Ancient Spirit.” She swallowed as she spoke. Flora looked at her in horror. “We can’t stop them alone.”

“You can’t be serious. No Shaman can bind a spirit that powerful.” Flora chuckled nervously. “They’re crazy. It can’t be done.”

“We have to move Flora.” She let out a yelp as she tripped on her hair. She tried to untangle herself for a few moments but failed. “I need help with my hair.” She smiled sheepishly as she struggled.

“No, they can’t come. With Fern we can handle the intruders. The ponies should tend to their own.”

“Master is gonna flip.” Pound concluded.

“Hah, yeah…” Thunderlane added. He tried to give a flap of his wings. “Ow ow ow ow!” He complained and he lay down again.

“Pound, we should stay here with them.” Pumpkin offered in concern. As Pound opened his mouth to complain she cut him up. “Look, somepony needs to watch all over them. And if we separate we’re a lot weaker. And Thunderlane and Angel are injured bad, they won’t be fighting anytime soon.” At Pound’s glare she stomped her hoof. “We need to watch over all of these ponies! They could be attacked. If there were more of us we could send one the town for help.”

“Yo dude. Pumpkin’s got a point.” Thunderlane sheepishly added. “I ain’t flying anytime soon. There’s Diane and Knives over there, they’ll kick anypony’s ass. Not to mention Dusk is pretty powerful too.” He turned to look at the deer sisters getting ready. “Plus we’ve weakened their forces somewhat. They can handle the rest.”

******

“This Stallion is crazy.” Fern declared. She wrapped up the unconscious Dusk in vines. She managed to heal his injuries. Dusk was mumbling obscenities and rather graphic descriptions on how he took the workers down. Fern winced as she looked at one of the Stallion’s injuries. He called it a pony on a stick.

She really tried not to think about how this dying stallion beat up a group of ponies. With a fish and a large icicle. “I knew nothing good would come out of this. Associating with ponies was a bad idea.” She stared at the sphere of ice which held the pink earth pony. “There’s nothing I could do for this one.” She ran a hoof along the surface. “A life of any creature is important. Even these selfish ponies.” She sighed sadly.

“I doubt pinks is dead.” Knives appeared from behind Dusk. She smiled at the lack of reaction. “Well now. Some deer is made of sterner stuff.” She complimented. Fern didn’t regard her. Dusk’s eyes opened and looked abound widely, he groaned and slipped into unconsciousness again.

“I’m not sure how you got here so fast. But I’m aware of all that moves in this forest.” She coolly replied. “But I need you to get everypony out of here. I shall deal with Celestia’s lackeys.”

Knives ran a hoof along the middle of the sphere. It split perfectly into two and deposited Pinkie on the dead grass. “I’m not arguing with that. I should get Diane back to the guild too.” She shrugged as she placed the pony on her back.

“She’s gone. Her spirit lingers but she’s dead.”

“Not really. I’ve died a few times. And I keep coming back.” She casually replied. “With Twilight’s help she won’t remain dead. As long as I can get her there in around 2 hours.”

“You ponies dare cheat death itself?” She asked in disbelief.

“She’s a mad scientist by the way. So yeah that’s what Twilight does.” She then paused for a moment. “Huh. But how about the creatures of this forest?” Knives asked. “Octavia did this weird ritual to let us run about without being mauled. But that doesn’t extend to the workers right?” She reasoned.

Fern stared at what she referred to as the ‘drunk one’. Which to her surprise was completely sober today. “Protection does not extend to these workers. But there are more pressing matters.” She coldly answers as she followed after the Ideals.

“Hey yey yey yey. That seems irresponsible.” Knives chided. “Well leaving them to die is the equivalent of killing them. Yeah I know about your oath.” She scratched her mane as she sensed several creatures lurking around. “Not to mention whatever I kill. Is because you left.”

Fern trotted over to the earth ponie and growled. “You dare?”

“Yeah!” She cheerily replied. “So give these ponies safe passage. I wouldn’t want to kill innocent animals. They’re just protecting their home.” She sighed as she gulped down her coffee. “That would be a shame.” She gave a condescending smile.

Fern shook in rage as the mare mocked her. “I will wait until your companions arrive. Isaac and another are heading this way.” She offered as a compromise. She gazed at the direction they we’re galloping from. “Between the three of you there is enough magic to teleport to safety. That is all I’m offering.” She spoke through gritted teeth. “They will lead them. And you will leave with them.”

“We’ll be drained though. Etheric quotient and some shit add up to just enough.” She shrugged again. “Eh. Dusk would be handy but he’s not waking up anytime soon.”

“Your answer pony?”

“But you can’t fight the Ideals alone.” Knives insisted. However she felt the power radiating of the deer. She drew power from the forest. “Impressive power I guess.” She didn’t add that power wasn’t a guarantee you would win a fight.

“You should not act concerned. I fight with the wrath of the forest.” She did not boast but rather state a fact. “And your answer?”

“Well I’m boooooooooooooooooooored!” Knives whined tugging on the tassels of her coat. She then grinned. “So, no! I do what I want motherbucker!” She yelled as she galloped in the direction of the Ideals.

She gaped as she stared at the mare quickly disappear through the dense foliage of the forest. Her companions just arrived to see the scene. The fluffy white unicorn sighed. “Not again…” He huffed, both were winded, having a hard time keeping up with the mare.

******

The bodies of various creatures lay on the ground, ripped apart or frozen in ice. Mist glared at another vine that crept at her. She raised and clenched a claw, sucking the water and leaving behind a shriveled vine. Aga seemed to be terrified.

“My lady we must turn back, the forest itself is attacking us.” He fearfully suggested.

“My father demands I complete this task, I will see it through.” She tensed as she saw a few Manticores. She raised her claws and the various plant life around her withered and died. She lashed out with water blades, cutting the beasts apart.

“We risk Censure! It’s not just harm or death it’s far far worse than that!” Aga’s tail twitched and he hurled his yoyo, crushing one of the Manticore’s head.

“They are gods. By divine command we are sent to carry out this task.” She firmly replied. “That’s heresy, do you dare question Their will?”

“No my lady! I am just concerned for all of us.”

“Then you lack faith. But you will learn, in time.”

“BLOODY TARTARUS! Get em off me!” Aga flinched as he heard Rusty wail. Aga rushed over to the source of the scream. A vine lashed out and he ducked under it. A flurry of vines attempted to wrap around and managed to slip and weave through the hazards. A few shrooms let out a cloud of gas, the momentary distraction allowed the vines to seize Aga.

Mist sighed and sucked the water out of the vines. They shriveled up and dropped the dizzy monkey. She held a sphere of water and the rest of the vines backed away.

“Ghost do something!” Rusty yelled desperately.

“Well sorry Rusty, this body has hardly any magic. I can’t use my own abilities as long as I’m in a body.”

Mist and Aga followed the voices and saw Rusty Rails bound by vines and assaulted by a Sentinel Golem. A grey Pegasus stood and watched him get pummeled. “Well everything has been ignoring me for some reason. So I refuse to go out. Grass is not normal, so it can hurt me.” She reasoned. Her voice for some reason was deep and the sclera of her eyes were red.

“Enough of this.” Mist launched blades of water that cut apart the golem and vines. Rusty dropped down and groaned, only for the cut up pieces of the golem to fall on top of him. A few moments later he shoved the rocks aside with a grunt.

“You coulda helped me ya know?” He glared at the grey Pegasus. Ghost coughed and pointed to the disappointed cat. “My lady” Both of them bowed.

“Pleasure seeing you here.” Ghost gave an unsettling smile. “I’ve been trying to get information from the adventurer’s head. But instead of fighting me she walled herself in.” He tapped the side of Derpy’s head.

“If she would expend her willpower trying to fight you’d find an opening I suppose.” Mist concluded.

“Correct my lady. You’re spot on.” Derpy’s body slumped over and Ghost flew out. “Well we’re getting closer. Where is big purple and flashy boy by the way?” He curiously asked.

“Alistar is dead and Flash probably is too.” Aga reported bitterly.

“Flash had it coming, big purple however wasn’t so bad, he was purple after all.” Ghost dismissed with a shrug.

“Hey you! Stop. Look and Listen!”

“Here we go with the primitive.” Ghost rolled his eyes as the monkey berated him in his native language. Berating him about the importance of teamwork, their oath and other things. Ghost probably ignored him either way, he was in fact thankful he didn’t understand a word that came from the monkey’s mouth.

“Enough.” Mist firmly interjected. They both flinched. “We need to make way for the heart of the forest.” She turned to Ghost. “Are we near?”

The purple blob shrugged. “Yeah. But I feel something headed for us.” He looked around before shrugging again.

“The bloody Deer I’d bet. It’s ‘bout time.” Rusty cracked his neck and grinned. Ghost gave the stallion a knowing smile, in an attempt to remind him about earlier. He didn’t notice.

Mist gave a grin. “Perhaps. I wonder why the Guardians haven’t stopped us. They might be preparing for a last stand.” Her ears twitched and she frowned. She raised her paw, the water freezing into a shield. A flurry of rocks were blocked.

Aga let out his yoyo in the direction the rocks came from. A pebble hit the back of his head. He let out a snarl and launched the other yoyo from where the pebble came from. A green figure blurred and stopped inches in front of his face, the mare Knives grinned lazily. They stared dumbly as she leapt back and did a little dance.

“What?” Aga and Rusty asked in unison. Aga then noticed that his yoyos did not come back, in his hands were only long pieces of string. The monkey simply stared in shock. A large rock fell on top of him, crushing him under the weight.

“As far as last words go, that was pretty lame.” Knives commented. “And man you gotta try this coffee stuff. It apparently cures depression!” She dived behind a tree as ice blades were hurled at her. “Heh. I wonder how Diane and Angel lost to you clowns.”

Ghost rushed over and pushed over the rock. “This is gonna hurt a lot. PAIN SPLIT!” Ghost let out a screech as wounds appeared all over his head, and some of the cuts on Aga’s body closed up. He let out a sigh of relief, he barely saved the monkey. “Imma head off boss, to do the thing.” He wheezed as he sank into the ground.

“Huh, neat.” Knives chuckled.

“Rusty, could you kindly give me her head?” Mist commanded.

“You aren’t gonna get any head from me! We both have tacos!” Knives shouted back.

They all stood in awkward silence. Mist and Rusty dumbfounded by her remarks. They simply couldn’t believe they weren’t taken seriously and they had no idea on what the mare was talking about. Mist began to tremble and grind her teeth, she just about had it for today.. “HER. HEAD. NOW!” She yelled as she launched a water blade that cut down the tree Knives hid behind.

Knives peeked her head out slowly and Rusty charged her. “Nopony can take a joke these days…”

She leapt out of the way as Rusty smashed the tree trunk. Rusty pressed the attack while Mist launched water blades and icicles. She danced around, narrowly avoiding the attacks, the two pronged assault something she wasn’t used too. Eventually she got hit in the gut and tumbled. She recovered and caught an icicle with her teeth.

She leapt at Rusty and plunged the icicle into his left shoulder. He let out a cry of pain. Knives wrapped her hooves around his head, in an attempt to snap his neck. He snapped at her with his metal jaws forcing her to release him.

After a time she dived behind another tree. Mist sucked more water out of the surrounding plant life, preparing another powerful water blade. She halted her channeling as she heard a grinding sound. Behind the tree, Knives was sharpening a rock. “Wait! I need a knife!” She called out.

Mist’s eye twitched and Rusty Rails slowly crept behind a tree. Mist let out a scream of pure rage and froze a good twenty meters of the forest floor. “I’m trying to murder you, would you take this seriously!?”

“Wow me too! But surprise surprise, we’re both failing!” Knives shot back. She leapt out with a crude stone dagger in her mouth. She had a smug look on her face and mumbled something. Mist shot a small water blade, snapping the dagger. Knives spat out the rest and grumbled. “Buck this.”

Mist glared at the mare and grabbed Derpy with her magic. “Enough.” She snarled. She held an ice blade to Derpy’s throat. “Do you want to risk your comrade’s life?” Mist sneered.

“Hah! Jokes on you, we’re immoral!” Knives boasted.

Mist stared at the mare and gave a tired sigh. “I can’t simply begin to understand what is wrong with these ponies.” She muttered under her breath.

“I think she means immortal boss.” Rusty piped up, stepping from behind his cover.

“Thank you, I did not know that.” Mist snarled sarcastically.

“Yeah, that too!” She yelled. More silence for a bit.

“Do you care so little for your Guildmate?” Mist pressed the blade, drawing blood. “Stand down and I might spare you both.”

“Naw. You’d just kill me too. She’d think it would be really dumb to throw both of our lives away.” Knives pantomimed adjusting a pair of glasses and gave a ‘know-it-all look’. “Knives, your best option is too distract them until backup arrives. You’re quite the pest after all.” Knives pulled her hood back. “Eh. Not my best impression. And not the best suggestion.”

Her red aura flared and she grinned. “So plan B, bludgeon to death.”

Mist encased Derpy in ice and tossed her away, gathering more water from the surroundings. Rusty charged Knives, only to get an uppercut to the chin, shattering his metal jaw. She then kicked him, knocking him into a tree.

Knives skated on the ice, somehow avoiding the ice spikes that erupted from the ground. She kept moving because the ice floor was dangerous, all of the ice and water that Mist could manipulate. More spike went up along with patches of water freezing and unfreezing in attempt to ensnare her.

Mist was getting more and more infuriated by the moment. Eventually the ice floor began to bleed steam. Knives took the opportunity to attack. Mist launched ice projectiles and the same tactics as earlier but it seemed to be weaker. The ice projectiles breaking against Knives protective aura.

Mist was shaken and her magic wasn’t responding properly. Knives was upon her and Mist cowered, a dome of ice encasing her as a response. She poured her magic into it but it cracked under the assault of the green hooded mare. The dome shattered and she was knocked back due to the feedback.

Her magic wouldn’t work for a few moments, a precious few moments lost due to the magical feedback. A heartbeat was enough to end a fight. To turn the tide. So she lay there and waited for the end.

It didn’t come.

She slowly sat up and stared at Knives, who somehow got Derpy out of the ice. She carefully bundled up the mare in her hoodie, frowning in concern. Knives body was revealed to be covered in ugly scars and patches of pink skin. What disturbed Mist that the mare didn’t have a cutie mark. Knives caught the gaze and gave a smug smirk.

“Next time I’ll gut you. Bring your A game princess.” She then broke into a gallop, headed for the outskirts of the forest. Mist fell on her back and lay there for a time, the surrounding wildlife seemed to relent in its assault. The ice melted, then boiled along shame and rage. She promised the mare was going to regret her mercy.

Author's Note

This chapter is a little short.

I live in the Philippines. I work a few cities away from where my parents live. And I get there via shuttle. I was laid off due to them adapting a skeletal workforce. So that means I get to write more right? Wrong. I returned to my parents house to take care of them. Going out and doing their stuff because they are quite old and I don't want them to go out. The virus probably hasn't reached my city but the one I worked in had at least one positive a few days ago. I hope it doesn't blow out of proportions.

We don't have quarantine or lock down and everyone is just going about normal. Which kinda scares because people don't seem to care. So i'll just stay here for a while. Updates as usual still though.

Spirit of Earth: Heart

Thunderlane and the Cakes were restless. The deer have left for a time now and they were still waiting for the others. They haven’t have word of any of their guildmates. Fluttershy woke up violently, promising to painfully murder a certain fat purple blob. Eventually she stopped because the vines held her tightly, leaving her to her morbid thoughts.

Eventually a large green flash erupted, leaving a bunch of singed workers and guild members. Hundreds of green motes flew back to the forest. Diane was on Octavia’s back. Isaac let out a bleat and collapsed. The workers looked pretty beat up, Octavia glared at them and they sulked towards their comrades.

Pumpkin rushed over to them. “Where’s are the others?” She asked in a panicked tone. The purple stallion groaned and raised a hoof, lying down where the workers were. “How about the others?” Pumpkin demanded.

Octavia scoffed and whispered. “I don’t know.” She admitted.

Pumpkin’s ears hugged her head. Pound flew over and tried to cheer her up. “Things are fine sis! Knives and Ditzy Doo are going to take them all down.” He sounded confident. Thunderlane wisely kept quiet on how three of their powerful combatants were down, not wanting to spoil things.

Dusk’s horn was cracked, but he seemed capable of casting some spells. He was in a foul mood and he looked like he was going to skewer the workers. The workers wilted under his gaze. He then stared at the body of Diane. “I’m getting myself a pair of neko ears. And a tail.” He ground his teeth in rage.

The mission was already complete. But their guildmates were still there with Celestia’s men. Fluttershy looked around, everpony from the guild suddenly had their eyes on her. She took a few calming breaths, seeing that she was the highest ranking member present.

“Okay, all of you head back to Ponyville.” She simply commanded. Ignoring their protests she turned to Dusk. “I need a sword, can you still summon one?” Dusk closed his eyes and a Kukri fell at his hooves. His horn sparked as he lifted the blade.

“Anything in particular?” He asked in that otherworldly voice.

“The best you have.” She simply replied.

“You’re not getting it. Unless I come.”

Fluttershy mulled it over for a bit. “Sure, just don’t slow me down.” Before Pumpkin could complain Fluttershy explained the situation. “I need you to get these losers out of here Pumpkin. And get everypony.” She grinned at Dusk. “I wonder if Henry would like a purple mochi…. or cat meat.” Dusk chuckled darkly.

“Henry?” Pound asked.

“Oh, my friend. It’s hard to find fresh fish these days for a bear. He’s have to make do with this.” She clarified in that sickly sweet tone of hers. At their blank looks she smiled innocently. “What? It would be a waste you know.”

“…Do you have a shed?” Dusk joked, finding something extremely funny about it.

“No. A basement.” Dusk decided to keep quiet at that statement.

“Hey guys? I hate to be that guy, but shouldn’t we hightail it out of here?” Thunderlane suggested. He flinched at Fluttershy’s intense stare. He swallowed and gathered his thoughts. “Look, I can’t fly. Isaac and Diane are out for the count. Octavia is useless right n-“

Immediately the twins held back the charcoal earth pony, for once Thunderlane didn’t seem to be amused. “Dusk’s horn is cracked and the Twins have to see all of these ponies out.” He lay down the situation.

“I don’t give a damn. I’m killing that motherfucker.” He turned to Fluttershy. “And Angel here has a score to settle.”

“Guys! We head back to town and get the entire guild!” Pound suggested.

Thunderlane thought this over. “Yeah, that be epic. A great stomping for sure.” He grinned.

Octavia shook off the Pound Cake. “The forest has gone silent mostly. Something bad is about to happen.” She grimly supplied. “We don’t have the time to wait for back up. And this is our problem too.”

Pound huffed. “How is this OUR problem? We completed the mission, all that’s left is a good stomping.”

Dusk’s eyes opened in realization. “Pumpkin?”

“Yes?”

“Our potions are made from the forest’s ingredients right?”

“That’s right…”

“So what if the bad guys capture the ancient spirit that keep things going?”

Everypony stared at him. “The what now?” Pound and Thunderlane asked in chorus.

“Buck.” Octavia swore.

“The deer were talking about that…” Pumpkin recalled as she scratched her mane. “But spirits aren’t real!” She bursted out.

“Yeah, that’s bonkers.” Pound agreed.

“Spirits are real filly.” Octavia grumbled. “Without the spirits the forest would have died a long time ago. How do you think the forest knows about things?”

“Yeah, like your grandpa. Do you still talk to him?” Fluttershy sneered. Pumpkin had to rein in the charcoal pony again.

“Look, we’re magical ponies. Are spirits that hard to believe in?” Dusk irritably added.

Pumpkin mulled it over. “The Ideals would not go through all of this if there wasn’t anything important. Most forests don’t act this way. So could it be a magical artifact?” She suggested.

“Yeah! Makes more sense than spirits.” Pound nodded.

Dusk growled and cut the vines that ensnared Fluttershy with a medieval sword. It glowed with a sickening green aura. He hovered it in front of Fluttershy and she tilted her head. “Where did you get a cursed sword?”

“A black scottish Cyclops.” Dusk simply replied. Fluttershy just stared at him in confusion. “Also, it’s not talking for some reason. It’s usually very talkative.”

“Whatever.”Fluttershy rolled her eyes and held the hilt in her mouth. She hovered and grabbed Dusk. Before any of her teammates could voice their protests she shot off with Dusk in tow.

“Crabapples.” Pound swore. “Now what sis?”

“We should do as she says. We should get going.” Pound and Pumpkin herded up all of the workers and led then to town. Octavia stared at the forest for a while longer, afraid of what was going to happen.

******

Using Rest again Ghost was fully restored.

Ghost resurfaced from the ground, contrary to popular belief he had harder time remaining incorporeal than solid. He’d have to eat and rest for a bit. The forest seemed to cease in its attempts to murder him. But he wouldn’t relax just yet. The Guardians could be channeling the forest’s energies into their bodies. Only they had the proper attunement.

The optimistic thought was that the forest realized its efforts were futile. Unlikely.

From what he understood of the spirit’s message it had a physical form. He had a few options here. First was to try to forcefully take over the spirit’s body. Very dangerous, a soul that old could destroy him. Second he could wear the person down with Dream Eater, then take control using nightmares and hallucinations. According to the intel none of the Guild members here had any abilities to counter those kinds of assault. But it would take too long, reinforcements could come.

Third option wasn’t pretty. He could simply destroy the person’s mind. “Fuck. Who am I kidding? I haven’t done much of this shit.” Ghost lamented. In theory he could pull it off. But it could have unexpected consequences. It could destroy miles and miles of land. “This is what I get for pretending to be a ‘specialist’.” He lamented, paling slightly.

*Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.*

Ghost decided that whatever it was it wasn’t good. He quickly pulled out a few tiny berries and downed them. He sank once more into the ground and headed to the source. To his dismay it was the Guardians. The smaller one wore a cloak and rode a stone golem. The other wore an armor of stone and thick vines. As he stared he realized the vines were moving and flowers sprouted in her braided hair.

“This is bad.” He whispered. His head was barely poking out. “I have to get around- yipe!” He floated out of the way as thorny vines lashed out at him. The golem plunged its fists into the ground and more vines shot out of the earth, attempting to ensnare him. Ghost floated around dodging the attacks. Hazelnut charged but to her surprise she harmlessly passed through him.

Ghost plunged into the earth and popped right in front of Flora. He grabbed her by the head and his eyes turned into spirals. He forced her to look at him. “Look into my- OW!” A rock hit him in the head causing him to flinch and fall to the ground.

“Get away from her!” Hazelnut shouted as she rushed over and grabbed Flora. The golem attempted to step on him several times. He let out a shriek of terror as he crawled away. He once more dove into the ground.

“Ugh. What is that thing?” Flora groaned, clutching her head.

Ghost was panicking. He couldn’t float through terrain soon. He had to find a way to end this fight. He popped back out a few meters away from them and telekinetically threw the golem away. “Psychic!”

“Daisy!” Flora cried out.

He lifted his foot and stomped. “Earthquake!” The ground shook, causing the ground to shake and throwing the deer off balance.”

Ghost felt he was running low. Apparently the cost of more than four moves was a debilitating few uses of all moves he knew. Out of Rest. He still had Solarbeam, Curse, Confuse Ray, Earthquake, Psychic, Dream Eater, Hypnosis, Shadow Ball and Lick. A few uses of most except Ghost and Psychic moves.

He wondered if Displaced could do it because Pokémon from the show were basically powered critters. And people were smarter? “Wait no, Alakazams are smarter than humans… I think?”

More vines. And rocks. He got whipped a few times. Then he stabbed himself with a claw. This shocked the deer. “Curse.” He croaked. This was enough to stop the battle for a few minutes. He laughed and wiped off some blood that was dripping from his mouth.

Then Hazelnut felt it. She coughed up blood and collapsed. “Hazel!” Flora screamed in terror and she embraced her sister. “What did you do to her you freak!?”She shouted in rage.

Hazelnut coughed violently before rising to her hooves again. She flashed with a green aura and she recovered. Ghost knew that if they still have the forest’s magics they might as well have unlimited magic. But the Move was very painful, next time she was inflected he would try and finish her off. He could probably pull it off.

“Kekekekekeke.” He laughed. “So these are the forest guardians eh?” He popped a few blue berries into his mouth and chewed. His injuries healed. The golem came lumbering back.

Flora looked ready to fight again but Hazelnut blocked her with a hoof. “I’m giving you a chance. I beg of you, leave and never come back.” Hazelnut requested. “There doesn’t need to be any more bloodshed today. So please, turn back.” She begged.

Ghost pretended to give it thought. “Nah. I cashed in with the Queen. After she establishes things I’m set for life.” He grinned wickedly as Hazelnut coughed violently again. “Magic can only do so much. Eventually your body won’t heal from my little trick. So I don’t think you can stop me.”

Vines quickly wrapped around his body, the thorns dragging gashes around his body. He let out a screech of terror and tried to struggle. His efforts only hurt him more so he ceased. “There was only two… Oh! You’re Avalanche!” Ghost declared with glee. “So that means the other forest guardian is behind me! Kekekeke- GACK!” He flailed around as the vines tightened.

“You should have left while you could.” Fern coldly remarked as she stepped out. “The forest does not take kindly to such insults.” She then directed a hot gaze to Hazelnut. “And you shouldn’t be here.”

Hazelnut lowered her head in shame. “Fern! She came all the way here to help us!” Flora stomped her hoof. “And the forest welcomed her. It’s not up to you to decide.” She fumed.

Fern turned red. “She left us! She turned her back on us. She went on that silly little adventure of hers!”

“For us! Without mates our line would be finished!”

The vines slackened a bit. “Awkward…” Ghost sing songed. “Is it a bad time? I can come back latter to appropriate- GACK!” He squirmed again as the vines tightened. He wished that one of them would step closer.

“Keep quiet you filth.” She growled in his face. Ghost was cheering in his head. He used Hypnosis on her. She fell asleep and the vines slackened. Before either of the deer could react he slipped out of the vines and grabbed the unconscious Fern.

“Dream Eater.” He whispered. Cuts and burns appeared all over her body as she whimpered. His own injuries faded and he inhaled deeply. “Oh that’s the stuff. You’d be surprised what she dreamed of.” Hazelnut tried to charge him but she doubled over in pain, still under the effects of Curse.

The vines started to creep behind him but he simply floated away. “Nuh uh! Simmer down or I’m killing this deer.” A black blob appeared in his hand and he held it close to Fern’s face. “You lot are adorable. It would be a shame if I would tear apart a pretty face.”

Both deer were paralyzed, one wrong move and their sister could die. Flora was crying now and was trembling. Hazelnut got up again, her injuries healing again. “Let her go.” Hazelnut demanded.

“Hypnosis.” The Shadow Ball dissipated and his eyes turned into swirls. To his surprise Hazelnut closed her eyes for a few moments, the reopened them. “You already figured it out? Eh, clever one.” He praised.

“But I want you two to fall asleep. And then I’ll go on my way.”

“Sorry we can’t do that.” Flora sniffed.

“Okay then, Curse.” He stabbed himself with a claw. Flora’s eyes widened then she gritted her teeth. “If I stay here you’ll both die. The Curse will wear off once I leave. Even with your magic you won’t hold out forever.” Both deer collapsed in pain. “Case in point.”

Before they could heal from their injuries he grabbed Hazelnut by the hair and forced her to look at him. He tried to bat him with his hooves but her blows went through. “Hypnosis.” She tried to fight her sleepiness but she succumbed to it.

“Now you. Huh, you smell like flowers.” He grinned as he pushed the golem away with Psychic again. Her eyes were red and she was trembling.

“Whatever you’re planning it will fail.”

“Maybe. But it’s worth a shot.” He shrugged and grabbed her. “Shhhhhh. Don’t worry, it’ll just be like a bad dream.” He cooed as he wiped her tears. “Hypnosis.” She went limp and he dropped her.

He grinned maliciously and he did a little skip towards the Heart of the forest. He shivered as he felt someone else arrive. “Fuck. It’s never easy.” He turned around and saw the formerly hooded mare, Knives. He sweated as he realized something. “You beat them!?” He pointed at Knives as his eyes and tongue bulged in a cartoonish fashion.

“Yeah. You’re not too bad yourself…” She waved her hoof in the air, trying to recall if his name was spoken.

“Ghost.” He bowed and smiled.

“I can’t believe you beat the three of them Ghost. They’re very powerful.” She shook her head. “I’m going to have to stop you here.”

He looked her up and down and raised his claws. “What, you’re going to give me a bad time?” He cackled at a joke only he got. She didn’t seem insulted.

“I guess?” She offered. She looked behind her and sighed. “Two of you I suppose.”

Ghost looked hopeful at his comrade that arrived. “HEY! Flashy boi!” He crowed in relief. They both took a closer look at the Pegasus and broke into hysterical laughter. Flash Sentry’s mane was shaved off, clumps of sap, twigs, mud and wood stuck to his armor.

“Who did that to you!?” Knives wheezed.

“Curse. Kekekekeekekeek!” Ghost stabbed himself while laughing. Knives eyes gleamed as she glared at him. He took a few steps back, he wondered if she noticed.

“Weird, what did you do to me?” She growled. Ghost felt the atmosphere change, the bloodlust radiating from the mare. Blood trailed down her eyes and mouth. She wiped it off and stared at her bloodied hoof. “Huh, that’s a lot. I guess I have to repay the favor.”

She dashed over and punched him the face. Instead of phasing through he seemed to crumple on himself as he got knocked away. He recovered midair and hastily threw a Shadow Ball. She dodged it and closed in on him. She hit him with a flurry of punches. Her attack was cut short as she clutched her own gut in pain.

Ghost released another Shadow Ball and Flash slashed her in the back with his swords. “Why you-“ Her words were cut off by another Shadow Ball to the face. She twisted and yanked one of the blades from Flash’s grasp, she was aiming for his neck but he grabbed it with his mouth. She flipped over him and landed on Flash’s back.

Despite the now alarming amount of blood running down her mouth she grabbed the blade and pulled hard. Flash bit hard, preventing the blade from moving. Black lightning coursed all over his body. She ignored all of the pain and jumped over, twisting the other blade from his grip and stabbing him in the chest. Her strength allowed the blade to go through his armor.

Ghost kneeled down and popped the health potion – bottle and all – into his mouth.

He stepped back in shock and stared at his own sword embedded in his chest. He made a gurgling sound before collapsing. He lay on the ground twitching. After what felt like an eternity his lifeless eyes were still on the mare that killed him.

Ghost didn’t waste his time hallway through her maneuver he was charging his Solarbeam. As she finished he launched the blast at her. “SOLARBEAM!” He yelled. A thick layer of magic enveloped Knives and the blast didn’t hurt her as bad. But she was finished. Her body was burned all over and one eye was swollen shut. Her fur was coated with large amounts of her own blood.

Ghost looked at the deer and realized that everyone could die from his curse. And he almost died from every Curse that he used and the damage he sustained. He floated over past the barely standing mare and turned to his objective. She fell on her back and she wheezed out. “I’ve… had worse.” She chuckled.

“Derpster better take care of my coat…” She moaned as she passed out.

Ghost simply ignored her, lost in his own thoughts. After he left the effects of Curse subsided. The damage had already been done, he wondered how far behind the Guild was and if they could still save them. He wondered about the fate of his comrades. He didn’t really care for most of them, he was in this for his own interests.

He was afraid of going back however. The wrath of Celestia and Sir Platinum would be immeasurable. He needed to get the power. If he was successful he would be forgiven perhaps. If he came back empty-handed he would be tortured for a very long time.

He briefly considered running away with the power. But he knew that power did not make one unstoppable. This world’s Celestia had been foiled over and over again and she had power of immense proportions.

Eventually he reached a massive tree.

He couldn’t feel anything magical about it actually. But the dreams of the Spirit of Earth were used to pinpoint its exact location. He wondered if it was dormant or if it was beyond his ability to sense.

It was ten times wider than any of the other trees. Its roots reached out from the ground and curled around. The green motes of light dissipated as he looked around. There was an entrance, the wood curled around like a miniature archway. He treaded slowly, on guard for any vines.

As he entered he saw a small spring of the clearest water he ever saw, sparkling like the brightest gens. In the center was a light blue bud wrapped up in vines. Blue, green and golden motes danced around the bud. The motes froze mid-air then charged at him. He held a Shadow Ball in his hand which sucked the motes on contact, when many of them diminished the vines holding the bud withered and the water darkened.

He felt like there were a thousand screams. He clutched his ears and growled. It was too late, he had no choice but to follow through. Wadding through the water he placed a hand on the bulb. Fading into a purple smog he entered the bulb.

OoOoOoOoOoO

Ghost wasn’t that experienced in dominating minds. Derpy just let him in, but not before isolating herself and all of her secrets and thoughts. He couldn’t get much informations without committing all of himself. If she had any experience in the dream realm – that maneuver was proof enough – she could slip through and destroy his own mind. But she hid instead.

Ghost’s own outer mindscape was filled with his old life, when he wasn’t actively shaping it. Skyscrapers, people the endless grind of life. He growled and pushed it all into himself. Leaving a landscape that changed colors slowly, waves and waves of color. It was oddly relaxing for him and a reminder of something from his childhood.

He wondered for a moment if someone would ask questions to describe his nature.

He wandered out and came across a wall. The wall was all that divided him and the other person. He was on guard, the wall was paper thin in a matter of speaking and he could simply push it away. But why did she even put a wall in the first place? Did this person want him in?

These sorts of battles were a battle of willpower. It actually required little skill to defend oneself. In invading you were at a disadvantage if the person had knowledge to protect himself. In a person’s own mind you had to wear them down, dominate them, and break them.

Skills like this require absolute discipline of the mind and control. If your focus is scattered you’d be easily destroyed. Most would say that Ghost was a person who could not concentrate on one thing. That he would be destroyed easily.

He managed to fend off Princess Luna and protect his mind once. This was the feat that got him noticed. She was the only pony in existence with a lot of power, experience in battles of the mind. He knew what to do with practice and theory. Defend by concentrating your thoughts. Attack with painful memories and willpower. Distract with paradoxes, impossible concepts and weirdness.

He gambled on dropping his defense and distracting her instead. The many years on the internet provided him with the ammunition he needed. Bizarre and foreign concepts were flinged at her like thousands of flies and wasps. And all he need was her to be distracted and he could push back. As she wavered he knocked her out of his mind with all he could master, her own defense weakened by his plan.

He never slept much after that. He knew he would get him next time. He was reqruited so here he is, trying to dominate a mind of one of the most powerful forces on this world. Fail and face the wrath of the other powerful forces. Heck he could die.

He grinned. He wouldn’t fail. ‘I’m going all in, risking it all. I will have everything.’ He promised. He shattered the flimsy wall and it felt like hot sand peppered him. He simply deflected it and went deeper.

‘You won’t. Leave.’ She replied. Mental walls were already in place. Ghost realized that she was simply stalling, shoring up her defenses. She was clever and had experience in the landscape.

Ghost focused his will and crashed against the mental wall. It cracked but didn’t collapse. Her will was slightly stronger. Time to bust out his specialty.

A piece of his mind broke off and flew into the crack.

(oOoOoOoO)

A city like Manehattan only smaller, under the cover of night. Time seemed to be frozen as birds stopped mid-air. Strange metal shells with wheels were around the roads. Hairless apes- with the exception of their heads for most- with clothing of all sorts dined at a restaurant. It was like a 3D picture.

At a bridge a one of these hairless apes lay. He wore all black and had an impressive – if unrealistic musculature – he had a desperate expression on his face. He was beaten up a bit. A sexy looking ape wearing golden pants and jacket was carrying a weird cart with two large cylinders as wheels.

“Roada rolla da!”

(oOoOoOoO)

‘What in the river-‘

‘Muda Muda Muda Muda Muda Muda! MUDAAAAA!’ Ghost yelled as he broke through several walls. She regained her composure and regained her focus. She wondered who was invading her mind and how did he think of bizarre things such as whatever that was.

He caught glimpses of her mind. A desert, cat nomads wrapped in cloth and traveling. That explained why she gave her energies to this forest.

‘Leave now!’ A wave a willpower washed over him. He concentrated his will to steel himself against the assault.

‘Give in!’ He shouted as he crashed against more walls. A concentrated tendril of will attempted to skewer him. He split his mind into hundreds of pieces to dodge and he attack the walls all over.

(oOoOoOoO)

He started with a dancing dog and one of these hairless apes dance along to the words ‘dance till your dead’ repeated over and over again.

A large dinosaur dancing. The other sat on a crate and strummed a banjo. Someone was signing in the background.. ‘Couri roooooo dek me hooooo to da place wer ah behloooooo-’

Two biped wearing red and blue suits were on a bed. One sat on the other, straddling his back, suddenly he slapped the other’s butt with both hands. It was very audible. This repeated several times, speeding up every once in a while.

A hairless ape wearing a business suit and had a pyramid shaped head that floated and rotated. His arms were extended in both directions as he floated. A fat cartoon duck with a yellow toupee wearing a blue suit shot the hairless ape with a gun that shot coins. ‘Obama pleaaaaaaaaaaase.’

Two hairless apes held plastic light sticks that were shaped like swords. One drew his sword. ‘All women, are queens.’ the drew his too and shouted back ‘ If she breathes, she’s a THOOOOOOOOT.’ She could feel the fury from his voice. The then clashed in a rather lackluster fashion.

A comic. One of these hairless apes traveled to their future. She was greeted by a construct of metal, a golem of some sort perhaps, incredibly intelligent however. She was looking for adventure. The construct offered a pill that would make her feel all pleasant without the dangers of adventure. Then it was revealed that there were millions of boxes with people in the same state, drunken with bliss. Forever.

‘This lamb is so fucking raw it’s still following Mary to school! YOU FUCKING DONKEY!’

‘I like big bois. Itty bitty bois-‘

A fat blob with a wicked grin and red eyes started at her. He wore a black trench coat and he had a Katana in his side. With a beard that fell off his face. ‘Can you have some SAUCE? Shoryuken!’ He yelled, his hands cupped as he bombarded her with lewd images of these hairless apes. Mostly female with extremely large mummeries. Doing all sorts of things. Unspeakable things.

Any many many more things he showed her.

(oOoOoOoO)

‘SWEET MAKER MAKE IT STOP MAKE IT STOP!’ She shrieked. All of her mental resistances melted away.

He found himself standing in the endless expanse of the dessert. A crystal ball was at his feet. He held it to his face a looked at the figure inside. She was a brown and yellow cat wrapped in bandages. She was cowering and crying, muttering things to herself. She peeked at him with her emerald eyes before wailing and covering her ears.

He won. He didn’t know how to feel. He didn’t think it would be this easy. ‘Humans are really mad creatures are they?’ He felt dirty. It made sense however. People who could go on with their lives like that were truly mad. And to say that was his greatest strength in the mindscape was somehow THIS was very disturbing for him.

He would survive, that was all that mattered now. But he would have a little fun first.

Author's Note

Imma put this here instead of next week. Because stuff. Also please check out my other story https://www.fimfiction.net/story/462625/crimson-warlord-how-do-i-feel. If you liked this I think you would like that too I guess?

Spirit of Earth: Gone

Derpy was bundled up in Knives hood. She had just woken up. She suddenly felt very scared, the creature that invaded her mind had horrifying concepts. She decided to close herself up and relinquish control. She wasn’t a strong flyer, her mind was her greatest strength so she protected it. What she knew was dangerous.

She glided down the tree and she winced. She put a hoof to her side. “Broken ribs…” She muttered. She tied the garment around her barrel and hissed. Her broken would puncture her organs if she didn’t tie her barrel tight. Potions were not even in the question, her ribs would not heal properly unless it was a rejuvenation potion.

And she had none of her tools, chemicals and herbs. Hydra blood was one crucial ingredient and they were at Foggy Bottom bog. She looked around, wracking her mind for a substitute. She couldn’t think of any. She had none of her flares. She had to find a way out of the forest or wait for her Guildmates to find her. In her current state she was easy pickings.

She decided to find a hiding spot and wait everything out, she was patient after all.

But then the earth rumbled and quaked. She rushed to a tree and ducked, holding her hooves above her head. It stopped after a while and she remained in her position, aftershocks were a thing. None came and she relaxed slightly.

But then something horrible started. The grass around her withered and died. Various plants and herbs followed. Animals were rushing out of the forest. The trees turned black and their leaves fell and quickly rotted, the branches of the trees twisted like claws.

A pack of wolves were rushing out but the one in the lead saw her. She lay completely still and slowed her breathing until it was no longer noticeable. The wolf grabbed her by her and ran towards the exit of the forest. She lay limp even if she was in agony, she had no remaining strength to fight them off. She noted that this was very odd however.

The wolves stopped for a moment at the rumble of the earth, but then they pressed on. She felt something was going on. Something very wrong.

******

Octavia volunteered to sprint ahead and update the guild. Leaving the twins and the now conscious Isaac to guard the ponies. The workers have all taken a beating from various ponies and allowed themselves to be led back to their boss. All of them were complaining about the crazy ponies of the guild.

Thunderlane refused to be helped and he stubbornly limped with the group, much to Isaac’s dismay. “Come on Thunderlane, I can lift you. Or at the very least support you.” He pleaded.

“Look Isaac, I’m fine. We’re all just a little beaten up.” He grumbled, he was clearly still in pain.

“We’re not!” Pound proclaimed as he held his twin. Pumpkin stared at him in disappointment. Thunderlane grumbled about the energetic ponies.

“I wonder… What if the spirits Octavia keep talking about are real?” Pumpkin spoke up.

“They are!” Isaac enthusiastically replied. “Sis always told me they were fairies. They guide me when I’m lost in the forest and they show me all sorts of cool things! I also feel energized when they’re around.”

Thunderlane and Pumpkin exchanged a troubled look. “So these… spirits helped you teleport?”

“Yeah! Sis disappeared so she couldn’t help me. Then they circled around me and gave me magic.” He beamed. “Well… it was a bit scary though.” Isaac nervously admitted.

Thunderlane looked again at Pumpkin and she interpreted his question. “Between Octavia and Isaac there’s no way he could teleport that many ponies. With Knives however the magical loop could handle the jump, but the amount of strain…” She explained.

Pound was asking questions non-stop about the forest. Thunderlane looked scared. “How powerful he is?”

“Almost as powerful as Rarity or Lyra.” She walked up the limping Pegasus and whispered. “His primary magic is healing however and he doesn’t have any offensive spells.” Thunderlane shook his head.

“And you?”

“I’m not that powerful… It’s just me and Pound can perform magical empowerment loop, ours is more powerful because we’re twins. My primary magic is fire based so together my spells can be devastating.” This sank in and Thunderlane was sweating nervously.

A horrifying idea occurred to him. “What if Twilight and Dusk teamed up for spells?” He then thought about it. “Dusk is capable of extremely long ranged teleports. Twilight soaks spells up like a sponge and is probably the most powerful unicorn in our guild.”

She thought about it for a bit. “Dusk has some really powerful spells, but from what you tell me they’re on the same level. But it wouldn’t work.”

“Good.” He replied in relief. “But why?”

“They’re not synced. They’re two very different ponies. MEL can only work if the ponies are united. In Vinyl’s and Dusk’s case it caused her harm and she lost control of her magic.”

Then Isaac began to scream. He was covering his ears and thrashing on the ground, tears streamed down his face. Everyone else felt that something terrible had just happened. Pound and Pumpkin rushed to his side. Thunderlane looked at the forest and saw the vibrant blue was slowly turning dark. Isaac was incoherent, foreign sounds came from his mouth. He eventually collapsed and fell unconscious.

The workers watched the trashing young pony, only to be horrified by the sudden change in the forest.

******

Aga was up and about finally. He scampered around looking for Rusty and the Princess. She was nowhere to be found but he eventually came across the brown stallion. His metal jaw was shattered and he was leaning against a tree. Inches away from him was a bloody sack.

He glanced at Aga then cast his gaze upwards. Aga slowly walked to him. “Rusty… Have you seen Our Lady?” He hesitantly asked. Rusty slowly looked at him and shook his head. Aga closed his fist and opened it. He then pointed to the sack. “And that?”

“Ahiha hea.” He spoke, then made an angry gurgling sound.

Aga turned this in his head for a bit before deducing that he meant ‘Alistar’s Head’. Aga paled and took a few steps back. They both knew about the protocol from The Testament of Eternity. Stronger warriors made stronger undead, as long most of the body was intact he could be brought back.

Despite the sickening feeling both were loyal to a fault. If it was possible they would retrieve his body too. But Mist came first. They only hoped that Ghost was successful. They needed him to teleport them all out.

The majority of Aga’s people worshipped nature and other concepts. The civilized cities were the colonized ones. Long ago forsake those beliefs. But now he felt dread in what they came here to do.

Then they watched the forest become twisted and dark. They felt no triumph or joy at the sign of their completed task. Rusty cradled his head and despaired. Aga lifted his hat and held it to his chest. They both had the same thought.

‘What did I do?’

******

At the forest’s Heart everything began and died with it. The yellow cat lay in the once beautiful spring. The cat got up working out the kinks in her body. Cracked her neck, stretched the arms and opened and closed its eyes. “This feels weird.” Ghost commented in a whiny voice. ”Is that my voice? Is that my voice!?” Ghost coughed and went through vocal exercises. His host had quite a nice voice he thought.

He opened her eyes, once like emeralds was now dulled rubies. He looked over his current body. The hind paws up to the knees were a light brown, the chest was floofy and of the same color. Around the eyes looked like the body have natural half mask. The tail idly swished, brown tipped.

He tried not to think about his ‘family gems’, that’s how he always handled it when he had a female host. But this body was closer to his human body from before.

His second thought was not about the grave crime he committed. Not of his fears. Not of his comrades. Nor of the power at his claws. He slowly raised claws and held the chest. Giving an experimental squeeze he had a question. “Boobies or floofly? I can’t tell... oh wait lot of boobies still.”

He had no idea everyone else was panicking right now.

Stepping outside he saw how much the forest had changed. He rubbed his paws trying to get a feel for this body’s magic. He had to familiarize himself with it, for his own abilities could not be used while in a host. “Earth…” He muttered.

He threw his paws out and released the raw magic. The ground beneath him quaked and cracked and the tremors could be felt from White Tail Village all the way to Canterlot. “Opps. Kekekeke! All this power… it would be a shame to give it up.” He crossed his arms and sighed. “Can’t do anything about it though, I need to get them out of here.”

******

Fluttershy flew Dusk over the forest. They both stared in shock as the soothing colors of the forest turned black. In fact, Dusk lost his grip and Fluttershy had to dive down and catch him. His eyes were fixated on the forest and his head and ears were ringing. He trembled while hysterically shouting. “GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT OF MY HEAD” Fluttershy lowered and dropped Dusk.

Dusk was still shouting the same words and not the obscenities others would expect. The tree raked his body as he tumbled down. Fluttershy landed before Dusk hit the ground, he was covering his bleeding ears. She was going to leave him behind but he got up and shook his head.

Dusk dug through his packs frantically and pulled out a health potion. He fumbled with the bottle for a bit before pulling off the cork with his teeth. He gulped the contents and threw the bottle with a growl. He held his head until the ringing in his ears subsided. Fluttershy stared at the stallion in confusion and irritation.

“I’m fine now.” He growled out. “What was that?” He asked himself in a quieter voice. Then the ground shook hard enough to make the ground shake. Dusk and Fluttershy were tossed lightly at each thump. “Okay what the fuck was that?” He nervously asked. Fluttershy gripped the sword in anticipation, knowing that this was a much larger foe.

Fluttershy had her eyes peeled to the sky as Dusk looked around wildly. He managed to make out a familiar sound of a certain golem. Daisy was going full speed while carefully carrying three unconscious deer and Knives. Dusk’s eyes slowly followed them and Fluttershy mere gave them a glance.

Dusk stared at the huge figure being slowly built up of stone, mud and the black trees. The massive figure towered few times over the forest and was resembled a giant reptile of some sort. Dark purple crystal ran on its back and glowed with a sickly glow. It then let out a deafening roar. Dusk would usually make some sort of joke involving a Japanese monster but he was too busy gaping at the sight.

Fluttershy dropped the sword and gave an unsettling giggle. Which then devolved into a mad cackle. Dusk back away slowly, decidedly more scared of the mare beside him that the giant monster. “We need to kill whoever is controlling that thing.” Dusk spoke up.

“Hmph. Speak for yourself, this is a REAL challenge.” She sneered back.

“Just go for the head. You’d regret it otherwise.” Dusk scowled as he lit up his horn. “I’ll get us nearer.” When Fluttershy picked up the sword and nodded, they teleported closer to the construct. Dusk hissed as his horn sparked. He grumbled as he pulled out a pair of binoculars.

He could see the magic of the beast, mostly in its back but the tightest concentration was in its mouth. He could see something yellow was in the mouth and all energy flowed from that point. He blinked. “Actually the throat is the weak point. “ He deduced.

She nodded before taking off. Dusk thought for a while how he would distract it. Grinning he summoned twenty flare guns. He galloped towards a clearing and bombarded it with flares, screaming at the top of his lungs all the while. The construct looked at it curiously and Dusk shouted. “SHINZO SASAGIO!” He yelled and he thumped his chest in a salute.

Awkward silence reined for a while until Dusk decided to rain flares upon the thing again while screaming and running around in circles. The construct just stood still as the one in control wondering what the hell he was on about.

Ghost stood in the mouth of his construct wondering what he was shouting about. The flares didn’t do much than annoy him, so he wondered what was this stallion was on about. His eyes widened in realization, he was a distraction. Ghost sank into the construct just as Fluttershy slashed the entire head off.

With the butter Pegasus in view Ghost sent vines at her, trying to ensnare her. Fluttershy darted around narrowly avoiding the vines, she glanced around trying to find who was controlling the thing. Getting impatient she spun and danced around on of the construct’s arms, hacking it into dozens of pieces.

Ghost growled in pain at the feedback. He decided he needed backup. Sinking into his host’s mind to find any spells to help him. Eventually he managed to track down his comrades and used earth and vines to drag them to his location. He gritted his teeth as the remaining limbs of his construct was cut off. “C’mon… I need more time.”

He dug through the construct and into the ground, setting the stored magic in it to explode. The massive explosion rocked the whole forest. Fluttershy managed to back away and ride the shockwave to escape the blast. Dusk managed to shield himself from the worst of the blast, but the feedback proved too much for his cracked horn and he was swept away.

The dust eventually settled and revealed a massive crater and the vanished swath of trees. Ghost crawled his way out of the ground and gaped at the destruction he caused. Standing up he flexed his paws and whistled appreciatively. “Wow. Someone had to notice that.”

“Indeed.” Mist growled out as she stepped into the crater. Ghost slowly turned around and was sweating bullets. Mist’s attire was torn and she had a furious expression on her face. The fact that steam literally emanated from her body only scared Ghost any more.

“They’ll be here shortly My Lady.” Ghost kneeled. He once more reached out using the vines and retired their comrades. First came Flash Sentry’s corpse followed by the screaming pair of Rusty and Aga. Aga was blubbering in his native language and Rusty was unintelligible. Both stopped screaming as they were lightly placed on the ground. Aga collapsed and Rusty was breathing heavily.

Ghost curiously peeked inside the sack. “Oh, it’s big purple!” He smiled and dopped it with a wet plop. “Where’s the rest of him?” He asked.

“I’ll have you retrieve him later. For now we need to get out of here.” She commanded. “Before-“ She was cut off by Fluttershy’s war cry and Rusty leapt into the slash meant for her. Ghost summoned dozens of vine that pulled her into the earth.

“That happened.” He smugly spoke.

Dusk lay on the ground, in pain and probably with more internal injuries than he preferred. He blinked away the tears and summoned a sniper rifle and took aim at Mist. His magical grip wavered so instead he braced the gun on his shoulder. Lying prone he took a few calming breaths, pushing the pain aside. “I’m taking you all with me.” He whispered.

As he took the shot he coughed up blood, the shot meant for her head hit her in the shoulder. He let out obscenities as he fumbled with the gun, the next shot went wide. Ghost grinned, looking right at him. His blood turned to his ice and he rested his head on the ground.

Ghost exited the body he was inhabiting as the Minotaur’s body was deposited near the group. Dusk couldn’t hear it but Ghost was laughing, they then disappeared in a beam of purple light. Dusk was going to reach into his bag s for another potion but he released he was out. Summoning his strength and will he dragged himself over to where Fluttershy was buried. He pushed aside his raging thoughts and tried to dig out the Pegasus.

“I can do this at least…” He croaked, only now he realized he was insanely lucky. And with that he knew his luck had run out.

******

Isaac groaned as he came to his senses. It took him a few minutes to realize that he was in the infirmary. He got up to quickly and he felt his head pounding and his stomach churned. He let out the contents of his stomach into a bucket someone strategically placed there. He groaned and clutched his head.

He saw a glass of water floating in front of him, he murmured his thanks and gulped the water. He groaned again and buried his face into a pillow. “Five more minutes…” He murmured. Twilight shook her head and couldn’t help but smile. Her smile soured as she gazed upon the rest of the reckless idiots.

Dusk resembled a mummy and was miraculously still alive despite all of the internal bleeding, potion fatigue, broken bones and everything else she didn’t care to list. Miracles were the only fitting description, this stallion should have been dead ten times over. Oddly enough Trixie insisted on caring for him personally.

Thunderlane was snoring loudly as he rested on his stomach. His wings and barrel were in a cast. Twilight noted he wouldn’t be flying for a good while even with all of the treatment. She knew that Thunderlane was capable – more than she would care to admit – but it was surprising that he defeated an Ideal.

Diane was gone, Pinkie was in. Twilight with her casual disregard for certain forces managed to bring her back. She too was snoring and her poofy pink mane was flapping as she snored. Twilight wasn’t sure what Diane retreating implied.

The deer were severely weakened, being cut off from the Earth Spirits power. Fern was quietly watching everyone else, standing guard over Flora. She didn’t trust ponies after all, but she was desperate for help. Hazelnut was faring much better, having been in civilization for a good while.

“Ugh my head! Where’s the damn coffee!? Hey sparklebutt... SPARKLEBUTT!” Knives hollered. Apparently the mare was even more annoying under the effects of caffeine withdrawal than being drunk. Without liquor she was quite depressing. And she too resembled a mummy. “Raid Dusk’s bags! I need coffeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..” She moaned.

Dusk got up. “Buy. Your. Own.”

“Thank goodness he’s awake.” Trixie whispered. Dusk fell down and snored.

“Thank goodness he’s asleep.” Twilight muttered, Trixie glared at her. Twilight floated over some pills and a glass of water. “Take it.” She commanded. Isaac did so and visibly relaxed after a few minutes.

Isaac took a better look at the ponies in the room. “Where’s Angel and Octavia? Or the twins? Are they-“ Twilight interrupted him by shoving a hoof into his mouth. Despite this he still tried to voice his inquiries.

“They’re all fine.” She assured him. “In fact in better shape than all of you.” Her brows furrowed as she felt her migraine coming up. Shadows danced in the corner of her eyes, for a moment she thought she saw a white archer followed by a dark cloud. As she took more painkillers then necessary she spied a crow on a window. She quickly and discreetly twisted the bird and tossed it outside. "We're all doomed however." She whispered to herself/

*******

Outside of the Guild Fluttershy was perched on the roof, she trembled as she recalled her time underground. Oddly enough she was the only one without any lasting injuries, physical that is. Hazelnut was sitting beside her in silence, she gazed sadly in the direction of the forest.

“Hey Tavi is it straight?” Pound asked, holding up Flash Sentry’s helmet above the doorway. The earth pony glared at him and turned back to anxiously wait for the Master’s return. Pound rolled his eyes and glued the helmet, he pulled out Alistar’s horns and did the same. Nopony was sure when Knives had the opportunity to grab it. She also endorsed the idea Dusk and Thunderlane killed the Ideals.

Pumpkin stepped out of the guild and was rattled by recent events. “Hey sis! They’re all pretty cool right!” Pound exclaimed.

“Huh?”

“All our other guildmates of course. So cool!” He gushed. “I mean we ARE all pretty awesome.” His laugh had a tinge of hysteria to it though, his eyes showed his worry. He was merely trying to keep his mind of recent events. Pumpkin frowned, worried about everything and most of all about her brother.

“I guess so Pound.” She halfheartedly replied. She smiled as she thought of something. “You want open the ice cream later?” Pound perked up and flew over to her. “I think we earned ourselves a break.”

“You bought some!? Nice.”

Pumpkin nodded. “And we can check if Isaac has some flour. We can make some ice cream sandwiches.” She suggested.

“Wow you’re the best sis!” Octavia couldn’t help but smile, which she wiped off her face when pound turned to her. “You can join us Tavi!” Pound offered.

Octavia looked over the twins and saw the Master approaching. “Sure, I’ll catch up. Somepony has to make the report.” Pound cheered and grabbed his twin, taking off. She shook her head in amusement at the twins. The master looked pale as he slowly walked up to Octavia. “Welcome back Master.”

He inhaled and exhaled. “…the forest. What happened to the forest?” His voice was laced with hysteria. “I’m coming back from the monthly meeting, and I feel a giant magical explosion in the distance. And the forest is a giant black splotch in the distance.” He groaned downed the contents of a flask he pulled out. “What did you idiots do?” He tiredly asked.

Hazelnut jumped down. “H-hey Master Rock, nice seeing you.” She swallowed and looked away. “I guess.” She added in a more quiet voice.

“I would say likewise. However the last time we met Twilight almost caused a disaster of dimension shattering proportions. Before that you delivered a message about the Caribou. And before THAT, it was just before The Night of Red Moon.” Hazelnut was drawing a face in the dirt. “I’m almost afraid to ask what brought you here.”

“Well you see sir…”

Hazelnut and Octavia then filled him out on the events from their perspective. From the Apple family and Celestia’s involvement. To the Earth Spirit stolen away. The forest becoming twisted and even more inhospitable. The master paled even more as they went on. He was simply nodding through all of it. By the end of it, he looked thinner. He excused himself and went to drink this all away, but he collapsed and crashed through the wall.

“Why me…” He whimpered.

Group Up!

Dusk groaned as he came too. He was out for three weeks and he took another one off. He was still sore in places but he was feeling anxious, he took that as a sign that he was ready to work again. Derpy was perfectly fine with not working for a while longer, she and Trixie did receive a stipend from King Sombra. After all she haven’t recovered yet anyways.

Trixie was quite vocal in her protests.

“No! You are not, going!” She stomped her hoof to emphasize.

“I’m completely fine-“

“I know you’re not! You’re still hurting. I can clearly see your limp and you wince every once in a while.” Dusk muttered to himself while walking away, he winced and put a hoof to his side. “See! You keep doing that!” She pointed out in exasperation. Dusk looked both ways and shrugged.

“Yes, he clearly has brain damage.” Derpy piped up. She was perched near one of the windows, reading a book.

“And you’re supposed to know better!” Trixie yelled. “You’re supposed to be in bed.” She tiredly pointed out.

“Bed rest for a least a month. And I’m supposed to avoid any strenuous activity for at least four months.” She recited.

“So you’re not supposed to be flying.”

“I didn’t. Dusk lifted me.” She easily replied. Trixie flashed her horn and teleported Derpy unto a sofa. She blinked then stared flat-eyed at Trixie. “That was rude.” She complained.

“I’ll buy a potion then I’ll be good to go.” Dusk offered.

“I don’t know much about Alicorn Physiology but you are NOT fine. You’ve drank four health potions-“

“Three actually.”

“Patched up two times in the same day while you were still recovering from your last fight. You are immortal not unkillable. What do I have to say in order to get that into your thick skull?” She sighed and rubbed her forehead.

“I think those are the same things Trixie.” Dusk deadpanned. He raised a hoof before Trixie could continue her rant. “Look, I get it. I’m going to be more careful from now on.”

Derpy’s eyebrows climbed and Trixie let out a sigh of relief. “Really?” Trixie asked hopefully.

“I doubt it.” Derpy scoffed and she returned to her book.

“I mean it… I guess what’s been happening to me has been a real eye opener.” He explained. “Why stab ponies with swords if I can shoot them a mile away?” Trixie facehooved with a resounding smack.

“It is… a logical approach I suppose.” Derpy carefully agreed. “And a step in the right direction.” She added as she glanced at Trixie.

Trixie looked at Derpy for help but she simply turned around. Dusk gave a reassuring smile. She sighed in defeat. “I can’t stop you from going I guess. But please, PLEASE be careful.” She begged. “Do it for me at least, if not for yourself?”

Dusk blinked. “Of course. I enjoy living. Plus I gotta set up that outing I promised, dead ponies can’t do that I guess. Bye!” And with that he gave a salute and teleported out.

They both stared at where he had been for a time. Derpy set aside her book and sat straight. “We need to tell the King, It’s about time. I’m beginning to worry for his own safety. “

“I did…” Trixie looked down as she whispered.

Derpy blinked. “When?”

“Last week.” She replied. She rubbed her shoulder and sat down beside Derpy. “He told me to keep him updated on what he does. And he wants me to determine if he has malicious intent or if he’s dangerous.”

“He is. Very dangerous. He’s not using his magic properly. But with proper training…” She let that sentence hang in the air for a while, and all of its implications. “As for intent he’s not even sure where he stands. He’s not outright malicious, but he always tries to get even, good or evil.” Derpy voiced her opinion.

“He’s chaotic good at best, chaotic neutral at worst.” Derpy continued. “He’s almost a colt.”

Trixie snorted at that. “He usually means well but he doesn’t take insults lightly. He’s quite immature and hard to like actually.” Trixie shook her head. “But I guess he’s grown on me. He doesn’t make sense half of the time and the other half he make me smile."

*******

Dusk left a bag of bits at the clinic, and grabbed a few potions. To his surprise he was dragged back in by the lavender mare. Apparently the price quadrupled since the last time he checked. Then again it was to be expected, before they could get herbs from the forest. Now it was too dangerous and hardly worth the trip.

He had to find ponies to team up with, he knew if he faced the Ideals in his current state he would be easy picking. The potion eased his pain but he felt something was wrong with his body. Still he wouldn’t be confined to a bed any longer, he was itching to get out there.

Too bad most ponies did not share the sentiment.

“Go? With you? No thanks, you’re trouble and I want to stay as far away as possible.” Octavia snapped.

“C’mon Tavi, we can make good bits. You-“

“Don’t. Call. Me Tavi.” She growled. Dusked raised his hooves and backed away with a smile. “Go away!” Octavia shrieked. Dusk turned to Vinyl but she merely smiled apologetically and shook her head.

Dusk went over to Thunderlane. He was no longer wrapped up and was chatting with Rarity. The mare was complaining about his vest and headband, and was offering to make him a new pair. For a price. Thunderlane was going to accept until she brought that up. Dusk coughed into his hoof and asked them if they would join him.

“Sorry man. I’m still recovering, I’d just hold you back ya know?” Thunderlane sighed. “I’d wish I could… Maybe next time.”

“Sorry darling. I’d normally agree. However you seem a bit too… destructive.” She took a sip of her whiskey. “And considering this guild’s standards it’s quite impressive. Apologies, I believe for my own safety I should stay away from you.” And she was trying to be delicate.

“Overwhelming firepower! Who wouldn’t want that?” Dusk thumped his chest as he proudly declared.

“And I wouldn’t want to be in the vicinity. Much less granted a backstage pass.” She dryly replied.

“Fair enough.” Dusk allowed.

And he was sure Pound would leap to an opportunity.

“Nuh-uh! You stole our glory!” He complained.

“Our glory?”

“Yeah! Everypony is going on about how YOU defeated the Minotaur.” Pound jabbed him in the chest. “Me and sis took him down!”

“Yeah. But he got up, and I cut his head off.”

“Well we beat him up real good. It wouldn’t be that hard.” Pound crossed his hooves.

“Actually his team healed him. So I killed him at full strength.”

This argument went back and forth with neither backing down. Pumpkin intervened before Dusk could punt him like a ball. Pumpkin offered to split the reward the Diane and the three of them. Dusk and Pound were stuck on who should take credit for the kill. Their argument was cut short by Pinkie- not Diane apparently – popping between them.

“Does it matter who done it? Or didn’t? What matters is that you all worked together!” She concluded happily. Dusk took a closer look at her, her mane and coat were lighter and her mane was poofy. She also wore a barmaid’s outfit. Pinkie gasped and grabbed Dusk by the cheeks.

“Omygoshomygoshomyogsh!” She squealed. “You must be Dusk Shine! My friends say mean things about you, but Trixie wouldn’t befriend a meanie right? And Isaac likes you too, and he’s really nice! In fact we were going to bake treats for the entire guild!” She let go of Dusk and confetti burst all around as she threw her hooves up. The entire guild processed that before erupting into cheers.

The bartender grabbed a broom and sighed.

Dusk gathered his bearing for a moment. “Great.” Dusk licked his lips in the anticipation of cupcakes. “Well nice meeting you Pinkie. But I’m looking for Knives and Isaac, have you seen them? I need some companions for a quest.”

“Well... They went to Manehattan for ingredients.” Pinkie put a hoof to her cheek as she recalled things. Dusk let out a sigh. “Oh! Oh oh oh oh! Pick me, Pick me!” Pinkie bounced up and down raising a hoof up.

“What?”

“I’m a tank support! I have high HP stat and you’re a battle mage! So I can frontline!” She happily explained. She pulled out a lute from her mane. “My primary role is Guardian but my secondary is Bard!” She then proceeded to play the lute, Dusk would say that his eardrums were bleeding. Pinkie stuck her tongue out as she tuned it.

“Uhhh… Pinkie I don’t think music would help me fight.” Dusk commented. He ignored that she was talking as if they were in a RPG, he didn’t need any more migraines.

“Because you’re not feeling it silly!” She booped him on the nose. “Since we’re talking about classes. I have a cooking perk too!” She pulled a box from somewhere, she opened it to reveal cupcakes. “It’s been a while since I made some but I made them extra special!”

Dusk cautiously lifted one of the green cupcakes. Thunderlane walked over and tossed one into his mouth. Flitter was going to take the whole box but Thunderlane poked her in the snout. She smiled sheepishly and grabbed one, so did the twins.

Dusk felt warm all over and his pains ceased. Pumpkin and Pound wer gushig about how good it tasted. Dusk was about to get a word in Pinkie shoved a hoof into his mouth. “Your right Dusky! I should do my best to make everypony here smile! Or else my name is not Pinkamina Diane Pie! Adventures can wait, c’mon Cakes we ha work to do! Let’s get baking!” She declared as she dashed off with the twins in tow.

Dusk blinked, and decided not to question it. He couldn’t help but smile however.

“Wow medicine never tasted that good! Hey Dusk, what job do you have in mind? I’m game! Thunderlane flew over and did a few loops to prove his point.

“Thunderlane… You shouldn’t be flying so soon.” Flitter chided as she trotted over.

“Hey, I was a reverse popsicle. And now I feel great!” Dusk declared. His eyes then narrowed and he snorted angrily. “I’m going to get that cat…” He muttered.

“A reverse popsicle?” Flitter asked.

Dusk thought about it for a moment. “I have no idea what I just said means.”

Thunderlane shuddered. “Dude, not cool. Now I’m thinking about it. How did you even survive that anyways?”

“Actually it was very cool, freezing actually.” Dusk smirked at Thunderlane’s disappointed expression.

Flitter was drooling. “Mmmmm. Popsicles, I’d do anything for chocolate flavored.” She then stared at Dusk. “What flavor were you?” She asked. She immediately realized how that sounded, she turned red and was flailing her hooves around. “I-I didn’t mean it like that!”

“You just hear about sweets and you tune out everything else.” Thunderlane sighed and shook his head.

“Here’s an idea, Thunder. Invite her to your house, dip your wang in chocolate, then lay on your couch.” Dusk suggested. “GG.”

“Chocolate sounds soooo good right now.”

Thunderlane processed this for a bit. “What do you mean?” He finally asked in irritation. Dusk shoved his hoof in and out of his mouth. Thunderlane turned red and pulled out his baseball bat. “I’m going to kill you!” He roared.

Dusk was laughing madly, fending off the stallion with his hooves. “I guarantee you, it’ll work!”

“Shut up! It’s not like that.”

“What about Hooves and Hearts day? It was pretty obvious you-“ Dusk was cut off by a swing to the head.

“Those were friendly chocolates!”

“Bullshit!”

“Yeah? But you gave ponies heart shaped donuts!”

“They were cheap! Plus I got a cake for me and the girls.” Dusk was knocked into a table and he thought about it. “Huh. Friendly gifts do exist. However I’m sure that Flitter is your-“ Another strike to the head.

Flitter just stared at the stallions in confusion. “I don’t get it.” Flitter admitted. “Never mind that do you have a job in mind Dusk?”

Dusk was attempting to strangle Thunderlane with the bat, Thunderlane flipped him into a table. Dusk groaned before continuing to laugh. “Huh, I was just looking to tag along actually. So no.” He replied as he lay there. Flitter walked over to the request board. Thunderlane moved to follow. “Choco. Banana.” Dusk whispered, this was rewarded by the baseball bat being flung into his face.

Flitter squinted as she looked through the requests. “How about this one? Hunting a Rouge Tomato.” She announced, pulling off the paper and showing it to Thunderlane. A sketch of a creature with a Tomato like head with fangs and a striped clothing over its plant like body. “Three hundred bits guys!” She excitedly announced.

Thunderlane thought about it. “Isn’t that a member of the Deadly Nightshade family? It’s too dangerous.” He declined.

“C’mon. It’s a Rogue, it’s not as powerful as it should be.” Dusk couldn’t believe other creatures like that existed. First a Pokémon now this.

The two pegasi stared at him at shock. “How do you know that Dusk?” Flitter asked.

“Well how does Thunder know something about it?”

“I used to be a Gold rank, you don’t last long without research. There’s literally a library in this town. You live there.” Thunderlane titled his head. “I guess that explains why you know that tidbit, I just skimmed the book over.” He rubbed the back of his head.

“Well Dusk is right, so this job should be easy pickings between the three of us. Lately it’s been attacking caravans near Dog Song-“

Dog Song was a city of Diamond Dogs located west of the Everfree. Caravans from Dog Song carried high quality metals and gemstones, other traders came to the city to provide all sorts of goods and few shipments have been lost here and there. Dusk frowned disapprovingly as Flitter asked ‘what could go wrong’. He then knocked Thunderlane out with the bat.

*******

Dusk rested against a rock, keeping himself under the shade. The two Pegasi searched for the target. The warm rocky surface was actually hot enough to cook an egg, Dusk literally tried it, bringing a little oil and some eggs after being told about the area.

“Who’s laughing now, I got myself a sandwich!” He grinned triumphantly.

Dusk looked around and he saw a few wolves and moving humanoid cacti. A few wolves eyed him, around five of them surrounding him. He swallowed, he still hadn’t gotten over his first quest. He fired a shot and the wolves backed away slightly. Seeing that was taken care off he hummed to himself as he cut a bun in half. He made a sandwich and set it aside.

As he finished his sandwich he felt something tap him on the shoulder. He turned around and saw nothing, he summoned his riffle and looked around. He heard a ‘woosh’ and he found his sandwich was on fire. Dusk slowly turned back and found himself staring at the little hellion he was supposed to exterminate,

Wordlessly he raised riffle and took aim.

The Rogue Tomato ran for it, moving erratically. Dusk tried to aim at it and get a good shot, but every time he fired it managed to dodge. The Rogue Tomato whistled and the wolves advanced on him. “No… Bad doggies.” He scolded. They growled and jumped him.

Alas, non-magical wolves fell to him quickly. A combination of lightning and his gun.

As he prepared to give chase he heard an explosion. As he rushed to it he saw Flitter, smoking and trying to get her head out of the ground. Dusk pulled her out using her magic. She thanked him and turned to smile at him, which was a little unsettling because sand was pouring out of her mouth.

Dusk saw the creature running away. He teleported in front of it and slashed one of its arms off. It retaliated by head-butting Dusk, Dusk wasn’t fazed in the slightest and the Rogue Tomato fell down. Dusk gave a creepy laugh as he brandished the sword, the Rogue Tomato was sweating beads.

“What should go with my sandwich… SOUP!” Dusk declared.

“I object!” Flitter interrupted. “Have you ever wondered what Tomato ice cream tastes like?” She blurted out.

Dusk blinked. “You’re adorable. No wonder why Thunder likes you so much…” Dusk remarked. Flitter blinked in confusion.

“We’ve been friends for years. Why wouldn’t he like me?” She asked with a tilt of her head.

Dusk stared at her for a while. “Damned adorable ponies…” He muttered under his breath.

“Hey! It’s escaping!” She yelled. Dusk turned to see the Rogue Tomato jump off a cliff. Dusk grabbed it using his magic and the creature paled.

“Oh you little s-“ Dusk paused as he felt the earth shake, soon after Thunderlane’s screaming could be heard and he barreled into the three of them. Flitter recovered first and grabbed the both of them, her wings beating hard to keep them afloat. She gritted her teeth as she slowly descended. She managed to deposit the both of them on the ground and was panting heavily from the exertion.

Dusk recovered next and angrily shook Thunderlane. “I swear to god! I’m going to-“ Dusk’s rant was cut off by a roar. Dusk released the dazed pony and sighed. “Interrupt me one more time… Whatever you are I’m going to murder you!” Dusk yelled as he summoned several swords.

The ground shook harder, the ponies bouncing up and down. A green dinosaur that resembled a T-Rex. “Okay none of this makes sense! Why is there a dinosaur in the middle of the desert?” Dusk’s swords disappeared and his horn glowed in a blinding light. Dusk fired a giant beam that vaporized the dinosaurs head.

Dusk fell to the ground and flailed. He wheezed and his horn was smoking, both him and the dinosaur fell over, twitching. “Dear Faust are you okay Dusk?” Flitter crouched and poked the stallion. Dusk let out a high pitched whine as he flailed around. “I think so?”

Thunderlane got up and stared at the massive beast. “I wish I was back in Manehattan. Life was simpler.” He muttered. He lay on the ground and stared at the cliff.

“Are we forgetting something?” Flitter asked Thunderlane.

They all sat in silence for a while. Dusk and Thunderlane shot up. “The Mark!” Thunderlane exclaimed. Dusk rubbed his head and disappeared in a flash. From a distance Dusk could be seen slashing away at the creature. A few minutes later Dusk ported back with the mark in tow, panting and covered in Tomato juice apparently.

Thunderlane eyed Dusk nervously. “Remind me not to piss you off.”

Flitter however looked at Dusk curiously. “So… I’m wondering. Does it taste like Tomato Juice?” She asked. Thunderlane looked at her in a mixture of disgust and disbelief. Dusk frowned thoughtfully and after a moment of hesitation licked his blade. Thunderlane retched and turned away. Dusk’s muzzle scrunched up.

“Sour… Tomato Juice.” Dusk complained.

“Dude… why?” Thunderlane shuddered.

“You must be the straight pony Thunder.”

Thunderlane was looking squeamish. “Somepony has to be!” He countered defensively. “Now let’s head back to the city, to get our reward. I’m done for today. Just bucking done.” And the stallion looked like it too, his enthusiasm was gone and replaced the tired look in his eyes.

Dusk clutched his head as a migraine wracked him. Flitter held his head and looked at him in concern. “Are you okay?”

He shook his head. “It hurts…”

Thunderlane put a hoof on his shoulder. “Lay off the powerful magic for a while. Me and Flitter can fly you around.” Thunderlane sighed. “The sooner we get this over with the better.” He added.

Thunderlane led Dusk towards Dogsong while Flitter lingered for a bit longer. A crow perched on a rock not far from them. She scowled and beat her wings, her chest and mouth glowed. A fireball shot out and incinerated the bird. She coughed as smoke poured out of her mouth.

Thunderlane turned back. “You okay there? We’re heading out soon.”

“Yeah! Just a little sand in my mouth.” She cheerfully answered. Thunderlane muttered something about stupid plant monsters and sand.

Flitter’s scowl returned as she looked around, everything around her darkened for a moment, shadows creeping on the edges of her eyes despite being under the harsh light. “The crows peer through the soul.” She whispered.

*******

Ghost was quite uncomfortable. It was one thing to break people with memes. Another entirely with lightning, water, and that weird headgear with screws. He shuddered, it was barbaric by his standards. And then she started speaking in some long lost language in monotone. The sick bastard in charge called it ‘factory settings’.

Ghost felt the obsidian walls of the building shake. Alistar did not take his return and the loss of his horns lightly it seemed. The blows echoing far into the fortress Ghost’s steps on the cobblestone floor. Ghost could hear whispers in the back of his head, shadows dark yet darker could his vision and all sorts of malformed shadows surround him. Ghost glowed faintly, the only illumination in these ancient halls.

Eyes stared him, far into the darkness where he came and where he was going.

His walk seemed endless to him, for it actually was because he wandered aimlessly. To those of Eternity they could only find what they seek.

So he decided to look for Flash. The orange pony stared in shock as they crossed paths. Ghost wasn’t used to seeing Flash without his armor. With his recent resurrection his coat was pale and stitches adorned his muscular but lean frame, his mane was shaved off completely. His eyes seemed to be covered by a milky film dotted with stars. Eyes of someone whom has been from beyond and back.

“Hey mah boi!” Ghost pointed at the resurrected Pegasus. Flash Sentry merely regarded him with an unreadable expression. The whispering was the only noise Ghost heard and it was unnerving him. That and his normally noisy companion was like this. “Hey Flash, you okay there?” Ghost nervously asked.

“No.” He flatly replied. “Being dead… was an unspeakable experience.” He slowly replied.

“Do you hear something, weird?” Ghost carefully asked.

Flash Sentry shuddered for a moment. “They’re whispering to me. I’m not going back again.” He looked at Ghost with a haunted expression. Ghost didn’t feel relief that he wasn’t the only one seeing or hearing things. “After I kill that mare, I’m going on a vacation.”

“Wait we killed her!” Ghost argued. “No one survives those kinds of wounds! Right?” At Flash’s continued silence he gulped. “How do you know for sure?” He asked desperately, laughing a bit.

Flash Sentry shook his head. “You don’t know who she is.” He paused and held his head for a bit. “I didn’t know who she was… She didn’t even fight us properly. But I’m going to slay that traitor.” At this statement Ghost’s jaw literally dropped to the floor. Picking it up his eye twitched and he alternated between hysterical laughter and sputtering. “I’m not joking. But enough of this, we have our next assignment.” He firmly added as he walked down the hall.

Eventually they came to the door they were looking for. Ghost hesitated, it looked different than all of the other imposing iron doors. What unnerved him was that it was a pink door with a poorly drawn welcome sign in red crayon. Ghost wasn’t sure why it unnerved him so. Flash lifted a hoof and knocked thrice.

Eventually a young female voice answered. “Come in Flashy!” It cheerfully invited.

Ghost was dumbfounded by the sight they came into. Their superior, the Greater Ideal Grisha on a cloud carpet. The old griffon was black with graying feathers here and there, for a moment his eyes were as black as the void as he regarded the two. He wore a simple black cloak. He idly wiped blood from his eyes and sighed.

What really stupefied Ghost was Doll. She looked like porcelain doll, the size of a filly with rubies for eyes and a curly blond mane. She smiled as she made the griffon a crown out of raven skulls and red roses, which she promptly threw away and placed a pink tiara on his head. Ghost wanted to vomit at the sight of everything being bright and colorful, pink walls and various stuffed animals.

“Hmmm… I’d say that was a crown fit for a ruler.” Grisha spoke in a gravelly voice, he sighed in disappointment. “But I suppose you wonder how I would look.” He concluded. He traced a claw along the engravings.

“You could be a pretty princess!” She exclaimed.

“I suppose some prince would be quite disappointed to find out the truth.” He replied with a tinge of amusement. Ghost looked at the two, clutched his head and sat down in a tiny stool. “Now you know how it feels Ghost. I expect you not to traumatize our comrades in the future.”

Flash Sentry stared at his superior in disbelief. “Sir. Did you go through this… mockery just to spite Ghost?” He asked.

“Hey!”

“No. I merely seceded to humor her.” He replied. Ghost made a confused noise before sinking into the ground. “Do brief him later Flash Sentry” He glanced at where the Gengar disappeared. “You Ghost, Doll and Edith have an important task.” The old griffon paused as blood trickled down his face.

Flash Sentry was alarmed. “Sir-“

“I’m aware. Ponies are messing with my eyes these days.” He explained. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black crystal. “So impatient. You may taste freedom soon.” He addressed it. The crystal pulsed in response. “Whatever you do, do NOT touch it directly. I cannot stress this enough.” He wrapped it up and a white cloth. “Ghost is already knows who the recipient is.”

Doll walked to Flash Sentry with a pair of pink saddle bags and placed them on his back. He ignored her.

“Listen well my boy. We prepare for the reckoning. They will fall soon.”

Prelude: Abyss

Most of the ponies in the guild were experiencing some measure of agony. Only the strongest were present. Well those with massive tolerance for cream and sugar I suppose.

Isaac and Pound were literally vibrating with energy, running around the guild. Thunderlane and Knives were bloated, moaning in discomfort of the consumed goodies. Dusk gave Flitter a disgusted look as the Pegasus happily bit into her 30th cupcake. Dusk had taken only one and promptly denied any other treats prepared by Pinkie, they were way too sweet for his taste.

The rest shared extreme discomfort and for those not present diarrhea.

“How? How!?” Dusk asked in exparation. “How don’t you look like a beanbag right now?”

“A beanbag?” She asked.

“Yeah! You should be looking like a fat sausage with tiny legs right now.”

Flitter giggled. “Oh Dusk is so funny.”

Knives wheezed and it took Dusk a while to figure out she was laughing too. “You have no idea.” She groaned and fell off her seat. “I like Pinks, but we kinda need Diane back. Or else we’d all die of diabetes.”

Dusk rolled his eyes and made his way to the request board. To his dismay it was covered in cream and he couldn’t make out any details. So instead he walked over to the bar to inquire about any quests. The bartender had discarded his clothes and was cleaning the bar.

“So what kind of jobs are available?”

“The usual.” He stopped cleaning for a moment and regarded Dusk. “But you aren’t looking for something usual I suppose.”

“Got anything good?”

Dusk stared at the hooded mare dragging herself to the bar. After she managed to pull herself up she asked for some water. “You know the rules Andromeda.” He simply said as he reached for a hose in the back. The blast of water knocked her all the way to the middle of the guild hall.

Flitter stood up and poked the soggy twitching mare for a bit before sitting beside Dusk. “Hey Fred! We’re looking for something exciting you know.” She clarified.

The bartender adjusted his spectacles and reached for a shelf in the bottom, lined with scrolls. He handed it to Dusk and the stallion immediate unfurled it. “Actually she had already picked out.”

Flitter’s eyes bulged as she looked at the scrolls contents, her eyes darted straight to the reward. “Two thousand bits!” She cheered.

Dusk eyed it suspiciously however. “Just for bandits? The reward is around five times my last quest.”

The two read through the request. Apparently some noble had been robbed by a group of bandits just outside of dodge junction. This explained the large reward. Oddly enough Andromeda Stargazer and a team of her choice were requested.

“Why do we call her Knives anyways?” Dusk asked.

Flitter frowned thoughtfully. “Our guild mates called her that way before I was here. So I dunno.” Flitter shrugged. The aforementioned mare promptly emptied her stomach’s contents. “EWWWWWWWWWW! Ugh gross!” Flitter complained.

The bartender scowled and shook his head. Dusk stared at the mare in amusement, until he took a whiff of the vomit. “That is nasty! God’s sake.” He grimaced and covered his nose.

“Aw c’mon it ain’t that bad! Let’s go filly and gentlecolts.” She enthusiastically offered, apparently rejuvenated by the water and loss of the weight. Dusk and Flitter frantically shooed her away. Fred came to their rescue as he pulled out the hose and blasted her again.

The bartender sighed as he grabbed a bucket and a mop. “You ponies should get going.” He simply said as he went to work.

******

Dusk, Knives and Flitter sat in a wooded cart pulled by Thunderlane. Dusk had to hand it to the Pegasus, he’d been pulling the cart for the past three hours. Dusk felt that they all had some sugar to burn off.

Flitter was wearing some heavy grey armor, the gaps and cracks in it glowing hot orange. Knives was chugging a bottle of whiskey and lay around lazily. “You sure that’s necessary? Just some bandits Flits.” She dismissed.

Flitter sighed and grabbed her helmet. “You were hoof picked for this. One of our best combatants. I dunno Knives.”

“Way easier than the Everfree mission.” Dusk countered. “I was a fucking pincushion. We almost died remember?” He chuckled. “Just some bandits Flitter.” Dusk would not admit the wrenching feeling in his gut, which all shared except for Knives. Soon she would be drunk again anyways.

“I thought you didn’t like jinxing things.”

“At this point, I’ve realized real shit happens. Like a fatass ghost, waterbenders and dinosaurs. I wouldn’t be surprised if we fight a professional undead wrestler at this point.”Dusk replied nonchalantly.

Flitter blinked at that. “What would he be called?”

“El Diablo?” Knives suggested.

“Lucha Lich Senior?” Thunderlane added hesitantly.

“Mmmm. Leche Flan.” Flitter drooled at the thought of the desert.

“Really Thunderlane? I thought Shadowbolts had language classes.” Knives disappointingly pointed out. Thunderlane released a bunch of swears in Germane.

“The Undertaker.” Dusk let it hang for a while. “Dead man walking…”

“That’s dumb.”

“You’re dumb, drunkie.”

“Well excuse me Dank McEdge.”

“Pork marinade in whiskey.”

“You’re the strong magic user. And for some Celestia damned reason you stab ponies.”

“At least I was doing something.”

“Hey, at least I wasn’t chilling in the morgue twice.”

“You look like you came from there. Also where the fuck where you?”

“Bucking your mom.”

“My mother is gone dipshit.” Dusk growled out.

“Your father then?”

“Would leave you with a bun in the oven.”

Flitter gasped and covered her mouth. Knives eyebrow’s raised in surprise. Dusk’s eyes gleamed dangerously. Knives grabbed her jaw as if it ached, she opened and closed it and decided to just look away. “Oh my gosh Dusk-“

“Don’t. Pity me.” Dusk grinded his teeth. Flitter winced and put on her helmet. Thunderlane glanced at them uneasily. It was an awkward fifteen minutes filled with silence. And of course that silence was broken by a huge explosion that wrecked the cart.

A few meters away from them the air shimmered revealing the bandits. One of them was an earth pony with a saddle holding an RPG, another earth pony loaded a rocket. He took aim at the large cloud of smoke and dust. “Did we get them?” He asked, squinting.

“Mebbe, them Manticores are a tough outfit.”

“Finally my horn was starting to ache. That old chicken could have been more specific on the time. The third one piped up.

“Are you okay Dusk?” A muffled voice spoke from the cloud.

An enraged scream could be heard. Burst of magic swept away the cloud and revealed Flitter and Dusk. Dusk was bleeding all over and Flitter’s armor was steaming. Dusk was breathing heavily and he summoned a dozen arcane blades. “I will be.” He growled.

One of the earth ponies stepped back. “Buck. We’re bucked.”

The one with the RPG let out a scream and fired another. Dusk launched his blades back. Both were engulfed in explosions. The dust first cleared on the bandits side, the unicorn collapsed and ears were bleeding, a flickering blue shield shattered.

“Load another load another!” The earth pony with the RPG panicked.

“Oh horseapples. It can’t be… that Alicorn hombre was real!? I thought we were just drunk!” He fumbled with the rocket before loading it.

Dusk rushed forward and levitated several knives at them, murderous rage in his eyes. “Do I know you?” As he looked at the trembling stallions he felt they were familiar. He frowned before breaking into a wide grin. “Oh yeah. Every. Bone. In your bodies. That hurt you pricks, what I’ll do will hurt a LOT more.”

They both held each other and screamed, then they passed out. Dusk sighed. “Huh. Now there’s no satisfaction.” Flitter walked out of the cloud, a large scorch mark, on her chest plate. “Thanks. I’d be popcorn otherwise.”

The mare stared at him for a while, Dusk could visualize her drooling behind that helmet. She shook her head and looked around. “Good to see you’re fine. Where’s Thunderlane and Knives?”

******

Inside a local bar ponies and a few non-ponies were doing their business. Cards were dealt, small fortunes were traded, lost and won. Others partook in drinks and mares. All was normal for a bar like this.

Until a smoking mare in a green hood crashed through the roof. She sighed as the red aura around her faded. All eyes were on her and she glanced around the area. She shrugged and pulled out a large bag of bits from somewhere. “DRINKS ARE ON ME!” She yelled as she tossed the bag on the counter.

Everyone cheered as drinks were passed around.

******

“I hope she blew up.” Dusk muttered, still upset at the earlier exchange.

“That was uncalled for!”

Dusk pulled out a pair of binoculars and looked around, eventually he saw the black Pegasus flying back to them. Soon after he landed in front of them, he didn’t seemed injured by the blast. “Why am I the only one injured? Knives probably died so she doesn’t count.”

Thunderlane let out a whimper and slowly turned around, a piece of wood was embedded in his left flank. Dusk snorted and Flitter gasped. “Oh no! Are you okay?” Flitter asked as she rushed over.

Dusk began to laugh, his troubles forgotten. “Hey Thunderlane, ask for kissies.” He teased.

“I bucking hate you Dusk.”

Flitter removed her helmet. “Do you need some?” Flitter asked, and before he could object she gave him a peck on his forehead. Thunderlane sputtered and blushed and Flitter put a hoof on his forehead. “Goodness your warm! We should have that removed. Also do you feel anything else?”

Dusk smirked and suddenly pulled out the chunk of wood. Thunderlane cried out in pain. “That.” Thunderlane had fallen over and Flitter was helping him up. They both glared at him but he merely shrugged in return. “Plus one minus one.”

“You’re horrible dude.” Thunderlane went to work on wrapping it up.

Flitter however was looking at Dusk thoughtfully. Dusk was irritated for some reason as he stared back. “What?” He demanded, hostile again.

“Nothing.” She then looked towards Dodge Junction. “We should tie them up and let the local lawponies deal with them.” She bit her lip. “I thought there should have been more bandits.”

As if on cue a black flash blinded the three of them. Before them stood a grey pony with a pitch black messy mane. A sickly green magic flowed out of his eyes and a jagged black crystalline horn glowed red. A few barrels were floating beside him. When his eyes laid on Dusk he glared hatefully. ”You!” He hissed, his voice echoing like Dusk’s.

Black lightning crackled all over and black crystal spikes tore out of the ground. Thunderlane flew up while Dusk grabbed Flitter and teleported away. They reappeared a distance behind him and dusk proceeded to fire at the weird unicorn with his riffle. He raised a shield in response.

Flitter pointed to herself and tilted her head. “Me?”

“No… The Alicorn.” He growled, pointing at Dusk.

Dusk looked around and shrugged. “Hot out here isn’t it. You must be hallucinating.” Dusk gave a smirk. Thunderlane swooped down for a maneuver but he was smacked out of the sky by a pillar of black crystal. “Do I actually know you?”

Flitter donned the helmet and the armor smoked. Flames streamed out of the helmet and exploded against the crystal structures. The unicorn was gone and they looked around wildly. A shadow came out of the ground and blasted Flitter away with black lightning. A black arcane blade materialized and Dusk blocked it with two of his own.

“Hah!” He was then launched by a pillar erupting out of the ground. He came back down and wrapped his hooves around his barrel. “Oh bloody hell! I just got better!” He pointed a hoof at the advancing unicorn. “What did I ever do to you!?”

“YOU SHOT MY BUCKING HORN OFF!” The area darkened for a moment and the ground cracked.

Dusk blinked. “Hey! The third little piggy!” Dusk exclaimed. “And look at you now! I think I did you a favor.” Dusk smugly remarked.

Thunderlane stared at Dusk in horror. “You didn’t.”

“Well he and his buddies were perving on Derpy when I came to Ponyville. Plus they’re bullying villagers.” Dusk gritted his teeth as he summoned his blades. “I hate those kinds of people. Scumbags like you piggy.”

Thunderlane shook his head and smiled. “Can’t argue with that I guess. We can’t let this one cry all the way home then.” With that he took to the air.

Dusk launched his blades only for them to turn black and shoot back at him. He teleported out of the way and forced the unicorn down with a gravity spell. The area turned darker and the unicorn and Dusk began to float. Thunderlane spun through the air as he slowly floated towards the unicorn.

Dusk grabbed Thunderlane using his magic and pulled him away from the spikes that erupted from the ground. The grey unicorn’s skin cracked, green mist slipping out. Dusk tossed Thunderlane away and blasted the unicorn with a massive blast of magic, it was countered by a blast of his own. More cracks. Whatever spell the unicorn casted earlier faded and Thunderlane rolled across the ground and slammed into a pillar as gravity reasserted itself.

Dusk yelled as he poured more of his magic into the blast. The unicorn did the same. Flitter got her hooves and her armor glowed, fireball was launched at the unicorn’s face, revealing nothing under the hollow, shell like coat. The blast distracted him giving Dusk the opportunity to finish him off.

“What… the fuck is this?” Dusk nervously took a few steps back. The unicorn let out gurgling sounds as pieces of its coat fell away, like pieces from a porcelain figurine. Flitter was shaking, her armor rattling.

“HE SAID… IT WILL BE ENOUGH! To kill an angel… only demons can.” He rasped as he walked forward. “A unicorn without a horn… You should have killed me! You did this to me!” He accused. “I’m bringing you down with me!”

Dusk gave a shaky smile. “Jesus man… And I thought I was edgy.” Dusk’s horn lit up and his face morphed in rage. “Your choices man, all on you!” His horn glowed brighter. “I’m putting you out of your misery!” The giant blast shot forward.

The unicorn reared and morphed into black smoke. “DARKNESS SWALLOW YOU!” Dusk fell back as he was surrounded by the dark cloud. Dusk lit his horn and fired wildly, but the shots seemed to be swallowed up.

He lit his horn. It was no longer smoke but inky darkness, despite the light he could barely make out his hooves. He felt deathly cold, as if he was impaled by those icicles. The dread he felt was more than the last time, when he was bleeding out in the forest. He tried to force it down with his anger, but he couldn’t ignore the clawing sensation in his mind.

Something scratched him in the side. He growled and shot in the direction it came from. More scratches, more ineffective shots. It felt like an eternity. Dusk panted, sweat dripping down his face. He tried teleporting out. It felt like a hammer being bashed against his skull, and he vomited right there.

He could taste the lead and bile in his mouth, he slowly got up, shaking like a leaf. The next hit he no longer growled, he whimpered and fell on his side. He curled up and cried. “F-flitter? Thunder?” He sniffed. “Someone help me…”

Help? You want help? You are far most, pathetic of your kind. Dusk could hear the voice echoed in his mind. It felt slimy, invasive. Dusk screamed as he felt something pressed into his chest. I can fix that. Take away your fear. You’re ALWAYS afraid.

Let me in.

Dusk simply cried, holding himself tighter. Pathetic. You see how weak you-. The smug voice was cut off by an agonized inequine scream. Thousands of voices in agony as the darkness was sucked away. Dusk stared at the pony in front of him.

Knives stood there with the crystal held in her mouth. She threw it up in the air and it once more eneded up in her mouth. The screams dimmed with each crunch. “This one’s a bit fresh. ”The sclera of her eyes were red for a few moments. She looked at the unconscious pegasi then at Dusk. “Wow you guys look like shit.”Her eyes did not match her grin.

Dusk could see shadows of creatures of different kinds, twisted and vile danced around. A shape that looked like a pony was ripped and apart by these creatures. The world seemed much greyer to him. This was too much for Dusk to process, and he joined the others in unconsciousness.

“Huh, lightweights.” Knives heard a whoosh and Flitter was on fire. “Should I be worried?” She asked with uncertainty in her voice. The remains of the unicorn was swept away by the wind, leaving dark blobs that hissed in the sunlight. She could smell the nice smell of freshly baked bread. Dusk could smell heated plastic, Thunder ozone and Flitter could smell charcoal.

“And I thought They would sleep forever.”

******

A dropper fill with green liquid was held in lavender magic aura. A single drop dripped into a dish, which held a slab of meat. As the drop came into contact with the meat it hissed, eating away at the meat until a small chunk was left “Amazing isn’t it?” Twilight asked in glee. Her voice was muffled by the hazmat suit she was wearing. “I hope this is important Andy.” She irritably growled.

“It’s Them. They’re back.”

Twilight turned around, the serious expression on Knives… Andromeda’s face chilled her to the bone. “They never left. Now let’s discuss this over some coffee.” Twilight flashed away her protective suit and led Knives into the kitchen.

Twilight poured two cups of the heavenly liquid and set them down on the mahogany table. “Don’t you dare spill it, Rarity would turn us inside out.” She warned.

“That sounds like something you would do.” Knives gave a mirthless chuckle. “Also how did you convince Diane to come back?”

Twilight sipped her coffee and sighed deeply. “She can’t handle this world for long. She always hides away in her fantasies. Not that I blame her.” Her eyes were sad for a moment. “I was a fool many times as well.” The escapade with the mirror was silently acknowledged by the two. Not an experience either cared to remember.

“You seem to be calm.”

“And you’re on edge. How rare.” Twilight smugly remarked. “Why did you approach me though?”

“You know, silver, iron dust, garlic and the like. You know they’ll be coming for you too, right?” Knives poured some bourbon into her coffee, ignoring the look of disgust on Twilight’s face. “You don’t seem worried.”

“Why should I?”

Knives went into detail on their encounter, as she assimilated the knowledge of the Ubrum. He did leave out knowledge she gained on the Testament’s goals and Dusk’s true nature.

“I almost feel sorry for the two.” She smiled at that however. “And that crystal you mentioned, it is likely a recent development of Eternity. ‘Young’ as the One you mentioned, it part of a test run, something larger.” She frowned as she poured herself another cup. “However They might have some resiliency against our measures. It’s only logical.”

“Then make new ones. Or something more potent.” Knives demanded. “That Thing should have been easier to deal with. Now my stomach hurts so bucking much.” Despite this she gulped down the coffee.

“Does Master know this?” Twilight innocently asked. She floated out a pan from the stove and poured a thick yellow liquid into a bowl. Out floated crackers of all sorts from a few cabinets amnd piled neatly on two plates. “Help yourself.”

Knives gave no comment on the display nor the gusto which Twilight displayed while eating. She simply nodded. “Yeah. And he told me to talk to you or Ditzy, to form a plan.” Knives stared at the empty cup. “I don’t trust Ditzy.”

“Wasn’t she the old student of the King?”

Knives shrugged. “Just a feeling.”

“Look, Octavia is the local Shaman. But I know one up in Manehattan, a monkey shaman named Armando. He’s grouped up with a griffon monk and a few others.” She informed her between munches. “There are alternatives but they’re the most reasonable.”

“Griffon monk? I’m not heading to the monastery am I? You know how it is.” Knives shivered.

“No.” She slid over a piece of paper with an address. “Tell the clerk to ‘give you the day of the week’ and if he asks why it’s a ‘code purple’.” Knives snorted at that. “Only discuss your finding with Armando and his friends.”

“That goes without saying ya know. Also…” Knives snorted. “Code purple?”

Twilight glared at Knives. “I’ll have you know that’s an ACTUAL threat level. And yes, I can cause a lot of damage.” Twilight smirked. “You don’t want to know what I did to earn my own category. But let’s say no one’s willing to collect the reward on my head.”

Or on any of the other five.

“I could take you all out. You just got the drop on me last time.” Knives petulantly complained. “Look, knowing you, you have some sort of superweapon for the occasion. If you say otherwise that’s bullcrap.”

Twilight frowned thoughtfully. “There might be. I’ve done some research on the other world and things are more similar than even the good king knows.” Twilight conjured a box and floated it over to Knives. Knives opened it slightly, then closed it.

“What in Tartarus? It’s just a dumb rock.”

“Hey now. That means you’re not the right fit. But others are.” Twilight scowled. “In another life that could be mine.” Twilight got up. “Have fun with your little hunting game anyways. I expect you to bring me something useful." Knives ground her teeth. "We both know this is part of something bigger. But you go ahead and chase them dog." Twilight sneered.

"One of these days somepony is going to murder you..." Knives muttered under her breath.

Author's Note

This chapter has been sitting for a while. With this one I'm not actually sure it came out right. My attempt at something I guess. Also the internet here sucks ass and so does this laptop. Maybe I should get a new one...

(Or use a new word processor. I have no idea why anyone here even uses MS word)