Carolean

Chapters

Death
Small Fat Horses
Sinner
Royalty
Damnation
Be Warned
Ponyville
Everlasting Nightmares
Reverence
Cruelty
When Darkness Falls

Death

What I have done in this battlefield was done for God. All the men I have killed were God’s enemies; therefore my enemies. I might have some regrets for my deeds, killing another man in cold blood is never a good feeling. Especially when you see their eyes lose their shine and their souls being whisked away to heaven or hell. I don’t know if I will ever see my wife and child again. It has now been over eight years since I left Sweden in the king’s name.

The putrid stench of the battlefield makes me feel nauseous. The distinctive smell of burning flesh and blood is overpowering to say the least. My blue coat is ripped and stained with blood and other sickening fluids. But even after all I have seen, my friends and allies dying next to me, enemies being blown into smithereens, grown men crying over loss, I still do not fear my fate. If I die, it was God’s wish for me to pass away into eternal rest.

I reload my flintlock musket while hiding in a trench created by my battalion’s grenadiers. Enemies can be everywhere, so I have to be effective with my reloading. One second too much spent on reloading can bring you ten seconds closer to death. I was in the infantry, pushing my way through the barren wastelands that were once great fields used to grow crops of all kinds.

’‘GUSTAFV! BEHIND YOU!’’ I hear one of my mates call my name and warning me. I twirl around to see a gargantuan Polish soldier with a bayonet on his musket. He was a grenadier.

The grenadier thrusts his bayonet towards me, intending to gut me. I sidestep to the left, barely avoiding a grimy death. I raise my musket and swiftly aim at his heart. His eyes widen as I pull the trigger. A crack pierces the surrounding area and the polish soldier fall back onto his back, writhing in what seems like indescribable pain. I kick away his musket from him and run away, leaving him to his fate.

I reload again. Two bullets left. With a victorious shout, I charge towards the enemy. Bloodlust clear in my icy-blue eyes. While running, I place my musket on my back with its strap firmly around my shoulders. I pull out my hirschfängare from its sheath. The small blade with dried blood reflect the lowering sun in an eerie shine. Another Polish grenadier charges towards me with his bayonet. I jump back, sidestepping to the right and thrusting my small sword through his throat. With a gurgling sound, he collapses.

Many of the things I have done in the field are moments that I will never forget; such as taking a life for the first time. The rest of my regime follow my lead and set out after me. I laugh maniacally as they run by my side. The enemies must be scared by our ruthless assault. Their captain is shouting something to a soldier next to him. The soldier next to the captain stares at us in fear.

We are the infamous Carolean Army, lead by our glorious leader and King Charles XII. The things that are said about him are also said about us. We cannot retreat, only attack, win or lose. Our tactics are simple; get close enough to the enemy so that you cannot miss when you shoot. That way, failure is almost nonexistant.

The Polish soldiers line up in a row as a last resort, many of them are shaking as they see us Swedes come closer towards them. I place my sword back in its sheath and grip my musket again. I cock it, still sprinting towards my victims. A wicked grin embrace my features as I see one of the soldiers in the row tremble in fear and lose focus on his aim. I lessen my pace into a jog and raise my musket, aiming for the scared Polish soldier.

I squeeze the trigger, but a crack from someone else’s musket fills the evening air. A sudden thump and a heat coming from my chest affirm my fears; I have been shot. My jaw drops in shock. I raise my left hand to the smoking hole in my chest. The bullet went straight into my heart. I can feel my strength gradually disappearing, death’s cold grip taking its place. I drop to my knees from lack of strength. I can suddenly feel the small drops of rain slowly wetting my face and running down my neck. I tilt my head back to the row of Polish soldiers.

The soldier who had been shaking stares at me in disbelief with his musket smoking. He was the one who gave me this lethal injury. It’s visible on his expression that I was his first kill in war. I presume that my mates are calling my name because I can hear them shouting something. I don’t know what is being shouted because all I can hear is my own fading heart beat in my ears. I fall down onto my back, coughing up some blood.

This was it. This was my death. My death wasn’t peaceful; I didn’t pass away of old age in my house as I dreamed to do. No, I died in a dirty battlefield covered in mud, blood from others and my own. I sigh and close my eyes. I’m too tired to feel any pain, but I know that it’s there because of the thumping and heat in my chest. The thumping that I now know is my heart stops gradually. I take one long, last breath as I collapse into the darkness surrounding me.

’‘Rise, Gustafv...’’ I hear a disembodied voice, even though I’m dead. This can’t be happening... ’’I mean you no harm...’’ The voice is male. It’s masculine and demanding, but at the same time soft and understanding. I open my eyes to see a void surrounding me. But what freaks me out even more is that there is no floor. I was lying on thin air, on some kind of invisible floor. Beneath this floor I could see the battlefield. What I suspected to be my body was glowing in a faint white aura. I stand up to see exactly where I am, and how I got here.

’‘Hello..?’’ I call out for the strange voice, expecting an answer.

’‘You have done despicable things, Gustafv...’’ The voice said with a hint of venom in its tone. I gulped and straightened my coat, which was mysteriously clean again, with no hint of the beating it had been forced to endure over the years.

’’I did what was right for my king and my God!’’ This voice is irritating. ’‘Show yourself, fiend!’’

’‘You and your king’s idea of what God wants is horribly mistaken. Countless lives have been ended because of your idiotic view of religion!’’ The voice hissed, as if through gritted teeth. ’’I am the link between your world, heaven and hell and countless other worlds. I am the one who ends the lives in time. I am the true balance.’’ The voice growled at me. I start shaking my head in a slow succession, moving my hand to my sword to be ready.

’’No... It cannot be... Liar!’’ This can’t be happening... They were wrong all along... The things I’ve done because of their twisted interpretation...

’’I am Death.’’ The strange voice, who apperantly was Death itself, snarled at my pathetic rambling. ’‘Since I can feel your regret for your deeds, a spirit willing to change, I am feeling quite generous at the moment...’’

I gulped again, gripping the handle of my sword tighter. ’‘Wha... What do you intend to do with me?

’’A chance for you to redeem yourself. A new chance.’’ This would be perfect... But I doubt that it’s a clean deal between mortal and immortal.

’‘What’s the catch?’’ I asked with more confidence in my voice.

’‘You will not return to your own world. I will be the one to choose where you will go.’’

’‘What if I don’t accept this deal?’’ Defying Death itself wasn’t the best of ideas, but I had to know my options in this matter.

’’If you refuse, I will take you to Lucifer himself.’’ I shudder at the thought of being brought to the Devil. Maybe this ‘different world’ thing, whatever he meant with that wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all. I mean, I’m pretty sure it would beat being punished for all eternity in hellfire.

’‘Well then, I accept your deal.’’ I straightened my back and took a deep breath through my nostrils. Nothing happened, since I’m dead but it felt relaxing to do so.

’‘Wonderful!’’ Death exclaimed happily. ’’Do mind the drop, though.’’

I had no idea what he was talking about, and I was about to question him, but the invisible floor vanished and I was now falling towards a thick forest. I screamed at the top of my lungs and shielded my head with my arms. My tricorne hat fell carelessly to the ground, almost floating on the wind.

I cursed silently as I saw the tree tops awfully close now. I grunted in pain as I fell through the hard branches, my momentum was decreased significantly but I still impacted the ground hard. My entire body ached from the ‘graceful’ landing I’d performed, I decided to stay put for a while, not daring to move my body if I happened to actually be injured. I can feel a small pat on my head as my hat gracefully lands back in its rightful place. That’s when I realised how exhausted I really was. I rolled over onto my back and sighed.

I was in a new, strange world that I had no knowledge about. I didn’t know if I could find my way to any kind of civilization, or if there even was a civilization here. I place my hands beneath my head and laid down. Okay... I really should get to know this place better, but that could be dealt with later. I should find out if there’s any dangers lurking around here in this forest. I tip my tricorne down over my face to block out the sun cracking through where I had dropped.

I still had my sword, musket and by the look of things, Death had been generous and provided me with a full pouch of ammunition, specifically ten bullets. And my trustworthy hat was perched upon my head. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all, as I didn’t have to shoot and kill to survive every day here, I hoped. I sighed again and closed my eyes, falling asleep almost instantly.

I was rustled awake by a cold wind stroking my chest, making me shiver from the sudden cold. I grabbed my hat and returned it to its original position on my head and grumbled. Okay, now I had to go and scout the area surrounding my position. I cracked my neck and knuckles as I started walking in a random direction.

My stomach growled and rumbled. I just realised how starved I actually was. Maybe I can find some wildlife to hunt and get meat of some sort. Or if I should be lucky enough to find some kind of berry that’s edible. Another growl from my stomach pushed me to hurry up.

I run off into a slow jog while loading my musket. Nine bullets left if I use this one. I placed it back across my shoulders and started walking at a slow pace. I have never seen such strange plants! One of them was even glowing! I didn’t know if it was because of sorcery, or me finally snapping and going insane, but the colors were so vibrant and alive, almost as if they were... drawn in some strange method I’ve never seen before. As I stared at everything I witnessed, I heard a feminine scream. A woman was in danger! Not on my watch! I took off in full sprint to the source of the scream.

My growling stomach screamed at me to stop and take it easy, but a Carolean never leaves a damsel in distress, no matter the circumstances. We Caroleans have our honor. Where other soldiers and armies loot, we stand by our pride and ignore those primal calls to steal. We only loot when we are truly desperate for supplies.

Another scream from the same voice made me double my efforts to get there in time before something could happen. A roar from some kind of beast sent a chill down my spine. It sounded like what I would suspect the demons from hell would sound like. I had no idea what a demon would do in such a place like this, but I would still do my best to take it down. A Carolean never fears life, death or anything in between.

I ended up in a clearing in the woods, quickly surveying the area for the source of the roar and the scream. My eyes widen at the sight of the beast. It looks like some kind of giant cat, but with its back towards me I could see its very visible bat wings. The hair on its head was blood red. It had some kind of strange tail. It was jet black and divided into segments that resembled the shell of a beetle. A stinger was at the tip. I didn’t know what to make of the source of the scream, it looked like some kind of yellow... horse with wings... The horse’s mane was long and pink. It looked much too small and fragile to be used for riding.

I whistled once, getting the attention of the giant hellspawn. ’‘Here kitty, kitty! Let’s play...’’ I took my musket to my hands, cocked it and readied my stance. The horse-creature stared at me, horror struck over its tiny head with the oversized eyes.

With a roar that could freeze the blood in the veins of even the most hardened soldier, the demon charged me. This wouldn’t end very well...

A/N: Okay, and we're off! The beginning of the story is as dark as it will get. The dark theme is only in this chapter. Pre-read and edited by frieD195

Small Fat Horses

In my own world when I was in the field, we were always told not to fear anything because in God’s grace, there was no fear. We were trained to not fear anything. Fear just gave us weaknesses and ways for the enemies to get to us more easily. I never feared anything back where I came from. But when I see this beast running towards me?

I’m terrified.

The demon roared again as it came closer towards me. I ran to the treeline, drawing it away from the yellow winged horse. My heart feels like its about to burst through my chest at any moment and the fear is almost paralyzing. The hellspawn is big, but it is not very fast, so I managed to get a small advantage in the distance between myself and it. I raised my musket, unsure where to aim at the blasted monstrosity. I decided to make it blind. I raised my aim towards the beast’s eyes. It was not far away from me. Drool was flowing in an unstoppable stream from the beast’s wicked mouth. I took a deep breath and fired, the smoke of the blackpowder shielding my sight. I could hear the blood-curdling howl of agony coming from the beast.

I dart away after firing, moving away from the position where the beast had last seen me. A dark, menacing growl comes from the beast, making me shiver in fear. I curse silently as I see the beast shake its head clear from the haze my bullet caused it. If it was angry before, it had to be more than furious right now.

The horse-creature stares at me in wonder, mixed with what I presume to be fear. The poor thing must be scared out of its mind. The demon’s right eye is shut, blood is pouring down its face. The demon is breathing heavily. It’s not growling anymore, just looking at me with pure hatred. It starts grinding its left paw while snorting a puff of cloud through its nostrils.

I know that I don’t have the time to reload the musket, so I reluctantly swing it over my shoulders and draw my hirschfängare out of its sheath. The once dirty and matted blade is now reflecting every single ray of light shining down onto it. The bright shine of the blade and the polished golden details of the sword make it look brand new. I stop inspecting the pristine blade and slash it through the air once, accepting the hellspawn’s challenge. The beast roars once and dashes towards me once again. This time, my fear doesn’t get the best out of me and make me look like a fool. No, I charge towards it, grinning like a madman.

The beast starts drooling again and narrows its eyes at me in determination. I allow my arm holding the sword to drop, leaving a small trail in the dirt behind me. I grit my teeth and raise my arm holding the sword and lift my other arm in front of me, holding it like it could provide some protection, when it will probably snap immediately because of the beast’s strength. The monster raises its left paw and strikes it towards me. I duck down low and slide just beneath its giant hand, slashing its arm in the progress. Another pained howl escapes the half-blind monster. It starts thrashing its arms in a blind rage.

I desperately try to escape the crazed monster’s thrashing but to my dumb luck, the beast manages to strike me and sending me flying for a good six meters or so. I grunt in pain and tries to inhale just to feel a sharp, paralyzing pain from my right side where the demon struck me. Great, broken ribs... I groan in agony. This hurts like a bitch. It feels like my lungs and entire right side is on fire while slowly tearing apart at the same time.

The horse-creature gasps loudly at my loss against the beast and starts sobbing. This makes me open my eyes completely and take a deep, relaxed breath. It still hurts though. I stand up slowly, holding my left hand on the damaged ribs. I take another deep breath, but this time through my nostrils. I knew that I had to end this now, before I would get hurt more, or even killed. The beast starts grinding its left paw on the ground again. It just won’t give up, but neither will I.

The monster roars again and charges towards me. I had no idea what I could do to stop the huge beast. Out of pure instinct, I raise my arm holding the sword and throw it.

To my own amazement, the sword flies in a perfect arc right into the demon’s good eye, blinding it completely. The beast howls in agony once again, but the howl degrades into a soft whining as it realises that its completely blind now. The beast staggers around, taking a few very unstable steps while occasionally yelping. The demon gingerly raises its left paw and pull out the blade while whining. It drops the sword with a clang resounding through the entire grove. It turns around and walks toward the treeline, trusting its enhanced senses to lead it correctly without colliding with anything. I take a few cautious steps forward, ready to act if the demon decides to turn around and finish the job it started. When I was sure that it wasn’t coming back, I bent down and picked up my sword. I wiped off the blood and slid it into its sheath.

I turn towards the horse, or whatever it is, and took a step closer. It shrinks back with every step I take. It must be terrified of me when it just witnessed me fighting off a beast more than two times larger than me. I kneel down five meters in front if it, holding out my left hand as an invitation. It stares at my hand in confusion, then at its hoof and back on my hand. It squeaks in surprise as I move my hand closer.

’‘Fluttershy!’’ I hear a voice shout in some strange accent I’ve never heard before. The creature’s head turn to where the shout was heard and smiles. I stand up abruptly, momentarily forgetting my injured ribs. I involuntarily yelp in pain, making the horse stare at me with pity. I take a deep breath and jogs off back into the forest. I don’t feel like meeting the one who shouted, as I don’t know if it’s hostile or not. I run a few meters into the thick shrubbery surrounding the grove.

’‘There you are, Fluttershy!’’ The voice who shouted is now in the grove, presumably next to this... Fluttershy. I peek out through a bush to see another horse-thing but this one is a bright purple, lavender if I am not mistaking. It has rich, deep purple hair cur straight. What amazes me beyond belief is that its... talking...

’’We were so worried about you! We heard a roar coming from out here and expected the worse! Everypony was looking for you!’’ Wait... ponies? Is that what they are? Small, fat, shrunken horses? They don’t even look like ponies! This is ridiculous! The lavender ...pony swipes the yellow one into what I guess is a hug. ’‘You have to tell me what happened out here!’’

’‘Umm... i-if you s-say so...’’ The yellow pony stammered. So, I just saved a brightly-coloured winged pony who can talk, from a demon? Yes, I do think that I have gone insane and then some. ’’I was just here in t-the grove... Helping my animal f-friends, when a manticore came here.’’ Manticore? Is that what they call the demon? Oh well, doesn’t change the fact that I have probably lost my marbles.

’’It was about to eat me when this... this thing...’’ Did that pony just call me a thing? To hell with all of this. I am going to be found out and be brought to a sanitarium sooner or later, so I will go in style. I reload my musket, cock it and rest it on my shoulder while walking out from the bush into the grove again.

’’I would appreciate it if you would not refer to me as a thing, pony...’’ I said, venom dripping from my words. The ponies turn to me, wide-eyed. The lavender pony’s jaw drops completely. The yellow one just looks at me, surprised at my reappearance.

’‘Who... How.... What-.. What are you?’’ The lavender pony is flabbergasted, she has obviously never seen the likes of me before.

’’I am a human.’’ I stretch my back. The small ponies can barely reach my waist.

The two ponies glance at eachother in confusion. The yellow pony shrugs with its wings. The lavender pony, who I just noticed to have a horn rolled her eyes.

’‘Well, ...human-’’

’‘Gustafv.’’ I interrupted the lavender pony, who just glared at me.

’‘Whatever. I just want to know; What are you doing in Equestria?’’ The horned pony took a defensive stance in front of me, ready to defend her friend.

’‘Do you really think you can defeat a Carolean?’’ I ask after staring at the lavender pony for a couple of seconds. I grab my musket with both of my hands, wrapping my left hand over the barrel. The winged pony yelps and hides behind her friend.

’‘Carolean..?’’ The lavender pony asks, dumbfounded.

’‘You mean you do not know who the Caroleans are?’’ What kind of sentient race doesn’t know of the Caro- Oh wait, ponies... The ponies shake their heads in unison. I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose.

’‘Never heard of them.’’ The horned pony states.

’‘Well then. Seems like I have to teach you two about the history of war where I come from.’’ I lift my tricorne hat off my head, momentarily using it as a fan. The lavender pony grins in such a manner that I don’t know if its possible or not as soon as I mention teaching. The yellow pony winced as I mentioned war.

Great, I didn’t just go insane, I had to go insane in a world inhabited by talking ponies. Death is probably pointing at me while laughing right now. Just great.

A/N: Well, second chapter already out! Pre-read and edited by frieD195!

Sinner

’‘Where to begin...’’ I tapped my hand to the barrel of the musket. The ponies sat down and looked at me. The lavender one must be a scholar of some sort, as she is staring at my every move. The yellow one, who I have learned to be Fluttershy, is staring at my musket, flinching with every tap. ’’I presume I should begin with why the Caroleans were formed...’’

’‘Wonderful!’’ The lavender pony squeaked and her eyes sparkled in some strange manner. So, now I am about to teach history to a couple of colorful equines, who can talk, and are capable of all sorts of emotions? What did I do to deserve this?

Oh right, the war and killing thing... Ah well, we all do mistakes in our lifetimes. But a lifetime of war, followed by a lifetime of colorful ponies? Ugh... Maybe Death can send me to Lucifer instead?

’‘The Carolean army was first founded 1680 by King Charles The Eleventh. He, along with some of his advisors made many reforms. One of those reforms included that every farmer in the lands had to provide the Crown with lodging for a regiment containing a thousand men. That, in time, created the Caroleans.’’ I explained as I sat down.

The lavender pony appeared to be thrilled about learning about something she had never heard of before. Fluttershy didn’t seem to like the idea my former king had, but why should I care about a yellow pony? I placed the musket beside me and stroked my hand through my blonde hair.

’’I was drafted into the army by my land in 1687, leaving my wife and child...’’ I sighed. Fluttershy’s lower lip quivered and her eyes started to water. I snortled. I don’t need pity from anyone, even less from talking ponies. What done is done, no going back. ’’I was in the infantry, drawn from the Västerbottens regiment.’’

’’...Infantry?’’ The lavender one... Okay, I have to know her name, calling her the lavender pony, or the lavender one is getting old.

’‘What’s your name?’’ I asked, scanning her features.

’’Uh...’’ She’s dumbfounded. Great. ’‘My name’s Twilight. Twilight Sparkle.’’ Huh. Makes sense, as to the sparkle-thing on her behind.

’‘Well Twilight Sparkle,’’ I emphasized her name. I had to surpress a laugh as she pouted. ’‘the infantry is the people, or in your case ponies, who charge into the battlefield before the grenadiers and the Generals. We make the way for the rest of the army. No matter what.’’

’’No matter...’’ Twilight repeated. Well, I am starting to suspect that this pony is stupid.

’‘Look, I have witnessed people being blown to smithereenes by grenades, people being killed and people being executed for stepping out of line. Many of them were my friends, so please allow me to finish.’’ I snapped at her, making her shrink back significantly. Tears were streaming down Fluttershy’s face, making me feel less than good.

’‘When King Charles The Eleventh died, his son, Charles The Twelfth, you may call him Carolus Rex took the throne. Carolus Rex made use of the Caroleans and went into war. I fought in the Battle of Narva that took place in the year 1700, but...’’ I averted my gaze from the ponies. I heard a rustle followed by a sudden pressure to my thigh, making me tense. I looked to see this... Fluttershy having her head on my thigh, staring right into my eyes.

I took a deep breath and exhaled in a slow fashion. ’‘The next battle I was partook in, the Battle of Jakobstadt, I... I met my fate...’’ The ponies gasped in unison. ’’I died in a dirty, blood-stained battlefield. I have seen neither my wife nor my son in eight years and I... died, just like that. Just one bullet ended it... all.’’ I lifted my hands to my face and leaned forward.

Don’t let the ponies see you cry, don’t let the ponies see you... Oh God, I can’t hold it in anymore. I felt tears trickle down the palms of my hands to drip down to the ground. I felt something wrap itself around me. I moved my hands from my face to see Fluttershy hugging me. No, that is something I don’t need right now; Pity from a colorful pony in a different world.

I pushed her away from me and stood up. ’’I don’t need your pity, nor do I deserve it. For all I did in the battlefield, the last thing I deserve is pity.’’ I brushed off some dirt from my blue coat and swung the musket over my shoulders. I took another deep breath and wiped my face with the back of my right hand. ’‘Any questions?’’

’‘What’s the wooden thing on your back?’’ Twilight crooked her head and stared at my musket.

’‘It’s a flintlock musket.’’ She stared at me in confusion. Ugh... ’‘It’s like... Like a cannon, but on a much smaller scale. Still lethal, though.’’ She started nodding slowly. ’‘Didn’t you say when you came here that you, and a couple of other... ponies were searching for Fluttershy here?’’ I motioned towards the other little pony with my left hand.

Twilight gasped and her eyes widened. ’’I have to call off the search for her!’’ Her... horn flickered and started shining. I don’t think I like where this is going... A beam of light shot into the air, while making an alien noise I’ve never heard before. It was almost like... My eyes widened in realization. That was magic. Only those in a pact with the Devil himself can use magic, and this wicked blasphemer just used it right in front of me.

’‘Witch...’’ I growled and walked towards her with heavy steps. She started backing away from me with her ears back. You know what the best cure for dark magics and witches is? Fire.

’’Gu- Gustafv...’’ How dare she use my name? I pull out my sword from my sheath and twirl it in my hand. She stares at the blade in horror. Her horn starts glowing again, surrounding it in a purple... bubble of some sort. That doesn’t matter right now. A purple bubble similair to the one around her horn started forming around me. She was using magic against me.

’‘RELEASE ME, WITCH!’’ I bellowed as my movements were restricted by the blasted aura around me.

’‘Witch..?’’ Twilight questioned. I glared at her, how I wanted to get my hands around her neck right now... ’’Oh! You probably mean about me using magic!’’ No really, genius? ’‘Magic is a natural thing here in our world, almost everything has some sort of innate magic. Fluttershy has magic, but her magic is in her wings so she can fly. Only unicorns, like me can use magic like I’m using it right now.’’ Oh, she expects me to believe that nonsense?

’‘Liar...’’ I spat, thoroughly unamused. She sighed and rolled her eyes.

’‘See the sun?’’ She motioned for the orb in the sky. Of course I see it. It’s shining down right into my eyes.

’‘Are you stupid? Of course I do.’’ She frowned and glared at me, but I matched her stare with my own.

’‘My teacher, Princess Celestia moves it to create the day. Her younger sister, Princess Luna moves the moon to create the night.’’ ...Is she serious? I mean, really? Small, fat horses being capable of moving the sun and the moon? It’s all so clear now. I haven’t gone insane, everything around me has.

’‘And you expect me to believe that nonsense?’’ I crossed my arms and arched an eyebrow.

’‘Actually, I do.’’ Her horn stopped glowing and the aura around me dissappeared, making me drop to the ground. She turned her back against me and started walking away in the opposite direction. Fluttershy looked at me and shook her head.

’’It really is true...’’ She said in a tiny voice, barely audible. I shook my head. This can’t be true... No one, pony or not lies to me. I am going to show that Twilight what happens when you question God and lie like she does.

The liar was just about to walk out on a small trail leading back into the forest, I snarled and grabbed my musket, cocked it and raised it to aim at the lavender pony who was about to leave. I start squeezing the trigger in a slow succession, taking slow, deep breaths.

’‘Repent.’’

A/N: Pre-read and edited by fried195! Also, shit has officially hit the fan.

Royalty

A/N: Edited by frieD195!

The cold glare from the Princess in front of me was unnerving to say the least. She was obviously thinking of a fitting punishment for me. But before she did any of that, I had something of my own to say... ’‘Permission to speak freely, your Highness?’’ I asked politely. The progress of her thoughts skidded to a halt visibly as she registered my question.

’‘Granted. But I can assure you, there’s not much you can do to ease your situation at the moment.’’ Oh, we’ll see about that, your Highness. I stood up and stretched my back. and rolled my neck. I could feel it pop and I moaned as the action was complete.

’‘Wouldn’t it be considered rude to not hear both sides from the incident that occured?’’ I lifted my tricorne off my head and placed it a little further back on my head. ’’As I doubt that... Twilight Sparkle... would have told you about everything that happened in that forest before you dropped by.’’ I spat the witches name like it was venom. The princess arched an eyebrow and looked at me like she questioned my very existance.

’’I suppose...’’ She sighed. Good. Perhaps I can work myself out of this easier than I thought... ’‘But first, tell me, how did you end up in Equestria?’’ I bit my lip. That question was bound to appear at any moment. Better now than never, I guess...

’‘This...may sound a little hard to believe...’’ She nodded for me to continue. I took a deep breath. A soft, throbbing pain which I could easily ignore emanated from my injured ribs. ’‘Where I come from, I was a soldier. But not just any soldier, I was a Carolean.’’ I sat down by the foot of my bed. ’’I was fighting in a battle against Polish soldiers. It was chaos; blood and injured comrades as far as I could see.’’ My vision focused on a distant point on the wall. The memories started flooding back into my mind. ’’I was charging down the battlefield with my musket in hand and shooting foes who were unlucky enough to be in range. We were closing in on their generals so that we could end the battle, and hopefully even the war.’’

The guards...ponies seemed to be leaning forward to hear the rest of my story, when the princess seemed to be deep in thought as she progressed what I had said. ’‘Continue.’’ She simply said. I nodded.

’’I had just evaded certain death and had killed the assailant. Their last line of defence was in plain sight. I remember sheathing my blade and drawing out my musket to fire. Just before I shot, a barrage of cracks came from the opposing forces. I was hit square in the heart and...Well...died...’’ I smiled sheepishly.

’‘But if you... died, how is it possible for you to be here right now?’’ Princess Celestia was apperantly very interested to hear the rest of my story. The same was about her guards.

’‘That’s the interesting part. You see; I had always thought I’d be sent to heaven, until Death itself appeared and showed me the errors of my ways. I still do not believe a word about what he said about my king and religion, but he offered me a second chance at life and... I took it.’’ I clasped my hands behind my head and leaned back towards the wall. ’‘And here I am.’’ I closed my eyes softly. ’’ I did not come here on my own accord, I was just given an opportunity and took it without thinking about it for too long. After I had literally ‘dropped’ down in that forest, I rested for a while until I heard a feminine scream.’’

The guards were now slack-jawed. The Princess had kept her composure flawlessly though. I took another deep breath as I continued my tale. ’’I ran through the forest as fast as I could. A Carolean never leaves a woman in distress, you know. When I reached the clearing, I saw probably the most terrifying... thing I have ever witnessed before. I believe they called it a ‘manetee-core’ or something similar...’’

’‘Manticore?’’ The princess suggested. I nodded. That was what they had called it.

’‘This... Manticore was standing in front of a peculiar creature I had never seen before, but from what I’ve seen so far, I’ll have to get used to those creatures...’’ I muttered. ’‘However, I saw a small, yellow pony with wings and long, pink hair. Her name was Fluttershy if I remember correctly...’’ I continued with re-counting the fight from my point of view. The guards seemed to be more terrified than anything to learn that I had faced a manticore, which all of these ponies seem to fear. The princess remained stone-faced though.

’’I see...’’ The princess said after a couple of minutes. I rolled my eyes. It shouldn’t be a hard thing to understand. ’’So, mind explaining the injuries you inflicted upon my student?’’ She almost growled. Wait... Student? Oh no... I cleared my throat and cleansed my head from the implications that just appeared for me to get out of here.

’’I tried to be friendly with the yellow pony, but when I heard someone call her what I learned to be her name, I panicked slightly as I didn’t know what I would be facing. I had yet to learn that the ponies could speak, mind you.’’ I stood up and clasped my hands behind my back while walking in a small circle in my cell as I looked down at the floor. ’’At first I thought that I had lost my mind when I heard them talking, but I revealed myself to the fascination of your student.’’ I looked at the Princess straight in her soft pink eyes.

’‘Was that a reason for you to assault her?’’ Princess Celestia asked. I have to say, she’s a real stoneface in situations like these. It’s a common part about being a ruler, I suppose...

’‘Allow me to continue, your Higness.’’ We stared at eachother in silence for a couple of seconds. The tension between us must have been immense. ’’I talked with the two for a while, introducing myself and talking about the Caroleans. Twilight Sparkle seemed to be eager to learn.’’ I chuckled dryly. Princess Celestia cracked a small smile. Good. ’‘But then, a situation arose. Something that I believe to be evil was used.’’ I sighed. I do not think Princess Celestia will appreciate my ways.

’‘And that was..?’’ the Princess asked expectantly. I drew a quick breath.

’‘Magic.’’ I looked her dead in the eyes, completely serious. ’‘Where I come from, magic is considered to be the main source of all the evil in the world. Only those in pact with the Devil practice it and those who use magic are not fit to live.’’

All the ponies stared at me with arched eyebrows. The guard standing to the left started snickering. But a quick jab from his partner set him straight immediately. Princess Celestia cleared her throat and spoke up. ’’I am one of the most powerful magic users in all of Equestria, followed only by my sister and Twilight Sparkle. Do you consider me to be evil after leading my country to peace and prosperity for over a thousand years?’’

’’Do you consider me to be evil after acting after my own beliefs, that may not be correct here but the beliefs that has been etched into my brain over years of war, training and suffering? Do you see me as a monster after leaving my wife and child to defend my country, King and honour? Can you judge me correctly after knowing that?’’ I growled and moved to stand just by the bars. The princess stood there with her mouth agape. She’s obviously not used to be talked to by anyone. Probably because so many peo-.. ponies respect her authority. ’‘Consider that when you pass judgement on me, your Highness.’’ I moved away from the bars and laid down on the uncomfortably small bed. I stared at the opposite wall. I heard shuffling coming from the guards. They probably didn’t know what to do. Pathetic worms.

The Princess worked her jaw for something to say. I saw her staring at me from the corner of my right eye. Finally, she spoke up. ’‘Very well then, I will. Since you have probably not eaten anything after your arrival to Equestria, food will be sent down to you. I will attend to my other duties now. Enjoy your stay in Equestria, Gustafv.’’ With that, she turned and walked towards the direction she had come from. The guards glared at me before they increased their pace to walk alongside their Princess. I sighed and rolled over onto my back and laid my hands beneath my head. Even the damn pillow was uncomfortable.

I couldn’t help but to think about what could happen to me after this. I highly doubt that she would ever allow me to walk away unscathed. I could however see in his eyes that she would never harm any living thing unless she was forced to. I have seen the expression of bloodlust on many faces before, but her face was the exact opposite. I laid my tricorne over my face to shield the light from the torch. I wanted my coat back, at least it would be able to give me some warmth in this cold world. I fell into a restless sleep after a few minutes.

I was rustled awake by a sudden commotion from the other side of the bars. I shot my eyes open and took a few hitched breaths in an attempt to calm down. The torch on the wall was just a weak ember so it didn’t help me that much with locating the source of the alien sounds. A sudden rustle and a shift from the shadows caught my attention,

Out from the shadows walked a midnight blue pony. This one had a similair flowing mane as Princess Celestia, but this one’s mane was a picture-perfect mirror of the night sky. That’s when I realized something. Princess Celestia had said something about having a sister. It did not take a genius to understand that this pony was that sister. She also had a horn and wings. But what divided her from her sister was her expression and the way she handled herself.

She hadn’t put on a mask like her sister, she was just staring at me with big eyes and her ears perked directly at me. She took a cautious step towards the bars of the cell. She wasn’t angry or anything like that, she was something I hadn’t encountered since I met Twilight Sparkle; she was curious.

Her gaze soon rolled over my upper body and finally my eyes. Her eyes was a beautiful light blue which really stood out from her rather dark body. She clicked her tongue after a while.

’’My, you really are a strange creature...’’ She muttered as she came closer towards the bars. Her voice was soft, almost meek. She was like a curious child who had just seen something it never had seen before.

Something tells me that this is going to be a long night...

Damnation

A/N: Edited by frieD195! A short chapter today as I had other things to do, and I felt like I owe you guys a chapter. Enjoy!

(First part is Third-person pony perspective)

The princess of the day sighed and slumped her shoulders as soon as the door closed behind her and the other ponies. She used a quick spell to relieve herself of a rapidly approaching headache. The Elements of Harmony exchanged glances with eachother and Princess Luna. Rainbow Dash snortled and pushed her chest out.

’‘I’unno if what the princesses and you guys said about that dude out there was true or not. I think he looks kind of lame...’’ A hum of agreement came from the white unicorn, who pursed her lips before replying.

’‘Did you girls see his outfit? It was just so daft and boring! How can he walk around like that and not feel bad?’’ She flicked her head, making the curls in her hair bounce. Princess Luna scowled and turned to the young mares, who noticed the glare coming from the princess.

’‘Rainbow Dash, that lame human blinded a fully grown manticore on his own while defending Fluttershy,’’ Rainbow kicked thin air and looked down at the floor. ’‘And miss Rarity, those clothes he’s wearing are the only clothes he have here, and it’s his uniform. As he was, and still is a soldier.’’ Luna huffed and turned away from the now slack-jawed mares. The rest of the ponies just raised an eyebrow and looked at the slightly irritated lunar princess.

’’Um... I think... I think he’s just scared...’’ Fluttershy whispered. Twilight chortled and held back a laugh. ’‘Because some animals defend themselves almost like he does when they’re afraid of something around them...’’ Princess Celestia understood the logic behind Fluttershy’s reasoning immediately.

’‘Fluttershy may be onto something here...’’ Princess Celestia tapped a hoof to her chin. deep in thought. She knew that if he’s afraid of something, it’s magic. But how would she be able to make him face his fears of magic? Her thoughts drifted to an old spell which allowed earth ponies to use magic temporarily. She would have to customize the spell for the human though, as she had something planned for him that would fit his personality much better. ’’I believe I know what to do with him.’’ She smiled and nodded to her student and sister.

’‘When this is finished, can we throw a huge ‘Welcome-to-Equestria- party for him? Can we? Please tell me that we can!’’ Pinkie grinned and rubbed her hooves together. She had never thrown a party for an alien before! But what would an alien want as decorations? Would he prefer muffins or cupcakes? Oh, it would be a blast!

’‘Err... Ah think we should avoid parties fo’ now...’’ Applejack pointed out, and the pink pony deflated, only to perk up immediately. The princesses ushered the younger ponies to leave the room and walk back into the throne room.

Celestia recited the spell once again in her thoughts. It wasn’t a very advanced spell when cast on a pony, but Gustafv wasn’t a pony so some difficulties were bound to appear. She just hoped that she had the concentration to not break her concentration mid-spell. She took a deep breath and walked through the door, staring down at the human.

The ponies walked out from the room they had entered minutes ago. Princess Celestia loooked down at me. She seemed to be determined as she stared down at me. I tried to match her stare with my own, but this time her will was stronger than mine. I turned my head away from her and looked down at the floor, only to look back up again as the princess adressed me.

’‘Gustafv. I may not understand your ways, nor the horrors you have lived through in your life and what you have seen. But still, when you are in my sister and I’s country, you are expected to live by the laws in it. I am truly sorry for all you have been forced to endure, but attempted murder is not a thing we allow to slip.’’ Her glare only hardened the longer she held it. I realized now just how powerful she truly was. I gulped and nodded.

‘Nothing is more frightening than an irritated woman.’ Oh, how that quote is true at a moment like this. I cleared my throat and stretched my back. ’’I understand, Princess. I await your decision of my fate.’’ I bowed my head toward her. This... This could really be my end.

’‘Are you ready to recieve your punishment?’’ It wasn’t a question, it was more like a statement. I nodded and her horn started glowing in a yellow aura. I braced myself and held my breath. I whispered a short prayer as I awaited my fate.

’’Fader vår som är i himmelen helgat varde ditt namn

Tillkomme ditt rike ske din vilja

Såsom i himmelen så ock uppå jorden ge oss bröd ock idag

Och förlåt oss våran skuld’’

I looked up at the princess again with a small smile. The aura around her horn intensified, and a golden beam shot from it, aiming straight for my chest. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, expecting the hit to come at any moment now.

I gasped as a burning sensation crushed into my chest. It was like taking a small piece of still warm iron from a forge and press it toward your skin. I gritted my teeth and attempted to fight the urge to fall over, but that was in vain. I dropped to my knees as the burning just increased. I could feel my chest being invaded by strange tendrils of something that never belonged to me.

I threw my head back and screamed as the tendrils of her magic wormed their way into my mind and soul, changing it and adding details which should never have been there. I tried, and tried to gasp for air, but it were only futile attempts which didn’t make any difference. I even tried to roll away from the burning, but I was held firmly in place by the same magic which was changing me.

My eyesight flickered, and I could feel my exhausted body starting to give up from the pressure it was being forced through. The burning didn’t actually hurt anymore, it was still there, but my body became numb after the constant abuse. My voice was becoming hoarse from all the screaming, and as the burning stopped, I fell to my side unconscious.

’‘Wake up...’’ Oh no...

I opened my eyes slowly, expecting to see the same, blasted void as before. But what I saw was actually quite nice. It was a massive room, with luxurious furniture fit for royalty. The windows were massive and inviting. The walls were presumably made by marble, and on the walls were strange relics I’ve never seen before.

But the bed I was lying on... I have never laid on such a perfect bed... It was soft, but not too soft and the pillow was simply fantastic. I stretched my arms and legs. As they popped, I groaned. I turned my head slightly to the right, only to see none other than Princess Celestia standing there next to the bed. ’’So, is it going to be a common occurance that I fall unconscious and that one of the princesses wake me up?’’ I asked sarcastically.

The princess just rolled her magenta eyes and spoke up. ’‘Let’s hope not...’’ She smiled. That’s when I noticed that something felt wrong... Very wrong... It felt like something... Else had entered my head and was claiming some space for itself. The princess must have noticed me panicking, as she pursed her lips and coughed. ’‘You must be wondering what your punishment was...’’ I nodded furiously. I had to know what was wrong with me! ’‘Hold out your ho-.. Hand.’’ I ignored her correcting herself and did as she said. ’‘Focus on the world around you, try to grasp it.’’ She said mysteriously. I just raised an eyebrow and did as she said.

To my own horror, a weak, golden aura flickered to life around my hand. I felt my heart just in the back of my throat as the aura stabilized itself into a fair, even glow. I started hyperventilating as the glow faded into nothing once more. I felt cold sweat over my body as I slumped my hand back onto the bed I was lying on. I looked back at Celestia. ’‘You...’’

’‘Yes. I gave you magic.’’ She said matter-of-factly. My jaw dropped. This... This is preposterous! ’’It is only temporary though, and I have limited your abilities. You can only use basic levitation spells, and you can also only use it defensively, never offensively. If you attempt to do so, you will know the consequences. It will take some time for you to learn how to properly use it though.

I couldn’t answer her, all I could do was to stutter incoherent words which I was sure that she didn’t understand. I rolled over so my back was toward her ’‘Leave.’’ I was tired of being polite. That... bitch had just sentenced me to an eternity of suffering in hell. The princess didn’t say anything and wordlessly left the room. I closed my eyes softly.

Why does everything have to go bad for me...

Be Warned

A/N; Short chapter this time around. Just something to keep the plot rolling. Edited by frieD195.

I have been lying in this bed for about two, maybe three hours now. I have attempted to sleep, but I cannot get the serenity I need to slumber. I am just rolling around in bed, occasionally sighing while tossing around, trying to find peace. With a groan, I settled myself onto my back and just staring at the ceiling. My thoughts drift away to my punishment.

I have been sentenced to an eternity of suffering, just because Princess Celestia wanted to teach me a lesson. I would have accepted a lifetime in the dungeon over this... This curse. I presume that I should look at it from her point of view. I came to her land against my will, I defended one of her subjects from what could have been certain doom. I eventually met her protegé, only to attempt to take her life in cold blood. She could have, and even should have, made my punishment even more severe than what it currently is.

But alas, I could see that she was a leader was loathe to cause discomfort to anyone, or any...pony. Her sister was different though, she had the air of a royalty around her, but she also had troubles trusting anyone else, as she did act a little distant when she came to the dungeon when I was there. Probably because she wasn't quite sure what to make of me... Well, I am not here to impress anyone. I am here because of my fall. The fact that I was too convinced that I'd get my bullet through his head, but I was the one receiving a bullet...

I clenched my fists and closed my eyes. All of this, and I mean all of this could have been prevented if I wasn't so full of pride... But at least it was just me who fell in that assault. The Caroleans will march on, enemy forces cannot stop us. One fallen to give the rest motivation to keep marching for glory is a fair deal.

I realized that lying in bed all day wouldn't solve my situation, so I stood up to take a look around the room I had been accustomed to. A sharp pain shot from my ribs, and I gritted my teeth while placing my hand there. It would take some time for the ribs to heal, as I had suffered the same injury before so I knew how my body would take it. My coat was on a hanger by the door. The door itself was locked though, as I suspected. But what surprised me was that my hirschfängare was hanging beside the coat with its strap.

I grabbed the handle of the sword and pulled it out. It was still as beautiful as it was when I first came to this world, but the blade had a few dried spots of blood on it, obviously from the beast I blinded on my first day being here. I took a few swings for practice, a constant pressure started emanating from my injured ribs, but I could continue with it.

A manikin, but it looked like a pony was in the corner of the room. I moved it to the middle of the room. I could at least have some fun when I'm locked in this room...I took a few steps back from the ponykin while twirling the sword in my hand. I gripped the handle tighter as I lunged toward the ponykin and slashed it over the barrel, then rolled and stood up while making a horizontal slash to the back of its neck. I once again twirled the sword, but this time I held it with the blade facing the wall behind me. I dashed forward and stabbed it once again to the neck, then punched its face with my free hand. The ponykins' face caved in, making it look quite ridiculous.

I continued to deliver a quick kick to its forelegs, making the left foreleg burst into splinters and the right foreleg crack. I didn't stop there, oh no. Far from it, actually. I poured all the strength I had left in me into one last swing. The blade sheared through the neck of the ponykin without issues, making it fall to the floor beside it. I wiped my forehead with the back of my left hand. A clopping which sounded almost like applause came from the doorway. I turned my head to see both of the princesses standing there. A sudden shock of pain came from my ribs, making me place my hands on them once again and gasp from the agony.

''Now I see why you were able to blind a manticore on your own, Gustafv.'' Princess Celestia smiled and walked inside the room. I sat down on the bed, still grasping my chest from the pain. ''But you really shouldn't do those kinds of activities while you're still injured.'' She scolded me like I was a child. Not a proud moment for me, to be honest. Princess Luna just walked inside in complete silence, casting harsh glares at her sister every once in a while.

''Well, I should be allowed to have some fun while I spend my time here.'' I turned my head away from the approaching princesses. ''Why are you two here, anyway?'' I laid the sword on the bed, being careful not to harm the cover of the bed by cutting it.

This time, Luna spoke up with a certain edge to her tone. She must be angry at something, presumably her sister due to the fact that she's glaring at her. ''We came here to see how you're doing with the... changes my sister made to you. Other than that, we came here to warn you about a certain pony.'' They came here to warn me? For what? Do they really think a pitiful pony can harm me?

''While I appreciate your concern, I can say without doubt that none of the ponies here can harm me physically as I probably am vastly superior in combat.'' I rubbed my left hand to my chest.

''This pony is like no other, Gustafv.'' Princess Celestia warned. I raised an eyebrow and looked straight into her eyes. ''She constantly breaks the laws of physics and common sense. She truly is an enigma in her own right. Her name is Pinkie Pie.'' She sighed and looked away from me. Princess Luna cast a worried glance to her sister, before continuing where her sister ended.

''She can, and probably will throw you a party. But beware, when she might seem innocent and kind, a real party monster resides within her.'' Luna didn't break the stare at me, so I continued staring as well.

This... They want me to fear a small, pink pony who likes parties? They... Who... ''Pfft...'' With that, I started laughing like I had never laughed before. This was just stupid! Do they really think I'd fear something so... So ridiculous? Princess Celestia just shook her head and started walking to the door with her sister following her.

''You'll see what we mean...'' Celestia said before she closed the door behind her. I heard the door being locked, so I wiped the tears of mirth away from my eyes. Oh, this was just priceless... Truly. With that, I settled down in the bed to sleep, as night had fallen. I laid my sword next to the bed, just in case I would need it. I feel asleep a few minutes later, without a care in the world, or the last one in that matter.

I jumped awake because of something hoppinh onto the bed and standing over me. I tried desperately, and failed to reach for my sword. I opened my eyes to see a pink pony with big, blue eyes and a curled pink mane standing on top of me. Her grin became unnaturally big as I tried to keep away from her.

''Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie!'' The crazy pony chirped happily. The color drained from my face almost immediately. I think I understand what the Princesses meant by their warning now...

Ponyville

Pre-read and edited by frieD195.

I tried my best to wrestle the crazy pink pony off of me. But I have to say, that pony sure knew how to avoid being caught... She just giggled as I tried to grab her by her sides and bounced just before I would be able to catch her. I snarled and rolled off my bed, making the pony roll off with me. I jumped to my feet and readied my stance. I started stalking forward as slowly as I could, only to dash toward the insane equine soon afterward.

The pony whooped and rolled to her left. I skidded to a halt and whipped around to face the pony again. I started panting from the strain of chasing her and I felt slow, agonizing thumps emanate from my ribs. I growled and charged forward once again, intending to end this now. I held my arms wide and bent forward the closer I came to her. This time I noticed that she didn't make an attempt to evade me, she just grinned even wider than before.

“Yay, hugs!” She hollered and charged against me as well. She...wait, hu-

“OOOMPH!” I felt the air being pressed out of my lungs because of the pony tackling me. An otherworldly pain rose from my ribcage. I opened my eyes and looked down at her as she... Hugged me? Her left cheek was pressed toward my chest and her forelegs were wrapped around me. I just laid still, not moving a single muscle. But after a while, I started struggling to escape from her grip. It didn't take long for me to free my left arm and I grabbed the pony by her neck and lifted her off me, I dropped her to the ground and she landed on her flank, only to bounce up to her hooves immediately... How was that even possible..? She was still smiling, though. “What do you want?” I growled and laid back down on the bed to soothe my aching ribs.

“Oh, I just came by to give you your invitation to the party I'm throwing! It's your Welcome-to-Equestria-please-don't-hurt-my-friends-party! It's gonna be a blast!” She grinned even wider than before. At least now I know why the princesses warned me of this pony... I facepalmed with both of my hands and dragged them down my face in a slow pace. I looked at the pink pony, who seemed to think that my behavior was hilarious. I cleared my throat.

“And why do you think that I would even consider attending a... party where I don't know anyone who is attending it, hm?” I crossed my arms over my chest in defiance. She pouted and walked closer to the bed and carefully slipped a small note onto it. I glanced down at it, then back at her. It looked almost like her eyes had doubled in size over the course of ten seconds.

“Because then you can make new friends at the party!” She chirped. “Just think of how fun that would be!” There was that huge smile again... Ugh, that pony will be the second death of me one day...

“I had friends, but many of them died by my side. And so far I have not made a good impression on many of the ponies, in case you haven't noticed. I am grateful that you would even consider throwing me a party, but I am not interested in attending it. Go and do something else, if you would...” I tilted the tricorne so it hid my face from the pink pony. I smirked as she was finally silent. I suddenly heard a noise with reminding me of gritting teeth. I cracked my left eye open to see something that actually frightened me.

Pinkie Pie's coat had become almost darker than it was mere seconds ago and she narrowed her eyes as she bounced up onto the bed and positioned herself to stand on top of me. She snorted a small cloud of smoke. “Alright, now you listen to me and listen good;” She growled “I am not happy about you threatening and almost killing one of my friends. And you even made Fluttershy cry. If you would even consider hurting one of my friends again, I will come for you.” She pressed her left forehoof to my chest. “And about this party...you will attend it, you will have some cake and you will enjoy yourself. Understood?”

I nodded vigorously. That pony can be frightening if she wants to... As soon as I nodded to her, she grinned and her normal color returned almost instantly. “Super! I'll ask somepony to get you around seven!” She gave me another quick hug, then bounced off the bed and through the open door, which she slammed closed.

...Well, that was probably one of the strangest things to ever happen to me. Note to self; never agitate the pony named Pinkie Pie ever again.

A few hours later, I heard the door unlock and open. I stood up and faced the door with my hands behind my back, standing at attention. Princess Celestia walked inside, followed by the same orange pony from the throne room. This time I got a better look at the pony. She was wearing a brown hat, and her blonde hair was tied back in... A ponytail... I shrugged and decided that I had encountered enough strange things during my time in this world than to point out that small detail. The pony was obviously trying to put on a strong face as to show me that she wasn't afraid of me. It wasn't very convincing... I cleared my throat.

“And why do I have the honor of speaking to the Princess today?” I said with a crooked smirk. Princess Celestia sighed and rolled her eyes in exasperation. Seems like she wasn't in the mood for any shenanigans now. Shame.

“I have a proposition for you, and that would include you getting out of the castle and even getting a job.” She said with authority. A job? Oh, I am sure that there is some kind of hitch... There always is one. “Applejack here, with some talking to, agreed that you could work at her farm as long as you obey her rules and do what it is she, or somepony from her family asks you to do. Royal Guards will come by from time to time and check up on you.” Ah, of course…there's the catch.

“So, you're saying that I'll basically become a slave and never earn my freedom?” I took a slow step forward and crossed my arms over my chest. The orange pony took a step back, but the princess held her ground.

“No, not a slave. Consider it as community service. By helping Applejack and the ponies in Ponyville, you will work off your sentence and in time become a free human once again.” Princess Celestia explained in a calm, soothing tone. “Tell us, what was your profession before you became a soldier in your king's name?”

“I was a farmer, like my father and my grandfather. It is a long time ago since I did any kind of work at a farm, though... I have been away from the farm for 9 years when I was enlisted 11 years ago. I hope that my son and wife have taken good care of it...” I sighed. Back in the field, the thought of bringing glory home, or just surviving to come home again was probably the best motivation I ever had...

“But...how old are you, then?” the princess asked with a crooked eyebrow. The other pony, Applejack was it? Well, she was looking at me with pity.

“I am 32 years of age, princess.” My mind drifted to the insane pink pony who had visited me earlier today. “What time is it?!” I asked frantically. The two ponies glanced at each other. The hatted pony spoke up at last.

“Um... It's 'round fahve... If'n yer wonderin' 'bout Pinkie's party, we managed tah talk her inta postponing it 'til eight as we're leaving fer Ponyville as soon as we're done 'ere.” She spoke with a peculiar accent. Well that's good, I suppose... The longer I manage to stay away from that pony, the better.

“We better get going to the chariots. The other Elements of Harmony are waiting by the chariots at this very moment. Come on” Princess Celestia walked out of the room, followed by Applejack. I shrugged, grabbed my hirschfängare and swung the strap onto my shoulder, following the ponies.

It was not a long walk to get to the chariots and as Princess Celestia had said, the supposed Elements of Harmony were already there. I marveled at the ornate golden chariots for a couple of seconds, until the princess nudged my back, making me snap out of the trance I was in. I didn't say a word to the ponies and climbed onto the chariot which was closer to me. Twilight Sparkle moved to the other chariot when I did that. A light-blue pegasus pony with a rainbow mane positioned her in front of my with a sneer.

The next pony to walk toward the chariot I was in was a white unicorn with a purple mane carrying an impressively big bag for such a small pony. The rainbow-maned pony rolled her eyes as the unicorn grunted from the strain. I sighed and stood up from the chariot and laid my blade on the floor of it, then walked over to the unicorn and lifted the bag off her, then walked back to the chariot carrying it. The unicorn just looked at me with wide eyes and a small smile. “Thank you, darling!” she said with a sigh as she sat down on the chariot. I just gave her a stiff nod.

I noticed the stares from the other ponies, even from the guards positioned to pull the chariot. I leaned back in my seat and tilted my tricorne over my head to block the sun's rays from my eyes. About a minute later, all of the ponies were in their seats and the chariots started rolling off, only to take to the sky. I grabbed the railing with my left hand and took off my hat with my right hand to keep it from flying away with the wind.

After a few minutes, the wind lessened in force and I perched the tricorne back onto my head with a deep sigh. I picked up my hirschfängare and drew it out from the sheath. I then continued to inspect the blade itself for any kind of damages. I noticed a small chip close to the handle and frowned. It wasn't big damage, but it could prove fatal if it would crack all the way through, splitting the blade. I wiped the blade once with a strip from my coat, then slid it back into the sheath. The ponies in the same chariot as me relaxed visibly as I placed it on the floor next to me once again.

“There's no reason to fear me. I may have proven you otherwise with my actions, but trust me, I will do what it takes for me to clear my name and make myself a free man. This... spell Princess Celestia cast on me informs her of my actions when she's not in my company.” I lifted my left hand, remembered what she had told me about focusing. My hand flashed a gold aura once and the ponies flinched.

A few minutes passed until the pegasus on board the chariot spoke up in a somewhat scratchy voice. “So... Soldier, huh?” I nodded absent minded. “Have you killed someone before?” The unicorn nudged her with a scowl and a harsh reprimand. I looked the pegasus straight in the eyes.

“More than once. War and killing was pretty much an everyday activity for me back then...” I looked away from her and ahead of the chariot to see where we were heading. I saw a small town in the distant. I concluded that the town I saw must be Ponyville. I then looked over to the other chariot where I saw Twilight Sparkle staring at me with a frown. My eyes widened as I saw my musket being next to her, along with the pouch with the ammunition.

“Cool...” The pegasus finally spoke up. I looked at her in disbelief.

“War is not something... Cool. No one, pony or not, should ever be forced to live through the horror that is war. I have seen many things during my service which would make a human or a pony who is not hardened wretch at the sight...” The pegasus gulped as I looked her straight in the eyes. “Imagine that you are running through a barren wasteland that once was a living and healthy field. The only thing you can hear is the deafening cracks of muskets firing in barrages and screams of fear and pain. Out of nowhere, an enemy soldier is charging against you and you have no other option but to face him head-on. You are lucky to be alive, but then a deafening explosion pushes you onto your back. Grenadiers.” Both of the ponies were listening intently.

“Of what once were your brothers in arms, now all you see is gore and blood-stained clothes. You feel no emotion, as you know your brethren have found peace. There is no time to grieve, because then you're an easy target. All you can do is keep on charging, hoping that you're not the next target of the grenadiers.” I clenched my fists and they started shaking. “All... All you want to do is see your loved ones one more time before succumbing... But fate has other plans for you... You feel a bullet hit you as you charge. You can't do anything else but collapse as your life is being drained away from you. Instead of seeing clear-blue skies above you, you...you see nothing but smoke from muskets, cannons and fires. There is no lullaby rocking you calmly to sleep, only an endless racket from the battle... Then there's nothing more. You're done, finished.” I felt a tear trickle down my cheek.

“But the best thing is that when you expect to finally be able to rest from the hell which was your life for years, Death has other plans for you and sends you to some strange world where talking ponies reside! He also tells you that what you were fighting and killing for years was nothing but a carefully fabricated lie!” I shouted and I was breathing heavily now. “But... But then you know that you will never be able to see your family again... Never to see your son grow up and become a man...” I sighed and ran my right hand through my hair while sighing. “War makes a man into a monster...” I said as I stepped down from the chariot, which had landed in a small town.

The ponies in the other chariot must have overheard me, as they were looking at me in pity. I growled and followed Applejack, as I was supposed to stay at her farm. “Gustafv!” I turned around to see Twilight Sparkle taking a step forward, levitating my equipment next to her. She levitated it over to me. I swung the pouch over my back and inspected the musket. I noticed that they had ground down the flint so it was pretty much useless now. Clever... I nodded to her and she nodded back. I continued following Applejack to the farm, stroking my hand along the barrel of the musket in slow movements.

A few hours had passed, and now Applejack and I were heading back into town to go to the party Pinkie Pie had...suggested that I attend. Applejack's farm had, to my exaggerated shock and awe, been an apple orchard. She had claimed that they were the best apples in Equestria. I had just chuckled at her remark, which had earned me a silent treatment which lasted until we had reached the farmhouse.

I had been introduced to her family and the first pony I met was a gigantic red stallion, who I later got to know as Applejack's brother, Big Macintosh. When we were inside the house, a young foal ran up to her and greeted her. The foal just looked at me with big, curious eyes. But before a barrage of questions could be laid down upon me; Applejack made her younger sister find her brother. The last pony in the household I met was an old, fragile mare.

I was actually glad that I didn't frighten the old lady with my presence. After that, the orange pony had showed me to their guest room where I would stay. I had placed the now useless musket, along with the pouch of ammunition and my blade in a closet. The town had a peaceful air to it, so I doubted that my equipment would come to any use.

After a quick dinner which consisted of apples, apples and a bit more apples, we were now walking back to town in silence, until Applejack decided to break the silence. “Yer awfully quiet...” A brilliant observation...

“I don't talk unless I have reason to talk. I think more than talk, so I can be prepared to evaluate a situation before it escalates into a disaster.” I answered as we passed the first building to the town. Applejack nodded at my answer and smirked.

“Then yer like mah brother. He doesn't talk very much, but that noggin' o' his is useful when we're buckin' apples in th' orchard. He knows them fancy mathematics to know how to divide the segments of th' orchard for us tah work in.” She smiled and pointed her right hoof to a strange building on the end of the street. “There's th' Sugarcube Corner.” She trotted a little faster.

The entire building looked like a giant pastry, but when I thought that Pinkie Pie lived there, the idea of living in a huge gingerbread house didn't seem very strange anymore. I followed Applejack through the open door, bracing myself for the inevitable stares and whispers I would have to endure.

The party wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be. There were of course some staring and whispers, but after Pinkie Pie announced who I was and reassured them that I wouldn't do anything to them, the atmosphere inside the bakery lightened immediately. There were of course some curious ponies, but one of them dared to ask me a question, many of the other ponies joined the others and asked me a few questions each.

When they asked where I was from and how it was there, I didn't share the more gruesome details about my past to them. I just said that it wasn't very peaceful there... I wasn't lying, after all. We also decided to leave out the detail about me assaulting Twilight Sparkle, as I definitely did not feel like running away from a mob at this hour.

The party was over, and most of the ponies had went home. Only me and the Elements of Harmony remained in the building, cleaning up the mess the party had made. After that, Applejack and I excused ourselves and walked back to the farm. We talked a little on the way back but stayed mostly quiet. When we reached the farmhouse, I walked immediately to my room and collapsed onto the bed. I knew that working on this farm would be exhausting from older experiences from farming. I lifted my trustworthy tricorne of my head and hung it to one of the bedposts.

At that moment, I did something I hadn't done for quite a while; I fell asleep with a smile.

Everlasting Nightmares

If I am not mistaking, I had been in Equestria for three months now, working at Applejack's farm with her and her family. It wasn't terribly hard work, but I did feel a little sore from time to time after a long day's work. But of course, I didn't complain as it was rewarding work. I had regained my strength in my injured ribs, but they still ached a little.

I set down the last bushel of apples for the day inside the barn and sighed. I glanced to the horizon to see the sun dip down to make way for the coming night. I made my way toward the farmhouse in a leisurely pace. I didn't have to hurry to get there, as the ponies knew that I preferred to work until sundown. The Apple family had proven to be much more pleasant than I imagined. Applebloom would of course still ask me a few question now and then, and I would answer them. I didn't tell her any details of when I was in battles, as I didn't want to scare the young filly with what I had done before I came here.

As I walked inside the house, Applejack greeted me with a smile. ”Ah was jus' about ta go out'n git ya! 'S time fer supper.” I nodded and smiled sheepishly as my stomach growled. She just chuckled and walked into the kitchen, where the rest of her family currently were talking to eachother. When I entered, Applebloom turned to me with a grin. I ruffled her mane as I walked past her, emitting a squeak and a giggle from the filly.

I sat down on my usual spot by the table, folded my hands together and said a quick prayer before I started eating. The first time I did that, I had earned a few curious stares from the ponies. After a brief explanation of my religion, they didn't question it any further. We continued to eat in silence. The only talking was when Applejack asked her sister how her day at school had been.

After dinner, I excused myself, walked up to my room and grabbed my coat from the closet. I put it on and walked downstairs again, but was stopped by Applejack. ”So...Yer goin' out for a while again?” She asked with a yawn.

”Yes, but I will return shortly. I'm going to take a short walk around the acres. I feel like I need some privacy right now...” I sighed. She frowned and nodded, but her frown turned into a smile shortly after.

”Jus' don't git lost out there. Ah'm not gonna go out and look fer ya if ya get lost out there.” She chuckled and shook her head. I gave her an unamused glare, making her gulp. I laughed at her reaction as I opened the door on my way out, leaving her standing there with a pout.

As I walked amongst the trees, I held out my left hand so it graced the bark of the closest tree in a gentle touch. I took a deep breath of the crisp early night air. I would often take some time for myself and walk out into the orchard on my own. I could say that it had become a habit. My eyes wandered to a hill a bit up ahead. I walked there in silence, only focusing on getting there.

I sat down next to the tree on the hill and leaned back to it. I closed my eyes as the sounds of the nature around me calmed my nerves, but when the sounds stopped suddenly, my eyes snapped open. I held my breath and looked around. I saw a weak flicker by the base of the hill and sighed while facepalming. “Princess Luna...” I groaned.

The flicker happened again, and a large blue aura appeared. Inside the aura, the princess of the night appeared with a frown. “One day I will surprise you, carolean...” She huffed as she made her way up the hill. Sometimes when I was out in the acres at night, Princess Luna would drop by and talk to me. She had also made a game of trying to scare me. Needless to say, she hadn't won a single time so far.

“Keep thinking that way, princess...” I closed my eyes again. “So, did you want anything, besides trying and failing to frighten me?” I asked politely, but with a sarcastic edge which the princess noticed.

“Actually... I do have something to tell you. With me being the princess of the night, I protect my sister and I's subjects in their sleep. That includes that I can see the dreams of them and help them out of nightmares...” She turned her head away from me, and a distant look appeared in her eyes before she shook her head clear.

“And what does this have to do with me, princess?” I leaned forward.

“I see the dreams of many, but lately I have seen some strange visions of dreams from places I have never seen before. I think it was from your world, as what I saw reminded me of you...” She said with an oddly serious tone. “It was a being, much like you but much younger. He reminded me of you, and the dream must have been about you as you always appear before I am forced to take my leave...”

I knew that my jaw was hanging, but I didn't do anything to collect myself. My son... She had seen my son, and he was dreaming about me. I stood up suddenly, unaware that I scared Luna with my actions. I turned around swiftly and punched the tree with all my strength. My ribs screamed in protest, but I threw punch after punch. A blue aura enveloped me, but I didn't care. I just... I can't... I screamed as my movement was restricted. I struggled against the bonds, but it was to no use.

“Calm. Down.” Princess Luna had turned me toward her, and she was glaring at me. My shoulders slumped and I bowed my head. I felt so helpless... He expected me to return, but... Luna must have sensed my worries. “I think I could be able to help you. I have been able to take ponies with me if I concentrate hard enough. It would only last for about three minutes, if we're lucky. I'm not even sure if it would work, but it's worth a shot.”

"Would you... Would you do this for me, after all I have done?” I asked carefully. She just smiled and nodded. I still wasn't very comfortable with the prospect of magic, but if it would mean that I could meet my boy again, I was willing to do everything in my power to do so.

“I can begin the process as soon as you're ready. Just say so and I will prepare the spell for us.” She walked closer toward me, and her horn was yet again encased in the navy aura I was used to seeing. I took a deep breath and nodded. She nodded back to me and walked even closer. She closed her eyes and leaned toward me, making her horn touch my forehead.

I couldn't explain the feeling, but as soon as it made contact, a shiver ran through my body and I felt my mind being prodded by her spell. I closed my eyes as well, and a sudden feel to sleep made itself clear. I yawned, but stood still. My mind started clouding over, and I was rapidly losing my balance. I fell backwards, but couldn't feel my body making contact with the ground. It was an alien feeling which reminded me of the void where Death sent me here in the first place.

With that, everything slowed down and all I could see was the night sky, and all I could feel was a pleasant warmth as reality slipped away.

I found myself waking up to a warm, gentle breeze. I lifted my hands to my eyes and rubbed them. I felt an unfamiliar warmth and weight on my chest. I looked down to see Luna lying on top of me. I rolled to my left, making her fall off me. I stood up and looked around. We were standing on an open field, and I could see a forest in the distant. I remembered this as being a place where I would take my son when he was younger... We would be here at the field for hours at no end... I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Luna had recovered and stood up beside me, looking around with curiosity.

“Where are we..?” She turned to me. I looked away from her and focused on a distant point where I could see smoke rising.

“Home...” I sighed. Her eyes widened. “I used to take my son to this field to teach him things and play with him when I wasn't working at the farm. A sudden rustle from the other field made Luna jump and I turned my head to just see a blond head hide from plain view. “Stay here and wait for me...” I whispered to her and she nodded. I started walking to where the rustle had been heard.

I cleared my throat and took a shuddering breath. “Johannes?” The rustling ceased immediately. A head lifted from the sanctuary of the wheat which hid him from plain view. He looked at me with wide eyes, but started running toward me. I couldn't stop myself and started running toward him as well. When we met, he jumped up at me and I brought my arms around him in a protective embrace.

“It's you... It's really, really you...” He whimpered and pressed his head to my chest. I ran my fingers through his short, blonde hair. “I missed you so much...” He sobbed and I had to bite my lip and clench my eyes shut to keep myself from breaking down.

“Listen to me, Johannnes...” He moved his head from me and looked straight into my eyes. “As much as I hate to say this, but this... This is just a dream... But believe me, I am truly here with you, and I'll always be here. You... You will grow up to be a brilliant man one day, and I will always be proud of you, no matter what.” I wiped a tear from his eyes with my right thumb with a weak smile on my face.

“I don't want you to leave... Another soldier came along to stay with us... He's mean and is always shouting at me to go away... Mother tried telling him to stop, but he got mad and hit her... I can hear her crying when I go to sleep almost every night when he's not around... He drinks a lot, too...” He looked down at the ground.

I gritted my teeth and a menacing scowl appeared on my face. I embraced him in another hug which he accepted without a second thought. I heard a whistle coming from behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see Luna waving me to come to her. I sighed heavily. “Johannes, look at me.” The boy looked straight into my eyes. “You are my son, therefore you know that only weak men assault women and children, as that is what I've always told you.” He nodded. “The day you are strong enough, I want you to set him straight. Can you do that for me?” He nodded slowly. I smiled and ruffled his hair. “That's my boy...”

I stood up and prepared to leave, but he grabbed my hand. I looked back to him. “You'll... You'll come back to us one day, right?” It felt like I was shot in the heart all over again as I heard his pleading.

“I can't promise you anything, but I'll be damned before I give up... Take care of your mother and be there for her. You are the man of the house now...” I gave him a half-hearted smile. He saluted and turned away, running off to the distance.

As I approached Luna again, I noticed that her cheeks were wet and her eyes were slightly red. She worked her jaw to say something, but I just walked past her. “I assume that you heard everything I said?” She nodded. “Can you take me to another dream? I have some business to deal with...” I growled.

“When we arrived here, I sensed another dream you were supposed to partake in. I can take you there, but you'll only have a minute to spend there before we have to leave.” I gave her a firm nod. A minute was all I needed and more.

The sky above me was tinted red, but was partially hidden by the dark clouds. Everything around me seemed to be darker than usual, but Luna had explained that I was currently in a nightmare, and the only way to end a nightmare was to end what was causing them. I approached a familiar house, which actually was my old home but the facade was rotten and dark. As I approached, I heard pained screams and shouting. I kicked down the weakened door with a powerful kick, making the door explode in a rain of splinters.

I looked around, and it didn't take long for my eyes to settle on a figure I heard was shouting. I stomped over to him, grabbed his nearest hand and twisted it, hearing a bone crack and a pained squeal. I continued to headbutt him right in his forehead while releasing his hand. He stumbled backwards, holding his good hand to his head. The other figure, a woman who I could recognize everywhere stood up and ran to the other side of the room. The man snarled and charged clumsily toward me. The stinging smell of alcohol reached me as he charged. I sidestepped to the right, kneed him in the gut, then elbowed him in the back, making him crash to the floor face first.

A pathetic whine escaped him as he rolled over onto his back. I approached him, lifted my right foot and stomped down on his ribs three times, increasing in force with every stomp. He wheezed for air and barely moved as I positioned myself on top of him and grabbed his collar with my left hand. I threw punch, after punch, after punch. With every hit, his face became a disfigured and bloodier mess.

As I walked away from him, he wasn't moving but I could still hear weak breathing coming from him. I growled and placed my left foot on his neck, pushed down and twisted. A sickening crack rang through the room and with that, he was no more. I spat on his face as I turned away from him and walked toward the woman, who saw me properly in the light for the first time now.

“Gu...Gustafv...” She whimpered, then ran toward me. As soon as her arms embraced me, she pressed her lips to mine. They were exactly as I remembered them, as soft and warm as always. This time I allowed my own tears to flow freely.

A gentle knock on the window made me break out of my trance. I looked over to see Luna jerking her head toward the doorway. I sighed as I knew that I didn't have another choice than to do as she says. I released her and trudged toward the broken door. I placed one hand on the frame and looked back at her with a sad smile. “...I love you...”

With that, I fell into the dark void once again. But this time it felt cold and unwelcoming.

I jolted awake and gasped for breath. I lifted my hands to my face to feel a little wetness beneath my eyes, which I rubbed away with the back of my right hand and sighed. I took a slow look around to see that I was back in the guest room in the farmhouse. They must have found me and brought me back... Wouldn't that mean that they met Princess Luna as well? I shrugged and dragged myself out of bed, put on my coat and walked downstairs.

I decided to find something to eat, and when I was in the kitchen, Applejack turned to me with a grin. “Ya know, if ya like sleepin' outdoors so much maybe we should move yer stuff out there as well!” She teased, but I ignored her and walked past her. I wasn't in the mood for anything like this, considering what I experienced last night... She seemed to understand, as she dropped her playful attitude. “Remember that it's yer day off t'day, an' tha' Rarity wanted ya ta come over as soon as possible.”

I groaned and rested my head on the table I was sitting by. There was nothing wrong about that pony, it's just that she always seemed to find some detail that she would nag to me about. If it wasn't my uniform, it was my hair. Wasn't it my hair, it was my uniform or some stupid little detail... “Fine...” I sighed, finished my breakfast and walked up to my room to grab my hirschfängare.

I knew that there weren't any threats, and I am pretty sure that none of the ponies would dare to approach me in order to harm me, but I was rather safe than sorry, so I brought it with me. I swung the strap to the blade over my shoulders as I walked down the stairs, and when Applejack noticed it, she gave me an unamused frown which I ignored.

The walk into town was uneventful and oddly quiet. No sounds were heard except for a few chirps. It took about twenty minutes to walk to the quiant village, and an additional five minutes to walk to Rarity's shop, seeing as it was almost right in the middle of the town. I walked past a few guards on my way there, as Princess Celestia had appointed an outpost in the small town to defend it from occasional dangers. From what I had heard, the town was prone to attract danger of all sorts.

When I arrived to the shop, I knocked a few times and stepped back. I heard some rustling from the inside and arched my eyebrow. The doorknob was embraced in a light-blue aura and opened. The unicorn who opened the door stood there with a scowl, tapping her hoof impatiently. “You do know that it is rude to keep a lady waiting, right?”

“Yes, of course. I'm sorry for being late, but I had a rough night... Couldn't sleep very well.” She moved out of the way, allowing me to enter. I wasted no time and walked inside. “So... Where were we?” I asked and crossed my arms. She had insisted that she would make me a new coat, as my old one was ripped, dirty and didn't smell very good.

“Well, last time we... Talked about how I would make it.” By talk, I think she meant arguing, as we bickered and never actually agreed to each other's ideas. We had settled it with it being the same colours as my old coat. But she was free to add a few details of her own choice.

May God help me...

“Walk over to stand on the podium, and I will begin taking your measurements.” I did as she said, not wanting to spend too much time with the prissy unicorn. She levitated a small a piece of parchment, a quill and a measuring tape as she approached me. When she went to work, I sighed and focused on my escapades in the so-called dreamscape.

Perhaps I could see them again sometime when Princess Luna visits me again? I would have to ask her that, so that I maybe would be able to keep in touch with them in some manner... I focused on a distant point, not really paying any attention. I felt a gentle prodding to my right thigh and looked over at Rarity, who had a concerned frown.

“Are you okay? You seem to be a little... Oh dear, how should I say this... You seem to be a little distracted by something. Do you want to talk about it?” She placed her tools beside me and sat down in front of me. I looked away from her and to the floor, sighed and looked straight into her eyes.

“You know of Princess Luna's abilities in what she calls the 'dreamscape'?” Rarity nodded. “Well... She came to me last night and told me that she had been having visions from dreams in my world.” I continued to tell her about my meeting with Johannes, which caused hear to tear up. When I told her about the nightmare, I can say without doubt that I had never seen a pony that mad at something. When I finished, she started a rant about a proper gentlecolt would never touch a lady in that manner.

“I understand how you must feel right no-” She began, but I cut her off with a feral growl.

“No! You do not understand what this feels like! My son is trapped with a man that could easily kill him if he desired to do so! My wife is being assaulted day in and day out, and I know that there is absolutely nothing I can do about it! My life is a complete mess, and I am currently experiencing my own personal hell!” I slumped my shoulders and sat down. “I... I just... I just feel so useless right now... They're my family and I can't do anything to help them...” I lifted my hands to my face and sighed. “So, I'm a little on edge right now. I'd appreciate it if we would continue this another day.” I stood up and walked to the door. She didn't do anything to stop me, she just looked at me.

I closed the door gently behind me, and looked up at the clear blue sky. The sun had reached its peak in the sky. I pushed my tricorne so it hid my face as much as possible as I made my way back through town. When I reached the outskirts of the town, I heard panicked screaming and shouting from across town, followed by a roar that would always haunt my nightmares.

“Manticore...”

I whipped around and started running back into town in full tilt. I swerved by the ponies who was running toward me, and leaped over a pony who had tripped when she was escaping. I saw pegasi guards in the sky, shouting orders to eachother. I realized that there was no time to talk to them, as what I had learned fighting the manticore was that they had a lot of brute force and acted on a whim.

Another roar came from it, and this time it came from around the next corner. I thundered around it, almost slipping and falling over but I managed to balance myself again. When I laid my eyes on the beast I had learned to despise, my heart skipped a beat as I noticed the scars where its eyes were supposed to be. ''Well... How about that.” I thought as I lessened my sprint into a jog. This time I didn't have my musket, so this would be quite the challenge. At least I had some Royal Guards with me this time...

The guards were keeping their distance away from it and tried to restrain its area of movement, but they were doing a poor job at that. The manticore was able to evade them and run towards a big tree, which I had learned to be the library where Twilight Sparkle resides... I bit my lip, then started chasing the beast. The guards stared at me slack-jawed. They had probably heard the story of my battle with the manticore... From what I had learned from Luna on one of her earlier visits were that rumors of an alien stronger than a manticore existing in Ponyville were spreading like wildfire amongst the barracks.

Focusing on the task at hand, I sneaked past the manticore who had stopped momentarily. I busted through the door to the library, scaring the ponies inside. “Twilight Sparkle!” I shouted as I entered. I looked around to see that the unicorn I was searching for were there, along with Fluttershy. “Twilight, listen to me.” Her eyes darted from side to side. “This entire library is in danger, as there is a ma-”

“Manticooore!” Fluttershy squealed and hid behind a couch. I whipped around to see that the manticore was stalking slowly toward the library. I turned to the lavender unicorn, who was visibly panicking.

“Twilight Sparkle, can you go to the Sweet Apple Acres and find my musket? And if possible, replace the flint and grab the pouch lying beside it. Go!” She nodded and disappeared in a flash. “And Fluttershy, go somewhere safe, now!” I ran out through the door to the town and drew my sword.

“W-w-wait! I-it's not s-safe!” Fluttershy shouted after me. I turned to her with a manic grin which made her shrink back.

“With Gods help, we want to fight!” I shouted and turned back toward the manticore. The chant my brethren and I used in battle pushed my confidence even further as I drew closer to the manticore.

I slammed my sword to the ground, emitting a series of metallic clangs in varying volumes. The manticore was obviously blind, so it must be relying on its other senses to guide it right. It turned to me with a menacing snarl, and I prepared my stance. It charged toward me, and I was barely able to roll away in time to save myself. “That was oddly accurate...” I scowled. This would prove to be harder than I imagined.

I readied myself again, and when the manticore charged again, I charged back toward it, holding my blade ready. I slid beneath the beast as it passed me, and slashed toward its unprotected gut. A pained yelp followed by an enraged roar came from it as it landed. I stood up and stared at it cautiously. I could almost feel the hate in the air coming from the beast directed toward me. Its ears flicked twice, and it widened its stance. At that direct moment, a flash behind the manticore bought my attention. Twilight Sparkle had returned, levitating the musket beside her and the ammunition pouch hanging around her neck.

When I was focusing on Twilight, the manticore took advantage of my recklessness and charged at me, swinging one of their massive arms in a wide arc. I grunted in pain as it connected with me and sent me flying. I lost the grip on my sword, making it soar away from me. I rolled around on the ground, groaning in agony from the hit. My eyes shot open, and I rolled away just before another massive arm could deliver a crushing blow to my head.

I looked around and spotted my blade lying about twenty meters away from me, and with a split-second deciscion, I dashed toward it and the manticore followed my example and chased me. I leaped toward the blade, grasping it and rolling over onto my back just before I would hit the ground. I thrusted my blade forward, and a high-pitched howl rang through the town, making me grin.

My smile faded as I felt a rising pain emanating from my abdomen, and lifted my head to see that the manticore's tail was thrusted deep into my stomach. I started coughing, and felt a liquid on my chin after every cough. I lifted my hand to my chin, touched it and brought it infront of my eyes to see a thick, dark-red liquid. Blood...

The incapacitated manticore was pushed away from me by a number of Royal Guards, both pegasi and unicorns. All of the respective unicorn horns started glowing, and the manticore, along with the guards disappeared. I looked down to my stomach to see a glowing green liquid ooze from the wound on my stomach as my vision began to blur. My limbs started hurting, and I couldn't move a muscle. “Huh... Poison...”

The last thing I heard or saw before I fell unconscious was several blurs standing around me, joined by mumbling which became replaced with a buzz which was rising in volume every second. When my eyes finally closed and I sank into the welcoming darkness, I sighed. I couldn't feel my body... I couldn't move...

I tried to struggle against the darkness for control, but it was no use. A sudden heat came from the wound on my chest, and it felt like I was floating. I coughed some more as I struggled one last time to fight away the darkness. But as the darkness got full control, I saw a light in the distance. I felt compelled to walk toward it, but my body wouldn't respond and the light faded away and was once again replaced by the darkness.

With one final groan, I finally fell unconscious from the strain of trying to remain in my senses after the brutal attack to my body. It was a warm feeling... It was nice... I could stay like this for a while... I don't have to... Oh, there's that light again... And I can move toward it...

Author's Note

Don't die on us Gustafv!

Well, next chapter is probably gonna be the finish to this story. This haven't been edited yet, so there's probably some mistakes scatttered here and there. But you guys could have it anyway when I run off to get this edited.

Cheers, and have an awesome christmas!

Reverence

This was it.

The warm embrace of the light was comfortable and I wanted to feel more of it. I walked toward the light so the warmth wouldn't escape me. It felt nice, I hadn't felt this nice in several months... I sighed as the warm feeling coaxed me to continue walking toward it.

This was my demise.

I have fought and suffered for far too long now, I deserve some rest... The light will give me the rest that I desire. It does not wish for me to hurt anyone, to kill... It just wants me to lay back and relax for once and pass the burden to someone else. The ponies never actually accepted me anyway... I saw the looks the townsponies gave me as I walked through town on errands.

But...

But I had found hope when princess Luna was able to take me to the dreamscape where I met my family again... If I move on into the light, I will lose all contact with my family. I... Can't do that. I started struggling against the light and the warmth. I turned my back to the light, closed my eyes and ran away from the light and the warmth, back to the darkness and the cold. I heard what sounded like muffled voices the closer I came to the dark

I collapsed.

(Perspective switch)

Applejack ran into Ponyville General Hospital, panting heavily. She took a few deep breaths to compose herself and walked to the reception. ”Howdy,” Redheart, who was behind the desk greeted back and smiled. ”Ah heard that...” She paused and thought of a good way to describe Gustafv. ”one of mah friends came in earlier t'day after fightin' a manticore?”

The nurse nodded. ”Oh, him. He's here, alright... Most of our doctors have been working on him to figure out his anatomy and which treatments that can work the best on him.” Redheart sighed.

”Do ya think ya can take me to his room, or maybe give me some directions?” Applejack tapped her hoof to the floor impatiently.

”His room is on the second floor, on the right wing. I'm pretty sure you will notice which one it is. Some of your friends have already arrived and are there right now.” Applejack thanked Redheart and started walking in the direction she had been informed about.

”Goin' off an' fightin' manticore... Yer stupid, that's what y'all are...” Applejack muttered and continued trotting down the halls. Before she had rushed to the hospital, she had been working the fields. Her plans for the day changed though as she heard about the fight from Rainbow Dash, who had zipped back to town as soon as she had delivered the news.

When she had reached the hall Redheart had mentioned, there were a single opened door. Applejack shrugged and walked toward it and looked inside the room. As she had suspected, all of her friends along with two doctors were in the room. On the bed with his entire torso wrapped in bandages, Gustafv was lying fast asleep.

”Hey y'all...” Applejack sat down beside Twilight Sparkle. ”How is he?”

Twilight sighed. ”We don't really know if he will make it or not... As a natural reaction when a manticore die, they eject most of their poison in a final defensive act. From what I was told, the manticore already had its stinger in his stomach before it died...” The room became silent.

”So... This could be it for him..?” Applejack almost hesitated to ask.

”It could be, but the doctors gave him a lot of antidote that should neutralize most of the venom in him.” Twilight answered with a shrug. Silence loomed over the room once again. The ponies jumped as a pitiful groan came from the bed.

Everything... Everything hurts... My arms hurt like never before, and it felt like something enormous had stepped on my back and broken it in the progress. I stretched my fingers and brought my right hand to my face and sighed. A horrid stench of some sort invaded my senses as I dropped my hand from my face and opened my eyes.

The first thing I saw was a white roof, I turned my head to the left and saw some strange contraptions with a white wall behind them. One of the machines were making a noise in a steady beat and were connected through some wires to my chest. I decided not to question it and looked to the right, where most of the ponies I had gotten to know were. Applejack seemed furious, though...

”How are you feeling, Gustafv?” Twilight asked. I ran a hand through my hair and sighed.

”I feel... Strange...” I confessed. ”Almost everything is hurting, but at least I was lucky to get out of it alive.” I shrugged. ”I am used to fighting on the brink of life and death, one mistake and you're gone and all that...”

A stallion wearing a white coat looked up from a clipboard and straight to me. ”Are you feeling any side effects of the quantity of antidote we were forced to give you?” Ah, a doctor...

”Not really... But I have this strange tingling feeling by my spine...” The doctor glanced at another pony in a white coat, but that pony was a mare. The stallion's horn glowed momentarily as he lifted the cover off my legs.

”Move your legs for us.” The female doctor instructed. I did as she to-..

Well, this was... This was alarming... I can't seem to... My eyes widened as the panic settled in. ”I... I can't move my legs... I can't move my damn legs!” I caught the male doctor's collar and brought him to my face. ”What. Happened.” I hissed. The doctor stuttered and glanced to his companion, who sighed heavily.

”It's possible that the poison from the manticore, which works to attack your nerve systems and incapacitate you had spread to your lower area before we were able to start treating you with the antidote.” She sat down next to the bed

”And..?”

She looked straight into my eyes, and I could see the pity behind her facade. ”I am so, so sorry, but even when we did all we could... You will probably never walk again...” My grip on the doctor's collar softened, and he dropped to the ground in a heap.

My mouth hung open in shock as my mind progressed the implications of what she had said. To never be able to walk again... I balled my hand to fists and clenched them shut. The knuckles started turning into white as I spoke. ”Get out.” I hissed to the ponies, who all were taken aback of my words. ”I said, get. Out!” I roared and the doctors walked out of the room, but the girls were still inside. ”You girls as well, get out before I do something I will regret...” The ponies filed out of the room one by one, but Applejack stayed behind. ”Please, just go...” Applejack sighed and finally relented. She closed the door, leaving me to lay on the bed on my lonesome.

It felt so... Unreal. I glanced down at my no longer functioning appendages and sighed heavily as I rubbed my hands to my thighs. I slumped back on the bed and closed my eyes. I just feel so tired... I need to sleep some more...

(Perspective switch)
Four days later...

Princess Celestia walked along a hallway in the Ponyville General Hospital with her sister and a doctor. She had heard about the accident in a letter from Twilight Sparkle, and read rapports from the guards present at the day of the accident. At the same time she also got to know of the repercussions of the manticore's venom to Gustafv.

”...and after he woke up, an associate and I tried to make a routine checkup on him. But...” The doctor bit his lip. ”But apparently he had lost all function in his legs as an effect from the poison injected in him. We have tried everything we know to attempt to make his legs function properly, but sadly we have had no progress... To be honest though, I don't think his legs are the worst issue at the moment...”

”What in Equestria could be worse than that?” Princess Luna arched an eyebrow. ”From what I have learned from Gustafv is that he's stubborn and prideful. Very, very, very stubborn, though...” She said as the group of ponies rounded a corner to the hall where Gustafvs room were.

The doctor stopped next to the door and took a deep breath and pushed the door open. ”His mental state...”

The princesses glanced into the room and saw him sitting next to the window in a wheelchair that appeared to have been modified for his use. The room was dark, and the blinds were only open by one window, namely the window he was sitting by. Gustafv sat with his shoulders slumped and his head tilting forward slightly. His skin was a sickly pale hue and his hair was a mess and greasy. He wasn't wearing a coat, nor his trademark tricorne. The aforementioned clothing laid tossed away in the corner of the room.

”You have two very special guests today, Gustafv!” The doctor said happily. He didn't even acknowledge him. ”The princesses have come to visit you, isn't that good?” He attempted to coax him, but Gustafv's head only sunk deeper.

Celestia placed a hoof on the doctor's shoulder and shook her head. ”May we have some privacy with him?”

”Of course, princess. Just call a nurse and I'll get here as soon as I can.” He walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. Celestia turned to Gustafv.

”What you did was very brave...” Celestia walked toward him. ”The town of Ponyville would have been partially destroyed if you wouldn't have intercepted the manticore and taken it down.” Celestia stood next to Gustafv and looked out the window beside him. ”You are a hero to these ponies, Gustafv.”

Gustafv sighed, but didn't say anything.

Celestia and Luna glanced at eachother and Luna cleared her throat. ”What do you think Johannes would say now when he would see you like this?” Gustafv balled his hands into fists. ”Or what about your wife? What do you think she would say when she sees her husband degraded into this?” Luna stepped closer. ”What happened to the fearless Carolean who charged headfirst into battle to fight for glory?”

”...He died when he lost control of his own body...” Gustafv rasped and lowered his head. Luna sighed and walked out of the room, followed by Celestia.

Once outside of the room with the door closed, Luna rubbed her temples. ”What can we do to pull him together, sister?”

”...Perhaps we should look for help from somepony else?” Celestia suggested. ”I have a feeling that... he would be able to help us with Gustafv...” Celestia winced at the idea of asking that creature with help with something like this.

”You can't possibly be serious...” Luna deadpanned. Her jaw dropped at her sister's serious demeanor. ”You are serious...” Luna's ear splayed back ”This cannot, and probably will not end well.”

Approximately ten minutes later, the princesses stood on the roof of the hospital. ”Is this really necessary, Tia?” Luna asked as she glanced down the roof.

”You saw just how broken Gustafv was...” Celestia sighed. ”At this point, I'm willing to do anything in my prowess to bring him back to his old self.” The regal alicorn spread her wings and focused her magic to make a projection spell. ”Including involving him...”

”I wish the way to summon him wasn't this silly...” Luna facehoofed as she looked up to the sky to see a projection of what looked like a bat with the head of a grinning goat, along with two mismatched horns attached to the head.

A distant chanting was heard with the wind, and a sudden golden flash appeared next to Celestia. In his own mismatched glory, Discord stood next to the princess whilst striking a heroic pose, dressed as the Batmare. ”Hold your affections to yourselves, ladies...” Discord grinned as the princesses facehoofed.

”We have to ask you to be serious this time, Discord,” Celestia said ”we have a friend downstairs in the hospital who's going through a very rough time after he fought a manticore.”

”Oooh, that human thing I've heard so much about?” Discord snapped a claw and the disguise vanished.

”Yes, him...” Luna spoke. ”Sadly, after the fight he was hospitalized after being poisoned after successfully killing the manticore. However, the damage he recieved was so extensive that he became paralyzed from his waist and down. He cannot walk, and he appears to have become broken mentally afterward...” Discord turned his head away from the princesses.

”So you want me to see if I can help him walk again?” The princesses nodded. ”I don't know if I can do that... It is very advanced magic and I'm afraid that I could make it worse if I would do something wrong. He's a human, when this spell was originally meant for ponies and other native species.” Discord ran a claw through his beard. ”Unless...”

”Unless what?” Celestia pressed.

”This is what I can do, however...” Discord took a deep breath as he started explaining. ”If I may so bold but to suggest that we alter him physically, so the doctors will have a much better chance at restoring him if he would become injured again?” Discord shrugged. ”If I were to change him to a pony, I would also be able to make the spell to piece him back together much easier.”

The princesses glanced at eachother. Luna bit her lip. ”I... I guess so, but we should ask Gustafv for his permission before we do it. I wouldn't feel right to do it against his will.” Celestia nodded in agreement with her sister.

”Well then. Follow us, Discord.” Celestia spread her wings and flew down to the entrance of the hospital, followed by Luna and Discord. ”I hope this will work...” Celestia sighed as they ascended the stairs to the broken human's room. After a short walk, they arrived to the room. Celestia turned to Discord. ”Wait here for a minute, Luna and I will talk to him.” Discord nodded in understanding and crossed his arms and leaned to the wall behind him.

When inside the room, they noticed that he hadn't moved from the spot and was still sitting next to the window. The only new addition to the room was an untouched meal on the desk by the bed. Celestia placed her hoof on his shoulder. ”Gustafv, we may have a way for you to walk again...”

He turned to her with wide eyes. ”R-really?” He rasped and coughed. Luna levitated a cup of water from the tray and gave it to him. He drank it in a few quick gulps. ”How?”

Celestia turned her head from him and lowered her head. ”It... would require a lot from you physically. The only way we could think of to have you walking again would be if we... would turn you into a pony through very advanced magic and heal you as a pony with our full knowledge at our disposal.”

”Think about this long and hard, this is not a decision to take lightly.” Luna warned.

Gustafv looked away from the princesses and to the floor beside him. To change his last trait which makes him an individual, to be healed and be able to walk again. To avoid the imminent paranoia of being shunned from society just because of him being so much different from the ponies... He sighed and moved the wheelchair toward the pile of clothing in the far end of the room. He cast an inspecting glance down to the hat lying there. Gustafv closed his eyes and concentrated just like Celestia taught him and imagined picking up the tricorne. He opened his eyes to see the hat slowly and shakily levitate to his lap.

He placed the hat on his head and ran a finger across the edge of the hat and turned to the princesses with his trademark confident smirk. ”Very well, princesses... Let us do it...”

Celestia nodded with a small smile. ”Discord?” She called. The door opened and the spirit himself strode inside with his head held high and a grin on his face. Gustafv visibly tensed and gripped the armrests on the wheelchair tighter. Celestia noticed this and calmed him down. ”Discord is the one with enough power to perform the spell without any issues.”

”Thaaat's right, my lanky, hairless friend!” Discord exclaimed. ”Now, you might want to get on the bed for this. It can be quite the experience. Here, allow me to help you...” Discord levitated Gustafv from the wheelchair. The human flailed his arms because of the unusual feeling of floating mid-air. Gustafv touched down on the bed unscathed and made himself comfortable.

”Well then. The first thing that is going to happen is that I will sedate you. You wouldn't want to be awake as your body morphs to the shape of a pony. Bones cracking and shifting shapes and all that...” Discord rolled a talon nonchalantly. Gustafv gulped, but nodded nonetheless.

”I am ready, start whenever you are.” Gustafv closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths.

”Princesses, if you may leave the room for this. I need absolute concentration which can only be achieved by having as little magical traffic around you as possible.” Discord turned to the royals, who nodded and walked out. Discord turned back to Gustafv and cracked his talons, then his neck and rolled his shoulders. Discord's eagle talon started glowing a faint golden hue as he laid it on the Carolean's forehead.

Gustafv felt himself slowly slip into unconsciousness, but this time he didn't resist and allowed the darkness to take over control. When the human was fast asleep and out of action, Discord's talon started glowing as he went to work to rebuild the body of the human. Several ardous hours of hard work awaited him, so it was best to get it done as soon as possible.

(Perspective switch)
Next day...

As I slowly regained my bearings after being put under the spell of the snake-goat, the first thing I noticed was a new, heightened sense of smell. I wrinkled my nose and lifted a hand to...

To...

Well... Would you look at that... I glanced at what had once been my arm to have been replaced with a foreleg and a hoof... The colour of the coat was a bit yellow-ish in tint, but actually a bit more pale. I sighed and slumped back. So... this was it. I was no longer human... The realization stung, but it was a decision I had to make so I could have a somewhat normal life in Equestria as another Equestrian pony.

I attempted to lift my right... Hindleg, to have it answer to my commands without issues. I smiled. It was a small victory, but a needed one nonetheless. But... Here came the main issue; I wanted to walk.

I slid my left hindleg off the bed slowly, closely followed by my right. I scooted toward the edge of the bed and...

*THUMP*

...Promptly fell right on my face... Ow... I felt a sharp, stabbing pain which escalated into a strong headache. I brought my right hoof to my head and felt a lump... No, that's not a lump... It... It was a horn... So, I'm a unicorn, huh... Well, it could have been worse. I could have become a pony with wings. I really don't like heights... I placed both of my forelegs on the floor and pushed, slowly bringing myself to a standing position. I was able to place my hindlegs properly as well, but as soon as I stood upright, my legs started shaking. I fought against the natural reaction to just fall over and bent my legs slightly in an attempt to shift my weight a bit. My legs still shaked a bit, though.

The door opened, and I strained to look up just to meet the purple gaze of Twilight Sparkle. I attempted to lift my neck and head to straighten my posture ”Well? Are you just gonna stand there, or are you going to help me a little?” I asked, slightly annoyed at her staring. She shook her head and walked toward me.

She stood toward my right side and pressed slightly toward it. ”Okay, now lean a bit to me...” She said. I did as she had told me and shifted my weight a bit. ”Good, now take your first step forward with your left foreleg.” She took a step, and I mimicked her. ”Very good, now take another step, but this time with your right hindleg.” I nodded and once again mimicked her. ”Now you try walking around on your own...” She moved away from me and I shifted my weight back like I had it before she helped me.

Okay now, let's see... Right foreleg, left hindleg... Left foreleg, right hindleg... I think I'm learning. I turned my head to Twilight with a smile. She nodded. I walked in a circle, but this time I increased my speed a bit. As I turned back to her, she was looking at my head, specifically my horn. ”Anything wrong?” I asked.

”No, no...” She shook her head. ”It's just... You have a horn... You're a unicorn which means that you can use magic, any magic you want to learn...” She analyzed me some more. ”And physically you are actually a quite tall pony... Not quite as tall as Big Macintosh, but still tall...” She tapped a hoof to her chin.

I looked down at my legs, and then to my behind and tail. ”I do not seem to have a mark on my behind...” I muttered ”Oh well, I presume that it is not a big deal...”

”It isn't a big deal, but some ponies would think that it's strange that an adult pony doesn't have a cutiemark. But I am quite sure that you will find your special talent in good time.” She said with a smile. ”Now, how about we go to Sugarcube Corner and eat some lunch. I presume that you haven't eaten anything yet?”

The answer she needed came as my stomach rumbled ferociously. I chuckled sheepishly as I walked unsteadily to where my tricorne was lying. I approached it and thought for a moment how I would be able to pick it up... I had seen Applejack picking up things before with just her hooves, so I presumed I just had to do that.

I placed my left forehoof on the rim of the hat and lifted it. To my own amazement, the hat lifted along with the hoof... I would have to ask how that worked later on... I placed my trusted tricorne on my head and adjusted it. Twilight levitated my now oversized coat to some bags that were hanging along her sides. She also picked up my hirschfängare and levitated it beside her.

Hmm... If I would learn how to levitate things as a pony, combat with the sword would be a lot easier as I would be able to twirl and twist it in normally impossible angles... Oh, it would be marvellous!

Due to my still inexperienced way of walking as a pony, I gathered quite a few stares as Twilight and I walked through the reception of the hospital. I had to stop by the desk and sign a few papers, but due to my... Inability, Twilight wrote them for me with ease. I took a deep breath as I exited the hospital for the first time in days and breathed out slowly. Twilight snickered beside me as we walked dow the path to town. I presume that a few of the ponies recognized me, because some of them waved and thanked me.

Twilight trotted ahead of me as we came closer to the confectionary, making me struggle to keep up with her. She walked inside and I followed her to a booth near the back, where I saw the telltale mane belonging to Rarity, along with the hat I had seen for about three months on end.

”Hi girls!” Twilight smiled. The mares turned to Twilight and I, but Rarity's eyes widened as she spotted the tricorne I was wearing. Rarity stood up and walked toward me. I took a cautious step back as she walked a clear circle around me, scrutinizing a few details. She finally stopped right in front of me and looked straight into my eyes.

”Gustafv..?” She finally said. I gave her a stiff nod and her jaw dropped. ”Well... I-I never really expected you to look like.. well, this! after I heard about the spell...” Rarity held her foreleg to the barrel of my chest. ”Look at you! Tall, and are these muscles I feel?” She cooed. I took another step back and gave a silent plead of help to the other ponies sitting by the table. Applejack coughed and stood up.

”Now now, Rares... Give 'im some privacy.” She pushed away Rarity from me, and me away from Rarity. She paused though and turned to me. ”Well wouldya look at that, ya do have some muscle in this lanky frame'a yours...” She chuckled. I rolled my eyes.

”Let's eat, I'm starved...” I said and moved to sit to the spot closest to the window. Twilight moved and allowed me to scoot further into the seat of the booth. I ordered a simple piece of apple pie and a beverage they called ”coffee”. I had no idea what it was, but I assumed that it was good. They just warned me to never give any to Pinkie Pie, no matter how much she pleads.

”So, Gustafv...” Rarity poked her food with her fork, glancing at me. ”I cannot help but to notice that you have a long mane...” I arched an eyebrow and lifted a hoof to my hair. ”Not that it's a bad thing, of course. Just a small detail...”

”I kept it long because I never had the time to just stop and get it cut on the field.” I shrugged. ”Usually when it got unmanageable I cut a bit off with a knife.” I resumed eating. After a few seconds silence, I looked up to see Rarity staring at me in horror.

”A... A knife?!” She shrieked. I winced and frowned.

”I never bothered to keep it nice. I had quite a few other things to worry about than my looks. Namely getting shot, stabbed, burned or targeted by grenadiers... ” I rolled my eyes. Rarity kept silent after that and all of us returned to our meals.

After eating and paying for it, I walked outside with Applejack. ”Now, because of ya just gettin' out of th' hospital, and when yer in a new body, Ah think it would be for th' best if ya wouldn't work for a few days, so ya can get settled and all.” She smiled as we made our way out of town and back to the farm.

”I can understand that. I still need to learn how to walk and run properly. And learn how to use magic as a pony...” To make my point clear, I accidentally stumbled. Applejack managed to catch me before I fell over though, I thanked her and she nodded.

As we reached the farm, I walked into the guest room and placed the sword in the closet, then laid down on the bed with a sigh. I lifted my forelegs slightly and bit my lip. I don't know if it was a mistake to go through with this yet, but... At least I could walk now... Nopony stared at me with hatred or confusion.

I was accepted... The ponies didn't care about my past, or what I did to live another day, they thought of me as another pony now. From what I learned from Twilight Sparkle, Equestria have not partaken a single war in centuries. Which meant that I probably would never be able to pick up arms again.

But, if the time would come, and Equestria would need my help... I would be ready to march into the fog of war without consideration for what would happen to me, as long as my enemies would fall by the dozens as the regular ponies wouldn't have to live through the horrors that is war.

Equestria is my home now, and those who would even dare threaten my home would face the consequences of their actions. My enemies would quickly get to know of the wrath of a Carolean who has nothing to lose. I smirked as I tipped my tricorne to cover my eyes from the intruding sun's rays.

”With Gods help... We want to FIGHT!”

Author's Note

Sequel is maybe being planned/written... And by the way, Twilicorn never happened in this timeline which makes the story a bit AU. Look out for hints of what will come after this...

Cruelty

A/N: Edited by frieD195 Also, this chapter contains some cruel themes, as to demonstrate a small portion of the Carolean cruelty.

As I stared down the barrel of the musket, everything around me slowed down. The sounds of the forest were strengthened to an almost annoying level, but my concentration was too strong to be broken by some birds chirping.

A sudden rustle besides me made me glance to my side momentarily. I yelped in shock as something collided into my injured ribs. Out of pure instinct, I pulled the trigger completely. The aim was far from the lavender magician, but the crack from the gun and the sudden spout of black powder smoke made me cringe at the waste of ammunition. But a shrill shriek and the distinct smell of charred flesh made me grin.

I had collapsed from the sudden hit. I looked to where I had been impacted to see Fluttershy, her glare could best be described as a gate to hell itself. I shuddered and turned towards where the scream had come from. I grinned even wider as I saw Twilight Sparkle staring back at me, her eyes were as wide as plates and her pupils were barely visible pricks.

I smiled sadistically as I saw blood trickle down from her behind where one of the sparkle-like images were. A rip through the flesh was torn right through the middle of one of the markings. Fluttershy had noticed her injury and leapt off of me, accidentally stomping down on my injured ribs as she took off. I stood up slowly and dusted off my coat carefully and then proceeded to pick up my musket. I held out the strap and swung it over my shoulder while drawing out the hirschfängare. A Carolean never leaves something half-done.

’‘Any last words?’’ I growled menacingly as I came closer to the fear-struck pony. It’s funny really. One man, or in this case, pony, can be incredibly cocky and full of themselves when they’re not in any danger. I can even laugh at the men who believe themselves to be much better than everyone else when they, like everyone else, whimper and cry when they know that their life is ending. I can only laugh.

’‘Please... Don’t...’’ Twilight Sparkle started backing away from me, whimpering from time to time as the wound on her injured leg ripped even wider with every move. Her horn started glowing with the same wicked aura as before. I smacked her horn with the flat of my blade, making her lose her concentration and causing the aura to vanish. I grabbed her horn with my left hand and lifted her, using her horn as a handle. She screamed in agony as I lifted her. There’s probably some kind of nerve inside the horn, If I would dare to guess. Fluttershy just stared at me with pure horror.

’‘You know, you’re not very different from some humans I have encountered in my former life.’’ I pondered, the ponies stared at me dumbfounded, but Twilight pressed her eyes shut almost instantly after.

’’W...Why..?’’ Twilight Sparkle choked out through gritted teeth. Her hindlegs started thrashing in vain.

’‘Because when you’re cornered, when there’s no one there to help you, when there’s no chance for you to escape your fate, you start begging for your life.’’ I dropped the lavender pony. As soon as she hit the ground, tears formed in the corner of her purple eyes. ’‘Pathetic.’’ I raised my hand holding the sword higher, preparing to make the final slash. I smiled even wider as Twilight started to shiver from the fear coursing through her veins. If I’d guess, I would be quite the sight right now with this manic grin of mine. ’‘May God be more merciful against you in the Afterlife...’’

I slashed down with all the strength I could muster with an injured rib. The strike wouldn’t be that powerful, but it would be more than enough to do what I intended to do. I gritted my teeth as the strain on my ribs became more than I could handle, I followed through with the slash though, but something stopped it mid-air. It felt like something just grabbed hold of the blade and refused to let go. It didn’t clank against a shield or anything, so I presumed that more sorcery was involved. I opened my eyes to see a golden aura surrounding the blade and my hand. I tried to pull away from the aura, but it held me fastin it’s powerful grasp. I looked over to Fluttershy, she seemed to be surprised too about the sudden interruption, but there was also a hint of relief in her expression. I returned my gaze to Twilight Sparkle, who stared at the golden aura around my hand in awe. Her mouth formed into a great smile, who turned into a massive grin.

’‘Princess Celestia!’’ She exclaimed, overjoyed. Wait... Princess? I didn’t have time to react as my hand holding the blade suddenly twisted sickly. I heard a sickening crack from my wrist, I didn’t even have the time to scream from the pain as I was hit with a blunt object on the back of my head, making me fall unconscious. The last thing I was able to see before I was embraced in the sweet darkness surrounding me was two hooves clad in golden ornate shoes standing in front of me.

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was my thumping head, it felt almost like my head was about to split in half from the constant abuse. I cracked my eyes open to see no light, except for a torch on the wall opposite from where I was. The light was enough for me to be able to take in my current situation.

The first thing I noticed was that I wasn’t wearing my coat, nor my shirt; the only one I had on my chest to cover myself was a great bandage firmly strapped onto me, they had probably seen my injuries and had done their best to heal them. Why would they help an enemy..? A similair bandage was on my left hand and wrist. It could have been wrapped better, but I presume that they didn’t have much experience with hands, as the ponies have hooves instead. At least I still had my tricorne.

I had been placed on a bunk-bed in the corner of what looked like to be a prison, as the iron bars down the foot of the bed didn’t seem to be very friendly. There, on the other side of the bars were my coat, sword and ammunition pouch. My musket was nowhere in sight. I cursed silently as I stood up and stretched my back. That bed wasn’t very comfortable, but this was a prison, after all. I would have to get used to it as I don’t think they would let me go without any punishment.

The resounding disturbance of a heavy door opening down the hall, followed by a sound of metal against stone bought my attention. I turned towards the bars and took a deep breath, calming down my nerves. A white pony came, but this pony had a much more powerful frame and was much bigger than the ponies I had already met. And instead of the nose being rounded, this pony’s nose was pointy and almost square. I presume that this pony was male then. It was wearing a luxurious golden armour, golden horseshoes and a golden helmet. It was impressive, to say the least. Another pony, and this one looked exactly like the last one walked up and placed himself next to his comrade. They had to be guards. Their posture showed it.

’‘Bow to Her Royal Majesty Princess Celestia!’’ The guard standing to the right announced, making me arch an eyebrow. More metal against stone, but this time the steps were much lighter and dainty-sounding. Great, a tiny little...huge pony Princesswho’stallerthanme... My eyes widened at the sight of the new addition to our merry little group of soldiers. The pony, Princess Celestia, was at least a head taller than me, not even adding the horn to her height. Her brilliant alabaster coat managed to shine in the light, even when the only source of light was the torch behind her. Her long, elegant swan-like neck just made her even more striking.

Her tri-color mane and tail flowed in an non-existant breeze, which I presumed to be from magic. I balled my hands into fists and clenched them shut. But perhaps the most striking feature of her presence was her eyes. The soft magenta eyes pierced through my soul and looked straight into me, almost as if she was searching for something within my own eyes. Her expression was set in stone; no emotion whatsoever was visible.

This was a true monarch in all her glory.

I couldn’t help myself, I dropped down onto a knee and bowed my head in respect. Caroleans are always told to respect all royalty, even in death.

’‘Rise.’’ Her soft, but yet commanding tone made it irresistable for me to do anything but to stand up again. I stood in attention, as I always did when spoken to by superiors. I could see the two guards glance at eachother in the back behind the Princess. ’‘You are Gustafv the Human, correct?’’

’‘Yes, your Highness.’’

’‘You and I are going to have a talk.’’ Her gaze hardened and almost made me shrink back. I gulped and nodded firmly once.

’’Of course, your Highness.’’

She stared at me for a couple of seconds, surprised at my manners. Her gaze hardened again after a while and she frowned. ’‘You stand accused of attempted murder.’’ Oh no... ’‘How do you plead?’’ Her eyes narrowed, she probably despises death or anything that attempts to take life.

’‘Guilty.’’ I stood still at attention, not moving a single muscle.

When Darkness Falls

Edited by frieD195

I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed in exasparation. What’s with these ponies and interrupting your sleep? I wiped my face with the back of my left hand while standing up. The pony took a slow step back as I stood to my full height. I noticed that she was much shorter than Princess Celestia, but still higher than the ponies I had met before. Her head reached up to my shoulders, when Fluttershy would have barely reached my waist.

’‘And what do you want?’’ I hissed. The pony frowned and took a daring step towards the bars. The cold of the dungeon I was in made itself known as I started rubbing my arms. I sighed and sat back down on the ‘luxurious’ bed.

’‘You should show some more respect to one of the Princesses.’’ She scowled. I scoffed and laid back down on the bed.

’’If you want to teach me some manners, I would prefer if you would do it at the morning instead, as I get awfully cranky when I don’t get to sleep.’’ I arched an eyebrow as the princess laughed momentarily. ’‘And what, exactly is so funny?’’

’’Oh, Celestia wasn’t lying when she said that you were something else...’’ She snickered. I narrowed my eyes and stood up. The pony stopped her laughing almost immediately. I walked yet again toward the bars.

’’I do not have the time, nor the interest to talk with a child. I will have to ask you to leave.’’ I turned my back against the bars and leaned toward them. I heard the same clopping noise again, but this time it was coming closer toward me. I groaned and tilted my head up. ’‘Will these ponies ever learn?’’ I thought to myself as the noises from the other side of the bars stopped.

’’I can inform you right now that I am much older than you and that I am not, as you put it, a child. I was going to give you some advice so that you could stand a chance in court. But I presume that you’re not interested...’’ I sighed. I could use some advice for what was coming. I would have to... Swallow my pride. Just this one time. I crossed my arms and turned around to face her. Her expression lit up as I looked her straight in her eyes.

’‘Fine. I could use... a little help for this...’’ She smiled as I said those words. ’‘But first, what is your name? I don’t feel like calling you ‘that pony’, or ‘that brat who woke me up in the middle of the night.’’ She scowled as I snickered at my own little joke. She didn’t seem to enjoy it though. Oh well.

’’I am Princess Luna. But for the advice, I first and foremost suggest that you drop the attitude. Celestia doesn’t really like that kind of behaviour around her. Second, all of our subjects are precious to Celestia and I. We do not approve when some strange animal runs along and harm one of them.’’ She narrowed her eyes and glared at me. I cocked an eyebrow at her pathetic attempt to frighten me. ’‘Third, watch out for one pony named Pinkie Pie. Trust me on that one...’’ She muttered. I laughed. Why would I be afraid of a pony named something stupid like that? This world is strangely amusing from time to time.

’‘Well then, Princess Luna,’’ I smiled as she frowned. ’’I appreciate the advice I was given, but I intend to keep my attitude like it is. I would love it if you would try to change my ways.’’ I said sarcastically. I could tell that she wasn’t very happy about being treated the way she was right now. ’‘And just why would I ever fear a pony with such a stupid name?’’ She cringed as I said that.

’‘You’ll know what I mean with that in good time...’’ She said as she turned around to leave. ’‘Have a good night’s sleep, human.’’

’‘Why are you helping me?’’ I asked suddenly. She looked back at me with a sad smile. Seems like I struck a nerve of some sort...

’‘I’m helping you because you and me are not that different, after all. We’re both in a world we don’t quite understand yet.’’ Before I could ask any more questions, she disappeared out of sight and the noise of her hooves died out gradually. I wonder what she meant with that...

I sat down on the bed and lifted the tricorne of my head. I ran my hand through the blonde strands and sighed. I am not sure if my life made a turn for the worse or for the better. But as for now, I am certain that it was for the worse... I laid back down on the small bed and started thinking of a course of action for the coming day.

With that, I fell into another restless sleep littered with thoughts, complications and worry for my home back in my former world.

’‘Wake up, ya mutt!’’ I jolted awake from the sudden interruption. The one who had caused the interruption stared at me with a sadistic smile. It was another guard with the same uniform as the ones who had been here with Princess Celestia. I sat up and groaned. This wasn’t exactly an ideal way to wake up. But it had been worse when I was in battle, so I shouldn’t be complaining. ’‘Get up. Princess Celestia is expecting you to make an appearance later today.’’ His voice was completely void of emotion. He must be an experienced guard then. He grabbed my coat and threw it through the bars.

I stood up and walked to where the coat was lying and picked it up. I shook the dust off it and swung it across my shoulders. I muttered my thanks and put on my tricorne. ’’I will be ready in a few minutes.’’ I looked the guard straight into his eyes. He nodded and walked off. After I had put on my coat properly, I sat back down on the bed and crossed my arms while leaning toward the wall.

I heard a soft squeal from the direction where I now knew the door into the dungeon was. Slow and dainty clops came from the same direction. But this time it was different; I didn’t hear any armour or ornate shoes making their signature noises. This wasn’t a guard, nor a princess... I looked lazily toward the bars just to catch a glimpse of a familiar butteryellow coat. What was she doing in a place like this..? I stood up and walked toward the bars. ’‘Fluttershy?’’ I asked, careful not to make any assumptions.

’‘Eep!’’ I heard from the shadows where the torches didn’t reach with their flames. A small, yellow hoof inched its way into the light. After a minute, Fluttershy had crawled her way out of the shadows with her ears back. I glared at her. She appeared to be horrified of my staring. I sighed and facepalmed.

’‘Fluttershy, what are you doing in a place like this?’’

’’I-um... I sneaked down here on my own...’’ She said softly. I couldn’t believe my ears. Why in God’s grace would a pony like her ever do such a deed?

’‘Mind telling me why?’’

’’I... I wanted to... To see how you were feeling...’’ I scoffed and walked away from the bars.

’‘You wanted to see the person who nearly killed your friend in cold blood?’’ I whipped around to face her. ’‘Are you stupid?’’ I was fuming. These ponies aren’t just stupid, they’re down-right insane. ’’I am not your friend, nor will I ever be. Get away from this place and don’t turn around.’’ I kneeled down to her level and whispered. ’‘Ponies say I’m a bad person and guess what? They’re right.’’ I stared right into her eyes in silence. Tears started forming in the corners of her eyes. ’‘Get. Out.’’ I stood up and walked back to the bed. Fluttershy left in silence. The metallic clack as she closed the door echoed through the dungeon.

I sighed and knelt down next to the bed and balled my fists. I brought my hands to my head and tilted my head toward them. I prayed in the unearthly silence which occured after shouting at Fluttershy. I suppose I shouldn’t have been so hard on her, but she’s not safe down here. Especially with me. I pray for guidance and forgiveness, as that is what I need to survive in this wretched world.

I was disturbed yet again by the heavy door opening. I didn’t lose focus on my prayer though. It was much more important than a few lowly creatures bothering me. The ponies came, of course to my cell and banged on the bars.

’‘It’s time. Get up.’’ There were two guards now. The one who spoke was the same one who had given me my coat. I recognized his voice, but I still continued my prayer. ’’I said, get up!’’ He bellowed.

’‘Those who disturb a prayer gets their life ended at the spot wherever they are. No matter how important the matter at hand is.’’ I said matter-of-factly and silence followed. I heard the guards shuffle awkwardly as I finished my prayer.

’‘The Princesses and the Elements of Harmony is awaiting your arrival in the throne rooom.’’ Elements... of... Harmony? What kind of joke is that? I shrugged and stood up. The guard to the left opened the door to my cell. He stared at me with huge eyes as he came closer to me. The other guard walked inside, but he held his calm demeanor the entire time. He reached onto his back with his right wing and brought forward a pair of handcuffs, or in their case, hoofcuffs. I obediantely reached forward with both of my hands. The guard holding the cuffs smiled as he realized that his work just became much easier.

After the cuffs had been placed properly, one of the guards positioned himself in front of me and the other guard got behind me. The guard standing in front of me started walking and I followed his every step. About time I would be able to get out of this cell and dungeon. The iron doors leading into the dungeon were not very high, so I had to bend my back slightly to get out. My jaw dropped as I saw the intricate designs of the castle.

Marble walls stretched as far as I could see, and the marble floor had a giant red carpet lined through the middle. A gilded trim ran alongside the carpet. The windows reminded me of those in a rich church; designs and images had been printed onto the glass in a luxurious cascade of colours. I continued my march behind the guard in the front in complete silence. The guards didn’t say a single thing, but nor did I.

After walking in silence through the halls and corridors for about half an hour, we arrived to two enormous golden doors with two pairs of guards on either side. One of the pair on either side had horns. I gawked at the presumably royal insignias gracing the door. On the right door was an enormous sun carved into the wall. It was almost identical to the sun on Princess Celestia’s behind. On the left door was an enormous crescent moon. I scowled as both doors started glowing in the same aura I have learned to despise. The doors squeaked open in a slow, agonizing pace.

I took a deep breath as the guard in front of me walked inside the throne room. He joined his comrades flanking the doors as I started my trek into the room. As I walked down the red, luxurious carpet, I could feel several eyes staring at me. I was looking down at my feet as I walked through the room. I lifted my head to see both of the princesses standing at the top of a staircase with two thrones behind them. Standing next to Princess Celestia was Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle and four other ponies that I hadn’t seen before.

One of them was a white unicorn with a purple mane who was staring at me and my uniform with obvious distaste. Twilight Sparkle stared at my every move. She was without a doubt terrified of me and on her flank was a bandage with small, red spots on the surface. Fluttershy didn’t even look in my direction, but I could see that her eyes were a little puffy and red. The rest of the ponies glared at me with pure hatred, except for a pink pony with a bouncy, poofy mane. Her face was almost nothing but a huge, toothy grin which I was mildly scared of. That must be that Pinkie... Pie which Princess Luna had warned me of.

Princess Celestia took a few steps forward, positioning herself just before the staircase leading down to me. I gave her a quick bow, just to be polite. My icy-blue eyes met her magenta gaze. I smirked as she turned her eyes away from me.

’’My little ponies, we have met here today to bring justice upon one who has inflicted physical and mental damage on two of me and my sister’s subjects. The assailant, Gustafv the Carolean has admitted crime, and today we will deliver his punishment.’’ Princess Celestia held the same, emotionless tone as she adressed her subjects and me. ’’We will now listen to what he has to say.’’ Wait... I didn’t know that I had to talk... ’‘Gustafv, you may speak.’’ Well then...

’‘Thank you princess.’’ My deep voice echoed through the room as I started pacing around in a circle. I clicked my tongue before I spoke up again. ’’I stand in front all of you today for acts who are in your world best described as crime. However where I come from, my actions would have been best called liberations. You see, magic is considered to be blasfemous. Even evil. These acts you call crime was just my natural reaction to the situations. Do whatever you please with me, I’ve lost everything and everyone who I held dear anyway.’’ I muttered as I stood back on the same spot by the staircase and looked up at the princesses. A gasp ran through the crowd. I took a deep breath and continued talking.

’‘Yes, I did injure Twilight Sparkle. Yes, I did scar Fluttershy with my behaviour. I will not lie in front of this crowd, nor will I bend the truth to the opposing ponies benefit. If I fall, I will only take myself with me, such is the Carolean way; death before dishonour. If you lie, you get your tainted tongue cut off. I await your judgement, Princess.’’ I gave her another quick bow. ’‘Twilight Sparkle?’’ I looked at the lavender pony who flinched as I said her name. ’‘Remember this; if it wasn’t for Princess Celestia, I would have snapped your neck days ago without a second thought. I would never hesitate. Then or now.’’ Both of the princesses glared at me and I grinned sadistically as the lavender pony shrunk back.

A murmur ran through the crowd. I could see the ponies I hadn’t seen before whispering to eachother and Twilight Sparkle. Princess Celestia raised her left hoof and all talking ceased immediately. ’’We will take a few minutes to ourselves to decide a befitting sentence for your actions. After the decision, you will be taken to a new, proper room and not the dungeon.’’ I nodded.

Perhaps this will not be as bad as I originally thought, after all... But now I will just have to wait for what will happen to me. An unnerving tingle ran down my spine as the eight ponies on top of the staircase went into a room behind the thrones.

All I could do now was to wait... Wonderful...