Friendship is Hope: Book One

by LostAnon

Rating: teen
Tags: Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Princess Luna, Drama, Original Character, Second Person, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Tragedy, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Sex, Main 6
Length: 3616

Rainbow Dash chances upon a mysterious cloaked warrior facing creatures of which she has never seen or heard of before. Has she found a protector, a destroyer or something much more.

Ponyville is quite a noisy, so Rainbow Dash decides to look for another place to take her daily nap (because she apparently needs those). However, what she didn't expect to find what appears to be a pony standing upright on his hind legs wielding a sword wearing a cloak (of which she is sure that someone like Rarity made) that hid most of his body, fighting strange shadow-like creatures... She's sure she could think of like, five stranger thing to see.
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Be noted of the following:
1)This is my first ever time writing so be merciful please

2)There will be some gore here and some... "heated" scenes

3)Before you all say anything about the art I will be using they are pictures that I saw on the internet (GOOGLE) and modified/re-colored them

4)The readers of this story will determine how I continue writing. In other words if you guys like this way of story (toned down details) then it shall stay teen, if you want more "explicit details" like clop then the next books will be mature.

5)Follow up to #4 the tag won't change for this story though so those of the younger audience can read regardless if the following books' tag changes.

6)2nd person tag does not mean that it will always be 2nd person.
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Without further adieu. Read on fellow bronies/pegasisters. :twilightsmile:

P.S:

In case you are wondering, no not all my future stories will have a description this long. (I hope :scootangel:)

Published 2016-03-22 02:20:03 UTC
Last updated 2016-03-23 02:31:12 UTC

Prologue

Prologue

Location: Small town on the border of the Badlands
Mission: Eliminate all targets
Agent sent: Classified
Targets eliminated: 99.9%
Agent status: 100% no injuries

The piles of dead pony corpses litter the ground, it was too late for help to reach them. Among the dead ponies lie the carcasses of giant pitch black beasts that seem to emit shadows. Despite how dangerous and powerful they appear to be, their bodies suggest that they were killed quite brutally due to the large number of deep sword slashes and stabs on their bodies; some even had whole limbs chopped off. A whole town once lively and full of ponies going about their business, shops calling out their products and/or sales to attract customers, or just having conversations with the sweet smell of food penetrated the air, was now just dead and silent with the horrid stench of death and decay lingering in the air. It was almost completely silent...

Almost.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!

A loud thundering battle cry sounded moments before a building was blown to bits by one of the monsters on the floor. Like it's dead brethren it was completely black and had smoke like gas emitting from it's huge Minotaur like body. It's red glowing eyes scanned the wasteland, burning with rage and a longing for retribution. Then the hulking beast spots its target. sitting atop a pile of it's dead kin was a cloaked figure. The cloak itself was blood red, had a hood that mostly hid the wearer's face and was long enough to nearly touch the ground. His/her face was wrapped around a dark gray cloth and the eyes were covered by red goggles. On the figures back was a sword half his/her size, the scabbard was pitch black and so was the handle, the guard and end was red. slowly the figure turns to look at the monster only to turn his head again stand up then just us. ignore the beast altogether. The monster clearly not pleased with these actions charged forward claws ready. The figure just looked back at the rage monster before sighing and looking down, as if he was accepting his demise, much to the beast's sadistic glee. They were inches apart, it is over...

SHIIIIIIIING!

The beast now behind his target was just standing there, unmoving and eyes wide. It just stood there for a few more seconds before falling to the ground dead. Back to the mysterious figure, his head was still down however, his sword was drawn and in his/her hoof, which was sticking out of a slit in the cloak. The cloaked being then swiped his sword around him, removing the creatures blood from his/her sword and creating a blood crescent moon around him/herself. He/she then looked at the blade in his/her hoof, it was a one edged katana-like blade that was two toned, the blunt end was black while the sharp end was white. He/she just stared at the blade just a bit longer before the
com-link crystal in his/ her ear beeped. A male voice on the other end then spoke:

"Good work Thanatos. All targets eliminated, as per usual. Come back to HQ for debriefing. Over and out"

The figure then said in a voice that would recognize it as a male said in reply: "Confirmed, returning to HQ Thanatos out." He then sheathed his sword and prepared to leave before he heard someone call out to him. "Help... me..." He looked behind and saw a stallion who had multiple wounds on his body he was swaying side to side before falling down to the ground. He then looked at Thanatos and said weakly. "Please... help...me." His words were pausing due to his heavy breathing. Thanatos then knelt down in front of the only survivor of the city. He reached out his hand to help the downed stallion, however pulled it back when he saw a black mark on his neck. He then asked: "Did one bite you on the neck?" The wounded just nodded. Thanatos then stood up, drew his sword and aimed it at the stallion. The scared colt then weakly shouted: "What are you doi--?!?" he however never finished his sentence since Thanatos pierced his heart, instantly killing him. Thanatos then knelt down again and closed the stallion's eyes. "I'm sorry, if only there were another way." he sighed, rage building in his mind over another innocent life lost, and the fact there was nothing he could do about it. .He took solace at least with the thought that he saved that poor soul a lot of pain, that mark would have given him a fate worse than death. His thought was then interrupted by his com-link again.

"Thanatos?"

"What?"

"Whoa there. Whats with the attitude? Something wrong"

"Nothing, sorry. Need something?"

" Oh ya , before you come back we spotted a few more of them. They seem to be taking shelter in the Everfree Forest."

"Can't you just make somepony else do it?"

"Sorry their all out for some R and R. I'm actually still surprised that your still here. It's almost time for the "Summer Sun Celebration" after all."

"Sigh. I got it. Heading out... Wait."

"what?"

"There's a town near there right?"

"Yea."

"What's it's name again?"

"Seriously dude? It's were the Celebration will be held."

"You know I don't go to those kinds of things anymore."

"Maybe you should this time. I mean you are already there."

"Sigh, I guess your right."

"Yah man. Live a little, mingle a bit, make some new friends."

"Anyway, whats the places' name? You still haven't told me."

"Ponyville"

Author's Note

(End Credits)
So! The story begins, who is this mysterious warrior? How is he so strong? What were those creatures he was fighting? All this shall be answered in the next chapter.

(Authors note)

Just quickly, if you already knew that it was a dude... then good for you. I just wrote it like this for the "immersion" of some other readers. Also tell me if you like the end credits idea, if you don't then just tell me and I won't do it anymore. Lastly there won't always be a progress chart at the start like this one.

Chance Meeting

Chance Meeting

"Alright, that about does it." Rainbow Dash said to herself as she lay down on her cloud. She just finished her weather duties and was about to have the most important part of the day, napping. However due to the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration, added to the usual noise (noise she was sure was mostly made by Pinkie Pie) was making it nearly impossible to get a second of shut eye anywhere. She should know, she's been on this cloud since 12:00 pm. Sighing, she came to the conclusion that she really couldn't sleep here, hey at least she couldn't say she didn't try. Sitting up, she began to ponder out loud where she could move. "Sweet Apple Acres? No, probably just gonna get bucked off a tree again. My place? Nah too far... Sigh. Ok think Rainbow, where is the closest quietest place you can think of?" She put a hoof under her chin in thought. A moment later, her face became one of realization as she clapped her hooves together. "Fluttershy, of course. Why didn't think of it sooner?" That place was so quiet she couldn't even hear herself think sometimes.

One short trip later

"WHAT!!!" Rainbow shouted as she read the note on the door.

Sorry to those who want to see me, but I need to start preparing the birds for the Summer Sun Celebration. Sorry again.

Grumbling, Rainbow settled for a tree next to the cottage. Laying down, it wasn't the comfiest tree she's slept in, but the silence was worth it. She was about to fall asleep when she heard a rumbling in the forest next to her, the Everfree forest to be exact. As she took a close look she saw outlines of... "things" moving, pretty fast too. Curious, she decided to fly over the forest and follow the strange creatures. The strange creatures led her to a small opening where they met up with more of them surrounding a red cloaked figure. Rainbow hid behind a tree so none of them would be able to see her. Now that she has a good look at the creatures, she can see that they look reminiscent of wolves, however, they were completely black and had some weird smoke coming off them; they also had red eyes. She also noted that the figure had a sword on his/ her back.

The cloaked figure then said in a disappointed voice: "Just ravagers? Sigh. I thought I would be facing something interesting this time." "How is he not scared? He's surrounded by those things." Rainbow whispered. Due to the voice, Rainbow assumed that it was a guy. Those "ravagers", as he called them, just stood there and eyed the stallion before gradually moving closer. "Strange" Rainbow whispered. "Those things look more scared of him than he is to them" Just as she thought that, they all suddenly pounced on the still stallion. Rainbow was just about to jump out and help him when he jumped high into the air a second before they reached him. The sudden loss of their target caused them to crash into each other and leave Rainbow in shock of what she just saw. "Wha--but... how?" she stuttered. In the air the stallion then drew his sword and twirled around like a top creating a red tornado. He then zoomed to the pile of ravagers covering all of them in deep slices and cuts. He then landed and looked at his handy work. This was interrupted however when a single ravager let out a pained whine. The figure then walked up to the dying beast and put it out of it's misery by stabbing it square in the chest.

Rainbow just continued to stare in shock and slight horror on what she just saw. Ten of them... there were ten of those creatures and he wiped the floor with them instantly. She was so shocked that she didn't notice the branch she was sitting on was breaking until it was too late.

SNAP!

The branch beneath her suddenly snapped and caused her to fall flat on her face, dazing her for a second. When she looked up, she saw the figure looming over her and staring at her. She then noticed that his face was covered in a gray wrap and was wearing red goggles that were the same color as his coat. They stayed like that, staring at one another for a few awkward minutes.

Thanatos POV

"Well this is awkward" I thought to myself "Where to go from here...". As he thought of this he remembered something he heard somepony say earlier: "Yah man. Live a little, mingle a bit, make some new friends". I sighed mentally, "I gotta I start somewhere I guess." I thought to myself.

Rainbow Dash POV

I watched silently as the stallion reached out his hoof to me and said: "Hi I'm Thanatos, it's a pleasure to meet you.".

Tours and First Impressions Part 1

Tours and First Impressions Part 1

Rainbow just stood there for a while, not exactly sure what to do. A few seconds ago, this stallion in front of her was slicing through what can only be described as demons; and now he's acting all friendly. After thinking about it, she reached out her hoof to meet his and greet him back. "I'm Rainbow. Rainbow Dash." Still a bit unsure of this "Thanatos", she will at the very least give him the benefit of the doubt... for now anyway. "What are you doing here? Don't you know that the Everfree forest is dangerous?" Thanatos asked. "I could be asking you the same question buster." Rainbow countered, giving a scrutinizing stare. Thanatos merely shrugged his shoulders. "Fair enough, but I asked first." Rainbow kept up her stare before she realized she couldn't see if it was doing anything to him anyway; his face was covered up after all. Sighing, Rainbow dropped her stare. "I saw those... things running and I wanted to see what they were. I've seen a lot of creatures before, but I've never seen creatures like those things before." Thanatos tilted his head in confusion. "Those things are call ravagers, and what do you mean "seen many creatures"? You a vet or something?" Rainbow blushed at the accusation. "No, but my best friend is. Speaking of her, she's going to be pissed if she found out what you did to those things. On that note." She zoomed right in front of him. grabbing,only to shout out at the top of her lungs. "HOW THE LIVING BUCK DID YOU DO THAT!!!"

"My ears... I think there bleeding" Thanatos thought. "You know that you don't need to shout right? And... could you let go of my head please?" Rainbow then realized how close they were and promptly removed her hooves from around his head. "Sorry." Rainbow said, head down to hide her flushed face and backing away slowly. "Don't worry about it, and to answer your question simply, magic." Thanatos said. "So your a unicorn?" "Maybe." Thanatos said shrugging. "You gotta be. What other kind of ponies can use magic?" Rainbow reasoned. "If that is what you want to think then fine.By the way, I know that this might be a pretty obvious question, but are you from Ponyville by any chance?" Rainbow gave him a dead pan look. "No I live under that rock." She said sarcastically while pointing at a rock. "Of course I'm from Ponyville, Where else would anypony stay near here?" "Hey, I was just asking to make sure." Thanatos defended. "Anyway, the reason I asked was because I need a guide." Rainbow gave a confused face. "Guide to what, Ponyville? Well I was about to get some shut-eye before the Summer Sun Celebration, but I guess I can." Rainbow said. "Just remember, I don't do this just for anypony, but you look cool enough." "Gee I feel so good about myself right now." Thanatos thought sarcastically as the two ponies made their way out of the forest.

One Short Trek Later

Thanatos's and Rainbow's arrival to town certainly attracted attention, most of them were towards Thanatos. "Everypony's staring at me" Thanatos announced the obvious. "Well of course, Ponyville is a small town. If some new pony new arrives it's kind of a big deal." Rainbow said. "Now, where should I take you first?" Rainbow thought aloud putting a hoof under her muzzle. Just at that moment a royal chariot being pulled by two pegasus guards landed in the center of town. A purple unicorn got of the chariot along with a small purple lizard. She thanked the two guards and left.

Thanatos POV

"Twilight Sparkle? What is she doing here?" I thought, I looked at Rainbow and said. "Um, I'm just going to ask them something." I pointed towards the two guards that were still were they were when they landed. "You think you can just walk up to them and ask whatever you want?" Rainbow scoffed at me. "Maybe?" I answered back while making my way over to the to living statues. "Hey" I called out to them. They looked at me and raised an eyebrow. "None of your concern shorty. Move along." They said laughing. "Short? I'm almost as tall as you." I thought to myself. "See I told you." Rainbow said behind me with a smug look. I reached into my cloak and grabbed something that would certainly change attitude.

Rainbow POV

"Called it! Totally called it!" I said in my mind as I saw the events unfold before me. I grew curious however when Thanatos pulled out what looks like some sort of badge out of his cloak. He showed it to the two still laughing guards. "Aww what's that? Your library card? What a good boy." One of them said, while patting Thanato's head as they continued to laugh at him. I was about to say something to help Thanatos out of this situation before he said. "Maybe you two should consider going there some time, would have helped you actually read what is on this "library card"." Thanatos said in a challenging voice. One of the guards' face became one of rage as he heard the threat. "What did you just say you piece of shit?" He said walking forward only to be stopped by his partner's hoof. "What!?!" He shouted before he grew confused at his partner's horrified face. "Whats the matter?" He asked, only for the other guard to point at the badge. He looked at it for a second before his face mirrored his partner's. The next part confused me severely because they both suddenly stood at attention before saluting Thanatos. "W--we'r sorry sir, we didn't know it was you." Sir? What? I looked back at Thanatos as he put back the badge. "Is he in the guard or something?" I thought to myself. "That would explain how he could fight so well, but even the guards can't do what he did... Who is this Guy?"

2nd Person POV

"Nothing to worry about." Thanatos said waving his hoof dismissively. "Happens to the best of us. Back to my question though, What is Miss. Sparkle doing here? She never goes to anywhere other than the library, let alone Ponyville." "She's here on Princess Celestia's order to look over the final preparations for the Summer Sun Festival. That is all we were told sir." One of the guards said. "Interesting, well carry on with you then." They saluted at Thanatos then sighed loudly when his turned his back was turned. "That was close." one of them said "Yeah who knows what he'd do to us if you went at it." The other said as Rainbow went up to them. "You two know Thanatos?" Rainbow asked as they looked at her. "Yes, you with him?" Rainbow blushed and said. "We'r not "together" I'm just his guide for now." "Well take our advice, don't trust him." One of the guards said. "Why not?" Rainbow asked. The guard was about to answer but his partner stopped him. "I'm sorry miss, but we need to be leaving." He said as they took off. "Wait! I still got some questions!" Rainbow said as she followed them. "Hey Rainbow! You gonna show me around or what?" Thanatos shouted gaining Rainbows attention. She looked back at the two guards one more time before sighing and flying down to meet with Thanatos. "Fine, hmmm... you hungry?" Rainbow asked when she reached him. Thanatos thought for a second. "A bit I guess. Why?" Rainbow Smiled. "Because your going to love our next stop." Rainbow said vaguely, leaving Thanatos to wonder what she meant.

A Short Walk Later

"So this is what she meant." Thanatos thought when they reached their destination: Sweet Apple Acres. The entire covered with apple trees didn't help Thanatos' growing hunger. "It's been a while since I've seen an apple tree." He stopped for a moment in thought. "Now that I think about it... I don't remember the last time I've seen an apple tree. Wait, why are we here again? Did you just bring me here to get me hungry or something?" Rainbow looked at Thanatos with a smug face. "That depends, is it working?" Thanatos looked away and said. "Nope." Just then, his stomach decided to be a contradicting asshole today and rumbled loudly. Thanatos just stood there until Rainbow was finnished rolling on the floor laughing... it took a while. "sorry." Rainbow said wiping tears away. "Anyway, I brought you here because I got somepony for you to meet." Thanatos looked at her, then to the trees, then back to her. "Let me guess... Applejack?" Thanatos guessed earning a surprised look from Rainbow. Before Rainbow could say anything, somepony beat her too it. "Somepony call me?" They looked to the sound of the voice to see a orange earth pony with a blond mane and wearing a stetson. "Oh, hey Applejack, I got somepony for you to meet." She said pointing at Thanatos. "Meet Thanatos, he's new in town and wanted me to show him around." Applejack trotted up to him with a smile and reached out her hoof which Thanatos took. "Well howdy partner, I'm Applejack, co-owner of Sweet Apple Acres along with my family the apples." She said enthusiastically while shaking his hoof with great strength. Even when she stopped shaking, his hoof still kept shaking due to the force until he forced it to stop. "Nice to meet you too Miss Applejack, like Rainbow said I'm Thanatos. By the way, good hoof, that actually hurt." He said rubbing his sore leg. "Sorry, didn't mean too hurt you there sugarcube. Don't know my strength sometimes." She said rubbing the back of her head. "It's fine. Bye the way, can I buy one of your apples, haven't eaten since yesterday." Thanatos said earning shocked expressions from both mares. "You haven't eaten today, why didn't you tell me?" Rainbow said, feeling bad that she made Thanatos hungrier than he already was, however Thanatos just shrugged saying. "Meh, not the first time I haven't eaten over a long period of time. I once went a month without food, now that was hard." Applejack just smiled. "Well follow me partner, we'r bout to have lunch, you two can eat with us." Thanatos nodded thanking her as they went to eat.