Fire and Ice

Chapters

Of Phoenix's and Raging she demons.
Burden
Some say the world will end in fire.
Others say ice
From what I've tasted of desire.
I hold with those who favor fire.
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction
Is also great.
But if it had to perish twice.

Of Phoenix's and Raging she demons.

Phoenix POV

I stood packing the last of my things into my duffel. The foster home I lived in would soon be gone. Midnight would come with me if it wasn't for his last paycheck. Corvis and Solstice were both still waiting for their last paycheck. For me I just received my last paycheck and I was out. In the other room I heard Midnight arguing with Francine, the most evil foster mom of all time. She was both physically and verbally abusive and her husband Austin was just as bad. Now the four of them were old enough to leave.

"And where are you going to go? Not even your parents left you anything," Francis shot.

"Doesn't matter, we're done here," Midnight countered.

"You ungrateful little S***," Francis screamed.

"I'm grateful," Midnight whined.

"What are you grateful for?" Francis asked.

"I'm grateful that my parents were kind enough to get busy eighteen and a half years ago! Bow chicks bow bow, chicka bow bow," Midnight shouted in a amused tone. I had to let out a grin when he heard that. It disappeared a second later when I heard the sound of a slap as Francis stormed out of the kitchen.

Francis was a short ugly lady with light brown hair that was already fading. She reminded me of a wet puppy. I knew the real reason why she wanted us to stay. When we were gone she and Austin would stop getting money from the state. The place we lived in was void of life besides the commodities Francis and Austin bought for themselves. The four of us kids under their roof got Jack s***. All my stuff was able to fit in a black duffel bag. Several seconds later Midnight Fade walked out of the kitchen. He was tall, six feet tall and he was the most fast and agile fighter I knew. In fact he was the only one besides our mentor Lesmie, and my foster siblings Corvis, and Solstice who could take me on in a fight. Corvis was a only a few months older than me while Solstice was as old as Midnight. They would be eighteen on November 3rd and November 7th. Midnight was the oldest. Solstice and Corvis were pretty even with each other in terms of skill and both were slightly better than me. Midnight however was on a whole different level. Part of that was my fault. He had dark shiny hair that gleaned even in darkness. They had natural murky green highlights. It came down to the bridge of his nose. Midnight was tall, lean, and slim. Being six feet tall he always had luck with the ladies. He had really pale, but not sickly skin with eyes were dark green and he had high sharp cheekbones and a slightly angled face. His angelic features told his wisdom that went far beyond seventeen years old. However being raised in a abusive home left his personality unpredictable and often violent.

"Did you here any of that?" Midnight asked with a grin. His smile was wide and his teeth were straight and white.

"Hell ya, bow chicka bow bow," I replied with a smirk. Midnight looked up to me and nodded. I was a bit taller than him.

I noticed a red mark starting to appear on his left cheek where Francis slapped him. At the moment I was slightly on edge. It disappeared when I remembered that I was leaving now.

"Come on, I'll walk you to your bus." Midnight said while walking to the front door. I followed him at a short distance. Even though we were always clashing with each other, I was going to miss my big foster brother. He was older than me by half a year. We were both wearing the same thing more or less. Black on black or very dark gray. It didn't matter. Our clothes always started as black. They just eventually faded to dark gray which told us we needed new clothes. The difference between us was he was wearing a ebony carved wolf head on a leather necklace. While mine was a grizzly bear's head.

"When does your bus leave?" Midnight asked me.

"Not until 5:24," I answered.

Midnight checked his silver watch, his most prized possession besides his tanto and glock. "S***, it's only eleven," Midnight said suprised.

"Want to go back to the house?" I offered. He shook his head.

"Nah, I don't want to go back there, let's go grab a bite to eat. I snagged a fifty out of the old ladies purse. I think it's the one I lost the other day." Midnight said while examining the fifty

"Is it?" I asked.

"Yup, this red spot is a old stain from when I accidentally cut myself washing dishes," he replied while pocketing the bill.

"So where do you want to eat?" I asked him.

"Its your day man want taco's?" Midnight asked me. Tacos were our favorite food.

Half an hour and fifty tacos later we both sat in a taco bell. I knew today would be one of those days when we saw an overweight women mocking a special kid who struggling with a straw. I knew Midnight was going to roast this women in the most savage way possible. I couldn't blame him, I was about to do it myself. Growing up the way we did made us take joy in putting bullies in their place. We weren't hero's or anything. We actually thought of it like doing everyone a favor while taking out a rival.

"You shouldn't make fun of people ma'am," Midnight said innocently. I had to smile, right now he looked like he wouldn't hurt a fly. And that would be the fat women's downfall. She was a the moment glaring at Midnight as if deciding if he was worth the effort in putting down.

"I was born with a mouth and its my god given right to use it!" She spat at him. Now Midnight fooled her to where she put her guard down. In a flash he went from looking like a little angle to a full on badass.

"He also gave you your mouth to eat, but I see you abused that right too," Midnight sneered. The whole diner quieted as people were silently debating whether to condemn or praise his brutal verbal assult. From the looks the people were giving, most were siding with him because of her treatment of the special kid. The women was now silent and as pale as a ghost. A hint of hurt was on her face.

"I don't-" she started while trying to make a stand, but Midnight cut her off with a wave of his hand.

"Don't talk when there's food on your face, it's f****** disgusting. Wipe that taco sauce off your chin," Midnight said disgustingly. Now I was grinning along with half the diner.

"The women was defeated, but Midnight wasn't done yet. He sneered at her while she was wiping her chin and found it empty. With a evil smile he uttered loud enough or the whole store to hear "Your other chin,"
The women's eyes teared up as she looked at her overweight body and ran out of the fast food place.

The people around us shook their heads in disgust. I was grinning when I realized what we just did. It made me wonder why I was like that.

Several hours later Midnight and I were standing at the bus station. Or sitting at the bus station. It was 5:17 with almost a half hour until my bus would come. The plan was laid out. I would go to a city called Canderlot and finish my last two years there. Midnight, Corvis, and Solstice would follow after they gr8 the last of their money. The thing was though, they would all be living in separate places. As much as they loved each other, they were always fighting.

"Wish Corvis and Solstice had the day off," Midnight said with his arms stretching.

"Tell them I said bye?" I asked Midnight

"I will," Midnight replied.

"Canderlot will begin boarding now," a women on the speaker announced. I stood up and walked to the bus. Before I got on I turned to Midnight and said "This is a new chapter in life,"

"What's that mean?" He asked.

"I'll tell you about it if we see each other again." I replied only half joking. Plans never went the way you wanted them to.

Sunset Shimmer POV

Sunset Shimmer sat on a bench near the bus station. At the moment two associate's of hers were finding info on a particular girl who refered to here's of in third person.

Now all I had to do was wait. As minute after minute passed I bought myself a hot chocolate. While most people prefered coffee, I took hit chocolate for the taste.

While I waited I saw a large black bus come. I knew it was a travel bus from the massive size of it. As I waited I was just bored enough to watch the series of passengers come streaming out. Most were middle-aged people who were coming for a last minute vacation. What suprised me was when a tall lanky boy got off the bus. He had raven black hair with dark blue highlights. I knew he was muscular because even from this distance he looked pretty buff. With his ninja looking outfit he resembled a sleek black panther. Walking without a care in the world. Or walking like he was superior. His eyes were icy blue. His clothes told his taste. They were a black hoodie over black jeans on black shoes. I could instantly knew he was poor when I saw that his duffel was the only thing he grabbed. For a second he looked around before walking away from me. All I could think was who was that guy.

Phoenix POV

'Oh this duffel bag is heavy, but I'm almost to my new home already. I like eating spaghetti," I sang in a parody version of lose yourself.

I stopped singing after a short while. My thoughts were on that girl I saw at the bus station. I lived with my foster siblings long enough to tell that she was one of those girls who looked down on everyone. Midnight always looked like that. However this girl was gorgeous as the sun. The closest thing I could describe to her was a fiery sunset. That leather jacket made her look like a biker queen. They way she carried herself made me think that she was.

When I finally got to my new apartment I smiled. Lesmie helped me find this place. His friend was the owner and hooked me up with a bedroom with a living romm, kitchen, and bathroom or five hundred a month. The place seemed nice enough. It wasn't the middle class apartments, but it wasn't he to either. It was the rich-ghetto. Walking into the building I knocked on the door that said owner. When it opened I was suprised. I expected a middle aged man who knew how to survive the ghetto, but I was met with a Jamacian man in his late twenties to early thiries. He was shorter than Midnight, but had my muscle. And his head was shaved bald.

"Can I help you sir?" He asked in a Jamacian accent.

"I'm Lesmie's guy," I replied.

The manager turned suspicious. "The one who is cruel or the one who is nice?" He asked.

"I'm the nice one," I replied.

Really? The NICE one? It makes me sound like the ugly friend.

The managers face lit up, I wondered what he would have done if I was Midnight.

"Please follow me Phoenix, my brother Lesmie told me about you. My name is Andreas. Come to me if you need anything. And here is your place," Andreas said while open in the door. As I expected it was unfurnished. It was okay though, I prepared for this. Andreas left me my room and mail key. As well as the key to get inside the building.

Grinning I set my stuff down. It was 11:37 P.M. To late to go and buy cheap furniture at this hour. So tonight I was crashing on the floor. Laying down I noticed that the carpet was new. And that it was thick and soft. Closing my eyes I made a mental note to by a carpet shampoo machine because I already knew this thing will soon be full of stains.

When I closed my eyes I saw the fat women at the taco joint. She got what she deserved and then some. 'Was I really that kind of person?' I thought to myself. Midnight was the vicous leader of the family. Corvis and I were the muscle. And Solstice was often the one with the brains. I did what I had to, but I at least showed sympathy. Midnight was evil, vicous, fearless, unpredictable, violent, and my older brother who protected us. Those thoughts kept me up most of the night.

Roughly 12 hours later

I woke up with light streaming through the windows. I made a mental note to buy some curtains. Sitting up I glanced around. My apartment was still completely bare, but in the light I could see just how white the carpet looked. Now standing I checked my phone and nearly did a backflip when I saw it was only 11.

Digging through my bag earned me a tooth brush, tooth paste, and a set of clothes. My current ones smelled like sleep. The new lair was black jeans that were halfway to fading gray, the shirt was a plain black one with my usual black jacket. Taking my clothes to the shower I walked in the bathroom. It was a decent sized bathroom. After admiring my bathroom I took the sketchiest shower ever because of the lack of there being a bathroom curtain.

When I finished I looked at myself in the mirror. Fully dressed I through I looked good. Now there was just one thing I had to do myself. Taking a deep breath I hought about the abuse I went through the years. Despite all of it I was still generally a good person. Or at least I hoped so. I wasn't sadistic like Midnight. None of us were. Midnight took the lion's share of Francis's and Austin's rage for the purpose of them not having enough interest left to beat the rest of us. It worked. We were all bitter and resentful, and each of us had our fair share of scars, but they didn't break us. Now I wondered if they broke Midnight or if he could still live a happy life. After a short while I started to remember how a group of kids mocked Solstice because they thought they could. Even I was vicous to them that day. It was four vs fourteen, but Corvis and I were damn good fighters. Solstice was better while Midnight was a freaking demon. After that they left her alone, by Midnight didn't leave them alone. I admit I turned a blind eye when I saw him slash their tires, blackmailed them to sell each other out. In the end he did seven times he damaged they could ever do. Now they were gone except one who-

I snapped out of my thoughts. I was ashamed of that, but this was a new chance. Walking to the door I checked the time. I at least wanted an air matress for my room, but I would have to hurry. With a quick bow of my head I vowed to never be cruel, violent, or sadistic again. Seconds later I opened the door and accidentally sprinted into a fiery girl in a leather jacket.

'Seriously?' I thought.

When we both stood up I looked at the girl and groaned. With my luck it had to be the biker queen. In our ruble she dropped her book bag which was full of chemistry, science, fantasy, and other novels which I kind wierd since we had several weeks of summer left.

"Way to go stretch," She said. And oh if looks could kill then I will be dust by now.

"I'm so sorry ma'am," I pleaded while kneeling down to pick up the fallen books.

"Leave it alone butter fingers," she said while already shoving books in her bag.

Taking a deep breath I thought about the vow I just made. While she picked up her books i got a good look at her. She was average height, slender, and by all means beautiful. I winced when I realized that I just ruined any chance I had with her. 'What would Midnight do? Never mind he would have charmed her with his silver tounge. Corvis? Nah, he would have seen her and never sprinted into her.' I thought to myself. What would be the best move here? It took me half a second as I dashed out of the apartment. I had tk get out of here before I did anymore damage.

Running down the stairs and out the door I almost ran into a short pink haired girl.

"Sorry," I said instantly not wanting to be chewed out again.

To my suprise she mumbled in a soft voice so low I almost couldn't hear. "Its alright,"

"Really?" I asked while opening one eye.

"Yeah, you look like you were in a hurry," she mumbled.

"Yeah, I was um... what's your name?" I asked the pink haired girl. Now that I had a good lol a her I could see that she was wearing a white tanktop and a green skirt.

"Fluttershy," she replied.

After that I instantly took a bow. "Its been a pleasure meeting you Fluttershy. I wish I could stay and talk more, but at the moment I must run along." I replied. I could have swore that she smiled, but I couldn't tell.

After that I walked to the down town area of Canderlot. By the time of my arrival, it was 12:17 pm. And my stomach was making whale calls. Looking around I noticed a dinner called Sugar Star. It was still a ways off and I was really hungry. "Just a little more Phoenix," I told myself when I heard footsteps behind me sounding like machine guns.

"Hi! I noticed your new here! My names Pinkie Pie! What's your name?" A very excited curly pink haired girl half asked and screamed while appearing out of nowhere. I however let out a scream of terror when she came. As I was screaming in suprise I landed on my butt which ended my scream of suprise.

Pinkie Pie frowned at me. "That's not the answer I was looking for," she said.

"Oh, my bad. It's Phoenix Stella," I said in between breaths.

"Hi Phoenix! It's nice to meet you! You know what? I'm going to throw you a welcoming party!" She annpunced.

Now I jumped up. I needed to save money. "Sorry Pinkie Pie, but I am afraid that I don't have any money for a party," I said hastily. Pinkie Pie just smiled.

"Its alright Phoenix, I already have everything planned!" Pinkie Pie shouted while zipping away. "See you tomorrow night!" She called.

Standing alone I just stared in the direction she disappeared to. "What just happened?" I asked no one in particular.

A second later it hit me that my party that I was not paying for would probably be at my place. Panicked I ran to a store. A old women was talking to three particular boys that were just what I needed. "You three," I said while pointing my index finger at them.

"Us?" One of them asked in a surprised tone.

"How would you like to go to a pinkie pie party?" I asked. By the looks I hey gave each other I learned two things. One was that they would do what I wanted them to, and two. Pinkie Pie's parties are the s***.

Six Hours later.

I let out a series of heavy breaths. Next to me the trio of boys named Rover, Fido, and Spot. The three of them were called Diamond Dogs just as I was a changling with my siblings. Apparently the three of them liked to hunt for gems. And man did I make the right choice in using them as help. I was the strongest and broadest of my siblings. Half a head taller than Midnight and 250 pounds of muscle, but these guys were a lot smaller than me while still being as strong as me. Must be the constant digging. Taking that into mind I realized that that were just as tired as me.

It was worth it though. Together the Diamond Dogs and I somehow scored a entertainment center, surround sound, a fifty two inch, three person couch, two arm chairs, a king sized bed, dresser, cabinet, grand clock (I don't even want to ask), oak table that can fit up to ten people, microwave, and all the utensils. I didn't want to think about all the hustling we did today. Go in from yard sale to garage sale to lawn shop and even a car dealership for my stuff. On the bright side of things it only cost me thirty bucks as all this started with a Nintendo and a bag full of games.

"Mr. Stella, the boys and I were wondering if we can have the last of hose silver coins?" Rover asked me slightly knowing I would say no. Much to his surprise I didn't hesitate to throw them the last of the silver coins we somehow came across. It didn't make me feel like I was losing anything. After all these Diamond Dogs just helped me drag a boat to a pawn shop for some cash. That earned me my plates and real silverware. They were geniune. The three Diamond Dogs appraised them.

"And the silverware?" Fido asked.

"Don't push your luck," I growled at them.

"Yes sir, uh sorry sir," Spot said while backing away with his head down.

'Boss? I liked the sound of that.'

"So tell me, why is it that you three are at Canderlot? Most Diamond Dogs live near Dimondia. And the packs that do leave always stay near that mining city." I stated.

"Um, could we not talk about that boss?" Rover asked with his head down.

"Not even for a silver coin?" I asked While brandishing one from my pocket. 'Like I wouldn't keep some for myself.'

My bribe worked when I saw their greed rise to their eyes. "Yes we will tell you boss," Fido said quickly.

"We normally lived in Dimondia, but we were to rough. Now we and the other Diamond Dogs that were with us were sent here." Spot said.

I flicked the silver coin at them. When I did I accidentally earned the loyalty of these three and their underlings.

"Okay get out of here," I said to them. I had to keep these guys in mind. They weren't that bright, but it would be a lie if they didn't have brute strength. While they were walking out the big one called Fido turned back to me.

"What about the party boss? He asked me.

"Just come back here, if I'm not here then find Pinkie Pie." With that he nodded and left.

After my Diamond Dogs left I browsed my new place. I just couldn't believe that I did all this on my own. Even Midnight would struggle with this, but who said I didn't? After grinning like an idiot for about an hour I decided to retire for the night. Because hustling on the level I did was way to much for the average person.

Burden

The next day I spent cleaning my home. Andreas came in and helped a little bit, but eventually he got bored and left. I couldn't blame him. The place was clean as it was and I was just wasting time. By eleven o'clock my place was actually shining. And so I sat down on my armchair and switched on my tv. After several seconds of starring into a blank screen did I remember that I had no cable. Laughing I quickky went to my stack of blue rays. And boy did those Diamond Dogs pick some good ones. Sliding in my favorite movie 'Slum Dog Millionaire' I sat down until Pinkie Pie came to throw my party here or somewhere else. I still didnt know.

I was about halfway through the previews when there was a knocking on my door. Frowning I checked my watch. It read 11:57. It couldn't be Pinkie Pie already could it? She said tomorrow night. Then again she didnt seem the most stable person on the block. And I could have misheard her due to he fact I was on the ground hyperventilating.

When I arrived at my front door I peeked outside. Unfortunately it was hard to tell who was outside. The one thing I forgot to clean was the eye hole. So I cursed by own stupidity and opened the door.

"Hello? Pinkie Pie?" I asked. Much to my annoyance I saw a empty hall.

"Ding dong ditchers," I said while closing the door.

When I shut it a gust of wind blew from nowhere in particular and all my lights went out. Now I was standing in the dark with only my tv for light. I slowly walked to the light switch checking every sound and creak because something demonic was going on. Just as I was about to flip them on when a voice came from my livingroom. It almost made me jump out of my skin .

"Made a new friend already?" Midnight asked while turning my armchair to face me.

"Holy S*** Midnight!" You scared the living s*** out of me," I said.

Don't be so suprised," Midnight responded. I noticed that something was off about him. For one he cut his hair so that it was to to just above his eyes. And it was neat, but his hair was always neat, even when he was fighting. At the moment he was wearing a faded black hoodie with faded black jeans. What set me off was his eyes. No longer murky green, but more of an emerald green. He was obviously tired judging from the way he melted into that armchair.

"Nice place you got here bro, how did you make the cash?" Midnight asked while looking around my place.

"Thirty five dollars and a lot of hustling," I replied with a proud grin.

"Nice, but get a job. Hustling doesn't always work," Midnight stated.

"I know Midnight," I replied. As happy as I was about seeing my big fostor brother, I was trying to figure out how to work 'Glad your here, but why are you here,' into my next sentence.

"Is this Slumdog Millionaire? Make some popcorn! I'll tell you why I'm here after its finished," Midnight said excitedly.

I grinned as I made a beeline for the kitchen. Why he was here could wait. For we were the one in the same thing. The only difference was that he showed cruelity while I showed compassion.

The next couple of hours we watched the tragic movie about Jamal Selene and Latika. It was almost 2:00 by the time we finished. Not a moment after Midnight turned to me.

"Okay, the reason why I'm here is to tell you in person that it's going to be awhile before we come." Midnight said. That was something to think about.

"What? Why?" I asked.

"We found something that peeked our interests considerably. Even now we left Austin and Francis's place. Corvis and Solstice are tracking them while I came to collect you," Midnight said.

"Wait a minute. Them, tracking, collect?" I asked confused.

"I was, but see it how you already we up shop I'm going to throw you a bone here." Midnight stated. My face paled when I realized what he meant.

"Your going to leave me here?" I asked suddenly angry.

Midnight either didn't notice my anger or didn't care. My money was on the former.

"You did good. Live a little and enjoy it." He replied while standing up. "Call this number if you need our help with anything. Well come quicker than you might expect." Midnight said while handing me a slip of paper. On it was three neatly written numbers. Each for one of my foster siblings. He wasn't lying when he said he came only to collect him because he turned and began walking to the door.

I wanted to say something , but I didn't. With that all said and done Midnight opened my front door to reveal Pinkie Pie ready to knock on the door. "Who are you?" Midnight asked clearly suprised.

"I'm Pinkie Pie! What's your name?" She practically shouted.

"Why you asking?" Midnight replied with a edge in his voice. Pinkie Pie however didn't catch his tone and only saw him for what he looked like. A nice angelic boy who wouldn't hurt a fy.

"Because I like making friends. And I want to be your friend!" Pinkie Pie roared.

"But who said I wanted to be your friend?" Midnight asked. Much to my suprise the over excited girls smile dropped for a second before picking up again.

"Thats okay, your going be my friend sooner or later." She said. Midnight took a few steps back in astonishment. Then he turned to me looking for an explanation.

"Thats Pinkie Pie," was all I could say.

"Okay guys bring the stuff in," she called to someone behind her. Now both Midnight and I gave each other confused looks. Seconds later a pretty blonde girl in a cowboy hat came in with a small case of Apple cider. Behind her came a really big guy with a red shirt and orange hair. I think he was carrying like seven crates. What's more was he didn't even seem tired.

"Midnight, Phoenix, these are my friends Applejack and Big McIntosh, but he likes to go by Big Mac." Pinkie Pie explained.

"Big Mac? Like the burger? Midnight asked.

"Itsss my favorite food," Big Mac grumbled.

"Hi y'all, how are you two doing today?" Applejack asked.

"Pretty good," I answered.

Midnight started to walk to the door. "See ya later bro," he muttered. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Big Mac all gave each other confused looks.

"Wait Midnight, want to stay for the party?" I asked.

"What Party?" Midnight asked from around the corner.

"The welcome party that I am throwing silly," Pinkie Pie said.

Midnight didn't speak for a short while. Just when I thought he already left he said. "No thanks, "

Applejack however wasn't taking no for an answer. "Are you sure partner? We have fizzy Apple cider," she offered. Half a moment later Midnight's head poked around the corner.

"What kind of cider? Is it the twin Apple cider?" Midnight asked. And I had to smirk. He loved apple cider just as much as I did. And the twin cider was the best.

"Nnope," Big Mac grumbled.

"Even better," Applejack said.

"How?" Midnight asked.

"Because it's from Apple Acres," Applejack bragged.

Midnight and I glanced at each other and nodded. We were going to call her bluff.

"Okay you peeked my interest," Midnight said.

Pinkie Pie started whooping and hoping around the place like a rabbit. Meanwhile us three boys beganto unload the cider. While we were doing that I noticed Applejack studying Midnight and me. From the look she was giving him I knew she wasn't fooled by his appearance. Or at least not completely.

"Big Mac can handle that, can y'all boys bring in the sound system? It's in the back of the red pickup," she said. I normally wouldn't leave three strangers in my apartment alone, but for some reason I felt like I could trust them. Apparently Midnightdid too, because he motioned for me to follow him.

And so I followed Midnight outside. And as soon as the two o us were out of ear and eyeshot he turned to me.

"What the h*** is that Pinkie Pie taking?" Midnight asked.

"Coke?" I offered.

"Not skinny enough," he said.

"Heroin?" I asked.

"To excited," he uttered.

"Meth?"

"She might be crazy, but she's in control of herself.

"Pot?"

"No not that, find out because this confuses me to much for comfort," Midnight said.

Ounce outside we saw the red pick up truck. "So what peeked your interests so much that you have Solstice and Corvis tracking them?" I asked Midnight.

"Sorry, but I'm not going to tell you," he said.

"And what if I made you?" I asked instantly regretting the words as they came out. Then again he was tired and stumbling around while I was fresh and ready for anything.

"I said what if I made you?" I growled. The next moment I grunted as he shoved me to the ground in one shove.

'Me and my big mouth,' I thought while standing up to face off with Midnight. When I stood up Midnight had his hood drawn down to the bridge of his nose. I knew what this was. At the moment I couldn't tell where he was looking while I was like an open book. While I was in my thoughts Midnight began to circle me. I suprised myself when I automatically began to follow, but when I was aware what I was doing my body stumbled and Midnight saw his chance.

Before I could do anything he slammed me into the ground and was on top of me. With a heave I threw him off and rolled away. With my viens pumping with adrenalin I stood up not a moment to soon. And then it was a trade of fists and in Midnight's case elbows, knees, and feet included.

If my brother was fatigued at all he didn't show it because I barely landed a hit on him. And most of that was when I threw him off me. I let out a heave when I recieved a knee to the gut making me kneel over into his elbow. Trying to throw a punch at him he sidestepped it and replied with a fist to the face. Taking another swing i tried hitting him in the shoulder, but he grabbed he freaking thing and responded with a kick to my unguarded hip. Roaring in anger I stepped back and attempted to form a plan in my head. Midnight had other plans and rushed me with a fist to the gut. I let out a yell of pain and tried grabbing him. He how ever jumped back and rushed me again, but this time it was with a flip kick into my face. Now I was stumbling backwards but Midnight was already behind me and did a jump punch into the back of my head.

Seeing my chance I turned around as fast a viper and tried grabbing him, but he was to agile and dodged my hands while planting a left hook to my face. Did I forget to mention he was a lefty? Now I was finished because it wasn't normal to be seeing triple, or was it? Wait was the ground rising around me. And why was it getting dark? In the distance I heard a calm "Enough Mr. Fade," from a Jamaican voice.

Some time later

I woke up to a bucket of ice water to my face. With a jolt of energy I jumped up and felt the soreness already. When I was up I realized I was surrounded by five people. Andreas, Midnight, Fluttershy, a rainbow haired girl, and a purple haired beauty queen with ivory white skin.

Andreas and Midnight were in a discussion while the rainbow haired girl had a smug look on her face. The purple haired beauty queen was scolding her while only Fluttershy looked worried about my well being.

"So you did all that self taught?" Andreas asked. Midnight nodded.

"You shouldn't laugh at other people's pain Rainbow Dash," the beauty queen scolded.

"I'm sorry Rarity, but Pheonix has like two inches on height and around fifth pounds of muscle on Midnight. It should have been a more even fight," Rainbow Dash laughed.

"Are you alright Phoenix?" Fluttershy asked. At least someone did.

"Yeah I'm good." I replied.

"I thought you were going to be out awhile," Andreas said.

"Now that you are awake we still need to carry in that sound system for the rest of them," Midnight said.

I hoped up a little panicked. "D*** How long was I out?" I asked my brother.

"About thirty seconds," he replied. Without another word we both began unloading the large stereo. Rainbow Dash looked at it suspiciously. The others looked suprised I was already up and moving.

"That yours?" Fluttershy asked in a tone so low I almost couldn't hear.

"A friends," I answered.

"They're throwing a party." Midnight added.

"A party, darling would you happen to be able to fit three more in?" Rarity asked politely.

"Of course, it's a welcoming party after all," I replied.

Rarity and Fluttershy's expressions both turned sullen. "Oh, it's hers," Rarity said.

"Something wrong?" Midnight asked. It was clear his taste for cruelty wasn't sastifyed yet.

"Oh nothing darling, it's all fine," she said.

"Your still coming though right?" I asked hopefully because this girl was a diamond.

"Of course darling, it would be rude not to." Rarity replied.

The sound system ended up being in a large wooden box. The two of them together were barely able to lift it let alone carry it. Andreas was no help as he was still in shock on how effortlessly Midnight kicked my a**. He seemed even more suprised when we told him that it happened on a regular basis. The three girls only gave verbal support and we were both giving heavy breaths after only half way.

Forty minutes later

With one last heave Midnight and I put the large wooden box in front of my door.

"That was heavy," I said.

Midnight nodded, but I noticed that he didn't seem as tired as me. Then I opened my door. It took me half a second to realize that the three in my apartment were busy. All might were replaced with dark lights and every window was blacked out with black paper. My table was filled with apple cider and pies, cakes, cupcakes, and all other sorts of deserts.

"You guys were faster than I thought," Applejack said while finishing a strobe light.

"You guys were busy," I said.

"Pinkie Pie wanted to make it lively, but I told her you seemed more into the how in the dark party," Applejack said.

"You were right," I said.
"Took a detour," I said as Midnight took off his black hoodie. Now that his hoodie was off everyone could see his appearence. He was lean, but not as big as me. He was just big enough to be fast while still bein small enough to be quick. His outfit was a black t-shirt with a bullet belt. I kept in mind that his glock was nowhere to be found or it was in his leg holster. The edge of his tanto was clearly seen on his right hip. It's leather shealth molded to perfection. The rest of his outfit was obvious. Punk rock kid who lived for the fight. Rainbow Dash stopped snickering at my tragic loss when she walked in. Midnight no longer looked like a sweet harmless angle. Now he looked dangerous. With his lanky build he looked like a sleek leopard on his wrists were spiked half gloves. Now I shuddered when I realized that he could have cut me up with a flick of his wrist.

"Well, this is bad," Big Mac grumbled when he saw the three other girls.

"What is she doing here?" Rainbow Dash asked angrily.

"I might ask the same question Dash," Applejack snapped back.

For half a second I thought I was going to have a cat fight, And Midnight wasn't helping. In fact he was instigating it now with a "ohhhhh, you going to take that, that must have hurt," and other sorts of things. Now Rainbow Dash and Applejack were really pissed at each other when the door got knocked on.

"Party guests are here!" Pinkie Pie roared. And she was at the door faster than I could follow with my eyes.

Next came the kids. All colorful and such. I was kind of glad the other changlings weren't here. Midnight alone was enough to wreck them, but for some odd reason he was standing in the corner moving about like a shadow, or a wolf.

Half an hour and several fizzy ciders later I was twirling around on the dance floor (living room). Midnight was at the table grabbing himself a snack before returning to his perch. I wondered why he wasn't enjoying himself. It didn't matter, what did was that he was here just a little bit longer. The two groups were like two predators circling each other. Applejack and Pinkie Pie in one with Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy in the other. Although the main beef looked like it was between Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The others had hate, but not half as intense more like a deep grudge.

I was so focused on them that I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and ran into the same fiery girl as I did yesterday. It was worse because instead of spilling her books it was apple cider on her leather jacket. When I was what I did I could only utter three words.

"Oh f*** me," the whole room went silent when they saw who it was.

"What the h***," The fiery girl snarled at me. I turned towards Midnight for help, but he was smirking at me. With growing dread I realized that this time I was on my own.

"Sorry ma'am I muttered."

"Sorry? First my books and now my jacket?" She asked astonished.

"Two run ins with Sunset Shimmer? This kid is in a lot of trouble." A boy said.

Before anything else could happen she turned and stormed into the bathroom. The party continued immediately after that. However I had an uneasy feeling because of the glances the other kids kept throwing at me. It was like they were showing me pity. Midnight however was staring daggers at the bathroom door. After a little while Sunset Shimmer walked out of the bathroom and left my apartment with everyone watching her go before returning to their fun. Seconds later Midnight was darting between groups of people. Not caring for the welcome party anymore, I walked and grabbed a fizzy apple cider and drank it.

"You must really like apple cider," Rarity stated from my side.

"It calms the nerves without the hangover," I said while watching Midnight whisper something into another kids eat. The kid looked annoyed and slightly angry, but blanched when Midnight put his hand on his Tanto's hilt. The next moment he handed something small over to him. Midnight darted to the next group of kids.

"Your brother sure is something," Rarity said.

"The perfect definition of don't judge a book by its cover," I said.

"What do you mean?" Rarity asked.

"You ever seen one of those books that look like a good book, but read the teaser and not like it, but then you do read it to see that's its just as good as it looks?" I asked.

"Why yes I have," Rarity responded.

"Thats him, he looks like a guardian angle warrior, but as you've seen acts like a demon, but all through out my life he was our guardian angle," I said.

"Our?" Rarity asked.

"My other siblings, come on and I'll show you," I said while walking to my room. Hearing her footsteps I slightly smiled. When I did get to my room I saw two kids making out on my bed. Wait? They didn't, "Out!" I growled at them. They didn't argue and left in earnest.

After they left I glared at them as they walked down the small hallway. After they were gone I turned to m dresser. Sitting on top was a series of photo's, but I only needed one. It was the family one with men and all three of my foster siblings. Solstice was the classy one out us. Each of us always wore the same thing more or less, but Solstic made it look classy with her designer hoodie and jeans. Corvis was somewhere in between Midnight and I. His clothes were punky, but still had our traditional black colors. All three of us boys had hardcore punk while Solstice had style.

While Midnight and I had black hair Solstice and Corvis had dark artic blueish gray hair. Solstice's hair came down to her lower black with brilliant green highlights. Corvis's hait came down to his nose and had had sea greenish black highlights. Solstice was gorgeous as you could imagine while Corvis was a full on pretty boy. Each were on the side of Midnight who had a arm wrapped around each of them and was giving a real smile of legit happiness. Something we rarely ever saw. I was on the other side of Solstice with a arm wrapped around her while she did the same to me. It was a picture taken at the end of the winter.

Grinning at it if showed Rarity who studied it. "So he's was your guardian angle?" She asked.

"Yup, he just did it in the most vicous way possible," i replied.

"Why," Rarity asked confused.

I opened my mouth to explain his story, his story Midnight charged out of the bathroom door with something under his arm. His fave was emotionless, but I knew he was on edge. He walked right up to me ignoring Rarity completely.

"Nice to see you again little bro, but I have to leave right now," he said. Before I could say or do anything he turned and shoved his way through the crowd of kids and left. Rarity and I stood completely frozen before remembering each other.

"What was that about?" She asked.

"I don't know," I answered truthfully.

A few minutes later there was another knock on the door. From PinkiePie's expression I knew this was unexpected.

Walking to the door I opened it to see half a dozen police officers.

I feel the room go cold at my back, but it only lasted a second before I stepped outside and closed the door
'D***,' wish Midnight or Corvis was here.

"Can I help you officers?" I asked.

"We recieved a call about possible illegal drug activity going on here," a basky man said.

My thoughts immediately flashed to Pinkie Pie, but my fears subsided almost immediately. Midnight said she was just crazy and he is almost always right.

"Nope," I said truthfully.

The basky officer studied me for a long while before nodding. "Any alcoholic beverages here?" He asked.

"Does fizzy Apple cider count?" I asked before almost facepalming myself.

"No it does not," he replied slightly annoyed.

"Nothing going on here," I said.

One of the officers whispered something into basky's ear who turned to me. "Alright kid, well throw you a bone here since you seem to be telling the truth, but one the condition you end the party," he said. I did a salute and the officers left.

The moment they were out of eye sight I turned and walked into my apartment. The kids were all staring at me so intently that I felt like I could burst into flames. "Alright parties over, go home," i said loud enough for everyone to hear. About half the kids started groaning while the other half nodded and did as they were told. The groaners were mostly doing the same, but I spotted a few who I knew needed a little convincing.

"Rover!" I shouted.

"Yeah boss?" Rover asked while appearing with the other diamond dogs.

"Usher these people out, any who give you problems can go ten with me," I said while staring down a blonde athletic kid who blanched.

"Yes boss," Rover said. And with Rover, Fido, and Spot helping I cleared my apartment quicker than I ever could have hoped. The apples were busy packing up their sound system when Applejack asked me "want us to help clean?" She asked.

"No thanks, I got it. Thanks for the party though," i said.

"Sure thing," she said. After that she motioned for Big Mac to follow. And the craziest thing happened next. With two arms he picked up their sound system and followed with out the slightest strain on his face. The apples walked out with me gaping at Big Mac's strength. I made a mental note to not get on his bad side.

The next was pinkie pie. "Would you like me to help you clean this place up? It's a mess," she said.

"No thanks, but could you switch my lights back?" I asked.

"Thats it? In that case you could keep the cider," she said. After that in a trail of smoke my lights went from black lights went from blacklight to regular. It all happened in a fraction of a second that I immediately regretted not taking her up on her offer, but she was already gone.

Next was Rarity, RainbowDash, and Fluttershy. Before I could say anything Rarity put up a hand.

"Don't even think about it, were staying her and helping you clean up," she said. I smirked, but didn't let them see it. Rover, Fido, and Spot all looked at me. I waved my had at them.

"Anything else boss?" They asked me.

"No, you can go now," I said while tossing them each a fizzy apple cider.
All three of them grinned and left. Ounce they were gone I turned to the three girls. At the corner of my eye I noticed Fluttershy already cleaning.

"Okay, let's get started," I said.

Some say the world will end in fire.

I don't want to say how long it took us to clean, but we saw the sun. With a thanks I waved goodbyes to a very tired Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. After they were gone I went back inside feeling slightly depressed. Don't get me wrong, I was happy that I made some new friends but I felt strangely abandoned. So for the next two weeks I dedicated my time to looking for a job. Because in my thoughts I knew that the money I hustled and saved would only last me a month, maybe two. So from dawn till dusk I was out and about looking for a job. Don't get me wrong. I wanted a job but I didn't need a job so I kind of half a**** it. That and I didn't have any official work experience or any references since I doubted my siblings would want random jobs calling them. And so that's how I spent my second to last week of summer. And I must say I was disappointed that I didn't see Rarity, Rainbow Dash, or even Fluttershy again. It didn't bother me though.

As I stood staring at my calendar a growing uneasy feeling came about me. In just one week I would be starting shool. And I made a personal promise that I would try to do well and not just ditch to go drifting like the other changlings did. Which included my siblings. While thinking this I remembered what out mentor Lesmie told me.

"Your siblings have so much potential, but it seems like your the only one who tries in this world, "

He wasn't wrong. They would go on a drifting run anytime they had the chance. It was only the law and the fact I tried to do well in school that kept them there. With that said Midnight and Solstice were the brains of the crew. I liked to read, but I hated books compared to Midnight. And Solstice always loved going to school. Even more so then me, but she liked drifting even more. At the moment I was sketching myself out more in more by the second while no was in my black sweats, and black tanktop with running shoes.

So as I stared at the calender a knock came at my door. With a uneasy feeling I walked towards it and answered it. I was only half surprised to see Andreas. He was here to start my requested training since I knew for a fact that he was a retired fighter. That and I got beat by Midnight a little to easily for comfort.

"You ready?" He asked in his Jamacian accent. His outfit was black gym trunks with a gray tanktop. His muscles were noticeably more cut then mine.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Okay then, follow me," Andreas said while walking off towards the back of the building. I followed a little bit excited. And I have to admit, in the my head I was imagining myself standing over my three siblings in victory. Andreas stopped when we came to a field behind the apartment complex. Then he turned to me.

"Okay, tell me all your fighting experience, " Andreas said.

"Well umm, not a lot since I mostly just clashed with my siblings," I replied slightly embarrassed.

"Your a changling correct?"

"Yeah,"

"And you drifted like the other changlings did?"

"Not nearly as often, but a little," I replied.

"Have you had any run ins with any umbrum?" Andreas asked. I automatically cringed. The umbrum were the rival fraction that was opposed to the changlings. And while we were hard-core punk the umbrum were gothic..

"Why? Is there any umbrum clans in Canderlot?" I asked suddenly very worried.

"Don't worry Phoenix, there are no umbrum clans here. In fact there isn't any Changling packs either." Andreas assured me.

"Yeah, I had a few bouts with the umbrum," I answered.

"So that's that. Here put these on," Andreas said while tossing him a pair of rolled up cloths.

"What are these?" I asked.

"Hand wraps, you wrap them over your hands," Andreas replied.

So for the next couple of hours I spent it learning kick boxing with Andreas. Each timeni lowered my guard he would hit me in the head with a training pad and make me do ten pushups. When I finished he pulled out a box of cream filled donuts.

"Like these?" He asked me.

"They're my favorite," I replied while digging in. When I finished two thirds of the box I felt a pair of eyes on me. Glancing up I caught a glimps of fiery red hair.

'Was that Sunset Shimmer? ' I asked myself.

It didn't matter. At the moment I was drenched in sweat and I desperately needed a shower. This time it was more comfortable than my first one due to some shower curtains. When I finished I walked to my bed and stared at it with wanting eyes.

'I don't have anything planned,' I thought to myself. Without another second passing by I was in my bed sleeping.

I stood in a large dark room with a few dozen people behind me. I recognized these as changlings from their lanky forms and dark hoodies with dark jeans. Most had their hoods down, but a few had their hoods up. The majority of the changlings had black face masks with a sharp white fang design on it. Behind me was a small swarm of my outfit of changlings. Throughout the room was dozens of other swarms of changlings. Each one of them had a similar groups of changlings. And we were everywhere. The room was at the center in which the next several floors could look down at. In total there must have been close to a hundred to two hundred of us all waiting. Not patiently or quietly though. At the moment we were all talking amongst ourselves in a attempt to entertain ourselves. Over the intercom of the old building Hybrid Rock powered electro music sounded. The only thing wrong was the song was only around two minutes long.

While we waited I pulled out an apple and my razer sharp tanto. With growing boredom I began cutting off pieces and sticking them into my mouth. At the moment I stood at the front of the hive. I gave the other changling who tried shoving their way in front of me a nice shiner. The strong stood at the front and we had to defend our place. On top, but sometimes i wish i could just give it all a rest.
The door the the large room and the entire swarm of changlings all began to whoop and cheer as a very beautiful women walked in in a very dark gray dress, dark cerulean hair color, moderate harlequin eyes with dark grayish opal pupils, and finished off with very deep opal eyeshadow. Even I was cheering. This was our leader, this was our queen,

I sat up to the sound of knocking on my door.

'That was a wierd dream, and why was I wielding a tanto?' I thought to myself. My door kept knocking. Groaning I staggered towards the door and face planted half way there. The door knocked again while I groaned in pain. My body was already sore. Slowly getting to the door I opened it and smiled. Standing in the doorway was Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy.

"I'm sorry, did we wake you?" Fluttershy asked so low that Rainbow Dash had to translate.

"Oh no. (yawn) I mean yes, but don't worry about it. I was just having either a really wierd dream or a strange nightmare," I assured them.

"Now that's done, we would like to invite you to have breakfast with us," Rarity said.

I froze mid yawn. "Did you just say breakfast?" I asked slowly.

"Our treat," Rarity assured.

"That's great and all, but what day is it?" I asked afraid of the answer.

"Its Wednesday," Rainbow Dash answered. I felt like someone rocked me.

"Wednsday?" I choked out.

"Yeah like Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday," Rainbow Dash sang.

"So is that a yes or a no?" Rarity asked politely. My stomach suddenly growled.

"Guess that means a yes," I replied. 'Did I really sleep for two days?'

Before anything else could happen, Rainbow Dash threw up a hand. "Great, but before we go could I use your bathroom?" She asked.

"Sure, the door on the right," I said while motioning for them to come in. Fluttershy and Rarity asked in while Rainbow Dash made her way to the bathroom. I silently did a prayer in thanks that my apartment was clean. I felt just aiytle irritated when I noticed Fluttershy taking glances at my bare arms. It was really getting annoying.

"Why darling, who are these?" Rarity asked while looking at the rest of my pictures I hung up.

"That's the rest of my friends from my old home," I answered. The picture was a massive shot of our unit during the summer. We all were wearing summer clothing, but kept our dark colors. In the second biggest picture was a group shot us. We all clustered in our groups, but Midnight held an air of leadership about him. In total there was eleven of us. We all stood together, but just enough distance between us that you could tell who was cool with who. Midnight stood at the front with his arms around Solstice and Corvis. I stood with my friend. The other group was a group of two. Brothers, but one was half a year older and a few inches taller. The other group was three. One guy and two girls. Each had dark gray hair and black highlights. The last one was tall as Corvis with our slim lean body builds. He was the other muscle of the swarm. And his hair came down to his shoulders. Instead of hanging it back he let it fall on his face and pushed it to his side.

"They seem like a reckless bunch," Rarity muttered. That much was obvious with our evil smirks at the camera.

"We were, but Midnight always kept us together and made sure no one started trouble within us," I explained.

"With a show of strength?" Fluttershy mumbled just within understanding.

"Exactly," I said with a grin.

"Who is this might I ask?" Rarity asked while pointing at a particular picture of me and a kid with dark gray hair That had streaks of forest green highlights. Like most of us, he had artic blue eyes and was wearing black on dark gray.

"That's forest, he's one of my really good friends." I answered. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Fluttershy taking glances at my bare arms and the arms of the other changlings in the pictures. Now I was was rubbing my arms.

"Excuse me, but what happened to your arms?" She asked.

Rarity froze when she noticed the scars on our arms. She slowly turned to me with wide eyes.

"Tribal cuts," I replied while extending my arm. On the outer forearm the opposite side of the wrist was three long scars. I wasn't ashamed of them, but most of stopped at the arms. Only the most zealot changlings went to facial cuts.

Before anything more awkward could happen Rainbow Dash walked into the living room. I let out a breath of relief when she did. Before my tribal scars came up again, I put on my now really dark frau hoodie over black jeans.

"Come on, I know a very nice place to dine," Rarity said in her british accent.

"Alright, let's go because I am starving," Rainbow Dash said.

After that we all left my place. The way to the place to eat was nice and quiet, but I could tell Rainbow Dash was wondering why there was a Fluttershy quiet silence on them. Luckily for me though, she didn't question it.

One hour later

I cringed when Pinkie Pie bit into her icecream. 'That is not normal, normal people cringe when they Bute their ice cream,' I thought to myself. Pinkie Pie took another bite so big that I felt Rainbow Dash and Rarity cringe.

"That is too wierd to be remotely normal," Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy mumbled something, but all I picked up was something about noise in a silent auction.

"Hate to break it to you shy, but noise makers ruin a silent auction," I said to the girl. She put her hand on her head and beganto mumble something about my hearing.

"So what do you want to eat?" Rarity asked me.

"I'll take the bacon cheeseburger with seasoned fries," I said.

"Why that?" Rainbow Dash asked me.

"Because every chief cooks their bacon cheeseburgers with love, and that tastes a lot better," I explained. The three gorgeous girls stared at me confused.

"Its a changling thing," I said. They all nodded and looked at their menus. Can I take your orders?" The waitress asked.

"I'll have a flying sandwich Mrs. Cupcake," Rainbow Dash said.

"I'll take what she's having," Fluttershy mumbled.

"And I will take my usual," Rarity said. 'Wonder what that is,' I thought.

"And I shall.have a bacon cheeseburger with seasoned fries," I said.

When she left I noticed Rarity shooting glares at Pinkie Pie. I decided to ask her what happened between them later. When I knew them better. Mrs. Cupcake came balancing their food. The flying burger was just a vegan sandwich with a set of fries. I was only half suprised when Rarity got a salad.

"That kind of looks good," Rarity said while taking a glance at my food.

"Want a piece?" I asked her while offering her some fries. She shook her head.

"No thank you, I have to keep on my diet," Rarity said.

"Diet? If you need to diet then there is no pleasing this world," I said before freezing midbite.

"Thank you Phoenix," Rarity said while looking away. I thought I saw her blush, but I was now very interested in my burger. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Rainbow Dash smirking and Fluttershy smiling at us.

'Idiot,' I thought to myself. When I was going to compliment someone it would be a little less strange.

"You know, I think I will have a fry or two," Rarity said while taking three and not looking in my direction. I was still staring at my bacon burger.

'But only if you have some salad," She said while pushing her salad towards me. It looked good with salad dressing and, who am I kidding? I hated salad, but if eating salad meant this awkward moment would be over then that's what I would do.

Several hours later I layed in bed, again. The rest of the day went great until it started to rain. And by rain I mean hard core hurricane level rain. So out day was cut short

The rest of my summer was a little better. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy kept me company. They werenfun. Rainbow Dash was crazy athletic, Rarity was a fashion girl, and Fluttershy was a naturist. They reminded me of Solstice, Embry, and Mathew. I wondered if they would all become friends if they met. A second later I laughed at myself. The Changlings were to cruel for that fantasy to become a reality.

Before I knew it, school was the next day. I was going to a place called Canderlot High School or CHS for short. And I would admit that I was nothing less then excited. So at the moment I stood over my clothes trying to decide on what to wear. In the end I chose my black hoodie with attic blue threading and a pair of very dark gray jeans. My signature shoes stood my the door. I also remembered that is was school so I grabbed my leather belt instead of my bullet belt.

The next morning.

Waking up I looked around and saw my stuff. Putting them on, I grinned before leavin my place while making sure not to leave it unlocked. I had to go in early to get my schedule. Lucky for me it was still early when I walked into the main office. There I met Principal Celestia. A tall multi color haired women. Well tall for a wkmen. I still made her seem very short. To my suprise I saw Sunset Shimmer standing next to her holding a box of donuts.

"Hello Mr. Stella, my name is Mrs. Celestia. Before Sunset Shimmer can show you around you will have to fill out some of these forms. And when you are finished me them here. And this is your schedule." The multi colored haired women saud.

The forms were just regular legal stuff such as adress full name date of birth, and other stuff. While I filled them out I could feel Sunset Shimmer peeking over my shoulder. She didn't say anything until I hit nationality.

Nationality-Changling

"That makes five of you," she said.

"What?" I asked a little on edge.

"Five changlings attend CHS including you," Sunset Shimmer said in a surprisingly nice tone.

Was this the girl who I messed her leather jacket two weeks ago? I asked myself.

When I finished I stood up while Sunset Shimmer did the same.

"So what's your first class?" She asked patiently.

Still on edge I looked at my schedule. "Weight Training," I replied.

"Thats cool, get nice and lean," SunsetShimmer said a little to nicely.

"Yup," Was all I answered.

"Its this way," She said while walking away. My uneasy feeling slowly started to die, but my suspicions didn't.

We walked through out CHS with Sunset Shimmer saying random facts here and there. I noticed all the students looking away and cowering in fear at the slightest glance from the fiery girl. When we arrived at what I assumed to be the gym Sunset Shimmer turned to me and held out her box of donuts.

"What's this?" I asked confused.

"A peace offering," She replied.

"Peace offering?" I muttered.

"Look, we got off on the wrong foot and I want to say I'm sorry," She said.

"Wait, I was the one who ran into you," I said.

"Just take the donuts," she said harshly before going back to her friendly self.

"Okay," I said while taking the donuts. After I did she walked off with what I thought was an evil smirk. I was beyond caring though since these donuts were my favorite. Cream filled donuts. Maybe it was her that I saw a week ago. Walking into the gym I saw a series of metal bleachers that were mostly empty except for four people. And my smile dropped, but quickly returned when I saw who it was. These guys were not anybody I knew, but from their black on dark gray and ebony carved necklaces, I knew they were changlings.

Grinning, I walked towards them. The first girl was long and loose and was obviously the queen bee. She had long ink black hair with two arctic blue highlights. The second girl was a pretty girl with artic blue hair that had dark gray highlights. The first guy was a lanky kid about as big as Midnight, but had just straight dark gray hair. The last kid was obviously a freshman with artic blue hair that had black highlights. When they saw me walking towards them they all broke into grins.

"Looks like we have five for five," the freshman said.

"Shut up Andrew," The girl with the blue highlights said. And she was pretty hot. Now that I was closer I recognized her. Her name was Claire, the girlfriend of a guy named Alrik. He noble leader of another pack of changlings.

"S'sup," the other girl said.

"That's a good way to start a conversation Beth," The boy said.

"Doesn't matter Ben, it's started," Beth spat.

"You seem like a nice bunch," I said. Claire let out a sarcastic laugh. She was the only one here who knew me, and I only knew her. We were never really close friends, but a few weeks of drifting on the road left us on good terms. And by the satisfied grin on her face. She was the top dog of this group.

"So is this your guy's home town?" I asked while sitting down and taking out a donut.

"Just moved her," Andrew said.

"Really?" I asked suprised.

"We all sort of just drifted here towards the end of summer. We decided to stay the school year and we met each other around ten minutes before you came." Beth explained.

"No kidding?" I asked.

"Its true Phoenix, I only saw these guys at the hive in Manhattan," Claire said to me.

"Hmmm never been there," I admitted.

"Really? You should," Ben said.

"So from wha I heard, were the first pack of changlings to come to Canderlot," Beth said. We all grinned. A second later I pulled out my box of cream filled donuts and they each grabbed one.

"Here's to us," Claire announced while holding up her donut like a glass.

"The pioneers of Canderlot," I finished. Then we all touched donuts and bit into them. The donut tasted good hen the filling filled my mouth. And boy did it taste go-

Now we were all spitting out the donuts.

"Mayo?" Beth cried.

"Who would do such a thing?" Andrew cried. I already knew the answer though. No wonder she was so nice and persistent about me taking these donuts. And she knew I loved these things. And she went to far this time.

"Well get her back," I said while tossing the empty donut box into the garbage.

"Get who back?" Claire asked. I turned to them and looked them dead in the eye.

"Sunset Shimmer," I replied.

Author's Note

"So what is punk?"- Rarity.
"This,"-Phoenix (kicks down garbage can)
"So this is punk?"- Rarity (Kicks down different garbage can)
"No, that's trending,"-Phoenix

Others say ice

7:32
I kept in a crouch as my little crew stalked Sunset Shimmer. Even she wouldn't expect any backlash from her little trick the first day let alone the same hour. I let out a little curse when she turned a corner. That would be a problem.

"I got this," Beth said while pulling out a small make-up mirror. Very slowly she edged to the end of the hallway and peeked around.

"All clear," Beth said. Moments later the rest of us walked around the corner. And that's what we did for for several minutes. Each time Sunset Shimmer turned a corner Beth would check if she was looking around before we followed her. Sunset Shimmer herself was wearing a leather jacket over a purple shirt and orange skirt. On her feet were long black boots. And i had to admit that she was pretty hot. A second later I snapped myself out of my little daydream. In her right hand was a magenta binder with a red and yellow shimmering Sun on the cover. At the moment she was angrily talking to a girl with pale light grayish opal hair with a pink and purple shirt over a blue skirt. The girl I later learned was Lyra Heartstrings. At the moment though I was just observing.

"So what's the-" Andrew began before Ben clamped a hand over his mouth. Sunset Shimmer tensed up and turned towards us, but we were already hidden in the Shadows. After starring in our general direction for around a minute she went back to putting down Lyra Heartstrings. And that's what interested me. She was like Midnight, always putting people down. Not even Solstice and Corvis were half as cruel as he was. The difference between them was that Sunset Shimmer did t directly. Midnight did it indirectly while tricking them into putting their guard down before destroying them. I think he did it for fun. After a minute the fiery girl walked into a classroom.

"Mmmmmmm mmmm mmmmm," Andrew mumbled from underneath Ben's hand. I motioned for him to let him go. Ben let out a grin before spreading his fingers.

"Thank you, So what's the plan?" The smaller boy asked.

"Hold on," I said while grabbing Beth's mirror. I began to crouch walk towards the door behind me I heard Claire whisper for the others to stay and she crouch walked after me. When we got to the room I held up mirror to look inside. The classroom was only half lit with many good shadows to hide in. It was a computer class with those rolly chairs.

"Any ideas?" Claire asked me.

"Something to her chair." I answered.

"I have two needles," Claire offered.

"Not that, if we just cat we her pain we might make her a mytr. And I don't know how many people at this school likes her or-.
Wait did you just say two needles?" I asked.

"Yup," Claire said a little too happily.

"Can I ask why?" I said.

"Two needles. The first one she sits on, the second is a little more in the back. After she sits on the first one she will be angry and not think about the chance of a second hidden needle. And then she will sit on the second one just after the first." Claire said while grinning. I returned the grin.

"If were not doing this, what's your big plan?" Claire asked me.

Now I let out a even bigger grin. "This," I said while pulling out a air horn. Claire frowned.

"What's that supposed to do?" She asked. I let out a little groan of annoyance.

"You see those chairs they sit on? See how they go down a little bit. Well when she leaves we duck tape this under her chair. So then when she sits down," I said while grinning. Claire let out a evil chuckle.

"Now we wait for her to leave," I said while examining my air horn.

"We don't have to wait very long," Claire said.

"What? Why?" I asked while looking at Beth's mirror. Sunset Shimmer was already halfway to the door. Her binder was still sitting at her desk.

"Hide, I hissed while jumping on top of the lockers. Due to the dim lighting there was plenty of shadows to hide me. Claire was gone and down the hall I saw Beth, Ben, and Andrew all disappearing into the shadows. I let out a breath of relief when we were all hidden by the time Mrs. Biker queen walked out of the hall. Sunset Shimmer tensed up and looked around. While she gazed at the hallway I willed myself to shrink more. After fifteen eternal seconds she walked down the hall and disappeared around the corner.

As soon as she was gone I crept out from on top of the lockers.

"Oh, so that's where you were," Ben said while creeping out of a shadow with Claire.

"Here, give a cat call when she comes back." I said to Ben while tossing Beth her mirror. Without another word Claire and I crept into the classroom. The room was two thirds full and I let out a little curse when I saw it was 7:50.

"Here I said while handing Claire the air horn. She grabbed a roll of duck tape and went to work. We stuck to the shadows and kept out of most people's sight. Part of the reason why I brought her in with me was. Cause she was small enough to rig the chair without being seen. I however was to big and could avoid being seem, but this kind of stuff was beyond me.

Every second that ticked by made me a little more sketched. I was so tense that I almost jumped out of my skin when I heard. "Pheonix?"

Claire and I both tensed uo when we heard that small voice. I slowly turned and saw Claire doing the same. Her eyes had slight fear in them and I knew mine were doing the same. When I turned all the way around I felt a thousand pounds lift off my shoulders when I saw it was Fluttershy.

"Keep working, I got this," I whispered to Claire.

Claire frowned, but kept on rigging the chair. I turned and faced Fluttershy.

"Hello Fluttershy," I said.

"What are you doing?" Fluttershy asked.

"Settling a score," I replied.

"You shouldn't bring yourself down to her level," Fluttershy mumbled.

"I'm not, it's actually a step better than plan A," I replied. Fluttershy threw me a questioning look.

"Horse needles. Plan A was to use them. Plan B is to scare her instead of hurting her." I explained. J

"You shouldn't fight fire with fire," Fluttershy mumbled to me.

"We're not," I assured. "We're just fighting fire with ice." I said grinning. Fluttershy didn't return my smile.

"Done," Claire whispered while slowly creeping away.

"Listen Fluttershy, were not hurting her or anything. And in our defense she did give us donuts as a friend only for us to find out it was filled with Mayo." I explained.

"Gross," Fluttershy mumbled. Outside I heard a cat call. Instead of dipping I was determined to convince Fluttershy of my cause. "Besides, when she sits down she's gonna look like a cat just after being dropped into water." I said. Fluttershy out on a small smile.

"I guess that would be funny," She said.

I openedmy mouth to say more, but that's when Sunset Shimmer walked in. Without another word I disappeared into the shadows. Half a second later I was out into the hallway holding the mirror. Claire was staring at the mirror intently while the rest of the crew gazed at it. I grinned when I remembered that they had no clue what we did.

"Watch this," I said while Sunset Shimmer sat down.

BBRRRRRMMMMMM 'Scream'

I almost bursted out in laughter, but Ben clamped a hand over my mouth. When I saw him about to laugh Claire put a hand over his mouth. Beth covered her mouth, Andrew her mouth, and me covering his. With my slate hand I positioned it to look at Sunset Shimmer and saw her examining the chair. I would have enjoyed it, but the warning bell sounded. Seconds later we were all running down the hall towards the gym howling with laughter.

Lunch time

I walked into the lunchroom alone. While I had first period with my crew I didn't have them in my second. In fact I didn't even have Rarity, Rainbow Dash, or Fluttershy in my second period. Instead I had Sunset Shimmer. We shared that science class.

Throughout that class I tried keeping my from grinning. However Sunset Shimmer kept shooting daggers at me in anger. I wondered if she knew it was us, but thought nothing of it.

Now in the lunchroom I found a empty table with twelve seats. It was all good. My crew needed elbow room. This was a good score, but why didn't anyone else take it? Taking a suspicious looked around I noticed the two wierd kids named snips and Snails were struggling to hide smiles. Frowning I put down my tray and sat down on my chair.

BBRRRRRMMMMMM 'Scream'

I jumped up like the cat out of hell. While I was doing that I noticed Snips and Snails running out of the lunchroom. And I was pretty sure they took a picture. And now the whole lunchroom was laughing hardcore.

Half a minute later Ben and Claire walked into the lunchroom. After them came Andrew tailing along. What suprised me was when Beth walked in flanked by Rarity and Fluttershy. After those three was Rainbow Dash kicking along a soccer ball.

"What happened to you?" Claire asked when she and Ben got close enough.

"She has the upper hand," I choked out.

"Who?" Ben asked while taking my old seat. My eyes opened wide and I clamped my hands over my ears and screamed at him to not sit down, but-

BBRRRRRMMMMMM 'Scream'

"Oh, her," Claire mumbled in annoyance.

The rest of my crew and the rainbow girls ran towards us after the air horn.

"Check of others," I ordered Ben and Beth, the crews muscle.

After a shirt minute of watching the two changlings poke around the finally gave the all clear on the rest of the table. We all sat down, but I noticed Ben sitting opposite of Rarity.

"She is good," I said while twisting the air horn from under my seat between my fingers.

"Is that the same one we used on her?" Claire asked.

"Yeah," I answered.

"That's Sunset Shimmer for you. What ever you do to her she responds almost instantly." Rainbow Dash said.

"Like how?" Andrew asked.

"Like don't oppose her grip on the school. I did by running against her in the spring fling and She ruined me," Rarity said while cringing. Beth gasped in suprise while the rest of us looked at her in pity.

"So now we have to settle the score," Ben said. Rainbow Dash choked on her drink while Fluttershy paled. The rest if us were giving each other knowing grins.

"Oh please, don't stoop below her level. And you don't have to do this for me," Rarity pleaded. Ben looked disappointed, but I was handing Beth a can of pledge.

"As you wish, but were not stooping below her level, were just stooping to her level." Claire said as a matter of factly.

"And we have to get even for ourselves," I added while motioning towards the now empty air horn.

"Andrew, you know about Snips and Snails?" I asked the freshman.

"Who?" He asked.

"One's really talk and scrawny while the other is short and stocky," I said.

Andrews eyes brightened with realization. "Yeah I know them," He replied.

"Go keep an eye on them. I'm around 97% Sure they're the ones who tipped Sunset Shimmer off about our little suprise." I explained. Andrew saluted me and took off. Next I turned to Claire and Ben.

"Stay here and make it look like the rest of us are still nearby," I told them. Claire shrugged her shoulders while Ben to my suprise paled. A quick glance of his eyes made me realize he was scared of being alone with Rarity. Now that I was able to understand. Rarity was freaking gorgeous and was a fashion queen. Now I gave him a two finger salute which made Claire realize the situation.

"Come on Beth," I said being barely able to hide my smirk.

The two of us ran through the walls. This time taking every precaution not to be seen by anybody. Soon they stood in front of a locker with a shimmering sun sticker on it. "Okay, start wiping," I said while pulling out a few pledge wipes.

"We're going to clean her locker?" Beth asked. I kneeled down and began wiping the floor.

"Not exactly," I replied. By the time we finished. The lunch bell rang. Beth and I looked at each other with dread. We forgot to eat lunch. Neither she or I could do anything about it. Seconds later the hallway filled with students. I let out a whistle while turning towards Beth. She gave me a nod and disappeared into the crowd and I did the same.

Two hours later.

"So did you guys do it?" Rainbow Dash asked me at the end of the day.

"Yup, but I'm not sure if it worked or not," I replied.

"Why not?" Rainbow Dash asked. Wow her voice was scratchy. We walked towards my locker. Ben, Beth, and Claire had their lockers next to mine, but Andrew had his in the freshman wing.

While I walked to my locker I noticed that the floor was extra shiny. Before he realized what it was he wal already crashing into the ground. Rainbow Dash stood as stiff as a statue with realization dawning on her face. While I groaned in pain, Ben and Beth walked into the hallway.

"No wait!" Rainbow Dash called, but they were already groaning in pain next to me. While I tried to stand up Andrew came walking towards us. When he saw Ben and Beth on the ground in pain he ran towards up despite Rainbow Dash's and my calls for him to stop. He crashed into me which made us both go down. Now before anybody could do anything Claire walked around the corner and slipped.

"She has the upper hand," I said while trying to stand up again. I only made it halfway before slipping again.

"Of course I do," a voice said. All six of us turned to the direction it came from. Out of the shadowy hallway stepped out Sunset Shimmer along with Snips and Snails. The two lackeys were chuckling, but paled in fear when Ben, Beth, and I growled at them. Sunset Shimmer's side had a few bruises. Beth and I smirked at each other.

"I don't know if you guys have balls this big," Sunset Shimmer said while extending her fingers. "Or are just stupid,"

"Let me show you," Claire said while she and Beth stood up and began to advanced on her. They both made it one step before slamming down on the slippery floor.

"Stupid," Snips said which made all three of them laugh in glee. Andrew glared at them and began to pull himself towards them with his arms.

"Little freshmen wants to fight," Snails sneered. Sunset Shimmer walked away with a grin on her face.

"Let's waste him," Snips suggested. Snails nodded in agreement, but blanched when he saw Ben and I doing the same thing just a few feet behind Andrew. They both turned and took off down the hall.

"P****s," Beth called after them.

"Now we have to do something," I said while slowly pulling Rainbow Dash, Beth, and Claire from the pledged floor. "Okay, but in going to admit that it looked a little funny," Rainbow Dash said. Andrew opened his mouth to say something, but his eyes opened in dread.

Around the corner came Rarity and Fluttershy. I was unfortunately on the other side of the slipper floor and couldn't do anything. Ben however jumped over the thing and grabbed Rarity.

"Don't walk on there!" We all shouted at ounce.

"What? Why?" Rarity asked from Ben's arms.

"Sunset Shimmer," Rainbow Dash said while I slid across it like I was ice skating. Now that I was ready, I made it across.

"You can let her go now," I said to Ben who was still embracing Rarity.

"Unless of course, you want to keep holding me like this," Rarity said with a cat smile. Ben instantly let her go with his face blushing. I thought I saw a flash of disappointment cross her face for just a moment.

"You guys are famous," Fluttershy mumbled.

"What?" Claire asked from across the hall.

Your all everyone's talking about," Rarity exclaimed.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Not many would dare stand up to Sunset Shimmer, and even fewer would take it as far as you guys do," Rarity explained.

"All we did was repay her with the eye for a eye concept," Andrew said.

"Changlings," Fluttershy mumbled with half a smile.

"Yes darling, but Sunset Shimmer is the queen bee if CHS," Rarity replied.

"And we just kicked the hornets nest," Andrew said with a sliver of fear in his eyes.

"Don't worry about her, if Claire and I handled a team of Umbrum then he shouldn't be a problem," I said while slapping his back. The rest of my crew turned towards us with suprised looks on their faces. "Long story and I don't want to tell it," I said while waving a hand dismissively.

'Wait did I just quote Midnight?'

The next several weeks were the hardest of my life. The first lesson I learned, Sunset Shimmer was more cunning than any Umbrum. As we walked the other students would veer away from us like we were opposites if a magnet. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and even Fluttershy would tell us what people said of us. Not that we didn't hear their whispers ourselves. It was either someone praising us or being brave or someone calling us suicidal or stupid. Sometimes both.

Our little feud with the fiery queen was a very hard one. She was always striking first, strikin last, and making her move the moment we let our guard down. Most days she came out on top while we won only a handful of times. Not that is made us want to stop or anything. In fact, it just made me more aggressive. I kept in touch with Rarity and them. Most of the time i did most of the talking since Claire was full on changling hostile, Andrew was too immature, Beth to sullen, and Ben couldn't stop studdering each time Rarity so much as waved to him. It was amusing, but i did the talking to save on time.

And so much for my vow. I was doing alright in school, but my grades were B's and C's. And my deal about being not evil slowly faded away with each new day. Sometimes I would put someone down for walking too slow, others because I was just in a pissed off mood, and even a few for the fun of it.

"Now well get her," I said while grinning at Sunset Shimmers red camero. I wasn't sure how she afforded thay, but I didn't care. She could be using magic for all I knew. With that hought I shuddered at the thought of Sunset Shimmer raising a demon.

Andrew, Claire, Ben, and Beth all circled the car and looked at me expectantly. "Wrap it," I uttered. Without a second to lose they pulled out clear plastic wrap and began to wrap the thing. Within minutes we finished it and disappeared into the woods next to the school. We didn't go very far, in fact we were at the edges with binoculars poised towards her car. Just like we planned we had the look of disbelief when she saw her car. Se llhe swerved her head around and began to look or us. After a couple of minutes she gave up and let out a whistle. Snips and Snails ran up to her. She pointed at her can and they began to work. The got half a foot off before Snails scratched her car. Sunset Shimmer flew into a rage and sent them away. Now she had to go through the processes of keying her own car to get it out. While I watched the sight of her struggle warmed my heart.

"Did you register us yet?" Claire asked suddenly.

"What?" I asked.

"Did you register us?" She asked again. She made an groan of annoyance when she saw my blank face. "We're the Canderlot branch of he changlings. And the hive likes to keep tabs on their branches." Claire explained.

"So I just tell them that were the Canderlot branch and that's it?" I asked.

"The Queen will also give us a salary," Claire said. When she did the rest of us peeked our heads up.

"How do they do that?" I asked. Claire shrugged her shoulders.

"Don't know, only the higher branches know, the rest of us just do our job and follow orders." Claire explained.

"Wonder who the higher ranked branched are?" Ben asked.

"All I know is that Alaric is one of them while the others a guy named Midnight," Claire shrugged. I nearly dropped my binoculars.

"Midnight's a high ranked Changling?" I asked.

"Yeah, he's on par with Alaric. And he's just as loyal to the queen as he is his siblings," Beth said.

"If he's as loyal to the queen as he is to us, then why isn't he part of the royal guard?" I asked.

"Same reason Alaric isnt, he likes the freedom of being a drifter brings and what did you just say?" Claire asked me.

"Yeah, I'm the youngest of the siblings," I said. The rest of my crew all stared at me with looks of utter shock on their faces. "What did I say?" I asked.

"Your one of Midnights brothers and your jus leading a small outfit in a distant city from the hive," Andrew asked astonished. I mumbled in agreement.

"Which one are you? The silent ninja, the classy one, or the one who has the angle of death?" Ben asked me.

"Neither, I'm the really strong one," I replied. Ben's face slowly dawned realization.

"Oh so your the one who kept on staying home, Alaric wanted to meet you, but you never drifted far enough to get to the hive right," Ben asked.

"He almost did with me," Claire said. The other three turned to her. "Its a long and tragic story that deals with Umbrum. Long story short we ended up running for days until we came across Midnight." Claire said while waving her arm dismissively.

After that we all stood in silence as Sunset Shimmer keyed her car. The silence was next to unbearable until Beth finally broke it. "So are any of you guys going to the fall formal?" Beth asked. We all turned to her slightly amused. The fall formal was just a few weeks away, but she was the first one out of all of us to bring it up.

"Sorry I would, but I'm a freshman," Andrew said as a matter of factly.

"My boyfriend is in Manhattan at the moment," Claire said while shrugging.

"Think Rarity might want to go with me?" Ben asked.

"She might," Beth said. Ben's crush on Rarity was a open secret among us. Each time one of us would bring it up. We would talk about it in Changling tounge. A language we all knew as much as the common tounge.

"What about you Phoenix?" Claire asked me.

"No one to go with," I confessed. They all nodded in understatement. While they begannto discuss how Ben should ask Rarity my gaze drifted over Sunset Shimmer. For half a second I imagined myself with the fiery queen. A second later I came back to reality just as Claire asked Beth who she wanted to go with.

"Flash Sentry," Beth answered in Changling tounge. She was immediately answered with a series of chuckles.

"Why him?" Ben asked.

"Why not him?" Beth asked.

"Just because he's cuter than you doesn't mean you have to hate," Claire spat. Andrew and I boy burst out laughing while walking away. We figured it would be better to let them go at it. While we walked away I heard Ben arguing with Beh and Claire. If they came to blows it would be a pretty even fight since Ben was stronger than Beth and Claire would even things up a bit.

While we ran away from the small brawl that was about to go down. And neither Andrew nor I wanted to get in the middle of it. "So Ben and Beth are fighting again.

"Don't worry about it. Claire is there to referee," I assured him. Andrew let out a fanged smile. In the distance I saw thre familiar husky guys walking towards us.

"So who do you think would win?" Andrew asked me.

"Ben," I answered immediately. Andrew let out a laugh. "Do you think otherwise?" I asked him.

"Ben's pretty tough, but Beth can pack a punch," Andrew said.

"So can Ben," I replied. Now the diamond dogs were in ear distance. I felt myself tense up when I saw their faces. Reluctant determination. "S'sup Rover how's it going man?" I called to them.

"Sorry boss I don't want too, but I have no choice," Rover said in a sad voice.

"Do what?" I asked now on edge.

"This," Rover said while giving me a right hook. I heard Andrew shout while my eyes filled with red. Now I was f****** pissed. That hit should have dropped me, but I answered with a right hook of my own. Rover let out a groan of pain. A second later I went under his guard and slammed him the way Midnight slammed me. In a swift motion I was on top of him with my knee on his chest and my fist raised. Rivers nose was already broken. I would have started rearranging his face, but out of the corner of my eye I saw Fido and Spot closing in on me.

Grunting in annoyance I stood up and jumped back only to seespot the only one meeting me. Fido was massive, but Andrew was still a lot faster. Andrew had kicked Fido's shin and was busy darting in and out of the big guys reach. Letting out a smile full of pride, I turned back to Spot and my rage burned again. Weren't these guys my friends?

Rover had recovered, he spit out blood, but then stood back up and glared at me. It wasn't a glare of hate, bt his eyes were full of sorrow. "I'm sorry Phoenix," Rover said.

"Yeah keep saying that!" I roared. Now I though, what would Midnight do? I already knew the answer to that. Here was a reason he carried a tanto and glock. The tanto to win, the glock to prove a point. I however left my second in command as well as my crews muscle behind. Rover and Spot both edged towards me while Fido was getting more and more angry at not being able to catch Andrew who just rammed his elbow into his hip.

Turning back to Rover and Spot I gave them the death stare. Roaring I charged towards them. Rover met me, but I wasn't going for Rover. Dodging Rover I lashed out at Spot who was completely caught off guard. Taking aim for his lower ribs I rammed my elbow in and heard a snap. Spot let out a cry of pain and doubled over.

My plan with Spot worked, but Rover was on my. This time he was ready for me. And he next couple of minutes we traded blows. He was about my height, but he had weight on me. I was more cat like and more agile. After a couple of minutes of hammering each other I ended it with a left uppercut and a right powerpunch yo his chin. Rover let out a cry of pain and fell down half awake. "Why did you have to do it?" I asked while taking slow steps towards him.

"She made us. Didn't you ever have anybody force you to do anything? No the top person, but someone you just couldn't refuse?" Rover slurred out.

"Theres my queen, but she's the top dog. And she never makes us do anything since we would do it just to please her. Other than that I'm a Changling. And, (speaking into a low voice) no one makes us do anything," Without another word I rammed my foot into his face knocking him out. From behind me Inheard a thunk followed by the angriest roars humanly possible.

'S***'

Turning I just managed to see Andrew laying unconscious while Fido's massive form tackling me. And I'll admit that I was completely caught off guard. I managed to elbow him in the face as well as knee him in he shoulder, but he looked like he barely felt it and bag an to hammer fist me. After three hits I saw an opening and slammed my head into his.

'Pain'

My head but worked, but we were both dased. Fido rolled off of me, but no was powerless to take advantage of it. I was already tired from my fight with Rover and Fido's attack didn't help. Fido was already standing while I was still trying to stand up. He was swaying from side to side, but he was up. It might have gone different, but I heard two angry roars from behind me. Fido's eyes opened wide in suprise as Beth and Ben attacked him. They looked like they just went twelve rounds, but they were still fresh. It wasn't much of a fight. Fido was already tired from chasing down Andrew and holding me down. So I watched Ben and Beth beat he ever living S*** out of him while I regained my balance

After my crew's muscle finished their work, I walked up to each of the d
Unconscious diamond dogs feeling betrayed. Seeing the silver coins that I gave them pinned on their chests didn't make things any better.

"Were these the ones you told us about?" Claire asked me from behind. I nodded. "What do you want us to do with them?" She asked again. I didn't say anything, but I keeled down and took off the silver coins from Rivers chest. M crew minus Andrew all watched in silence as I repeated the process to each of the diamond dogs.

"Take anything worth selling," I said in a commanding voice. The rest of my crew all began to cheer while looting the unconscious boys.

A few weeks later.

Now we stalked our prey. "Just take the shot while it's alone," I whispered to Ben. Ahead of us Rarity walked on the sidewalk alone. At the moment Beth and I were holding fireworks while Claire was brandishing a trumpet and Andrew a sign that read 'Will you go to the fall formal with me?' It was late at night and Rarity went for a early morning run. Her designer workout clothes were actually nice, but come on? Designer gym socks?

"Alright," Ben said while standing up only to be pulled back down by Claire. "What?" Ben asked suprised.

"Not yet," Claire said while waving towards a fiery girl who was walking towards the schools statue. In her hand was the fall formal crown and her face was set with determination.

"Sunset Shimmer? Couldn't this wait?" I asked Claire.

"We've been planning this for weeks," Ben added.

"See what's in her hand though," Claire shot back. After taking another look we all gave each other knowing looks. Even Ben agreed that they could ask Rarity the next morning. Stashing our stuff we all crept after Sunset Shimmer to the statue.

"Where did she go?" Beth asked while looking around the empty field.

"She was just here," Andrew shouted from the otherside.

"Find her," I ordered them. With that being said we all sprawled out and began looking across the school. Eventually the sky began to turn blue and we were all exhausted. "Well that's that," I said. A second later I heard a zap followed by something hitting me I the back of the head that I flew forward about ten feet.

"Phoenix!" My crew shouted while huddling around me like a football team would a downed player.

"What happened?" I groaned out. Looking around I saw that many CHS students were passing by. Out ofnthe corner of my eye I saw Fluttershy picking up something shiny.

"A crown came out of nowhere and hit you in the head," Beth answered

"Wait, where did that crown go? It looked real," Andrew said while standing up straight.

"Fluttershy has it," I grumbled. Another zap.

"What are you doing here?" Sunset Shimmer angrily asked from behind her.

We all turned to her and pointed at our watches. Then went back to me. "How could such a small thing hurt so much?" I asked. They all shrugged.

"What small thing?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"Still here? Well it was a magical flying crown that came and knocked my a** out," I said while standing up.

"Where is it?" Sunset Shimmer asked excitedly. We all pointed towards a disappearing Fluttershy then began walking towards the school. Sunset Shimmer disappeared after the naturist.

Several hours later. We all sat in the library books in hand. Or at least Claire and Andrew sat with me. Beth and Ben both went to the weight room. Beth was determined to catch up to Ben and Ben was determined to catch up with me.

"Check this out," I said while watching a girl with purple highlights trying and failing at using the computer. We all chuckles and continued to watch. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Snips and Snails taking videos. Laughing at myself I knew what was coming soon for this girl. While watching I cringed harder than when Pinkie Pie bit into her icecream. His girl was carrying books in her mouth like she never used her hands before. Eventually the sky began to darken. Claire said that she got a email that had a video of the girl known as Twilight messing around in the library.

Several hours later we all stood over Twilight sleeping on a bed made of books. "Poor her, her life at CHS is over the first day." Andrew wailed.

"We can still reverse this by hacking into everyone's email and removing them," Claire offered. I shook my head.

"That would take all night, and we don't owe her nothing," I said while nudging her book bed. We all nodded in agreement and disappeared into the shadows.

The next morning we all stood in position. This time when Rarity ran around the corner Ben jumped out of his hiding spot which suprised her. "Oh my, you suprised me," Rarity said with a laugh.

The rest of us came out of the woods with our stuff just as Rarity looked at her phone. "Will you go to the fall formal with me?" Ben asked. Rarity was already running back to her home. "Something I said?" Ben asked no one in particular.

"Don't think she heard you," I said while slapping him on the back. "Well ask her later," I assured him while laying on a tree branch, we had probably two hours to kill before school started.

Several hours later we all stood next to Ben. This time we planned it perfectly. This time Rarity will not escape the big question so easily. This time when Rarity walked around the corner we all surrounded her. I immediately knew she wasnt all the way there because of her bag full of costumes.

"Rarity! Would you do me the honor of going to the fall formal with me?" Ben asked.

"Not now darling, I have to be somewhere," Rarity said which cut off Claire's trumpet solo

"Yeah I guess so," Ben said while taking off in a sprint. Rarity must have realized Ben asked something important because she snapped out of her daze. Her face went to horror when she saw the rest of us. Beth and I traded our fireworks for confetti due to the fact that we couldn't light fireworks inside anyways.

"Oh my, I didn't realize-" Rarity started, but was cut off when Claire slammed the door of a nearby locker shut when she stored her trumpet inside. Beth and Andrew began muscling the confetti into the garbage. I ripped the sign into little bits while Rarity's face pinged with regret with each and every tear. The rest of the crew left without a word, but I said to Rarity in a low voice.

"Its alright, none of us thought you would say yes anyways," I felt a guilty satisfaction when I saw her flinch. I never directed my anger towards them, ever.

Later when we sat at our table I was unsurprised to see that Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were missing. "Wonder why she said no?" Ben asked.

"Because she's a beauty queen," Claire offered.

"And she's a fashionist and you dress in the plainest clothes," Andrew added while Ben looked at his black hoodie with artic blue flames going up his left side.

"Your acne problem," I added. Ben was currently breaking out and was barely keeping it under control.

"That fact your all all brawn and no brains," Beth added.

"Okay just shut up," Ben said going into deep thought. The rest of us laughed sadisticly.

We would have continued, but then I heard singing. "What the H*** is that?" I asked.

"Its the book worm," Ben said while pointing at the girl with purple highlights. She was singing with Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. What suprised me was that Applejack and Pinkie Pie were with them.

"I thought they hated each other," Andrew said.

"They do," I said flatly. I narrowed my eyes at them. We're they just lying to us this whole time? Or did they patch things up. Either way I was put on edge with them. At the moment they were rallying the students to their cause. Whatever that was, and they're now a threat to me. "Lets go," I said flatly while standing up. Ounce we left the cafeteria I was only half surprised to see Sunset Shimmer standing outside.

"Hello Phoenix," she said a little too happily.

"What do you want?" I asked still thinking about what in going to do with Raritys new clique.

"Listen we hate each other no secret about that," She said.

"Details," I said. Sunset Shimmer tensed up and gave a grin. Boy did she look good doing that.

"I need your help," she finally said. I stepped back as if she rocked me. Turning I realized that my crew were still inside the lunchroom doing recon on Twilight.

"You want what?" I asked slowly.

"Your help, and you need mine. I know enough about changlings to know that you guys don't like threats. And me being the only one had you pretty busy. Twilight however is something else entirely." Sunset Shimmer said.

"I can take care of some girl who eats books," I said calmly.

"And what about her friends?" Sunset Shimmer asked. I opened my mouth, but Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy flashed through my head. "That's what I thought," Sunset Shimmer said.

"And how do I know that you just won't backstab us when your done," I asked dryly. Sunset Shimmer let out a laugh.

"Because I will reward you," Sunset said while drawing a line on the ground with her boot.

"Reward me how?" I asked now a little fidelity.

"I'll make you-" Sunset said while trailing off to Fluttershy quiet.

"Make me what?" I asked while leaning in.

"Make you my PRINCE," Sunset Shimmer half shouted. I took a couple of steps back.

"How you gonna do that?" I asked.

"Sorry, but that's a secret," Sunset said while waving a finger.

"Okay I'll bite, but I have some conditions," I said dryly. Sunset raised a eyebrow.

"Such as?" She asked.

"I want a cape and a fluffy hat," I said. Sunset was silent for a second before laughing.

"I'll do better than that, I'll give you a crown," Sunset said.

"Better be shiny, but I still want my cape," I replied. Sunset grinned before leaning in until her mouth was next to my ear.

"That's a promise," She said. When she started to move away she kissed my cheek on the way out. I was actually shocked.

"Now were going to have to deal with weirdo in there," I said while motioning with my thumb.

"Don't worry about her, I have a plan to deal with her," Sunset said while walking away.

After she left the rest of my crew walked out of the lunchroom just as Twilight's song was ending. Claire, Ben, and Beth all had annoyed looks on their faces. I was about to ask why when Andrew came out humming a tune while wearing, pony ears? He was also humming a tune. "Well, were friends with Sunset now," I said much to their shock .

"What?" Beth asked.

"Why," Ben asked.

"How?" Andrew asked.

Only Claire didn't seem suprised. In fact it looked like she was expecting it. After telling them I turned to Andrew. "What are those on your head?" I asked astonished. Andrew took the ears off and examined it.

"There pony ears," Andrew said cheerfully.

"Remove them from my presence." I said while waving my hand.

"What? Why?" Andrew asked suprised.

"We're changlings, and changlings do not wear pony ears," I said much to the others amusement.

"fine," Andrew said grumpily. He chucked the obominations away. "So what's going on with you and Sunset?" Andrew asked. The rest besides Claire looked towards me.

"If we help her I'll get a shiny crown and a cape," I said flatly. After that I turned away and walked to my next class leaving my crew with confused looks and a laughing Claire

Several hours later we all stood outside vice principal Luna's office. The girl Twilight just wrecked the fall formal. I knew it was Snips and Snails, but hey I was just rolling with it. "What's she saying?" I asked Andrew who was eavesdropping on them from atop Ben's and my shoulders.

"It sounds like she's getting into trouble," Andrew called down.

"No S*** give us details," Beth hissed.

"Looks like Twilight won't be running for fall formal after all," Andrew called down.

"Keep going, hi Flash," Claire said.

All our of us spun on our heels to face Flash Sentry. Andrew let out a yell as he fell off our shoulders. We didn't need Andrew to eavesdrop for us anymore because Flash barged into Luna's office. Leaving the door wide open.

We all crowded around the door as Flash Sentry proved Twilight's innocence. And I was impressed. If this guy was a changling I would take him into my gang, but just half a whiff of his scent marked him as a regular person. My train of thought was interrupted by Twilight hugging Flash.

"You can still run for fall formal queen tomorrow night," Vice Principal Luna said.

"So does this mean you'll go to the fall formal with me?" Flash Sentry asked.

"No no no no no!" Twilight shouted while running out. We were all staring after her with confused looks. Slowly everyone turned towards me including Flash.

"Um try again? Or at least try for one dance," I said while walking away.

As soon as I left the room Sunset Shimmer grabbed me. "What's up?" I asked her.

"I need your help fixing the fall formal," Sunset Shimmer said.

"Wait, I thought you were the one who trashed it," I said while the rest of my crew walked out.

"I did, but those two idiots messed it up and I need the dance to go on tonight," she said. I let out a whistle which made Ben and Beth look at each other and shrug their shoulders before walking off towards the gym.

"Andrew, we should have some gear coming in from the hive today, go collect it. And Claire, I think it's time we upgraded our wardrobe, don't you agree?"

"Long overdue," Claire said in a grin.

'Roughly twelve minutes later'

"I fail to see why we had to run," I gasped between breaths. The two of us stood outside the mall.

"We're gonna help Sunset Shimmer right?" She gasped between breaths.

"Yeah,"

"Well this is the best way to do it, since none of us are really going to the fall formal we don't have to dress formally. However we still have to look good and we don't have a lot of time," Claire said. I shrugged, I just wanted to upgrade. How we did it was up to her.

As soon as we stepped inside Twilight came crashing through us. "SORRY!" Twilight called back to us. Claire and I picked ourselves up from the ground.

"You will be, you broke my nails your purple haired b****," Claire growled. I'm not sure if Twilight even heard her, but it didn't stop us from chasing after her. The girl was fast, really fast. I wasn't sure if Twilight even knew we were chasing after her or not, but she disappeared into a store who's owner I knew. "She ran into the Carousel Boutique," Claire said.

"Well go after her if its empty," I promised. The two of us walked up to the window of the store and peeked inside. "Full house," I said. Inside were Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Still not sure why they weren't coming to blows.

"Some other time then," Claire said walking away. I stood at the window hidden by the shadows. Rarity was wearing a blue dress and looked pretty hot. Ben would love it. Now my mind flashed back to Ben's little ritual on asking her to the dance. My eyes slowly glided over Twilight who had to ruin the thing.

"That's a promise," I growled while following Claire.

For the next couple of hours I was Claire's personal model. And She made me try on eveeything. From t-shirtss, pants, jackets, shoes, gym clothes, and even socks. She kept us towards the darker colors changlings normally wear. The difference was that it was no longer hardcore punk. It was changling In he end I got five la its of jeans which were either black or dark gray, four t-shirts with a artic blue scorpion on the shoulder, five long sleeve black shirts, and a black military field jacket.

Claire's outfit was similar. Instead of dark jeans she was wearing skinny jeans. And instead of t-shirts she wore silky shirts. Although we had matching military field jackets. Alone with our outfits we bought Andrew, Ben and Beth a jacket each. We didn't match clothes though.

"Okay so now that web of our nice outfits what do we do?' Claire asked when we finished. I pulled out my phone and read a text from Beth.

"They finished cleaning the gym, but we have a problem " I said.

"Really? What happened now?" Claireasked.

"Twilight came with half the school to clean. Took Ben and Beth's credit and now they're voting for her to be princess." I answered. I knew she wasn't lying. Ben and Beth wouldnhave fixed that place, but Twilight was either a very lucky girl or she was a criminal mastermind.

"Holy S***, how much pain and misery do we owe her now?" Claire asked astonished.

"Lets make a list. First she ate and ruined my favorite book series, then she ruined Ben's chance at asking Rarity out in which he finally found the courage, next she stole our lunch table, convinced Andrew to wear those obominational pony ears, next she grew us into the wall breaking your nails, and now she took the credit about the fall formal which Beth was already half done," I said while counting with my fingers.

"Wow she somehow pissed us all off within twenty four hours," Claire said.

"Impressive," I muttered while walking away.

'Some time later'

"Did you get the stuff?" I asked Andrew. My three other changlings all loved the new jackets, but they couldn't rock the look the way Claire and I did.

"Got in touch with the delivery man, said he should be here soon," Andrew said while flexing in his jacket.

"Keep a eye out," I said while the rest of us began walking to the gym doors. Andrew was on lookout duty since he couldn't actually to to the fall formal. When we got inside someone asked us to vote for formal queen. It took me half a second to check next to Sunset Shimmers name and drop the thing into the box. After I finished I looked around and saw that my crew was seriously underdressed. Claireand I were good, but Ben and Beth still had on worn t-shirts and jeans.

"Keep an ear out for my signal, other than that have fun," I said to my crew. Within seconds we spread out with me blending into the shadows looking for Sunset Shimmer. Now would be a good time to ask her o dance, but after a couple of minutes I realized she wasn't here.

"Pssst, Phoenix. Over here," A voice called quietly. I turned and saw Snips hiding behind a corner. Groaning in annoyance I walked over to him.

"Whadya want?" I asked flatly.

"Don't give me away!" Snips said loudly. I turned and saw a few students turn towards us before returning to their dance.

"You suck at blending in, and we can all see you anyways," I said coldly. Snips seethed, but couldn't do much other than that.

"Sunset needs your help," Snips said. I turned and looked around for her. "She's outside," Snips added.

"Tell her I'll be there in just a moment," I said while looking for my crew. I found Claire by the fruit punch and she was harshly rejecting a boy who wanted to dance with her.

"I have a boyfriend," she said.

"Really? I don't see him," the boy said.

"And trust me when I say you don't want to," I said while walking up to them. The boy turned to me wide eyed. I looked pretty formidable being tall and lean.

"Sorry bro, I didn't know she was your girl," he pleaded. In cut him off with a wave of my hand.

"She's not, but she does have a boyfriend and Alaric is thre big strong jealous type," I said with a clock of my head. The boy left after that.

"Thanks, and was I right?" Claire asked me. I nodded. She grinned "alright then, let's go," she said. After that we looked for Beth. I found her dancing with a boy who looked suprised that someone like Beth was dancing with someone like him. When she saw me motioning for her to come she ditched him without a word. Ben was a little harder because Rarity got to him around twelve seconds before we did. We all glanced at each other before walking again.

"Ben, I wanted to apologize for ignoring you earlier," Rarity began. Ben cut her off a little hesitantly.

"Yeah, it only took me weeksto plan. And don't worry about it. I didn't expect you to say yes anyways," Ben replied.

"And why not?" Rarity asked. Her question suprised Ben who straightened up. The rest of us all stopped walking.

"Because your a beauty queen and I'm me," Ben said while motioning to himself.

"That shouldn't be a problem," Rarity said.

"Explains why you ignored me, it's alright though." Ben answered. We all started walking again.

"That's not fair," Rarity cried. "Look Ben I actually really li-"

"Ben lets go!" I said while walking past surprising them both.

"But Rarity was about to say somethi-" Ben began. I cut him off with a sharp whistle. Beth and Claire each grabbed one of his arms and dragged him after me. "But, but never mind I'll talkto her later," Ben said shrugging off his captors.

When we all left the gym I pulled Claire aside. "Keep a lookout with Andrew, I don't trust Sunset Shimmer to double cross us," I muttered. Claire nodded them disappeared into the shadows.

The rest of us walked up to Sunset Shimmer who was standing next to the school statue with a sledgehammer. "Where'sthe rest of your guy's?" She asked.

"You needed muscle for whatever your gonna do and this is my crews muscle," I answered. Sunset Shimmer nodded acceptably. "So what's up?" I asked.

"I need your help getting the element of harmony," Sunset Shimmer said.

"The what?" I asked.

"Fall formal crown," Sunset Shimmer answered.

"There's a problem with that, the fall formalcrown is under lock and key. And when it's not, it will be on Twilight's head," Beth stated.

"I have a plan for that," Sunset Shimmer said.

"And that plan is?" I asked.

"Coming right now," Sunset Shimmer said with a grin. Her two lackeys Snips and Snails rushed out carrying a strange looking dog. After her Twilight and her little gang quickly followed. On her head was the fall formal crown. Slowly they ran up to us with them looking at me and my crew astonished.

"Give me the crown or I'll break the portal," Sunset Shimmer said while raising the sledgehammer.

"DON'T DO IT TWILIGHT!" The dog shouted. I nearly jum)lllll

"That dog just talked!" Beth screamed.

"How's that possible! Did they summon discord or something?" Ben asked.

"They don't seem the type to summon demons," I answered.

"I don't know, Pinkie Pie seems to know more than she should sometimes," Ben stated. We all turned to Pinkie Pie who began to smile nervously.

"Ben! Are you really going to do this?" Rarity asked snapping us back to attention. I decided to sneak a glance at Ben and saw his expression emotionless.

"Yes, I am," Ben answered.

"Your Phoenix right? Please don't do this, you don't know what she's capable of," Twilight pleaded while looking straight at me.

"I had a petty good idea before this demon spawn spoke, so now I just gotta roll with it." I replied. Snips had the demon dog while I motioned for Snails to circle around.

"I won't let you turn the magic to chaos." Twilight announced to Sunset Shimmer.

"Let's rid this world of the dog then," I said while walking towards Snips. Snails was almost into position.

"Don't you date hurt that dog Phoenix!" Rarity and to everyone's suprise, Fluttershy snapped.

"Then give up the f****** crown already," I answered annoyed. Rarity turned back to Ben.

"You don't have to listen to everything he says," Rarity pleaded. Ben looked at the sleeve of his militarygrade jacket.

"Yes, I do." Ben replied sadly just as Snails got into position.

"NOW!" Sunset Shimmer screamed. Snails tackled Twilight causing the crown to fall off. I immediately rushed to where it fell, but Applejack was just as fast. And that girl was strong. With one arm she grabbed the crown and with the other she slammed me into the ground. Applejack may be strong, but I was stronger AND I knew how to fight. In a single motion I jumped up while sweeping my legs underneath hers. She let out a grunt while the crown flew into my hands. Grinning I turned to Sunset Shimmer, but was tackled by Pinkie Pie.

"You b****!" I spat while Pinkie Pie grabbed the crown faster than the eye could follow. Pinkie didn't have the crown for long because Beth sucker punched her in the face while swiping the crown only to be tackled by Fluttershy. The crown flew into Snips hands who was immediately tackled by Rarity. I took a spare second to examine the scene. Twilight got free of Snails, Pinkie Pie was stumbling around, Applejack was getting up with a pissed off look on her face, Beth was tearing into Fluttershy while Rainbow Dash was making a beeline for them, Ben was circling around while Snips and Rarity were wrestling for the crown, and Sunset Shimmer was circling close behind Ben.

While Rarity and Snails wrestled the crown flew into Twilight's hands so fast that she fell down. Seeing his chance Ben rushed her only for Twilight to scream and kick him in the b***s with the sound of something being crushed.. We all stopped what we were doing to wince in pain. Except for Twilight who looked like she didn't know what she did.

Ben's eyes rolled to the back of his head while he fell to his side with his hands between his legs in with his mouth wide open letting out a wierd sounding "aaaaaawwwwwww,"

"That had to hurt," Beth said angrily.

"I don't think she meant to do that," Fluttershy mumbled.

"Well why else did she kick him there?" Snails asked.

"Hope he can still have kids," I added.

"Listen partner I know you might now know this, but you don't kick a man down there like that unless he's trying to hurt you," Applejack said.

"But I though he was," Twilight pleaded.

"You'll have to excuse her, her world in equestria is different than it is here," Pinkie Pie said. What the h*** did she say?

"He was trying to get the crown," Sunset Shimmer said.

"Hey lay off, she said she thought he was coming after her," Rainbow Dash said.

"So? If I think this is a fight to the death changling style which it could due to his balls being flattened does that mean I can use that sledgehammer?" I asked. They all looked at me with a hint if fear in their eyes.

"You'll have to excuse him, he had a really tough childhood and witnessed the death of someone firsthandin self defense," Pinkie Pie stated.

I looked at her astonished. "I know Claire didn't tell you that so how the h*** did-" I started.

"Just a hunch," Pinkie Pie answered. The rest of them were now looking at me with Pity except Beth who was glaring at Twilight.

"Ok this got to deep," I said while running towards Twilight faster than Ben did. She didn't have time to even scream in suprise when I football kicked the crown into Sunset Shimmers hands.

Sunset Shimmer was all fiddity now. Only when I saw their expressions did I realize something was wrong. "You have no idea how many hoops I had to jump rough tonight to get this crown. I even made peace with my rival's just so we wouldn't be on the opposite sides tonight. And don't worry, I don't forget my friends," Sunset Shimmer said while the last part was directed at me with a wink. She then held the crown over her head, but I was thinking F.E.A.R. F*** everything and run.

"Okay I'm gonna stick to the safe side here. Beth, time to go," I said while already running with Ben slung across my shoulders.

From Claire's and Andrews hiding spot, we saw it all. From the demon transformation, to the zombies, and finally the lasers. All five of us leaned in closer and let out a sigh of relief when Sunset Shimmer survived. I alsofelt sadness that suprised me. I didn't care about her, did I? And then the anger. Andrew disappeared and came back with a brown box. "The stuff is here," he grinned. We opened it to find long knives, throwing knives, short swords, and a few ninja stars. We immediately equipped them and I stood and turned to where Twilight was standing.

"Its a eye for an eye," I growled.

"Let's go over the list," Claire said. Ben stood up. He was good now. But he was f****** pissed.

"Trashing all our favorite books, and getting Andrew to wear those obominational pony ears," he growled.

"Hey," Andrew protested.

"Taking the credit about my cleaning the gym by coming in last minute," Beth added.

"Essentially stealing our friends," Andrew said.

"Kicking my balls into my brain," Ben snarled.

"Breaking my nails and throwing us into the walls," Claire said.

"And ruining Ben's plan to ask Rarity out after all that annoying planning," Andrew finished.

"Don't forget about her ruining Sunset Shimmer's life, she's not one of s, by she was our ally and well just add that to the list." I said.

"So a life for a life?" Claire asked.

"I never killed someone before," Ben said.

"Now's a good time to learn," Claire said evily. All three of them blanched.

"Don't worry about her, it's my job to deal with her," I said casually. In truth I was as scared as they were. I never killed someone before, but now I had no choice. It was the changling way.

Finding Twilight alone was harder than we thought because of all the people crowding around her. Lucky for us nobody noticed us lurking in the shadows. My chance finally came when she stood in front of the statue talking to her friends. our friends. Angrily I poised my ninja star ready to throw, but something stopped me. With a sense of dread I realized that I couldn't do it.

"Take the throw and go to the hive," Midnight said quietly in my ear. My heart started pounding and I slowly began to turn my hear. "Don't lose focus, take your aim and throw," Midnight said. From the corner of my eye I saw him. As beautiful as a angle, but he was just out of sight. When I saw the rest of my crew not even turn I knew he was just in my head, but that didn't make it any better. "Right for the throat so you'll know she's dead, but after that go to the hive. Once she's dead you'll have to live like the rest of us changlings do," Midnight whispered. Twilight turned to the statue. "THROW IT" Midnight roared in my head.

I threw.

Author's Note

Feedback is welcome..and comment I enjoy reading them.

From what I've tasted of desire.

The Umbrum was fast. His blades were already glowing with blood in the night. Grinning he charged towards me only to for a tanto to come flying out of the darkness into his shoulder

I woke up sweating. That nightmare always left my shaky. Looking at my clock I saw it was almost five. Groaning I rolled off my bed staggered into my bathroom. I took a cold shower to wake me up, but it didn't stop my hollow feeling. When I finished my shower I made myself two bacon sandwich and ate them slowly. Minutes later I threw them up. After I finished my attempt at eating I rinsed my mouth and brushed my teeth
After that I used mouth wash and popped a couple of winter ascent mints. My mirror was still full of steam from my shower. So with a shaky hand I wiped one streak and looked back into my icy blue eyes and asked "Did I kill Twilight Sparkle?"

Several hours later I sat in the lunchroom with a tray of breakfast pizza in front of me. None of it entered my mouth. For the most part I just moved it around to kill time. When the warning bell came I stood up and dumped my tray. A lot of kids looked at me in fear, but something else. Was it pity? Non they can't know I threw that star. It flew in the shadows making it all but invisable. And the star went through the mirror with her, but did they know I threw it? No! They couldn't have, there was no way to see the star at all let alone track it back to its owner.

I let out a icy glare at them and they all turned away. After the longest walk of my life I arrivedn to the doors of the cafeteria. Letting out a sigh of relief I staggered through the doors and into the hallway. Groaning I remembered this was when I normally passed Sunset Shimmer. I just couldn't deal with her today, but I was moving slow and I didn't really have a choice in the matter. While I walked I used the wall for support and stumbled my way towards the gym.

Half way there I heard angry shouts and saw a crowd throwing things at somebody. I let out another angry groan. Normally I would go with something like that, but not today. When I got nearer I planned my way through. I was TALL and MUSCULAR, unless it was Big Mac or Bulk Biceps I would be able to just shove my way through. And if any of these kids hit me with garbage.

I didn't care if it was an accident or not, if they bit me they would.get a face full of angry changling. When the crowd finally parted I was shocked yo see it was Sunset Shimmer. Her hair and clothes were streaked with whatever the mob was throwing. When she saw me she paled as white as Rarity. Half a second later she spun on her heels and took of running the other direction leaving me and a equally suprised mob.

Now the mob turned to me as I walked straight through them. Amidst them I heard a few whispers.

"Did he change too?" Someone whispered.

"I think so, I mean he was there," another whispered.

"Why is he so pale?"

"Is he alright?"

"He's not bad anymore right?"

"Why is he so pale?"

"He looks like he's going to be sick,"

"Why is he so pale?"

The whispers just wouldn't stop and suddenly I started breathing really really fast. Something that happened three years ago, but Midnight was there to help me. I knew I was having a panic attack.

"YOU SUCK PHOENIX!" a green haired kid yelled while throwing half a burrito at me. The whole hallway instantly went silent. I was half glad he did it because it brought me out of my panic attack, but also annoyed because I couldn't deal with this s*** right now. Spinning I gave a death glare to the green haired kid who had the 'I regret that already' look on his face. He took a step back while the other students moved away from him. "Wait," he mumbled. Before he could say anything else, I was already choke lifting him. 'Why do they always say wait?' I thought to myself. The next moment I slammed him into the ground. All the other students stared at me with fear. It was obvious that something changed with Sunset Shimmer, but the changlings were still not to be messed with. Satisfied with myself I continued towards the gym, but the whispers just wouldn't stop.

"Why is he so pale?"

"Is he alright?"

"does this mean he's the new Sunset Shimmer?"

"I hope not,"

"Why is he so pale?"

"He looks half dead,"

After what felt like an hour I finally made it to the gym. I still had a few minutes until the bell so I wasn't worried. Slowly, but firmly I pushed the doors open and the bright gym lights filled the dark hallway and everything from last night flooded back into my head.

Flashback

"THROW IT!" Midnight roared in my head.

I threw.

As soon as the star left my hand in turned towards my right where I thought Midnight was, but he was gone like flowers in the wind. Seeing that it was just in my head i turned backto my star that was gliding towards Twilight Sparkle.

I aimed for her neckmso we could be sure she was dead, but now I was regretting ever throwing that star. The star was almost to her when she did the craziest I ever saw. And that was saying a lot as I saw a talking dog and a raging she demon just hours before. She turned and stepped through the school statue. I let out a sigh of relief, but it quickly went away when my ninja star followed her through half a second later.

"Did you get her?" Claire asked.

"Not sure, another half second and I would have," I muttered.

"What do we do now?" Andrew asked.

"Confirm the kill," Claire said while drawing her blades. We all did the same, but we did it more hesitantly than she did. After that it was a mad rush to the statue with us darting from statue to statue.

We got close, but then I saw Pinkie Pie smash against the statue. Grunting in annoyance and relief I let out a whistle which made Ben, Beth, and Andrew all stop.and let out sighs of relief. I had to grab Claire to make her stop. "What are you doing?" She hissed.

"Whatever magic that keeps that statue open is done. We're too late," I hissed back.

Claire snarled in anger. "We will get we next time," she promised while disappearing.

After that we all just went home.

I worked out in silence, the rest of my crew were just the same with the exception of Claire who seemed happier than usual.

My next period was no better. Every time I closed my yes all in could see was Twilight's back stepping into the statue and my ninja star going in after her moments later aimed for her neck. What scared me more was how much Claire reminded me of Midnight. At the moment she was almost as ruthless and evil as him. Each time in closed my eyes the scene came into my head followed by her face with Claire and Midnight laughing in the background. I didn't really pay attention to the class and was relieved that the lunch bell finally rang.

Dragging myself to the lunchroom I barely made it to the lunch table when to my suprise, Rarity and Pinkie Pie sat down next to me. "You don't mind if we sit here do you darling?" Rarity asked. I said nothing and looked the other direction. "I'll just pretend that's a yes," Rarity said while sitting down. When they did Ben and Andrew rolled up. Ben sat down and looked away, but Andrew began sizing them up. Rarity tried to start any sort of conversation, but we all kept up our silent protest.

Eventually Beth and Claire sat down, but they were as silent as we were. Pretty soon our whole table was crowded when Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy sat down and began talking like nothing happened. Ben and I glanced at each other with the same thought. Did these go us really forget about the a** Kicking we gave them last night? I mean, we could still see their bruises. Claire and Beth finally showed up much to my relief. I let out a sigh of annoyance when they did what we were doing.

Eventually the one sidded conversation with them acting like we were best friends was just too much. "Okay, what do you want?" I asked very strongly. My size worked because they all stopped and looked at me, but not with fear.

Andrew began tapping a small beat with his fingers while mumbling a song. "As different as the night is from day," he sang softly.

"We just wanted to make amends with y'all," Applejack said.

"I'm just like you and your just like me," Andrew mumbled.

"We don't HAVE to be one in the same thing," I said to him. Ben and Beth nodded in agreement. Claire gave a sarcastic smirk that reminded me of Midnight so much. "We're gonna have to take a vote on this," I saidwhile turning towards my crew.

"Oh ok," Rarity said slightly disappointed.

"Okay time to vote, all in favor of making amends raise your-" My words were interrupted by my cell ringing. Growling in annoyance I pulled out my phone and paled.

"Make them wait," Claire said. I flashed the screen of my phone to her and she paled even more than I did.

"So are you gonna hang up?" Beth asked.

"One does not miss a call from Queen Chrysalis," I said. Ben, Beth, and Andrew all paled like we did, but Rarity and them were all giving us confused, but concerned looks.

"Answer it!" Claire screamed earning wierd looks from the other tables. Without wasting another second I swiped the green button. Slowly I put the phone to my ear.

"Hello Phoenix Stellar," Queen Chrysalis said. Her voice echoed as if she was saying her words several times at ounce.

"Hello my queen," I replied in the politest tone possible.

"I'm going to skip the small talk and just get to the point. It has come to my attention that a case of supernatural anomalies has occured in your branches current territory, am I correct? " She asked.

"Yes my queen,"

"Good, looks like Midnight and Alaric were right. Now tell me what it is," Queen Chrysalis asked.

"From what I know there was a portal that let a girl named Twilight Sparkle come from another universe. From our observations it was a world filled with magic and talking ponies," I explained.

"Are you mocking me?" Queen Chrysalis asked with a hint of anger in her voice. Suddenly I was afraid.

"No my queen! What I say is the truth, she had a dog that could talk and changed the way things normally ran here with something she called the magic of friendship." I said hastily.

"Go on," she commanded.

"The reason she was here was to recover a magical artifact that we mistaken as our fall formal crown. A student here that may or may not be associated with said universe was planning on takin a army from our world to their world by using that crown and transforming into a demon and taking control of the students at my school." I explained while choosing my words carefully.

"And how were you and your pack not affected?" Queen Chrysalis asked.

"We made an alliance with her before the events happened." I said.

"And this girl, what became of her?" Queen Chrysalis asked.

"She's still here, but she's no longer a threat," I said.

"Are you sure?" Queen Chrysalis asked.

"Yes my queen," I repied.

"And this portal, is not still open?" Queen Chrysalis asked.

"No my queen, it's closed for a good while," I answered.

"How long?" Queen Chrysalis demanded. Apparently Rarity heard her because she mouthed 'thirty moons'

"How long is that?" Queen Chrysalis demanded.

"I don't know," I admitted. Next came a very long silence where I thought she hung up, but I knew better.

"I Queen Chrysalis now command Phoenix Stellar of the Canderlot branch to take over the magic investigation. Report to me when you discover anything knew. And come to me if you require any assistance." Queen Chrysalis said in a powerful voice. Before I could say anything else she hung up. After roughly ten seconds of silence I let out a breath that I just realised I was holding in. Beside me I heard them all do the same. I turned to Rarity and them.

"Okay, you're forgivin, now come on guys. I need a drink." I said while walking away. Even Claire didn't object.

Later that night.

Midnight stood above me. His coat was spotted with blood and he smelt like gun powder. 'Blow back,' I thought. In his right hand was a tanto with its blade coated in a dark substance while his left held a gun. I would know that Glock anywhere. His outfit was full of dirt and other stuff, but his face was clear as well as his hair. His face though was really pale like he saw a ghost.

Midnight and I stood above the fat lady from the taco joint. She was on the ground bloody and begging. Looking around I was suprised to see Solstice, Corvis, and Forest standing there with the biggest knives I ever saw. They resembled machetes, but I knew they were the long knives we carried. Midnight however was carrying his tanto free of blood. Without warning he turned to me. I immediately knew something was wrong when I saw his eyes flickering from murky green to emerald green and back again. Taking a second look i realized they were all like that way, but theirs were from artic blue to emerald green and back again.

"Finish it," he said with his voice voice slow and zombie like.

"This isn't right," I replied my voice cracking. Midnight shrugged and turned back to the lady who was begging for mercy. With his right hand he pulled out a long knive and raised his left hand with his tanto. Forest, Corvis, and Solstice all closed in on her with their knives raised in similar fashion. "We can't kill a innocent person!" I pleaded. All four of them turned to me with their eyes their normal color. My head was twisted t the left by a hand under my chin. Claire stood there with her eyes flashing emerald green.

"You did," she said while turning my had back to my original pack. They all stared at me and their eyes started flashing emerald again. They all began to close in on the women while I went into the fetal position. I tried to cover my ears, but I still heard the screams.

The screaming went on for several minutes. Eventually they stopped and I felt a soft hand on my face. Slowly looking up I saw Twilight Sparkle smilin at me. "It's okay, everything will be alright." She said almost cooing. I stared at her with my mouth gaping open. She smiled at me and stood up while turning. Twilight then bag an to walk towards the school statue that appeared. Without thinking my hand went to my side and began to curl around a familiar ninja star.

"No!" I cried as my hand went up unwillingly. "Please don't do this," I pleaded wih myself. Twilight was almost to the mirror now. Around me over a dozen changlings formed a semi circle around me. I instantly recognized them as my old unit and my new one all with glowing blue eyes in the dark besides Midnight who had glowing dark green eyes. My hand too aim while my body turned to throw. "Please don't," I begged them with tears streaking down my face. Twilight was at the mirror now.

"Throw it," Midnight commanded. I threw.

The star went straight and fast and was only half a foot away from her when her back disappeared. I had a glimmer hope she made it until the star followed her thorough.

I sat up in my bed sweating. Looking around I had to calm myself down. After I finished I took a long cold shower and went to school. This went on for about a week. Each day I struggled o make it through the say. Claire seemed to be enjoying life while the rest of us became more sullen. At lunch the rainbow squad noticed our changes immediately. We always denied what they were talking about, but Applejack always saw straight through our act. At least Sunset Shimmer stopped messing with us. If she was I wasn't sure I could take it. And each night the nightmares got worse. Each time I remembered another detail from that night while I saw that women from the taco joint along with changlings and our normal savage acts. At the end of each nightmare I always threw the star at Twilight Sparkle. Sometimes she was silent others she waved to me, some she was talking with other people and a few she talked to me. Comforting me from my other nightmares. And each time I killed her from another dimension.

It was my usual nightmare routine. Even if I was used to it didn't mean it made it any better. However this time I saw a series of dead bodies around me. 'Whats going on?' I though. Looking down at the bodies I realized that there was a few head shots but most of them had their throats slit. Like red necklaces that came from ear-to-ear. Slowly turning my gaze towards my left hand I realized with horror that I was holding a pistol. In my right hand was a long knife.

I sat up even more freaked out than usual. I quickly checked my clock and realized it was only eleven. Standing up I called the other changlings in a group call.

"Hello?" Ben asked.

"Get up, were doing something tonight," I told them.

"Where should we meet?" Beth asked.

"By the school," Claire said. We all agreed and I hung up to get ready. When I finished I left my apartment and locked the door. That last dream was too much.

Sunset Shimmer POV

Sunset Shimmer turned and her heart skipped a beat. Standing at the edge of the cleaning stood Phoenix and his crew. 'Run, do something,' A voice inside her head screamed.
She barely managed to stand up and the world was swaying. In her hand was a large liquor bottle while the smaller one was on the grass empty.
The one with the two blue highlights walked up while the rest formed a semicircle around her. Claire walked halfway between them and said something in the changling language. Now Sunset Shimmer wished she took the Changling foreign language class. Claire said it while turning to Phoenix and letting out a grin while finishing her jokenwhile turning to Ben.
Now Sunset Shimmer was sweating. Ever since the fall formal kids from CHS gave her h***. These guys were her rivals before that and she gave hem h***. Ever since the fall formal she always took steps to avoid them. From what she seen Phoenix was having a blast since he now had no competition at the school.
'Why didn't I just stay home?' Sunset Shimmer thought to herself. Before she could come up with an answer Phoenix let out a whistle and all five of the Changlings were running towards her.
'Run' Sunset Shimmer thought, but only succeeded in falling down. Now he changlings were really close. Phoenix replaced Claire's place at the front and now stood right above her. Sunset Shimmer opened her mouth to ask him what he was going to do to her, but the words wouldn't leave. Instead of attacking her like she thought he grabbed the bottle of liquor and opened it.
Sunset Shimmer opened her mouth in suprise. These guys could hurt her and no-one would care. Instead Phoenix who was looming above her on his knees turned his head and raised the bottle to his lips. From the side of his eyes he winked at her as if to say "watch this,"
He took on long drink and handed the bottle to Andrew. Andrew was still a freshman, but he took a drink almost as big as Phoenix did. After that he handed it to Beth who took a slightly smaller drink and handed it to Claire who took a drink bigger than Phoenix. Ben ended up taking a drink the size of Andrew's which finished it. Once they finished it, the all stood up and began walking the way they came with little swaying to their movements.
"Your not going to do anything to me?" Sunset Shimmer asked. Phoenix stopped and turned his head towards her.
"Our score was settled a while ago. Not it would be useless going after you since you wouldn't do anything back," Phoenix said in a surprisingly calm voice.
"You do to everyone else," Sunset Shimmer pointed out. Then mentally slapped herself.
Phoenix only grinned and kept walking away.
Once they were gone Sunset Shimmer stood in that clearing silently for what felt like hours. When she finally came out of shock she cried in relief.

Author's Note

Can anybody guess it yet? And the end in of this series will shock you.

I hold with those who favor fire.

When I woke up I had the worst headache imaginable. It was worth it though. For the first time in a week I actually slept through the night. I just tried to ignore the dark pockets underneath my eyes. I slowly rubbed my eyes while sitting up. Despite having a nightmare free sleep, I also had a dreamless and didn't feel rested. Still thought, anything was worth not remembering that night. Slowly getting dresses i thought back to last night. We all met by the school and went to our usual hangout spot, a old mansion in the woods. It was owned by Queen Chrysalis who had property everywhere. So we were technically allowed to use it whenever we wanted. The place was pretty damn nice. It had a guest house, big porch, hammock, balcony, garage, green house, four stories, somewhere between twenty and thirty rooms, a flag pole with the Changling Flag on it, a Jacuzzi, and a wet bar. The last two didn't work because of no electricity, but it was the principle of the thing.

However on the way over there we came across a small pack of kids who were trashing our queens houses land. Needless to say that they were there looking for something since they had were tearing through bushes and such. What's more was that they looked more suprised to see us than we were. I mean come on! We strung ebony wolf amulets all over the place. Now we gave those kids a good thrashing when we smelled her.

She was alone in a clearing about a quarter mile to the west. My blood went cold when I realised what those kids were looking for. I might have went after them again, but we were already halfway there. "We need better warning signs," I grumbled while we were making a beeline for her.

"Dogs?" Claire offered.

"We're not dog killers," I replied.

"Wolves then," Claire said.

"That's so savage, I like it," I said while grinning.

Pretty soon we came to a clearing where we knew she was coming. "Who wants to bet on when she comes?" Claire asked.

'Too late to score some cash because I can smell her now," I replied. We all lifted our heads an took in a deep breath. She smelled nice like sweet summer nights full of smokey bonfires.

While standing just outside the clearing we watched Sunset Shimmer walk into it. This time she seemed different than when I first saw her outside the bus station. She no longer walked with swagger like Midnight. In fact Andrew reminded me of my fostor siblings more than she did. And Andrew acted like those crusader freshman.

She walked halfway to the clearing holding two bottles of some clear stuff. One was a large gallon glad bottle while the other one was a liter sized. "Wonder what those are," Claire asked. Sunset Shimmer finished one of the bottles when she fell to her knees and began to throw up. "That answers that," Claire said.

"How long until she notices us?" Ben asked.

"Let's find out," I said while pulling my hood up. After she finished throwing up she started to notice our ebony carved necklaces hung from the branches. And she still didn't notice us on the other side of the clearing. The look on her face was fear as she slowly took in the realization of where she was. And that's when she noticed us. Claire and I smiled from under our hoods. I knew that Sunset didn't know if we just got there or were watching the whole time, only that we were there now.

Claire walked up a little bit and said in the changling tounge "Took her long enough," to me. Then she turned towards Ben. "Wondered if she would ever catch on," Clair finished. We all grinned. Now I saw the bottle and I knew everyone else had the same idea. I let out a whistle and we all began to run towards her. Sunset' s face flashed with fear as she fell down. It was amusing, but I wondered why she was scared.

After several seconds I was back at the head of the crew and we formed a semi circle around her. Sunset Shimmer opened her mouth as if to say something. I waited patiently for a couple of seconds before I just went ahead and took the alcohol from her while falling to my knees. Quickly, but gently I grabbed the bottle and took off the lid and winked at her while I took a long drink of the sharpie tasting liquid. I took a nice long drink before handing it to my crew who finished it. When we finished we all stood up and began walking away. Was the world supposed to be swaying?

"Your not going to do anything to me?" Sunset asked. I saw Claire tense up in suprise ahead of me then keep walking. The rest of them weren't even sober enough to react. I turned around suprised. Did she not remember how we buried the hatchet earlier?

"Our score was settled a while ago. Not it would be useless going after you since you wouldn't do anything back," I replied.

"You do to everyone else,"Sunset pointed out. I grinned while walking away. 'That's because your different than them.' I thought.

Monday morning

Now as I walked into the lunchroom I was actually suprised to see Ben and Andrew there. "Your sure up early," I said. It was half past seven and they normally showed up to class with seconds to spare. "Feeling up to a new challege," Ben replied while yawning. Andrew almost choked on his orange juice.

"No your not, you just want to catch a glimpse of Rarity," Andrew said. Ben's face paled until he was a white as Rarity. Seeing that Andrew and I burst out laughing. At least until Ben socked us in the arms. Then we laughed even harder while holding our arms.

"Whats so funny?" Pinkie Pie asked while rolling up with Rarity. Ben's turned to us with a pleading look.

"Just a joke," I said while my laughter died down. Suddenly Pinkie Pie was there in front of me while holding me face close to hers. Ben, Andrew, and even Rarity jumped back in suprise while I choked on my biscuit.

"A Joke? I love jokes! Tell me! Tell me! Tell me!" PinkiePie screeched while pulling me even closer.

"Okay I'll tell you, just let me go," I said while shaking myself free. Ben and Andrew shot me worried glances. It was a unspoken agreement among us not to let Rarity know about his crush on her. And now me winging it was more crucial than ever. "In a men's locker room a guy's phone rang so he out it on speaker. Every other guy stopped to listen in on them. "Hey honey, I wanted to ask you if I could get that 2000$ leather coat we saw the other day?" She asked. "If that's what you want go ahead," he replied. "Good and the car dealership has the model that I want for 90,000$ could I please get it?" She asked her husband. "For that price I want everything included." He replied. "Thanks, and that house I wanted last year is back on the market for only 980,000$ could I please get it?" She begged. "Make a deal for 900,000$ if they won't take it we can stretch the last 80,000 if that's what you really want." He said then hung up. He turned towards the rest of the guys who were staring at him in surprise with their mouths hanging open and he asked. "Anybody know who's phone that was?"

Everyone at the table did nothing in a moment of silence before they burst out laughing. All except Pinkie who was judging the content of the joke. "Eh, I've heard better," Pinkie Pie replied. We all went silent in shock. Before I could say anything else she took out her packed breakfast which was primarily cupcakes. Man, I wasn't sure how she did it because I had a stomach ache just watching her eat.

After another couple of minutes Rainbow Dash walked up with Sunset Shimmer and sat down. The rainbow squad became really comfortable with us by now, but Sunset Shimmer sat down little nervously. Andrew glanced at Ben who was busy talking to Rarity, then to me. And I was chewing on my last biscuit.

"So can any of you guys make it to the book store with me?" I asked. We planned this week's ago and no one ever said if they were really going or not and I had to know.

"I'm so sorry darling, but I just got a large order for a wedding and I have to work overtime." Rarity said.

"Basket ball practice," Rainbow Dash said. Andrew began to laugh hardly earningwierd looks from the rest of us.

"Why even bother? Your not even that good," Andrew sneered. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes.

"Want to put some money on that kid?" She asked. Andrew turned to me.

"Sorry, but I have a gameto win," he said.

"I have been hired to throw a party for a group of kids in sea greenish black clothes." Pinkie Pie explained.

" I have been blackmailed into 2 her," Ben grumpled.

"When?" I asked.

"Several seconds ago," Ben said.

"what about Claire, Beth, Applejack, or Fluttershy?" Rarity asked.

"Claire handles the paperwork or our changling presence here with the people up top. Applejack has to harvest apples at the farm, and Fluttershy has gotten a lot more animals to take care of at the shelter" I explained.

"I can go," A voice said shyly. We all turned and saw that it was Sunset Shimmer. She smiled then looked away nervously. I opened my mouth ready to thank her for helping me when a bitter voice said from my right.

"Sorry, but why would he want to go with you?" Andrew sneered then laughed. Sunset Shimmer looked down sadly. Neither Ben nor I gave our usual sadistic laughter, rage boiled inside of my for two reasons. First off I didn't like bullies. Not when they can't fight back. Second even Claire couldn't speak for me. Lastly, was Andrew forgetting his place in the crew. It was either me or Claire who picked the targets, not him.

"Shut the f*** up you little s***," I growled. Andrew stopped laughing immediately and gave me a defiant glare.

"We roast other people? Why stop now?" He growled. Ben almost fell off his chair in suprise. He was the third toughest of the group just under Rainbow Dash. A nd he wouldn't dare talk to me or Claire like that.

"Because I pick who to roast or not!" I growled angrily. Just then Claire and Beth decided to how up along with Applejack and Fluttershy. I wasn't sure how much they heard, but even if I couldn't smell the suprise in their scents I would have been able to tell by their facial expressions that they were as suprised at Andrews attitude as Ben was.

Ben and I gave each other death stares at each other while Ben, Beth, and Claire looked back and forth between us with curious glances. The rainbow squad however was at a roadblock in what to do.

"Should we do something?" Pinkie Pie whispered.

"Nothing we can do, it's a changling thing about the chain of command," Rainbow Dash said.

"I hate to admit it, but Dash is right. And I know y'all don't want to get into another brawl with the changlings since they would stop us from interfering." Applejack said.

"I don't like fighting," Fluttershy mumbled.

Suddenly Andrew's face changed from defiance to fear and his eyes cast downward. Little punk must have remembered how small he was compared to me. Not that It would matter if he yielded. This little duel for power was only ending one way when he lashed out at me. I rose rather quickly while Andrew paled while falling backwards in fear. Ben, Beth, and Claire all sat up straighter in anticipation. Before I could tear into the small freshman I felt a hand on my arm. "Couldn't you let him off with a warning?" A soft voice asked. I turned actually suprised one of them would risk my crew's wrath for Andrew. I was even more suprised when I saw it was Sunset Shimmer.

To my right I saw out of the corner of my eye Beth starting to close in with a clear intention on her mind. Across from me I saw Applejack and Rainbow Dash begin to rise from their seats. 'S***' I thought while coming to a crossroads. Let Beth pound the crap out of this fiery beauty while I rearranged Andrews face and let both groups of my friends have a free for all or-

I wedged myself between Sunset and Beth much to the suprise of both groups. "What are you doing?" Claire asked in the changling tounge more curious than irratated.

"She's from another world, let her have some freebies from time to time," I replied in the changling tounge. The rainbow squad looked at us in confused expressions, but they got the jist of it from what we were doing.

"Why can't I bust her up?" Beth asked angrily.

"Because we said so," Claire sneered. Beth looked even more pissed off.

"This isn't right, she us a outsider. We don't let them interfere in our affairs," Beth growled.

"Is that a challenge?" Claire growled. Beth paled and tensed up in fear at those words. "Sunset could save Andrew from Phoenix, but she can't stop me from wrecking your punk a**." Claire growled. Beth backed off after that.

Andrew seemed to relax which made Claire and I grin at each other. "Your not off the hook just because I'm not rearranging your face," I growled. Ben and Claire joined in on my sadistic laugh.

The warning bell conveniently rang at that time. "Time to go," I said while shoving Andrew to the side hard. Claire and Ben both shouldered him on the way out.

After my first period I left the weight room. It was a good strong workout that day. "Great, now science class. Osmosis notes again," I grumbled.

"What's that?" Ben asked.

"How cells take in nutrients," I answered. Ben's face fflashed in suprise.

"Wait, I thought cells were nutrients," Ben spat out in astonishment. Claire and I facepalmed ourselves. We didn't even explain it to him. We just walked off. "What, what did I say?" He asked us while we disappeared down the hall.

Halfway to my second period Claire broke off to her own class. So whem I got to my second class of science. I was alone. I took my usual seat towards the back of the room on the side of the door.

While I waited for class to start Sunset Shimmer walked in and took her usual seat across the room. People still insulted her. The next to walk in was a tall beefy guy in a white t-shirt and gray pants. He had medium length brown hair and was flanked by two lackeys. The first one was a crooked tooth ginger with a solid body build and the other was a blonde guy with a athletic body build. I instantly recognized them as the ones who were tearin into the manors lawn the previous night. Suddenly the tall beefy guy spotted Sunset Shimmer and gave a evil grin while he began to walk towards her. Blondie nudged ginger and they both began to smirk. It didn't take a genius to know what was going on in his head.

In one graceful motion I rose from my seat and took the seat next to Sunset Shimmer who looked as suprised as beefy boy. "You're in my seat," he growled.

"Find another," I replied while getting myself comfortable.

"Get out of my seat before I rearrange your face," Beefy growled.

"Good luck trying," I growled while stand in up. Beefy's school I.D. read Alex. Alex let out a smooth whistle and Blondie and ginger flanked him. Their school I.D's read James and Sebastian. The only threat of them was James. He was as a inch shorter than me, but he had just as much muscle. Alex and Sebastian both could have been prominent threats with all that muscle, but only if they quit smoking. I was able to smell the nicotine on them and saw their yellow teeth when they grinned. James however was a athlete all around.

"Three against one? Doesn't seem like a fair fight," I growled. Alex smiled like he won a brawl against a whole branch of changlings.

"So walk away," Alex said. I caught him sneaking a glance behind me.

"I meant it's not a fair fight for you," I said calmly while reaching behind my back. Nothing was there, but they didn't know that. My bluff worked because Alex and Sebastian both looked very nervous while James seemed on edge.

"I'll catch you later,"Alex growled while taking a seat across the room. James and Sebastian followed like the little lackeys they were.

"Thanks," Sunset Shimmer said.

"Anytime," I replied while pulling out my notes. Needless to say, I needed organization. I let out a groan of annoyance. This was annoying and I was still hung over.

"Here let me help you," Sunset Shimmer said while grabbing a few of my notes.

"Thanks," I replied.

After science was over we had lunch. It was then that I offered to walk her to the lunchroom. Alex, James, and Sebastian kept their distance, but everyone else kept on giving me confused looks. I knew that Sunset Shimmer was nervous, but I just kept walking with swagger. Soon after we came to the lunchroom. Applejack and Rarity were already sitting at our usual table.

"What's up partner?" Applejack asked.

"Still trying to pass science," I answered.

"Dont worry about that, you've been studying since school started," Rarity assured me. Next Claire and Ben walked up.

"So many things to do today," Claire huffed while Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie walked up.

"Like what?" I asked.

"Were cleaning the manor remember?" Claire asked. I facepalmed myself.

"Of course, were supposed to move in their sometime this week," I grumbled.

"If y'all want, we can help you if you want." Applejack offered. Ben, Claire, and I turned to each other in a silent debate. Claire looked at me with a wondering look. I shrugged my shoulders. She could decide this one.

"That would be awsome," Claire said.

"That's awsome, so where we meeting at?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"On, just follow the road put of town on the west side about three miles. Soon you'll come to a road with the sign that reads Chrysalis Manor." Ben explained. The rainbow squad all nodded knowingly. Beth and Andrew sat down on the end of the table.

"Alright time to go," I said while looking at the time.

After school ended we all gathered at the side of the school. This was how we didnit. Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash would go with Beth, Andrew, and Claire
Since we normally walked straight through the woodswe never used cars. The rainbow squad however did use cars and now we needed to direct them by the road. Ben, Rarity, and Applejack would go to Apple acres to grab a few things that Applejack said would help us.

Sunset Shimmer and I were making a quick stop to the store for food. After school we left for the store while I carried a duffel bag. "This is kind of exciting," I admitted.

"What's exciting?" Sunset Shimmer asked while we walked into the store.

"Moving into Chrysalis manor. Something about living in a mansion is pretty thrilling." I said. Sunset Shimmer smiled at me with her warm smile and we walked inside.

The first thing we did when we went inside was grab a few cases of soda After that we grabbed hot dogs, marshmallows, gramcrackers, chocolate, hot dog buns,a zippo, and a box of cupcakes for Pinkie.

"Why grab cupcakes?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"Its the friendly thing to do," I explained while we walked outside. I waited until we pasted the security sensors before I put the food into my duffel. As soon as I did, I regretted grabbing so much stuff. It wasn't that I couldn't lift it. The problem was that it was really heavy and we had a four mile hike to do.

"So how long have you known Ben and Claire?" Sunset asked after a mile. By then my shoulders and arms were on fire and I needed a distraction.

"Ben for a month now, and Claire about years now," I said.

"Really? I would have thought you known Ben longer," Sunset Shimmer said.

"That was wierd how he fit in with Claire and me," I admitted.

"So how did you meet Claire?" Sunset asked.

"When I was old enough I wanted to go drifting like the older changlings. Most other changlings started drifting around fourteen and I was no different and neither was Claire. My siblings Corvis and Solstice started a year before and Midnight started two years earlier. I myself was insistent about touring towards the west before shooting up north to finally see the hive. My siblings were already at the hive with the exception of Midnight. He was going to go on a circuit with a dozen other changlings. I can't remember why, but he seemed more comfortable with those guys than he was with my group." I said.

"What? Why? Your his brother right?" Sunset asked.

"Dont really know, anyways he went down south and was taking a nice vacation through that area with his squad. My group was fourteen strong with all of us being from twelve to fifteen years old and Claire was with us. Only Claire and like three of us ever went drifting before so Midnight drew us a map with a series of routes to follow. In the end he showed us which routes were safe and told us it would be a bad idea to drift off these paths. And so we followed the paths. We were able to have a little adventure choosing which paths to take, but after only three days it became apparent that scores of changlings took these paths and we were on a changling drifting highway. We must have ran into at least a dozen other squads in the three days. That's when we all did a group vote and voted to go off route. It wasn't like we were going to war or anything. Lots of squads did it. Midnight himself wasn't going on the safe paths. In fact he was on a whole different circuit." I said.

"So what happened next?" Sunset asked me.

I stayed just outside of the light in the building. Next to me Claire watched as several Umbrum took over the field just outside. Back then she was shorter and not as pretty. The rest of or group were sleeping. "I don't think they know were here," I said.

"We should have listened Midnight," Claire said.

"Its alright, tomorrow we curve north and head to Manhattan and the hive," I said.

The umbrum below us worked with no organisation whatsoever. And in the moonlight i could see that they were pretty primitive. We wielded knives, but so did they. At least i didn't spot any guns. Those clubs and bats looked like they could hurt though. As the night waned on I counted around thirty of them.

"Midnight was right," I muttered.

After that we talked about other things. Much to my relief. We talked about Canderlot, science, chemistry, and arts. When we talked about chemistry i mainly just nodded my head and acted like i knew what she was saying. Eventually we came to Chrysalis manor. Like I suspected Claire was leaning against the porch eating an apple. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were piling up wood while Pinkie Pie giving verbal support to Beth and Andrew who were renovating the fire pit that we regularly used.

"Applejack and them get here yet?" I called.

"Not yet," Claire called.

"While we're waiting should we at least see inside now?" I asked. Claire shrugged and walked to the door. In the weeks we hung around here we never went inside. Never needed to. Now that we were moving in we just had to. "So why are you moving in?" Rainbow Dash asked us from across the yard.

"We could stay at one place for weeks at a time, but to live in one of our aueens estates. We need her permission. She almost always let her subjects live in her eststes, but it's the principle of the thing." I explained while Claire grabbed a key from under the welcome mat.

"You two want to see inside?" I called to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.

"Well yeah!" Rainbow Dash replied while half dragging Fluttershy after her. Beth and Andrew kept working.

"Want to see inside?" I asked Sunset Shimmer. She nodded with a bit of excitement in her eyes. Grinning I grabbed her hand much to the suprise of us both. I led her to the door and immediately let it drop and I hid my blush by pulling up my hood. As soon as the door opened we all rushed inside only to stop at the entry hall.

In the front hall was a grand staircase leading to the upper levels. It was pretty dark besides what light came through the windows. It was a good thing Claire and I came prepared with flashlights. The rest of the gang had to stick by us though. "Pinkie! Come on!" I called to Pinkie. She zoomed right next to us as we made our way into the manor. "First floor first," I said.

"Come on, I want to show you something," Claire said.

"Wait what?" I asked.

"I lived here for a few summers before." She said while leading us deeper into the mansion.

I shrugged and followed. Claire took us through a series of hallways until we came to a room isolated from the rest. When she opened it we all gasped in suprise. Inside the room the walls had neatly organized weapons, and weapon racks. All of them were filled with knives and short swords.

"You guys have a armory?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"All these blades and no guns?" Rainbow Dash asked suprised.

"Changlings have to earn the right to hold a gun. Same goes for the Umbrum, but they're a lot stricter than we are with them," Claire said.

"How do you do that?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"By doing something really hard that many people can't do," I said.

"You know. Saving a life, carrying out a one man mission in Umbrum territory, killing a royal guard," Claire said.

"Hey just imagine what Queen Chrysalis will do for the changling who takes out the guy Shining Armor," I said.

"Jeez, might be promoted to the high tier guys. And they don't have to do anything." She replied. I would have went on, but the rainbow squad were getting a little scared.

The rest of the rooms went by rather quickly. We saw the ball room, kitchens, dining room, livingroom that had a side bar, and a Jacuzzi, and the rooms were all large ones with king sized beds. The library was all filled with new books that never been used and were covered in dust,

"Hey Phoenix look at this," Sunset Shimmer and Rainbow Dash said while Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were in a particular room that Claire liked. While I walked to the other two in the hallway on the second floor I overheard the four in Claire'sroom talking about redecorating it.

"What's up?" I asked when I got to them.

"Isnt this your fostor brother?" Dash asked pointing to one of the pictures on the wall.

"Probably not, why would he come through here?" Unasked while shining my light on the photos. To my suprise she was right. In the photo was Midnight with a slender girl that had raven black hair and sea greenish black eyes. He had his arm around her neck like she was his best friend. In his other arm was a petite girl with sea greenish black hair and artic blue eyes. She was an inch shorter than the other girl who was at least three shorter than Midnight. I knew the photo was old because Midnight looked around fourteen years old. "Midnight was here?" I asked no one in particular.

"There's more over here," Dash called from a little down the hall. Much to my suprise I saw that quite a few changlings lived here before. There was several pictures of changlings living here. All had one thing in clmmon. All of them had the look of glee in their eyes. Now I wondered if they were also grew to be cold, mean, and cruel like Midnight did. Judging form Claire I knew my estimate wasn't far off.

There was dozens of photos on the walls and one group shot of a few dozen changlings all clustered in groups of who was close to who. Midnight was almost always seen with those two girls. 'When were these taken?' I wondered. Suddenly it came to me. It was around a year before that night. Solstice went drifting on the west coast and Corvis went with her. They tried getting me to come with them, but I declined. Midnight was heading north east for the summer and he tried getting me to go with him. I always thought he went drifting, but now I knew I was wrong. I remembered him bac then. He was gentle, kind, and wise. Now he was violent and unpredictable.

"Hey Dash! Come here real quick," Rarity called. Rainbow Dash walked towards Claire's room leaving Sunset and me alone.

"Wonder what's up there," I said while shining my light up some stairs.

"Attic maybe," Sunset offered.

"Could be, we're already on the third floor," I said while walking up them. Behind me Sunset Shimmer followed. Turns out the third floor was a suite with a kin sized bed that had curtains. There was a coffee table, two couches, a fifty two inch flat screen(nice) a walk in closet, delux bathroom, and it was still roomy.

"Its like a mine apartment up here," Sunset Shimmer said.

"I call dibs, just need to get a few generators up here so that tv can be used," I said while pointing to the blank screen. Sunset smiled warmly at me. And we locked eyes.

The whole room seemed to fade while we stared at each other. It could have been a minute or a hour, I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference anyways. We probably would have kept staring at each other. but that's when Pinkie called out. "Applejack and the others are here!" She yelled from downstairs.

Outside Ben and Big Mac were unloading a lawnmower and garbage bags. "Aww this shouldn't be too hard, those trees might need to go though," Applejack said while gazing at two rotten looking trees hanging over the driveway.

They brought with them everything we needed to fix the place up. From their lawnmower, weed wacker, shovels, axes, and seeds.

In total their was twelve of us working. Claire, Ben, Beth, Andrew, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Sunset Shimmer, Applejack, Big Mac, and Me.

I sent Beth and Andrew to pick up all the rocks and wood from the massive yard so they wouldn't break Applejack and Big Macs lawnmower. Claire decided to cut all the wild shrubs down with her machete. It was her favourite weapon.

Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie put on cleaning outfits and volunteered to start inside. Applejack decided to unload the lawn mover as well as till the soil or seeds. Big Mac got back into his pickup and left. Applejack told us he was bringing saplings.

Ben and I decided to cut down the trees and any others that made the place look wild. Sunset Shimmer and Rarity were dead set on helping Beth and Andrew clear the yard.

"Alright, let's do this," Ben said while driving his axe in. I did the same. To my suprise, I found that I actually liked it. While we were chopping the trees Ben suddenly tensed up and began chopping really hard and fast. At first I was confused until I heard Rarity and Sunset Shimmer laugh at a joke. That's when I tensed up too. Just how long was Sunset Shimmer standing there?

I immediately began muscling the axe faster and harder.

After several hours we finished chopping down the trees in the yard. Beth, Andrew, Rarity, and Sunset Shimmer cleared the yard while Applejack began mowing it. Beth and Andrew turned the fire pit into a resort one. When I saw that Claire and I decided to forgive them of their deeds earlier.

"Need any help?" I called to Applejack.

"Naw, I got this," Applejack called back. She was actually making good time. While Ben and I finished dragging the trees to the wood pile we leaned on the wall while Big Mac rolled up. True to her word he came back with a bunch of apple tree saplings.

The rest of us quickly went to work plantin them while Big Mac once again amazed me. He went to the tilled soil and planted the seeds they planted. Then he went and grabbed a fire axe and cut the trees we dragged to the firewood pile and cut them down to fire logs in about two minutes. Either he was the best ranch hand there was or I was going crazy. And seeing how I saw a talking dog the crazy thing didn't sound far off.

Around the time we finished planting Applejack finished mowing the lawn. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie walked out of the manor all filthy looking. Or at least Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash did. Pinkie looked completely clean and overly exciting.

"We finished it!" She shrieked in joy.

"You finished the WHOLE manor?" Ben asked.

"She did, we did like two rooms and she was done," Rainbow Dash said pointing a thumb at her.

We all looked at Pinkie Pie who just smiled at us. Suddenly fro behind me I heard a spark and a slight glow of orange. Spinning on my heels I saw Andrew grinning a Pinkie Pie sized smile.

Immediately we all crowded around the fire while digging out the food. "Hey y'all, we brought some apple cider."Applejack said causing most of us to cheer.

"Is it twin cider? " Claire asked.

"Even better," Applejack said. The rest of the changlings scoffed.

"I doubt it," Claire said.

"You know Phoenix here and his brother Midnight said something very similar," Applejack said. Claire spun on her heels and looked at me astonished.

"Midnight was here? When?" She asked.

"Towards the end of summer," I replied.

"That can't be right, he was following those three girls who sang like angels," Claire said.

"He was only here briefly," I said back.

After that they tried the Apple cider and loved it. We all twelve of us sprawled around the bonfire and ate, drank, and joked around. After several hours I realized for the first time in months I was genuinely happy. I could tell my crew was too. Life as a changling was hard. Only Claire kept closed up to the rainbow squad. Or Rainbooms. Rainbow Dash decided to start a band with them.

Was this how it felt to have actual friends? Already these girls were better friends than my best friend Forrest. It wasn't his fault though. He went drifting as much as my siblings. It was when he came back that showed true friendship since we weren't even related.

We stayed at the bonfire eating and just chilling out. Maybe if I turned around or listened to my gut I might have saw the changling on the other side of the yard. He was tall, had emerald green eyes, slim, but muscular, he was wearing a black balaclava hat only had two eye holes like a black skull. He was also wearing black on black with biker boots so he was virtually invisible to us in the shadows. If I was him I probably would have freaked out since he would have been able to kill us all and have time to spare. He was wearing a tanto on his right hip, a clock on his belt along with two other black pistols in cross holsters, a ammo belt and bandolier belt. He was also carrying a Uzi with a silencer ands two long knives strapped to his back. He was only wearing a tanktop so if I did manage to find him I would have seen the three tribal cuts on each arm.

I think I know enough of hate

CRACK CRACK CRACK CRACK CRACK
The sound of gun shots echoed in my ears as I stood in my new room. Queen Chrysalis's Mansion was a large one and I picked the second best room for myself. The best one was reserved for the Queen herself should she ever decide to visit this place. I doubted she would ever come here out of choice, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

The room itself was almost the size of my old apartment. I didn't need to go back there anymore, but I still went back occasionally to train with Andreas. With each day I was slowly getting better, but after that reading from Serenity Glow. I was now wondering if I should even bother.

CRACK CRACK CRACK CRACK CRACK

Shaking my head I left my room and went outside. Chrysalis's mansion was easily three times the size of Andreas apartment complex. Once outside I saw Sunset standing next to Beth and Andrew. Claire was leaning over Sunset Shimmer's car engine with a box of tools laying next to her. As Changlings we had a lot of spare parts that just kept building since almost no Changling owned a car. From what I saw on T.V. last week it looked like they preferred motorcycles if anything.

Turning my gaze I saw the rest of my gang. All except Ben who was still recovering from his kick to the balls. I was pretty sure he was faking it at this point since it happened over a month ago, but he insisted that Twilight kicked him as hard as a horse could. The of them were new arrivals that would be joining CHS. Not that I minded, Claire said Changlings worked best in numbers.

It also helped that I knew these guys. The tallest was named Zeke, he stood at 6'3 and had ink black hair that came down to his shoulders. He was something of a Guru being wise well beyond any 18 year old. The next two were brothers David and Joshua. David was a little bit older and was almost as tall as me. Joshua was the younger brother and was a few inches shorter than David. Both had the same sea greenish black hair and artic blue eyes. In fact, we all had the artic blue eyes. From what I could tell, having green eyes was a rarity among the Changlings. Like Midnight, Alaric, that girl he had his arm around, and Queen Chrysalis herself. I didnt know enough of my own culture to know why, but my crew seemed to hold green eyes in high respect.

Then came the last three. Greg was a tall slant shouldered boy, Jack was a lanky guy around the same height as Greg, and Jade was a slender girl around Rainbow Dash's height. All three of them had the same dark gray hair with black highlights. They were all milling around Sunset Shimmer's car offering words of encouragement. Claire responded by flipping them off.

I failed to hide a smile. We were all so different, but part of the same system that went well beyond Equestria's legal system. The Changling's system. The matching scars on our arms reminded us of that. Sighing I remembered when I got my scars. It was at one of our subhives.

"What if t hurts?" I asked Midnight.
"If it doesn't hurt then that means the guy did something wrong." Midnight replied. That did little to calm me.
"Why do we have to do this again?" I asked while glancing at Midnight's scared arms. Three long gashes on each arm, but somehow they looked painted on him by an artist.
"We do this as part of our ritual in becoming a part of the swarm," An old man holding a ceremonial knife answered. He the turned to Midnight. "Will you leave or do you wish to stay?" He asked. Midnight shot me a glance.
"I'll stay," Midnight answered. The old man nodded and began to walk towards me. "What ever you do, don't scream, it only makes the pain feel worse," Midnight whispered into my ear just as the man began his word. I didn't scream, but only grunted in pain and squeezed the hell out of Midnight's hand
We were eleven and twelve years old.

"Anyone want a drink?" I asked the assembled Changlings. All of them started to say yes.

"Do you need any help?" Sunset asked.

"That would be great," I responded while Sunset followed me into the kitchen.

"Any ideas what to drink?" Sunset asked after we went to the rather large kitchen.

"Punch should do for now," I answered. There was currently no pop, or anything sugary at the moment. Together we made a tub full of punch and poured the amount of glasses we needed. Once finished we placed them on a tray and I carried them out after Sunset Shimmer. "Okay, drinks are here," I called to the rest of the changlings who began crowding around us.

"What is this?" David asked.

"Punch," Sunset answered cheerfully. What happened next was completely unexpected.

All the changlings excluding Claire, Beth, and Andrew dropped their punch and backpeddled so fast it looked like someone hit them. "Not the grape juice," one cried. "I don't want to fight anymore," another called in terror. "I thought she was with Forest," another shouted.

"WOAH WHAT IN THE NAME OF PINEAPPLES ON PIZZA IS GOING ON!" I roared. All the changlings stopped instantly and checked themselves.

The first to recover was Zeke. "Sorry about that Mrs. Shimmer, but we just have a few bad experiences with fruit punch. That and a certain blue haired musician who makes the stuff. She tries her best, but the results ways ends up badly," Zeke explained.

"Oh thank goodness, I thought it was something I said," Sunset said which earned a laugh from me.

"Okay Shimmer, your car is up and running," Claire said while standing up.

"Thank you so much," Sunset Shimmer said excitedly.

"Don't mention it," Claire said.

"No really I really appreciate-" Sunset began.

"Ever," Claire said firmly causing an awkward silence.

"Okay, car is running, my crew is freaked out by fruit punch, and Claireis being Claire," I said while walking up next to Sunset Shimmer. "Just let me know if you need anything else," I told her. What Sunset did next completely suprised me.

"Thank you so much Phoenix," Sunset said while throwing her arms around me in a hug. I was completely caught off guard and only managed to return a awkward hug which Jade made a small giggle at. After the giggle Sunset immediately let go and took a few steps back. Then I wondered who was more suprised at her hug. Her or me.

"I should get going," She said with a blush.

"Yeah, um... see you at school," I replied trying my best to hide a blush of my own.

After that Sunset Shimmer got into her car and left. After she left I smiled in her direction and turned to see my entire crew including Ben who was leaning on the doorway grinning at me. "What?" I asked.

"Dude, why don't you ask her out yet?" Ben asked. The changlings looked at me.

"Why do you need to know?" I asked. The changlings looked at Ben.

"Don't tell me your scared?" Ben asked with a grin. The changlings looked at me.

"I'm not scared of that," I shot back.

"Your faking that," Ben said.

"Faking? As in your still whining about getting kicked in the balls over a month ago?" I asked. The changlings looked at Ben.

"Hey, She kicked me with the power of a horse, not my fault," Ben said.

"Yeah, excuses excuses," I replied with a grin.

Claire stood up grinning at us both. "How about this, you ask out Shimmer by the months end or your a p****," She said. The changlings looked at me.

"Alright," I said suddenly feeling light headed.

"And you ask out Rarity by the months end or your a p****," She shot at Ben. The changlings looked at Ben.

"Yeah, I can do that," Ben said growing as pale as I was.

"Good, now let's go inside, we have a mansion to enjoy and were all standing out in the cold air," Claire said leading the gang inside. After she left Ben and I shot each other worried glances.

"Were f***ed dude," Ben and I said in sync.

The two of us followed the others inside, but I split off down a deserted hall thinking how I should try tk ask her out if and if she would even say yes.

"Don't get too comfortable, you don't deserve that kind of happiness" Midnight said from behind me. I spun on my heels, but didn't see him. "What makes you think you would ever deserve peace of any kind of happiness?" Midnight asked. I was able to see him now. At the corner of my eye. Just out of sight. I snapped my head into his direction, but he was gone again.

"It wasn't my fault," I protested.

"That's debatable, if you listened to what I told you then that never would have happened." Midnight spat directly from my left. I didn't even try to look at him.

"Whats was I supposed to do? Those Umbrum weren't supposed to be there," I pleaded.

"You weren't supposed to be there! Did you even know her name?" Midnight snapped me to my left ear.

"No," I reluctantly admitted. Since that night I did my best to suppress all memory of it, but Midnight would never let me forget the cost of my actions.

You still don't know the magnitude of what happened do you? Start with her name," Midnight said calmly. Then he was gone.

The next morning I sat in the lunchroom at school at our usual table. After a sleepless night I kept on thinking on Midnight's words. Or maybe they were my own. I couldnt be sure since they sounded so much like something Midnight would say. And so much like the things that picked at the back of my mind for so long.

"Hey is this seat taken?" A voice asked behind me. I turned and was happy to see it was none other than Sunset Shimmer. I took a quick glance at the rest of the table and saw it empty.

"Sorry Shimmer, but it looks like were overflowing," I said.

"Oh shut up," Sunset said with a laugh while sitting down directly across from me. I did my best to ignore the glares the other students shot at her. And from the way she was acting, I could tell Sunset was doing the same thing.

Only after a minute of both of us staring at our food did I remember Claire's ultimatum. Ask her out by December or lose face in my crew. "Hey Sunset, can I ask you something?" I asked Sunset.

"Yeah of course," she said now giving me her full attention.

'This was a bad idea,' I thought. I should have picked someplace better, better time, a better outfit, doves should be flying, the sun should be shining, h*** a choir should be singing. "I was wondering if you would like-" I began before being interrupted by sinister laughing.

Spinning my head I groaned in annoyance at Alex, Sebastian, and James who were standing ten feet away from us. "I don't have the time to deal with this today, so do yourself a favor and leave," I threatened.

"And what if we don't?" Alex asked. I stood up and shot them a death glare, but all three of them begam squaring up. "Come on Phoenix, it's three against one, give us Shimmer and well let you go," Sebastian said.

Behind them I saw the doors open and the rest of my gang walked in. They looked suprised at what was going on, but quickly and quietly began fanning out in a semi circle around the three hosiles. "Your not getting her," I growled.

"Three against one, you don't have to do this," James said.

"Actually it's more like nine, ten, eleven, twelve. Twelve against three," Zeke said making Alex and his lackeys jump. Zeke then turned his gaze to Sunset Shimmer. "Thirteen against three," he said correcting himself.

The three bullies turned to my gang and opened their eyes in surprise. At the same time I sensed Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie stand next to me glaring at Alex and his lackeys. "Why this is outrageous, three large boys trying to physically harm a near defenceless lady," Rarity said angrily.

"Eighteen to three," Zeke said again.

"Y'all know that that's not right?" Applejack asked. James turned and shot a glare at them.

"Shut your pie holes you hillbilly and you should go back to your makeup like a good little girl." James said. I felt Rarity and Applejack seeth.

"I wouldn't talk that way to Rarity if I were you," Andrew advised. James turned to him.

"And whay are you gonna do about it?" James asked.

"Nothing," Andrew said simply.

"That's what I thought, now this b**** better get a muzzle or else I'm gonna-" James started, but never got to finish. Instead he let out a sickly sounding grunt as Ben sucker punched him. James stumbled a few steps as Alex and Sebastian moved in on Ben, but stopped almost immediately when Beth, David, and Zeke began closing in.

James regained his balance and then charged at Ben in a fury. Ben charged back, but both Sebastian and Alex held James back while Zeke and Rainbow Dash held Ben.

"Try taking me on straight up you piece of s***!" James roared while struggling to get free of his friends grasp.

"I'm down, let's do this f***er!" Ben roared back while trying to break free of Zeke and Dashes hold.

After a few minutes of the rest of my gang including me waiting for the two boys to break free. Alex stopped holding James while turning to me. "I have a better idea, me and you right now," he said making James and Ben stop.

Every single changling looked at me expectantly. So I cracked my nuckles and got into my fighting stance. The one Andreas taught me. "S'go den," I said. By now the cafeteria went silent and began watching.

"You don't have to do this partner," Applejack said.

"Fighting is so not fun," Pinkie said.

"This doesn't have to be this way, you don't have to do this," Sunset pleaded.

"Yes.... I do," I replied while Alex and I slowly began circling each other.

"It's the changling way," Claire said as if that explained everything, which it kinda did.

The rest of the people around crowded around in a spacious circle.

"Come on Alex, kick that thugs a**!" A student shouted.
"Teach thay changling a lesson," another screamed.
"Show them they can't walk all over us," another added. I was glad to know we were loved at this school.

"Come on Phoenix, don't show that f***er any mercy," Greg roared.
"Beat his a**," Beth yelled.
"Kick his teeth in!" Rainbow Dash added.

"Dash!" Rarity exclaimed.

"What, I'm just giving moral support," Rainbow Dash said innocently.

I lelt at Alex who threw a punch at me. Easily dodging I returned with a punch to his gut. Alex gunted and keeled forward into my uppercut. After he threw a punch at me which I was too slow to avoid. Grunting I back peddled a few steps before someone grabbed me and steadied me.

"Dont let him have half a chance," Midnight whispered into my ear before shoving me forward.

"Get out of my head, I can do this myself!" I yelled.

"Are you crazy or something?" Alex asked.

I leaped at Alex who immediately began to throw punches. I dodged most of them and landed quite a few good hits before he right hooked me making me stumble back.

"Are you sure? Need me to step in or something?" Midnight asked from somewhere to my right.

"Just shut up!" I roared while leaping at Alex.

"I'm not saying anything," Alex said. The two of us once again exchanged blows. It was obvious I was winning, but not enough to end it quickly.

"I don't think you do, here maybe this should help. Just remember this was your fault," Midnight said as my vision flooded with black.

There was several women vocalizing a sweet and beautiful sound. Despite it's calming tune I couldn't help but feel riled up by the sound.

I sat underneath a tree next to Claire and another girl. She was petite and had sea greenish black hair with artic blue eyes. "Come on, heard there's a good waterfall around here," Claire said standing up. Around us our drifting party rose and began following her.

The vocalizing dramatically increased which threw me into a frenzy as I boiled up on the inside.

It was dark. I had my blade ready to strike. Around us my changling party was fighting a losing battle against a swarm of Umbrum. 'Save her, save her,' Every instinct cried. The petite girl was on the ground clutching her chest as two Umbrum closed in. I moved to kill the Umbrum, but stopped. I just couldn't do it. The Umbrum brought his blade down.

The vocalizing stopped and my feeling of anger left with it.

I stood over Alex who was looking at me in horror. The cafeteria was eerily silent. Looking around I saw EVERYONE staring at me in silence. Looking down at Alex I could tell someone did a number on him. His face was bloody and his shirt was torn. Along his arms and legs were fresh bruises.

Looking at my own hand was when I realized Bulk Biceps and Big Mac were holding me back. I shrugged them off and looked at my own fists that were coated in blood. 'Alex's blood' And it wasn't just my fists, but my elbows, knees, feet, and even my forehead had a little blood on it. Everyone including most of my gang were looking at me in horror.

"Atta boy," Midnight said before disappearing.

CRACK CRACK CRACK CRACK CRACK

It was one long day at the principal's office. And say what you want about the students of CHS. They always tell the truth. Even though it was obvious most of the school hated me and my changlings, they still told the truth about Alex and his lackeys instigating the fight.

Me and my crew wouldn't say anything to Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna got more out of us, but all we really told her was that they instigated the fight. Eventually they told Ben and I we were free to go.

The rest of our crew left hours ago since none of them were involved in the fight. "Funny how they left us behind," I said jokingly.

"Yeah, changling loyalty," Ben replied with a chuckle.

"Hey Phoenix, can we talk to you for a minute?" Applejack asked. I turned and saw the rainbow squad in the hallway.

"Go on, I'll catch up," I told Ben. Ben nodded and kept walking while I turned to face the rainbooms. "What's up?" I asked.

"Follow us," Rarity said while leading me into a deserted classroom. Once inside I heard the door close and I realized this was a trap.

Turning I expected them to start criticizing me or start shouting at me for what I did. Instead I was suprised to see they looked concerned. "Whats going on?" I asked confused.

"What happened out there?" Rarity asked.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"You going all ale s*** out there," Rainbow Dash said.

"It isn't the first time I've fought before," I said.

"Maybe not, but this is the first time you went into a beserk mode like that," Applejack said.

"I could just like fighting," I said in a half hearted attempt to avoid explaining why I did, but Applejack was relentless.

"Naw, I've seen you when you liked fighting, but this was different. I know you and a few others in your crew may be Futa changlings, but this was-" Applejack started.

"Were not Futa changlings," I said quickly cutting her off.

"What?" Applejack asked.

"Futa changlings are on a whole different level than us. They would have killed Alex and his guys and then probably ate waffles afterwards," I explained. The girls all looked like like someone slapped them.

"I, I didnt know there was different levels of changlings," Fluttershy said.

"Yeah, there's the Queen, the high ranked ones, Futa's, and then the rest of us. We're called drones since there is so many of us." I said.

"But you and Claire seem like your higher ranked than the others," Rarity said.

"This is true, the drone class has its own ranks, some that are even higher than a lot of Futa's, but a Futa are our warriors. They're the killers and assassins of us. Like if a squad of Umbrum came and started killing me and my branch and we couldn't stop them. All we would have to do is call for help and a squad of Futa changlings will come. They don't always win, but then another squad of Futa and a few more regular changlings would come. If they don't win then the hive would send more and more until changlings are coming in the hundreds. Eventually they'll send a high ranked changling and those guys never lose," I explained.

"Thanks for explaining that, but you still never gave us an answer," Rainbow Dash said. 'S***,' I thought. The whole reason I explained that because I was hoping it would divert the question.

I gazed at each one of them. Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. None of them had judging looks on their faces, only concern. Which even my siblings never showed... Epically Midnight.

And that's when it hit me. These girls loved me. I knew i loved them. Not in the romantic way, but like hey were my sisters. I spend only a few months among them, but I never shied away even when Sunset Shimmer brought her wrath down on me when I would stand up for them. Even when Claire did her best to convince me to leave them behind, I would say no. Each time they needed with something I would be there. It never once occurred to me that they would do the same.

'Yes I can trust them.' I thought.

"Don't you f***ing dare!" Midnight's voice snapped in my head.

"Okay, get ready for the saddest tale your gonna hear," I advised.

"Its not your story to tell," Midnight said calmly.

"It all started almost six years ago when I turned twelve and went on my first changling drifting trip," I started.

I was right about trusting them. Instead of treating me like some kind of burden Midnight and the others who were there excluding Claire did. They wrapped their arms around me in a hug. "That really was sad." Pinkie Pie said.

"How can anyone do something so horrible? Even if he was angry it didn't give him a right to to that," Fluttershy said.

"And it wasn't even your fault darling, that could have happened to anyone," Rarity said.

"I just never saw why he had to make me do it," I said through a sob.

"Don't cry, you didn't have a choice. Except the one he gave you," Applejack said.

"I don't think I like your brother," Fluttershy said.

"I don't blame you. It's just that he and most almost all of the changlings there blamed me for what happened. Except Claire." I said.

"Wait, I thought you said you and Claire were the only survivors of your party," Rainbow Dash asked.

"We were," I said.

"But you just said all the other changlings that were there," She said again.

"The other Futa's, Midnight was only a Futa back then, but for some reason when he came to the rescue. I didn't feel like he was trying to save me," I said.

"You what, all this deep talk is making us depressed. Why don't we just go grab something to eat?" Rarity offered.

"Taco's?" I asked hopefully.

"Tacos are fun," Pinkie Pie said. With that we began walking out of the school.

CLAIRE'S POV
I layed in the shadows on top of the lockers invisible. The only reason I was here was to watch Phoenix's back in case Alex and his lackeys tried anything. While waiting for Celestia to give her judgment I looked at my corn knife that I traded Big Mac weeks ago. Back then it was new and shiny. Now it was crusted with dried blood, but was even sharper due me sharpening it every chance I got.

The doors opened letting Ben and Phoenix out. I was about to step out of the shadows, but those Rainbooms came. Keeping still I watched as Ben leave while Phoenix followed them into a classroom.

It took me a short while to find a hidden spot to listen in without being seen. But when I did Phoenix's next words made me run cold.

"It all started almost six years ago when I turned twelve and went on my first changling drifting trip," Phoenix started.

By the time Phoenix finished my blood was boiling. I did my best at helping Phoenix lead our branch, and he was doing a good job. This however was something he could get away with. It wasn't his secret to tell. It was OUR secret to tell. His, mine, Midnight's, Alaric's, Forest's, and Raven's.

We had to get even. An eye for an eye. And not just a good beat down or a few scars. We had to make him feel the betrayal. Pulling out my phone I punched in a number as Phoenix and his Rainbooms left. It rang a few times before being picked up.

"Yeah, what is it Claire?" A deep voice asked.

"Alaric, get Midnight and the others, Phoenix is a problem." I said angrily.

To say that for destruction

Yawning I walked into a room. There was a man in a golden uniform with a spider web of blood leaning against the wall. He was tall, like Rarity, but had Rainbow dash's muscle. "Okay," A smoky voice said as my hand drew a tanto. "Now, don't worry. I need you alive... for now,"

I shot up from my bed. Soon after I realized I was sweating. "That dream was too much," I said to myself while falling down on my bed.

For the next several weeks I spent most of my time dedicated to academics and thinking of a way to ask out Sunset Shimmer. Ben was the only one in the crew that had any idea what I was go in through. And that was because he was going through the exact same thing with Rarity. Although he was lucky since everyone except Ben knew she liked him. Me on the other hand, it was pretty much up to fate on what Sunset Shimmer would say.

On the other hand, Claire seemed more aggressive than usual. Which was saying a lot. Ben and Beth were the muscle, well that now included Zeke, Greg, and David. But even those five weren't as aggressive as Claire was now. Now I was often wondering what got into her. Though I never straight up asked her. Her corn knife was wickedly sharp and I did not want to be on the receiving end of it.

After what I did to Alex, no one dared challenge any changeling to physical combat. The three of them now just kept their distance, picking at our edges looking for a way to get to Sunset Shimmer. Not that they would succeed. Even if I didn't want to do everything to protect her, it was a matter of honor for the other changelings.

So we've all been flanking her. It didn't help against the insults and dirty looks more kids still shot her way, but they did stop throwing food at her in fear of hitting one of us. Which was a step in the right direction...... Sort of.

The problem was finding a way to ask her out. Because Claire was right, as painful as it is to say that. "I am too scared to ask her out.

I was running from them again. All around me the screams of my unit were heard while I saw the quick silver flash of Claire's knife. Beside me was a petite girl that was so maddening familiar. Before long we were surrounded by five Umbrum with clubs. "Run!" The petite girl with sea greenish black hair with artic blue eyes shouted. I was to afraid to die. I ran.

Waking up from the nightmare was clockwork now. Rising up I went down to the living room. To my surprise I saw Zeke and half my squad packing their things. "What's going on?" I asked curiously.

"We're going drifting north east towards the hive," Greg explained.

"Want to come?" Jade asked.

"No thanks, I've never been one to drift. Besides, I kind of like it here," I replied.

"Funny thing Phoenix, Claire and the others said the same thing," Zeke mused.

"Said what?" I asked.

"They liked it here," Zeke replied while slinging his bag on.

"Will I see you guys again?" I asked him.

"Yeah, were came from the same lot. Just hit me up on my phone. Besides we always stick to the drifting routes near the hive. Just ask around and you'll find us. But if you ever need our help just call and we'll be there," Zeke assured me.

I nodded in return while I saw my original crew with the exception of Midnight, Corvis, Forest, and Solstice walk outside. It was roughly 2 AM, but they didn't seem to mind. Watching them leave I felt a little sad to see them go. But this was the life of the changelings. We were nomadic and always on the move.

The next morning I sat at my usual seat with Rainbow Dash. Who was currently arm wrestling Beth. "Come on you got this Beth!" Ben roared.

"Come on Dash! You could take her!" Applejack added. Andrew was at the library making up work, but Claire was nowhere to be seen. She seemed to be avoiding us. Me more than others. Although I didn't mind. Having her around was like walking on eggshells. Three minutes later Rainbow Dash won.

"Hey look, it looks like Alex and his buddies made a new friend! I think his name is Ezra but he looks nice!" Pinkie shouted excitedly. I immediately jumped as well as Ben. Secretly wondering if we'd ever get used to her.

"Sounds fun," Beth said dryly.

"Awww come on now. Don't be a poor sport, I personally don't like Alex, James, or Sebastian. But this new guy could be nice," Applejack said hopefully.

"Probably, but I'm going to head to class now," I told them while rising.

Along the way there i unknowingly ran into Sunset Shimmer. "Good morning," Sunset said to me kindly.

"Hey Sunset," I replied remembering the reason I was always trying to catch her alone. "Hey um, I kind of wanted to ask you something,"

"Go ahead, I'm all ears," Sunset told me.

"Listen, if you're not busy or anything. Would you like to go..... and uh..... grab something to eat after school?" I asked her nervously.

Sunset stared at me for a minute while I saw her mind slowly process what just happened. Slowly a blush appeared on her face as she took it in. "Of course!" She said excitedly before correcting himself. "I mean sure, I guess I can,"

My head shook in disbelief. I wasn't sure she would say yes. Before I could reply I hears a dreadfully familiar voice. "Well, isn't this the perfect sight,"

Turning I spotted Alex, James, and Sebastian a long with another guy. And this new guy made my blood run cold. He was dangerous looking. He was roughly inch or so shorter than me, but he was athletic looking. He had pale skin with long dark eyelashes and coal black hair. But the scariest thing was his eyes. They were black like polished obsidian. And then he smiled which gave him away. His teeth were impossibly sharp, and them I knew what he was........ a Umbrum.

This new guy and I stared at each other and seethed both knowingly. "Think it's time to get her since she doesn't have an army around her," Alex gloated.

"And what makes you say that?" Claire asked while appearing next to me. Although I knew it was for this Umbrum instead of Sunset.

"Four against two, still have the odds in our favor." Alex gloated, but I wasn't listening anymore. The Umbrum and I were glaring daggers into each other.

"Four against six, and don't forget Phoenix put you into the hospital last time," Andrew gloated as he appeared with Beth and Ben.

"Please I don't want any trouble. Could you please just leave us alone?" Sunset pleaded.

"Like you left us alone?" James snapped which made Sunset flinch.

"What's wrong? Can't handle a little insults?" Ben asked mockingly.

"You shut your mouth before I shut it for you!" James growled.

"Then do something f*****," Ben answered.

"Careful changeling!" James snapped.

I was about to start throwing insults of my own when I felt a tug at my sleeve. Turning towards whoever was tugging me I was that it was Sunset Shimmer. "Can we go, please? Only Alex and James are still there," Sunset pleaded. Turning I saw that she was right. Sebastian and the Umbrum were gone, and to my surprise. So was Claire. But I knew I would be seeing her during gym class. Turning to my crew I quickly judged their chances against Alex and James. Ben could take Alex, and Beth could handle Alex with Andrew's help. The little freshman was more ferocious than a pit bull.

Turing to Sunset Shimmer I nodded before I grabbed her hand and led her away. "Well now I know who the new guy is," I told her.

"Really? Where did you meet him?" Sunset asked.

"He was that gothic guy with Alex and them, the tall guy in the back," I explained to her.

"Really? I didn't even notice him," Sunset Shimmer said thoughtfully as she went deep in thought.

"I wouldn't expect you too, they're good at blending in," I told her as we walked.

After the events with Alex I decided to escort her to her classroom. As we got there I chuckled as we arrived. Sunset turned to me and raised her chin slightly. "What are you laughing about?" She asked suspiciously.

"My first day here, when you gave us those donuts. I remember Claire and I. Back when I was still on her good side. We snuck in here and rigged your chair to set off a air horn," I said before I burst out laughing.

Sunset Shimmer's face went from deep thought. Then to realization, and regret. And then to.... Embarrassment? "Oh, so that's who helped you? I almost forgot about that!" Sunset said before she also burst out laughing.

"Yeah, and you got us back before the day ended," I reminded her smiling at the memory. Back when he and Claire were still cool with each other. Back before these nightmares still happened. Thankfully I had Pinkie Pie and them or else I wasn't sure if I would have went back home, but then again we all swore to never go back.

"And where are you going to go? Not even your parents left you anything," Francis shot.

"Doesn't matter, we're done here," Midnight countered.

"You ungrateful little S***," Francis screamed.

"I'm grateful," Midnight whined.

"What are you grateful for?" Francis asked.

"Did you here any of that?" Midnight asked with a grin. His smile was wide and his teeth were straight and white.

"Hell ya, bow chicka bow bow," I replied with a smirk. Midnight looked up to me and nodded. I was a bit taller than him.

I noticed a red mark starting to appear on his left cheek where Francis slapped him. At the moment I was slightly on edge. It disappeared when I remembered that I was leaving now.

The memory made me a little angry at Francis and Austin who treated us like s***, but even more so at my parents for leaving me to them. Although I missed Midnight, as much as I hated him and Vice versa he was always my big brother. And Solstice and Corvis who I never even got to say goodbye to. However I did a good job at hiding it when I turned and began walking down the hall.

"Hey wait!" Sunset called from behind me.

"Yeah?" I asked as I turned around to face her.

"We're still on for diner after school right?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"Yeah," I told her a little happy she wasn't dissuaded by Alex and his cronies.

"Okay man calm the Hell down!" Ben said as he and Andrew tried to calm me down. Ben and James ended up scraping it out and there was no real winner. But James now had a black eye and a broken nose while Ben had a cut lip and bruised ribs.

"Calm down? I've never been on a date before!" I replied already nervous.

"It's just diner, don't worry about it. Just keep calm and don't mess up," Ben said sarcastically.

"And be good enough to get lucky!" Andrew added enthusiastically.

Both Ben and I groaned in annoyance. Me because that was the last thing I wanted to try for now. Sunset Shimmer was the beauty Queen who ruled the school. Even if she was now the beauty Queen in tears. Something I really wanted, but was to imitated to try for. At once the two of us said in sync to Andrew. "Shut up virgin,"

Andrew let out a cry of protest before Ben and I burst out laughing. "So you picking her up?" Ben asked.

"No, she has a car," I replied.

"But changelings don't use cars," Andrew protested.

"But Sunset Shimmer isn't a changeling," Ben pointed out.

"Wait really?" Andrew asked as he stood up and stood next to us. He was the runty freshman, but he was more loyal to me than Claire was. Who worried me more and more with each day.

"Yeah, the red hair instead of black hair and blue eyes didn't give it away?" Ben asked amused.

"Ohhhh, I just thought she was wearing hair dye," Andrew said before Ben and I burst out laughing again.

Several hours later Sunset and I sat at a booth in a Denny's. Sitting across form her was having a fan girl moment. I didn't expect this fiery girl to go out with me on a date. Much less actually enjoy it. She had picked me up from the mansion where Claire shrugged her off when she rang the doorbell. If it wasn't for Beth I was pretty sure I would have missed her unless she called me. It was times like this that I missed, Zeke, David, Joshua, Jack, Greg, and Jade. My childhood friends back when I lived with Francis and Austin.

"Hey um.. Phoenix?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"Yeah?" I asked as I sipped my Dr. Pepper

"Where did Zeke and the others go?" Sunset asked.

"They went drifting again. They were never here for long. The only reason they stuck around long as they did was probably because we were friends since we were little kids," I explained.

"And what about school?" Sunset asked.

"Not sure, I guess they enroll wherever they go, but officially we're all homeschooled unless you have people like Claire and me," I told her.

"But what about college and stuff? How are they going to go if they keep ditching?" Sunset asked which made me wince. "What's wrong?" Sunset asked instantly.

"Changelings..... don't go... to college," I said lowly.

"Wait what?" Sunset asked astonished with a little bit of horror. "Are you... not allowed to?'

"We can if we want, but there's no point. Our doctors are trained since birth so we don't need to. Its kind of pointless," I replied.

"No point? What about education? Becoming lawyers doctors, teachers?" Sunset asked.

"That's not a part of our culture. Most of us live our lives as drones who patrol our Queen's territory. If we're lucky we might be able to become Futas and live a easier life. But also a more dangerous one." I told her as our food came.

"That's horrible!" Sunset Shimmer exclaimed.

"Yeah, it's depressing. But can we please talk about something else?" I pleaded.

"Yeah," Sunset said as she sat back down. Thankfully for the rest of the night she didn't mention it. Although I could tell in the back of her mind she was thinking about it. And not just here, probably in her world too. But the night went off perfectly. We often laughed at the same jokes and telling different stories and just talking as we ate. When the night finished I elected to pay while she insisted on paying the tip.

"Want me to walk you home?" I offered as we stood outside the diner.

"No thanks, I'm not far," Sunset said as looked around sheepishly.

"Okay, if you need anything just-" I began before she moved up and kissed me on the lips. I stared at her before I felt a blush coming on my face.

"You're such a nice guy," Sunset Shimmer said before she walked off.

As she walked off I put on a goofy smile before I turned and fist pumped. Walking down the street I didn't even notice Ezra start walking after me from the shadows as the Umbrum trailed me. It wasn't long before I got to downtown. From here it would only be roughly two miles until I got to where I called my home. When I saw a large crowd surrounding what appeared to be three girls. From where I stood they seemed to be singing.

Two of them seemed to be on the taller side while the third one looked more average, but there was a seducing demeanor about them as they sang. And it was a understatement when I said that they were the most enchanting singers that I have ever heard. Miles above Twilight when she sang in the cafeteria. Feeling intrigued I moved closer to them and elbowed my way through the crowd. Being taller than most of them it wasn't hard until I was roughly thirty feet form them. For the briefest moment I thought I saw them recognize me before they continued to sing.

The tallest one was wearing a purple hoodie, and her hair appeared blue. Or dyed blue, not that I could tell since she had her hood up. The middle one who I assumed to be the leader was wearing a matching hoodie and looked like she had golden blonde hair that came down in curls. And the shortest of the bunch had what looked like either a black or dark purple with green highlights and a apple green hoodie. Opening my mouth I was about to ask them who they were when someone shoved me.

"Hey watch it!" I snapped while shoving a stocky guy around my age with more force than I intended. That was weird, normally I'm not THAT aggressive. Claire was, but not me. While I was doing this the three singers seemed to perk up as they continued to sing.

"Watch it you punk a** b****!" The stocky guy said before he tried rushing me. Growling I sidestepped and snapped a kick into the man's gut. The man grunted as several shouts and a few screams were heard as the man fell to his knees. Growling he tried rising again, but I was there. I don't know why, but I felt so angry at this guy and kicked him in the face as he was rising.

As the stocky guy shouted in pain while his head snapped back there was more shouts around me as the crowd began picking sides. There was shouts and many people began brawling while more screams of terror started sounding as a great many people tried fleeing the scene that was growing more violent by the second. All the while the singing seemed to get louder and even more intense as the three singers vocalized as if there wasn't a riot going on around them.

Keeping my guard up I eyed the crowd for a target which normally wasn't me, but at the moment I felt like I needed to hit something when there was the quick pitter-patter of footsteps somewhere behind me to his left. Say . . . eight o’clock. A tiny tock as feet hit the ground very rapidly and getting closer to me, a sound that did not belong but that I heard even past the roars and screams of the crowd because, after all this time, I was still a changeling. So I knew. Someone was rushing him through the crowd. And fast.

Dumb luck was all it was. Snapping my left arm into a elbow he swung at whoever tried rushing him and missed. Or sort of, the person ducked in a dive and tacked him sending them both rolling through the crowd. Rising I drew my knife which was a KA-BAR. It was probably the thoughts going through my head, or the fact those damn singers kept singing, but I was ready to cut somebody.

Turning I faced my attacker when I saw who it was and froze. Standing across from me at roughly 20 feet was Ezra. Tall and shadowy like always. In either one of his hands were two knives that had slight curves to them. I wasn't sure, but they looked like Becker Magnun Camps. Well at least he's not wielding a gun. Must not have earned it yet.

"You know I was wondering whether you were brave or stupid walking around alone with me here," Ezra jeered while he stood up straight and began circling me. Growling my eyes followed him while I kept in a defensive stance. All the while the singing continued and the crowd didn't even seem to notice us.

"Well, you really are stupid to try me," I growled.

'Oh really? Cocky aren't you? I guess I'll have to change that. Or not, you and your kind are vermin who need to be put down. And I'm only to happy to oblige," Ezra said with a smirk.

"Funny, I was about to say the same thing," I responded.

Author's Note

I am soooooooooo sorry this took soooooooooooooooooooo long. :ajsleepy:

Is also great.

Pain, pain was what I was feeling now. Dumb luck was what it was. I should have known that it was a set up. Umbrum never fought without a plan. And Ezra followed me and bided his time until I was most vulnerable. I didn't know where I was now, except it was dark. Maybe it was the void abyss that I called my mind. Or the dark painful memories that I long remembered. Memories my brother Midnight hated me for happening.

"So what's your name?" I asked the pretty petite girl in front of me. She had sea greenish black hair and artic blue eyes.

"My name is Alexia," the girl replied with a warm smile while she made a small fire in the clearing of the deep woods we resided in.

"Phoenix Stella," I replied with a grin.

The girl frowned as her eyes flashed in recognition. "I think you might be Midnight Fade's brother. Along with Corvis and Solstice?" Alexia asked.

"Yeah, how did you know?" I asked her in surprise.

"Reasons," Alexia replied with a smirk.

"So now that we've gotten this far I have to say.... THIS IS INCREDIABLY BORING!" I exclaimed in boredom. Sure they were taking the routes Midnight told them to. Through the Appalachian Mountains, but there was absolutely no adventure in it and was more of a nature walk at best. Despite the beauty of it and the fact he was having fun with the other changelings such as Claire and Alexia. There just wasn't that thrill he was expecting.

"So what do you want to do? We're already ahead of most of the routes that we can take since we're already getting closer to the north," A younger looking Claire replied. Although even then she had a rocking body in the middle school crush sort of way.

"Why don't we go off trail like all the older changelings do!" I suggested to everyone who began crowding around the three of us and nodding in agreement excitedly. But out of the corner of my eye I saw Alexia shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot.

"Maybe we should stick to the safer paths. I know it's boring but we still have fun eating around bonfires and talking to other changeling bands right?" She asked looking around at everyone.

"Come on Alexia! Just think of how much more fun we'll have! And it'll be a good story to tell about how we did it on our first drifting session!" I told her excitedly trying to get her on board.

"I still don't know, Midnight did tell us to stay in the Appalachians.... maybe he knows best?" Alexia said a little shyly while the rest of us looked at her.

"Here I'll tell you what, why don't we do this. If we run into any trouble we go straight back to the Appalachians if we do alright?" I bargained.

"I-I guess that could work," Alexia said a little uncertainly. Several hours later we stopped at the edge of the steep cliffs. After a mutual agreement to rest we all decided to call it a day. I sat underneath a tree next to Claire and another girl. She was petite and had sea greenish black hair with artic blue eyes. "Come on, heard there's a good waterfall around here," Claire said standing up. Around us our drifting party rose and began following her.

"Don't worry, it's going to be fun," Claire and I reassured her together. Our famous last words before everything started going to Hell.

While we took a straight line to the west things got more and more exciting. Once we left the Appalachian mountains that served as our underground highway both above and below in the tunnels we carved our way into long ago. It was very foreign and strange. Alexia still looked nervously but eventually after maybe a week on the trail we turned north to take the long way to New York City where the main hive was she seemed to calm down. After walking until my feet felt numb and felt like they were literally ready to fall off did we finally stop to rest.

"So we just going to sleep out here in the field?" Claire asked me while we all sat down in the middle of a meadow with the distant silhouettes were seen in the far distance.

"No come on and bring your knives. We're going to find a place to sleep tonight," I replied while grabbing my own knife.

"Why do you guys need knives?" Alexia asked immediately.

"Just in case, we don't think we need them, but it's better to be safe than sorry," Claire replied while rising from her seat and began walking towards the north. I immediately followed while Alexia and the other eleven changelings stayed resting. It didn't take long for us to find shelter. It was an old barn with old oil lamps that looked like they haven't been used in years. In fact the whole place hasn't looked like it was used in years.

After determining it was safe for us to use Claire and I went back to Alexia and the other Changelings to see them crowded around a old dirt trail. Frowning I made my way over to them and glanced down. "What do we got?" I asked them.

"Umbrum," Alexia said instantly.

"What do you mean?" Claire asked as she arrived. While she and Alexia began talking I took a look at the dirt trail and studied it closely. What I saw sent chills up my spine. There was footprints and a lot of them. Going back and forth like this was some sort of common trail, but that's not what told me that it was Umbrum. It was the shape of the footprints. Spiked boots every single one of them.

"We should head back now," Alexia pleaded.

"We will, but tomorrow, right now we're exhausted," I explained, but it did little to calm Alexia down.

For the next several hours she kept on pleading for us to head back immediately, but none of us could. So we settled on staying in the barn and leaving the first thing in the morning. The inside of the barn was full of hay and was the redneck backdrop. Some place to kick back at. A little cruising and boozing? What's not to like? Immediately everyone except Claire and I went to sleep. Because the two of us wanted to check something.

They came roughly an hour after midnight. I stayed just outside of the light in the building. Next to me Claire watched as several Umbrum took over the field just outside. Back then she was shorter and not as pretty. The rest of or group were sleeping. "I don't think they know were here," I said.

"We should have listened Midnight," Claire said.

"Its alright, tomorrow we curve north and head to Manhattan and the hive," I said.
The Umbrum below us worked with no organization whatsoever. And in the moonlight i could see that they were pretty primitive. We wielded knives, but so did they. At least I didn't spot any guns. Those clubs and bats looked like they could hurt though. As the night waned on I counted around thirty of them.

They stayed in the field where we were earlier today and kind of just had a small riot. Brawling with each other and eating around a fire. But when dawn came they left just as the sky was turning blue. I immediately woke Alexia and the other up and we took off before anything else could happen.

Around twilight we stopped for another rest, but Alexia insisted that we move on. When we all complained for her to let us rest she relented, but then began to put together a Uzi. Which was surprising to all of us since she seemed the least likely to earn the right to use one. Sighing I took a seat and that's when things truly went to hell. The area around us filled with Umbrum who launched a surprise attack on us. I wasn't ashamed when I ran. There was too many. But when I got to the door another dozen of them were at the door with feral smiles. Drawing my knife I charged them only to hear the hissing sound of Alexia's uzi taking several down. But she only took three of them down before they were charging us again.

I didn't get far when I heard the shriek. Turning I was surprised to see Alexia underneath a giant of a boy. He was a few inches over six feet. The Umbrum launched a fist into her jaw over and over again. Now would be the time to save her. He wasn't looking and Alexia already saved me twice. As evident when four of the five Umbrum around us were lying dead with head shots in their heads. Raising my knife above his neck I poised to attack when the lights went out. The last thing I could see before my eyes had to readjust was the Umbrum raising his own knife over Alexia.

It was dark. I had my blade ready to strike. Around us my changeling party was fighting a losing battle against a swarm of Umbrum. 'Save her, save her,' Every instinct cried. The petite girl was on the ground clutching her chest as two Umbrum closed in. I moved to kill the Umbrum, but stopped. I just couldn't do it. The Umbrum brought his blade down.

"NO!" I shouted while slicing across the Umbrum's back. The Umbrum let out a growl while shoving me back with his elbow a the two other Umbrum made their way to me. Turning I sprinted out of the now unguarded door where the fighting drew onto the lawn of the small shack we took residence in. But there was the sound of the large Umbrum making his way after me. Turning I tried to swing at him, but only grunted when there was a boot to my chest when he kicked me. Rising I could here the sound of fighting a small distance back start to go quieter, but my problems was the Umbrum in front of me.
The Umbrum was fast. His blades were already glowing with blood in the night. Grinning he charged towards me only to for a tanto to come flying out of the darkness into his shoulder. The Umbrum let out a loud shout of pain while gripping his shoulder before my foster brother Midnight did a flying kick against him. The Umbrum let out another grunt when Midnight's kick landed in the handle of the tanto which made him fall to the ground. The Umbrum let out a guttering scream which only resulted in Midnight grabbing the handle of his knife and slicing it across the Umbrum's face.

The Umbrum crawled backwards from him. I would never forget the look on his face. He knew his time was up. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. With each step Midnight stepped closer to the Umbrum lifting the Uzi to him. Wait didn't that girl carry the Uzi. Before the Umbrum killed her. I took a glance at Midnight and my blood ran cold. Midnight's face was a mask of rage. He never gave that look to anyone including our beloved foster parents. And the Umbrum knew it was directed for him.

Slowly Midnight raised his Uzi and before even I could protest he ended the Umbrum's life. Turning he shot a icy glare at me which made my own blood run cold. Before I could even protest he put a iron grip on my shoulder and dragged me back to the shack. In front there was a lot more Changelings. But these weren't like my Changelings who were around middle school age. These were a little older ranging from 14 to somewhere in their mid twenties. And each of them were packing lots of guns. Black mat pistols, the quick silver flash of long knives strapped to their backs, long barrels of long guns, ammo belts, and bandolier belts. They were like some kind of crazy ass kill squad.

And then my blood went even colder. If that was possible. In a pile were the tussled bodies of my drifting party with the exception of Claire who looked like she was the only other person besides me who survived the Umbrum attack. The Umbrum themselves were dead like they never even saw what was coming. Most had their throats cut with red scarfs coming down their throats, but a few were headshots. No mistaking the third eye or misshapen skull.

Midnight tossed me to one side of the circle while two older Changelings roughly twenty give of take dragged one last Umbrum boy. Roughly eight years old give or take. Midnight then handed me his tanto. "Do it!" He growled.

It didn't dawn on me what he meant for a few seconds. Until the realization of what he meant dawned on me. Turning my head I looked at dead Umbrum. All slaughtered, the fact they were actually dead bodies staring lifelessly into the abyss with screams still on their faces made me sick to the stomach. This wasn't anything like how I imagined my first battle with the Umbrum would be. I assumed it would be like in the story books full of heroic deeds and great. Instead it was two minutes of slaughter from them, and then from the Futa-Changelings.

"W-what are you going to do to me?" The Umbrum boy asked with his eyes wild in fear. Even I could tell that he wasn't there by choice, most likely came there because his clan was there. And even if they did tell him, he must have thought it was some sort of story. Which made it dawn on my that it wasn't only the younger Umbrum who didn't realize what was happening. My own younger Changeling in my small swarm probably thought something similar. Like straight out of a video game. All pumped up to get thing done, but now none of them would live long enough to learn the harsh reality of the truth.

"We don't have to do this," Claire said. Heads swiveled as the eyes of the Futa-changelings locked. I wasn't even sure if Midnight was next to me or not, but I knew he wouldn't be there to save me from this fate. Even he couldn't take on a couple dozen Futa-changelings. Then I mentally face palmed, he was one of the Futa-changelings. Part of this was his idea.

"Sorry kid," I said while planting my feet. All the better for a swing. But it wasn't like I had a choice here. It was simply the changeling way. My actions took a life.... or many for that matter. But all debts must be paid. It was the Changeling law! Written in stone from a time where the Queen's bloodline first started our little sub-race of humanity. Simply rules that had to be followed!
Law 1- Queen's word is law.
Law 2- Never endanger the hive.
Law 3- Never betray the hive.
Law 4- All threats must be eliminated.
Law 5- Never dishonor the Queen or Hive.
Law 6- Challenges must be answered.
Law 7- All debts must be paid.

Claire still not knowing what was going on looked from Midnight, to the Umbrum boy, and then to me. When she finally figured it out she did her best to stop me, rising to her feet she charged me to save the innocent. But the Futa's were already there slamming her, followed by a series of kicks. A part of me wished she got past and stopped me. But another part of me was happy the barrage of Futa's were stopping her. It meant that she didn't see what I saw about to do with my knife to the boy. But even though she wasn't going to see it I knew she would still hear it. The Umbrum looked up at me with innocent eyes that looked like polished obsidian. Full of fear.

"I'm sorry," I told the boy, I didn't want to do this. But I had to, maybe in another life I could have said no. This is the part where I turned around and told them to kill me instead. Do the heroic thing and save the boy's life, but this wasn't some story book where the one who sacrificed himself would get to live happily ever after when the Calvary showed up to save them. The Futa's were the Calvary, and would kill me in a second if I tried to stop them. I was a coward, I didn't want to die.

With tears in my eyes I began to bring the knife down.... and again... and again... and again... and again... and again... and again. It took me roughly thirty seconds to finish my work. But his in the depths of my soul I knew his screams would haunt me forever.

The first thoughts that were in my head when I finally came to was how the pain wasn't as bad as I thought it was. Then again I wasn't even sure why I was in pain. Until the memories of how I came face to face with Ezra came flooding back into my mind. What happened?

With all my willpower I struggled to open my eyes, but if felt like they weighed a thousand pounds at least. But I kept trying. Slowly the world started coming back to me. My arms and chest hurt as well as my back and legs. Not to mention a long sore pain starting at my collarbone and ending at my waist. At least I was laying on something comfortable that I knew was a bed. But on my fight forearm some kind of tube was connected to it.

"Ummm you guys.. I think he's waking up," A timid voice said from somewhere to my left.

"Are you sure darling? He has been out for over three days," A regal voice asked somewhere from my right.

"Yeah, he's waking up. I can tell by his moving eyelids!" A overly excited voice responded besides the timid voice.

"That's what you said last time. The doctor said he could be out for at least a week," A somewhat dry and confident voice said.

"Now don't be pitching a fit now Dash, he said he wasn't sure," A voice with a southern accent chided.

"Come on Phoenix, please wake up," A soft spoken voice pleaded.

Slowly I tried to open my eyes, but this was a lot harder than it should have been. But that soft spoken voice that was pleading for me to wake up was what was driving me forward. Because I knew that voice that pleaded. It was a honeyed voice that I learned to be weary of when I first came here. A voice that I dreaded and at the same time felt excited for the longest time, and then a voice I always longed for no matter the time of day. I would raise my eyelids for her... for Sunset Shimmer.

Slowly my eyes opened and I got a good look of the world around me. It was a hospital room with a UV connected to my arm. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were all standing around me bickering about me. But sitting next to me, holding my hand was Sunset Shimmer who was now starring at me with wide aquamarine eyes.

"Ummm.... you guys," She said in a low voice. Doing my best I tried to ask her something, but all that came out was a low gurgle. Thankfully me low gurgle received the desired effect. Rainbow Dash and the others all froze before turning towards me.

"Well it's about time Y'all woke up," Applejack said in a relieved voice.

"W-w-what happened?" I croaked out while trying to sit up, but was instantly, gently yet firmly pushed back down.

"Now hold your horses, you best not move around. You might now be able to wake up,"

"Fine, where's my crew at?" I asked them which caused them to all glance over at each other nervously. "What did I say?"

"Um.... you see the night you were attacked by Ezra...." Rainbow Dash began before trailing off.

"Well, I can't lie to ya, Those three bullies Alex, James, and Sebastian were part of that Umbrum organization and attacked your home when Ezra was fighting you," Applejack spat out.

"............... WHAT!" I shouted in shock while trying to sit up. "What happened? Is my crew alright? What about them? Are they hurt? Are they here?" I asked them frantically. But the looks on their faces told me everything that I needed to know.

"Andrew was murdered that night, Claire wouldn't tell us who did it, but she, Beth, and Ben all fought back. The police said it was in self defense. But Ben and Samantha were cut up pretty bad and had to be admitted here. Ben is in stable condition.... thank goodness. But Beth...." Rarity said in a croaky voice.

The news of Andrew's death was shocking to me, it came and I was blank. But the knowledge Ben was alright gave me a little comfort, but Andrew was still there. The young Freshman who always followed me around. Admiring me, and wanting to be me. Gone........................

And then she trailed off about Beth. The tough changeling girl that was always by my side through thick and thin from when we were here. The girl that decided to stick with me when I refused to ditch Pinkie Pie and the others when they came. The girl who was as close to my sister. Staring at Rarity I willed her to tell me Beth was alright, that she was going to make it. But the look on their faces told me all that I needed to know.

"No...... no, no, no, no!" Turning I began sobbing into my pillow wanting this nightmare to end. It was like that night with the Umbrum boy all over again. But this wasn't on me. And yet I felt responsible for Beth's death. If we just took off with Ezekiel and the others this never would have happened. For what felt like hours I cried not only for Beth, but for Andrew as well. Eventually I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders and then another pair that continued until all my friend's hands were comforting me. Eventually I cried myself out before turning back to them. I didn't say anything, but only waited for them to continue.

"Ezra did a number on you, but the entire crowd told the police that you were fighting back in self defense. You got a good number of good cuts on him and he's under secure holding now. The police are watching him night and day. As if they even had to. He's in critical condition," Rainbow Dash explained.

"What about the other three?" I questioned wanting to know about the bastards that killed Beth and Andrew.

"According to the news.... they broke in during the night. And were killed on the scene," Applejack replied.

"And what about Claire? What happened to her? Is she here too?" I asked wanting to know.

"She gave me this letter and gave me very CLEAR instructions that only you or Ben were to read it," Sunset told me while handing me a sealed enveloped. Taking the envelope I stared at it before opening it. It was written quickly as if she was in a hurry.

Phoenix, Ben

If one of you two are reading this than that means that Sunset Shimmer has done something right for a change. And didn't cause a problem. As either of both of boy know by now. Ezra wasn't alone, and Beth and Andrew are dead. Luckily I managed to end their killer's pathetic excuse for lives and bought us some time temporarily. But Umbrum don't operate solo. If he's here than that means that more will come sooner or later. Rather than lose our territory in Canderlot, you two will hold it until I can make it to the Hive and get back with reinforcements, if you have any friends now would be the time to call them.

Claire

It was several weeks before they let me go. Not sure why, but the cops that questioned me were unusually quick to leave. As Ezra was already in custody, there wasn't much they needed from me. What surprised me was how often Sunset Shimmer visited me. Everyday when would wake up I would often see her sitting there with a book in her hand, or watching T.V. Despite my initial assumption that with the lack of school when I was in the hospital, Sunset Shimmer was determined to see me graduate. I expected that it was something that had to do with what I told her on our date.

Either way she was always catching me up on what I was missing on school. Which was a lot after you think about it. Science, Math, English, Creative Writing, History, and Government. Each week day a little after 4:00 she would show up. Sometimes one of the other girls would show up as well, but it was chiefly her with my school work. On the weekends she would stay by my bedside all day. Either talking to me, or we would catch me up on my schoolwork. As strange as it may have been, I was actually doing better in school than I ever was. And that was just because of Sunset Shimmer.

When we weren't studying. We talked about our lives. Or at least I did. During this time I told her how I learned how to fight, and why I we changelings preferred the traditional kickboxing techniques with the exception of Midnight and a few others. During this time I told her about my life back what was a pathetic excuse for a home. And about my adopted parents.

"Well, Solstice was always the cunning one. She reminded me of a savvy ally cat. Like she was incredibly smart, but didn't care about school. All she cared about was other things,"

"Well, what kind of things did she care about?"

"She wanted to become an artist, didn't matter what kind either. Sometimes she did graffiti on the walls, pastel paintings, oil paintings, charcoal drawing, or sculptures. It's just that, our beloved Foster parents always put her down each chance they got. Sooner or later she gave up. Like she wanted to, but was put down one time to many. After that she never really was the same anymore," I told her while trailing off.

"What do you mean never was the same anymore? Did she try something else? Or is that when she learned her wily ways?" Sunset Shimmer asked me while staring into my Icy blue eyes with her cyan ones.

"No, she was always cunning, but after one times. She grew more sullen, like every little thing annoyed her to no end. And yet she was always the most patient of us. The last one to stay out of faith. Even if it was too long. Like if we were cooking and failed. She would keep cooking until she got it right. But she was as ruthless as you could be. And not like the kids from our school ruthless. More like a realist who didn't believe in fantasies and such," I explained to her.

Sunset shimmer nodded her head. Thinking it over, but has a look of familiarity about her as if she went through this as well. Wait...... she did go through it as well. The constant verbal abuse from school, Ezra and his lackey's constant attacks on her, and the lack or appreciation in her efforts in trying. Sensing a dark part of the conversation rising I quickly decided to change the subject.

"So uh........ when do you think they will let me out of here?" I asked her. Her response was her eyes lighting up with the most genuine smile I had ever see
"The doctors say that if everything goes alright, then you could be out of here tomorrow," she said happily.
"Wow that's a relief, because this hospital food is literally killing me. Uh... no pun intended," I added quickly when Sunset Shimmer swatted my arm.
"Quit joking like that, you might cause bad karma in the hospital," She scolded playfully.
"My bad my bad, I'll stop," I replied with a chuckle. "So how's Ben?" I pondered. Feeling slightly guilty at how long it took me to ask about him. Guy was like one of my best friends.
"Well for the most part I've been around here with you. But from what Rarity says, he's been in better shape than you. Had an artery cut, but he's already back in school," She told me.
"Wait? They're actually letting us back in school?" I asked incredulously.
"Yeah, and people stopped attacking me out of.... respect for Beth and Andrew. They aren't exactly nice, but they've been more than supportive about the whole thing," Sunset Shimmer told me.
Hearing those words sent a massive relief through me. To be honest with myself, I thought that Principal Celestia would kick us to the curve. Having someone risking other students wasn't exactly school material and I wouldn't have blamed her. Guess being a victim this time was better than I thought it was going to be. Not that I would let them know I liked it, I still had a reputation to maintain after all.

Like promised, I was discharged from Hospital. While the doctor was giving me one last check up I wondered if Ben and the girls were waiting for me. "Is there anyone out there waiting for me?" I asked the doctor.
The doctor didn't look at me while he continued to jot things down on a clipboard. "There's that pretty red headed girl that keeps visiting you, a five other girls, your friend from the other room, and I'd estimate half of Canderlot High,"
"....... well fuck,"
"You don't wish to see a welcoming party?" The doctor asked while glancing towards me.
"No, I'll face them, it's just that its..." I started before I struggled to think of the next word.
"Unexpected?" The doctor offered.
"Yeah, unexpected," I replied feeling a little dumbfounded that such a word could elude me.
"Relax kid, these people are your friends. And they are here in full support with balloons, gifts, confetti, and even several cakes with you and Ben's faces on them," The doctor said with a hint of a smile growing on his face.
"Wait what?!" I exclaimed with wide eyes.
"Your friend with the pink hair? She formed up a welcoming party for you. Did the same thing for your friend Ben," The doctor replied.
"Of course she did," I said before grumbling.
"Would you like me to sneak you out the back?" The doctor offered.
"No, otherwise she'd get all upset and I'll never hear the end of it," I replied.
"So I see, now I'll just need you to sign this and you'll be able to go," The doctor said while handing me his clipboard. "Just sign here, here, and here," The doctor said while pointing to several places.

As I signed my name I caught a glance at what I was being seen for. Extensive trauma to the ribs, multiple knife wounds to his blah blah blah.
"Wow..... this is a lot of damage," I said as I finished signing
"It wasn't something that happened often, spent 23 hours in surgery with you," The doctor said as he began walking out of the room.
"Thank you Dr..." I began before I realized I didn't even know the man who saved my life's name.
"Whooves... Dr. Whooves," Dr. Whooves finished as he exited the room.

"Okay, you got this," I told myself while giving a few jumps to pump myself up. Pinkie Pie probably got a whole thing together. So that meant the cake would be fresh, probably Ice Cream and chocolate. With Sunset, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy...... and Ben.

With one last breath I walked out of the door and was blasted with confetti.
"HE'S ALIVE!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she tackled me while the confetti blinded me.
"Pinkie.... can't.... breath...." I gasped out from her bone crushing hug. I was pretty sure that I heard a rib or two pop.
"Sorry!" She said sheepishly as she let me go. Immediatly I began gasping for air.
"I see you threw me a rave. Not that I mind," I told them while I looked around. The waiting room has streamers, balloons, and a giant WELCOME BACK!!! sign hanging. It looked like the nurses were annoyed withthe whole ordeal, but the presence of Big Mac and Ben dissuaded them from actually doing anything. Not that they would do anything, but they didn't know that.

"So how ya doing partner?" Applejack asked.

"I feel like shit, and my ribs are hurting like Hell," I admitted while looking at the cake. "Lets eat the cake now," I suggested.

"Okay," Pinkie said excitedly as she led the small heard of people to the cake.

"Phoenix," Ben said while stopping.

"What is it Ben?"

"We can't stay at that place anymore,"

"Any valid reason why?"

"You weren't there.... I was........ the place is a graveyard,"

"........I know a place where we can rent a place. My friend Andreas, he has a pretty good place,"

"Thanks bro,"

"What happened anyways?"

"That night?"

"Yeah,"

"We were all just sitting around the fireplace. You know, just watching a movie. Andrew kept on asking if you were getting lucky and all that. Then Claire heard something upstairs. Well after that I heard something coming from the kitchen. So I went to investigate. Only once I was there I saw James right before the kid attacked me. Wasn't sure what exactly happened but...... there was a lot of blood. And then Claire was there, cutting half his throat out with that corn knife of hers. But by then the police were arriving and thats when I saw Sebastian and Alex... but Claire had already killed them," Ben said lowly.

"Andrew and Claire?"

"Andrew was already dead, but Beth died on the way to the hospital," Ben said before he walked towards the cake and began talking to Rarity. As if the dark conversation we had was gone. Deciding to follow suit I went to talk to Big Mac and attempt to see how far back in my studies I was. Even with Sunset Shimmer helping me, I probably was weeks behind. But as I walked past over heard a conversation between Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.

"So do you think Ben and Rarity are going out now?" Pinkie asked.

"Uh Pinkie, with what those two are doing to each other. I'm pretty sure that they're going out," Rainbow Dash replied.

"What do they do to each other? Are they the romantic type?" Pinkie asked.

"Ummm when I stayed the night at Rarity's shop one night those two came back. Said hi then went into her room. And they were either fucking or Rarity must really like agreeing with Ben in the loudest way possible," Rainbow Dash mused.

Shaking my head I walked past them. Apparently Ben was getting more lucky than I was. Then again, he had several weeks on me. Once I made my way to Big Mac. I cut right to the chase. "Give it to me straight, I know I'm screwed in my studies. But I need to know..... is my education redeemable?"

".......... Eeyup,"

But if it had to perish twice.

I sat up yawning. Today I was feeling nice and refreshed. I checked my phone. 6:37 am.

6:37! S***. I jumped up and looked around. Applejack, Big Mac, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were still here. Andrew, Beth and Ben were still here too, but they technically lived here now. Wait? Where's Claire? I spun on my heels and let out a breath of relief when I saw her walking towards us from the woods. She seemed unusually happy. "Where were you? I asked evenly.

"Just taking a morning walk to the woods. We should consider getting ourselves some motorcycles, and did they really sleep over next to a bonfire?" Claire asked while looking at the the girls. Speaking of which.

I knew she was hiding something from me, but the girls hadn't planned to spend the night and their folks must have been worrying about them. "Hey! Wake up!" I shouted at them. They all mumbled and started waking up. Rarity was up in a instant with a mask of horror on her face.

"Why I just slept in my clothes? That is completely bad for personal hygiene," she cried looking close to tears. Ben sat up while looking around quickly. When he saw that no one was messing with her he laid back down.

Applejack and Big Mac sat up with worried looks on their faces. "We better git on home bro," she said to Big Mac.

"Eeeee yup," Big Mac said with the same worried expression.

"Granny Smith is going to have a fit," Applejack said. Now not was my turn to be worried. Granny Smith was a nice old lady, but if she was able to raise Applejack, Big Mac, and Applebloom and do a good job at it. Then being on her bad side was the last thing on my mind. It didn't help that I kept her two oldest grandchildren out all night. We didn't do anything, but she didn't know that.

"Dont worry guys, I knew we were going to crash here so I told all our folks before hand," Pinkie said with a wide smile. I spun on my heels and Rainbow Dash sat up really quickly.

"You did what now?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Now none of us will get in trouble," Pinkie Pie explained.

"Pinkie," I said.

"Yes Phoenix?" She asked while turning to me. I remembered what Midnight told me to do with Pinkie. I wouldn't want to meet him again only to tell him I failed the one job he gave me.

"What kind of drugs are you taking?" I asked. Pinkie Pie looked taken back.

"Its not crack because your not a skeleton. Not meth because you seem in control of yourself. Herion would have made you dead. So what is it?" I asked.

"Um, I'm not sure. I don't think anybody including the writer and myself know," Pinkie Pie said.

"The who?" I asked.

"The guy who- Never mind. Just be happy and the rest will fall into place," Pinkie Pie said.

After another ten minutes everyone loaded up and went home. Applejack and Big Mac gave us a ride back to our houses. Before we left I made sure Sunset Shimmer remembered to be at the bus station by 10:13. When Rainbow Dash asked why 10:13. I told her "Because the bus leaves at 10:15,"

When I got home, I thanked the apples for the ride before heading into my apartment. After two months of living here I actually managed to keep the carpet clean which was as big of a suprise to me as it was to everyone else.

After showering and eating breakfast, I brushed my teeth and went to the bus station around a quarter mile from my house. By that time it was 9:30 and I had some time to spare. Unfortunately my thoughts began to drift towards Twilight. I shot to kill, but I hesitated. Ben, Beth, and Andrew didn't see it. Claire did though. What made me worry was how she never brought it up. Not directly. Every time I did something she would push me through it as fast as she could. Now I did things automatically without thinking things through. In a way she was the leader, but i still called the shots. She planned those shots.

"Hey there," Sunset said nervously while taking the seat next to me.

"Hello," I replied with a smile.

After another couple of minutes the bus came. We both got on and sat down. We laid the bus fare of $5.00.And the bus began its treck to town.

"So what kind of books are you looking for?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"Mostly adventure books where the hero wins," I replied.

"You like adventure books?" Sunset Shimmer asked with a smile.

"Yeah, in real life the hero rarely wins. And when they do it always costs something," I replied.

"What do you mean?" She asked me curiously.

The Umbrum crawled backwards from him. I would never forget the look on his face. He knew his time was up. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. With each step Midnight stepped closer to the Umbrum lifting the Uzi to him. Wait didn't that girl carry the Uzi. Before the Umbrum killed her. I took a glance at Midnight and my blood ran cold. Midnight's face was a mask of rage. He never gave that look to anyone including our beloved fostor parents. And the Umbrum knew it was directed for him.

"Just life in general," I replied.

Sunset Shimmer didn't ask anymore much to my relief. Luckily for us, the bus had a tv. Unfortunately, it was on the news. It was just regular weather forecast. Getting more and more bored with every second, I pulled out my phone and tried flappy bird. After several minutes I jumped up from my seat screaming "H*** YEAH!" Everyone on the bus looked at me with wierd looks. "New high score on flappy bird," I said. The younger people nodded understandably, but the older people still gave me wierd looks.

After losing at 569 I heard Sunset Shimmer say "Oh my God," while tensing up. I glanced up at the t.v. and even I saw suprised at what I saw. On the t.v. showed a reporter over a headline that read CHANGLING/UMBRUM RIVALRY GETTING OUT OF CONTROL?

I could see where Claire got the idea about motorcycles. In the background several changlings were riding bullet bikes through the streets in which chaos and fire were raging. A few gothic people were peeking out of doors and shooting long guns a them while they returned fire from uzi's in a drive by style. All across the streets changlings and Umbrum were going at it with blades in hand to hand combat. I couldn't help but give those Umbrum props. Those changlings were a battle squad. I was able tell just by looking at them. They were probably sent by Queen Chrysalis herself. And those Umbrum were fighting back and doing a good job considering that the changlings always seemed to outnumber them by at least two to one.

Two reporter's were talking about the scene that was becoming more and more frequent. "These changlings and umbrum are causing chaos to our peaceful streets in Manhattan," one of them said.

"We should find away to deal with the problem as a whole," the other one said.

"Now hold on, we can't group all the changlings and umbrum together. These guys don't represent all of them," the other said. I scoffed and Sunset Shimmer looked at me.

"What?" She asked.

"That's not true. We all live under our queens rule, if not then she sends someone like my brother of the changling Alaric to try and talk them back," I said.

"And if they don't?" She asked me.

On the screen the view changed to a airborne shot. "Does that kid have a grenade launcher?" The second reporter asked.

"They don't live to regret it," I answered.

"If we can't get rid of them, then we can at least disarm them. I mean both fractions are essentially walking armies that are dangerously equipped." The first reporter said. Suddenly I felt all eyes on the bus trained on me. I did my best to shrink, but I was 6'2 and I had a long knife on my back and a boot knife. It wasn't easy.

I felt a hand on my back. Turning my head I saw that it was Sunset Shimmer's which earned her a ghost of a smile from me.

Eventually the bus arrived at town. Sunset Shimmer and I walked to the book store and I bought my books and put them in a book bag. It was still eleven so we went to the mall for lunch. And for the second time in the span of 20 hours. I found myself.enjoying her company. She was more quiet than me, but then again. I didn't turn into a raging she demon. I made a mental note to not mention that. After another few minutes of joking around, a thought just sprung into my head. She was supposed to have something that me and my crew made her key herself back when we were on the opposite teams.

"Hey don't you have a car?" I asked her. Sunset raised her head me suprised.

"Yeah, but it's having problems right now," she said.

"Why not get it fixed?" I asked.

"I don't really have the money to fix it since I only have roughly one hundred to two hundred extra dollars a month," she said.

"One of us can fix it for you," I offered. Sunset's eyes lit up with a joy that I haven't seen her show since I football kicked the fall formal crown into her hands.

"You would do that for me?" She asked me.

"No," I said much to her suprise. "I don't really know alot about cars since I barely know how to drive. Beth is just the same and Andrew is even worse. Ben might be able to help, but I doubt he would make the trip. He's still in pain since that girl Twilight Sparkle kicked in his stones." I said. Sunset Shimmer winced. "He still has chronic testicle pain since she literally almost broke his uh, private parts." I explained. Sunset Shimmers light slowly started to dim and I knew I was losing her. "Claire might be able to help." I said.

"Are you sure? I don't think she really likes me with how hostile she gets whenever someone brings up the fall formal," Sunset Shimmer said. I scoffed.

"Oh believe me, her hostility isn't directed towards you," I said. It's directed towards me for hesitating and essentially trapping her here until she can confirm the kill or not. I instantly shot all thoughts about Twilight Sparkle to the back of my mind.

"And by the way, I've always wanted to ask you something." Sunset Shimmer asked me. I tensed up, his couldn't be good.

"Shoot," I said.

"Why did you pick my side during the fall formal?" She asked. Okay this was the second worst question I imagined her asking me. The first was if I liked her which no one including myself besides Claire knew.

"Call is intuition. Mainly it was because we had to choose a side during those events." I said.

"So why my side? And you didn't have to choose," Sunset Shimmer said.

"And explain to my queen that her changlings sat on the sidelines while something with magic happened? No thank you I choose life," I said. Sunset Shimmer giggled.

"Your queen can't be that cruel can she?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

"No, but my siblings would never let me hear the end of it." I replied.

"Solstice and Corvis might not be, but Midnight would be f****** p*****. And then I would choose life." I said seriously.

"So why did you choose my side instead of theirs?" She asked me again.

"Oh, I can give you a long list of reasons why we wouldn't have chosen Twilight's side, she somehow managed to get on our bad sides without speaking a word to us. The primary reason I because you came to us. Twilight was rallying people to her and expecting people to go to her. And unless it's our queen. We never follow anyone like that. You however came to us despite our brief ugly history and asked for our help. And that's what made us choose your side. That and we weren't kind of wearing plastic pony ears." I said.

She was asking me all these questions which I didn't mind. Although I felt like I was entitled to at least one. Sort if like why you come from a world where anything and everything is possible and why she would choose to stay here, but before I could she asked another question I wasn't keen on answering. "I saw your brother fighting you and. Well I know it might be a little too personal, but why did it seem like he was itching to kill you?" She asked me. I instantly looked for a way out of answering. And I found it in the form of a spiritualist.

"Hey let's go get a reading?" I said while runningto the store. Anything to avoid telling her the answer. Only Claire, Midnight, Alaric, Solstice, Corvis, and our queen really knew what went down. One other girl knew
What went down, but I never learned her name. Solstice said it would be Better if I never saw her again and to not look for her since Midnight did all he could to keep her away from me. Not that he blamed her. It was a miracle that Midnight still treated him like a brother. Not that he ever was nice about it. Still though, he had his moments when Phoenix feel like Midnight cared about him.

Inside the spiritualist's shop was dark and dimly lit. Loud classic music was jamming and I resisted the urge to plug in the aux cord for some good old fashion electric rock. "Welcome to my lair. Would you two like a reading from Serenity Glow?" A old women who looked somewhere between seventy to three hundred years old.

"Yes please, how much would it cost?" I asked politely while reaching for my wallet. I wasn't going to let Sunset Shimmer pay.

"Did Serenity Glow ask for money?" Serenity Glow asked us while motioning for the two of us to sit down. I opened my mouth to protest, but Sunset Shimmer had already pulled me to the table where a crystal ball sat. Serenity Glow took Sunset's hand. She made a wierd sucking in sound as her eyes glazed over.

"You come from a dark past child. And I see you are in a dark time now child and you will have a hard time ahead in the near future," Serenity Glow said. Sunset Shimmer seemed to shrink with dread.

"That's a happy thought," I mumbled.

"But do not worry child for the darkest part of night is before the dawn. And you hall find happiness, friendship, love, and uh, ponies?" Serenity Glow asked. My head snapped towards Sunset as confused as Serenity Glow was. Sunset's face was a blush and turned into a even deeper red. I however was grinning with joy. Sunset Shimmer's bullies only got worse and a few were even trying to attack me and my crew. Not that it did them any good. We were still changlings and Claire was enough to put them down, hard.

Wait, what did she just say? I wondered what was more disturbing. That I was jealous of Sunset finding love, or the fact that ponies didn't disturb me like they should. Suddenly Serenity Glow grabbed my hand making me bite down a scream.

"And your read in is, oh." Serenity Glow said while her face filled with pity. "Your last is long and tragic, but I see you had several small candles with you throughout your dark times. These candles I see are dimly lit almost like you blew them out and they barely relit. Be sure to not blow them out again for candles can o my relight themselves once. And your future only gets bright we as if several lights will appear, but be warned. The other candles will consume this new light in fire if you unleash its wrath. And you have a bond with someone who relies on you with only a few others for a foundation in this cruel world. There is another thing, but I can't get a reading except-" Serenity Glow started, but was cut off and her head snapped back with her eyes rolling to the back of her head.

"Serenity!" Sunset and I shouted simultaneously.

Serenity regained her posture and looked at me with the saddest look I have ever saw. "That is the worst feeling I could ever imagine someone experiencing. Please make sure they find happiness. Only a few hearts can suffer that much and still show kindness, even if it's a fleeting kindness." Serenity said.

"Who and what now?" I asked very scared at this reading. Now I kinda wished I just told her why Midnight hated me.

"And be warned on how you decide on actions for your actions will effect many people as well as your own in ways only a few can understand." Serenity Glow said.

"I don't understand," I said confused and pretty scared. This women knew what she was doing and I understood more about rocket science than what she was trying to say. Now if only she stopped going around the subject and flat out told me what was going to happen.

"I am forbidden from explaining the future to someone, but I can show you," Serenity Glow asked while grabbing my hand and placing it on the glass ball. My vision flooded with shadows and I was able to feel emotions from a distance as if I could sense other people's thoughts. And seeing how I saw a talking dog. I wasn't sure if I was imagining that.

Serenity Glow's emotions were a defeated sorrow as if she knew something was going down, or went down. Now I wondered just how much of that night she saw in that reading.

Sunset Shimmer's emotions were confusion and worry, but underneath that I sensed a sort of comfort that came towards my direction. Underneath that reeked of regret and sadness not towards me, but the world.

"Focus on what's ahead," Serenity Glow hissed. I immediately obeyed. Not a good idea to try and go rouge in a when I was seeing sounds and such. I focused my attention ahead and felt myself slip forward in time. There was many different paths, but Serenity pushed me towards the most direct path that tasted like familiarity. The area around me changed from ink black to sea greenish black. And then I sensed emotions from several people all familiar. There was also dozens of others that I didn't know, but all had a sense of trust directed at me. I tried moving forward again, but the classic music blinded me which was wierd since everything was black. Or sea greenish black. "Turn down the music I can't see," I shouted. The people around me directed confusion and amusement towards me.

Serenity or Sunset must have turned off the music because I was able to see again, which was still a mystery to me since all I could see was black. It was like being blind, but I could taste the colors.

I was thrust forward again, but this time not as far. There was three new presences there with a sense of greed that I couldn't despise since it felt like it they couldn't help it. Instead of being sea greenish black, they tasted like golden, blue, and violet. And now I was wondering how I could taste them since they felt like whisps of air around me. Three of the familiars were oozing out want and desire as well as a hint of love to these three.

Suddenly the three colors were a mix of energy as if they were fighting something while the familiars were shooting confusion, irritation, and anger towards me. After a couple of minutes the colors changed to fear and while the familiars changed to realization, anger, and desperation.

After another few seconds the colors felt the pain of losing while the familiars changed to disbelief, betrayal, more disbelief, sadness, regret, and a mix of other emotions while my own changed to a sinking realization and fear.

The colors were reeking of sadness and defeat and disappeared while three of the familiars pinged the pain of loose. Many of the other familiars directed sympathy towards them before turning to fury and betrayal towards me. Suddenly all of them except one who emitted worry were shooting so much hate towards me I felt my bones get hit.

Suddenly the most powerful familiar that now had an aura of menace snapped while my own emotions changed to realization, fear, and regret. After that I turned and began to run back to Serenity and Sunset. And that's when I heard the distant sound of gunshots. 'CRACK CRACK CRACK CRACK CRACK' and my side's exploded with pain. The one familiar that didn't hate me shot forward in a dash of bravery between me and the other familiars. 'CRACK' that familiar erupted in pain while I snapped back into my body.

"Am I, am I going to d-" I began before Serenity Glow cut me off.

"The future is never set in stone, but this is the path you are on at the moment. It would be your loved ones who do the deed, but only after you push them to the very edge." Serenity Glow said.

"What could I have done to make my loved ones want my blood?" I asked her.

"That I do not know, but it would be your own doing unless you correct yourself." Serenity said.

"How can I do that?" I asked.

"You must figure that out yourself," Serenity said before ushering us out. Once outside Sunset immediately turned to me asking me if I was going to be alright. That's when I realized that she didn't have a clue what was going on. I wasn't alright since I just saw my could be death. Best not tell her about that.

"Yeah I'll be fine, and what was that about ponies?" I asked. To my suprise she blushed.

Before she could answer I heard a series familiar voices. I spun on my heels in disbelief just as they grabbed me in a bear hug. Midnight, Corvis, solstice, and Forest weren't there, but everyone else was. He grew a few inches and was a little taller than me now, and he cut his hair to just below his eyes. From the corner of mt Wye I saw Sunset Shimmer watch as I embraced them. Bullet belts, Jean jackets, dark hoodies, converse shoes, combat boots and dark gray clothing marked them for what they were. "Whos this? A tall guy that was the guru of our pack before. He asked the question while looking towards Sunset Shimmer. I turned to her with the happiest smile on my face.

"Sunset, I would like you to meet the rest of my changling family," I said.