The Generalby Ranger-RedstarChaptersRich's New WorldThe Horse AwakensThe End Of Equestria (as we know it)Forged In FlamesThe Battle For EquestriaEpilogueAt The GalaRich's New WorldChapter One Rich’s New World My alarm clock began ringing signaling me to get up out bed, I woke up from the insisting noise and my eyes were a little blurry but I was able to make it stop, I sat up in bed and noticed that my house a little less tidy. Work orders, bills, letters, party invitations, Blueprints and designs by me were scattered all over my table and floor. Dishes were pilled in my sink, clothes needing to be washed. This kind of untidiness would have had either Twilight or Rarity scream in horror. “Well I better get ready then” I said grabbing my glasses After I got out bed I headed for the dresser and picked out the last outfit I had “My last set of work clothes, guess ill have to do my laundry today yay.” I said I grabbed a towel and made my way to the bathroom. After a relaxing and refreshing shower I was ready to start my day. First order of business was to pick up and organized my paper clutter. I sifted and gather all of the miscellaneous paper and began to stack them into piles, some I wanted save and some would burn later but I did keep an opened mind when it came to my blueprints in case I needed to make any last minute changes. After all the papers were organized I went to the kitchen to get something to eat for breakfast. I looked in the fridge to see what was left “Lets see, milk, pie, veggies, cake, soda, muffins.” I said grabbing a muffin and closed the fridge Next I started scrubbing some dishes, wiping them dry and putting them in my cupboard. After that I started gathering up all my old clothes into a basket and headed outside. Once outside I saw the sunrays hit my eyes blinding me for a brief moment but my eyes started to adjust to the light. “Thank you Celestia.” I said jokingly bringing my basket around my house. Behind my house was a hose line and a wash bucket. I began adding water and soap into the bucket and threw in all the dirty clothes. I took out my washboard and began scrubbing the filth out of my work clothes some of the stains came out but sometimes they didn’t but I didn’t mind. After they were washed I hung them up on the line to dry. Afterward I went back around my house to the barn where I kept my motor wagon, I opened the barn door to see my beautiful machine sitting in the middle of the barn. My Tools were all hung up on my wall above my workbench and spare parts were all scattered around the ground. Truth be told it took me months and months of testing, building and some slight injures to get it to work and it finally paid off, I successfully made a wagon that runs off of steam. I built it originally to get around town, to carry heavy loads and to pull heavy cargo but mostly ponies see it as an advertisement for my repair jobs. I started a job helping the ponies of PonyVille whenever something breaks in their household whether it’s a faucet or a chair I would help fix it. I grabbed my clipboard to see what was on the agenda today “Lets see, Cheerilee, Ms. Mash, and Aj got it.” I said as I scratched off their names. I gathered up all my tools and put them in the wagon, I hoped into the seat and started to ignite the engine, as the fire started, the pistons started to move slowly pumping the steam bath and forth. I pulled the lever and the wagon began to slowly move forward out the doorway. I road down the hill and into PonyVille, as I drove by some ponies who were walking by saw my steam wagon roll by and knew immediately it was me. They just waved and I waved back as I headed for the schoolhouse. Cheerilee needed me to help fix up the inside of the schoolhouse as some things were beginning to fall apart. I pulled up in front of the school and put my wagon in park but still let the engine run. I looked over to see all the fillies playing recess had stopped to look at my wagon and came rushing over to look at it “Hey Richard” Applebloom said I looked down to see the cutie mark crusaders “Hey girls” I said with a smile They just continued to walk around the wagon and admire at all the hard work I had put into it “Your steam wagon is so cool” Scootaloo said “It is pretty neat” Sweetie Belle said “This kind of thing would be super helpful back at sweet apple acres. I bet you could do all sorts of chores with” Applebloom said I hoped out to grab my toolbox “Well I do help Aj whenever she might need it” I said “And that’s why you’re the best handycolt in Ponyville, Hey maybe we can get our cutie marks in handycol- I mean handymares. “Well it’s a tough job and you gotta know what your doing” I said loading up on tools and supplies “Ill see you girls later.” I said as I headed up toward the door. I opened the door to see Cheerilee at her desk grading papers. She seemed really focused in her work I almost didn’t want to disturb her but then again she did put in a work order. “Ms. Cheerilee” I said She then stopped for a moment and turned to see me standing in the room ready for work. “OH sorry Richard I didn’t see you there” she said “its cool so what do you need me to fix” I said “Well the trim around the chalkboard is a little cracked and I was worried that it might fall off the wall” “Well let me see what I can do” I walked over and the chalkboard and saw the wood was old and cracking around it. So first thing I did was to unscrew it from the wall and set it down gently on the floor, next I took measurements in order to make new ones. I then started to pry the dead wood off and it fell apart rather easily knowing its was old and worn out. After all the wood was off I went out to my wagon and began measuring a cutting new pieces for the chalkboard. I carved in a few slots in the wood so the frame would hold the old chalkboard up on the wall. I came back in and all the students were in there seats watching my work. It didn’t bother me at all it was nice to help children and teachers. I screwed all of the pieces together and placed it over the old chalkboard and sure enough it fitted perfectly. I put the new chalkboard up on the wall and began to screw it in place. I wiped the sweat off my forehead and looked at my finished work. “Thank your very much Richard, it looks brand new.” Cheerilee said “Any time Cheerilee” I said gathering up my tools and heading toward the door. “Thanks Richard” all the fillies and colts said “No problem” I said as I left the school and back into my wagon I hopped back in headed toward town. My next stop was Ms. Mash’s house. From what I remember she is the mother of button mash but we never got to see her in the show. Bronies only made fan animations and artwork of her so I was hoping that she would look the same. As I passed through town everypony that I passed looked and waved. Even after all that I’ve been through you know saving dash, getting shot, almost dyeing and living in another dimension populated by pastel colored horses still amazes me still. It just felt different like im the one that’s out off place not the place I live. I just brushed it off as I made way too my next stop. I pashed sugar cube corner until the house I was looking for was right around the corner. I stopped and gathered my things and walked up to the door. I gave it a soft knock and waited for a few seconds until the door opened. There standing in the doorway was Buttons mom, with her light brown hair, teal eyes and her cooking apron I couldn’t help but blush a little. “Hello” she said “Uh hi im here to repair your faucet was it?” I said “Oh that’s right you must be Richard the local repairman, come on sweetie” she said as she turned to welcome me into here home. Her house was very nice as it had pictures of her family and of button of course. We both made our way to the kitchen where the problem occurred “That faucet has been leaking for days and it’s driving my a little crazy” she said “Whenever I cook its always leaking and it just wont stop” “Let me see what I can do” I put my toolbox and the counter and took out my screwdriver. I then looked at the leaky faucet and knew exactly what to do. I popped the cover off the faucet knob and twisted the screw tighter and the leaking ceased. “Well there you go Ms. Mash all fix.” I said putting my tools away “Well that was certainly quick” she went over to her table and picked up a brown bag. “Here I baked these this morning I hope you like them” she said handing me the bag I didn’t know what to say. She was definitely a nice lady so I took the bag of cookies “Well thank you Ms. Mash if there’s any other problem in the future you know who to call” I said “Oh ill be sure to call” as she winked at me with those bedroom eyes I quickly went out the door and into my wagon, headed full speed toward Sweet Apple Acres and had a little nibble at some of her cookies, which were delicious. By the time arrived I could see Applejack bucking apples trees as usual. Big Mac was plowing the fields and granny smith was probably in the house. As I rolled up Applejack stopped for moment and headed on over towards me. I stopped right at the front gate and was greeted by my favorite pony. “Howdy Rich” she said “Hey Aj” I said getting my tools again “Hey Big Mac, plowing the fields I see” He just looked at me and said what he always say’s “Eeyup” he said as he continued with his chores “So Aj what can I help you with today” “Well I could use your fancy wagon again to help wheel all the apples back in the barn” I thought for sure she wanted me to fix something but then again I cant say no to my favorite pony. “Alright then lets hook her up and get’er moving.” I said “Well all righty then” she said Aj and I spent the next couple of hours putting bushels of apples into her wagon that was attached to mine. I was getting a little sweaty and I looked over and saw that she was too. I felt a little lovey dovey for a moment but I shook my head and got back to work. After all the apples were collected I got on my wagon and started to move towards her barn. Aj stood by the barn door as I backed her wagon into the barn. “I gotta say sugar cube without your fancy wagon, this job would have taken me all day to get done, and I appreciate the help” she said “Always happy to help the Apple Family” I said “Well now that that’s outta the way I better go see if Granny smith needs anything, take care ya’ll” she said heading inside “Later” I said I pulled the lever and started to head towards home. “Maybe I should stop by Twilights and she what she’s up too” I said to myself I drove back passing the town toward the outskirts, towards Twilight new Castle. Now I wasn’t really around when twilight fought Tirek. I mean I saw them fight and saw Golden Oak Library got blown to smithereens, and then she defeats him and the sprouts up crystal castle tree. To be honest it wasn’t nearly as good as the library but it’s her new home so I can’t really complain. I pulled up in front of her castle doors, got out and headed inside. Once inside it felt kinda like Princess Celestia hall but a little smaller. I made my way up towards the round table, as I like to call it and what do I find, Twilight reading and spike eating. “Guess im not surprised” I said Twilight stopped reading for a moment to notice me stand next to her pile of books. “Oh Hello Richard, what brings you here” she asked “Oh you know just running around town fixing things and I thought id stop by and see how the princess of friendship was doing” “Im doing alright, still have tons of books to read” I glanced over at the towers of books all spread around her “I see” I said but then out of the corner of my eye one book bound in red leather with the title Equestria’s Long History on the cover got my attention. I picked it up and began skimming through the pages. Some of it was about King Sombra, Discord, Nightmare moon, how Ponyville was formed. I went back to the very beginning and found a section about somepony called General Fall. It peeked my interest as I begin reading about this pony. It turns out long ago before King Sombra there’s was a student of Celestia who was really powerful and smart. It turns out she wanted to take over Celestia’s place and rule over Equestria but Celestia wasn’t having it so this General left Celestia’s teaching and made her own army out clockwork pieces. She then went to war with Celestia for a while and supposedly almost won. Celestia and Luna were able to trap her and her soldiers inside her journal; which she kept on her at all times. The journal then was lost and never found and Celestia and Luna went about their Business usual. “Hm I’ve never heard of this General Fall.” I said placing the book back “Yeah I read it not too long ago and Celestia never told me anything about it” Twilight said “Im sure she must have a reason, I mean I wouldn’t want her running around again” “I’ll bet, oh by the way did you get your ticket for the Gala” she asked I remember while I was organizing all my papers I stumbled upon it and put it somewhere where I would remember. “Oh yeah, yup I got it im a little nervous I mean this is the first time going to Gala” “Don’t worry I help with all the preparations this year it should go by without a hitch.” she said “Well I hope to see you there then” I said heading towards the door “Bye Richard” she said waving I headed back towards my wagon when I got a tingly sensation like something was watching me. I looked all around but no pony was there. I shrugged it off and drove back to my house. By the time I got home the sun was setting to make way for the moon. I remembered to grab my clothes that had dried already and brought them back into the house. I opened my front door, placed my dry clothes next to my bureau and immediately flopped onto my bed tired and exhausted. For some Reason that General Fall pony was still on my mind. Why didn’t Celestia ever talk about her and where her journal is now? I was too tired to care so I changed my clothes and got into bed. I set my alarm, for tomorrow was the Gala so I need to head to rarities in the morning and get my suit in order to go. I dozed off thinking about what’s gonna happened this year. Author's Note That General is very suspicious, hope the gala goes well The Horse AwakensChapter 3 The Horse Awakens A few days after the Gala I found myself once again back a sweet apple acres helping Aj with her day to day help. I didn’t complain; a lot of the stuff she does is alot of hard work. Bucking that many apples trees, selling apples, growing crops, selling them as well, and maintaining her farm. I for one am not much of a farmer by any means but Aj has taught me a lot of things while I work on her farm. It’s a learning experience and it gives me something to do everyday. I help Aj mostly with the heavy lifting since Big Mac is busy tending the crops. My steam wagon became more useful that I ever imagined. Aj and I were riding back for the marketplace and Aj started up some small talk “I gotta say Rich you’ve done so much for, with all the money we’ve been making we might have to expand our orchard, it’s bee awhile since that’s happened, with all those extra tree’s we could feed everyone in Equestria” “Well Aj i'm always here to help” I said “And we appreciate it in fact I think we got a surprise for you when we get back” she said I'm not one for surprise’s usually they don’t excite enough but Aj seemed very happy about it so how bad could it be. We drove down past the gazebo and up toward her farm. I parked out in front of their barn and let Aj off. I stepped down off the wagon and turned to see the apple family waiting for me as Aj joined them. “So I take is this is the surprise” I said “Well we’ve been talking and we’ve decided since you’ve helped us so much,” she paused for a moment “We decided to make you an honorary member of the apple family” I was shocked beyond my brony sense's , I mean I don’t really have any family here in Equestria that I can familiarize myself with. I don’t have any relatives or siblings, and then I had a brief memory of my old family that I left behind when I came to Equestria. I’ll never forget my mom, my dad, my sister and my brother and the thought of them brought a tear to my eye. They raised me to be a good person and now im being adopted into a new family made me tear up even more. I walked up to Aj, knelt down and hugged her real tight. I started to cry a little bit, I couldn’t be any happier “Thank you, im honored.” I cried Applejack put her hooves around me to comfort me “It’s the least we can do” Applebloom started jumping up and down “I’ve got a new brother, this is the best family ever,” she yelled “Eeyup” “You’ve definitely earned it” Granny smith said After a brief moment a loving embrace from my new family I let go of Aj “I’m gonna have to change my name to Richard Apple Smith” They all got a laugh out of that “Well welcome to the apple family Rich” Aj said Then flying by I saw a glimpse of a rainbow and knew full well that rainbow dash was nearby. “So your part of the apples now” said a familiar voice I turned around and saw Rainbow standing behind me “Way to eavesdrop on a conversation their dash.” I said “I was flying by and heard what was going on and since your now part of the apples, im making you my honorary brother too” she said hugging me “I guess im everyponies brother now” I said “Rainbow dash” Aj said disgruntled “What” she said “I don’t have much family either, I need a brother and besides he’s the one that saved my when I was trapped in that other world” “Well Richard has been helping me nonstop these past few days helping the apple family” “Rich puts his life in danger and almost died protecting me” dash said pulling on my arm “Rich donated all his free time and effort from work by helping me and my farm” Aj now tugging on my other arm “Rich likes danger and action not farming” “Rich likes helping others not being selfish” “Girls” I said, “your hurting my arms” Both of them let me go at the same time “Sorry bout that sugar cube” “So which of us do you want to be family members with” dash said I really didn’t give it much thought “Why can’t I be part of everyone’s family, im mean everyone seems to like me enough anyways.” They both looked at me with a raised eyebrow “But which of us do you like more?” dash said “Im super fast and super brash” doing a few loops in the air “Im just as brave and bold as you and I don’t have wings.” AJ said standing proudly “ I can make sonicrainbooms” “I can knock down a forty-foot tree with my own fours hooves” Aj and Dash got in each other faces about to get in a serious fight but being the big brother on the inside I had to stop it before it got out of control. So I stepped in between them and pushed them both aside “Girls look It’s not a popularity contest, I love you all equally how can you possibly make me choose” They both looked at each and knew I was right “I recon that’s what twilight would say” AJ agreeing with me “That’s so boring” I reached out and head locked Dash “What’s not boring is giving a fellow sister a noogie” as I rubbed dash's hair, Aj couldn’t help but laugh “Ow your messing up my hair” Rainbow started flapping her wings causing me to lose my balance, i fell and let her go in the process. I got back up as rainbow flew up a few inches until she was level with me “You wanna wrestle then lets wrestle” she said she then flew toward me crashing into my chest and knocking back down into the dirt and started holding me down but I was able to pin her. “Hey” AJ said, “you leave my brother alone” she then jumped into the fray, now I was wrestling both ponies at the same time getting dirty in the process. After a good long while we were outta breathe and covered in dust. “Well I haven’t had that much fun in awhile.” I said trying to get the dust out of my clothes “That what sisters are for” Aj said “Yeah the best sisters” Dash said “Well I better mosey on home now and take a shower” I started up my wagon and rolled on down towards home “Ya’ll take now ya hear.” I said in my best country accent “See ya’ll later” as the apple family and dash waved goodbye I started driving back towards but then that felling of being watched caused me to stop the wagon and look around, again no pony was there. I kept on driving going past the edge of the Everfree forest when out of the corner of my eye I saw a dark figure near the edge of the dark forest. I looked and saw the figure disappear into the woods. A lot of thoughts went through my head, do I follow it, do I ignore it, or should I tell somepony. I choose the later; I mean what could possibly go wrong. I stopped my wagon and made my way towards the entrance. I grabbed my hatchet with me just in case I needed to defend myself, I hoped I wouldn’t have to kill anything while I was in here. I started walking down the only road that was presented to me, all the while keeping an eye out for any dangers like Timberwolves or poison joke. The Forest was dark and smelled icky im surprised no pony ever comes in here I mean other than Zecora. I walked for what seemed like an hour until I saw that shadow again I raced into what ever danger could be lurking around the next tree only to find a clearing. A Ray of sunshine was able to pierce a little opening in the trees and in the center was a large statue of a pony dressed a general’s uniform and hat. I must have stumbled upon the memorial of that General Pony, Magenta Nightfall. I walked closer to it as it loomed over me; there was some inscription written on the statue. Magenta Nightfall Beloved student of Celestia, she rose to the top only to fall by her own will It creeped me out knowing that there was a long and forgotten student of Celestia that she wanted to forget and for a good reason. I wanted to leave but I noticed under the inscription was a slot and in the center was a small dusty book. “This must be the General’s Journal.” I said My hand reached out, but something in me said don’t, my hand shivered as to what could become of this. I pick up the small book and opened it. It was blank, and then I skimmed through to the very last page and found some writing left by her. “And with that I shall rise again and take my revenge on Equestria” “That’s it that’s all she wrote.” I said But then the ground started to shake and the book began to glow. Then fierce winds rushed pashed me as the book began to levitate and glow brightly. The book opened and magical currents started to pour out and manifest in front of me. The manifestation started to form into a pony but I didn’t stick around to see what was going to happen next for I knew full well that it was her, General Fall. I ran back the way I came passing some Timberwolves but I was beyond scared straight to even care. I just kept running until I saw the opening, I made a dash knowing there were Timberwolves right behind me. I exited the forest, jumped into my wagon, hitting the lever and driving away at full speed. Back in the forest General Fall stood proudly next to her statue as she took a deep breath. “Finally, after all these years I have returned to rule over the lands i so rightfully deserve” she said Behind her the clanking of her clockwork soldiers stood faceless and expressionless ready for her command. “Now my army let us take back the lands that was stolen from us shall we” she said as her soldiers began to march towards PonyVille I drove as fast as I could towards twilight’s castle, zipping past ponies almost hitting a few. I saw Twilight's castle in the distance but I glanced back towards the Everfree forest to see if anything changed. I came to a grinding and screeching halt in front of her door as I jumped out, bashed my way through the doors and ran upstairs to the round table to find Twilight and her friends looking at me like they expected me to show up “Rich what are you doing, why do you look all scared and devastated” Twilight I tried to catch my breath after what I just witnessed “General (Huff) Fall (Huff) is back,” I said breathing heavily All of them except for twilight looked at me with confusion. Twilight looked just as scared as me “Who in Equestria is General Fall” Aj said “She was once a student of Celestia but her thirst for power caused her to turn evil, so much so that she tried overthrow Celestia and Luna” she said “How come we’ve never heard of her before” Dash said “She must have had a reason maybe she’s way to powerful even for all of us” Just then a clockwork Pegasus crashed through one of twilight’s windows and landed on the round table in front of the mane six. It stood up as it ticked, clicked, and tocked as it looked at them. “Subject’s found, mission detain” it said Before it got the chance to do anything I ran up to it with my hatchet in hand and slammed it into the metal face of the soldier. It lost its balance and fell over, hatchet still in face. I twitched a little bit then I pulled the hatchet out and started whacking at is head denting, bending its neck trying to cut off its head it to so wouldn’t get back up. Eventually i caved its head in and it ceased to move. My hatchet was broken beyond repair so I tossed it aside. “Richard” Twilight said “Sorry you had to see that girls” “Never mind that what in Equestria is that thing?” she asked “Its one of her clockwork soldiers that she made in order to take over Equestria” I said looking down at the dead soldier “And it looks like they’re very hard to kill” “Well what do we do?” “I don’t know, maybe we should let the Princess’s know” “Good idea but we’ll have to get past those soldiers” Twilight said “Alright lets get going” I said as we made our way down stairs Whatever was waiting for us outside we all knew it couldn’t be good Author's Note The Villian is here but who can stop her The End Of Equestria (as we know it)Chapter 4 The End Of Equestria(as we know it) I opened the door to the castle ever so slightly so see if anything was outside waiting for us. I had to be cautious for my only weapon was gone and had no means of defense. I looked carefully as I saw a couple soldiers flying by some of the houses in PonyVille. I opened up a little more for the mane six to get out. They all looked out at what could possibly be the end of PonyVille. “How could this have happened” Twilight asked I knew full well that I was the one who did it, and I knew deep down I had to tell them, but now wasn’t the time to say sorry, I had to keep my friends safe and stop this mad pony from taking over all of Equestria. “Well worry about that later everypony get in my wagon,” I said The mane six loaded up including spike and wet set off towards Canterlot. I pulled the lever and soon my wagon chugged along towards the mountains up towards Canterlot. I was hoping all the while that my engine might not give away our position but I just kept one hand on the wheel and hand on the throttle lever. A lot of thoughts passed through my mind as we drove away from home, like this General Fall having the power to take down Celestia and rule over Equestria. And what about the other princess’s like Cadence and Twilight are they in just as much danger as well. All of it made me sick a little but I knew I had to stop her and save my friends, my family, and my home from being destroyed. General Fall walked into town as her soldiers started to occupy of all PonyVille’s streets and houses making sure no pony would escape. “This pathetic town shall become home of the new order of the Fall Empire, and I shall rule with a iron fist as I so rightfully deserved.” She said Her soldiers gathered up any remaining ponies and huddled them into the town hall and guarded them. Some ponies tried to fight back but there efforts were futile as the clockwork soldiers being made of tough metal were hard to beat. General Fall made her way to Twilight’s castle to set up her new headquarters. “Interesting castle they have here” She said “This shall be my new base of operations, and soon all of Equestria shall be mine” she said she turned toward the mountains and saw Canterlot high up on the cliff. “Celestia your reign is over and a new ruler shall take your place” she then noticed some smoke heading up the mountain. She pulled out a pair of binoculars and looked to see me and the other ponies trying to escape; this made her furious. “No pony escapes from my grasp, soldiers bring them back,” she demanded “Yes Sir” they said before flying off towards my steam wagon As I continued driving up the steep mountains I could not bare to look behind me, I just kept on driving non-stop hoping nothing was behind me but sure enough her soldiers were hot on our tail. I slammed the lever pushing my steam wagon to its limit. The fire was flaming out the top as my wagon was charging as fast as she could but she wasn’t fast enough. I looked behind us to see those clock work soldiers flying fast up behind. They were just matching our speed as one slowly made its way towards my friends. I looked down rather quickly to find anything I can use for defense and saw one of my hammers laying on the wagon floor, without a second thought I picked it up. “Pull over in the name of the General” it said “You kiss my ass metal dick,” I yelled I swung the hammer as hard as I could into the head of the soldier as it lost control and slammed into side of the mountain and fell down the cliff face. Another flew above use slowing making his way down. “Right above us” dash said I looked up and threw the hammer at it hitting him in the stomach he lost his flight and soon fell to the ground scrapping dirt and rocks as we drove away unscathed “Well that was close.” I said “I’ll say, I think were getting close to Canterlot now” Twilight said My wagon was still pumping as Aj helped fuel the fire to help keep her going. We kept on going keeping a close eye for any more soldiers. As the wagon chugged we could see in the distance the Princess Celestia’s castle and the city of Canterlot. As we entered the city passing through the large wooden gate guards upon guards were stationed everywhere getting ready for battle, I guess the General already made an attack on the city and everyone is just setting up for a counter-attack. We drove up towards Celestia Castle passing guards as they lead us towards our destination. “Welcome your majesty” the guards bowed in front of Twilight “Now is not the time we need Celestia,” she said “Of course follow us” as they lead us to Celestia’s castle Something about this whole ordeal made me feel uneasy, that thought of total war in Equestria was unheard of even for me. The Guards brought us to the castle as we made out way to the Princess. As we entered we saw the princess co verse with her highest guards. “Whatever it takes defend this city with your life,” she demanded They all responded, “Yes your Majesty” and then began to head out to fight Celestia took a breather after dealing with all the stress that General Fall had been giving her, until she noticed all of us waiting patiently. “ Sorry my subjects I’ve been under a lot of stress, with the return of the general and all, I can’t help but stay and do nothing as my brave soldiers fight my battles for me” “Well that’s kinda why were here to help fight this General,” I said Celestia was surprised, to hear having the mane six and me would help with her cause “I appreciate the help, but unfortunately General Fall can not be taken down so easily” she said “Why is that? I asked “Well long ago when me and my sister fought her, we couldn’t defeat her as her magical abilities were just as strong as ours and the only way to stop her for good was to use the Elements of Harmony to banish her into her journal for her to never return and now she somehow managed to escape and finish what she started all those years ago” This definitely was going to be a challenge as the Elements of Harmony aren’t with us since the mane six gave it bake to the tree and their rainbow powers were only a one-time thing in order to defeat Tirek. “However if she somehow found away out she wont to able to achieve her physical form, as her spirit is bound to her book, but if the book were to be destroyed them we might have a chance” “So the only way to stop her is to destroy her book” Celestia nodded her head “Well then” as I turned to face my friends “lets get that book” Just then some clockwork soldiers bashed through Celestia’s window and stood guard. We could hear marching coming closer to us. All of us backed away from the door with Celestia behind us. The doors opened and some clockwork unicorns came in and stood in two rows at ease. Then came through the middle was the Magenta General. She looked at us smiling and laughing with her coat and hat. “Well well well what do we have here.” she said “An Alien, some escaped prisoners, a new Alicorn, a dragon and of course very interesting to see by the way Celestia” she just laughed and smiled with that fiendish look in her eye “Oh Celestia it’s been far to long” “I agree,” she said “It looks as though your manifestation hasn’t aged a day,” she said jokingly “Oh Celestia you always were the funny one, but im afraid your reign is over and the new world order shall begin” she said with a raised clenched fist “Guards arrest them,” she pointed “Yes sir” they yelled as they moved closer to us Celestia raised her horn shot a laser beam at them as some were hit and went down while the other rushed us. Twilight and Rarity shot out lasers as well. Aj, Dash and went hoof to hoof and fought them off with our bare hands. Pinkie pie shot her party cannon at them as always. Fluttershy and spike just hugged each in fear. This went until of her soldiers were out of commission. The General still standing in the room just laughed. “What's so funny” I said “Do really think that’s going to stop them” she said She raised her horn and all of her soldiers began to glow, then they started to self-repair themselves back to there original forms. In no time at all, all of them were back on their hooves waiting to fight again. “Oh now that’s just cheating” I yelled “Who said we were playing fair,” she said Celestia stood in front of me to make an attempt to sway the General “Magenta you have to stop this, this isn’t right,” she said General Fall became furious upon hearing that name “You still think im your student, I left that all behind when I tried to take over your throne, and now I have it in my grasp” she then shot a powerful beam at Celestia. Celestia returned fire by firing a beam at her. Two powerful ponies going at it as the light of both balls of energy were blinding the rest of us, well except for the soldiers. Unfortunately the General was indeed stronger and her beam hit Celestia when she couldn’t hold it back anymore. The astounding light hit with a flash, after that we saw a book on the floor were Celestia was. “Now you can spend the rest of your years trapped forever in a book” she yelled levitating the book towards her I couldn’t be any angrier at that moment, we lost the most powerful Alicorn in Equestria and now she’s trapped in a book. Furious as I became I just had to let it out “YOU BITCH” I screamed The girls and the General were all in shock. “You think you can just waltz in hear, capture Celestia and take over Equestria,” I said rolling up my sleeves “Then you got another thing coming” raising my fists She just looked at me and laughed hard this time “You a mere Alien, trying to scare me, oh that’s rich” she said I ran up to her in order to deliver I hard blow “The name’s Rich” I said as I try to punch her but my hand just passed through her, she really is just a manifestation “Sorry nice try though she said” as she morphed out of my away and manifested back into her pony form on the other side of the room as she shot a laser bolt at me. Luckily for me I knew that she would try to shoot me so I quickly dodged out of the way. She kept on shooting and I kept on dodging. “Woohoo Go Rich” dash said This went on for a while and I was starting to get tired. I tried to stand up but was out of breath leaning up against the wall. General Fall readied her horn shot at me but I dodged just a little but was still hit in the arm by her. The searing burn hit me as I screamed in agony. I looked up furiously looking at her as her horn glowed ready to fire. I looked over at Twilight, and looked her in the eyes. She looked into mine and I just nodded my head as if to say don’t worry twilight I will stop her somehow. With that the General fired her laser at me but I jumped up and over one of Celestia’s broken window and started falling. I felt the rush of the wind as I was in freefall; tears ran passed my face as I squinted. I tried to see if I was going to stop at some point but all I could see was foliage getting closer to me. The General Looked out the window in disgust and turned to face Twilight and her friends “Pathetic, no matter ill deal with him later now you will surrender or be destroyed” she said Dash got all tough “Well never-“ be fore she interrupted by Twilight “We Surrender” she said all of her friends looked at her in shock. “A wise decision coming from Celestia’s prized student, I often wondered what her future student would like, I had no idea you could become an Alicorn by studying magic” “It wasn’t just magic, its was my friends, there unique gifts and special talents helped bring out the magic inside of me” The General had no time for her stupid lesson of the day “Enough Guards bind there legs there coming with us” she said marching her way out bringing Celestia and Company along. I put my arms in front of my face and braced for the impact when all of a sudden I was grabbed and was floating in the air. I look over to see princess Luna holding me in her arms. She was struggling to fly while holding me as we slowly made our way to the ground. Luna set me down as I held my burnt arm in pain “Nice catch their Princess,” I said “Pleasure but im afraid we’ve got bigger things to worry about” “I know, The General, she transformed your sister into a book and captured Twilight and her friends” Luna was shocked “Then she shall pay for her misdeeds” “We’ll worry about that later, for now we need to get somewhere safe,” I said “Follow me I know of a place where we shall plan our attack” she said walking down some stairs. After walking around for a while we soon came upon an old mine shaft that must lead down into the Canterlot caves where Chrysalis trapped Cadence that one time. We both entered the dark and gloomy tunnel going deeper underground. We soon came upon and old door way with an old sign that read Canterlot Caverns Luna opened up the door and we stepped into a lantern lift room filled with…. bat ponies. These must be Luna’s guards for when the night rise’s so do her guards. We walked into the center where on a table was a map of Canterlot. “Your majesty, more of her soldiers have appeared and they’ve taken the west and the east wall, I don’t think we can stop them at this rate,” one of her guards said “I know, once you take one down it’ll already be repaired by the time your done fighting three” she said “If only there was a way to take them down for good” I thought about it too my hatchet wasn’t strong enough to cut through them; even Celestia’s laser wasn’t enough to burn through them. If there was some way to cut through maybe we have a chance. I thought real hard, what could cut through these sons of bitches. “I might have a way,” I said Everypony including the princess stopped talk and all faced me. “It’s a long shot but it just might work, I just need to get to my barn back in Ponyville” “That’s suicide, Ponyville is the central headquarters for the General. No pony can get in no pony can get out” one guard said “That you know of,” I said They all looked confused right at me. I pulled out my schematic of Ponyville that I was able to come up with. I made the map just in case there was a major clog in the pipes and I would be able to pinpoint it location using this and it shown under passages of the whole town. “We might be able to get if we take the sewers” All of them immediately cough and gagged. “That’s it, that’s your way in,” he said I looked up at him with no emotion in my face “Im sorry do you have a better solution” They all said nothing but I had a feeling none of them was willing to go. “Very well, here’s my plan I am going to try to beat General Fall back to PonyVille and I need you guys to stall her train for a long as possible, once there ill be able to figure out a way to beat her” “And you sure you can stop her” Luna said I didn’t know for sure if I was, but I had to remain optimistic “Yeah I think I can” “Very well, we wait until night fall and the we move, everyone be ready to leave by then” “Yes Ma’am” her bat soldiers said I walked up behind Luna to say my goodbye “Are you gonna be alright by yourself Luna?” I said Luna looked at me with reassurance “I shall fight for my sister and all of Equestria, and if it were to be the end we shall give them a hell of an end” Luna talking tough, I liked it. So we all waited until nightfall to make our move. Some bat ponies and I made our way back to the castle to retrieve my wagon. I didn’t drive it; it would’ve made to much noise and would have given away our position. I let the ponies pull it back down the mountain overlooking the train station. We all stood at the hill as I looked through my binoculars. I looked and saw the General getting on boards the train. “It’s time,” I said “We’ll go in fast and we’ll go in hard and we wont stop until the last man standing” one guard said I jumped into my wagon and started her up, going uphill put some stress on her yesterday but going downhill, I just had to be careful I don’t crash or flip over. I knew the speed of my engine going downhill would be faster than her train. “Gentlecolts I wish you good luck” as I gave them a salute They saluted me back “It’s been a honor serving with you guardian” one guards said Guardian, what’s that all about? I was about to ask them but they all started flying towards the train. The mission was a go so I pulled my lever and slowly made my way down and then it started to pick up momentum, very fast momentum. Soon I was racing down the hill like a bat outta heck. I zoomed past the General’s train but they were to distracted by the bat ponies to notice me. The General caught a glimpse of me but was zapped by a laser beam as it passed through her. “You will fail General” Luna said “Oh if it isn’t Celestia’s lesser sister of the night, how fitting” she then blasted Luna I heard a faint scream coming behind me and knew that Luna may have fallen. I couldn’t be distracted to go back and help they knew what they were getting themselves into and they knew the risk. My wagon was chugging faster than ever before heading down the way to PonyVille. The General now holding a dark blue book showing that she imprisoned Luna in a book as well, gave a evil laugh “Who can stop me now” Twilight and her friends bound in chains climbed onto the train, Twilight looked down at PonyVille before she got one “Rich please save us,” she said before boarding the train. The train started moving toward Ponyville station, but I was making good time. As I zipped down the mountain I thought all the while how am I going to defeat the General and her soldiers. Forged In FlamesChapter 5 Forged in Flames As I raced down the mountains watching the railroad as the Generals Train was slowly gaining up on me I had to push my engine once again in order to beat the general. The door to the boiler blew off and hit the back of my seat which I felt and it kinda hurt but not as bad as the resulting flames spewing out of my engine singing the seat. I ignored my problematic engine as I saw PonyVille in the distance. I slowed the engine down and stopped right at the edge of town. I parked my wagon out of site as I put out the flames from the engine completely. I checked my boiler and it had a few bulges in it and some of the rivets had popped out. I worked my beautiful machine to death and the end result was bittersweet. Im glad I got to town before her but in order to make the necessary repairs it will take a least a few months to fix but I had to focus on stopping General Fall and saving my friends, that’s all that matter now. I slowly walked into PonyVille, crouching down trying to avoid being seen by any of her clockwork soldiers. I stopped by the old bridge into town and saw some guards protecting the road into town. By now the Generals Train just pulled into the station. I hid behind a tree and watch as the General now with two books and the mane six bound if chains get off the train. I sickened me too see my friends in chains. The General looked to hear guards “Guard all roads into town, if the alien attempts to save his friend he’ll have to get through me” she said She trotted off towards Twilight’s castle with the mane six in tow as her guards stood ready to attack by the roads. I had to work fast in order to get to my barn. I slowly crept up to the old bridge and made my way down towards the river. I looked and saw under the bridge that there was indeed a semi-large pipe where water and waste would flow into the stream. I knew my map would come in handy for such a disgusting task, now came the difficult of navigating the nasty, smelly sewer. I wrapped a shirt around my face to cover my nose and mouth. I also put on a pair of clear goggles so it would splash in my eyes. I took out my flashlight and turned it on and shined the way into the dark abyss of PonyVille’s sewer. “God this is so nasty” I said to myself I crouched down and started to waddle my way threw. I kept on going for a good ten minutes following my map when I came to a large opening where multiple way flowed to other rivers. “Now which one leads towards my house” I looked at the map and found an opening about ten meters away from my house. I took the path as I crouched down and waddled my way there. Once I found the opening I stopped and listened very carefully. I was waiting to hear a tick or a tock from her clockwork soldiers. I heard nothing so I carefully lifted to manhole cover and peeked out. I saw a couple of buildings and my house was not far. I climbed out very carefully trying not to make much noise. I started walking towards my house when i heard the clanking march of her Soldiers. I looked and saw a door and ran through it. I quickly closed the door behind me. I turned around to see: Doctor Whooves, Derpy, Lyra, Bon Bon, Octavia and Vinyl Scratch all huddled together. “Richard” doc said “Yeah its me” taking off the shirt and goggles Some of them sniffed me and immediately cover their noses in disgust “Oh Celestia what’s that smell” Lyra said “That would be sewage, that I was crawling around in” I said un-amused “You crawled through the sewers to get into town,” Octavia said “All the roads are blocked and guarded it seemed like the only option I had” taking a seat “Well were glad that your alive and well, so tell us what’s your plan” Doc said All of them stared at me waiting to answer, to be honest I was still piecing it together, maybe if I made some explosives that’ll definitely kill them. Maybe if I formed a cannon that will help stop the soldiers for a little bit in order to stop them fully I need to cut them, perhaps a swords will do. “Right I need to get to my barn in order to build something that can stand up to them” They all looked at me and knew I could handle the challenge “Were with your Rich” Bon Bon said “I just need to get to my barn” as I looked out the window and saw soldiers marching up and down the road “There’s too many guards, perhaps if we distract them long enough for you to make a run for it” It seemed like an effective strategy, but they might get hurt in the process and I wasn’t going to lose any more ponies “Seems risky, and I don’t want you guys getting hurt” I said They all stood up “We can handle ourselves,” Doc said “Very well, lets do this” I said opening the door letting them run out into the open They all began to scream and yell trying to grab the attention of the guards, sure enough the soldiers began to chase after them as they ran down the road into town “You guys take care now,” I said I made a run for the hill keeping my eye out for any stragglers; I ran up the hill towards the barn and unlocked the barn door. I opened it just enough for me to squeeze through and then quickly shut it. I took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh of relief. I finally made it home safe and sound. I fell to the floor looking up at the ceiling thinking about my friends. I hope there doing alright the thought of them getting tortured was on my mind and I knew I had to keep going if I ever want to save them. I went over to my workbench, which had a pile of books about Mechanical Wonders of Equestria and on Ore’s and Rocks. I grabbed the one about rocks and skimmed through it trying to figure out what I should use to make a sword. It seems carbon and iron makes for good steel. So I grabbed some blueprints and started drawing out ideas for my cannon and sword. My cannon will be small and put on a stick like those old Chinese hand cannon from the history books. As for my sword it should be made in the traditional samurai wakazashi. I started drawing and soon my creation was done, well on paper anyway. I they put on my leather apron and gloves and started to forge my cannon. I heated of my forge as I sculpted my cannon out of wax and put it into a flash and filled it with investment. I then heated the flask up hardening the investment and melting the wax inside making a solid mold casting to work with. I then added some iron ingots into a crucible and melted it down. After the iron was liquid I carefully pulled the crucible out of the fire and poured it into the investment flask as it stood on a vibrating square to let all the air pockets out in order to eliminate the possibility of total catastrophic failure. After the iron cooled I took the flask and dumped it into a barrel of cold water. It hissed a little as it was still quite hot and the investment washed away revealing my hand cannon. I took it out of the barrel and clean it up and made it look decent. I then added a long hickory stick with a spike at the end. “Now for the boom” I said I went over to my storage box on the other side of the barn and unlocked it. Inside was a lot of coal and sulfur. I knew full well what happens when you grind these two together. I slowly began grinding them up into a fine powder. I then began filling some grenades that I also casted out of iron and made a few Tnt sticks as well. I had enough powder to fire the cannon too. I also made a few iron balls I can use for ammo. Unfortunately I didn’t have any more iron and carbon for that matter. I had to go out and find some in order to make my sword. I glanced back at the Ore book and it said that large deposits of iron and carbon could be found in the deserts of Apple Loosa. “Crap I have to go all the way to the desert find some stupid rocks,” I said throwing the book away in frustration. I didn’t have time for this, my friends are in danger and I need to work fast in order to save them. I thought about going but how would I be able to get there my wagon was out of the question, I have no means of going that far. Then I thought, what about the train, if I steal the Generals train I might be able to get faster. “It’s settled im going, but I have to be quick about, I don’t want to stay longer than I have too” Then I heard some knocking on my barn door, I quickly ran and opened it and in poured multiple ponies. I quickly shut the door and took a count as to who came. We had doc, derp, lybon, octy, vinyl, mayor mare, the flower ponies, cranky, lotus and aloe, Zecora to name a few. i didn’t have time to remember everyponies name “Geez its like the whole village is here” I said jokingly “Well we had to save some people while we were helping you” Doc said “This General is such a tyrant” Mayor said “Is there a way to stop her?” Bon said They all looked at me with my gear on hoping I would be able to stand up to her, but frankly I wasn’t ready to face her, not yet anyway. “Im almost ready but there’s one thing I need and its out far in the desert of Apple Lossa” “Don’t tell me your leaving us,” Doc said “Im not leaving you guys to suffer at her hands, Im leaving in order to save my friends, and that’s what I intend to do, I wont take a lot of time and I’ll be back as quick as I can” They all knew I would return ready to fight but now is not the time “Can we at least stay here until you return” Octy said “Yes make full use of my forge make what you guys need, and I’ll be back to finish this once and for all” I walked up to my barn door to peek out and see if there were any soldiers. I stepped out and slowly closed the door when I heard the door lock I started heading towards the train station. Sticking to the shadows of night I was able to sneak past some guards and make my way towards the station. I hid from behind a bush and saw that the train was indeed guarded. One stood on the platform; one stood on top of the train and one was inside the train cab. I had to think of a way to take them down quickly. I pull out a grenade; lit it and lobbed it toward the one on the platform. It bounced and rolled right underneath him, it turned and looked as the fuse went- Ka-Boom The soldier went into a dozens pieces as they flew in all directions, the one the top jumped down and rushed to where the explosion took place. I ran out of hiding with my cannon in hand up to the guard and rammed to point end of my staff into it eye and slammed it heads on the platform. I looked up to see the guard behind the engine ready to fire his horn. I quickly pulled the staff and aimed my cannon at it and fired. Thoom The cannon went off, as I held it in place, the iron ball shot out and went right through the head of the soldier obliterating it. It fell of the train as I stood holding my cannon shaking a little the one soldier on the ground started to move again. I stabbed it in the head again to make it stop, I pulled out a stick of TNT and placed it in the hole I made and lit the fuse. Quickly I jumped on the train and ducked as the explosion went off. I looked back to see the smoky body twitching on the platform. I unhitched the train from the rest of the cars and started up the engine, the engine was slow to start be eventually got moving. Now I was off to the desert of Apple Loosa to find what I needed. I was Chugging along when I spotted some soldiers fly towards me shooting fireballs from their hooves at me. I ducked down trying to reload my cannon. One of them landed on top of the coal box right behind me. I quickly aim and fired a ball at him hitting and piercing through his chest as he fell bouncing on the ground multiple times. One landed and kicked me in the face knocking the cannon out of my hands. I got back up with a grenade in my hand and lit the fuse using the train’s furnace. I ran up too the soldier and shoved the grenade into his armor and roundhouse kicked him off as he tumbled away. As the train progressed I heard the explosion go off behind me and I could continue with my journey undisturbed. I kept on riding the train for a good long while now and that’s when the sun came up. I wondered how Celestia was able to raise the sun after being trapped in the book. Maybe it was the Generals Doing either way I looked in the distance and saw the Apple Loosa stop. I stopped the train right next to the platform and got off. I walked into the town but it was deserted, not a single pony in sight. “Boy I hope Braeburn’s okay,” I said I continued to walk down into town, as I passed some shops that had goods, tools, clocks, clothes and other necessities. Then I heard the clopping of somepony behind me. “So them soldiers got themselves an alien ally, well not in my town mister” said a familiar voice I turned around to Braeburn with a pitchfork in his hand “Get out of our town or taste some Apple Loosa justice” To be honest I wasn’t in the mood to be threatened cause I was in a hurry so I quickly responded back “It’s alright im a friend of Applejack and Princess Twilight as well” Braeburn just looked at me with a confused look on his face “You know cousin Aj” “Yeah I work with her at Sweet apple acres” Braeburn looked like he was still unconvinced “How do I know your not lying to me”? He asked “Cause if I wanted to kill ya, I would have done it already” He seemed to take that for an honest answer and walked over to me “So you know Applejack” he said “Yeah and Applebloom, Big Mac and Granny smith” “Huh you weren’t lying well its mighty fine to have you here but we shouldn’t be out here in the open follow me” he said leading me into one of the stores. Inside were other ponies were trying to hide from the soldiers “Everypony listen up this here is a friend of cousin Applejack and he is not an enemy” he said “He’s Probably wearing I disguise or something” one of them said “Yeah because they have skin fabric at the local craft store” I said jokingly He shut up and went back to his business. I took out my map and looked south east-ish to plan my next move. I looked and found the desert was not far from my current position. “So what are ya’ll doin here in Apple Loosa anyway” he asked “Oh im just looking for some simple ores in order to make a sword in order to combat these metal soldiers” He understood what I was talking about but he seem like he didn’t know anything about ores and a like. “Well if you need a fire the blacksmith’s shop is across town hope you find some use of it” “Thanks Braeburn” I said I put my map away as I got ready to walk out the door. “Here take these, you might need them,” he said handing me a shovel and a pickaxe I had a feeling I was so I took them without question “Thanks again, don’t worry I will stop this, no matter what is takes” I opened the door and looked around and saw nothing. I then proceeded to walk in the direction of the desert. I kept walking in the hot sun as sweat began to roll down my cheek. I looked out and saw the old dusty rock formations a few good miles away and knew I was in the right spot. Now I just have to find those ores. I pulled out the shovel and began digging. I kept digging until I made a big enough hole for me to work in. I found some rocks but they weren’t the ones I was looking for. I found some random gems and took them just in case. I kept at it for a few hours but I didn’t find any of the ones I was looking for. “This was a waste of time, I knew I shouldn’t have come here, Damnit,” I yelled I began to break down and cry a little. I let my friends, my family and Equestria down. I rested my head of the edge of the hole and sobbed. I heard the wind cry out to me and I looked up and saw a weird lump appear as the wind blew the sand off it. It was a bit black and a bit grey like it had been burned of something. I crawled out of the hole and went over to the metallic rock. I struck it with the pickaxe and it didn’t break. So I hit it a few times and still nothing happened. I look at the pickaxe and it was dented inward. Whatever this thing is definitely a hard ore of some kind. I picked it up anyways and made my way back town. Luckily there weren’t any soldiers around so I made my way to the blacksmith. Once inside I found that whoever ran this job had a very similar setup like mine. I began by heating up the forge and placing the weird rock in a crucible. As it heated up I began making a casting in the shape of my sword. By the time I was done the ore had liquefied. I took the crucible out of the flames and poured it into the mold. I skimmed a little dross of the top and waited for it too cool. Once it cooled i made my way over to the sandstone wheel and began sharpening my blade. The wheel got a lot smaller but my blade was sharp and that’s all that mattered. I fastened together a handle out of some old recycled wood and a tsuba from the leftover metal for my sword and soon it was complete. Then Braeburn came in to see what I was working on. I held the blade up into the air ready for combat. Then a Soldier burst through the door grabbing Braeburn. I looked as he took him away and then another soldier came into the barn to confront me “Dead or Alive you’re Coming with me” it said I held my sword up ready to fight “We shall see,” I said The soldier pulled out his own sword and swung it at me. I swung my sword and it sliced through his like nothing. He sword was broken in two; he dropped his useless metal and got ready to charge at me. I ran toward him as I guided my sword and sliced him right in half. He fell apart in two pieces and then began to turn to dust and blew away in the breeze. “Man this sword can cut through anything,” I said holding my sword. I went outside where more soldiers were holding the townsfolk hostage. They all looked at me and stared waiting for me. I flung my sword toward them ready to fight. “Who’s next” I said Everyone single one of them charged at me and I cut through them all like butter. Soon there were no more soldiers to fight and the townsfolk cheered me on. It felt good this was my first of many victories in a long battle for Equestria. “Yawhoo you did it partner you took those guys out like there were cheese…paper” Braeburn said “Thanks I had no idea that this random ore could be so deadly, I think im in love with it,” I said looking at the shiny blade “I suppose you’ll be going back now” “Yup I have to stop her, and end this war once and for all” I said After i began gathering my things from the blacksmith when all of a sudden another idea came to me. I think I know how to make my cannon function better. I took my hand cannon out and began to rework it. I began by sawing off the barrel and throw the rest away. I then started adding a flintlock mechanism that I cast from the excess iron and some clock work pieces from the town store. I finished by carving and staining the stock and soon had a very beautiful looking blunderbuss. “Argh” I said trying to sound like a pirate. I put the blunderbuss on my back and headed out. The townsfolk waited for me at the train station as I got everything ready, some of them gave me food and supplies. “Thank you everypony, I think I’ll manage” “Ya’ll take care now ya here” I just nodded my head ready for what was to come next “I will" i said I pulled the lever back and the engine began to chug in reverse back to PonyVille. As the train made its way back I loaded up my Blunderbuss and got my sword ready to battle the soldiers of Ponyville. “Twilight, I’m coming home” I said as we head back to town Author's Note Richard is now ready, who will win and who will fall The Battle For EquestriaChapter 6 The Battle for Equestria As the train rode on towards PonyVille I felt something was off but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I looked down the way and even at the sky I didn’t see a single soldier. Something must have happened for them to not be around anymore. Maybe they disappeared altogether buy that was highly unlikely. I rode past some house’s and roads barren as a wasteland. “Where is everypony,” I said pulling up to the train station. As the train made it way to the platform I stopped the engine as it came to a halt. I looked over to see the black spot from when I killed one of her soldiers a while ago. I stepped off the train and wondered where I should go. Should I go and face the General one and for all or should I play it safe and look around and maybe sneak my way in. if anything I just wanted to check my house and gather some stuff and check up on everypony. I started walking into town and it was completely deserted. I looked in some of the houses but they were all empty. “Where did they go,” I said to Did they run away, did they get captured, or are they gone. I tried not to think about to much as I kept walking. I soon came upon the path that took me up the hill to my house. After a good walk I came to find that my house and been ransacked. “Oh what the bloody hell,” I yelled I walked up to the open door and stepped inside. Most of my belongings were all over the floor, papers clothes, dishes. The fridge door was left open and all the food was mostly gone while some of it went bad. My bed was turned over and the mattress lay up against the wall. Then I ran to the barn to see if they were still there. I looked and saw the barn door had been blasted open. The soldiers must have found where they were hiding and attacked. I went in and it was a mess as well, books and papers all over the floor and not a single pony was around. I picked up some of the books and put them back on my worktable, that’s when I heard a ruffling noise. It sounded like it came from inside my workbench. I slowly knelt down and reached for the small door. I opened it slowly and inside was a little filly curled up into a ball and shaking with fear. It stopped for a moment and looked right at me. When she saw me she jumped out and hugged me. “It’s you, your back, oh thank Celestia” she said I was I tad confused, I don’t remember seeing her when everypony else huddle in here a while ago. The filly was defiantly scared so I did my best to comfort her. “Who are you?” I asked “Im Dinky Doo” She Responded Oh that’s right, dinky is supposed to be Derpy’s daughter. She must have come looking fro her mom and hid from the soldiers when they attacked. I just hugged her close. “Where’s your mom” I just had to know She cried a little bit at the thought of her “They took her” “Where did they go” “To Twilights Castle” she said So they rounded everypony up and brought them to the castle. I didn’t understand the reason behind this. Maybe it’s to get my attention and go straight to her, maybe she just wants everypony in the same room as prisoners of war. Whatever the reason was I knew what I had to do. I let dinky go and told her to stay put. I looked around my barn and found some more powder for my gun. I made up some more grenades and explosives. I changed my clothes and got ready for the final meeting. I walked out the door with some leather armor, my blunderbuss, my wakazashi, my explosives and my wits. I walked down the hill into town and passed some empty stores. I was determined to end her reign over terror once and for all. My plan to defeat her was nonexistent. As long as she has her journal then there’s now other way. As I walked past a wine store I stopped for a minute. I picked up a few small bottles and got another idea. I opened them up and placed a rag in each one and let the wine soak into the rag and placed them in my bag. I walked past sugar cube corner and soon I could see Twilight castle heavily guarded and protected. I stopped by an old shrubbery and looked out. The General had turned Twilight’s castle into a fortress, getting inside was definitely not going to be an easy task. Luckily I had a party cannon on hand hidden in the shrub. Thank pinkie for leaving these lying around for reasons that have yet to be answered. I tinkered with it and made it into a weapon of war. I put in a fused cannon ball and rolled it down the barrel. I aimed it straight at the door of the castle. “Sorry Twilight I hope you can forgive me someday” I said I lit the fuse and covered my ears. The cannon went off and shot the cannon ball at the door bashing its way through and ultimately exploding and destroying whatever was on the inside. Some soldiers saw where I had shot my cannon from and sent troops to capture me. I drew my sword and held it tight. The soldiers shot laser beams at me as I deflected them and sliced through them with ease as the fell and turned to dust. I killed about twelve of them when I realized no more were coming. So I walked up to the castle blunderbuss in my other hand. I pointed it in the castle hoping there was a soldier directly in front of the barrel. I kept walking and found nothing of significant importance. I then found myself standing in front of the door that led to the round table. I stopped for a moment and prayed. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I then kicked in the door and inside was the General on her throne smiling at me like she was waiting for me as soldiers surrounded her. I looked over to see Twilight and her friends in cages. I looked to the other side of the wall and saw a cell door that had a lot of ponies in it. Twilight and her friends all turned and saw me and so did the towns ponies. I slowly made my way up to the General nervous as fuck. As I walked I had a slight thought pass through my head rather quickly. What if I can’t save twilight what if I die again? Then I though who gives a shit, I feel lucky. I looked up at the General who was laughing softly. “So the Prodigal Alien finally returns home, how was your trip,” she said clapping her hooves “I’ve been waiting for you ya know, sitting here waiting for my soldiers to bring me something but no they’re so stupid, insubordinate and incapable of bringing you to me but now that you’re here I can finally have some fun” Pinkie pie growled at her, I couldn’t blame her. “You wouldn’t know fun if it came and bit you in the plot” she yelled The General scolded her down “Silence you peasant,” Pinkie clammed up at her scream I pointed my blunderbuss right at her, finger on the trigger as she looked at me ready for action. “Do you honestly think you can kill me with that” I looked up at her “Shall we find out,” I said I lit a Molotov and chucked it at her as she jumped out of the way as the bottle crashed lighting her throne on fire. She landed on the floor looking up at her fiery throne and then back to me. Our eyes were level as we began fighting. She looked at me very angrily and shot a laser as I blocked it with my sword. Her soldiers joined in and I sliced and diced them. Slicing through them was a tad tiring as I was already weak from fighting the ones outside and due to the fact that I hadn’t eaten or slept much in the past couple of days.. Some of them managed to land a few blows here and there. They did hurt but I had to focus on taking them all out first. After the horrific fight of cutting and beating I turned all of her soldiers to dust. I turned to face her she was using her magic to wield her own sword ready to confront me. “Interesting blade you got there and your fighting technique is subpar, now show we see how well you fight with just one?” she pointed her blade right at me then brought it back to her ready to fight “Are you ready to die Alien” she said I looked at her like this was it, the last time; I was prepared to lay my life down for my friends “I was born ready” wielding my blade close “Motherfucker” I said I then ran towards her and swung my blade as she dodged me. I turned around and swung it backwards missing her again. She swung her sword at me as I blocked it with mine. Then next few minutes were just her exchanged swing and blocks with me, as the others looked at the battle unfold before their eyes. I threw out some grenades but she turned to mist as they went off. But they bought a few minutes to recuperate as we fought to the death. “Go Rich” Dash yelled from her cage Then others started chanting my name as I kept swinging, it was a bit helpful and encouraging but I was getting weaker by the minute. But I had to keep going, for my friends. I kept swinging then she used her magic and her sword flew towards my head. I tried to move out of the way but was off by mere seconds as the sword sliced right across my cheek. I stumbled back put my hand on the wound as the blood covered my hand. I was angry but I was too tired to try to slice her. Even if I could she would just turn to smoke and move away. The journal must be somewhere. Just then her blade returned I then parried her blade but she moved her blade slightly off and sliced through my leather and cut my on my side. I could feel the slight pain as I grabbed my side breathing heavily and getting angrier. She brought her blade over to herself as she walked toward me. “Well is this the best you’ve got, this is Equestria finest warrior” she said laughing manically “You pathetic Alien thinking you could possibly defeat me” I looked at her in pain but then I noticed something, I looked closely at her jacket and saw a bulge in the front chest pocket. There it is that has to be where she keeps her journal. I waited for her to get closer for me to try to snatch it. Her blade was moving slowly towards me when I swung my blade hitting it as it bounced off. “Fighting is futile, die now and end your suffering,” she said standing right in front of me with her blade dangerously close to me. “You first” I said Smacking her blade out of the way as I reach out and grabbed her jacket and reefed out it. I pulled so hard I ended up chucking her across the room as her journal fell out of her pocket and landed in right in the center of the room. We both looked at it then back at each other. I made I run for it and so did she. I then launched myself as I slide across the floor with my arm stretch out to grab it. The General was moving fast as well as she and I were both getting close. With some luck I grabbed it first as she came running at me. I reached back grabbing my blunderbuss and pointed at her still sliding on the floor and fired. The buckshot rounds acted like a shotgun spreading pellets at her passing through her turning her into mist. I stopped and got back up trying to reload before she could regain her form. She formed again and swung her sword at me. I dodged one last time as I dropped my gun. I jumped next to one of her flame lights, as she looked at me with fury it her eyes “Give me back my journal now” throwing her sword into the floor of the castle I looked at the journal and held it next to the flame “Watch your tone bitch, I got you on a tight leash” I said She looked at her journal getting closer to the fire. “Wait” she yelled “What do you want I can give you anything, money, power, land it could all yours” she said She kept talking to me keeping eye contact as she began tilting and aiming my blunderbuss towards me. “I can give you everything” “Magenta… your nothing to me but another dead pony” I said bring the book closer to the fire as it stared to singe I turned to see the gun pointing right at me as the General fired. I dodge out of the way but her sword whizzed toward me as I got back up, then I quickly made my move. I tossed her book towards her throne as she turned to look. Her blade stopped right in front of my face as I then threw a lit Molotov as hard as I could towards her. She stopped right in front of her throne to pick up her journal. She turned to see the Molotov smack her in the face as she dropped her book the Molotov crashed right on top of it setting it ablaze. “NOOOOOOO” she screamed She turned to face me as I knocked her blade out of the way and made a run for her. Her blade quickly caught up to me but it veered off and miss only slicing my arm. I clenched my arm as the pain seared. I looked to see her blade fall to the floor as disappear. I looked back at her as she started to disperse into nothing. She looked at me as she dissolved and knew I had bested her. “May you burn in the pits of Tartarus,” she said fading away into nothing “After you” I said before falling on my knees in pain. I didn’t keep on eye on my wounds as best as I thought as dry blood covered my face, blood dripped down my pants, and more blood started flowing down my arm forming puddles around me. I looked up and saw two books floating up and open as a bright light emerged from them. Then they disappeared and in there place stood Princess Luna and Celestia. I looked up at them and knew the General hold on all of us was wearing off. The cages that held my friends turned to nothing and the cell door holding the town’s ponies in vanished and all of the rejoiced. Twilight and her friend trotted over to me as I knelt down on the floor. “Richard are you alright” Twilight said “Yeah….. Nope” I said collapsing on the floor in my blood. They all rushed over to me to try to help. The next thing I knew I was slowly waking up in a hospital bed with an IV hooked up to my arm. I looked and saw that my wounds were bond in bandages. I felt pretty weak having not eaten or slept in the last couple of days. The door opened up and in walked in Twilight and her friends along with the princess’s. “Richard your wake” Dash said “You fought bravely young master” Luna said “I gotta say you held out pretty darn long,” AJ said I just smiled as I lay in bed; I sat up to try to talk to them “No that’s what I wanna see,” said pinkie “Oh pinkie your just a ray of sunshine” I said “No im pretty sure that’s Celestia” Everypony started laughing even Celestia. Just then the doctor came to check on me “Hmm your in pretty good health mister smith, no sense in keeping you in bed anymore” he said I slowly got out of bed and back on my feet. I was a little off balance but I adjusted. I looked and saw my blade in my leather sheath leaning up against the wall. I reached over and picked it up and placed it in belt. “Lets us return to the castle we have much to discuss” Celestia said heading out the door followed by her subjects. I just stood there as my smile turned to despair. “I’m gonna have to tell them” I let out a sigh as I grabbed my pack and my gun as I head out the door. W all soon made our way back to Celestia’s castle. She sat on her throne next to her sister as the mane six stood in two rows as I walked in between them they all bowed. I stood before Celestia and knelt down in front of her. “Richard smith it is with great pleasure too personally thank you first hand for saving Equestria from the evil tyranny of General Fall and her Clockwork soldiers. I only wish there was a way to save her but alas her need for power had grown to strong and thus she fell again at your hands. We are honored to showcase you in our new window” she said A curtain blocking the stain glass window fell to revel me in the window in a heroic pose as I smite down the General. It was badass and I loved it but I felt I didn’t need it “I am honored, but it’s unnecessary I only did what I had to do to protect the ones I hold dear to me” “I understand nonetheless you story of boldness and self sacrifice shall be remembered throughout the centuries” The girls started cheering for me as Twilight put a medal around my neck but then Luna interrupted “There’s one things that bother me sister” “What is it” Celestia said “How did General Fall Escape in the first place, I mean we sealed her up good and threw her journal in the Everfree forest for no pony to find” The other ponies started conversing amongst themselves pondering the same question. I knew the time had come. I had to tell them the truth, “It was me” I said taking of the medal twilight had given me They all stopped talking and turned to face me. Celestia looked confused right at “You” “Yes, I was driving back from sweet apple acres when I saw a shadow leading into the forest. So I followed it and it lead me to the General Memorial and I found her journal. I accidently read from it releasing her from her slumber and well you know the rest” I said No of them said anything for awhile “Well you owned up too it and you stopped it, I can safely say from the bottom of our hearts, we forgive you” Celestia said It still didn’t make me feel better. I done something so horribly wrong to my friends and family that I had to be the one to stop it. No I couldn’t just accept it and move on. “Surely there must be some form of punishment you can give me” “Why would you want that” dash said “So what if you brought some kooky general back to life who also tried to enslave all of Equestria, you defeated her singlehandedly and that’s worth the praise” “Then why do I feel terrible then?” Luna stepped down from Celestia throne, stood in front of me and put her hoof on my shoulder “Its guilt isn’t it” “You still feel the guilt of releasing her and the guilt of what she did, and even though you stopped her you can still feel it” I just nodded my head “I felt the same way when I was nightmare moon. Twilight and her friends saved me from the darkness that consumed me and afterwards the guilt still lived on inside me. My sister still comforts my from time to time and seeing all the ponies rejoice me from being gone for so long it still is a joy to forgive and forget” Her words still didn’t sway me “Perhaps if you all rested for now, we have a big ceremony for you Richard” Celestia “Oh I am so excited, I get to through a releasing a evil general and defeating her party Woohoo” pinkie screamed jumping up and down “Calm down pinkie, why don’t we get some shut eye” AJ said The mane six walked away as I follow behind them. I stopped at the door and placed the medal on the door as I walked away. The girls all got into bed but I stayed awake and couldn’t fall asleep. Author's Note What will happen tho Rich now What will he do next EpilogueEpilogue The next day after some good rest Celestia had called all of us to her throne Twilight and her friends showed up but for some reason I wasn’t there. “Where is Richard?” She asked Twilight looked at her and then at her friends waiting for a response. “Im not sure, why would he not be here” twilight said “Maybe he overslept and he’s just in his room sleeping still” “Kinda like you when you take naps” AJ said “I don’t sleep that long” Dash replied “Whatever the reason perhaps we should go look for him” “Good idea Rarity” Twilight said She then turned and walked down the grand hall with her friends in search of me. They soon made their way to my quarters. They opened the door to the room to find it completely empty. The bed wasn’t even used and all of my belongings were gone. “He’s not here” “He’s gotta be here” Dash said “Doesn’t look like it” “Maybe somepony kidnapped him” pinkie said “Who would kidnap Rich, beside im pretty sure Rich would have put up quite a fight if somepony was trying to kidnap him.” Twilight said “I reckon your right, but still where is he?” “I don’t know but I hope that we find him or something that tells us where he went” and with that they searched around the room tossing the bed and opening drawers to find any indication of where I was “Nothing, he’s gone for good then” Aj said “Perhaps we should let the Princess know” Twilight said and with that they went back the thrown room to tell Celestia what they found. “So he’s not here, that does concern me” she said rubbing her chin slightly “Perhaps the guilt inside him caused him to run away, tis but a thought but it might be possible, poor man” Luna said “Are you saying he ran away because of what he did” Twilight pondering the fact “I guess I can see why” rarity said “Still it was an honest mistake besides he did defeat her and apologized afterward” “You right now we have to find him and tell him that we care and no matter how badly you hurt your family, we are still family and we must forgive him” “Darn tootin’ Aj said “Lets go and find our friend” Dash said Soon the mane six left the castle in a hurry in search of their friend “I hope they find him soon” Celestia said Then mane six hopped aboard the train and rode it all the way back to Ponyville. “I hope wherever he is, I hope he’s okay” Twilight said “Its alright sugar cube, rich’s a hard fella, nothing can stop him” AJ said “Your right, but I still can’t help but worry about him ya know” The mane six shook their heads in response as the train was nearing the station. All of them jumped off and headed towards the center of town to town hall. Once they got inside the were greeted my mayor mare “May I help you princess?” she asked “Richards gone and we need to find him” “My what happened?” “He’s just gone and were worried about him is all” Twilight said “Well I could get together a meeting and have everypony look for him if you like” “Every bit helps Mayor” The Mayor then sound the emergency bells and soon the town’s ponies came rushing to town hall. In not time at the entire hall was filled with ponies from all walks of life. Mayor Mare got up on her pedestal to make her speech “Fillies and Gentlecolts our local handycolt and protector Richard smith has gone missing, and we need to find him and bring him back” she said Some of the ponies started talking amongst themselves about the ordeal “Where should we start looking” one pony said Mayor started pondering that question as well “Perhaps we should start at his home and work from there” she said Soon the ponies started trotting out the door in search of their friend Twilight’s friends joined in on the search but she stayed behind with Mayor Mare in case one of them came back with some good news. Everypony searched high and low, low and high, high and low but Twilight heard no response from anypony. Twilight at this point was getting flustered and worried “Oh is there anypony here that has found anything?” she yelled She then turned to see all the towns’ ponies in a large group heading towards her with Derpy leading them. “What’s going on what happened?” she asked Derpy walked up to her with a note in her mouth “It’s from him,” she said handing it to Twilight “I found it on his front door but when I looked inside there was nothing there like he moved out or something, I even tried to barn but all his stuff was gone ” Twilight became sad at the notion and worried for me even more; she then started to read the note it said: Dear Friends, I am writing this because by the time you read it I will probably be long gone, I will be so far that it would take a good long while for you to catch up with me, Im writing this down as a way to apologize for what happened to you all. I can’t live or forgive myself for what I unleashed into your world and with that I am leaving PonyVille never to return. Don’t bother trying to find me, and please don’t come looking for me. Sincerely, Richard Smith Twilight began to tear up after read it. What they all didn’t know is that the night before when Twilight and her friends were asleep, I packed up all my things and left. I slowly and quietly made my way out of Celestia’s Castle and walked all the way to Ponyville to close up my home and get rid of everything. I closed up my shop and locked it, maybe the thought of returning kept me from closing it up completely so I let it be. I made the necessary repairs to my steam wagon and rode off toward the undiscovered west of Equestria. I set out in that direction because I knew they would be unable to find me for they have no record of what’s beyond that direction. The proceeding morning when twilight came looking for me in PonyVille, I rode beyond the outskirts of town and looked at it one last time before I rode into the undiscovered west never to return. “He’s Gone” she cried “WHAT, what do you mean he’s gone, gone where?” dash asked “He rode towards the undiscovered west,” she said All the town’s ponies were shocked and appalled upon hearing that. “No pony has ever gone beyond there before” one pony said Twilight’s friends became sad as well “How are we ever going to find him now?” Fluttershy said “We don’t” Twilight said Everypony turned to her shocked for words “How can you say that, he’s our friend why would we not look for him?” another pony said “The Undiscovered west is beyond any of us and we can’t just go out and look for him just because he wants to be alone, I think we should just let him return when he feels like it and leave it at that” Twilight said All the ponies agreed and let me have my space. They all began to go back to their everyday lives as Twilight and her friends looked to the west everyday hoping that I would return “Do you think he’ll every come back?” Aj said “I don’t know, perhaps we should get back to what we were doing before” she said turning around and heading back to town. She looked back at her friend who were still sitting on the hill “You coming” she said Eventually they all got up and started down the hill back home. Rainbow Dash turned to look one more time “Rich wherever you are I hope you come home, you family misses you” she said with a teardrop in her eye A hooded figure from the Forrest watched as the ponies leave. She lifted up her hood to reveal herself, Queen Chrysalis. “Now that he’s gone I can have my revenge, and when he comes back to help them I will destroy him once and for all, and with this I will be unstoppable” she said holing up a glowing red horn “When he comes back ill be sure he suffers” she said laughing manically The End? Author's Note Chrysalis is back, and with Richard gone who now will save Equestria from destruction The last story will be worked on in due time At The GalaChapter 2 At the Gala I woke up early the next morning cause I had to stop by Rarity's and pick up my new suit. I was trying no to over panic cause I wanted to get to Canterlot within a reasonable time and not be fashionably late. So I drove down the road trying to go fast but not to fast cause I didn’t want to accidently hit somepony. I finally arrived at my destination. I stop the wagon jumped out as quick as a flash and ran through the door. “Rarity are you here.” I yelled a little loudly Rarity came out from behind her changing stand dressed in a beautiful new dress that made me speechless “Whatever is the matter darling?” she asked “I came as fast as I could, cause you said my suit would be ready” “Oh of course I have it right here” she said levitating my outift off one of her shelves and into my hands. “Oh boy thanks for taking some time to make this Rarity, I know you’ve been busy making new gowns for you and your friends” “Oh no it’s quite alright, I hope to see you at gala” Rarity said Rarity then made quite a shocked look like she had forgotten something “Ahh oh no, I promised to meet twilight at the castle for the carriage ride ” she said walking towards the door She opened the door and was immediately greeted by Applejack. “Applejack what in Equestria are you doing here?” She asked “I came by to say that the stallions that were suppose to pull our carriage weren’t feeling well so no pony can get us too the gala” Rarity was shocked beyond compare “Of all the worst things that could happen this is thee…..WORST…..POSSIBLE….THING.” She said before falling on her drama couch. I just stood there watching this series of unfortunate events unfold before me but then a I had an idea. I ran behind Rarities changing stand and quickly put on my suit. Rarity and AJ just stood by as I threw on my suit in no time, expect for the bowtie and don’t know how to put one on. “Ladies” I said “Will you allow me to drive to gala” I gave a small bow but that seemed to make both of them happy. Rarity grabbed and hugged me real tight. “Oh Richard you’re a lifesaver” she said “There’s no time to waste meet me at Twilight's castle, ill be there shortly.” I said running out the door and driving as fast as I could toward Twilight's castle. By the time I got there all mane six including spike, the cutie mark crusaders and the dreadful discord were standing waiting for me “Well its about time your got here, I was getting rather bored” He said “Well if you have any way to get us there faster then I suggest you keep your comments to yourself” I said Discord just turned his head with a grump look on his face. “Now now no reason to get at angry” Fluttershy said Rainbow Dash on thee other hand flew up and hugged me as well. “Man Rich it’s been awhile, haven’t seen you in like forever” she said “Sorry dash I’ve been rather busy these days” “Yeah dashy Rich’s been helping all the towns ponies whenever something breaks, why just the other he came by sugar cube corner and helped fix up the kitchen little and I haven’t stopped baking since then” Pinkie said “Heh I guess you’re really popular with everypony then” Dash said “I try my best” I attached Twilight’s party wagon to mine and soon we were off to the gala. I pulled the lever and soon my steam wagon started chugging along at a seemingly fast pace. We traveled up the mountains and around winding passes and soon I could see Canterlot in the distance. I pulled up in front and parked my wagon on the side of the road where other ponies in horse drawn carriages were being dropped off. I jumped out and opened Twilights carriage door and let out my passengers. Discord being the pessimist had to complain again “Geez it’s cramped in there” he said stretching he body “Well, maybe if you shrunk yourself down a bit maybe you would fit” I said taking off my coat, hat, goggles and gloves. “I do have to say your motor wagon is quite intriguing.” he said looking at it with those weird eyes “Touch that wagon and your dead.” I said walking toward the Gala. I met up with the others as we stood waiting to be announced. “Announcing Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends” the butler pony said All the ponies in the room looked and clapped for Twilight As the girls went by I stepped up next to be announced “Your name sir” he said as he looked at me with a weird look in his eye “Uh oh yeah” I said pressing the medallion on my chest transforming me into a pony “Is that better?” “Quite, your names please” he asked “Uh Richard Smith” I said He turned to face the crowd of ponies that were inside the Gala “Announcing the Great Alien Richard Smith” All of them looked at me but didn't clap and just went about their business “Way to be Racist,” I said to myself before walking in to meet my friends “Sorry Richard there are still some ponies that are still getting used to the whole human in Equestria thing” “Ah its alright just as long as the don’t run me out of town” I said They all gave a soft chuckle "I must say Rich you do look rather handsome in that suit” Aj said I couldn’t help but blush a little still in my pony form “Well thanks.” I said, “Now lets have some fun” Before the festivities began we were greeted by none other the Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. All of us bowed in front of them “There’s no need to be so formal.” Celestia said “Well you are a princess after all and I don’t want to be disrespectful.” I said She just smiled at me “Oh Richard your so thoughtful, how are things in PonyVille” she asked “Oh you know same stuff different day fixing this tweaking that, eh a job is a job.” I said Celestia nodded her head “I understand how you feel, so how are you enjoying the Gala so far" she said "It's definitely what i expected it to be, very formal other than the fact that i don't have a date with me its very pleasant" "Celestia looked at me with a grin “Then perhaps you can help my sister, this is her first time at the gala as well and maybe you can show her around” Luna was a little shy and I was blushing cause Luna is my favorite princess. “Uh I uh um okay I said” shaking nervously “This shall be an interesting night to remember” Luna said walking up too me “Yeah I hope so too” I said with a knot in my stomach “You guys go mingle the Princess and I are gonna make sure this gala stays on schedule and doesn't fall apart like the last few times” Twilight said With that all of us made our way to the grand hall where ponies, in all kinds of outfits stood, and food filled the room. “Shall we get something to eat” Luna said “Sure” walking up to the table of food. I looked at all the deserts, appetizers, vegetables and zero meat. I was going to go crazy, it has bee so long since I’ve had a hamburger, or a hot dog, or a chicken anything it was driving me nuts. “Boy I would kill for a chicken sandwich from the BK lounge right now” I said under my breath “What was that.” she asked “Oh nothing im just gonna get something to drink” I said walking towards the punch bowl My nerves were on edge and my stomach felt sour like I was gonna throw up so I drank some punch to try to settle my stomach. The punch was good it tasted like apple cider with a faint taste of alcohol. “Well, i'm might as well get little drunk while i'm here” gulping my cup down and eating a few appetizers. I walked back to Luna who was waiting for me “Richard are you alright? She asked I was a little tipsy but I was able to function properly “Yeah I (hic) i'm fine, i'm a (hic) a little better” I said “Well then shall we dance” she said “oh I uh (hic) I don’t know how to dance” “Nonsense” she said grabbing my hoof and pulling towards the dance floor The musical accompaniment was nice classical music, Other ponies were dancing as Luna spun me around holding me close as we danced to the music. Twirling around and around I was getting a little bit dizzy I as looked at Luna as we danced when I felt something in my stomach, something bad. I let go of her holding onto my stomach in agony “Is something wrong Richard” she said all concerned I just looked up at her and said “Nope…Eeyup” Here it comes, I ran over to the nearest balcony and threw my head over the side and it all just flowed out, some out it even came out of my nose. After it stopped I was in a panic hoping no pony got covered in my vomit. No but the unfortunate side was there were a lot of other ponies outside that saw the whole thing. I immediately became embarrassed dangling over the railing. I turned to run away when Luna stopped me for a brief moment. She looked all sad like she did something wrong “Was it something I did.” she asked I just felt terrible literally and figuratively, I threw up at a really nice party and embarrassed myself in front of everypony. I just ran away someplace where no pony could find me. I ran into the library and began to cry a little bit, this night was a complete disaster for me. The door opened and in walked Celestia “Are you alright Richard?” I sucked up my sorrow in order to talk properly to the Princess “Not really” I said sulking “My sister was worried about you like she did something wrong” “No it wasn’t Luna’s fault I must have had to much to drink and my nerves got the better of me and then I end up embarrassing myself, this is worst Gala I’ve ever experienced” “Not every gala is perfect but i'm sure if you give it another chance i'm sure it'll work out" she said putting her hoof on my shoulder "Come my sister is waiting” she said “Yeah I suppose” I got back up when I noticed a closed book on the table. It was an old copy of the same book I read yesterday at Twilights. Curiosity got the better of me as we left the library, I couldn’t help but bring it up to Celestia. “So what ever happened to this General Fall?” I asked Celestia stopped with a despair look on her face, she then began walking again “Why do you ask?” “Well I read it in a history book but I never heard about it until then so I was curious as what happened between the two of you” I asked To me it seemed like a touching subject and I didn’t mean to bring up any sad memories “Uh forget it, sorry I didn’t want to…” “General Fall was once named Magenta Nightfall, and yes she was a student of mine but the constant learning of magic and power consumed her to the point where she became powerful enough to overthrow me and my sister. She eventually rages war with us using her magic she made soldiers ponies using clockwork and gears to make them come alive. So my sister and I used the elements of harmony to seal her and her army away in her journal. Afterward we placed the journal far far into the Everfree forest where no pony could find and uncover it. Who knows what could happened if she somehow found a way to escape” “Well, that’s pretty deep i'm sorry I brought it up.” I said “It is fine oh here take this,” she said handing me a small little bottle “What’s this?” “It will help with your nerves and your stomach” I didn’t question it; I opened the small bottle and swallowed its mystic contents, my stomach hurt for a moment and then it instantly felt better. These magical remedies work a lot better than medicine from my world and they taste better too. “Thanks princess I definitely need that” “Now shall we return to the gala.” Celestia said We made our way back to the grand hall where twilight and her friends were waiting. I walked in and saw Luna waiting for me as well “So about that, I just had to much to drink, don't blame yourself” I said “It’s alright it happens to every pony” Luna said “Now that lets get this par-tay started” Pinkie said Pinkie then went up on stage whipped out some DJ equipment, sub-woofers and Vinyl Scratch and started playing some sick beats. Everypony in the room started dancing including Luna and me. Even after what I experience this Gala won’t easily be forgotten.
Rich's New WorldChapter One Rich’s New World My alarm clock began ringing signaling me to get up out bed, I woke up from the insisting noise and my eyes were a little blurry but I was able to make it stop, I sat up in bed and noticed that my house a little less tidy. Work orders, bills, letters, party invitations, Blueprints and designs by me were scattered all over my table and floor. Dishes were pilled in my sink, clothes needing to be washed. This kind of untidiness would have had either Twilight or Rarity scream in horror. “Well I better get ready then” I said grabbing my glasses After I got out bed I headed for the dresser and picked out the last outfit I had “My last set of work clothes, guess ill have to do my laundry today yay.” I said I grabbed a towel and made my way to the bathroom. After a relaxing and refreshing shower I was ready to start my day. First order of business was to pick up and organized my paper clutter. I sifted and gather all of the miscellaneous paper and began to stack them into piles, some I wanted save and some would burn later but I did keep an opened mind when it came to my blueprints in case I needed to make any last minute changes. After all the papers were organized I went to the kitchen to get something to eat for breakfast. I looked in the fridge to see what was left “Lets see, milk, pie, veggies, cake, soda, muffins.” I said grabbing a muffin and closed the fridge Next I started scrubbing some dishes, wiping them dry and putting them in my cupboard. After that I started gathering up all my old clothes into a basket and headed outside. Once outside I saw the sunrays hit my eyes blinding me for a brief moment but my eyes started to adjust to the light. “Thank you Celestia.” I said jokingly bringing my basket around my house. Behind my house was a hose line and a wash bucket. I began adding water and soap into the bucket and threw in all the dirty clothes. I took out my washboard and began scrubbing the filth out of my work clothes some of the stains came out but sometimes they didn’t but I didn’t mind. After they were washed I hung them up on the line to dry. Afterward I went back around my house to the barn where I kept my motor wagon, I opened the barn door to see my beautiful machine sitting in the middle of the barn. My Tools were all hung up on my wall above my workbench and spare parts were all scattered around the ground. Truth be told it took me months and months of testing, building and some slight injures to get it to work and it finally paid off, I successfully made a wagon that runs off of steam. I built it originally to get around town, to carry heavy loads and to pull heavy cargo but mostly ponies see it as an advertisement for my repair jobs. I started a job helping the ponies of PonyVille whenever something breaks in their household whether it’s a faucet or a chair I would help fix it. I grabbed my clipboard to see what was on the agenda today “Lets see, Cheerilee, Ms. Mash, and Aj got it.” I said as I scratched off their names. I gathered up all my tools and put them in the wagon, I hoped into the seat and started to ignite the engine, as the fire started, the pistons started to move slowly pumping the steam bath and forth. I pulled the lever and the wagon began to slowly move forward out the doorway. I road down the hill and into PonyVille, as I drove by some ponies who were walking by saw my steam wagon roll by and knew immediately it was me. They just waved and I waved back as I headed for the schoolhouse. Cheerilee needed me to help fix up the inside of the schoolhouse as some things were beginning to fall apart. I pulled up in front of the school and put my wagon in park but still let the engine run. I looked over to see all the fillies playing recess had stopped to look at my wagon and came rushing over to look at it “Hey Richard” Applebloom said I looked down to see the cutie mark crusaders “Hey girls” I said with a smile They just continued to walk around the wagon and admire at all the hard work I had put into it “Your steam wagon is so cool” Scootaloo said “It is pretty neat” Sweetie Belle said “This kind of thing would be super helpful back at sweet apple acres. I bet you could do all sorts of chores with” Applebloom said I hoped out to grab my toolbox “Well I do help Aj whenever she might need it” I said “And that’s why you’re the best handycolt in Ponyville, Hey maybe we can get our cutie marks in handycol- I mean handymares. “Well it’s a tough job and you gotta know what your doing” I said loading up on tools and supplies “Ill see you girls later.” I said as I headed up toward the door. I opened the door to see Cheerilee at her desk grading papers. She seemed really focused in her work I almost didn’t want to disturb her but then again she did put in a work order. “Ms. Cheerilee” I said She then stopped for a moment and turned to see me standing in the room ready for work. “OH sorry Richard I didn’t see you there” she said “its cool so what do you need me to fix” I said “Well the trim around the chalkboard is a little cracked and I was worried that it might fall off the wall” “Well let me see what I can do” I walked over and the chalkboard and saw the wood was old and cracking around it. So first thing I did was to unscrew it from the wall and set it down gently on the floor, next I took measurements in order to make new ones. I then started to pry the dead wood off and it fell apart rather easily knowing its was old and worn out. After all the wood was off I went out to my wagon and began measuring a cutting new pieces for the chalkboard. I carved in a few slots in the wood so the frame would hold the old chalkboard up on the wall. I came back in and all the students were in there seats watching my work. It didn’t bother me at all it was nice to help children and teachers. I screwed all of the pieces together and placed it over the old chalkboard and sure enough it fitted perfectly. I put the new chalkboard up on the wall and began to screw it in place. I wiped the sweat off my forehead and looked at my finished work. “Thank your very much Richard, it looks brand new.” Cheerilee said “Any time Cheerilee” I said gathering up my tools and heading toward the door. “Thanks Richard” all the fillies and colts said “No problem” I said as I left the school and back into my wagon I hopped back in headed toward town. My next stop was Ms. Mash’s house. From what I remember she is the mother of button mash but we never got to see her in the show. Bronies only made fan animations and artwork of her so I was hoping that she would look the same. As I passed through town everypony that I passed looked and waved. Even after all that I’ve been through you know saving dash, getting shot, almost dyeing and living in another dimension populated by pastel colored horses still amazes me still. It just felt different like im the one that’s out off place not the place I live. I just brushed it off as I made way too my next stop. I pashed sugar cube corner until the house I was looking for was right around the corner. I stopped and gathered my things and walked up to the door. I gave it a soft knock and waited for a few seconds until the door opened. There standing in the doorway was Buttons mom, with her light brown hair, teal eyes and her cooking apron I couldn’t help but blush a little. “Hello” she said “Uh hi im here to repair your faucet was it?” I said “Oh that’s right you must be Richard the local repairman, come on sweetie” she said as she turned to welcome me into here home. Her house was very nice as it had pictures of her family and of button of course. We both made our way to the kitchen where the problem occurred “That faucet has been leaking for days and it’s driving my a little crazy” she said “Whenever I cook its always leaking and it just wont stop” “Let me see what I can do” I put my toolbox and the counter and took out my screwdriver. I then looked at the leaky faucet and knew exactly what to do. I popped the cover off the faucet knob and twisted the screw tighter and the leaking ceased. “Well there you go Ms. Mash all fix.” I said putting my tools away “Well that was certainly quick” she went over to her table and picked up a brown bag. “Here I baked these this morning I hope you like them” she said handing me the bag I didn’t know what to say. She was definitely a nice lady so I took the bag of cookies “Well thank you Ms. Mash if there’s any other problem in the future you know who to call” I said “Oh ill be sure to call” as she winked at me with those bedroom eyes I quickly went out the door and into my wagon, headed full speed toward Sweet Apple Acres and had a little nibble at some of her cookies, which were delicious. By the time arrived I could see Applejack bucking apples trees as usual. Big Mac was plowing the fields and granny smith was probably in the house. As I rolled up Applejack stopped for moment and headed on over towards me. I stopped right at the front gate and was greeted by my favorite pony. “Howdy Rich” she said “Hey Aj” I said getting my tools again “Hey Big Mac, plowing the fields I see” He just looked at me and said what he always say’s “Eeyup” he said as he continued with his chores “So Aj what can I help you with today” “Well I could use your fancy wagon again to help wheel all the apples back in the barn” I thought for sure she wanted me to fix something but then again I cant say no to my favorite pony. “Alright then lets hook her up and get’er moving.” I said “Well all righty then” she said Aj and I spent the next couple of hours putting bushels of apples into her wagon that was attached to mine. I was getting a little sweaty and I looked over and saw that she was too. I felt a little lovey dovey for a moment but I shook my head and got back to work. After all the apples were collected I got on my wagon and started to move towards her barn. Aj stood by the barn door as I backed her wagon into the barn. “I gotta say sugar cube without your fancy wagon, this job would have taken me all day to get done, and I appreciate the help” she said “Always happy to help the Apple Family” I said “Well now that that’s outta the way I better go see if Granny smith needs anything, take care ya’ll” she said heading inside “Later” I said I pulled the lever and started to head towards home. “Maybe I should stop by Twilights and she what she’s up too” I said to myself I drove back passing the town toward the outskirts, towards Twilight new Castle. Now I wasn’t really around when twilight fought Tirek. I mean I saw them fight and saw Golden Oak Library got blown to smithereens, and then she defeats him and the sprouts up crystal castle tree. To be honest it wasn’t nearly as good as the library but it’s her new home so I can’t really complain. I pulled up in front of her castle doors, got out and headed inside. Once inside it felt kinda like Princess Celestia hall but a little smaller. I made my way up towards the round table, as I like to call it and what do I find, Twilight reading and spike eating. “Guess im not surprised” I said Twilight stopped reading for a moment to notice me stand next to her pile of books. “Oh Hello Richard, what brings you here” she asked “Oh you know just running around town fixing things and I thought id stop by and see how the princess of friendship was doing” “Im doing alright, still have tons of books to read” I glanced over at the towers of books all spread around her “I see” I said but then out of the corner of my eye one book bound in red leather with the title Equestria’s Long History on the cover got my attention. I picked it up and began skimming through the pages. Some of it was about King Sombra, Discord, Nightmare moon, how Ponyville was formed. I went back to the very beginning and found a section about somepony called General Fall. It peeked my interest as I begin reading about this pony. It turns out long ago before King Sombra there’s was a student of Celestia who was really powerful and smart. It turns out she wanted to take over Celestia’s place and rule over Equestria but Celestia wasn’t having it so this General left Celestia’s teaching and made her own army out clockwork pieces. She then went to war with Celestia for a while and supposedly almost won. Celestia and Luna were able to trap her and her soldiers inside her journal; which she kept on her at all times. The journal then was lost and never found and Celestia and Luna went about their Business usual. “Hm I’ve never heard of this General Fall.” I said placing the book back “Yeah I read it not too long ago and Celestia never told me anything about it” Twilight said “Im sure she must have a reason, I mean I wouldn’t want her running around again” “I’ll bet, oh by the way did you get your ticket for the Gala” she asked I remember while I was organizing all my papers I stumbled upon it and put it somewhere where I would remember. “Oh yeah, yup I got it im a little nervous I mean this is the first time going to Gala” “Don’t worry I help with all the preparations this year it should go by without a hitch.” she said “Well I hope to see you there then” I said heading towards the door “Bye Richard” she said waving I headed back towards my wagon when I got a tingly sensation like something was watching me. I looked all around but no pony was there. I shrugged it off and drove back to my house. By the time I got home the sun was setting to make way for the moon. I remembered to grab my clothes that had dried already and brought them back into the house. I opened my front door, placed my dry clothes next to my bureau and immediately flopped onto my bed tired and exhausted. For some Reason that General Fall pony was still on my mind. Why didn’t Celestia ever talk about her and where her journal is now? I was too tired to care so I changed my clothes and got into bed. I set my alarm, for tomorrow was the Gala so I need to head to rarities in the morning and get my suit in order to go. I dozed off thinking about what’s gonna happened this year. Author's Note That General is very suspicious, hope the gala goes well
The Horse AwakensChapter 3 The Horse Awakens A few days after the Gala I found myself once again back a sweet apple acres helping Aj with her day to day help. I didn’t complain; a lot of the stuff she does is alot of hard work. Bucking that many apples trees, selling apples, growing crops, selling them as well, and maintaining her farm. I for one am not much of a farmer by any means but Aj has taught me a lot of things while I work on her farm. It’s a learning experience and it gives me something to do everyday. I help Aj mostly with the heavy lifting since Big Mac is busy tending the crops. My steam wagon became more useful that I ever imagined. Aj and I were riding back for the marketplace and Aj started up some small talk “I gotta say Rich you’ve done so much for, with all the money we’ve been making we might have to expand our orchard, it’s bee awhile since that’s happened, with all those extra tree’s we could feed everyone in Equestria” “Well Aj i'm always here to help” I said “And we appreciate it in fact I think we got a surprise for you when we get back” she said I'm not one for surprise’s usually they don’t excite enough but Aj seemed very happy about it so how bad could it be. We drove down past the gazebo and up toward her farm. I parked out in front of their barn and let Aj off. I stepped down off the wagon and turned to see the apple family waiting for me as Aj joined them. “So I take is this is the surprise” I said “Well we’ve been talking and we’ve decided since you’ve helped us so much,” she paused for a moment “We decided to make you an honorary member of the apple family” I was shocked beyond my brony sense's , I mean I don’t really have any family here in Equestria that I can familiarize myself with. I don’t have any relatives or siblings, and then I had a brief memory of my old family that I left behind when I came to Equestria. I’ll never forget my mom, my dad, my sister and my brother and the thought of them brought a tear to my eye. They raised me to be a good person and now im being adopted into a new family made me tear up even more. I walked up to Aj, knelt down and hugged her real tight. I started to cry a little bit, I couldn’t be any happier “Thank you, im honored.” I cried Applejack put her hooves around me to comfort me “It’s the least we can do” Applebloom started jumping up and down “I’ve got a new brother, this is the best family ever,” she yelled “Eeyup” “You’ve definitely earned it” Granny smith said After a brief moment a loving embrace from my new family I let go of Aj “I’m gonna have to change my name to Richard Apple Smith” They all got a laugh out of that “Well welcome to the apple family Rich” Aj said Then flying by I saw a glimpse of a rainbow and knew full well that rainbow dash was nearby. “So your part of the apples now” said a familiar voice I turned around and saw Rainbow standing behind me “Way to eavesdrop on a conversation their dash.” I said “I was flying by and heard what was going on and since your now part of the apples, im making you my honorary brother too” she said hugging me “I guess im everyponies brother now” I said “Rainbow dash” Aj said disgruntled “What” she said “I don’t have much family either, I need a brother and besides he’s the one that saved my when I was trapped in that other world” “Well Richard has been helping me nonstop these past few days helping the apple family” “Rich puts his life in danger and almost died protecting me” dash said pulling on my arm “Rich donated all his free time and effort from work by helping me and my farm” Aj now tugging on my other arm “Rich likes danger and action not farming” “Rich likes helping others not being selfish” “Girls” I said, “your hurting my arms” Both of them let me go at the same time “Sorry bout that sugar cube” “So which of us do you want to be family members with” dash said I really didn’t give it much thought “Why can’t I be part of everyone’s family, im mean everyone seems to like me enough anyways.” They both looked at me with a raised eyebrow “But which of us do you like more?” dash said “Im super fast and super brash” doing a few loops in the air “Im just as brave and bold as you and I don’t have wings.” AJ said standing proudly “ I can make sonicrainbooms” “I can knock down a forty-foot tree with my own fours hooves” Aj and Dash got in each other faces about to get in a serious fight but being the big brother on the inside I had to stop it before it got out of control. So I stepped in between them and pushed them both aside “Girls look It’s not a popularity contest, I love you all equally how can you possibly make me choose” They both looked at each and knew I was right “I recon that’s what twilight would say” AJ agreeing with me “That’s so boring” I reached out and head locked Dash “What’s not boring is giving a fellow sister a noogie” as I rubbed dash's hair, Aj couldn’t help but laugh “Ow your messing up my hair” Rainbow started flapping her wings causing me to lose my balance, i fell and let her go in the process. I got back up as rainbow flew up a few inches until she was level with me “You wanna wrestle then lets wrestle” she said she then flew toward me crashing into my chest and knocking back down into the dirt and started holding me down but I was able to pin her. “Hey” AJ said, “you leave my brother alone” she then jumped into the fray, now I was wrestling both ponies at the same time getting dirty in the process. After a good long while we were outta breathe and covered in dust. “Well I haven’t had that much fun in awhile.” I said trying to get the dust out of my clothes “That what sisters are for” Aj said “Yeah the best sisters” Dash said “Well I better mosey on home now and take a shower” I started up my wagon and rolled on down towards home “Ya’ll take now ya hear.” I said in my best country accent “See ya’ll later” as the apple family and dash waved goodbye I started driving back towards but then that felling of being watched caused me to stop the wagon and look around, again no pony was there. I kept on driving going past the edge of the Everfree forest when out of the corner of my eye I saw a dark figure near the edge of the dark forest. I looked and saw the figure disappear into the woods. A lot of thoughts went through my head, do I follow it, do I ignore it, or should I tell somepony. I choose the later; I mean what could possibly go wrong. I stopped my wagon and made my way towards the entrance. I grabbed my hatchet with me just in case I needed to defend myself, I hoped I wouldn’t have to kill anything while I was in here. I started walking down the only road that was presented to me, all the while keeping an eye out for any dangers like Timberwolves or poison joke. The Forest was dark and smelled icky im surprised no pony ever comes in here I mean other than Zecora. I walked for what seemed like an hour until I saw that shadow again I raced into what ever danger could be lurking around the next tree only to find a clearing. A Ray of sunshine was able to pierce a little opening in the trees and in the center was a large statue of a pony dressed a general’s uniform and hat. I must have stumbled upon the memorial of that General Pony, Magenta Nightfall. I walked closer to it as it loomed over me; there was some inscription written on the statue. Magenta Nightfall Beloved student of Celestia, she rose to the top only to fall by her own will It creeped me out knowing that there was a long and forgotten student of Celestia that she wanted to forget and for a good reason. I wanted to leave but I noticed under the inscription was a slot and in the center was a small dusty book. “This must be the General’s Journal.” I said My hand reached out, but something in me said don’t, my hand shivered as to what could become of this. I pick up the small book and opened it. It was blank, and then I skimmed through to the very last page and found some writing left by her. “And with that I shall rise again and take my revenge on Equestria” “That’s it that’s all she wrote.” I said But then the ground started to shake and the book began to glow. Then fierce winds rushed pashed me as the book began to levitate and glow brightly. The book opened and magical currents started to pour out and manifest in front of me. The manifestation started to form into a pony but I didn’t stick around to see what was going to happen next for I knew full well that it was her, General Fall. I ran back the way I came passing some Timberwolves but I was beyond scared straight to even care. I just kept running until I saw the opening, I made a dash knowing there were Timberwolves right behind me. I exited the forest, jumped into my wagon, hitting the lever and driving away at full speed. Back in the forest General Fall stood proudly next to her statue as she took a deep breath. “Finally, after all these years I have returned to rule over the lands i so rightfully deserve” she said Behind her the clanking of her clockwork soldiers stood faceless and expressionless ready for her command. “Now my army let us take back the lands that was stolen from us shall we” she said as her soldiers began to march towards PonyVille I drove as fast as I could towards twilight’s castle, zipping past ponies almost hitting a few. I saw Twilight's castle in the distance but I glanced back towards the Everfree forest to see if anything changed. I came to a grinding and screeching halt in front of her door as I jumped out, bashed my way through the doors and ran upstairs to the round table to find Twilight and her friends looking at me like they expected me to show up “Rich what are you doing, why do you look all scared and devastated” Twilight I tried to catch my breath after what I just witnessed “General (Huff) Fall (Huff) is back,” I said breathing heavily All of them except for twilight looked at me with confusion. Twilight looked just as scared as me “Who in Equestria is General Fall” Aj said “She was once a student of Celestia but her thirst for power caused her to turn evil, so much so that she tried overthrow Celestia and Luna” she said “How come we’ve never heard of her before” Dash said “She must have had a reason maybe she’s way to powerful even for all of us” Just then a clockwork Pegasus crashed through one of twilight’s windows and landed on the round table in front of the mane six. It stood up as it ticked, clicked, and tocked as it looked at them. “Subject’s found, mission detain” it said Before it got the chance to do anything I ran up to it with my hatchet in hand and slammed it into the metal face of the soldier. It lost its balance and fell over, hatchet still in face. I twitched a little bit then I pulled the hatchet out and started whacking at is head denting, bending its neck trying to cut off its head it to so wouldn’t get back up. Eventually i caved its head in and it ceased to move. My hatchet was broken beyond repair so I tossed it aside. “Richard” Twilight said “Sorry you had to see that girls” “Never mind that what in Equestria is that thing?” she asked “Its one of her clockwork soldiers that she made in order to take over Equestria” I said looking down at the dead soldier “And it looks like they’re very hard to kill” “Well what do we do?” “I don’t know, maybe we should let the Princess’s know” “Good idea but we’ll have to get past those soldiers” Twilight said “Alright lets get going” I said as we made our way down stairs Whatever was waiting for us outside we all knew it couldn’t be good Author's Note The Villian is here but who can stop her
The End Of Equestria (as we know it)Chapter 4 The End Of Equestria(as we know it) I opened the door to the castle ever so slightly so see if anything was outside waiting for us. I had to be cautious for my only weapon was gone and had no means of defense. I looked carefully as I saw a couple soldiers flying by some of the houses in PonyVille. I opened up a little more for the mane six to get out. They all looked out at what could possibly be the end of PonyVille. “How could this have happened” Twilight asked I knew full well that I was the one who did it, and I knew deep down I had to tell them, but now wasn’t the time to say sorry, I had to keep my friends safe and stop this mad pony from taking over all of Equestria. “Well worry about that later everypony get in my wagon,” I said The mane six loaded up including spike and wet set off towards Canterlot. I pulled the lever and soon my wagon chugged along towards the mountains up towards Canterlot. I was hoping all the while that my engine might not give away our position but I just kept one hand on the wheel and hand on the throttle lever. A lot of thoughts passed through my mind as we drove away from home, like this General Fall having the power to take down Celestia and rule over Equestria. And what about the other princess’s like Cadence and Twilight are they in just as much danger as well. All of it made me sick a little but I knew I had to stop her and save my friends, my family, and my home from being destroyed. General Fall walked into town as her soldiers started to occupy of all PonyVille’s streets and houses making sure no pony would escape. “This pathetic town shall become home of the new order of the Fall Empire, and I shall rule with a iron fist as I so rightfully deserved.” She said Her soldiers gathered up any remaining ponies and huddled them into the town hall and guarded them. Some ponies tried to fight back but there efforts were futile as the clockwork soldiers being made of tough metal were hard to beat. General Fall made her way to Twilight’s castle to set up her new headquarters. “Interesting castle they have here” She said “This shall be my new base of operations, and soon all of Equestria shall be mine” she said she turned toward the mountains and saw Canterlot high up on the cliff. “Celestia your reign is over and a new ruler shall take your place” she then noticed some smoke heading up the mountain. She pulled out a pair of binoculars and looked to see me and the other ponies trying to escape; this made her furious. “No pony escapes from my grasp, soldiers bring them back,” she demanded “Yes Sir” they said before flying off towards my steam wagon As I continued driving up the steep mountains I could not bare to look behind me, I just kept on driving non-stop hoping nothing was behind me but sure enough her soldiers were hot on our tail. I slammed the lever pushing my steam wagon to its limit. The fire was flaming out the top as my wagon was charging as fast as she could but she wasn’t fast enough. I looked behind us to see those clock work soldiers flying fast up behind. They were just matching our speed as one slowly made its way towards my friends. I looked down rather quickly to find anything I can use for defense and saw one of my hammers laying on the wagon floor, without a second thought I picked it up. “Pull over in the name of the General” it said “You kiss my ass metal dick,” I yelled I swung the hammer as hard as I could into the head of the soldier as it lost control and slammed into side of the mountain and fell down the cliff face. Another flew above use slowing making his way down. “Right above us” dash said I looked up and threw the hammer at it hitting him in the stomach he lost his flight and soon fell to the ground scrapping dirt and rocks as we drove away unscathed “Well that was close.” I said “I’ll say, I think were getting close to Canterlot now” Twilight said My wagon was still pumping as Aj helped fuel the fire to help keep her going. We kept on going keeping a close eye for any more soldiers. As the wagon chugged we could see in the distance the Princess Celestia’s castle and the city of Canterlot. As we entered the city passing through the large wooden gate guards upon guards were stationed everywhere getting ready for battle, I guess the General already made an attack on the city and everyone is just setting up for a counter-attack. We drove up towards Celestia Castle passing guards as they lead us towards our destination. “Welcome your majesty” the guards bowed in front of Twilight “Now is not the time we need Celestia,” she said “Of course follow us” as they lead us to Celestia’s castle Something about this whole ordeal made me feel uneasy, that thought of total war in Equestria was unheard of even for me. The Guards brought us to the castle as we made out way to the Princess. As we entered we saw the princess co verse with her highest guards. “Whatever it takes defend this city with your life,” she demanded They all responded, “Yes your Majesty” and then began to head out to fight Celestia took a breather after dealing with all the stress that General Fall had been giving her, until she noticed all of us waiting patiently. “ Sorry my subjects I’ve been under a lot of stress, with the return of the general and all, I can’t help but stay and do nothing as my brave soldiers fight my battles for me” “Well that’s kinda why were here to help fight this General,” I said Celestia was surprised, to hear having the mane six and me would help with her cause “I appreciate the help, but unfortunately General Fall can not be taken down so easily” she said “Why is that? I asked “Well long ago when me and my sister fought her, we couldn’t defeat her as her magical abilities were just as strong as ours and the only way to stop her for good was to use the Elements of Harmony to banish her into her journal for her to never return and now she somehow managed to escape and finish what she started all those years ago” This definitely was going to be a challenge as the Elements of Harmony aren’t with us since the mane six gave it bake to the tree and their rainbow powers were only a one-time thing in order to defeat Tirek. “However if she somehow found away out she wont to able to achieve her physical form, as her spirit is bound to her book, but if the book were to be destroyed them we might have a chance” “So the only way to stop her is to destroy her book” Celestia nodded her head “Well then” as I turned to face my friends “lets get that book” Just then some clockwork soldiers bashed through Celestia’s window and stood guard. We could hear marching coming closer to us. All of us backed away from the door with Celestia behind us. The doors opened and some clockwork unicorns came in and stood in two rows at ease. Then came through the middle was the Magenta General. She looked at us smiling and laughing with her coat and hat. “Well well well what do we have here.” she said “An Alien, some escaped prisoners, a new Alicorn, a dragon and of course very interesting to see by the way Celestia” she just laughed and smiled with that fiendish look in her eye “Oh Celestia it’s been far to long” “I agree,” she said “It looks as though your manifestation hasn’t aged a day,” she said jokingly “Oh Celestia you always were the funny one, but im afraid your reign is over and the new world order shall begin” she said with a raised clenched fist “Guards arrest them,” she pointed “Yes sir” they yelled as they moved closer to us Celestia raised her horn shot a laser beam at them as some were hit and went down while the other rushed us. Twilight and Rarity shot out lasers as well. Aj, Dash and went hoof to hoof and fought them off with our bare hands. Pinkie pie shot her party cannon at them as always. Fluttershy and spike just hugged each in fear. This went until of her soldiers were out of commission. The General still standing in the room just laughed. “What's so funny” I said “Do really think that’s going to stop them” she said She raised her horn and all of her soldiers began to glow, then they started to self-repair themselves back to there original forms. In no time at all, all of them were back on their hooves waiting to fight again. “Oh now that’s just cheating” I yelled “Who said we were playing fair,” she said Celestia stood in front of me to make an attempt to sway the General “Magenta you have to stop this, this isn’t right,” she said General Fall became furious upon hearing that name “You still think im your student, I left that all behind when I tried to take over your throne, and now I have it in my grasp” she then shot a powerful beam at Celestia. Celestia returned fire by firing a beam at her. Two powerful ponies going at it as the light of both balls of energy were blinding the rest of us, well except for the soldiers. Unfortunately the General was indeed stronger and her beam hit Celestia when she couldn’t hold it back anymore. The astounding light hit with a flash, after that we saw a book on the floor were Celestia was. “Now you can spend the rest of your years trapped forever in a book” she yelled levitating the book towards her I couldn’t be any angrier at that moment, we lost the most powerful Alicorn in Equestria and now she’s trapped in a book. Furious as I became I just had to let it out “YOU BITCH” I screamed The girls and the General were all in shock. “You think you can just waltz in hear, capture Celestia and take over Equestria,” I said rolling up my sleeves “Then you got another thing coming” raising my fists She just looked at me and laughed hard this time “You a mere Alien, trying to scare me, oh that’s rich” she said I ran up to her in order to deliver I hard blow “The name’s Rich” I said as I try to punch her but my hand just passed through her, she really is just a manifestation “Sorry nice try though she said” as she morphed out of my away and manifested back into her pony form on the other side of the room as she shot a laser bolt at me. Luckily for me I knew that she would try to shoot me so I quickly dodged out of the way. She kept on shooting and I kept on dodging. “Woohoo Go Rich” dash said This went on for a while and I was starting to get tired. I tried to stand up but was out of breath leaning up against the wall. General Fall readied her horn shot at me but I dodged just a little but was still hit in the arm by her. The searing burn hit me as I screamed in agony. I looked up furiously looking at her as her horn glowed ready to fire. I looked over at Twilight, and looked her in the eyes. She looked into mine and I just nodded my head as if to say don’t worry twilight I will stop her somehow. With that the General fired her laser at me but I jumped up and over one of Celestia’s broken window and started falling. I felt the rush of the wind as I was in freefall; tears ran passed my face as I squinted. I tried to see if I was going to stop at some point but all I could see was foliage getting closer to me. The General Looked out the window in disgust and turned to face Twilight and her friends “Pathetic, no matter ill deal with him later now you will surrender or be destroyed” she said Dash got all tough “Well never-“ be fore she interrupted by Twilight “We Surrender” she said all of her friends looked at her in shock. “A wise decision coming from Celestia’s prized student, I often wondered what her future student would like, I had no idea you could become an Alicorn by studying magic” “It wasn’t just magic, its was my friends, there unique gifts and special talents helped bring out the magic inside of me” The General had no time for her stupid lesson of the day “Enough Guards bind there legs there coming with us” she said marching her way out bringing Celestia and Company along. I put my arms in front of my face and braced for the impact when all of a sudden I was grabbed and was floating in the air. I look over to see princess Luna holding me in her arms. She was struggling to fly while holding me as we slowly made our way to the ground. Luna set me down as I held my burnt arm in pain “Nice catch their Princess,” I said “Pleasure but im afraid we’ve got bigger things to worry about” “I know, The General, she transformed your sister into a book and captured Twilight and her friends” Luna was shocked “Then she shall pay for her misdeeds” “We’ll worry about that later, for now we need to get somewhere safe,” I said “Follow me I know of a place where we shall plan our attack” she said walking down some stairs. After walking around for a while we soon came upon an old mine shaft that must lead down into the Canterlot caves where Chrysalis trapped Cadence that one time. We both entered the dark and gloomy tunnel going deeper underground. We soon came upon and old door way with an old sign that read Canterlot Caverns Luna opened up the door and we stepped into a lantern lift room filled with…. bat ponies. These must be Luna’s guards for when the night rise’s so do her guards. We walked into the center where on a table was a map of Canterlot. “Your majesty, more of her soldiers have appeared and they’ve taken the west and the east wall, I don’t think we can stop them at this rate,” one of her guards said “I know, once you take one down it’ll already be repaired by the time your done fighting three” she said “If only there was a way to take them down for good” I thought about it too my hatchet wasn’t strong enough to cut through them; even Celestia’s laser wasn’t enough to burn through them. If there was some way to cut through maybe we have a chance. I thought real hard, what could cut through these sons of bitches. “I might have a way,” I said Everypony including the princess stopped talk and all faced me. “It’s a long shot but it just might work, I just need to get to my barn back in Ponyville” “That’s suicide, Ponyville is the central headquarters for the General. No pony can get in no pony can get out” one guard said “That you know of,” I said They all looked confused right at me. I pulled out my schematic of Ponyville that I was able to come up with. I made the map just in case there was a major clog in the pipes and I would be able to pinpoint it location using this and it shown under passages of the whole town. “We might be able to get if we take the sewers” All of them immediately cough and gagged. “That’s it, that’s your way in,” he said I looked up at him with no emotion in my face “Im sorry do you have a better solution” They all said nothing but I had a feeling none of them was willing to go. “Very well, here’s my plan I am going to try to beat General Fall back to PonyVille and I need you guys to stall her train for a long as possible, once there ill be able to figure out a way to beat her” “And you sure you can stop her” Luna said I didn’t know for sure if I was, but I had to remain optimistic “Yeah I think I can” “Very well, we wait until night fall and the we move, everyone be ready to leave by then” “Yes Ma’am” her bat soldiers said I walked up behind Luna to say my goodbye “Are you gonna be alright by yourself Luna?” I said Luna looked at me with reassurance “I shall fight for my sister and all of Equestria, and if it were to be the end we shall give them a hell of an end” Luna talking tough, I liked it. So we all waited until nightfall to make our move. Some bat ponies and I made our way back to the castle to retrieve my wagon. I didn’t drive it; it would’ve made to much noise and would have given away our position. I let the ponies pull it back down the mountain overlooking the train station. We all stood at the hill as I looked through my binoculars. I looked and saw the General getting on boards the train. “It’s time,” I said “We’ll go in fast and we’ll go in hard and we wont stop until the last man standing” one guard said I jumped into my wagon and started her up, going uphill put some stress on her yesterday but going downhill, I just had to be careful I don’t crash or flip over. I knew the speed of my engine going downhill would be faster than her train. “Gentlecolts I wish you good luck” as I gave them a salute They saluted me back “It’s been a honor serving with you guardian” one guards said Guardian, what’s that all about? I was about to ask them but they all started flying towards the train. The mission was a go so I pulled my lever and slowly made my way down and then it started to pick up momentum, very fast momentum. Soon I was racing down the hill like a bat outta heck. I zoomed past the General’s train but they were to distracted by the bat ponies to notice me. The General caught a glimpse of me but was zapped by a laser beam as it passed through her. “You will fail General” Luna said “Oh if it isn’t Celestia’s lesser sister of the night, how fitting” she then blasted Luna I heard a faint scream coming behind me and knew that Luna may have fallen. I couldn’t be distracted to go back and help they knew what they were getting themselves into and they knew the risk. My wagon was chugging faster than ever before heading down the way to PonyVille. The General now holding a dark blue book showing that she imprisoned Luna in a book as well, gave a evil laugh “Who can stop me now” Twilight and her friends bound in chains climbed onto the train, Twilight looked down at PonyVille before she got one “Rich please save us,” she said before boarding the train. The train started moving toward Ponyville station, but I was making good time. As I zipped down the mountain I thought all the while how am I going to defeat the General and her soldiers.
Forged In FlamesChapter 5 Forged in Flames As I raced down the mountains watching the railroad as the Generals Train was slowly gaining up on me I had to push my engine once again in order to beat the general. The door to the boiler blew off and hit the back of my seat which I felt and it kinda hurt but not as bad as the resulting flames spewing out of my engine singing the seat. I ignored my problematic engine as I saw PonyVille in the distance. I slowed the engine down and stopped right at the edge of town. I parked my wagon out of site as I put out the flames from the engine completely. I checked my boiler and it had a few bulges in it and some of the rivets had popped out. I worked my beautiful machine to death and the end result was bittersweet. Im glad I got to town before her but in order to make the necessary repairs it will take a least a few months to fix but I had to focus on stopping General Fall and saving my friends, that’s all that matter now. I slowly walked into PonyVille, crouching down trying to avoid being seen by any of her clockwork soldiers. I stopped by the old bridge into town and saw some guards protecting the road into town. By now the Generals Train just pulled into the station. I hid behind a tree and watch as the General now with two books and the mane six bound if chains get off the train. I sickened me too see my friends in chains. The General looked to hear guards “Guard all roads into town, if the alien attempts to save his friend he’ll have to get through me” she said She trotted off towards Twilight’s castle with the mane six in tow as her guards stood ready to attack by the roads. I had to work fast in order to get to my barn. I slowly crept up to the old bridge and made my way down towards the river. I looked and saw under the bridge that there was indeed a semi-large pipe where water and waste would flow into the stream. I knew my map would come in handy for such a disgusting task, now came the difficult of navigating the nasty, smelly sewer. I wrapped a shirt around my face to cover my nose and mouth. I also put on a pair of clear goggles so it would splash in my eyes. I took out my flashlight and turned it on and shined the way into the dark abyss of PonyVille’s sewer. “God this is so nasty” I said to myself I crouched down and started to waddle my way threw. I kept on going for a good ten minutes following my map when I came to a large opening where multiple way flowed to other rivers. “Now which one leads towards my house” I looked at the map and found an opening about ten meters away from my house. I took the path as I crouched down and waddled my way there. Once I found the opening I stopped and listened very carefully. I was waiting to hear a tick or a tock from her clockwork soldiers. I heard nothing so I carefully lifted to manhole cover and peeked out. I saw a couple of buildings and my house was not far. I climbed out very carefully trying not to make much noise. I started walking towards my house when i heard the clanking march of her Soldiers. I looked and saw a door and ran through it. I quickly closed the door behind me. I turned around to see: Doctor Whooves, Derpy, Lyra, Bon Bon, Octavia and Vinyl Scratch all huddled together. “Richard” doc said “Yeah its me” taking off the shirt and goggles Some of them sniffed me and immediately cover their noses in disgust “Oh Celestia what’s that smell” Lyra said “That would be sewage, that I was crawling around in” I said un-amused “You crawled through the sewers to get into town,” Octavia said “All the roads are blocked and guarded it seemed like the only option I had” taking a seat “Well were glad that your alive and well, so tell us what’s your plan” Doc said All of them stared at me waiting to answer, to be honest I was still piecing it together, maybe if I made some explosives that’ll definitely kill them. Maybe if I formed a cannon that will help stop the soldiers for a little bit in order to stop them fully I need to cut them, perhaps a swords will do. “Right I need to get to my barn in order to build something that can stand up to them” They all looked at me and knew I could handle the challenge “Were with your Rich” Bon Bon said “I just need to get to my barn” as I looked out the window and saw soldiers marching up and down the road “There’s too many guards, perhaps if we distract them long enough for you to make a run for it” It seemed like an effective strategy, but they might get hurt in the process and I wasn’t going to lose any more ponies “Seems risky, and I don’t want you guys getting hurt” I said They all stood up “We can handle ourselves,” Doc said “Very well, lets do this” I said opening the door letting them run out into the open They all began to scream and yell trying to grab the attention of the guards, sure enough the soldiers began to chase after them as they ran down the road into town “You guys take care now,” I said I made a run for the hill keeping my eye out for any stragglers; I ran up the hill towards the barn and unlocked the barn door. I opened it just enough for me to squeeze through and then quickly shut it. I took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh of relief. I finally made it home safe and sound. I fell to the floor looking up at the ceiling thinking about my friends. I hope there doing alright the thought of them getting tortured was on my mind and I knew I had to keep going if I ever want to save them. I went over to my workbench, which had a pile of books about Mechanical Wonders of Equestria and on Ore’s and Rocks. I grabbed the one about rocks and skimmed through it trying to figure out what I should use to make a sword. It seems carbon and iron makes for good steel. So I grabbed some blueprints and started drawing out ideas for my cannon and sword. My cannon will be small and put on a stick like those old Chinese hand cannon from the history books. As for my sword it should be made in the traditional samurai wakazashi. I started drawing and soon my creation was done, well on paper anyway. I they put on my leather apron and gloves and started to forge my cannon. I heated of my forge as I sculpted my cannon out of wax and put it into a flash and filled it with investment. I then heated the flask up hardening the investment and melting the wax inside making a solid mold casting to work with. I then added some iron ingots into a crucible and melted it down. After the iron was liquid I carefully pulled the crucible out of the fire and poured it into the investment flask as it stood on a vibrating square to let all the air pockets out in order to eliminate the possibility of total catastrophic failure. After the iron cooled I took the flask and dumped it into a barrel of cold water. It hissed a little as it was still quite hot and the investment washed away revealing my hand cannon. I took it out of the barrel and clean it up and made it look decent. I then added a long hickory stick with a spike at the end. “Now for the boom” I said I went over to my storage box on the other side of the barn and unlocked it. Inside was a lot of coal and sulfur. I knew full well what happens when you grind these two together. I slowly began grinding them up into a fine powder. I then began filling some grenades that I also casted out of iron and made a few Tnt sticks as well. I had enough powder to fire the cannon too. I also made a few iron balls I can use for ammo. Unfortunately I didn’t have any more iron and carbon for that matter. I had to go out and find some in order to make my sword. I glanced back at the Ore book and it said that large deposits of iron and carbon could be found in the deserts of Apple Loosa. “Crap I have to go all the way to the desert find some stupid rocks,” I said throwing the book away in frustration. I didn’t have time for this, my friends are in danger and I need to work fast in order to save them. I thought about going but how would I be able to get there my wagon was out of the question, I have no means of going that far. Then I thought, what about the train, if I steal the Generals train I might be able to get faster. “It’s settled im going, but I have to be quick about, I don’t want to stay longer than I have too” Then I heard some knocking on my barn door, I quickly ran and opened it and in poured multiple ponies. I quickly shut the door and took a count as to who came. We had doc, derp, lybon, octy, vinyl, mayor mare, the flower ponies, cranky, lotus and aloe, Zecora to name a few. i didn’t have time to remember everyponies name “Geez its like the whole village is here” I said jokingly “Well we had to save some people while we were helping you” Doc said “This General is such a tyrant” Mayor said “Is there a way to stop her?” Bon said They all looked at me with my gear on hoping I would be able to stand up to her, but frankly I wasn’t ready to face her, not yet anyway. “Im almost ready but there’s one thing I need and its out far in the desert of Apple Lossa” “Don’t tell me your leaving us,” Doc said “Im not leaving you guys to suffer at her hands, Im leaving in order to save my friends, and that’s what I intend to do, I wont take a lot of time and I’ll be back as quick as I can” They all knew I would return ready to fight but now is not the time “Can we at least stay here until you return” Octy said “Yes make full use of my forge make what you guys need, and I’ll be back to finish this once and for all” I walked up to my barn door to peek out and see if there were any soldiers. I stepped out and slowly closed the door when I heard the door lock I started heading towards the train station. Sticking to the shadows of night I was able to sneak past some guards and make my way towards the station. I hid from behind a bush and saw that the train was indeed guarded. One stood on the platform; one stood on top of the train and one was inside the train cab. I had to think of a way to take them down quickly. I pull out a grenade; lit it and lobbed it toward the one on the platform. It bounced and rolled right underneath him, it turned and looked as the fuse went- Ka-Boom The soldier went into a dozens pieces as they flew in all directions, the one the top jumped down and rushed to where the explosion took place. I ran out of hiding with my cannon in hand up to the guard and rammed to point end of my staff into it eye and slammed it heads on the platform. I looked up to see the guard behind the engine ready to fire his horn. I quickly pulled the staff and aimed my cannon at it and fired. Thoom The cannon went off, as I held it in place, the iron ball shot out and went right through the head of the soldier obliterating it. It fell of the train as I stood holding my cannon shaking a little the one soldier on the ground started to move again. I stabbed it in the head again to make it stop, I pulled out a stick of TNT and placed it in the hole I made and lit the fuse. Quickly I jumped on the train and ducked as the explosion went off. I looked back to see the smoky body twitching on the platform. I unhitched the train from the rest of the cars and started up the engine, the engine was slow to start be eventually got moving. Now I was off to the desert of Apple Loosa to find what I needed. I was Chugging along when I spotted some soldiers fly towards me shooting fireballs from their hooves at me. I ducked down trying to reload my cannon. One of them landed on top of the coal box right behind me. I quickly aim and fired a ball at him hitting and piercing through his chest as he fell bouncing on the ground multiple times. One landed and kicked me in the face knocking the cannon out of my hands. I got back up with a grenade in my hand and lit the fuse using the train’s furnace. I ran up too the soldier and shoved the grenade into his armor and roundhouse kicked him off as he tumbled away. As the train progressed I heard the explosion go off behind me and I could continue with my journey undisturbed. I kept on riding the train for a good long while now and that’s when the sun came up. I wondered how Celestia was able to raise the sun after being trapped in the book. Maybe it was the Generals Doing either way I looked in the distance and saw the Apple Loosa stop. I stopped the train right next to the platform and got off. I walked into the town but it was deserted, not a single pony in sight. “Boy I hope Braeburn’s okay,” I said I continued to walk down into town, as I passed some shops that had goods, tools, clocks, clothes and other necessities. Then I heard the clopping of somepony behind me. “So them soldiers got themselves an alien ally, well not in my town mister” said a familiar voice I turned around to Braeburn with a pitchfork in his hand “Get out of our town or taste some Apple Loosa justice” To be honest I wasn’t in the mood to be threatened cause I was in a hurry so I quickly responded back “It’s alright im a friend of Applejack and Princess Twilight as well” Braeburn just looked at me with a confused look on his face “You know cousin Aj” “Yeah I work with her at Sweet apple acres” Braeburn looked like he was still unconvinced “How do I know your not lying to me”? He asked “Cause if I wanted to kill ya, I would have done it already” He seemed to take that for an honest answer and walked over to me “So you know Applejack” he said “Yeah and Applebloom, Big Mac and Granny smith” “Huh you weren’t lying well its mighty fine to have you here but we shouldn’t be out here in the open follow me” he said leading me into one of the stores. Inside were other ponies were trying to hide from the soldiers “Everypony listen up this here is a friend of cousin Applejack and he is not an enemy” he said “He’s Probably wearing I disguise or something” one of them said “Yeah because they have skin fabric at the local craft store” I said jokingly He shut up and went back to his business. I took out my map and looked south east-ish to plan my next move. I looked and found the desert was not far from my current position. “So what are ya’ll doin here in Apple Loosa anyway” he asked “Oh im just looking for some simple ores in order to make a sword in order to combat these metal soldiers” He understood what I was talking about but he seem like he didn’t know anything about ores and a like. “Well if you need a fire the blacksmith’s shop is across town hope you find some use of it” “Thanks Braeburn” I said I put my map away as I got ready to walk out the door. “Here take these, you might need them,” he said handing me a shovel and a pickaxe I had a feeling I was so I took them without question “Thanks again, don’t worry I will stop this, no matter what is takes” I opened the door and looked around and saw nothing. I then proceeded to walk in the direction of the desert. I kept walking in the hot sun as sweat began to roll down my cheek. I looked out and saw the old dusty rock formations a few good miles away and knew I was in the right spot. Now I just have to find those ores. I pulled out the shovel and began digging. I kept digging until I made a big enough hole for me to work in. I found some rocks but they weren’t the ones I was looking for. I found some random gems and took them just in case. I kept at it for a few hours but I didn’t find any of the ones I was looking for. “This was a waste of time, I knew I shouldn’t have come here, Damnit,” I yelled I began to break down and cry a little. I let my friends, my family and Equestria down. I rested my head of the edge of the hole and sobbed. I heard the wind cry out to me and I looked up and saw a weird lump appear as the wind blew the sand off it. It was a bit black and a bit grey like it had been burned of something. I crawled out of the hole and went over to the metallic rock. I struck it with the pickaxe and it didn’t break. So I hit it a few times and still nothing happened. I look at the pickaxe and it was dented inward. Whatever this thing is definitely a hard ore of some kind. I picked it up anyways and made my way back town. Luckily there weren’t any soldiers around so I made my way to the blacksmith. Once inside I found that whoever ran this job had a very similar setup like mine. I began by heating up the forge and placing the weird rock in a crucible. As it heated up I began making a casting in the shape of my sword. By the time I was done the ore had liquefied. I took the crucible out of the flames and poured it into the mold. I skimmed a little dross of the top and waited for it too cool. Once it cooled i made my way over to the sandstone wheel and began sharpening my blade. The wheel got a lot smaller but my blade was sharp and that’s all that mattered. I fastened together a handle out of some old recycled wood and a tsuba from the leftover metal for my sword and soon it was complete. Then Braeburn came in to see what I was working on. I held the blade up into the air ready for combat. Then a Soldier burst through the door grabbing Braeburn. I looked as he took him away and then another soldier came into the barn to confront me “Dead or Alive you’re Coming with me” it said I held my sword up ready to fight “We shall see,” I said The soldier pulled out his own sword and swung it at me. I swung my sword and it sliced through his like nothing. He sword was broken in two; he dropped his useless metal and got ready to charge at me. I ran toward him as I guided my sword and sliced him right in half. He fell apart in two pieces and then began to turn to dust and blew away in the breeze. “Man this sword can cut through anything,” I said holding my sword. I went outside where more soldiers were holding the townsfolk hostage. They all looked at me and stared waiting for me. I flung my sword toward them ready to fight. “Who’s next” I said Everyone single one of them charged at me and I cut through them all like butter. Soon there were no more soldiers to fight and the townsfolk cheered me on. It felt good this was my first of many victories in a long battle for Equestria. “Yawhoo you did it partner you took those guys out like there were cheese…paper” Braeburn said “Thanks I had no idea that this random ore could be so deadly, I think im in love with it,” I said looking at the shiny blade “I suppose you’ll be going back now” “Yup I have to stop her, and end this war once and for all” I said After i began gathering my things from the blacksmith when all of a sudden another idea came to me. I think I know how to make my cannon function better. I took my hand cannon out and began to rework it. I began by sawing off the barrel and throw the rest away. I then started adding a flintlock mechanism that I cast from the excess iron and some clock work pieces from the town store. I finished by carving and staining the stock and soon had a very beautiful looking blunderbuss. “Argh” I said trying to sound like a pirate. I put the blunderbuss on my back and headed out. The townsfolk waited for me at the train station as I got everything ready, some of them gave me food and supplies. “Thank you everypony, I think I’ll manage” “Ya’ll take care now ya here” I just nodded my head ready for what was to come next “I will" i said I pulled the lever back and the engine began to chug in reverse back to PonyVille. As the train made its way back I loaded up my Blunderbuss and got my sword ready to battle the soldiers of Ponyville. “Twilight, I’m coming home” I said as we head back to town Author's Note Richard is now ready, who will win and who will fall
The Battle For EquestriaChapter 6 The Battle for Equestria As the train rode on towards PonyVille I felt something was off but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I looked down the way and even at the sky I didn’t see a single soldier. Something must have happened for them to not be around anymore. Maybe they disappeared altogether buy that was highly unlikely. I rode past some house’s and roads barren as a wasteland. “Where is everypony,” I said pulling up to the train station. As the train made it way to the platform I stopped the engine as it came to a halt. I looked over to see the black spot from when I killed one of her soldiers a while ago. I stepped off the train and wondered where I should go. Should I go and face the General one and for all or should I play it safe and look around and maybe sneak my way in. if anything I just wanted to check my house and gather some stuff and check up on everypony. I started walking into town and it was completely deserted. I looked in some of the houses but they were all empty. “Where did they go,” I said to Did they run away, did they get captured, or are they gone. I tried not to think about to much as I kept walking. I soon came upon the path that took me up the hill to my house. After a good walk I came to find that my house and been ransacked. “Oh what the bloody hell,” I yelled I walked up to the open door and stepped inside. Most of my belongings were all over the floor, papers clothes, dishes. The fridge door was left open and all the food was mostly gone while some of it went bad. My bed was turned over and the mattress lay up against the wall. Then I ran to the barn to see if they were still there. I looked and saw the barn door had been blasted open. The soldiers must have found where they were hiding and attacked. I went in and it was a mess as well, books and papers all over the floor and not a single pony was around. I picked up some of the books and put them back on my worktable, that’s when I heard a ruffling noise. It sounded like it came from inside my workbench. I slowly knelt down and reached for the small door. I opened it slowly and inside was a little filly curled up into a ball and shaking with fear. It stopped for a moment and looked right at me. When she saw me she jumped out and hugged me. “It’s you, your back, oh thank Celestia” she said I was I tad confused, I don’t remember seeing her when everypony else huddle in here a while ago. The filly was defiantly scared so I did my best to comfort her. “Who are you?” I asked “Im Dinky Doo” She Responded Oh that’s right, dinky is supposed to be Derpy’s daughter. She must have come looking fro her mom and hid from the soldiers when they attacked. I just hugged her close. “Where’s your mom” I just had to know She cried a little bit at the thought of her “They took her” “Where did they go” “To Twilights Castle” she said So they rounded everypony up and brought them to the castle. I didn’t understand the reason behind this. Maybe it’s to get my attention and go straight to her, maybe she just wants everypony in the same room as prisoners of war. Whatever the reason was I knew what I had to do. I let dinky go and told her to stay put. I looked around my barn and found some more powder for my gun. I made up some more grenades and explosives. I changed my clothes and got ready for the final meeting. I walked out the door with some leather armor, my blunderbuss, my wakazashi, my explosives and my wits. I walked down the hill into town and passed some empty stores. I was determined to end her reign over terror once and for all. My plan to defeat her was nonexistent. As long as she has her journal then there’s now other way. As I walked past a wine store I stopped for a minute. I picked up a few small bottles and got another idea. I opened them up and placed a rag in each one and let the wine soak into the rag and placed them in my bag. I walked past sugar cube corner and soon I could see Twilight castle heavily guarded and protected. I stopped by an old shrubbery and looked out. The General had turned Twilight’s castle into a fortress, getting inside was definitely not going to be an easy task. Luckily I had a party cannon on hand hidden in the shrub. Thank pinkie for leaving these lying around for reasons that have yet to be answered. I tinkered with it and made it into a weapon of war. I put in a fused cannon ball and rolled it down the barrel. I aimed it straight at the door of the castle. “Sorry Twilight I hope you can forgive me someday” I said I lit the fuse and covered my ears. The cannon went off and shot the cannon ball at the door bashing its way through and ultimately exploding and destroying whatever was on the inside. Some soldiers saw where I had shot my cannon from and sent troops to capture me. I drew my sword and held it tight. The soldiers shot laser beams at me as I deflected them and sliced through them with ease as the fell and turned to dust. I killed about twelve of them when I realized no more were coming. So I walked up to the castle blunderbuss in my other hand. I pointed it in the castle hoping there was a soldier directly in front of the barrel. I kept walking and found nothing of significant importance. I then found myself standing in front of the door that led to the round table. I stopped for a moment and prayed. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I then kicked in the door and inside was the General on her throne smiling at me like she was waiting for me as soldiers surrounded her. I looked over to see Twilight and her friends in cages. I looked to the other side of the wall and saw a cell door that had a lot of ponies in it. Twilight and her friends all turned and saw me and so did the towns ponies. I slowly made my way up to the General nervous as fuck. As I walked I had a slight thought pass through my head rather quickly. What if I can’t save twilight what if I die again? Then I though who gives a shit, I feel lucky. I looked up at the General who was laughing softly. “So the Prodigal Alien finally returns home, how was your trip,” she said clapping her hooves “I’ve been waiting for you ya know, sitting here waiting for my soldiers to bring me something but no they’re so stupid, insubordinate and incapable of bringing you to me but now that you’re here I can finally have some fun” Pinkie pie growled at her, I couldn’t blame her. “You wouldn’t know fun if it came and bit you in the plot” she yelled The General scolded her down “Silence you peasant,” Pinkie clammed up at her scream I pointed my blunderbuss right at her, finger on the trigger as she looked at me ready for action. “Do you honestly think you can kill me with that” I looked up at her “Shall we find out,” I said I lit a Molotov and chucked it at her as she jumped out of the way as the bottle crashed lighting her throne on fire. She landed on the floor looking up at her fiery throne and then back to me. Our eyes were level as we began fighting. She looked at me very angrily and shot a laser as I blocked it with my sword. Her soldiers joined in and I sliced and diced them. Slicing through them was a tad tiring as I was already weak from fighting the ones outside and due to the fact that I hadn’t eaten or slept much in the past couple of days.. Some of them managed to land a few blows here and there. They did hurt but I had to focus on taking them all out first. After the horrific fight of cutting and beating I turned all of her soldiers to dust. I turned to face her she was using her magic to wield her own sword ready to confront me. “Interesting blade you got there and your fighting technique is subpar, now show we see how well you fight with just one?” she pointed her blade right at me then brought it back to her ready to fight “Are you ready to die Alien” she said I looked at her like this was it, the last time; I was prepared to lay my life down for my friends “I was born ready” wielding my blade close “Motherfucker” I said I then ran towards her and swung my blade as she dodged me. I turned around and swung it backwards missing her again. She swung her sword at me as I blocked it with mine. Then next few minutes were just her exchanged swing and blocks with me, as the others looked at the battle unfold before their eyes. I threw out some grenades but she turned to mist as they went off. But they bought a few minutes to recuperate as we fought to the death. “Go Rich” Dash yelled from her cage Then others started chanting my name as I kept swinging, it was a bit helpful and encouraging but I was getting weaker by the minute. But I had to keep going, for my friends. I kept swinging then she used her magic and her sword flew towards my head. I tried to move out of the way but was off by mere seconds as the sword sliced right across my cheek. I stumbled back put my hand on the wound as the blood covered my hand. I was angry but I was too tired to try to slice her. Even if I could she would just turn to smoke and move away. The journal must be somewhere. Just then her blade returned I then parried her blade but she moved her blade slightly off and sliced through my leather and cut my on my side. I could feel the slight pain as I grabbed my side breathing heavily and getting angrier. She brought her blade over to herself as she walked toward me. “Well is this the best you’ve got, this is Equestria finest warrior” she said laughing manically “You pathetic Alien thinking you could possibly defeat me” I looked at her in pain but then I noticed something, I looked closely at her jacket and saw a bulge in the front chest pocket. There it is that has to be where she keeps her journal. I waited for her to get closer for me to try to snatch it. Her blade was moving slowly towards me when I swung my blade hitting it as it bounced off. “Fighting is futile, die now and end your suffering,” she said standing right in front of me with her blade dangerously close to me. “You first” I said Smacking her blade out of the way as I reach out and grabbed her jacket and reefed out it. I pulled so hard I ended up chucking her across the room as her journal fell out of her pocket and landed in right in the center of the room. We both looked at it then back at each other. I made I run for it and so did she. I then launched myself as I slide across the floor with my arm stretch out to grab it. The General was moving fast as well as she and I were both getting close. With some luck I grabbed it first as she came running at me. I reached back grabbing my blunderbuss and pointed at her still sliding on the floor and fired. The buckshot rounds acted like a shotgun spreading pellets at her passing through her turning her into mist. I stopped and got back up trying to reload before she could regain her form. She formed again and swung her sword at me. I dodged one last time as I dropped my gun. I jumped next to one of her flame lights, as she looked at me with fury it her eyes “Give me back my journal now” throwing her sword into the floor of the castle I looked at the journal and held it next to the flame “Watch your tone bitch, I got you on a tight leash” I said She looked at her journal getting closer to the fire. “Wait” she yelled “What do you want I can give you anything, money, power, land it could all yours” she said She kept talking to me keeping eye contact as she began tilting and aiming my blunderbuss towards me. “I can give you everything” “Magenta… your nothing to me but another dead pony” I said bring the book closer to the fire as it stared to singe I turned to see the gun pointing right at me as the General fired. I dodge out of the way but her sword whizzed toward me as I got back up, then I quickly made my move. I tossed her book towards her throne as she turned to look. Her blade stopped right in front of my face as I then threw a lit Molotov as hard as I could towards her. She stopped right in front of her throne to pick up her journal. She turned to see the Molotov smack her in the face as she dropped her book the Molotov crashed right on top of it setting it ablaze. “NOOOOOOO” she screamed She turned to face me as I knocked her blade out of the way and made a run for her. Her blade quickly caught up to me but it veered off and miss only slicing my arm. I clenched my arm as the pain seared. I looked to see her blade fall to the floor as disappear. I looked back at her as she started to disperse into nothing. She looked at me as she dissolved and knew I had bested her. “May you burn in the pits of Tartarus,” she said fading away into nothing “After you” I said before falling on my knees in pain. I didn’t keep on eye on my wounds as best as I thought as dry blood covered my face, blood dripped down my pants, and more blood started flowing down my arm forming puddles around me. I looked up and saw two books floating up and open as a bright light emerged from them. Then they disappeared and in there place stood Princess Luna and Celestia. I looked up at them and knew the General hold on all of us was wearing off. The cages that held my friends turned to nothing and the cell door holding the town’s ponies in vanished and all of the rejoiced. Twilight and her friend trotted over to me as I knelt down on the floor. “Richard are you alright” Twilight said “Yeah….. Nope” I said collapsing on the floor in my blood. They all rushed over to me to try to help. The next thing I knew I was slowly waking up in a hospital bed with an IV hooked up to my arm. I looked and saw that my wounds were bond in bandages. I felt pretty weak having not eaten or slept in the last couple of days. The door opened up and in walked in Twilight and her friends along with the princess’s. “Richard your wake” Dash said “You fought bravely young master” Luna said “I gotta say you held out pretty darn long,” AJ said I just smiled as I lay in bed; I sat up to try to talk to them “No that’s what I wanna see,” said pinkie “Oh pinkie your just a ray of sunshine” I said “No im pretty sure that’s Celestia” Everypony started laughing even Celestia. Just then the doctor came to check on me “Hmm your in pretty good health mister smith, no sense in keeping you in bed anymore” he said I slowly got out of bed and back on my feet. I was a little off balance but I adjusted. I looked and saw my blade in my leather sheath leaning up against the wall. I reached over and picked it up and placed it in belt. “Lets us return to the castle we have much to discuss” Celestia said heading out the door followed by her subjects. I just stood there as my smile turned to despair. “I’m gonna have to tell them” I let out a sigh as I grabbed my pack and my gun as I head out the door. W all soon made our way back to Celestia’s castle. She sat on her throne next to her sister as the mane six stood in two rows as I walked in between them they all bowed. I stood before Celestia and knelt down in front of her. “Richard smith it is with great pleasure too personally thank you first hand for saving Equestria from the evil tyranny of General Fall and her Clockwork soldiers. I only wish there was a way to save her but alas her need for power had grown to strong and thus she fell again at your hands. We are honored to showcase you in our new window” she said A curtain blocking the stain glass window fell to revel me in the window in a heroic pose as I smite down the General. It was badass and I loved it but I felt I didn’t need it “I am honored, but it’s unnecessary I only did what I had to do to protect the ones I hold dear to me” “I understand nonetheless you story of boldness and self sacrifice shall be remembered throughout the centuries” The girls started cheering for me as Twilight put a medal around my neck but then Luna interrupted “There’s one things that bother me sister” “What is it” Celestia said “How did General Fall Escape in the first place, I mean we sealed her up good and threw her journal in the Everfree forest for no pony to find” The other ponies started conversing amongst themselves pondering the same question. I knew the time had come. I had to tell them the truth, “It was me” I said taking of the medal twilight had given me They all stopped talking and turned to face me. Celestia looked confused right at “You” “Yes, I was driving back from sweet apple acres when I saw a shadow leading into the forest. So I followed it and it lead me to the General Memorial and I found her journal. I accidently read from it releasing her from her slumber and well you know the rest” I said No of them said anything for awhile “Well you owned up too it and you stopped it, I can safely say from the bottom of our hearts, we forgive you” Celestia said It still didn’t make me feel better. I done something so horribly wrong to my friends and family that I had to be the one to stop it. No I couldn’t just accept it and move on. “Surely there must be some form of punishment you can give me” “Why would you want that” dash said “So what if you brought some kooky general back to life who also tried to enslave all of Equestria, you defeated her singlehandedly and that’s worth the praise” “Then why do I feel terrible then?” Luna stepped down from Celestia throne, stood in front of me and put her hoof on my shoulder “Its guilt isn’t it” “You still feel the guilt of releasing her and the guilt of what she did, and even though you stopped her you can still feel it” I just nodded my head “I felt the same way when I was nightmare moon. Twilight and her friends saved me from the darkness that consumed me and afterwards the guilt still lived on inside me. My sister still comforts my from time to time and seeing all the ponies rejoice me from being gone for so long it still is a joy to forgive and forget” Her words still didn’t sway me “Perhaps if you all rested for now, we have a big ceremony for you Richard” Celestia “Oh I am so excited, I get to through a releasing a evil general and defeating her party Woohoo” pinkie screamed jumping up and down “Calm down pinkie, why don’t we get some shut eye” AJ said The mane six walked away as I follow behind them. I stopped at the door and placed the medal on the door as I walked away. The girls all got into bed but I stayed awake and couldn’t fall asleep. Author's Note What will happen tho Rich now What will he do next
EpilogueEpilogue The next day after some good rest Celestia had called all of us to her throne Twilight and her friends showed up but for some reason I wasn’t there. “Where is Richard?” She asked Twilight looked at her and then at her friends waiting for a response. “Im not sure, why would he not be here” twilight said “Maybe he overslept and he’s just in his room sleeping still” “Kinda like you when you take naps” AJ said “I don’t sleep that long” Dash replied “Whatever the reason perhaps we should go look for him” “Good idea Rarity” Twilight said She then turned and walked down the grand hall with her friends in search of me. They soon made their way to my quarters. They opened the door to the room to find it completely empty. The bed wasn’t even used and all of my belongings were gone. “He’s not here” “He’s gotta be here” Dash said “Doesn’t look like it” “Maybe somepony kidnapped him” pinkie said “Who would kidnap Rich, beside im pretty sure Rich would have put up quite a fight if somepony was trying to kidnap him.” Twilight said “I reckon your right, but still where is he?” “I don’t know but I hope that we find him or something that tells us where he went” and with that they searched around the room tossing the bed and opening drawers to find any indication of where I was “Nothing, he’s gone for good then” Aj said “Perhaps we should let the Princess know” Twilight said and with that they went back the thrown room to tell Celestia what they found. “So he’s not here, that does concern me” she said rubbing her chin slightly “Perhaps the guilt inside him caused him to run away, tis but a thought but it might be possible, poor man” Luna said “Are you saying he ran away because of what he did” Twilight pondering the fact “I guess I can see why” rarity said “Still it was an honest mistake besides he did defeat her and apologized afterward” “You right now we have to find him and tell him that we care and no matter how badly you hurt your family, we are still family and we must forgive him” “Darn tootin’ Aj said “Lets go and find our friend” Dash said Soon the mane six left the castle in a hurry in search of their friend “I hope they find him soon” Celestia said Then mane six hopped aboard the train and rode it all the way back to Ponyville. “I hope wherever he is, I hope he’s okay” Twilight said “Its alright sugar cube, rich’s a hard fella, nothing can stop him” AJ said “Your right, but I still can’t help but worry about him ya know” The mane six shook their heads in response as the train was nearing the station. All of them jumped off and headed towards the center of town to town hall. Once they got inside the were greeted my mayor mare “May I help you princess?” she asked “Richards gone and we need to find him” “My what happened?” “He’s just gone and were worried about him is all” Twilight said “Well I could get together a meeting and have everypony look for him if you like” “Every bit helps Mayor” The Mayor then sound the emergency bells and soon the town’s ponies came rushing to town hall. In not time at the entire hall was filled with ponies from all walks of life. Mayor Mare got up on her pedestal to make her speech “Fillies and Gentlecolts our local handycolt and protector Richard smith has gone missing, and we need to find him and bring him back” she said Some of the ponies started talking amongst themselves about the ordeal “Where should we start looking” one pony said Mayor started pondering that question as well “Perhaps we should start at his home and work from there” she said Soon the ponies started trotting out the door in search of their friend Twilight’s friends joined in on the search but she stayed behind with Mayor Mare in case one of them came back with some good news. Everypony searched high and low, low and high, high and low but Twilight heard no response from anypony. Twilight at this point was getting flustered and worried “Oh is there anypony here that has found anything?” she yelled She then turned to see all the towns’ ponies in a large group heading towards her with Derpy leading them. “What’s going on what happened?” she asked Derpy walked up to her with a note in her mouth “It’s from him,” she said handing it to Twilight “I found it on his front door but when I looked inside there was nothing there like he moved out or something, I even tried to barn but all his stuff was gone ” Twilight became sad at the notion and worried for me even more; she then started to read the note it said: Dear Friends, I am writing this because by the time you read it I will probably be long gone, I will be so far that it would take a good long while for you to catch up with me, Im writing this down as a way to apologize for what happened to you all. I can’t live or forgive myself for what I unleashed into your world and with that I am leaving PonyVille never to return. Don’t bother trying to find me, and please don’t come looking for me. Sincerely, Richard Smith Twilight began to tear up after read it. What they all didn’t know is that the night before when Twilight and her friends were asleep, I packed up all my things and left. I slowly and quietly made my way out of Celestia’s Castle and walked all the way to Ponyville to close up my home and get rid of everything. I closed up my shop and locked it, maybe the thought of returning kept me from closing it up completely so I let it be. I made the necessary repairs to my steam wagon and rode off toward the undiscovered west of Equestria. I set out in that direction because I knew they would be unable to find me for they have no record of what’s beyond that direction. The proceeding morning when twilight came looking for me in PonyVille, I rode beyond the outskirts of town and looked at it one last time before I rode into the undiscovered west never to return. “He’s Gone” she cried “WHAT, what do you mean he’s gone, gone where?” dash asked “He rode towards the undiscovered west,” she said All the town’s ponies were shocked and appalled upon hearing that. “No pony has ever gone beyond there before” one pony said Twilight’s friends became sad as well “How are we ever going to find him now?” Fluttershy said “We don’t” Twilight said Everypony turned to her shocked for words “How can you say that, he’s our friend why would we not look for him?” another pony said “The Undiscovered west is beyond any of us and we can’t just go out and look for him just because he wants to be alone, I think we should just let him return when he feels like it and leave it at that” Twilight said All the ponies agreed and let me have my space. They all began to go back to their everyday lives as Twilight and her friends looked to the west everyday hoping that I would return “Do you think he’ll every come back?” Aj said “I don’t know, perhaps we should get back to what we were doing before” she said turning around and heading back to town. She looked back at her friend who were still sitting on the hill “You coming” she said Eventually they all got up and started down the hill back home. Rainbow Dash turned to look one more time “Rich wherever you are I hope you come home, you family misses you” she said with a teardrop in her eye A hooded figure from the Forrest watched as the ponies leave. She lifted up her hood to reveal herself, Queen Chrysalis. “Now that he’s gone I can have my revenge, and when he comes back to help them I will destroy him once and for all, and with this I will be unstoppable” she said holing up a glowing red horn “When he comes back ill be sure he suffers” she said laughing manically The End? Author's Note Chrysalis is back, and with Richard gone who now will save Equestria from destruction The last story will be worked on in due time
At The GalaChapter 2 At the Gala I woke up early the next morning cause I had to stop by Rarity's and pick up my new suit. I was trying no to over panic cause I wanted to get to Canterlot within a reasonable time and not be fashionably late. So I drove down the road trying to go fast but not to fast cause I didn’t want to accidently hit somepony. I finally arrived at my destination. I stop the wagon jumped out as quick as a flash and ran through the door. “Rarity are you here.” I yelled a little loudly Rarity came out from behind her changing stand dressed in a beautiful new dress that made me speechless “Whatever is the matter darling?” she asked “I came as fast as I could, cause you said my suit would be ready” “Oh of course I have it right here” she said levitating my outift off one of her shelves and into my hands. “Oh boy thanks for taking some time to make this Rarity, I know you’ve been busy making new gowns for you and your friends” “Oh no it’s quite alright, I hope to see you at gala” Rarity said Rarity then made quite a shocked look like she had forgotten something “Ahh oh no, I promised to meet twilight at the castle for the carriage ride ” she said walking towards the door She opened the door and was immediately greeted by Applejack. “Applejack what in Equestria are you doing here?” She asked “I came by to say that the stallions that were suppose to pull our carriage weren’t feeling well so no pony can get us too the gala” Rarity was shocked beyond compare “Of all the worst things that could happen this is thee…..WORST…..POSSIBLE….THING.” She said before falling on her drama couch. I just stood there watching this series of unfortunate events unfold before me but then a I had an idea. I ran behind Rarities changing stand and quickly put on my suit. Rarity and AJ just stood by as I threw on my suit in no time, expect for the bowtie and don’t know how to put one on. “Ladies” I said “Will you allow me to drive to gala” I gave a small bow but that seemed to make both of them happy. Rarity grabbed and hugged me real tight. “Oh Richard you’re a lifesaver” she said “There’s no time to waste meet me at Twilight's castle, ill be there shortly.” I said running out the door and driving as fast as I could toward Twilight's castle. By the time I got there all mane six including spike, the cutie mark crusaders and the dreadful discord were standing waiting for me “Well its about time your got here, I was getting rather bored” He said “Well if you have any way to get us there faster then I suggest you keep your comments to yourself” I said Discord just turned his head with a grump look on his face. “Now now no reason to get at angry” Fluttershy said Rainbow Dash on thee other hand flew up and hugged me as well. “Man Rich it’s been awhile, haven’t seen you in like forever” she said “Sorry dash I’ve been rather busy these days” “Yeah dashy Rich’s been helping all the towns ponies whenever something breaks, why just the other he came by sugar cube corner and helped fix up the kitchen little and I haven’t stopped baking since then” Pinkie said “Heh I guess you’re really popular with everypony then” Dash said “I try my best” I attached Twilight’s party wagon to mine and soon we were off to the gala. I pulled the lever and soon my steam wagon started chugging along at a seemingly fast pace. We traveled up the mountains and around winding passes and soon I could see Canterlot in the distance. I pulled up in front and parked my wagon on the side of the road where other ponies in horse drawn carriages were being dropped off. I jumped out and opened Twilights carriage door and let out my passengers. Discord being the pessimist had to complain again “Geez it’s cramped in there” he said stretching he body “Well, maybe if you shrunk yourself down a bit maybe you would fit” I said taking off my coat, hat, goggles and gloves. “I do have to say your motor wagon is quite intriguing.” he said looking at it with those weird eyes “Touch that wagon and your dead.” I said walking toward the Gala. I met up with the others as we stood waiting to be announced. “Announcing Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends” the butler pony said All the ponies in the room looked and clapped for Twilight As the girls went by I stepped up next to be announced “Your name sir” he said as he looked at me with a weird look in his eye “Uh oh yeah” I said pressing the medallion on my chest transforming me into a pony “Is that better?” “Quite, your names please” he asked “Uh Richard Smith” I said He turned to face the crowd of ponies that were inside the Gala “Announcing the Great Alien Richard Smith” All of them looked at me but didn't clap and just went about their business “Way to be Racist,” I said to myself before walking in to meet my friends “Sorry Richard there are still some ponies that are still getting used to the whole human in Equestria thing” “Ah its alright just as long as the don’t run me out of town” I said They all gave a soft chuckle "I must say Rich you do look rather handsome in that suit” Aj said I couldn’t help but blush a little still in my pony form “Well thanks.” I said, “Now lets have some fun” Before the festivities began we were greeted by none other the Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. All of us bowed in front of them “There’s no need to be so formal.” Celestia said “Well you are a princess after all and I don’t want to be disrespectful.” I said She just smiled at me “Oh Richard your so thoughtful, how are things in PonyVille” she asked “Oh you know same stuff different day fixing this tweaking that, eh a job is a job.” I said Celestia nodded her head “I understand how you feel, so how are you enjoying the Gala so far" she said "It's definitely what i expected it to be, very formal other than the fact that i don't have a date with me its very pleasant" "Celestia looked at me with a grin “Then perhaps you can help my sister, this is her first time at the gala as well and maybe you can show her around” Luna was a little shy and I was blushing cause Luna is my favorite princess. “Uh I uh um okay I said” shaking nervously “This shall be an interesting night to remember” Luna said walking up too me “Yeah I hope so too” I said with a knot in my stomach “You guys go mingle the Princess and I are gonna make sure this gala stays on schedule and doesn't fall apart like the last few times” Twilight said With that all of us made our way to the grand hall where ponies, in all kinds of outfits stood, and food filled the room. “Shall we get something to eat” Luna said “Sure” walking up to the table of food. I looked at all the deserts, appetizers, vegetables and zero meat. I was going to go crazy, it has bee so long since I’ve had a hamburger, or a hot dog, or a chicken anything it was driving me nuts. “Boy I would kill for a chicken sandwich from the BK lounge right now” I said under my breath “What was that.” she asked “Oh nothing im just gonna get something to drink” I said walking towards the punch bowl My nerves were on edge and my stomach felt sour like I was gonna throw up so I drank some punch to try to settle my stomach. The punch was good it tasted like apple cider with a faint taste of alcohol. “Well, i'm might as well get little drunk while i'm here” gulping my cup down and eating a few appetizers. I walked back to Luna who was waiting for me “Richard are you alright? She asked I was a little tipsy but I was able to function properly “Yeah I (hic) i'm fine, i'm a (hic) a little better” I said “Well then shall we dance” she said “oh I uh (hic) I don’t know how to dance” “Nonsense” she said grabbing my hoof and pulling towards the dance floor The musical accompaniment was nice classical music, Other ponies were dancing as Luna spun me around holding me close as we danced to the music. Twirling around and around I was getting a little bit dizzy I as looked at Luna as we danced when I felt something in my stomach, something bad. I let go of her holding onto my stomach in agony “Is something wrong Richard” she said all concerned I just looked up at her and said “Nope…Eeyup” Here it comes, I ran over to the nearest balcony and threw my head over the side and it all just flowed out, some out it even came out of my nose. After it stopped I was in a panic hoping no pony got covered in my vomit. No but the unfortunate side was there were a lot of other ponies outside that saw the whole thing. I immediately became embarrassed dangling over the railing. I turned to run away when Luna stopped me for a brief moment. She looked all sad like she did something wrong “Was it something I did.” she asked I just felt terrible literally and figuratively, I threw up at a really nice party and embarrassed myself in front of everypony. I just ran away someplace where no pony could find me. I ran into the library and began to cry a little bit, this night was a complete disaster for me. The door opened and in walked Celestia “Are you alright Richard?” I sucked up my sorrow in order to talk properly to the Princess “Not really” I said sulking “My sister was worried about you like she did something wrong” “No it wasn’t Luna’s fault I must have had to much to drink and my nerves got the better of me and then I end up embarrassing myself, this is worst Gala I’ve ever experienced” “Not every gala is perfect but i'm sure if you give it another chance i'm sure it'll work out" she said putting her hoof on my shoulder "Come my sister is waiting” she said “Yeah I suppose” I got back up when I noticed a closed book on the table. It was an old copy of the same book I read yesterday at Twilights. Curiosity got the better of me as we left the library, I couldn’t help but bring it up to Celestia. “So what ever happened to this General Fall?” I asked Celestia stopped with a despair look on her face, she then began walking again “Why do you ask?” “Well I read it in a history book but I never heard about it until then so I was curious as what happened between the two of you” I asked To me it seemed like a touching subject and I didn’t mean to bring up any sad memories “Uh forget it, sorry I didn’t want to…” “General Fall was once named Magenta Nightfall, and yes she was a student of mine but the constant learning of magic and power consumed her to the point where she became powerful enough to overthrow me and my sister. She eventually rages war with us using her magic she made soldiers ponies using clockwork and gears to make them come alive. So my sister and I used the elements of harmony to seal her and her army away in her journal. Afterward we placed the journal far far into the Everfree forest where no pony could find and uncover it. Who knows what could happened if she somehow found a way to escape” “Well, that’s pretty deep i'm sorry I brought it up.” I said “It is fine oh here take this,” she said handing me a small little bottle “What’s this?” “It will help with your nerves and your stomach” I didn’t question it; I opened the small bottle and swallowed its mystic contents, my stomach hurt for a moment and then it instantly felt better. These magical remedies work a lot better than medicine from my world and they taste better too. “Thanks princess I definitely need that” “Now shall we return to the gala.” Celestia said We made our way back to the grand hall where twilight and her friends were waiting. I walked in and saw Luna waiting for me as well “So about that, I just had to much to drink, don't blame yourself” I said “It’s alright it happens to every pony” Luna said “Now that lets get this par-tay started” Pinkie said Pinkie then went up on stage whipped out some DJ equipment, sub-woofers and Vinyl Scratch and started playing some sick beats. Everypony in the room started dancing including Luna and me. Even after what I experience this Gala won’t easily be forgotten.
