Mister Crowley

Mr. CrowleyBy: Die Philosophen- -“Bedding a mare is good. Bedding two mares is great. Bedding three mares is awesome. But a stallion bedding SEVEN mares? I don't think that's even possible...”Unknown Bar Patron- -

        An entire year had passed since the disappearance of Sir Demirci, once again making national headlines and causing a major uproar amongst the government, nearly causing all-out riots amongst the human populace. Waves of soldiers washed throughout their districts until eventually they were ordered to demobilize, and soon the nation-wide manhunt was dismissed without any results. This had received heavy negative reception, and soon accusations were flying out from the humans as they accused the princesses of orchestrating a conspiracy to gain control of their land, which in response started a literal 'cold war' in the parliament when Régis first came to power.

        A few heated weeks passed in parliament before Régis was arrested for assault, and the repercussions were to an epic scale when the Princesses proclaimed that Sibeki would have it’s independence dissolved and be fully integrated into the empire. Pacification would begin immediately. Until their leader reclaimed his position, the people would be governed directly by the House of Alicorns. The ensuing  fallout caused another uproar, until, non-violently, they were silenced by Celestia's hoof, the leader shifting from her usually benevolent and peaceful demeanor into a irate and very short tempered ruler. In response to their claims, the Princess noted the fact that they had brought it upon themselves, and that no matter what their justifications were, they were in no position for negotiations after Régis' actions, and that they seemed to show their'true selves' now that they were left unchecked by their leader, Sir Demirci. The result was forced compliance, and the humans experienced Celestia’s first-hand anger when martial law was emplaced on to every human from child to elder until the pacification could begin. The forced compliance policy which was emplaced also brought Argamak under the highest guard as farmers were escorted to and from the mesa. Residential ponies were met with cold reception. Though not very vocal, it was slowly but surley growing.

        Despite the quickly rising tensions between the humans and government, the ponies had fond memories of Sir Demirci's first appearance in public, when the augmented man had delivered his charisma-blanketed speech to Parliament. They remembered his dedication to the unification of his own people with the ponies to help bring them a better life, which sadly was forgotten, thanks to the recent fear mongering and distrust between the two races.

        On more personal events in Equestria, the adoption of Scootaloo by the only and only Rainbow Dash was given warm reception by friends and residents, the denizen orphan of Ponyville positively elated.

- -

        Concerning Sibeki's residential ponies, many had a hoof in the swift construction of the first township with the new concept of 'modern city planning' and 'revolutionary architecture' in mind. Specialized construction workers and overseers helped to pave asphalt pathways and buildings designed with the 'Lunarian' architecture, it’s eclectic designs influenced by the artistic style recovered from the Old Ponies, as well as from the Princess’ own personal artistic designs, giving the township a unique blend of old and new. To balance the modern designs with the so-called “harmony of nature”, as she put it, Lunaria ordered the establishment of subterranean aqueducts for the purpose of feeding the artificially placed flora within the township.

        As a result of the establishment of a unpaved road and a railroad system which eliminatied the need for caravans to bring in the supplies with rail terminals  resulted in much faster and more convenient transportation between the two districts.

- -

        In the weeks following the end of the manhunt, headlines were blazing about the appearance of a mysterious pony who was coined the“Indiana Stallion”. Ponies claimed him to be taller and more muscular than an average pony, and dress in a mysterious attire that gave him a mysterious appearance. He went from the mainland to the colonies, helping along the way many ponies who needed their help. There were interviews with travelers who claimed to have had the mysterious stallion help them during the errant weather in New Equestria, seen guardsponies being assisted in dealing with bandits and other kinds of less-than-reputable persons, and farmers who claim to have had the stallion watch over them as they passed through crime-infested areas and get their produce to their destination safely.

        Painted with a strong, but shy and silent exterior, he rarely spoke, and when he did it was in a cryptic voice that gave him a rather strange air. However, those distant views of the stallion mostly came from Old Pony’s structures, a few daring come back with apparent gifts from the stallion, each wrapped in some form of white velvet-like fabric with colorful lace ties.

        As the news about  the stallion continued to spread, he gradually began to receive larger government support in the form of body armor, essentials, money. The works. His use as a public figure skyrocketed his reputation, which gave way to a growing fanbase, which  created a domino effect when they began setting out 'awards' for the national hero, even going so far as to make his own cameo appearance in the annually published Daring Do series in the forty-ninth book. As a result of such requests, the government awarded the stallion multiple medals and ribbons for his services, which were placed on public display due to the fact that they were unable to award him in public due to an inability to locate him. Requests were answered only by refusals, and as a result the public displays were created.

        With the fanbase slowly growing, each exploit reaching across the empire and beyond, and his newfound status as a national hero, the truth the stallion attempted to show was outright denied in favor. Refusing to accept himself as a hero, the true Indiana Stallion had planned to show the hard fact of who he was.

        - -

        “Okay, we tried almost everything that Julius gave us, and STILL we don't have our cutie marks...” Scootaloo's complaints were met with murmurs of agreement by the other Crusaders. It took them almost the entire year since Julius’ disappearance to complete his list of possible things they could do to get their cutie marks. From practicing alchemy with Zecora to story writing, each item on the list had failed to yield any results.. Even with all five of them working together, it still wouldn't be enough.

        The Crusaders, consisting of Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Dinky and Dizzy Hooves, were failing once more in their penultimate crusade. The list they had been given by Sir Demirci was a series of connected papers that reached as high as all five of them standing on each other’s backs, and they tore through it faster than what was expected. Now they were out of luck, and out of ideas, with exception to Dinky.

        “I got an awesome idea!” She exclaimed, the others turning to the pale purple unicorn as she raised her hoof. “We could be patrol ponies! Y’know, and keep watch over Ponyville like all the real guards!”

        With Dinky’s notion being met with unanimous approval, they immediately put the idea to formation, and the five of them began debating what they should do after class ended. However, the others hadn't realized that Dizzy had noticed their first target and quickly pointed him out, the Crusaders springing to action as they deterred from their walk and quickly took cover, watching their target. He was tall. Much taller than Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom thought, and looked more muscular under his barding. He also wore a small smoky black coat over his body with a shemagh covering most of his facial features, the rest covered in a light brown stetson akin to her elder sister.

        Evaluating him, they considered this pony to be a threat from his looks, and they all watched as he glanced around his area before sharply turning towards them with his eyes turning wide, and with her most authoritative tone, Apple Bloom shouted. “Stop right there, suspect!”

        Clearly, they could see that he was a stallion from under his shemagh, but he wasn't about to give up to a group of fillies, so he took flight. Quickly the Crusaders chased after him, Scootaloo thankfully bringing her scooter along as she used her wings to propel herself forward and towards the stallion, feeling the ground below her shudder with each landing of his hooves against the ground. Beating her wings faster and faster, the young pegasus, soon at equal speed, grasped his cloak in her teeth and jerked to a halt. A loud tearing noise filled the air before the cloak tore off and went flying, the shemagh undone. The Crusaders quickly continued their chase before stopping when they found the stallion trapped in a alleyway.

        Cornering him, the five of them stopped at the sight of the stallion, his monolithic frame staring down towards them before his eyes shot open, steel grey and rustic red. The five fillies watched as the stallion proceeded to slam his hoof inches away from them, causing all five to shoot back in fear before the stallion crouched low and launched himself over the wall, striking the Crusaders with awe as their target disappeared. Soon enough, Apple Bloom spoke up, “Uh, girls, did we just see the Indiana Stallion!?”

- -

        The mid-morning residents were in a uproar, some actively chasing the sight of the Indiana Stallion, said pony figuratively tearing up the cobblestone as he attempted to evade the ponies. Soon enough the stallion used his wits and skill to find a hiding spot that kept the pursuing ponies away from him and making sure he didn't accrue even more ponies onto his case. However, what he didn't expect to see were seven mares surrounding his alcove, and as the stallion's ears descended, he took a seat and sighed in defeat. The seven mares looked curiously at him, the stallion looking towards each of them before the silence became awkwardly strained as each of their eyes shot wide, and without a word, the stallion realized just who these seven mares were.

        No doubt, the two awkwardly staring at each other were none other then the Mane Six and Polar Caps, connecting two and two together before realizing that the stallion was none other than the one and only human-turned-stallion, Sir Demirci. The awkwardness increased when Sir Demirci noticed their blushing faces, and the realization that all seven of them were actually fan fillies of his persona. “Well....ah...hello again...everypony?” He awkwardly asked, their faces reddening even further. No longer were they seeing the gaunt monolith of a stallion that stumbled like a newborn colt, instead they were seeing a national icon, who looked much different with a improved physique and stature.

        “...Julius...” Was all that he heard from Applejack before things started to heat up.

- -

After things calmed down, the eight of them stealthily returned to the library with the utilization of a group teleportation spell performed by Twilight. Settling in temporarily, the stallion began his tale, and all eight of them settled around a table that Spike had put out for them. It stretched on for well over two hours, his tales ranging  from his general adventures, exciting battles, and the long time he took to understand himself. What engrossed them was when Sir Demirci remarked that Daring Do was an actual adventurer, but her self-written adventure series was somewhat fictional, though this didn't stop Rainbow from showing her fanfilly side for both of them, only to be stopped by her friends from causing any more discomfort to the stallion. The tale was stopped short when Spike retched a scroll out across the table, landing in front of Twilight. What was odd about this scroll was it’s navy blue lace paired with a wax seal of the same color.

        Twilight untied the lace with her telekinetic field, slipped it open, and swiftly read it before looking towards Spike. “Spike, I need you to get an entire encyclopedia set onPoliticsand R vision Eight for Princess Luna, and a copy ofTheories of Old Pony Politics.” The dutiful assistant quickly went through the shelves and retrieved the requested books, totaling up to three stacks of five books each, tied up in binds and ready for shipping back to the shared office of the Princesses. However, before they sent the letter, Twilight paused and looked towards the stallion, the others looking towards him as well before she gave him a questioning look.

        The stallion let out a lengthy sigh before looking in her directly and slowly nodded. “Tell her.”

        Almost immediately, an empty scroll,  a graphite-tipped quill, and her swift telekinesis were put to use to write down a notice to the princess about their newest'guest.'

        Shipping off the stacked books with the note, Spike had taken a seat after exerting most of his energy. A dozen tense minutes passed before there was a sharp rapping noise from the door, and barely before the drake was able to reach the door it was torn from its hinges as a cadre of the Princess’ own Vanguard marched in. Mixed in was maroon-and-charcoal, navy blue, and dark purple tinted plate armor. Immediately they surrounded Sir Demirci, their leader speaking out with a monotone but authoritative voice. “Sir Demirci, as per the capture-and-detain order set by the Princesses, and admission to your identity as Indiana Stallion, you and your companions will be brought to Canterlot for immediate questioning. Surrender immediately and force will not be utilized.”

        Sir Demirci willingly surrendered himself, but not before all seven of the mares joined in, their claims to being companions shocking the stallion, and soon enough they were led with some force by the Vanguard towards the rail terminal, as the familiar train that took them to Fillydelphia waited for them on the tracks..

- -

        Their swift arrival and march through the familiar opulent castle was blocked in lieu of the Vanguard's platemail as they were brought down a familiar corridor and were soon taking seats in the familiar conference room. Takingtheir seats, all eight of them turned their sights towards the serious-looking Luna and the faintly smiling Celestia. To each of their sides were a group of scribes, their hooves, mouths, and telekinetic field poised to write down on scrolls, one with audio recording equipment in addition. “Welcome, India-, er...., Sir Demirci. It's been quite some time since you stepped  hoof inside the castle grounds. How are you?” The latter spoke with unnatural smoothness, much to Sir Demirci's suspicion.

        “I have been...busy, dear Celestia. Very much busy.” The scribes were swift, writing down each word as it was spoken.

        “Would you care to tell me of your...vacation from the mainland?”

        Sir Demirci let out a sigh before looking her in the eyes, the Princess noting his appearance was much different to Luna's description; originally he looked ready to collapse from malnutrition, barely able to walk without tripping over his own hooves, and had strange bumps all across his body. What she was seeing was a perfectly fed, quite muscular pony, who overall had changed in that simple year. The stallion sighed and nodded slowly, “I hid in the only place that nopony would've looked. The dragon cave high in the mountains.” Celestia's eyebrow raised as the seven mares shared a collective gasp. “Two of your own personal Vanguards found me, in truth.” He looked away and let out a sigh before looking both Princesses straight in the eyes, “You know which two, Princess? The two who came back from the mountains without their armor and battered so severely that they were forced to take three months of medical leave?”

        The amount he knew about the two was almost staggering to Celestia, but keeping her head clear, she nodded. “I know very well of the two you speak of, and they're not very grateful for your attack. As a result the manhunt was called off before you could cause any more damage to any of my subjects. If I may ask, could you please tell the scribes in some detail, what happened?”

        “To begin, I was hiding out inside the cavern for a couple days, siphoning off of a nearby mining camp when I could before they arrived. I couldn't tell what happened, but I blanked out when a command prompt requested that I enable a secondary defense mechanism. When I woke up the two Vanguards were unconscious. I stripped them of their equipment, some miscellaneous items and left them to be found in the open. I only took bits of their armors, greaves, curiass, and under-barding, as well as a few extra pieces. After packing myself, I made my way down and escaped in the nick of time, a wing of Pegasi having come in just as I made way into the surrounding landscape.”

        Celestia slowly nodded, “And what became of their armor?”

        “Melted.”

        Celestia perked up. “Melted?”

        “‘Pissed off the wrong kind of dragon. ‘Chased me off.”

- -

        Hours passed on as the stallion divulged a year and a half worth of information based on his collective memory, reaching upwards toward thirty plus scrolls and three recorded tapes that were carried off for review. Having some lunch brought to them, they enjoyed some more calmed discussion and updated each other about more recent news before they were finished eating.

        Celestia rose from her seat and looked towards Twilight with a small smile before speaking, “Sir Demirci, I would like to extend to you and your friends to stay here in Canterlot for a couple of days, help your friend adjust from quite a exhilarating adventure.” This was met with strong approval, even from the stallion, of whom the Princess looked towards next, “Sir Demirci, I would like to personally extend to you an offer to come and receive the medals and awards you have earned in a public appearance. I would also enjoy it if you could accompany us to meet the House of Alicorns. Everypony else is invited to attend as well.” Agreements were, as usual, universal.

        Most of the meetings were brief, but quite polite to the stallion as he met Sir Shining Armor, Field Commandant of the Guards, and to the stallion's surprise, Twilight's elder brother. Prince Blueblood, of whom the two seemed to have a mutual dislike for each other. Various other minor aristocrats with blood ties to the Princesses, and finally Princess Cadance.

        Finding her admist some forms of work with Luna, from Sir Demirci's notices, were the same books sent by Twilight. Easily the stallion noticed he was taller than the Alicorn, standing just a foot higher compared to Celestia, who stood a towering eight feet tall. The Princess gave him a warm smile that practically melted with kindness, of which the stallion returned to the shock of the Mane Six was a formal Canterlot introductory to royalty, his bow and kissing of her hoof mixed in with his smoothest voice possible. This slightly embarrassed the Princess, interested Celestia, and caused the seven ponies to fidget in bouts of jealousy.

        “You certainly know your mannerisms, Sir Demirci, but I would like for us to talk as equals.” Cadance requested, the stallion nodding with a smile.

        As time slowly passed, the eight of them began to discuss various other minor topics, and the mares began to complain that they were beginning to get a pink tint in their vision and strange feelings of dizziness.

        “Uhh, Julius...do you feel weird?” Twilight asked him, her speech slurring slightly as the purple unicorn weaved back and forth errantly.

        “I do...but I want something...like I seriously just want it...but I dunno what.” Dash responded, her own errant movement making way for her wings to suddenly flare and nearly strike Pinkie Pie and Rarity across the face, her cheeks glowing red.

        “Uhh...Rainbow?” Sir Demirci asked. As the mare was looking towards him, he noticed her eyes were slightly glazed over...

The stallion shot up fast enough in realization before he was struck directly in the head by Princess Cadance. She quickly began to apologize, and the seven mares were about to take action when Celestia followed up, striking them with a surge of magic. The stallion felt his systems, one by one, enter hibernation mode as he slumped lazily to the ground. Polar Caps fell into him and fell unconscious, her eyes rolling up to the back her of head.  Julius Looked towards the leader of the nation and grimaced as she gave him a tear-filled smile, “You...fucking....animal....I knew it....I just...fuckin'...knew....it.”

{System Hibernation Mode Active}{Activating REM-level Artificial Sleep Mode}{Goodnight, Mr. Demirci}- -

        When Sir Demirci came to, his systems were disoriented and slow to come to speed as his vision flashed with warnings and notices of imminent danger and a forced emergency protocol. Activating his optics, he came upon the sight of Celestia looking over him while surgeons prepped an operating room. “Put him back under, and make sure he doesn't come to again.” He  noticed that his drug antibodies were actively suppressed and attempted to counter, only to find that his system denied any form of response as a surgeon brought with him a needle filled with a grey substance. Staring down at the stallion, he heard one last sentence;

        “Despite it all, Mr. Demirci. I do believe that you would be much better off as Mr. Jusaiyn instead, and I know you'd agree to wish for a new life. After all, you're a pony now, and you deserve a life as one.”

        His systems then fell into emergency shut-down, and his consciousness was deactivated.