The Gauntlet

(Location:some store somewhere in Fillidelphia. Time:9:44 am.)

“Will that be all for you, miss Octavia?” The stallion behind the register asked; receiving a nod from a tanned colored mare.

“Yes, sir.” She replied as the cashier rang up her items.

“That will be forty bits. Miss Octavia.” The stallion said earning a nod from her; before she paid for her items, quickly picking them up and placing them in her saddlebags. Only to walk out of the store a few seconds later.

“Miss Octavia, Wait! You over payed!” The stallion shouted only to realize his words fell on deaf ears, “Celestia.” He growled out as he placed the bits he needed to give her in a small bag. “Fast lane, can you cover the register? I gotta give Octavia back her bits.” He continued.

“Sure boss!” He heard a young male voice reply.

“Thanks buddy.” The stallion thanked before he walked out of the store. Hoping that he could catch up with Octavia before she got to far away.

Octavia can bee seen slowly walking down a dirt road; somewhere just outside of the city. She enjoyed the long walks from Fillidelphia to Ponyville. It would always give her the inspiration she needed in order for her to make her music; the smell of the flowers would reminder of some of the theaters she played in. The feeling of the wind blowing across her body; reminding her of how many places she traveled to. But the one most important thing to the walk; was the sounds of the birds chirping. Yes, it was the birds that reminded her of the most beautiful thing in the world. The sound of the violin. The beautiful sound it makes as the bow is dragged across it; it always filled her with happiness, and it made her forget all about her problems. She was and still is proud of herself for pursuing a career in the art of the violinist. She wanted her music to make everypony fell like she did. She wanted to purge them of their worries. She wanted it to remind them of their most happiest moments. She.

“Over here.” Was torn from her train of thought. Immediately she got into a defensive stance; rapidly scanning the area around herself as she tried to steady her breath. Somepony or something had just whispered into her ear. “This way.” It whispered again with a slight echo effect; which made her more frightened than before. Her body was starting to visibly shake with fear; this voice was starting to scare her beyond belief. “It's safe.” The voice continued still using the echo effect, “I'm a friend.” it continued. This made Octavia take in a much needed breath of air. The entire time she had forgotten to breath; which would explain her coat turning from tan to blue. She then started to slowly follow the voice.

“This way.” The voice continued leading her to a small field that was near the road. The air then started to feel a little heavy on her lungs. Making every breath she took a little long to take in and to to get out. While her body started to feel a tingling sensation move across it. Making her release a loud stutter; almost as if she was freezing. “Just a little closer.” She heard the voice whisper one last time; before coming face to face with a odd, small statue. She stared in amazement at it; it was a creature that stood almost like a diamond dog, or a teenage dragon. Except it was dressed in robes. Similar to that of what her friend called a ninja. Its face seemed to be covered in bandages; leaving only its eyes and nose uncovered, due to the dust which had settled over it. She could not tell what color the statue used to be.

“AH!” She suddenly screamed; something else had just whispered into her ear. Only this time it was more than one. Over and over the voices continued; getting louder and louder with each passing second. She tried to ignore the voices; which did not work, for they continued to get louder and louder. She tried covering her ears with her hooves. But the voices continued; driving her to the brink of insanity. Her eyes then went wide as she took in a deep breath of air, “WE ARE MANY! YOU ARE BUT ONE!” She screamed.

The stallion from the store heard a loud scream echo from a nearby field. He then caught sight of an eerie green light; followed by something hard slamming into him. Sending him flying through the air and into a tree; which almost broke his back. Seconds before he blacked out; he caught sight of a very strange creature. It wore black robes all over its body and it stood on two legs; its eyes glowed a sickening green color, and it was somehow floating in the air. The stallion then fell unconscious; leaving him completely at the mercy of the strange creature.

“Pitiful foe.” The creature spoke in a voice that sounded like multiple voices' speaking at once. It then looked towards the city; it then lifted its hand towards the city, a green aura coming from it. Almost as if it was casting a spell, “Ah......Fresh blood.” The creature continued before it started to slowly walk towards the city.

(Location:Somewhere in the middle of the Everfree. Time:11:23 AM.)

“Okay.” Spike breathed out as he mentally prepped himself; three days ago he had found the gauntlet, which allowed him to transform into a strange creature. It felt weird when he transformed into the creature for the very first time. The way his body had grown from a baby dragon; to something similar to a teenage dragon. How his muscles became thicker and stronger. Almost as if he had trained for Celestia knows how long. Then there was the strange weapon that came out of his hand. Although it did allow him to save his friend, Applebloom. It still felt weird to have something come out of his hand. “THE SPECTER OF VENGANCE!” He shouted transforming himself into the green ninja like creature.

He released a heavy breath before looking himself over. He then slowly lifted his right hand up; staring at his palm before pointing it towards at one of the surrounding trees. “GET OVER HERE!” He shouted causing a few crows to fly from the trees. Cawing loudly from the loud sound that had come from him. The wind then started to blow slowly; making the leafs slowly move around him, while he continued to just stand perfectly still. “GET OVER HERE!” He shouted once again his voice echoing through the forest. But nothing happened once again, “GET OVER HERE! GET OVER HERE! GET OVER HERE!” He shouted over and over again; trying his best to shoot out that strange chain with that weird blade attached to it.

“Dang it!” He shouted while stomping his foot; causing a small amount of fire to come from the ground, “What the!?” He said as he brought his foot up; only to accidentally trip over a rather large rock, bringing him down to the ground. Making him release an irritated growl as he slowly got up.

“Gods, you are pathetic.” A slightly distorted voice said.

Spike immediately went on high alert; he quickly drew one of the strange weapons on his back, and held it out in front of him. “Who's there?” He asked as he scanned the area around him.

“Sheath my damned sword! You've brought enough disgrace to my clan already.” The voice growled out; causing, Spike to breath heavily.

“I said show yourself!” Spike roared.

“You are nothing but a toothless worm!” The voice shouted coming from directly in front of him. Slowly he focused his vision on the blade of the weapon; allowing him to see his reflection on the blade. Except his reflection was not moving with him; but instead it was staring right back at him. “You dare mock me!? The mightiest of all the shirai rai yu! You dare call yourself a warrior!?” He then felt his throat constricting on him; making it a little harder for him to breath. Almost as if something was choking him. “You are pathetic!” He then felt a hard blunt force like pain come from his abdomen; making him double over in pain. Just before he was sent flying back first into a tree.

“What the?!” Spike said in complete astonishment as he looked up; allowing him to see the very creature standing right in front of him. By the way it was breathing and by the way it was standing; it was clearly angry. “Who? Who are you?” He asked as he got to his feet; taking a defensive stance as he stood up.

“Scorpion.” The creature replied as he picked up the sword spike had dropped. “This weapon was given to me by my wife.” It continued before shooting a death glare at, Spike, “You dare disgrace this! You dare disgrace my wife!” Scorpion shouted as he sheathed the weapon.

“No! No! I didn't mean.”

“GET OVER HERE!” Scorpion shouted while aiming his arm at Spike. Sending the spear and chain directly at him; impaling him in the chest, and pulling him over towards him. Allowing him to deliver two hard blows to his chest; followed by a hard knee to his gut, only to end by him lifting Spike, off the ground by his throat and slamming him back down. Knocking the wind completely out of him.

Spike released three loud coughs as he tried to get on his feet. He staggered a little and his body was still feeling wave after wave of pain.  He looked up and saw that Scorpion was gone; which caused him to rapidly search the area around him, but that was when a hard punch connected with his backside. Sending him flying straight forwards; where he came face to face with Scorpion once again. Who then delivered a hard right uppercut. Launching him into the air almost as if he was nothing. He then felt the spear impale him once again, “COME HERE!” He heard Scorpion shout before he was slammed hard into the ground below. “Danger.” Spike heard as he stared up at the sky above; he was completely dazed by the sudden barrage of merciless attacks. This Scorpion guy was incredibly strong; incredibly fast, and incredibly smart. He then saw him stand directly over him; staring right down at him with no remorse for what he had just done, “You are truly pathetic.” Scorpion said before he lifted his right foot over his head, “Now...DIE!” Scorpion shouted as he tried to bring his foot down onto Spikes head. That was when Scorpion, felt something slam into his chest; which caused him to let out a surprise yell as he was pushed backwards.

“Not dying yet.....bitch.” Spike growled as he got to his feet; getting ready to go into round two of the fight.

“Now you choose to fight?” Scorpion said as he clenched his fists tighter, “Very well then.” He said before he shot one final death glare at Spike, “FIGHT!” He shouted.

“GET OVER HERE!” Spike shouted as he extended his arm out at Scorpion; finally managing to shoot out the spear, but instead of making contact with Scorpion. It made contact with a tree, “Oh.” He was then launched forwards once again and just like before. He had come face to fist with Scorpion, who had sent him flying into the air once more. “Not again.” He growled as he righted himself in the air; allowing him to dodge the spear, Scorpion had shot out. Allowing him to deliver a hard drop kick to Scorpion. Sending him flying into a tree; which made him release a pain filled yell, “GET OVER HERE!” Spike yelled; finally managing to successfully nail Scorpion with the spear. He then pulled hard on the chain; dragging Scorpion towards him, but before he even reached him. Scorpion had dug his feet into the ground; making it hard for Spike to pull him, but that gave Scorpion the greatest advantage, “GET OVER HERE!” Scorpion shouted as he pulled on Spikes chain. Dragging him up close to him; allowing him to deliver another hard uppercut, sending him flying into the air. Just like before, Scorpion had shot out another spear and slammed him into the ground.

“I win.” Scorpion hissed out as Spike reverted back into his old form. Groaning loudly as he tried to get off the ground; only to slowly look up and see Scorpion with his hand extended out towards him, but not to shoot out a spear. It was to help him off the ground.

“I though you said I was weak.” Spike said as he took Scorpions hand; allowing him to get up off the ground.

“I did. And you are.” Scorpion replied as Spike steadied himself, “But you fought like a warrior.” He continued before both of their eyes flashed blue for a few seconds. Both of them saw a ninja who wore black robes; he was attacking innocent civilians, and he seemed to be using magic to help him destroy buildings.

“Whoa?” Spike said just as their eyes stopped glowing. “What was that?” Spike asked as Scorpion released a loud growl.

“Ermac.” Scorpion replied.

“Who?” Spike asked as Scorpion transformed into a ball of light; only to suddenly shoot into the gauntlet that Spike was wearing, causing it to beep loudly. “Spirit control unlocked. Gained respect from the Specter of vengeance.” He heard it say.

“Wait. What's spirit con.”

“Armor detected. Name:Ermac. Warrior type:Legion phantom warrior. Warping to location.” The gauntlet interrupted before a blue light suddenly engulfed Spike.

“Wait! What's going on!?” Spike shouted before he disappeared in a bright ball of light.

(Location:Middle of Fillidelphia.)

A loud scream echoed through the air as a stallion is shown being thrown into a small building. Falling completely unconscious; before he even hit the ground. Ermac is then shown hovering in the air; shooting a spirit ball towards another building, blowing a massive hole in its side before he started to slowly walk down the streets. Walking almost as if he was a god himself. That was when Spike is shown suddenly appearing in an ally; where he heard multiple screams and shouts of multiple ponies. Which caused him to take cover behind three trash cans that were in the ally.

“Okay, gauntlet. Tell me whats going on right now.” Spike growled out.

“Armor: Ermac. Status:activated and running rouge. Armor bearer status: currently unconscious. Suffering from slight lose of hearing in right ear. Sex: female. Species of type:earth pony.” The gauntlet answered.

“What?” Spike asked with a confused look on his face.

“Current bearer of Ermac is unaware that she is using an armor. Meaning her mind is currently unaware that she is using Spirit control. Giving the armor full control.” The gauntlet explained.

“Okay.” Spike flinched slightly as a loud explosion is then heard, “So what do I do now?” He asked.

“Activate one of three armors.” The gauntlet answered.

“Wait, I have more armors?” Spike asked as another explosion echoed through the ally.

“Armor mostly used: Scorpion. Second armor name: Altair. Key to unlock: I live by the creed. Third armor name: Deadpool. Key to unlock: Deadpool.” The armor answered.

“Okay then. Umm.....what armor would be best to fight Ermac?” He asked.

“No data available.” The gauntlet answered  just as another explosion echoed threw the ally.

“Stupid thing!” Spike growled out as a loud scream echoed through the air, “Help!” He heard a mare shout. “Specter of vengeance!” He shouted only to hear a loud, rapid beeping sound come from the gauntlet.

“Armor has sustained heavy damage. Please select another.” It replied before another scream and explosion echoed threw the ally.

“Damn it! I live by the creed!” He shouted causing him to be engulfed in very bright white light.

Ermac is shown slowly lifting an unconscious mare into the air; only to violently throw her through a window, which shattered when her body made contact with the glass. He then turned around and shot a spirit ball at another building. Bringing the building down with only one shot. The inhabitants of this town stood no match for him; he was a powerful specter with limitless power. Forged from multiple souls from multiple warriors; each one adding to his strength. He then saw a group of three ponies; two mares and a young colt. Cowering behind a small stand of fruit. He prepared to launch another spirit ball attack. But he was stopped when a small knife flew over his shoulder; slicing a small part of his robe and flesh.

“Ah!” Ermac shouted as he turned in the direction from where the knife had come from. Standing a few feet away from him was a man dressed in a white robe; he wore multiple weapons, and he had a hood over his head. Which made it hard for him to see the mans face.

“Stay your blade from the innocent.” The man said as he drew a sword; which had an eagles head as the handle, “Or my blade shall spill your blood.” He threatened.

Ermac had a smirk on his face; which was covered by his robes, “We are many. You are but one. We will defeat you.” He said as raised his fists into the air; ready to do battle with the man.

Spike felt nervous; this Altair guy felt almost like he was shut off from the world, but yet...he was somehow connected to it. He then looked at Ermac; his sword held up in front him. Ready to take the thing down with a single slash of his deadly sword. That was when a strange green aura surrounded his body; which made him release a surprised yell. He was then slowly lifted into the air. His limbs and body suddenly becoming locked; almost as if locks were placed all over him, but that was when he was sent flying through the air. Right through a window and into a cashiers desk. Causing a few of the civilians that were hiding inside the building to scream. He was then violently pulled back out; only to be slammed hard into, Ermacs' left fist. Which caused him to flip over before he landed on the ground.

“Give up.” Ermac said as he looked at the man, “You cannot beat us.” He continued.

Spike gave a loud grunt as he raised his upper-body up off the ground. “Never!” He growled as he rapidly turned around, while he drew his sword. Trying his best to land a hard slash on Ermac, but once again. He was sent flying through the air and into another building, “Damn it!” Spike yelled as he slid down to the ground.

“Danger.” He heard a strange voice as a red film moved across his eyes.

“No! I can't loose now!” Spike growled out.

“Nothing is true.” He heard something whisper.

“What?” Spike asked before releasing a surprised gasp. His arms and hands had suddenly moved on their own; they held his sword up in front of his body, and as he tried to move. He quickly learned he was not in control. “Hey?! What's going on?” He asked himself as Ermac suddenly started glowing a sickening green color.

“Nothing is true.” The same voice whispered only in a slightly louder way. His body then tightened its stance; almost as if it was preparing for something.

“Hey! Hey!” Spike yelled as he saw Ermac float into the air; just as the aura around him started to glow brighter. “We gotta move!” He said.

“Nothing is true!” The voice replied in a rather loud voice.

“We're gonna die!” Spike shouted just as Ermac sprinted towards him; running at a speed that would impress Rainbow dash, “WE'RE GONNA DIE!” He continued.

“Nothing is true!” The voice yelled just as Ermac came face to face with them. But then his body moved; ducking right underneath, Ermac at the last second. Allowing him to deliver a fatal blow to Ermacs' gut. His sword sticking straight up and through him; causing a massive amount of blood to come pouring out, “Everything!” The voice growled before stabbing Ermac in the head with a blade; which was hidden underneath his arm, “IS PERMITTED!” the voice yelled before violently pulling the sword out of him. Sending him to the ground; just as he started to glow a bright white color.

“Armor capture activated.” Spike heard the gauntlets voice say; before a strange orange line shot out of his body, sticking directly into Ermacs, “Capturing armor.” It continued before Ermacs' body suddenly transformed back into Octavia. Who released a small groan as she moved slightly on the ground, “Capture complete. Teleportation activated. Returning to HQ.” He heard the gauntlet say before his body started to glow a bright blue.

“Thank.” Octavia said in a voice; which was just above a whisper. Her vision was fading in an out; which made it difficult for her to stay awake. All she could see was a bright, shinning, blue light, “You.” She breathed out as the light vanished; just seconds before she passed out once again.