Same Ember, Different Flame - A Story About a Pony & a Phoenix

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Prologue
Chapter 2 - Pony, Meet Phoenix
Chapter 3 - Burnt Ashes
Chapter 4 - Thou Sun Be Rude
Chapter 5 - A Day In Ponyville
Chapter 6 - Shit Just Got Real

Chapter 1 - Prologue

Stories... they’ve existed since the time of the ancients. Stories were simple fairy tails, myths, something to sooth a child’s mind to sleep. Stories are the essence of memories long forgotten, they show the world we know in a complete different view. Stories are like doors that show multitude of truths... or lies. However, this story speaks of something entirely differently, where an unlikely duo of beings... separate from different worlds meet. Like many stories, it’s full of adventures beyond great lands, creatures strange and magical in their own, a land of both heroes and villains... but... this story isn’t about any of that. This story... talks about a pony born with the power of fire... and a human, born with the power of the mythical creature... The Phoenix.

It began in a familiar yet strange world, Equestria. A land full of life and shares it’s own secrets too. Ruled by the sisters, Princess Celestia, who commands the sun, and Princess Luna, who commands the moon. Equestria is full of various races, from the ponies to the gryphons, the minotaurs to the changelings, and so much more. Speaking of ponies, the pony race is separated into three specific types, Earth ponies, Pegasi, and finally Unicorns... but of course there are other pony races like, bat-ponies, crystal ponies, alicorns, and... possibly more.

In a small town called Ponyville, lives both earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns. It also holds six unique ponies, who are also the destined to use six ancient artifacts known as, “The Elements of Harmony”. These ponies are, Fluttershy the element of kindness, Rarity the element of generosity, Rainbow Dash the element of loyalty, Applejack the element of honesty, Pinkie Pie the element of laughter, and then finally the fourth alicorn princess and the element of magic, Twilight Sparkle. But the story focuses on another particular pony... her name was Burnice Bright. Burnice was... “special” from other ponies, her past wasn’t a happy one to be specific. The most unique part about ponies is that every single one has something called, a cutie mark. A cutie mark represents the abilities and dreams of a pony, it represents the goals they want in life, one pony might be skilled in construction, another in cooking, but every one is unique and have either minor or major differences.

Now, Burnice is a unicorn and her cutie mark is a lit matchstick. Burnice keeps to herself often, but is friends with Twilight and a few other ponies. She’s on a journey to find the truth to what has happened to her father... no matter the cost. One day in particular, Burnice was heading toward Sugarcube Corner for some food, and Twilight wanted her and Burnice to hang out there. Considering that there’s nothing much for her to do, Burnice decides to hang out with Twilight.

Burnice trotted pass some buildings, and at the distance was Sugarcube Corner. Taking in a deep breath, Burnice opened the door. “Come on Burnice, you can do this,” thought Burnice.

Entering inside, Burnice can see that there’s barely anypony inside, a few ponies here and there. Nevertheless the place was empty, from the corner of the building near the windows, Burnice can see Twilight talking to some of her friends. Burnice can recognize the other ponies being Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie. Approaching them, Twilight waves hello toward her. “Oh Burnice your here. I want you to meet my friends,” said Twilight. “Girls, I like you to meet Burnice, she’s staying with me in the library.”

“It’s nice to meet you darling, my name’s Rarity,” said Rarity, introducing herself.

“I’m Pinkie! Want a cupcake?” asked Pinkie, making a cupcake appear on her hoof.

“F-F-Fluttershy... my name is Fluttershy... It’s nice meeting you, if you don’t mind,” said Fluttershy, shying away.

Burnice knew Twilight was a speical pony, and to have special friends was no surprise to her... well except Pinkie who does the most impossible things, for an earth pony. Sitting on the empty seat beside Rarity, the five ponies talk about what they’ve done recently. “So as I was saying... today’s orders have been coming in more quicker before I can finish any. But business is doing fine, how about you Twilight how are things as, ‘Princess of Friendship’?” asked Rarity, curious.

Ever since Twilight became an alicorn, she’s been given a number of responsibilities, but none of them are too major. Some simple paperwork and invitations to a number of parties from nobles and such. This however hasn’t stopped her true passion, books, no matter what Twilight will always do what she loves doing the most. “Well I had a few reporters come to take an interview with me. Nothing new to say... well there was this particular book I found...” said Twilight.

From her saddlebag Twilight pulls out a dusty and slightly damaged book. Rips were covered all over the book, some of the pages look like they’ll fall off any second. The cover of the book and title are barely visible, but a reddish bird can be shown on the book. “Twilight, I know you love to read books... but what’s so interesting about this one than the many books you’ve seen already?” said Rarity.

“Well, the odd part about this book is that I never seen it once in the library and we haven’t received any new books recently. Anyway when I was reading this book, it talked about the mythical bird, burning bright like the sun and returns from it’s own ashes, the Phoenix,” said Twilight.

Everypony was confused what Twilight was talking about or better yet, why she’s mentioning a creature they’ve seen before. “Twilight, what’s so special about a book on phoenixes?” asked Pinkie, tilting her head.

“Well this book may not look interesting, but there’s one slight difference about the phoenixes we know and the one mentioned in this book,” said Twilight. “In the book, the phoenix mention here is the size of a castle, even larger maybe.”

“Oh my,” said Fluttershy. “That must be one big appetite for a bird that big.”

Everypony laughed at what Fluttershy said, even though it wasn’t a joke. Burnice was half-listening, with her thoughts focused on something else. Hearing the mention of phoenixes reminded Burnice on her own life. To reset everything, and redo life... redo everything... to see her parents one more time. Twilight gets Burnice’s attention, noticing her eyeing the window. “Something on your mind Burnice?” asked Twilight.

“Yeah, you don’t speak a lot, and Fluttershy is usual the quiet one,” said Pinkie, giggling.

“Sorry... it’s just...” said Burnice, trying to think of something to say. “Say, what was this about a phoenix? You said it’s the size of a castle?”

“Ah yes about that. In this book it mentions a strange phenomenon that happened years before the rule of Celestia and Luna. Back when the founding members of Equestria were building the first settlements. A powerful wave of magical energy went all across Equestria, and the strangest part was that accompanying that very same wave... was a gigantic phoenix. The phoenix looked like the phoenixes seen in Equestria, but was the size of a castle or bigger... and it also looked as if it were, how you say... was translucent. After the strange event, everypony went on their usual day and of course that date was logged in historical history but now it’s a myth told by ponies. Many believe the phoenix was simply a hallucination or illusion of some sort, that there was no giant phoenix... but, the only physical clue of this phoenix’s existence... is this,” said Twilight. Twilight pulled out a photo of what looked like a feather, the feather looked see-through, like your hoof can just... go through it. “This was found by the pilgrims of Equestria long ago, and has been safely protected by monk ponies deep within the crystal empire’s mountain range. It was only discovered a week ago, and I heard only yesterday about it. Imagine, to discover something that amazing, it could lead into even greater things... to find creatures of that size.”

Twilight was mesmerized by the thought, and she wasn’t alone. Burnice can see Fluttershy was also intrigued. “The colors it would show… flying in the sky,” said Fluttershy, her eyes gleaming.

“Not to mention to see the length of it’s wings, and how fast it would fly!” said Twilight, pointing out that thought.

“Yeah, and it be such a wonderful beautiful view to ride on top of it,” said Fluttershy.

“Indeed… indeed,” said Twilight, nodding in agreement.

The two mares were busy in their own thoughts until Pinkie broke whatever they were thinking. “That’s funny, how can you sit on a phoenix, don’t they light themselves on fire often?” said Pinkie, laughing.

Fluttershy and Twilight blushed from the silly thought, and everypony laughed. After a couple more things to talk about, everypony left. Rarity needed to go back to making her next orders, Fluttershy headed back to her cottage while Pinkie… well Pinkie was Pinkie. As for Twilight and Burnice, they returned their way back to the library. On the way there Burnice spoke a little with Twilight about what they were talking about previously. “Say Twilight… about that giant phoenix?” asked Burnice.

“I know I know, it’s silly to think of riding a phoenix no matter how big one could be. The dangers of suddenly being lit on fire can be scary,” said Twilight, doing a light chuckle.

“Well yes that is silly, but I was wondering something else,” said Burnice, continuing. “What if… what if… the phoenix… wasn’t from Equestria?”

“Hmmmm… Well, there is the possibility of it coming from another part of the world. It may have come from some undiscovered piece of land and,” said Twilight. Before Twilight could finish, Burnice interrupts her trying to make her question more clearly stated.

“No, what I mean is… What if that phoenix mentioned in your book… was from another world?” said Burnice.

Twilight stopped for a second, after taking in Burnice’s question she turns to face Burnice. “That… is an interesting theory… but what kind of proof do you have for this?” asked Twilight.

Expecting something Twilight might of missed while explaining about the gigantic phoenix, she expected some scientific answer from Burnice… but Twilight was over-thinking and what she heard next made her laugh instead. “Well… it’s a hunch I suppose,” said Burnice, blatantly.

Staring at Burnice, Twilight starts to laugh nearly falling to the ground. After taking in a few good breaths she slowly rises up, taking a few snorts and giggles. “Hey!” said Burnice, upset at Twilight’s laughing. “Just because you explained about that phoenix in such a smart way, doesn’t mean you have to laugh how I think it existed and then disappeared!”

“Sorry… but, I was expecting something else… Your not wrong though,” said Twilight, “it’s possible that it could come from another world. There’s zero mention of any other sightings of giant phoenixes other than the one I mentioned. Anything is possible you know… life has many strange things Burnice… one second your a simple filly, and suddenly your an alicorn princess.” Twilight giggled, remembering when she became an alicorn by Celestia. That moment of her life changed her forever… it was both sudden… but in a way… felt right for her.

“So remember Burnice… No matter what happens, things may change but it doesn’t mean you can’t decide how it should change,” said Twilight, smiling.

Burnice was happy that Twilight was her friend, if she haven’t met her… who knows what could of happened to her. Nearing the library Burnice tells Twilight she’ll be inside soon. “Well okay, but be quick it’s getting dark soon,” said Twilight, staring at the sun setting.

Time seemed to be moving quick today… this happens often to some ponies. They can simply wake up one day and go through what life can throw at them… the next, the day is over and you go back to sleep. Watching the sunset seems to relax Burnice, feeling the warmth of the sun and watching the colors bounce off when it sets and rises is simply beautiful. While staring into the colors that shined off the sun… Burnice imagines those colors being the colors of the gigantic phoenix. “Giant phoenixes, beautiful sunsets, other worlds… that must be the adventure of a lifetime… I wonder what it be like...”

To see the world and beyond.

Somewhere… far off… in another place… another time… and another… world.

Hello. Now your wondering, “Who is this person?” and “What is this person doing?”. Well… I know one think I’m NOT doing… not dying that’s for sure. My name is Atlas, Atlas Gartahl Opus Viz’Nul Zon… yeah, a mouthful but you can just call me Atlas. Now what am I doing… I’m trying to run for my life, that’s what. “CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP!” shouted Atlas. That’s me, and right now I’m having the worse day of my life. You see, I’m a mercenary but not any ordinary one. I’m known by many names, the Red Merc, the Spirit of Fire, oh and my favorite, El Ave Fenix Eterna, it means “The Eternal Phoenix”. Now back to my story, it all started when I accepted a job, any job I take either has to involve two things. One, there has to be NO catches, I swear if I hear someone saying “Oh do this, but...” then I will, WILL, blow up something… no joke. And for the second thing… it has, to have a big BIG pay, like tremendous. Usually the only way you can hire me or for me to do any job is that it has to be over ten thousand Averus coins… nothing less. Anyway back to my story, so I accepted this job at a place called…

“Dread Hand Tavern,” said Atlas.

Nice place, but anyway as I walked into the tavern, the place was full of various different people. Your usual drunk, the average jerk, a money waster… and then, me. I approached the bar, and when the bartender came he recognized me instantly. “You Atlas?” asked the bartender.

“Yeah, I received a job and was told to come here. You know anything about it?” said Atlas.

The bartender led me somewhere behind the bar. Following him we went through the back door which led to some room. Pulling on some rope, the floor suddenly began to move, a hidden elevator. Once we gotten to the bottom, the door behind us opened… revealing something else entirely. We were in some sort of hangout of sorts full of who knows what. Now I been to this tavern often, but I never knew this place existed. The bartender led me to some kind of platform. “Stay on the platform. I will pull this lever and it will take you to your client. The rest is up to you,” said the bartender.

Unsure what was happening, I shrugged and followed the bartenders orders. I stood on the platform, and suddenly a clinking noise can be heard and the platform began to move. Watching from where I stood, I noticed some figures move in the shadows, left and right. Reaching the end of where the platform led me, I stepped off when a bright light shone at me. “AH! MY EYES!” screamed Atlas.

That really pissed me off, luckily I gotten through worse. After wiping my eyes, I adjusted to the lights and noticed several figures armed with weapons. I expected them to blast me to smithereens, but they were just equipped with them for show. After a few of those figures moved aside, one slightly bigger figure appeared, the same figure who hired me, Balthos Mevs. “Mr. Atlas,” said Balthos, taking a long drag on his cigar. “It’s good to meet you.”

“Okay, you brought me to your hidden underground hideout… With all your goons pointing their guns at me. Now I don’t want to be rude but, can we get to the point of what I need to do to get my money?” said Atlas. “I’m not the patient type.”

“I see, well this job I want you to take is… important you could say,” said Balthos, leaving. “Please, follow me.”

Now I don’t know much about Balthos but is this, he’s one of the biggest kingpins ever in the world. He practically controls an entire empire in his hands, sadly his not the type to take action, instead he takes what he can with his grubby hands… and whatever he can’t take, well he gets someone else to do it. I’m that someone else, now after I followed him into a spacious room, he sat on the other side of the room behind a desk. A seat was made for me in the center of the room, two guards behind me were standing by the only door in the room, with one massive guy beside Balthos. After what felt like eternity, Balthos talked. “Now the reason I hired you is because someone has the audacity to steal something of mine. This person is a small brigand of thieves, they have no name but are located here,” said Balthos. Looking where he was pointing, the place was a mountainous area, dangerous and difficult to traverse. “These thieves stole a large sum of supplies we, ‘taken’ sometime ago. The supplies were ammunition, energy gems, and gold...”

That’s right he said gold, the one thing I can’t stop drooling about. “WAIT DID YOU SAY GOLD!” shouted Atlas.

“Why yes… but don’t get no ideas, that gold belongs to me… Now where was I, ah yes. You will receive 500,000 Averus coins, and some unique ammunition that might come in handy for future jobs,” said Balthos, smiling wickedly. “Do we have a deal?”

“Keep your ammo, all I want is the money. Besides… I make my own ammunition,” said Atlas, pulling out one of his Phoenix Pistols. “There’s a reason why I custom-made my weapons.”

Funny story about that, when I was young I was born into a village of lizard people. Not to mention the village I was in was famous for making weapons, so I pretty much was raised into a family of blacksmiths. My first weapon as a kid was my trusty mace, Smasher, but as I grew up I left my home and became a mercenary. On my first job, I went with a job were the payment was thousand Averus coins. Of course it wasn’t going to be easy, that’s when I met these beauties, took them in some kind of old temple or something. There was a prophecy but I wasn’t listening when I saw them, the Phoenix Pistols, and from that day forward I never accepted any other weapon except ones I made. Now back to the story. “Well I see. One of my men will take you to the job location. Once there, use this map to find their hideout. Come back to receive the other half of your payment, the first half will be put into your account,” said Balthos.

“Don’t got one. I’ll come back to take all my payment,” said Atlas.

Balthos grinned even more wickedly. “I like people who take the job seriously, I might make you a regular if you work under me,” said Balthos, laughing wickedly.

“I work alone… but thanks for the offer,” said Atlas, leaving.

After I went with one of Balthos's men, I equipped my weaponry and headed off. Once I was outside, I noticed the sun was setting… reminded me of home. When I was little I could see the sun setting… the colors that shine off it were amazing. I remember what my step-dad said to me that day, “Atlas, you know your mother and I aren’t your real parents. We found you when you were just a baby, but your real family… they were a great people. They followed the way of fire, willing it as they wished. After all… they were the Phoenix Tribe, and like the great phoenix they rise from their own ashes. Someday… you will find your family, and when you do… Your people’s legacy will return, just like the great phoenix.”

It was something that old man told me… I didn’t understand it but I knew… out there was my destiny. I may be a greedy bastard, but when I gather enough money and resources, I will revive my people. Soon the great empire known as the Phoenix Tribe will return, even if it takes me…

To search the world and beyond!

Meanwhile back in Equestria, Canterlot Castle. Celestia sleeps whilst her sister Luna, guards the night and sees the dreams of ponies. Sleeping soundly, Celestia dreams but no ordinary dream, a vision… a warning. In her dream Celestia finds herself overlooking Equestria above the clouds, expecting to be flying she finds herself standing in mid-air. Staring down below, she sees that Equestria is in peace and harmony. “This is a pleasant dream,” said Celestia, smiling.

Celestia then hears a small noise, at first it sounded like the crackling of fire… but then it grew louder. Staring at the sky, she sees a massive ball of flame, at first she thought it was the sun but this flame was wilder and more dangerous. Looking back down at Equestria she saw a sudden change. The land was scorched in fire, forests were ablaze, mountains spew molten lava, plains turned into deserts, and the northern lands melted leaving nothing behind but clouds of ash. She then found herself standing in the middle of Ponyville, and before her were the Mane 6 with Twilight weakly exhausted. Unsure what was happening, Celestia instantly rushed to her side, holding her with both hooves she expected Twilight to speak… but she felt something strange. Looking where she expected Twilight to be, she saw nothing but… ashes. Beginning to fall to tears, Celestia felt a sudden surge of energy behind her, turning around she saw a figure. The figure stood in two legs, and was consumed in flames… no it wasn’t consumed in flames the flames themselves grew outward from the figure. Staring back at one another, both Celestia and the figure stood awaiting what the other will do. Waiting no longer Celestia spoke toward the figure. “Who are you? What have you done to Twilight? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER!?” asked Celestia, the intensity of her voice raising more and more.

With no answer, Celestia felt her rage growing… but… for some reason, a tinge of fear surrounded her. The figure sent a wave of psychic energy, small in size, it sent shivers down Celestia’s spine. Though she had the capacity to control the sun and could send this being to the sun… Celestia felt, that this being had a rage stronger than any being alive… who was this figure? The figure began to speak, but the voice was distorted and warped so Celestia couldn’t tell who’s voice it was. “My endless rage can never be quenched… Fear me… Fear, THE PHOENIX!” shouted the blazing figure.

Celestia felt a scorching sensation all around her… and it was familiar. Facing upward at the sky, she saw the one thing that given her the title, “Princess of the Sun”. Staring into the eye of destruction was the sun… ready to consume all in it’s path, and Celestia took one final breath, but a quiet yet firm voice spoke. “The phoenix’s rage, is eternal.”

Waking in a cold sweat, Celestia screamed but nothing came out of her mouth. Following her instincts, Luna opened the doors and found her sister shivering in her bed. Running to her side, Luna asks calmly and worriedly what happened. “Tia are you okay?! I heard some whimpering in your room, and when I heard it get louder I came here instantly!” said Luna. “Is… something wrong?”

Her eyes were wide with fear, hooves shaking and her mane messy. Celestia slowly moved her gaze at her sister, slowly moving to a hug the two sibling embraced each other. Unsure what has happened Luna responded back with a hug too, and after hugging each other Celestia began to speak. “I saw… something very… terrible,” said Celestia, her voice quiet.

“I wasn’t able to see what was in your dream. You have to be specific sister,” said Luna.

“I saw… I saw,” said Celestia, tears forming on her eyes. “Fire… so much fire. The land was scorched by a flame so powerful, even I couldn’t done something like that. Mountains spew magma, forests were aflame, plains became wastelands, the skies were filled to the brim with ash… but the worse about all of this… was, that ‘thing’.”

Celestia’s eyes dilated, shrinking nearly to a small dot, simply remembering about the dream gave her shivers. “That ‘thing’ was cloaked in fire… like it came out of Tartarus itself. The rage, the rage it showed, it was greater than any wrath I seen for a long time…” said Celestia.

After a few minutes of complete silence, Luna comfortingly rubs her hoof on Celestia’s mane. Soothing her sister, she imagines what it could mean. “I’m not sure what your dream means… but whatever is going to happen next,” said Luna. “We’ll be ready for whatever is to come.”

Elsewhere, in a land shrouded in mystery.

We continue with the remainder of my story. The second we reached the mountains, the guy who escorted me here instantly left. I wasn’t sure what I was going to face, raiders, monsters, anything really… but I wasn’t prepared, what I was going to find in these mountains. Once the cloud of dust cleared, I took a long look at the mountains… they reminded me of the mountains I saw back at home. “Let’s get this over with,” said Atlas, to himself.

I began traversing the mountains and they sure were challenging, the place was a maze, I wasn’t sure which direction was which. Luckily my sense of direction wasn’t so bad; reaching the top of a mountain I scanned my surroundings… when I noticed a column of smoke in the distance. Instantly hurrying where the smoke was coming from, I spotted a figure near a river or stream. From my view it seemed the figure was fishing, so approaching the figure I asked if they knew the area… that was my mistake. “Excuse me, but do you know any settlements or nearby encampments in these mountains by any chance,” asked Atlas.

The figure turned around… and pulled a weapon in my face. Now I expected to respond back with my own weapon, however… the situation I was in, wouldn’t allow me to do that. Surrounded and with weapons pointed at all directions, any sudden movements and I would have been gunned in a split second. Stripped of my weapons, I was captured by the supposed “raiders”, the odd part was… that all the raiders were between the ages of seven and sixteen. Unsure how these guys or kids in this case gotten to stealing from Balthos was a real mystery. They led me to some underground cave system where even more kids were inside, I noticed a few older kids but no one above the age of seventeen… strange? I was placed into the center of some podium with waves of children sitting from all directions around me… for some reason I felt like I did something wrong… not surprising really. From the corner of my eye I remember seeing the kid who had a gun pointed toward me sitting amongst the other kids. It was a girl, and she seemed to be sixteen I believed, but what was odd is that while the other children spoke and talk… she seemed, quiet than the rest. When amongst all these kids, one kid in particular caught my eye. He was the so called proclaimed leader of them all… and… someone, I KNOW.

“Okay, what’s the big deal here!? I’m in the middle of something,” said Aaron.

DAMN IT AARON! The last time I saw him was two years ago, and he was ten. Aaron was an old “friend” of mine I met in one of my journeys. Back then he used to be a member of some elite group that worked under some guy I captured awhile back. After I beat his boss, this so called elite group faded away, Aaron and I gotten some connections together but I haven’t heard from him in a couple of months… so this is where he was. For someone who’s really young, your going to be very DEAD soon! “The hell? AARON, THE HECK ARE YOU DOING HERE!?” shouted Atlas. “I SWEAR IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS I'M GOING TO COME THERE AND GRAB THAT SCRAWNY NECK OF YOURS!”

“A-A-A-A-ATLAS!” screamd Aaron.

Instantly everyone became quiet… until Aaron grabbed me, and dragged me away shouting something at the other kids. “Everyone go back to work, let me speak to the ‘prisoner’,” said Aaron.

Once the two of us were alone in a room, he unties me. I was going to beat the stuffing out of him… when he started bowing. I wasn’t sure to stand there or beat him up… I was conflicted. “Atlas look I didn’t know that was you when they said they caught someone. Better yet what are you doing here?” asked Aaron.

“I’d like to ask you the same thing,” said Atlas, annoyed. “What are you doing here? Who are these kids? And don’t tell me you gotten yourself in more trouble now then ever!”

Now Aaron was an elite member of this group, for someone who was young he was a real challenge to face against. I don’t know much about Aaron’s past… until now. “Well… this is my home,” said Aaron.

“And don’t go lying to… Wait, what?” said Atlas. Now I wasn’t sure what I heard but, did Aaron say he LIVES HERE! “What you mean you live here?!”

“Well before I joined that group, I was raised here… Well sort of but anyway. Why are you here?” asked Aaron.

“I came here because some guy by the name of Balthos had some of his things stolen by a certain group… You wouldn’t know any of this would you?” asked Atlas.

“Nope, the only things we steal are only in this mountain vicinity. The mountains may be dangerous but it’s a good shortcut for traders and such. That’s why this small little army of kids are set up here,” said Aaron. “We never steal anything outside of the mountain range, only ones who do that are the seventeens but, it’s only for personal reasons or jobs received from clients.”

So, if they didn’t steal anything from Balthos… then who did? Anyway, Aaron told me he can get me out, if I were eighteen those kids would of let me out more easier with a warning, but since I wasn’t… well it resulted to my capture. I would take Aaron’s advice… which I didn’t, but I need to get my stuff, and I still have a job to do. “Sorry Aaron, but I need my stuff. Not only that but I got a job that needs to be done,” said Atlas.

“Stubborn as usual… well, you’ll find your stuff in the armory. It’s beyond this door, but it’s heavily guarded… use the shadows and try to stay away from any loot. I know you can be greedy but for once try not to go all grubby with those hands of yours” said Aaron.

“Oh shut up!” said Atlas, leaving.

“You know you act more like a kid… and that’s saying a lot,” said Aaron, smirking.

“Yeah yeah mom,” said Atlas.

After several moments of stealth later. I finally reached the armory… sort of. The issue wasn’t that it was guarded… the issue was, it was locked. Like really locked, I needed some kind of key unique to this door, so I can’t copy the key or lockpick the door… so where’s the key? “If I had a key, where would I be?” thought Atlas.

After looking around I found one kid sitting on a chair, asleep. Deciding to take him out or steal the key. I knew my close-combat skills aren’t great so it’s time for sneaky swiping. “Steady Atlas… steady,” whispered Atlas. Carefully slipping my hand into his pocket, I pulled out a wallet instead of the key. “Meh, close enough.”

I put the wallet into my pocket and go for the other pocket. Making sure not to make any sudden movements, I pull out the key. Triumphantly, I run back to the armory’s doors. Opening the door, it makes three loud clanks, surprisingly no one heard. Once I ran inside it was the queen of mother-loads, weapons on rows of weapons. Ranging from swords to axes, maces to shields, bows to crossbows… and my favorite, guns! LOADS LOADS LOADS OF GUNS! I was drooling at the sight of them, but I came for one thing in particular… my guns. “Come on where are you?” said Atlas. “AH HA! Found you!”

My sweet sweet Phoenix Pistols, I’d never abandon you. After re-equipping my other weapons, I noticed a strange amulet on a small stool chair. Taking the amulet too I thought I might as well get some reward after coming this far. “Might as well take a souvenir,” said Atlas, grinning.

“Your not taking anything.”

Now this be the moment where I say something like this, “Oh crap,” but since I came this far… I didn’t had anytime for any of this. “I got no time to deal with this crap,” said Atlas, pulling out one of his Phoenix Pistols.

“You really thought there be one guard only?”

“Wait… your that girl back at the stream,” said Atlas.

“The name’s Delila,” said Delila. “And your going to die.”

“Funny… I could say the same to you too,” said Atlas, his grin becoming more wider.

Time felt frozen, I had my gun out and she had hers out too… who would shoot first. Well someone did shoot… it just wasn’t any of us. A loud bang or more of an explosion can be heard in the distance, it came from the entrance of the cave system. I wasn’t sure what was happening but I heard the one word shouted across the whole cavern. “INTRUDERS!” Instantly, I ran pass the girl called Delila and see what was happening, that’s when Aaron ran right to me. “Atlas, change of plans! Somehow a group of guys found our base and are flooding in! I don’t know how they got in or even knew how to find this place,” said Aaron.

That’s when I heard a quiet beeping noise. Checking my back… was a tracker. “Son of a… THAT BASTARD PUT A TRACKER ON ME! I knew this job was fishy!” shouted Atlas. “When I get my hands on Balthos I swear I’ll...”

“You do what, Atlas?” said Balthos.

Appearing above some ramparts, was Balthos. It seemed he and his cronies lied about these kids stealing things from him and were here to steal from them… but what? What could be so precious that these kids have? What I didn’t know was what they were looking for was in my hand. “It seemed you found the amulet,” said Balthos. “Good.”

“The amulet? What amu… oh” said Atlas. I realized that this little trinket was apparently important, but what does it lead to? Whatever it was… I WANT IT!

“Now Atlas hand over that amulet, and we’ll let you live and give you your payment,” said Balthos.

“Atlas don’t listen to him! That amulet leads to something we kept hidden from everyone. What you’ll find is nothing but despair, just give it to me,” said Aaron.

“Don’t listen to him! HAND IT OVER!” shouted Balthos.

“ATLAS PLEASE!” shouted Aaron.

“Oh don’t worry, I won’t give it away...” said Altas. “Because… I’M THE ONE WHO’LL GET IT FIRST!”

I ran like I was getting away with a truckload of loot. I don’t care if I die, this will be worth everything! I KNOW IT WILL, IT MUST LEAD TO SOMETHING! “HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!” said Atlas, laughing.

“DAMN IT! Kill him!” shouted Balthos, shooting his gun.

“Oh no you don’t!” said Aaron. “Protect the guy with the amulet at all costs!” Aaron began firing back at Balthos cronies with the help of his kid army. “I know you can be greedy Atlas… but your the last person I trust… even if it is you,” thought Aaron.

It felt like I ran for hours, but when I reached the end of the cavern I found myself in a wide open area. In the center was some strange ruins… but no loot. “WHAT!? Where’s the loot!?” said Atlas, searching frantically. “Stupid amulet!”

Atlas looked at the amulet and noticed it had six symbols, with the other five surrounding the one in the center of the amulet. The center symbol was a star with smaller stars surrounding it. Looking around the room some more, Atlas heard two figures behind him. One was Delila and the other was Balthos. “Stupid brat get out of my way!” said Balthos.

“No one is allowed to come here, especially you!” said Delila.

The two fought with each other, but I was too distracted to care. When the two noticed I was in the center they attempted taking the amulet… that’s when it happened. A bright light shined where I stood blinding me, Balthos, and Delila. I wasn’t sure what was happening but I recognized the light… “CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP!” shouted Atlas. I was standing on top of a realm portal, now I know two types of realm portals. There are the ones that take you to certain places in a specific area… and then there’s the ones that take you to unknown realms… the one I was standing on was the random one. As the two reached toward me, I was zapped away into another world.

All I saw was light, then darkness… I saw the glint of moonlight hit my face. Now I wasn’t sure where I ended up in… but I only had one final thing to say if I were to die. “DAMN YOU AARON!” screamed Atlas, his voice echoing. Now I felt like I was falling… but that didn’t matter, I was in another world… Surrounded with mysteries and other strange things. I just hope I don’t end up in another situation in this strange world.

I hate to find myself in a more weirder situation now. I had enough weirdness that I had to deal with now lately… Well, at least I have one thing off my bucket-list, I always wanted to go to another world… I wonder what I’ll find? Better question… WHAT KIND OF LOOT WILL I FIND?! GAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

Author's Note

This chapter has four different perspectives. The first focuses on Ponyville, with what Burnice is doing. The second is focused on Atlas and his shenanigans. The third focuses on Celestia and a vision she experiences. And the final perspective is back to Atlas once more.

This perspective switch routine will last for at least the first two chapters, the rest will just be narrative.

Chapter 2 - Pony, Meet Phoenix

The time was midnight at Ponyville, and everypony was asleep... almost everypony. Burnice was in her bed eyes closed, she tried imagining sheep for her to fall asleep... but she didn’t felt sleepy once. It wasn’t because of the nightmares she had since she was a filly, but for some reason she didn’t felt... like sleeping. Tired of trying to sleep, Burnice got out of bed and quietly left her room. Peaking out her door, she sees complete darkness but remembers the layout of the library. Heading toward the kitchen, she looks around to find a midnight snack, and finds some leftovers from Sugarcube Corner. Eating a bran muffin she bought yesterday, she planned eating it in the morning... but being awake now Burnice decides to eat it now then later. After finishing her bran muffin she takes a drink of water and goes to the main room, where all the books are kept. Sitting on one of the chairs Burnice loosens her body and slides onto the comfy seat. Looking around in the darkness, Burnice lights up the room but enough for her to see, but not too bright for anypony to notice. The room is easier for her to see now, and she can see the various books lined on the shelves. However one thing that caught her attention was the same book that Twilight talked about the evening earlier. Staring at the book, the first thought that risen from her mind was the phoenix Twilight talked about. Picking up the book with her magic, Burnice reads what’s inside the book.

“I wonder who wrote this book?” thought Burnice. Looking at the cover of the book, the title and name of the author are blurred out on the cover, looking through the pages of the book, most of them are nearly blurred out from age or ripped from the book itself. Reaching the end of the book Burnice finds a few references but all are either blurred or scribbled by somepony... but two initials are shown at the end of the very book, M. D.

“Who’s M. D.?” said Burnice, making sure to be quiet.

Closing the book, a slip of paper falls off the book. Picking it up, she opens the slip of paper, and finds a letter or note of some kind. Reading it the note states, "The mystical phoenix is a creature that could be the key to immortality and possibly to the power of rebirth. Many do not know this but, the phoenix I am researching is no ordinary phoenix but is actually the incarnation of a deity. The deity’s name is unknown but is praised by an ancient civilization that go by the name of...” Reading the rest of the paper, a large piece of it is ripped out. “Wait, what happened to the rest? And how did Twilight not notice this here?” said Burnice.

Deciding to keep the piece of paper, Burnice decides to show this to Twilight in the morning. Heading back to bed, something strange happens to Burnice. She can suddenly hear a voice in her head, as well as feeling a wave of magical energy. “Stupid Aa... Why I’m going to... Where am I?... This is actually pretty... BRING IT ON, YOU... CRU...”. Unsure what or where the voices are coming from, they all suddenly stopped. Not sure what was that she just felt, Burnice returns to bed.

That morning, Burnice is awakened by a familiar voice. “Burnice get up quick!” Raising her sleepy head, Burnice wearily looks around, but after noticing a familiar tug on her hoof she looks to the side of her bed. Beside her was Spike, he was a baby dragon and Twilight’s assistant since she was a filly. Knowing Spike for a while, he wouldn’t rush into somepony’s room without knocking, Burnice knew immediately something was wrong. “What’s wrong Spike? Did something happen,” asked Burnice.

“Big time,” said Spike. “Quick follow me!”

After Burnice followed Spike, she noticed ponies also going to where Spike was leading her to. They were going to Sweet Apple Acres, and the more they got closer and closer there, more and more ponies began to pile up until there was a sea of ponies. Burnice can hear a few ponies saying what was or could have happened. “I heard somepony gotten trapped under a tree that fell over.” “Well I heard that a plague happened to the apple trees and all of them are rotten.” “No that’s not what happened. One of the Apples went missing during the night is what I heard.” Over and over Burnice could hear rumors, some realistic whilst a few... not so much. Nearing the entrance Burnice could see three ponies at the front, blocking anypony from flooding into the farm. “Oh Spike it’s you, where did you went?! I thought you left us there for a second,” said Applebloom.

“I went to get a friend, her name is Burnice,” said Spike. “She might help us with, ‘the problem’. Can she come in?”

“Sure she can, if she can help us with our problem. A friend of Spike’s is a friend of mine as well” said Applebloom.

After Spike and Burnice gotten through, Spike led Burnice until they spotted Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and two other ponies Burnice recognized but wasn’t fully introduced to. The first pony was a blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail, the other pony wore a stetson, and was an earth pony and had a yellow mane and tail which she wore a red ribbon on her tail. Nearing the six ponies, Twilight immediately spotted the duo coming toward them. “Thank Celestia, Spike why did you went off like that!?” said Twilight, worried.

“I brought Burnice, I thought she could help us with what’s happening,” said Spike, explaining.

“Just what is happening anyway?” asked Burnice.

“It’s better if you look for yourself, the name’s Applejack by the way. It’s nice to meet you Burnice,” said Applejack.

Taking a look at what’s been happening, Burnice sees what everypony has been talking about... but it’s far more than she imagined it to be. Staring at the problem, all the trees or what remains of them are nothing but burnt bark, ash, and trees smashed and sliced into pieces. Nearly the whole farm is in disarray, luckily the farmhouse and most of the buildings are safe but, the apple-trees are all nearly destroyed with a few safe that are sparsely spread out. “What... what could of done this,” said Rarity.

“I hope nopony gotten hurt,” said Fluttershy.

“Some big fireworks show must of happen here. How come I wasn’t invited?” said Pinkie, picking up a burnt stick.

“I don’t think this was caused by fireworks, Pinkie,” said Twilight.

Everypony was worried and curious to what events may have occurred here. In the corner of Burnice’s eye, she can see the rainbow maned pegasus shaking, but not out of fear, but out of anger. “I SWEAR AJ, I’LL FIND OUT WHO’S THE PONY OR THING WHO DID THIS, AND BEAT THE EVER LOVING RAINBOW OUT OF THEM!” shouted Rainbow, throwing a hoof to the air. “I PROMISE!”

“Thanks Dash, but whatever done this left a long long time ago. What I don’t understand was how I didn’t notice this until now. I did hear some noises outside but, something hit me hard and I found myself on the ground unconscious, I couldn’t remember anything else last night... but whatever it was, we need to stop it before it causes any more trouble for everypony,” said Applejack. “So Burnice, Spike called you here for a reason. You might helping us out?”

“S-s-su-su-sure,” said Burnice, stuttering. “I love to help.”

Burnice stepped closer to the scene, the ground became more and more warmer. Burnice felt something in her hoof, using her magic it’s an apple, surprising it’s completely intact but... “This apple is bitten. The bite doesn’t look like a pony’s or any creature I know of,” thought Burnice. Continuing to examine the area, the ground suddenly changes temperature, into a near melting point. Realizing that the ground is littered with small embers of some kind, it was clear whatever done this had a clear knowledge in using fire, or something related to fire. Clearing the area of all the ash, Burnice can see splintered pieces of wood and burnt apples... nothing distinguishing that could help her. Returning to Twilight and the others on what she found, Burnice noticed something shiny on the ground. Picking it up, it’s a golden tube with a pointed end, a black-reddish powder is found inside it. Deciding to take the bitten apple and the strange golden tube, Burnice deduces about the scene.

“I found something!” shouted Burnice.

“What you found Burnice?” asked Twilight.

“A clue, about the pony who did this?” said Rainbow.

“Was it even a pony?” asked Applejack.

“What caused it?” asked Rarity, also curious.

“Did any animals get hurt?” asked Fluttershy.

“Did you find any roasted apples?” asked Pinkie, with a question that is completely unrelated to the subject.

“One question at a time girls,” said Spike. “Burnice came here to help, but that doesn’t mean she has all the answers.”

“Actually I might do,” said Burnice. Pulling out the apple and strange object, Twilight examines them both. After analyzing them both Twilight explains her theory.

“From the bitten apple, it definitely wasn’t a pony or anything I know of, and I don’t know what this golden object could be I might need to do further research on it later. All I can say is that... This was possibly a creature from the Everfree Forest,” said Twilight. “It’s possible that it might of wandered here last night, ate some apples but caused a fire somehow.”

“A creature from the Everfree? Why would anything from there leave and come here, nothing ever does?” said Applejack.

“It might of been ran out of it’s natural habitat by something. Nevertheless, whatever it was, if it can do something like this... it can be a danger to everypony. That’s why we’ll go on an expedition in the afternoon to find what done this,” said Twilight. “You with me girls!?”

“YEAH!” shouted everypony in unison.

Excited in finding an undiscovered creature, everypony prepares for a small search party to the Everfree Forest. Returning back to Golden Oaks Library, Burnice feels a strange tingling feeling, turning to face the burnt trees. Sensing an odd energy coming from the sight, the feeling seems… familiar to her. Similar to the feeling she got last night when she heard the voice, but… what connection does the voice and the demolished trees have?

A couple hours earlier that night. Unknown location.

“DAMN YOU AARON!” shouted Atlas. Those were the last words I had to say before I met face to face with my ultimate demise… is what I thought would happen to me. After what felt like falling for eternity, I crashed through some branches and leaves, until I landed onto a field of flowers. “...ow...”

Standing up from my crash, my head was hazy and what surprised me that I wasn’t flatten like a pancake. Looking around my surroundings, I was definitely in some sort of forest… but where and what forest was I in was the real question. Knowing that I ended up in another realm was clear… just what kind of realm did I ended up in. Now I haven’t ended in other worlds before, but I do know a couple of people who have… but their not your average folks that’s for sure. Staring at the ground, the flowers that blocked my fatal fall and saved me were a beautiful ray of colors especially with the moonlight shining down below. There were some red, yellow, blue, purple, green, orange, and some other colors that I couldn’t name. The first place I get to see first when arriving into another world was a field of beautiful flowers under the light of the moon… fabulous view I must say. Sadly I had no time for something like this because I was too mad at a CERTAIN SOMEBODY. “Stupid Aaron, your to blame for this. If I haven’t taken that job and seen your smug face I wouldn’t be in this mess!” said Atlas.

After I was done with my episodic moment, I decided that I needed to do three things in a situation like this. One, scout my surroundings, I need to know where I am and where to go if I want to find civilization… if there is civilization. Two, find food and water, I need to find supplies in order to survive out here, there’s got to be berries in this bloody forest. And finally three, get back home, I need a way to return to my realm, PRONTO! Now… let’s begin my journey of countless screw-ups that are just soon to come at me, because why not, let’s make my life worse by getting me attacked by some strange monster or something… it’s not like my day can get any worse now. “I need to know where I am. Well better get climbing shall we,” said Atlas.

I grabbed onto the branches of a tree and climbed on each branch one at a time. Surprisingly I thought I would had more problems climbing this tree, but I didn’t… the real issue was when I reached the top. Surveying what’s around me, I noticed a few distinct things, one was a mountain far away from me, two a castle also far away from me, and three more trees… just what I needed. “Well ain’t this just dandy,” said Atlas.

Now the mountain and castle wasn’t a possible option, and I can’t just wander in this forest forever. I was going to stay up here and wait things out… until I spotted a fourth object. This fourth thing was a building of some sort, it looked like a barn of some kind I think, nevertheless it was better to go there than sit on a tree. Climbing down the tree, I made sure to remember the direction of the building, and made my way there… what I didn’t know was… I was being followed.

Trudging pass bushes and more trees, I felt lost that I be stuck in this bloody forest forever. I would demolish everything… but I have limited ammunition and I need to save what supplies I have on me as long as possible. Expecting that I went the wrong way I realized something… the trees were changing. Now that sounds like I’m going high, but what I meant is… that the trees around me were different from the ones in the forest. That’s until I noticed, I was outside the forest, surrounding me was trees that were organized and separate. I could tell I wasn’t in a natural made part of the forest, that these trees were separate from the actual forest. “Where am I?” said Atlas. I was literally in the forest a few moments ago, I’m more surprised on how I got out more quickly than where I was, but I was happy to be out of that forest.

Now I was in some sort of farm possibly… but what did they grow. Well I found my answer more quickly than I expected because, I felt something hit the top of my head. Since I was in a foreign world I did the most understandable of reactions to my situation. “WHO THE HELL DID THAT!” I shouted, pulling out both Phoenix Pistols. To my stupidity… it was an apple.

“...Screw you apple,” said Atlas. I picked it up and took a closer observation of it. Nothing special about it at all, no matter what realm I was in, some things never change. Considering it was safe to eat by the looks of it, I took a bite of it… what I felt was completely different from how a regular apple tastes. The flavor and juices from just eating this single apple… WERE IMMEASURABLE! Seriously my mouth was watering for more of these damn apples! “This is actually pretty… I have no idea how to express the feelings I have for this apple.”

Still though, these were actually the best apples I have ever tasted. Deciding to take some with me, I gathered some and put it in a pouch I had on me. Since I was tall enough to reach the apples on the lower branches, I gathered enough apples to last me a few days. That’s when I heard something, at first it was some small footsteps… but it gotten louder and heavier. There was a strange odor in the air, and it really reeked! That’s when I heard the growling, and realized that I gotten myself in some really deep trouble now. “The heck… are you?” said Atlas.

I was staring at some sort of wooden wolf, except it was slightly bigger than an actual wolf. It had this strange liquid dripping from it’s mouth, that might have been it’s saliva. Not to mention the smell, this horrible smell came from it’s mouth. I heard more growling and realized I was surrounded, sensing that these ain’t any friendly wolves, I pulled out my weapons for anything these things would throw at me. “Oh you want a piece of me is that it? Well then… BRING IT ON, YOU WOODEN MONGRELS!” said Atlas, tauntingly.

Without a moment’s hesitation, all of these wooden wolves began rushing toward me… but I wouldn’t make it that easy for them. Pulling the trigger on both my weapons, I unleashed a wave of bullets filled with fire dust. Fire dust is a unique type of dust I make which causes any object it makes contact with light on fire, and since these wolves were made of wood… well you can imagine what happened next. “BURN BABY, BURN! GRAHAHAHAHAHA!” screamed Atlas. Shot after shot I sent bullets in to each of these wooden wolves that came toward me, I went a bit overboard and almost destroyed all the trees in the area, luckily there were a few remaining… a few. After I was done shooting one of them into ashes, all that remained around me were burnt wood and ashes… and a few roasted apples, yum. Now I knew whoever owned this apple orchard would get mad really quickly soon, and I was correct. “Who’s there!?”

“CRUD!” said Atlas. Quick think of something Atlas, I could run, or maybe I can try to convince them that it wasn’t my fault… yeah good idea Atlas. Try convincing someone while holding two weapons in your hands that’s a brilliant idea… not. I need to think of something before… “What in tarnation happened here?!” Annnnnnnnnnnnnnd, I’m dead, welp looks like I’m going to be stripped of all the money I own now. Goodbye my fortune.

“Look, this may look bad but I was attacked and...” said Atlas, stopping in mid-sentence. Now I know I was in another world and all… but you have got to be kidding me now. I expected anything, monsters, an angry farmer who owns this orchard, or worse… but this, THIS… this was too much for me. Before my own eyes… WAS A TALKING, BLOODY, PONY! “The bloody deities are you!?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” said the talking pony. “Just what have you done here!?”

“Well I was… uhm,” said Atlas. Before I could respond I noticed one of those wooden wolf-things behind the pony. Quickly reacting, I aimed my gun and shot a few shots at the thing. “DUCK!” The pony immediately went flat on the ground to take cover. I unleashed what rounds I had to the thing, and after it was wasted I checked the pony on the ground. “Hey you okay?”

At first the pony didn’t move, and I thought it was dead… but it was breathing still. Placing it flat on the ground, with it’s back facing the ground and it’s head facing the sky. It seemed the pony became unconscious somehow… but how. I looked where the pony took cover too, and found that the pony made head first to a stone protruding from the ground, luckily it wasn’t sharp or it would of caused a big gash on the pony’s forehead. The pony would definitely forget me and what happened here, but I couldn’t move it without waking up the pony, deciding it was best for me to leave instead. I was unsure where to go too… that’s when I remembered the castle in the forest. It looked deserted, and possibly would have some sort of food, maybe some stale bread or bushes with berries on it. It didn’t matter whether it was rotten or poisonous as long it was edible… I ate worse. Before I left, I decided to cover the pony in something so it didn’t get cold. Pulling from my pouch was some cloth I had on me, I would of used it as a temporary bandage or blanket, but instead I used it as a blanket for the pony. Leaving I wondered about something that didn’t make any sense since I came to get those apples? “Why in the world did those bloody wooden wolf-things attack me anyway? I doubt those trees belonged to them anyway,” thought Atlas. “Oh well… I wasn’t the kind of guy that any creature liked… I did had that kind of personality you know.”

I left that apple orchard, with me were my weapons, some remaining ammunition… well not enough, and some apples. I could see that the moon was lowering… which meant the sun would rise… however… Is it just me but, does it look like the moon… is being lowered by something… Meh, just my imagination.

Several hours after the incident at Sweet Apple Acres. Present time. Outside of the Everfree Forest.

After deciding to find what caused the mess in Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight and her friends with the help of a new friend, Burnice, go search the Everfree Forest for this mysterious creature. Waiting for their other friends, specifically Rarity and Fluttershy, Twilight closely examines the strange golden tube, while Applejack tries to keep her sister, Applebloom and friends from following them. Out of everypony in the group, the only pony who has a bad feeling about doing this is Burnice surprisingly, even though Fluttershy was afraid of going at first but decided to come after being convinced that this strange threat might harm the critters living in the area… Fluttershy went full on hyper drive once told that. It’s not that Burnice is afraid, or is busy… but it’s because of that strange voice she heard last night… not only that, but she heard the voice again. Sitting against a tree, the voice appeared suddenly, with it a wave of psychic energy. Looking around Burnice realized she was the only pony in the group who could hear the voice since everypony else looked like they heard nothing. Deciding to keep this to herself, Burnice listened to what the voice had to say. “These are the best… Ah, not you again!… Crud not now, not now… EAT… At least… I… don’t want to...” At first the voice was vibrant, alive… now… The voice was quiet, cold… as if… as if… A shiver came upon Burnice, the way the voice sounded was too familiar to her… it was exactly how… how her mother sounded, before she… … … Nevertheless, whoever voice this was, they were in danger and needed help, they needed Burnice’s help.

“I need to help this pony… I’m the only one who knows they’re in danger,” thought Burnice.

In mid-thought, Burnice feels a hoof on her shoulder, looking to see who it was it’s Twilight. “Are you okay Burnice, you seem worried?” said Twilight.

“I’m fine,” said Burnice, in response. “I was just…” Lost in thought, Burnice stares at the ground. Knowing that she can hear this voice, Burnice wants to ask the help of her friends… but she wasn’t sure if she should. Sighing Burnice finishes her sentence toward Twilight. “I was just thinking, that maybe we should go soon… it’s going to get dark soon.”

“Yeah, your right. Is Rarity here yet?” asked Twilight, speaking to one of her friends.

“As usual she’s not. I swear, she always does this just to do a fabulous late entrance,” said Applejack.

“Speaking of late...” said Rainbow, her hooves crossed.

Rarity arrived, fabulously in some traveling getup she made. With her was Fluttershy who was also… prepared to say the least. Everypony gotten ready and brought what they needed to bring, heading off to their first location was Zecora’s hut. Twilight would expect Zecora to have notice something last night, and it made sense to ask her since she’s the only resident in the Everfree. Trotting down the pathway, much of the Everfree hasn’t changed much… except… something felt different. “Uh… where are the Timberwolves?” said Rainbow.

“TIMBERWOLVES! WHERE!?” said Spike, spooked by the mention of them.

Timberwolves are probably the only native creatures that can be found in the Everfree Forest considering the forest itself is their birthplace. It wasn’t surprising to find one or two amongst the trees, and they won’t attack, especially in the group the girls were in. But the forest was empty and quiet… which was unsettling at the most. The timberwolves wouldn’t be missing in a time like this, if a creature powerful enough to torch a whole field of trees, it be a threat to them and their home… Which means either the timberwolves are hiding from this mysterious creature… or doing something about it. “Don’t worry Spike, the timberwolves and any other creatures won’t go beyond the pathway,” said Twilight, reassuring her assistant.

Reaching the place they were heading towards, they see Zecora outside gathering some herbs. Deciding to say hello, Zecora turns to face them with a hello toward them too. “Why hello, my dear friends. It is a pleasure to meet you, in a fine day like this,” said Zecora, smiling warmly. “How may I assist you?”

“Zecora, it’s good to see you. We were wondering, if you noticed anything outside recently last night, and now?” asked Twilight.

Taking in what Twilight has asked, Zecora has gone into deep thought. “The day before has been silent… but I sense the wildlife has been shaken by something. Recently before the night before, a loud explosion was heard, far beyond in the deepest part of the forest. I believe it originated within the ruins of the ancient castle of old,” said Zecora, rhyming as usual. “To what it may be… I have no clue.”

“Erhmmm, pardon but what did she say?” asked Burnice.

“Oh right, you haven’t met Zecora before. She speaks in rhymes, but don’t worry, when we first met her we couldn’t understand before either,” said Spike, remembering the experience. “It was a really confusing day.”

“Well, thanks for the help Zecora. So what we’re looking for is located in the castle of the two sisters,” said Twilight. “Onward girls!” As Twilight led everypony off to their next location, Zecora leaves them with a warning.

“Be wary my friends, for the path ahead will be full of danger. A threat you have not met before will be faced before you. For the path ahead… will lead to a blaze of eternal flame,” said Zecora, sounding more serious.

Taking in Zecora’s warning, the group continues to the ruins of the castle of two sisters. However, Burnice hears the mention of “eternal flame”, thinking immediately of the gigantic phoenix. Could Zecora’s warning match with the gigantic phoenix? Keeping this thought in her mind, Burnice wonders now that what if… the creature that caused the fire in Sweet Apple Acres… was the gigantic phoenix or something similar to it. While trotting down the path, everypony begins to talk to one another.

“So Burnice, how long have you been staying with Twilight?” asked Rainbow.

“No-no-no-not long… but I’ve been helping out in the library with Twilight and Spike,” said Burnice.

“That’s cool,” said Rainbow, staring at the ground.

“Anyway...” said Applejack, keeping things from going awkward. “I was wondering what your cutie mark means? It’s a matchstick that’s lit, so I was wondering if it relates to fire.”

“Well it does. I’m able to manipulate fire, and I’m really efficient in using fire-based magic,” said Burnice.

“Really! THAT-THAT’S… AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” shouted Rainbow, her eyes shining with excitement.

“It’s not really that impressive,” said Burnice, blushing lightly.

“Oh darling you look adorable when you get all embarrassed like that. Actually, you even given me an idea for a new clothing design,” said Rarity, inspiration brimming from her eyes.

Twilight and Fluttershy were sometimes afraid when Rarity gets into her “inspiration mode”. It was somewhat similar to how she looked when angry… except more scarier. Everypony gotten along with one another after meeting Burnice, it made Twilight happy to know she was doing fine when meeting her friends. Nearing the only path to reach their destination… Spike spots something, near impossible and strange. “Girls… I don’t want to be rude but… you might want to look at this,” said Spike, pointing with one claw.

Before the group was a sight both surprising… and terrifying. On the other side where the ruined castle, were scorched bodies of timberwolves, while the surrounding terrain was burnt to a crisp with fires and scattered pieces of wood, stone, and earth. It was if a battle of survival, no, a battle of destruction took place here. Whoever fought this many timberwolvews was indeed beyond the powers that the group knew of. Whatever caused the destruction back at Sweet Apple Acres was indeed related to what happened here. Luckily the bridge was intact, surprisingly, crossing over the group can see the sheer power that has happened here to the countless timberwolves destroyed here.

“What do you think done this?” asked Fluttershy, shaking from seeing the scenery around her.

“Well it definitely was able to handle timberwolves. Especially an army of them… but I wonder… Why would they try attacking something this powerful, unless they had no knowledge of how powerful this thing was,” said Applejack.

“We can worry about that later. Let’s find this thing and beat the living crap out of it!” screamed Rainbow.

“Calm down Rainbow. I know you want to avenge my farm being nearly destroyed, but we don’t know if it was intentional or not,” said Applejack.

“But I must say… to imagine what could of done all of this,” said Rarity, poking the head of a timberwolf. “It’s simply dreadful.”

“I wonder if the thing that done this is a great at parties?” said Pinkie, giggling.

“I’m not sure if it knows what a party is Pinkie, and why would it be in one in the first place?!” said Twilight, sighing from the silly question from Pinkie.

Laughing, Pinkie rubbed the back of her head. The group continued forward until reaching the doors of the castle. Entering, they find more pieces of destroyed timberwolves, surprisingly that the castle is still intact from such a ferocious battle. Since the castle layout is bigger with it holding hidden rooms and such, the group decides to leave in pairs, with Fluttershy with Rarity, Rainbow with Applejack, Pinkie with Spike, and Twilight with Burnice. Fluttershy and Rarity will check the upper floor and towers, with Rainbow and Applejack searching the lower floor, then Pinkie and Spike will check the outside parts of the ruins, leaving Twilight and Burnice to check the main floor, especially the castle library. Once splitting off, Twilight and Burnice examine every nook and cranny for any sign of the mysterious creature. Much of the castle is either destroyed or full of traps which were avoided if possible. Luckily nopony encountered one while searching. After checking every room in the main floor, the final room which Twilight saved for last was to be checked, the library. This room was save last because, Twilight wanted to see the ancient books and possible tomes left here, that and she wanted to get some to research on and read… but once entering inside, made Twilight go wide-eyed. “WHAT HAPPENED HERE!?” shouted Twilight.

The library was in disarray, with the roof torn apart, some of the book shelves were either torn apart or burnt to a crisp. In the center of the room was a giant timberwolf which was destroyed, full of tiny holes and scarred of scorch marks. If a giant timberwolf was involved in this fight… means whatever these timberwolves fought was a bigger threat than the group thought originally. Busy with trying to find any undamaged books, Twilight dives into a pile of seemingly destroyed books. “I’LL SAVE YOU! NO PIECE OF WRITTEN LITERATURE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND!” shouted Twilight, digging through the pile.

Busy with that, Burnice took a closer observation of the giant timberwolf, the life in it’s eyes… empty. Hollow, Burnice was certain the timberwolves around the castle were in a some what dead-like state, either to recuperate… or afraid of something. That’s when Burnice noticed something glimmering in the corner of her eye… heading toward it, it was a pile of the golden tube she found at Sweet Apple Acres. Noticing the same reddish-black powder on each one means they were the same with the one she found… except… these ones were fresh. Well not fresh-fresh, but were here an hour or three ago… noticing a trail of the same powder to a corridor in the library, Burnice follows the trail. As the trail starts to change color until changing to a red liquid substance. Stepping in a puddle of the liquid, Burnice feels the liquid on her hoof… deciding to taste what it is, the taste instantly causes Burnice to near puke. “Is this… blood!” thought Burnice, suppressing the puke.

Looking at a pile of books fallen from a nearby shelf, Burnice noticed a boot… no a leg? Approaching the leg, Burnice noticed the books and the floor around them was soaked in blood… but what really caused Burnice to notice… was the large long tooth of the giant timberwolf, lodged within something. Unsure where the blood could of come from since timberwolves don’t bleed, Burnice hears a small quiet moan coming from the pile of blood-soaked books. Moving one book at a time, what Burnice will see… will change her life entirely.

Hours earlier before the scene at Sweet Apple Acres was found. Midnight at the Everfree Forest, close to the Castle of the Two Sisters.

“Now, if I came that way… Which means that castle I saw is that way,” said Atas, taking a bite out of an apple. “These are the best apples I have ever tasted, ever!”

After the fight I had back at the apple orchard with those wooden wolves, I needed to find somewhere… how you may say, to recover. I had enough ingredients to make more supplies and such, and I could possibly find something in the surrounding area to make something. Nevertheless… THESE APPLES WERE DAMN NEAR DE-LI-CIOUS!...I need to get some more when I come by that place, speaking of which, I should check that pony if she was okay… wait, why did I think that pony was a she? Anyway, whilst walking through the forest, I spotted a bridge, and across the other side was the castle I spotted before. Now the bridge at first looked it fall apart any second… that however was not true. “You better not freaking break on me...” said Atlas, grumbling.

Carefully traversing the other side, I thought I fall any second… only to safely make it to the other side. I was happy to not have any bad luck befall me… I probably shouldn’t have been thinking like that, because the unexpected happened. From the other side of the bridge that I came from was a bunch of those wooden wolves. Taunting them, their size would probably cause the bridge to collapse, so I laughed and mocked them. “HAHAHAHAHAH! YOU CAN’T GET ME!” said Atlas, mockingly.

I blew a raspberry out of sheer delight of watching the creatures get stuck… only for them to begin crossing without trouble. My first thought was, “Well… I’m screwed,” and “Wait! Maybe I can destroy the bridge and then they won’t cross… wait, I’m not sure there’s another way out of this side of the cavern… which means… That this bridge is the only way out,” I was too focused with my own thoughts… that those wolf-things gotten to me. Luckily my reflexes were quick enough, in which I pulled out my trusty mace, Smasher, and demolished it’s head. Afterwords I quickly ran toward the castle, on the way there I shot down any of those things on the way inside. Making sure to close the doors and block them, I made my way to the highest point of the castle. “Where are the stairs!?” said Atlas, running.

Luckily I reached the roof of the castle, and I was above where the main entrance was. There I saw a long outstretching piece of land and the bridge… Where the whole area was full of those wolves. Whilst these things had the manpower… or is it packpower… I had the firepower. Pulling out my minigun, Hell Raiser, I unleashed a rain shower of bullets. Every single one of those things ended up being pumped full of my bullets, not a single one was not full of holes. After an endless amount of smoke, bullets, and laughter… I ran out of bullets. Though I shot everything in site, a few still remained… until IT showed up. Forming from the destroyed parts of all the wooden wolves… came a massive version of them. It stood tall… and angry, with a liquid substance drooling from it’s jaw. It unleashed a foul smell which nearly made me barf out my breakfast. I knew I couldn’t stand in the open like this, so I needed to find a room both spacious and providing a lot of cover… which I possibly might know where I could find such a room. This castle must have had a library somewhere, so I headed off to search for it. There were still some wolves remaining, but my weapons kept them at bay… especially my duel sawed-off shotguns, Chick Chang, my sniper, Bye Die X-Caliber, and my Hifle which was half a harpoon and a rifle. Blasting what I could shoot, I reached the library, and blocked the main door. I grabbed what I could find and made what cover I could get. Setting up my sniper, I carefully awaited them to come in… seconds passed… then minutes, the door began banging and then… it broke. They flooded the room, but I picked one at a time by shooting off their heads, once they got close enough I switched to my shotguns and unleashed load after load onto them. I don’t know why… but I felt… I felt… happy. Not happy as in, smiling or such but… entertained. I had never had this much fun or a challenge for so long, I longed for something challenging and this is what I needed! Round after round I wasted them without mercy or moment’s hesitation. I was… I was… I WAS… I WAS… I WAS I WAS I WAS I WAS I WAS I WAS I WAS I WAS… THIRSTY FOR BLOOD! “YES, YES YES YES! KEEP ON COMING! LET ME DESTROY EVER SINGLE PIECE OF BARK ON THAT BODY OF YOURS AND ROAST TO A FINE CHAR! THE SMOKE FROM THE BURNING CORPSES WILL BE PLEASURABLE!” screamed Atlas, laughing insanely.

I lost complete self control… this rarely happened. Usually I lose myself when I was enraged enough… but this was different. I felt as if… I was Locust, that I loved the smell of battle… the smell of blood. Usually only money would tempt me… this was different, I was different! I noticed I ran out of ammo in my sniper and switched to my hifle, firing into either the ones which still stood, or the ones I shot already. I was in the near brink of insanity… but after a few rounds that I sent into the skull of one of those creatures… I stopped. I don’t know what caused me to stop, either was because I was wasting ammo… or maybe I felt pity. Either way, these things attacked me first so it was their own fault. After taking focus on my situation, I only had a few rounds in my hifle, some bullets for my shotgun, one harpoon on my hifle since I forgot to get extras… and then there’s my mace. Then I met face to face with the real dilemma… the giant wooden wolf. Charging forward I blasted all I had into the damn thing, one it tried to swipe a claw at me, I countered by firing a powerful shot from one of my shotguns. I then blasted a harpoon into one of the thing’s eyes… that caused it to be in pain, but it then caused me to drop my weapon from my own hands. It also caused me to be sent flying to the sky, in which I was heading toward it’s mouth, where I stopped my fall by using my mace by lodging it within it’s mouth. Then… I really did business on it, I began unleashing all my ammunition into it’s throat. Round after round of endless gunfire, smoke began to bellow from the thing… thinking I defeated it stopped… but it was still alive, and mad. I was ready to fire some more… but that’s when I only heard a click. “Crud not now, not now not now not now not now not now not now!” said Atlas, repeating it over and over.

I couldn’t be empty now… I really must of used up a lot of my ammo. Where in return, the thing spat out my mace, and then glared angrily at me. In the single second… I felt immeasurable pain. I had one large tooth of the massive wooden wolf lodged in me, as it bit me more tighter. Blood spilled out of me, dripping into the beast’s throat and teeth. Since it had no internal organs and was just made of wood, I saw my own blood drop all over it’s body then to only make a puddle beneath it’s body on the floor. Watching, helplessly, I couldn’t do anything… I was… going to die. “Not now… not now...” thought Atlas.

Slowly watching the color fading… I thought it be all over… but I felt something. Pulling out the object from my pouch was the last apple I had on me. Staring at the red apple, I focused all my rage and wrath into that apple and with all my might I shouted with all my being. “EAT, APPLE! YOU WALKING LOG!” shouted Atlas. I slammed the apple through the wolf’s solid wooden teeth, shattering it, and lodging the apple into it’s mouth. It let go of me, and began choking… but that wasn’t only happening. The apple began glowing and pulsing… then suddenly… it exploded causing the giant wooden wolf to be in a blazing fire as pieces of it shot toward everywhere. I was safe from the shrapnel attack… but I was still in danger of death. A piece of that tooth was lodged deep into my body… and I was bleeding, profusely. With a chuckle I spoke, only to cough blood out. “At least… I had some fun… right?” said Atlas, laughing lightly.

A quick sudden pain appeared when I tried to speak or breath. I slowly began walking, then crawling, and then… to a stop. I ended up near some large windows the size of a tree, as I faced some shelves with some intact books left safe from the battle. Using one of the shelves as support to stand up… only to end up causing all the books to fall off the shelves and onto me… I began bleeding under the pile of books, soaking up my blood. My breathing at first was quick and in a tempo… but slowed down to a near minute per breathing. I don’t know how long I was there… hours… days… weeks? Time feels different when your dying. A thought risen as I tried to keep my mind focused from going blank. “I… don’t want to… to… to...” thought Atlas.

My thoughts were muddy, as if I was shrouded in fog. I felt heavy, my heart slowing down… I saw no light, no darkness… just gray. I still saw the shapes and figures around me, like the books that I was buried in, the windows above me, and the shelves I stared at… I couldn’t feel the air around me, or my own blood… I was… slowly becoming empty… hollow. With a quick smile, I knew this is where I die, where my journey would end… then I saw it, or should I say her. She wasn’t an angel to take me to heaven… or a demon to drag me to hell… more… more like a reaper. Except, instead of wearing a black cloak and with a scythe, she was in a reddish cloak, similar to fire and on her hoof was a ball of blazing fire. The warmth in her hoof was enough to make me feel alive… with one final breath I spoke toward her. “Are you… are you my reaper?” asked Atlas, weakly.

Then… everything began to fade… but… I felt… a warmth surrounding me… I was being saved. For a reaper… she sure was doing her job horribly. Yet… this… this felt right.

Chapter 3 - Burnt Ashes

Burnice was both surprised but calm too, staring at the bloodied corpse laying before her, she stared intently at it. The creature was possibly taller than her and any other pony, but shorter than Celestia or Luna. The creature wore a light brown vest that was damaged, but it seems the damage was there longer before the battle that occurred here. The vest was accompanied with a shirt that was the color of blood… strangely the shirt was like this color already and not because of the wound. The creature also wore boots with straps and wore mahogany gloves, with the pants being a light gray. Out of all of this, the creature wore a headband, with the colors similar to that of a phoenix. Burnice stood still, not out of fear… but out of curiosity, however the silence broke when the creature spoke. “Are you… are you my reaper?”

Burnice didn’t knew what the creature meant, but it was surely delirious from blood loss. However, Burnice now knew the creature was sentient and could speak. With this, Burnice’s thoughts were jumbled up… if this thing did caused the fire in Sweet Apple Acres, and the destruction in the ruined castle… then… why would it do something like that? But this creature was going to die, either from blood loss or the wrath of Celestia… still… seeing this thing die alone… reminded Burnice how she felt as a filly. When her father disappeared and her mother dying in the hospital, before her very eyes. The loneliness… the anger from doing nothing… it was something she never wanted to happen again, not to her or anypony else. This was the same like before… so was it out of pity… no, it wasn’t pity, she simply saw herself within the creature. Burnice had no knowledge of using healing magic, or was an expert in any other kind of magic… well, except for fire-based magic, she was a pro at that. As night was approaching with the sun setting, Burnice used a simple fire spell, big enough to light her surroundings and not get anything to catch on fire… but something happened. As she brought a small flame from her horn, a small ember from the flame slowly drifted toward the pile of books surrounding the creature… and lit up. In a sudden blaze of fire, it grown to a full on inferno in mere seconds. “NO, I DIDN’T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN!” shouted Burnice, trying to stop the flames.

Doing her best to stomp out the flames, Burnice was afraid that the whole building be caught on fire, even thought it’s mostly made of stone. Unable to stop the flames, Burnice sat in horror to what she done… until she felt something. Looking down at her hoof was a part of the creature, clutching at her hoof. Burnice tried remembering and this part of the body was called a hand if memory served correctly, except it having four fingers like minotaurs, it had five instead. The hand at first was cold… then warm… and then… began to twitch. Burnice was frightened by this sudden movement and tried to move, but the hand tightened it’s grip on her hoof… making her unable to escape. Suddenly the creature began to twitch, resulting it to stand to a sitting position, whilst still engulfed in flames. The creature stared at her, and for a second Burnice thought it was smiling at her. Thinking it was planning to kill her here and now, Burnice shuddered at the thought... but looking carefully the smile was not a smile of blood-lust… but of gratitude. “Thanks for the pick-me-up. I swore I thought I go down like this,” said the creature, grinning.

“The what-me-up?” said Burnice, confused by the spectacle.

Burnice didn’t realize it but, the hand on her hoof was suddenly warmer than usual… it felt relaxing. The heat the creature gave off was a calming and soothing feeling, that Burnice completely forgotten that the creature was on fire… well, almost forgotten. “WAIT! YOUR ON FIRE! HOW CAN YOU BE SO CALM ABOUT THAT!” shouted Burnice, trying her best to put out the flames with her other hoof.

The creature simply chuckled, and with a flick of his hand the flames doused themselves. Then Burnice noticed that the wound on the creature’s torso had nearly healed itself… but what caused the wound to heal itself though? “What happened to your wound? It was so big, it was literally a hole in your body,” said Burnice, poking where the wound was.

“About that… it may have to do with my genes. You see, I have the ability to manipulate fire, which includes self healing too… oh I almost forgot to introduce myself,” said the creature. “The name’s Atlas, Atlas Gartahl Opus Viz’Nul Zon.”

Burnice was a bit taken back by how calmly this thing called Atlas was talking to her, but she had some strange moments herself. Responding back to the creature or Atlas this case, she too introduced herself. “Well that’s a mouthful to remember. Anyway… my name is Burnice, Burnice Bright,” said Burnice.

“It’s good to meet you… by the way, why are you here anyway? It’s not weird for someone to wander in an abandoned castle, but I was wondering why?” asked Atlas.

“Well… it’s just that something happened in my friend’s farm, and we been following a trail of clues until we ended up here. Right now my friends and I are looking for the creature that done the same mess here and at my friend’s farm… You wouldn’t know anything… would you?” said Burnice, knowing already who done it.

Atlas stayed their frozen, in fear of that his been caught red handed. Without a chance of escaping, and facing a foe with unknown abilities, Atlas was in a dead-end. Not only that but, Atlas can’t move or even run because, even though his wound his healed, any sudden movements might reopen the wound or worse. Staring in the eyes of both his savior and captor, Atlas had only one option left in his arsenal… plead. “WAIT I CAN EXPLAIN! I WAS ATTACKED BY THOSE WOLF THINGS AND I NEEDED TO DEFEND MYSELF BACK THERE. IT’S THE SAME IN THIS CASTLE TOO! I’M INNOCENT I SWEAR, I EVEN SAVED A PONY WEARING A HAT!” said Atlas, nearly opening his own wound from speaking so quickly.

Seeing Atlas in pain, and how nice and friendly his been this far… Burnice had a hard time thinking his the one who really did cause that fire. “Wait, did you say a pony wearing a hat just now?” said Burnice. “I think that pony was one of my friends.”

“Really?...Well I urhmmm… I wasn’t heartless enough to leave her in the cold like that without a blanket or something,” said Atlas.

Seeing how something this powerful… was flustered by the simple question that Burnice asked made her wonder if Atlas was a real threat… other than his strange ability to use fire as a source of healing. Deciding to help Atlas up, Burnice moves underneath Atlas’s arm, so he can stand up. “Might I ask but… what are you?” asked Burnice, curious to Atlas’s origins.

“Well… have you ever heard of a human?” asked Atlas.

After the two exchanged conversations, about who they are, their races, their interests and more, they trotted pass the giant timberwolf corpse, and made their way to the castle entrance. Reaching the entrance of the castle where everypony else was, Burnice wondered how everypony else would react to the strange two legged creature called, Atlas. Hearing the voices of Burnice’s friends, Atlas recognizes one of them being the pony he saved at the apple orchard. Taking a turn to a wide room with several hallways which was the main lobby of the ruined castle, in the center was Twilight and the others who spoke to each other about what they found. Deciding to wait to see what they were saying before introducing Atlas, Burnice and Atlas wait at the hallway which led to the library.

“So did you find anything girls?” asked Twilight.

“No, nothing Twi,” said Applejack.

“We had no luck on finding anything either,” said Rarity. “I did however found some interesting gems in some drawers though.”

“All me and Pinkie found were some pieces of what looked like the remains of a timberwolf,” said Spike, who had the arm of a timberwolf clutched in his claw.

“So is that what does wooden wolf-things are called, timberwolves?” said Atlas, whispering.

Burnice nodded to Atlas’s question, confirming the name of the creatures that dwell within the Everfree. From what Atlas has told Burnice, it sounded that he was innocent and to why the timberwolves relentlessly chased him to Sweet Apple Acres, all the way to the ruined castle was still a mystery. After a few minutes of waiting, Burnice decided it was best to reveal Atlas to her friends. Letting Atlas lean against the wall in the hallway they were in, Burnice tells Atlas to wait here while she introduces him to her friends. “Girls, I’m back! Did I miss anything?” asked Burnice, pretending she just arrived.

“BURNICE!” said everypony, rushing toward her.

“Burnice, where were you?! When I was busy looking through some books, you disappeared! I thought that creature might of gotten you,” said Twilight, worried.

“Speaking of creature… DID YOU FIND ANYTHING!” said Rainbow, muzzle in front of Burnice.

“Settle down Rainbow, we don’t even know if what caused all this is still here,” said Applejack.

“Well… about that…” said Burnice, eying the hallway still.

Everypony noticed Burnice still staring where she came from and followed what she was looking at… that’s when they saw Atlas. Standing on two legs, one hand on his stomach, the other against the wall for support. Burnice wasn’t sure how everypony imagined Atlas to be, but to their eyes he was a mystery. Atlas hair looked like it was on fire, when it wasn’t, some spots on his body still had fire on him from Burnice’s flame… but out of all of this… what really spooked everypony, was the large tooth of the giant timberwolf in Atlas’s hand, as he tightly clutched it tight in his hand as a trophy. Slowly stepping back, out of fear, suspicion, or simply curiosity, the only two ponies who didn’t step away from Atlas was Burnice, and Applejack, who recognized him instantly. “WAIT! Your that thing back at my family’s farm last night!” said Applejack, confirming her memories.

“Wait, you remember… well I guess that rock didn’t hit you hard on the head after all,” said Atlas.

Before anypony could respond, a rainbow trail zooms pass Burnice and Applejack toward Atlas… where Rainbow was currently strangulating Atlas with her hooves… sadly this was ineffective. After Fluttershy and Pinkie got Rainbow off, well all Pinkie was doing was petting Rainbow like a cat. “Rainbow, why did you that for!” said Rarity. “It’s rude to treat… well whatever this thing may be.”

“Don’t worry… didn’t really feel anything,” said Atlas. “Though the sudden rush attack was surprising though.”

“BUT DIDN’T YOU HEAR HIM, HE HIT APPLEJACK WITH A ROCK!” shouted Rainbow, struggling to get free.

“I DID NOT!” said Atlas, retorted back.

“His right. What Atlas mean is that when he saw Applejack, a rock hit hear in the head when she tried to take cover,” said Burnice, retelling the story.

“FROM WHAT!?” shouted Rainbow.

“From a timberwolf,” said Applejack, remembering everything last night.

Once Atlas, Applejack, and Burnice told each of their point of view from yesterday and today’s events, Twilight concluded that the timberwolves must have felt threatened from Atlas’s sudden appearance and targeted him as a danger toward them. Putting that as evidence on whether Atlas was innocent or not, he was still a threat from the aftermath of his “self-defense”. Placing a magical restriction on his hands and legs, Twilight teleports herself, her friends, and the strange being called Atlas to the one pony who can help, but since the distance was far and it was midnight already, she teleported them all back to her library.

Ponyville, Golden Oaks Library, 12:00pm.

“The crudberry was that… oh I feel sick,” said Atlas. Since Atlas has never met or encounter magical beings often or ever, the sudden teleportation caused Atlas body to be in agony… in short, he felt as if someone punched him in the gut.

“Oh my, are you okay,” said Fluttershy, kneeling to check Atlas’s condition.

“I’m… alright,” said Atlas, wheezing. “Just… give me a minute...”

“Oh… if that’s what you want,” said Fluttershy.

“It seems Atlas isn’t used to being effected by magic,” said Twilight, intrigued.

“Well at least his in pain, that’s all I need,” said Rainbow, leaving.

“Hold on Rainbow, where you going?” said Applejack, stopping her.

“Look, Twilight got him in restraints so there’s no need for me to be here… Besides, once we go and show Celestia this... thing, I want to see her decision on what we do to it,” said Rainbow, staring at Atlas. Rainbow stared at Atlas, it wasn’t that she hated Atlas… she just didn’t trust him.

Leaving, Rainbow flew away to the sky, however she wasn’t the only one to just leave. After she left, Pinkie and Fluttershy left, with Rarity being the last to leave. The only ones left were Twilight, Burnice, Applejack, and Spike. “Spike, could you get us some tea, please,” said Twilight.

Nodding, Spike ran to the kitchen to prepare some tea. Once the three ponies helped Atlas to a seat, they all sat in the library. Once Spike returned to the library with the tea, he sat beside Twilight. “Applejack, shouldn’t you head back to tell your folks your fine. You wouldn’t want to make them worry about you,” said Twilight, sipping her tea.

“I would, but I want to know why… this thing came to my farm,” said Applejack.

“I got a name you know,” said Atlas, having difficulty moving with the restraints on. “It’s called Atlas.” Atlas moved both his hands up near his face, and moved two of his fingers on each hand in a movement unfamiliar to the ponies.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean any harm,” said Applejack, apologizing.

“It’s fine, but I don’t think that rainbow-haired friend of yours was happy when she saw me… What was her deal anyway?” asked Atlas.

“Rainbow’s a bit… protective. She is the element of loyalty after all,” said Twilight.

“Loyalty? Elements?” said Atlas, confused.

After a long discussion about where Atlas was, their leaders, and what role Twilight and her friends had, Atlas now was sure he was in another realm. In return Atlas told them a little about himself, and a little of his world. Understanding Atlas’s situation, his in an unknown land, with zero knowledge at all about this strange land called, Equestria.

“Huh… this actually reminds me of something similar in my world. Where I come from we have these things called ‘Element Gems’. There are at least ten people who can use these artifacts, and they’re led by my doppleganger,” said Atlas. “His name is Animatorsnake.”

“Element Gems you say… I love to see your world, and maybe both our worlds can make contact,” said Twilight, imagining the idea.

“That wouldn’t be a smart idea. A world full of talking ponies, meeting mine… well, you’d be all dead in seconds. I’m not saying your incapable and all… but there are some things that you wouldn’t want to encounter where I’m from,” said Atlas.

“How about we have a ‘normal’ conversation, and not one about other worlds,” said Applejack.

“Right right,” said Twilight. “Say Atlas, what kind of profession do you do?”

“I’m a mercenary, I either do jobs which require me to take things, protect things… or mostly, kill,” said Atlas, blatantly.

Applejack dropped her cup of tea, as it shattered on the floor. While Spike cleaned it up, Twilight asked another question that’s related to Atlas’s job. “You-u-u-u… ki-ki-ki-kill, as a part of y-y-your work!?” said Twilight, shaking.

“Yeah, what’s wrong with… oh...” said Atlas. From what Twilight told Atlas, Equestria is a land of harmony and peace… someone like Atlas saying that he kills for a living, is similar to him saying his some kind of monster… which in this case he is. Immediately thinking of excuse of what he said, Atlas says who he kills are always people who are bad. “Now hold on, who I k… ahem, take down are mostly people who’ve done bad things. I’d never hurt someone good, never.” This was a lie, Atlas has killed someone good, well maybe not kill someone good, more like injured them… painfully.

“I wouldn’t blame ya Atlas,” said Burnice. “You’d lived somewhere that hardly sounds safe at all. You said that before you came here, you were in a continent called, Coreronia. This continent you mention is similar size to Equestria except it’s more of a giant desert wasteland with small different environment zones instead right?”

“Yep, I was on a mission but was shortly betrayed… until I somehow ended up here in a portal when I found this little trinket,” said Atlas. Reaching to his pocket, Atlas wanted to show the trinket he found back at that strange looking room with runes and such… except… the pocket was empty. Checking his other pockets and his pouch… Atlas didn’t had it with him, it could be possible he dropped it, but it was in his hand when he was teleported into Equestria. “BY THE DEITIES DAMMIT, DON’T TELL ME I DROPPED IT!”

“So you came here through teleportation, with the help of a trinket?” said Twilight. “Might I ask… but what did this trinket look like?

“Oh… well let me remember,” said Atlas, going through the details. After carefully describing the trinket, it had six symbols etched on it, and the middle symbol of the trinket had a big star and smaller stars surrounding it. After finish explaining the trinket, Atlas notices that the symbol on Twilight’s flank is the same symbol that was on the trinket. “Like your tattoo… WAIT A MINUTE!”

“You mean my cutie mark?” said Twilight, confirming the similarity of her cutie mark and the symbol on the trinket. “If my cutie mark was on that trinket as well as my friends cutie marks… then that must mean that portal was intentionally meant to send anypony to our world… But why would our cutie marks be on that trinket?”

“Don’t ask me, I’m the victim here don’t forget that,” said Atlas.

“Still, you did cause some damage to my farm. I can’t simply let you go willy nilly like that,” said Applejack.

“True true… though I was hoping you let me go. Some people consider me to be… hot,” said Atlas, making a pun.

Burnice giggles getting the joke, but everyone else simply stares at Atlas. Frowning that nobody except Burnice got his joke, Atlas dropped the subject. “Well anyway… where do I sleep by the way?” asked Atlas.

“Oh right, I completely forgot about that. Well… since your supposed to be accused of property damage, and I placed those restraints so you don’t run or do anything without my permission,” said Twilight, trying to sound superior.

“You know I can tell that your trying to intimidate me… you know that right?” said Atlas, staring at Twilight.

Twilight kept quiet to herself, on how embarrassing of an attempt she tried. Continuing with where Atlas will stay the night, Applejack decides to return back to the farm. “Well I got to go. Thanks for letting me stay Twilight, see you tomorrow,” said Applejack. “Goodnight Burnice, Spike, you too Atlas. It was a pleasure meeting you and… thank you for saving me back then.”

Atlas made a clicking sound with his tongue to signify him saying “No problem” back toward AJ. Once she left, Twilight led Atlas to the downstairs area of the library/tree. Placing a ward around Atlas, and giving him a sleeping bag to stay in, Atlas will stay here until the sun rises. Before Twilight left, Burnice decides to have a small private chat with Atlas. “You sure you’ll be okay down there Burnice?” asked Twilight.

“Don’t Twilight, I’ll be fine. His not that dangerous,” said Burnice.

“Now that’s an understatement. I use fire as a healing supplement, if that ain’t dangerous then you have a strange way of defining the difference between what is dangerous, and what isn’t,” said Atlas.

Burnice laughed at Atlas’s funny response, as Twilight decided that Atlas isn’t so dangerous… well, sort of. Going to bed, Burnice and Atlas talk alone, underneath the library. Continuing with their conversations back at the castle, Burnice talks about how she met Twilight and her search for her father. “That’s a very honorable thing your doing, not a lot of people know about their own parents,” said Atlas.

“You mean ponies,” said Burnice, correcting Atlas.

“That too,” said Atlas. From what Atlas now knows, some words used in Equestria are used differently. For example, sometimes instead of using somebody, ponies say somepony, unless they are describing someone or thing that is a non-pony creature. Then in that case, it’s okay to use the term body for any of these words. “I myself am actually trying to find someone...”

“Really, who?” asked Burnice.

Taking a deep sigh, Atlas recalls what he remembers from his memories as a baby. “A long time ago… there used to be a mighty race known as, The Phoenix Tribe. Those were my people, my father was part of that race… whilst my mother was of another race. I been trying to search for my people, and return the glory of the Phoenix Tribe once more… That’s why I became a mercenary,” said Atlas. “I looked far and wide, for my people… but I haven’t a clue to where they may be.”

When hearing the mention of this ancient civilization, Burnice wonders if Atlas’s race has any connection to the gigantic phoenix, mentioned by Twilight. As time passed, and the night getting darker and darker, Burnice decides to go to sleep, but before she does, she asks Atlas one final question.

“Atlas… there’s something I need to ask you,” said Burnice.

“Yeah… what is it?” asked Atlas.

“…What do you think of our world?” asked Burnice.

“It’s okay… might be better than my home,” said Atlas. “Though, it’s tad bit boring here and there.”

“I suppose so… goodnight Atlas,” said Burnice. Leaving the basement, Burnice gave Atlas the wrong question, she wanted to ask him about the giant phoenix… but Burnice felt that asking him that would just burden him in his search of his lost tribe. Heading to her own room, Atlas sleeps soundly… or at least tries to. Atlas has entered a world of strange equine creatures… and more… what sort of fate awaits him with their leaders.

“For a race of ponies… I find it hard to get mad at them at all,” thought Atlas.

That night elsewhere, Canterlot, Canterlot Castle, Celestia’s Tower.

Celestia, who was busy that night with working with some more scrolls sent from her advisers to work… received a scroll from her apprentice. Opening the scroll to read it’s contents… only gave Celestia more worry than comfort. Written in the scroll, only made Celestia’s fears she had from the dream or vision she had last night, come to fruition. As it states on the scroll it says…

Dear Princess Celestia,

Recently, my friends and I have discovered a strange being, that bares clothing that is both unknown and strange than anything I’ve seen. We found the being in the old castle within the Everfree Forest, and with it… a very disturbing sight. Apparently, the being says it’s from another world, and landed into ours when it stepped into some sort of portal mechanism. Landing in the Everfree Forest last night, it threatened the surrounding wildlife, causing the creatures of the Everfree to attack… it. It goes by the name of Atlas, and from what I can understand, it was simply trying to defend itself… that is understandable, but from what we seen it… done, it may be too dangerous to allow to wander around. Not only that, but it caused countless number of property damage. I have kept Atlas in a ward underneath my library, he will be properly treated and brought to you tomorrow. I hope you will give a swift and just action toward him.

From yourapprentice the princess of friendship, Twilight Sparkle

P.S. The being, Atlas, has a strange ability to use fire, and weapons that are unknown to us. I would ask from refraining from using any magic that is fire-based in the future around him, please.

Taking in her apprentice’s letter to account, Celestia made sure to put any anti-fire wards in the court room. Taking a deep breath, Celestia ordered a guard to call her sister, Luna to her chambers. After several minutes later, Luna entered her sister’s room, both with worry and elegance for being a princess of Equestria. “What is wrong my sister? Why have you called me from my nightly duties?” asked Luna.

“Luna...” said Celestia, turning to face her. “It’s about my dream from yesterday.”

Immediately, Luna stood by her sister’s side. Checking the letter sent from Twilight, Luna shows an expression of fear, and anger. “So… your vision has finally come to fruition. What should we do?” asked Luna.

“What we need to do… is make sure this ‘thing’ doesn’t cause any further future harm to our ponies. Luna, I want you to place extra guards in Canterlot, and place some of your ‘special’ guards into Ponyville. I want you to keep a very close eye on this Atlas character,” said Celestia.

“And you my sister? What will you be doing?” asked Luna.

Stepping outside to the balcony, Celestia stares into the endless night. Still staring into the sky, Celestia answers her sister’s question. “What I must do… is find out this creature’s true intentions,” said Celestia. Forming from her horn is a small wisp of smoke, then forming into a blazing ball of fire. The heat radiating with such power, is close to that of the sun, a miniature sun. “Even… if I must burn away every ounce of life out of it.”

Author's Note

Seems Celestia has taken action... I think?

Chapter 4 - Thou Sun Be Rude

The moon, lowered for the beginning of a new day, with the sun taking it’s place, but this day would change Equestria, forever… for a while. Waking up, Spike for some unexplained reason awoken earlier than everypony else, including Twilight and Burnice, who were still asleep. Heading downstairs to the kitchen, Spike opened a cabinet, inside was a small jar with a note on it saying “Spike’s gems. DON’T TOUCH!”. After opening the jar, and grabbing a good sizable gem, Spike returned the jar to the cabinet, and headed to the main room. Siting on the sofa, Spike ate away his gem… until a noise came from the bathroom. Stopping from eating his gem mid-bite, Spike didn’t even noticed somepony was even in the bathroom… but who was it? The bathroom door opened, and the last pony or person to come out that Spike expected… was Atlas. The two stared at one another for the last few seconds… until they both began screaming at each other.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” screamed the two, falling to the ground.

Spike who fell off the sofa, face first to the ground, with Atlas, butt first to the floor. Surprisingly, nopony heard the two scream. As Spike’s gem rolled to Atlas, picking up the gem, Spike was eating an emerald that was as big as Atlas’s hand… not including the fingers. Helping the baby dragon to his feet, Spike immediately unleashed a small puff of green flame on Atlas… with no effect on the bipedal creature. “Dude… not cool,” said Atlas.

“HOW DID YOU GET OUT!” said Spike, shocked.

“Oh… about that...” said Atlas. Retelling of last night’s events, Atlas had woken up at least, thirty minutes before Spike.

Thirty minutes earlier, Golden Oak Library, 6:00am.

Sleepily opening his eyes, Atlas looked around his surroundings. Barely able to see in the darkness, Atlas tries his best to find his pouch. Trying his best to stand up in the darkness, Atlas walks a few steps in front of him… only to hit something hard. “Ow,” thought Atlas. “The heck did I just hit?”

Feeling what Atlas encountered, it felt as if it were a wall… which didn’t make any sense because, Atlas was sleeping in the middle of the room, and he shouldn’t of met the wall yet because there was a ward around him. Finding his pouch or what felt like his pouch, he opened it, and Atlas pulls out a box of matches he had on him. Using a match to light up the room, Atlas can now clearly see his surroundings. Staring at where he was, Atlas had somehow gotten outside of the ward that Twilight made to keep him inside, but the restraints he had on was still on him. Attempting to pass the ward again, Atlas has discovered that Equestria’s magic has no effect on him. Deciding to remove the restraints, Atlas does this with ease. Taking his things, and going upstairs, Atlas extinguishes the flame from the match and puts it in a jar of what looked like ash inside it. Heading upstairs, some light slips through some windows in another room and the door leading outside, the first thing Atlas sees is a long line of shelves, stacked with books, and a couch and sofa chair. Before Atlas had the time to think, the sensation of nature hit him. Instinctively finding a bathroom, Atlas finds one and locks the door.

“After that, I washed my hands, opened the door, and saw you sitting there. That’s when we began screaming and fell to the floor,” said Atlas, explaining.

Spike was dumbfounded at the part when Atlas mentioned that this world’s magic had no effect on him. Knowing this meant that Atlas couldn’t be inflicted by any capture spells or fire spells either. Hearing the sounds of clip clopping coming from upstairs, Twilight and Burnice are either were woken up by the sun… or the sound of Atlas and Spike talking. Yawning, Twilight looks around to find her assistant… only to spot Atlas. “Spike, what are you doing up so ear…” said Twilight. Staring at Atlas, Twilight stands midway on the stairs, with Burnice behind her.

“Twilight, what’s wrong? Oh hi Atlas… wait, ATLAS!” shouted Burnice. “How did you… when did you… what!?”

“Good morning girls… oh and about me standing here when I should be downstairs. Apparently I’m resistant to your magic, Twilight. Go figure,” said Atlas, nonchalantly.

“Bu-bu-bu-bu-but, th-th-that isn’t p-p-p-po-po-possible,” said Twilight, stuttering from the discovery. Not only Twilight met probably the most deadliest being ever, but who’s also haves the ability to heal through fire, and isn’t effected by any capture spells. Shaking this thought from her mind, Twilight instinctively rubs her eyes, and goes to the kitchen. “I’ll be in the kitchen. Spike could you prepare some tea?” said Twilight, getting a headache from the sudden realization.

Nodding, Spike follows Twilight to the kitchen. With Atlas and Burnice alone in the main room. After a long moment of awkward silence, Atlas finally speaks. “So… had a good rest?” asked Atlas.

“Yeah… you?” asked Burnice.

“Well it wasn’t perfect… but it was better than sleeping on a stone bed,” said Atlas, chuckling.

The two immediately begin to laugh lightly, and continue with their conversation, after talking nonstop, Twilight and Spike return with breakfast and some tea. “Sorry if we’re late preparing this. It’s not everyday that somebody just wanders out of a ward spell,” said Twilight, eying Atlas.

Sipping the tea, Atlas looks back at Twilight while putting his tea down. “What?” said Atlas, continuing to sip his tea.

Once the four ate breakfast, they began to rethink of how they’re suppose to show Atlas to Celestia, without him walking around without restraints… except… there was a far bigger problem. “I can’t eat this!” said Atlas, getting everyponies attention.

Atlas who was given a plate with a sandwich on it, stared annoyingly at the sandwich… since it had grass and daisies, something that wasn’t edible for Atlas. Looking at the sandwich carefully, Spike responds toward Atlas. “What’s wrong with this sandwich?” asked Spike.

“Hello, I’m a omnivo…” said Atlas.

Stopping in mid-sentence, Atlas realized that literally eighty percent of this realm’s inhabitants are a likely chance of being ONLY herbivore. Telling everyone in the room his an omnivore is practically an instant death wish for him. Since Spike’s kind which were dragons can also eat gems, it must have been okay for him to live in a village of ponies. Unsure what to say, Twilight figured out why Atlas stopped talking, and sighed. “Oh dear, so your THAT kind of being,” said Twilight, face-hoofing herself.

“So you know… well any smart ideas about my… problem?” asked Atlas.

Thinking carefully, before Twilight could finish her thought, a knock on the door with a familiar voice accompanying it is heard on the other side. “Hey Twilight! You up!?”

Answering the door, all of Twilight’s friends are at the other side of Twilight’s door. “Girls! I thought you would come a bit later,” said Twilight, a bit surprised from all of them being here already.

“Well we do need to get to Princess Celestia about this… recent, issue,” said Rarity. “So we best go before the train leaves.”

“Well… about that,” said Twilight. Explaining the many problems that happened this morning, each friend has a different mix of emotions. Rainbow who again nearly suffocated Atlas, wanted him dead, since he a threat to his friends and didn’t look the slightest trustworthy at all. Applejack, who actually had some sympathy for Atlas, knowing he’ll probably starve to death before Celestia could do anything to him. Fluttershy, who fainted with Rarity helping her to her hooves. While Pinkie… continues to laugh from not understanding Twilight and toward everyponies different reactions.

“So let me get this straight Twi. Atlas can’t be restricted by any of your spells that involve wards or any restraints. And his also an omnivore which means he requires both fruits, vegetables, and...” said Applejack, gulping, “meat.”

“Hey, nobody is perfect!” said Atlas, crossing his arms.

“Great! This is just wonderful! Now we have something that can bend fire to it’s will, isn’t effected by any capture spells, AND IS A GONE DAMN MEAT EATER!” shouted Rainbow. “We should of left him dead!”

“RAINBOW!” said Applejack. “We can’t do that! Especially to somebody who’s far from their own home.”

While Rainbow and Applejack argued at each other, Twilight quickly thinks of something to solve all these problems at once… and then it hit her. Twilight remembered a spell, that would change a being’s appetite, similar to what she did with the vampire bats. Using that same spell on Atlas, he could now eat the same food as ponies, without having the urge for meat. As for how to handle with his restraints, that would be another problem to deal with. “I could pretend that your restraints work on me,” said Atlas.

“You want to trick Princess Celestia… I doubt that’s going to end well,” said Twilight.

“Better than nothing,” said Atlas.

Quickly thinking of this, Twilight nods and uses the same restraint spell on him. Pretending the restraints are working, everyone heads off to Canterlot. Making sure nopony sees Atlas, they take the long path to the train station. Once there, the station is completely clear of ponies… but it was strange that nopony was near or at the station… that’s when they all found their answer. “Princess Twilight, we were sent her from Celestia about… the thing. We cleared the station so that only you, your friends, and that thing would be on the train only. Please come with us,” said the guard.

Entering the train, everyone sat down on their seats. After knowing Anim eats meat, they keep one seat away from him, except Twilight, Burnice, Applejack, and Spike… oh and Pinkie who was curious of Atlas. “Don’t worry Atlas, they’ll get along with you… for now let’s try to not make the situation too awkward,” said Burnice, reassuring Atlas.

“Thanks… You know, I always wondered if I’ll be able to go back home,” said Atlas, staring out the window.

“Don’t worry Atlas, Twilight can find a way for you to go back home. For now, we need to show Celestia that your not a threat,” said Applejack.

Atlas nods, and continues to stare out the window… until he feels someone touching his hair. Looking to see who it was, it’s Pinkie who’s playfully touching Atlas’s hair. “Your hair looks like a big flame,” said Pinkie, giggling.

“Pinkie, leave Atlas alone,” said Twilight.

“It’s okay. I need something to distract my mind, while we head to… Canterlot, correct,” said Atlas. “Say Pinkie, you like games?”

Pinkie’s eyes beamed, and she began bouncing on her seat. “YES YES YES YES YES YES, DO I LOVE GAMES… What kind of game are we going to play?” asked Pinkie.

Atlas moves his hand to his pouch, pulling out a deck of cards. Seeing that Pinkie probably doesn’t know poker, Atlas decides to play go fish with her. “Know how to play go fish?” asked Atlas.

After a several minutes of go fish, slowly Burnice and Spike began playing with them until they actually ended up playing poker… with Pinkie winning several times. “How!?” shouted Atlas, surprised.

“Never underestimate, the pink one,” said Spike.”

“I WIN!” said Pinkie, grabbing a small pile of bits.

“That was my lunch money,” said Burnice. “Just how do you keep winning?”

“Let’s just say… that me and the girls play some evening poker at Fluttershy’s on the weekends sometimes… and I know my way on how to make an excellent poker face,” said Pinkie, grinning.

“Well, I’ll make sure not to judge the book by it’s cover,” said Atlas.

“What book? I don’t see one,” said Pinkie, looking around.

After the four enjoyed their game of poker, Atlas spots Rainbow staring at him. Ever since Burnice found Atlas, he and Rainbow… had not been very friendly with one another… just why did Rainbow distrusted Atlas so much? Other than the fact that Atlas annihilated every single timberwolf at the ruined castle within the Everfree Forest, the day before, that was understandable to mistrust Atlas.

That’s when the sound of the train’s horn signaled their near arrival to Canterlot. Looking outside from his own window, Atlas saw the city that held Equestria’s leaders, princesses Celestia and Luna. In the distance, a castle was protruding out of the wall of the mountain, which shows that Canterlot has a strong source of gem production. The many buildings of Canterlot were made of a white marble, showing the city’s purity. Reaching the station, everyone steps out, only to be greeted with several carriages. “Princess Twilight, since you have a dangerous creature with you, Celestia recommended that nopony knows your here, especially with… this thing. So she sent these carriages to carry you and your friends to the castle. Once you arrive to the castle, please immediately head to the courtyard, please,” said the guard, leading Twilight to the carriage.

Once Twilight and her friends gotten to their designated carriages, they all headed to the castle… but Atlas’s ride… wasn’t so pleasant. Being forced into a rectangle cage made of wood, with a small barred window, while being pulled by a wagon… in the middle of Canterlot’s streets. “How the heck is this going incognito?” thought Atlas. “Seriously, someone is going to get suspicious about this.”

Being pulled through the city, two citizens notice the cage and asked what’s in it. “Hey, what’s with the cage?” asked the first citizen.

“SEE!” thought Atlas, his prediction coming true.

“This… it’s just some old cage that we’re going to remake as… as...” said the first guard.

“Remake as what?” asked the second citizen.

Unable to say anything, the other guard who was pulling the wagon, speaks for the first guard. “This is going to be used for target practice. This thing might as well have some use, am I right,” said the second guard.

“Excellent response, ten out of ten,” thought Atlas, clapping sarcastically.

After several seconds of silence, the citizens believed the guard’s lie. “Oh, well I guess that makes sense,” said the second citizen.

“Yeah I suppose so,” said the first citizen. “Well have a good day.”

“You have got to be kidding me,” thought Atlas, mentally face-palming himself.

After leading Atlas to the castle, they open the cage and force Atlas out with spears that two other guards were holding. Once rejoined with everyone else, Atlas glares at Twilight. “I’m sorry, this was the only way to make sure nopony knew you were here,” said Twilight.

“Next time, I rather be teleported than caged up like an animal,” said Atlas, pointing his finger at her.

“I like you being in a cage. It shows that your a smelly bastard,” said Rainbow.

Atlas glared at Rainbow, before following everyone else to which was the courtyard. Once inside, everyone met eye with eye with the two princess sisters, Celestia and Luna. Out of the two, Celestia was the one that Atlas noticed the most. She wore golden regalia, and a mane with the colors of light blue, light green, light purple, and pink. Her fur was white, and she had a horn like a unicorn and wings like a pegasus. From what Twilight said, she was known as an alicorn, it’s unknown where alicorns originated, but there are four known ones, being Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Twilight. The princess of the sun, as well as the moon stared intently at the group… or more likely Atlas. Ordering everypony except Twilight, friends, and Atlas too leave, with only the princesses and them in the room.

“Princess Celestia, I...” said Twilight.

“Please Twilight, there’s no need for that. Your a princess too,” said Celestia. Her voice was calming and soothing, as if the voice of a mother, soothing her child. Twilight rethought what to say, and continued to speak.

“Celestia, Atlas, the being with me isn’t as dangerous as you think,” said Twilight. “He was simply brought to our world from unknown means, and only wishes to return home. He has only been doing self defense from the creatures of the Everfree Forest that tried attacking him.”

“And what makes you think this… creature will not harm ponies and more?” asked Luna. Luna on the other hoof was more stricter, even though younger than Celestia. She only wanted to see the dark side of Atlas, though the only thing dark about Atlas is that he can be scary in a fight.

Considering that the conversation is going nowhere to Atlas being innocent of the slightest, Applejack steps forward as being the first witness to see Atlas. “If you won’t believe Twilight, then how about me. I was the first to spot him at my family’s farm,” said Applejack. “Yes when I first saw him he seemed dangerous, but it was indeed out of self-defense, but not only that… When I heard the racket that the timberwolves and Atlas were causing, he protected me from one of the timberwolves.”

“Is that so,” said Celestia. Looking toward Atlas, Celestia stared at Atlas, as if she were staring at his soul to see if he did indeed done this. In the end, Celestia nodded and accepted this as a fact. “Well we know that Atlas has no intentions of harming anypony… but...”

Awaiting Celestia’s answer, everypony kept silent. The air itself felt still, Atlas in particular had a hard time breathing from the sudden silence. Then Celestia spoke, and what she said was understandable but confusing in a way. “It’s still no excuse for the reckless behavior that occurred in Sweet Apple Acres and the Everfree Forest. If these battles were to continue, it would of destroyed Ponyville in the process. With this in account, Atlas will have some freedom, but must repay all this damage,” said Celestia. “So from this day on, Atlas must help out the residents of Ponyville for the damage he caused, both physically and spiritually.”

Twilight and Applejack sighed from the sort of punishment that Celestia has given Atlas. However, Rainbow and Luna felt that it should been something... different. While everyone else felt neutral or had separate feelings about the choice. However… Atlas on the other hand… was dumbfounded and confused. “Wait, you want me to do community service and what not as my punishment!” said Atlas, surprised.

“Is something wrong with Celestia’s choice?” asked Rarity, confused. “It’s not like your being sent to Tartarus.”

“Except there is a problem. My whole life, I’ve been surrounded with how to handle weaponry! How are my skills supposed to be helpful in a village, nevertheless a land that hasn’t been in conflict for nearly thousands of years!?” shouted Atlas.

Twilight then realized how big of an issue this might be for Atlas, and with that in account, Atlas might have issues on how to properly connect with Ponyville’s community. Not only was he a warrior from another land, he had no other skills, that weren’t within the daily lives of the ponies. This was indeed a predicament. “At least your suffering, heheheheh,” said Rainbow.

“Ok, what’s with you hating on me? I haven’t done anything bad toward you or any of your friends, and already you starting a hate parade around me!” said Atlas, getting annoyed from listening to Rainbow’s comments.

“If you got a problem, then bring it on!” said Rainbow, tauntingly.

The two began arguing with one another until Luna had enough of this madness. “ENOUGH!” shouted Luna in the royal Canterlot voice.

Luna hasn’t used that voice in such a long time that it surprised everyone when they heard her use it. Quieting from Luna’s voice, Luna continued off with the rest of what Celestia has to say. “Now, just because Atlas will be given the right to wander about in Ponyville, doesn’t mean he can for all of Equestria. If he wishes to travel outside of Ponyville, one of the Mane 6 must accompany him at all times. He cannot leave Ponyville alone, and he must behave in Ponyville as well. Any strange activity from him will mean big consequences… do we have that clear?” said Luna, staring at not just Atlas but everyone.

Everyone noded in agreement, and decide to not get Luna any angry further on. Before everyone could be dismissed, Celestia had something to say first. “Before everyone leaves, there is something I like to ask Atlas about… Privately...” said Celestia.

Confused from this request Atlas, agrees to speaking with Celestia, alone. Following her to her chambers, the two sit down on some chairs on the balcony. Using her magic, Celestia pulls out a kettle and two tea cups. “Tea?” asked Celestia.

“That may be a problem,” said Atlas, showing his restraints.

“I know your pretending to be held captive,” said Celestia, filling her and Atlas’s cups.

“Shit! Well that plan failed,” thought Atlas.

“No need for that language,” said Celestia, still smiling.

Atlas shivered and realized that Celestia had been using telepathy… but for how long? Unsure what to do, Atlas removes his restraints and decides to drink the tea, checking if it’s poisoned. “It’s safe, I wouldn’t try to poison someone who’s completely innocent,” said Celestia, taking a sip of her own tea.

Taking in the drink, the tea is slightly bitter, but has a strange fragrance from it. After taking in another sip, Celestia begins to talk. “Atlas… what was your world like? Are their others like you?” asked Celestia, her tone in voice different.

Unsure what Celestia meant, Atlas tried his best answering. “My world is a mystery of it’s own, I haven’t fully explored all of it. As to my people… I was adopted in a young age since a baby, my people have vanished from the face of the world… maybe even reality,” said Atlas. Staring in the liquid within his teacup, Atlas saw his image, and realized… his probably the only Phoenix Tribe member alive to this day.

Celestia focused as much power she could with her telepathy, and can see Atlas is not lying… but… something felt faint. Within Atlas’s mind, no his soul, a strange essence could be felt… another soul. How strange? Deciding to continue prodding, Celestia asked more questions. “And do you have any friends in your world?” asked Celestia.

“Naw, mostly acquaintances, but I do work with two companions of mine… but we aren’t very friendly with one another. However I do have an apprentice of mine,” said Atlas.

“You do, how old is this apprentice of yours?” asked Celestia, curious. Having countless apprentices before, Celestia wondered what kind of teaching methods Atlas gave to his apprentice.

“If I remember… she’s at least… fourteen I believe. I found her in a mission I did with my companions, after the mission she became my apprentice. She was so eager to learn from me, for now she’s learning the basics. The last time I saw her, she staying in my adoptive home town,” said Atlas. “Since I was mostly in very… dangerous missions, she had to stay and train.”

Celestia could see the honesty in Atlas eyes… but she saw it again. Within Atlas’s soul, Celestia saw the soul having two sides, like a coin. One was red, but the other… was a bright orange… similar to that of a phoenix. Suddenly from just staring at Atlas’s soul, she heard this voice, within her mind.

Who has awoken me from my slumber?

The voice felt ancient, and powerful. Suddenly, Atlas’s aura grew to tremendous strength, causing him to go unconscious… yet, he still spoke. Where is this place… and whom may you be?

Instantly, Celestia had realized Atlas is unconscious but, his body continued to speak. Then when Atlas’s head moved upward, Celestia saw it… his eyes. His eyes, were before a simple orange… but now… they were the colors of fire. What also caught her attention was that, the colors in Atlas’s eyes… were moving, like an actual flame. “Who… What are you?” asked Celestia, keeping her guard up.

My name has been lost in days of old… but many know me these days known as… the deity of the raging flames. Wriachas of the Flames of Wrath… and who are you?

“I am Celestia, Princess of the Sun,” said Celestia.

Of the sun? I know one deity who also has control of the sun, my sister, Legasvi. How can a simple being like you be in control of the sun?

“You are confused. You are not in your world anymore, and so, I am indeed in control of the sun,” said Celestia.

The voice coming out of Atlas’s mouth was silent, but then a low quiet chuckle came forth, then rising to laughter of hysterical proportions. I can sense your power, pony, and all you are capable of is setting and rising it. If you truly have control of it, you can use it to cook the land itself, or create multitude of suns! Your nothing but a false god… there are beings that are both stronger than you and even I! Out of all the beings in the realm, the most powerful of them all I can sense… Is the one right before you.

Celestia felt insulted… but she too understood the sheer power she’s feeling from sitting in front of Atlas… no… This wasn’t Atlas, this was something else… just who or what was Wriachas? “But I protected, and brought my ponies to peace and prosperity!” said Celestia, stating it as a fact.

All of that is simply a band-aid, which will slowly tear and break. I can see the countless mistakes and failures you done. This “harmony” you speak of is nothing but a wall that will soon crumble. A world of peace, HA! Don’t make me laugh… no world can exist just out of peace… when there’s peace… there is always…

Disorder.

With that, the voice seized and the all-powerful aura dissipated before Celestia’s eyes. The other half of Atlas’s soul shrunk, but a small tint of that power was still visible within Atlas. Slowly waking from his small coma, Atlas stared confused at Celestia’s expression of fear, and awe-shock. “Is something wrong?” asked Atlas.

“No… no, not at all. You… you can go back with the others now. I know all I wish to know of you now,” said Celestia, sweating profusely.

After Atlas left, he realized something, his seat and the ground around him seemed to have a scorch mark all around it. About to tell the princess, Atlas can see that something is in Celestia’s thoughts… just what did he say to her? Returning to everyone else, Celestia was left alone to her own thoughts.

Once everypony left toward the station, Atlas can notice the countless eyes toward him. It wasn’t surprising that some ponies would stare but… the sheer numbers were disturbing. That’s when Rarity began to talk to Atlas. “Atlas, what did the princess want to talk to you about?” asked Rarity.

“I hope it wasn’t something… bad,” said Fluttershy.

“No, she just asked a few questions about my life in my world… but I sort of blanked out. Then she acted all funny, and told me to go back to you girls… I think I might of said something wrong,” said Atlas, rubbing the back of his head.

“Nonsense, I’m sure Celestia might have been busy, and had to continue with her royal duties. That’s all,” said Rarity, reassuringly.

“She probably had something come up,” said Twilight.

Atlas continued down the streets of Canterlot to the train station to return to Ponyville. On their walk there, Fluttershy accidentally bumps into somepony, but in reality it was the other way around. “Hey watch where your going!” said the stallion.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bump into you,” said Fluttershy, timidly.

“Hey, leave Fluttershy alone!” said Rainbow.

“What did you just say to me? You better be careful who your talking to, or else you’ll...” said the stallion.

Before the stallion had the chance to talk back to Rainbow, Atlas stood behind Rainbow… but his attitude completely changed. “Back, off. Try to harm any of my friends… and I’ll break your spine,” said Atlas. The very rage within Atlas’s voice was just enough to scare away the stallion, and even the surrounding ponies watching.

“Whoa, Atlas! I don’t think you needed to say that to him,” said Applejack.

“I just hate jackasses who can just get away from something that they started. I can get easily mad over simple things you know,” said Atlas. “Been like that as long as I can remember.”

“Look at him run!” said Pinkie, laughing. “He got so scared, I thought he pee himself.”

“I rather not see that at all, please,” said Rarity, shaking the thought away.

“Thank you… Atlas,” said Fluttershy.

“No problem-o,” said Atlas.

As the group continued to leave, Rainbow decided to talk to Atlas as they walked. “Hey Atlas… I’m sorry for acting like a jerk toward you. I was just trying to protect my friends is all...” said Rainbow, a bit embarrassed from trying to apologize. “Your not so bad after all, honest.”

“It’s okay. I kind of like the kind of fire in your eyes we first met. Haven’t met any competitive types often where I’m from,” said Atlas.

“Well, today’s your lucky day,” said Rainbow, grinning.

Once the train had arrived, everyone got on and sat down. From a far distance, Celestia watches Atlas with both curiosity, and horror. Entering her room, Luna asks why she gave Atlas such a minor punishment. “Sister, why did we give Atlas such little restrictions. He can do whatever he wants, whether hidden or not, now!” said Luna, upset. “...Sister?”

“Luna… I gave these restrictions and punishment is because I want to examine Atlas closer. I saw something within his soul when I talked to him privately… something, powerful… and dangerous is within him,” said Celestia, turning to face Luna. “If he so much as shows this power, even once, whether accident or not… you have my permission to send him to Tartarus. I will not allow that… ‘thing’, to wander freely.”

Luna was happy with her sister’s response, unaware of what kind of threat Atlas really is. “Of course… my sister. I will send a selected few to watch Atlas… closely,” said Luna, happy with her sister’s decision.

Celestia has seen a power that is beyond anything this realm has seen. Atlas, who may be far from home, has acquired a friendship with the most unlikeliest beings he’s ever met. An ancient deity, awoken by Celestia’s tampering, will this being destroy everything to cinders… or continue to slumber with it’s ancient rage. Nobody is sure… but this story has only… just begun.

Author's Note

Ancient deities, mistreatment for being different, and friendships born. Seems things have taken an interesting turn.

Chapter 5 - A Day In Ponyville

After everyone reached Ponyville via train, the time was already afternoon, with the sun nearly setting but enough light for ponies to be out. Everyone went their separate ways back to their homes, with Twilight, Spike, Burnice and Atlas back to the library. Heading back, all the residents of Ponyville, gawking the same as those at Canterlot at Atlas. However some seem to mind their own business like Atlas wasn’t there. Finally reaching the door to the library, Twilight unlocks the door and enters inside. Once in, she closes the door and talks with Atlas on the punishment that Celestia had picked for him. “Okay… considering that nopony in town knows of what you’ve done the day you appeared, it’s safe to say that everypony probably has a neutral opinion on you. So I think we should start off the day by helping out at Applejack’s farm, Sweet Apple Acres. Then maybe we can help out the rest of my friends,” said Twilight. “Spike could you write down a list of things that Atlas can do to help out in Ponyville.”

“Sure Twilight, what should I add on the list?” asked Spike.

As Twilight and Spike talked what sort of things Atlas can do, Burnice and Atlas decide to leave the two to their ideas and thoughts. Waiting outside, Burnice asks just what happened between him and Celestia when they talked alone. “What happened when you were alone with Celestia anyway?” asked Burnice, still curious.

“Again, I can’t remember. All I know is that she asked me some questions about my world, and all of a sudden I blacked out and she asked me to leave,” said Atlas.

“I don’t know, it kind of sounds strange that you suddenly can remember like that. I don’t think anyone would simply nod off in front of the princess,” said Burnice.

“Trust me… I gotten into far worse situations than nodding in front of royalty,” said Atlas. Atlas has gotten himself in tons of trouble, either caused by him or someone else. Either way, Atlas ends up surviving or nearly left for dead.

After Spike and Twilight were done with whatever ideas they had for Atlas, they headed off to Sweet Apple Acres. Walking down to a path which would lead them there, they pass the town square. Once crossing there, they come across a few familiar residents of Ponyville. “Oh hey Twilight!” said Vinyl, wearing her signature purple shades.

“Oh hello Vinyl, what are you doing today?” asked Twilight, happy to meet one of Ponyville’s known residents.

“You know, going here and there. Say who’s the big guy with you?” asked Vinyl.

“About that, this here is Atlas… his an explorer from another land. Celestia has given me the responsibility to show Atlas around Ponyville,” said Twilight. Since nopony knew where Atlas had come from, Twilight had to make false stories about Atlas’s sudden appearance in Ponyville. Luckily, the pony she spoke to was… how you say, “calm” with meeting Atlas.

“That’s cool. Say, did you hear what happened at Sweet Apple Acres. Ponies said that some strange creature nearly caused a forest fire, do you figure out what caused it?” asked Vinyl.

“All we could find were timberwolves,” said Spike, lying.

“Timberwolves? How in Equestria did timberwolves start a fire?” said Vinyl.

Everyone shrugs, pretending not to know how the incident at Sweet Apple Acres happened, when Atlas was the one who caused it. After speaking to Vinyl Scratch, her friend Octavia comes toward the group. “Vinyl, I thought I told you to go buy some groceries when you were out. It’s been an hour now and you haven’t back since,” said Octavia. Octavia notices Atlas and the first thought to come through her mind… was fear. “WHAT IS THAT THING!?”

“Jeese Octavia, rude,” said Vinyl. “Just because Atlas is different doesn’t mean you can scream at him and call him a thing.”

“BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS EVER IN MY TRAVELS AS A MUSICIAN! JUST WHAT IS THIS THING!?” shouted Octavia, continuing to speak loudly.

“If I were to get one gold coin for every time I was called a thing… I’d be rich,” said Atlas.

“Hey! It’s rude to talk to my friend like that! You should apologize,” said Spike, defending Atlas.

“Yeah, Tavi,” said Vinyl, in agreement.

Octavia sighed and breathed in and out slowly. After understanding that what she did was rude, she tried apologizing... still she was a tad frightened by Atlas’s appearance. “I’m… sorry,” said Octavia, trying to not make eye contact.

“See, there’s no need for anypony to be fighting each other. So let’s get along and be pals,” said Vinyl, putting her hoof over Octavia. “Say, how about I buy you and your friends some drinks Twilight.”

“That’s find, we need to head to AJ’s to help out at her farm,” said Twilight. “But thank you for the generous offer.” After Twilight and company continue their way to Sweet Apple Acres, Octavia stares at Vinyl.

“You just wanted an excuse to buy a drink for yourself… didn’t you,” said Octavia.

“Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat… okay maybe, but it would have been worth it,” said Vinyl, chuckling.

The gray mare lightly face-hoofed herself, after trotting beside her companion. Elsewhere, Applejack returns to her family farm and continues with replanting the destroyed apple trees, when Atlas had a tussle with the timberwolves before. With the help of her brother, Big Mac, the siblings plant tree after tree, for every hole they dug.

“Whew! Today sure is hot… say Big Mac, want to do a short break for now, I think we planted enough for the time being,” said Applejack.

The big red stallion, grunts and responds with a simple “Eeyup,” back at Applejack. The two head to a big red barn. Inside, is an old mare, with a green coat, baking what seemed to be pies. “Ah AJ, I wantid to ask you if you know where Applebloom is. I haven’t seen that filly since this mornin… have you seen er?” asked Granny Smith.

“No Granny, I haven’t. She must be at the treehouse with her friends,” said Applejack.

The old mare nods, continuing with her baking. “I see… By the way, how’s the apple planting doing. I don’t know what caused that fire, but whatevar it twas, it’s gone now,” said Granny Smith, keeping an eye on the oven.

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac, agreeing.

While relaxing, Applejack spots a few familiar faces outside. Taking a closer look, she sees it’s Twilight, Burnice, Spike, and Atlas. “Hey guys, what brings you here?” asked Applejack, a straw in her mouth.

“Well, since Celestia has given Atlas to help out with any problems in Ponyville, I thought it be a good idea to bring him here and help out,” said Twilight.

“It was my fault that this happened in the first problem,” said Atlas, a bit guilty for causing the fire.

“Nonsense… well it sort of is because of you, but if those timberwolves just minded their own business, they wouldn’t have wandered in my family’s farm,” said Applejack. “Now I guess you can help us plant some apple trees.”

While Applejack’s break was still on, she introduced Atlas and Burnice to her family. “Big Mac! Granny Smith! There’s some friends of mine I like to introduce to you!” said Applejack, getting her family’s attention.

Stepping into the living room, the first thing the two ponies spotted was Atlas. For the first time ever, there was someone bigger than Big Mac, other than the princesses. Taking a careful look at Atlas, Granny Smith and moves up closer to Atlas. “It’s nice meetin you Atlass,” said Granny Smith.

“My name only has one ‘s’,” said Atlas, correcting how Granny Smith said his name.

“Well anyway, why don’t you relax with us, and then we’ll continue with planting some apple trees,” said Applejack. Everypony enjoyed relaxing in the living room, it was Burnice’s first time visiting Sweet Apple Acres, even though she only been in Ponyville for a few months or so, she has been mostly minding her own business. When Burnice first saw Atlas, she was sure he wouldn’t make in the injuries he was in… but after absorbing her flames… Burnice has never seen such magic or anything like that ever in her long years of learning fire magic, and she was sure that fire couldn’t be used for healing purposes. Especially in the way that Atlas used it for, back at the ruined castle.

“Say Atlas, this bothered me but… when I first met you back at the ruined castle… how were you able to heal your own wounds with my flames?” asked Burncie, still dumbfounded about the idea.

“Oh, right… I guess I should explain that. Well, my people have the abilities that are exact to that of the regenerative process of a phoenix… just no egg and more like wounds being healed. The more major wounds require fire, it doesn’t matter where it came from, as long it’s fire… I can use it,” said Atlas.

Before Burnice got the chance to continue with her question, Twilight interrupts the two. “WAIT, YOU CAN DO WHAT!?” shouted Twilight, spitting out some juice she was drinking.

“Inside voice Twilight,” said Spike.

“R-right, ahem… as I said, what do you mean you can use fire to heal yourself?” asked Twilight.

Burnice and Atlas, looked at one another and began about the incident back at the ruined castle. It seems Atlas has the ability of mass-regeneration, giving him nearly something close to immortality. However, Atlas can still die… however this fact has rarely proven in Atlas countless deadly jobs. “Say, how about we not talk about Atlas, and maybe more about his world. I always wanted to know if there was more out there,” said Applejack, pleasant with the idea of traveling to unknown lands.

“You can continue with your conversation, but now it’s best we continue plantin some trees,” said Granny Smith.

Everyone headed out and began planting trees, since Atlas is more bigger than anypony else, he can carry two tree saplings. With the extra help, they were able to complete most of the destroyed apple orchard. Seeing that it’s getting dark soon, Applebloom has not returned back the slightest, worrying for their younger sibling, Applejack decides to go find her. “I got to go everypony. Applebloom hasn’t been seen ever since we came back from Canterlot. It’s getting dark and were not sure if the timberwolves will stay in the Everfree this time or not,” said Applejack.

“Why don’t we help too,” said Twilight.

“Thanks, but Applebloom is probably at the treehouse with her friends. You helped out enough with planting the trees, I couldn’t ask you with this,” said Applejack. “Well have good night, everypony.”

After the group went back to the library through the town hall, they encountered four familiar faces. It was Fluttershy, and with her were the CMC, Applebloom, Applejack’s sister, and her two friends, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. “Oh there you are Applebloom, Applejack has been looking for you all day. Where were you?” asked Twilight, surprised to find her here.

“They were helping with me Twilight. After I left to Canterlot, I forget to feed all my animals before I left. So when I came back, a lot of the animals were a bit… antsy. I asked the CMC to help with calming them down… especially Angel,” said Fluttershy. “I’m sorry that I didn’t told anypony I was borrowing them.”

“It’s okay Fluttershy, but you three should of probably told your folks were you were. It’s late already and you could be deep trouble now,” said Twilight.

The CMC quickly realized how late it’s been now, and rushed immediately home. “Thank you for the reminder, Twilight. And we’re happy to help you again Fluttershy,” said Applebloom, rushing back to Sweet Apple Acres.

“YEAH!” said Sweetie and Scootaloo, heading to their respective homes.

The CMC went their separate ways back home, while Fluttershy was about to leave, a sudden figure appeared before everypony. The figure at first was a shadow of a giant creature, but after turning to see who it was, it only made Fluttershy smile. “Oh, hello Discord,” said Fluttershy, happy to see her strange friend.

“Fluttershy, I heard you went to Canterlot about some,” said Discord, leaning in to whisper. “Super secret… mission. Now what exactly was it all about, and why wasn’t I invited too?”

That’s when Atlas and Discord met eye to eye. From each one’s perspective, the first thought that came out from each one was, “Who or what in the world is this thing?”. After being introduced by Fluttershy, is when things gotten… slightly interesting. “Oh Discord, this is my new friend, Atlas. His a being from another world who ended up in ours,” said Fluttershy. “And Atlas, this my friend Discord. He used to be the ‘Spirit of Chaos’ but we helped in reforming him. So now his good… well… sometimes.”

After being pulled away by Discord, Fluttershy and him talked alone, but close enough for the others to still hear… I believe this was done on purpose. “Fluttershy… just, what is that hideous thing?” asked Discord.

“OY! WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME!?” shouted Atlas, his temper starting to increase.

“I’m sorry, Discord can be… sometimes protective when I’m around someone he hasn’t met before,” said Fluttershy.

“THAT STILL DOESN’T MEAN HE CAN JUST CALL ME THAT!” shouted Atlas, agitated.

“Well I’m sorry, but I’m not the one who’s equipped with weapons,” said Discord, placing both his claw, paw, on his sides. On Discord’s claw was one of Atlas’s Phoenix Pistols. Seeing how Discord magically haves his weapon, Atlas takes it back.

“I swear… I’m going to...” said Atlas, grinding his teeth together.

“OKAY THEN! I think it’s best we get going. It was good seeing you Fluttershy, bye!” said Twilight, quickly leaving.

After Twilight and company left and reached the library, Twilight quickly opened the door and closed it. “IF I THINK WHAT YOU WERE ABOUT TO DO, DO NOT DO IT… even if it is Discord! I have enough issues to deal with, I don’t want you to have a fight with the spirit of chaos for Celestia’s sake,” said Twilight, her mane poking out a little.

“I faced worse opponents in my life… which reminds me. Discord actually reminds me of another… ‘strange’ fella I met before…” said Atlas, recalling his memories. Atlas beings to compare Discord with another person Atlas knows of. This other person, has green hair, and is equally powerful and insane… someone who’s been a bothersome to Atlas for as long he could remember.

Suddenly, the door began to knock, thinking it was Fluttershy, Twilight opened the door, only to realize it was Rainbow Dash, with her was Pinkie. The two mares quickly entered inside and looked as if something spooked them. “TWILIGHT!” said Rainbow, trying to breath from running. “THERE’S SOMETHING… YOU GOT... TO SEE!”

“What’s going on Rainbow?” asked Twilight, confused from the sudden visit. “It better not be another prank.”

“It’s not... Twilight! We were in... Sugarcube Corner, and... Derpy came in... with today’s mail!” said Pinkie, also exhausted.

“Late as usual,” said Rainbow, properly beginning to breath and talk. “But anyway, when we received it, we saw something really REALLY interesting! Here take a look!” Rainbow shows Twilight today’s newspaper, on it shows a few ads and news topics… except there was one topic in particular… well actually two that were shocking and interesting to everyone present in the room. The first talked about the incident in Sweet Apple Acres, which wasn’t a surprise that it be mentioned in the news. The other however… was far more interesting, this topic talked about… ATLAS! Apparently, Celestia has revealed about Atlas from being from a faraway land, but nothing about him being involved in the fire at Sweet Apple Acres. What it says is that Atlas is the first foreigner representative from his world to be presented towards Celestia. It seems when Twilight and company were at Canterlot, some paparazzi must of saw them and assumed Atlas… was an ambassador.

“You have got to be kidding me,” said Atlas, also reading the newspaper.

“This isn’t your kind of day… is it Atlas,” said Burnice, staring at Atlas.

“If everypony starts thinking Atlas is some kind of ambassador, there will be a lot more commotion here in Ponyville. We had enough crazy newsponies coming here ever since I became a princess, but imagine! A princess and an ambassador living under the same roof, the sheer number of rumors!” screamed Twilight. While Twilight began to panic from the number of ideas and thoughts that everypony could be thinking, a sudden scroll pops out of Spike’s mouth.

“Is that normal?” asked Atlas, pointing at Spike’s mouth.

Twilight nods toward Atlas, and picks up the scroll. Opening it and reading to see what it’s about, it’s from Celestia and she says...

Dear Twilight,

If you have not seen today’s newspaper, you should, but if you have then you must of seen the terrible news it has accompanying it. Indeed now everypony will misjudge Atlas’s role in his stay in Ponyville and probably all of Equestria, but do not fear… for this might be more of a blessing than you think. A number of newsponies will come to Ponyville tomorrow, and I and Luna will come in case things become… overwhelming. The idea is that we will make a stage for Atlas to talk about his world… other than the unsavory parts of course, but more on his life, his home, his friends and family, anything that will appease the crowd. If we make sure Atlas’s image is only good, we may be able to help the citizens to be more trusting to Atlas, this will help him in the future. I ask you to prepare this small event as soon as possible.

From, Princess Celestia

P.S. Atlas must wear something… more suitable when he is going to talk in public.

“So let me get this straight. The princess… wants me to go with this,” said Atlas.

“Apparently so… but we can’t say no. We should have been careful when we were in Canterlot. Well… we might as well do this, but for now we should rest,” said Twilight, exhausted from the sudden news.

Once everypony went to sleep, time has passed more quickly for everypony and it was already morning. Heading toward Sugarcube Corner, Twilight discussed this with all her friends. “Oh my… this is an interesting predicament. However, I always wanted to make clothes for Atlas, it be an interesting challenge for me,” said Rarity, thinking of new designs for Atlas.

“Good, now Applejack, I need you to make a stage ready for Atlas. Pinkie will prepare any snacks for ponies, and seating. Rainbow will focus on security, we’re not sure what kind of ponies will think of Atlas. Fluttershy… you can watch,” said Twilight.

“I’m okay with that,” said Fluttershy, not arguing.

“THIS WILL BE THE BEST PARTY EVER!” shouted Pinkie.

“Uh Pinkie, this isn’t a party,” said Rainbow.

“Oh… right,” said Pinkie, giggling.

“What about me and Spike?” asked Burnice.

“I suppose you two will be by Atlas’s side in case he needs any help. I will see who’s coming, and make sure there will be no interferences of any kind. Now, let’s do this girls!” said Twilight, putting her hoof in the center or the table.

“YEAH!” said everypony, putting their hooves, claw, and hand together, proceeding with them all rising their appendages to the air.

“I have a bad feeling about this,” thought Atlas.

With the sudden arrival of ponies across Equestria, here to see and ask Atlas questions, both realistic… and not so realistic. He must survive the most greatest threat he has ever faced… the paparazzi. Elsewhere, in Canterlot Castle, Luna speaks to her elite guard. “Now, I have asked all of you to watch this specific character called, Atlas. Celestia and I do not trust Atlas, even if he seems to be popular among the populace. Nevertheless, we know of his true abilities… as for his intentions, that is unknown. That is why you six will be sent to Ponyville with me, your mission is not to protect me and Celestia. Your mission… is to find any evidence that has any correlation that could, no WILL threaten Equestria. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!” said Luna, her voice loud as if she were commanding an army.

Before her were standing six elite commandos, all from several different races. Out of the six, was one in particular that has been loyal to Luna to the end. She and her family’s bloodline are the very rare few pure batpony families. Her family, known for following Luna, even when she became Nightmare Moon, have never doubted her. Now given the task of keeping an eye on this… strange being called, Atlas… she will do anything for her princess of the moon. “As you wish… I will look every creek and cranny for anything remotely strange in Ponyville… and when I’m done… I’ll bring this Atlas, TO JUSTICE!” shouted the batpony, resolve in her voice.

Luna smiled toward the ferocity in the batpony’s voice, and made her way, with her six elite commandos in tow, toward Ponyville. A storm is brewing… and it’s not stopping anytime soon.

Author's Note

You smell that... smells like the antagonist is finally about to show their face(s).

Let's hope no fires happen again.

Chapter 6 - Shit Just Got Real

Ponyville was buzzing with energy, ponies from other cities, all the way from Manehatten to Appleloosa. Even other races came to see the spectacle, of an ambassador from a faraway land not known to anyone. Many of Ponyville’s residents were more surprised to know that one such figure had been in their small town for a few days already. Many of the shops in Ponyville opened immediately, selling their products on a rare occasion like this. Twilight who was readily making a long list of visitors and to see preparations are ready, went to Carousal Boutique to check Atlas. “Hello princess,” said a traveler. “It’s an honor meeting you.”

“Thank you for the pleasantries, but I must attend to the ‘ambassador’,” said Twilight.

“Of course, wouldn’t want him waiting,” said the traveler. As Twilight made her way there, many travelers from far and wide came to Ponyville. There were some gryphons, ponies from various towns and cities, and some dragons that made peace treaties with the princesses years ago. Reaching Carousal Boutique, her friend Rarity’s home and shop for clothing, the first thing Twilight heard when she entered was the least pleasant thing she wanted to hear. “I AM NOT WEARING THAT MONKEY SUIT!” shouted Atlas, running around the boutique.

“ATLAS! YOU WILL WEAR THIS MARVELOUS CREATION OF MINE, OR I WILL STRAP YOU DOWN!” shouted Rarity, chasing Atlas with a levitating suit behind her.

Atlas did go with the idea of being an ambassador but… Atlas himself had an honor system to follow, which strangely involved his headband. He has a strong connection with that headband. “Come on Atlas, if we don’t do this, a lot of ponies, and many travelers will be disappointed,” said Burnice.

“This headband is worth more than my life! You’ll never get me!” said Atlas, leaping off a table. Expecting to land on the floor, Atlas suddenly froze in midair, realizing he been caught by Twilight’s magic, he gave up. “Darn… so close.”

“How long has he been doing this?” asked Twilight.

“Oh Twilight, you should of knocked. I didn’t notice you even came in,” said Rarity. “And as how long… well, ever since I showed him the suit.”

“And that was when?” asked Twilight, again.

“...Around, ehhhh… an hour or two or three ago,” said Rarity, rubbing her hooves together.

Twilight who wanted to scream, simply sighed and let Atlas fall to the ground. Now Twilight has planned a lot of things in her life, but with the sheer number of travelers coming to Ponyville, and the small help she has… it was a lot for the small alicorn to handle. “Please Atlas… just wear the suit,” said Twilight, her hoof placed on her forehead.

“At least let me wear my headband, please,” said Atlas.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT! THAT HEADBAND CLASHES COMPLETELY WITH THIS SUIT, IT WILL RUIN EVERYTHING!” shouted Rarity.

“Actually, I think I know how to make it work,” said Burnice. Taking Atlas’s headband, she ties it around his neck, making it a nice addition with the suit. “There… how’s it look?”

“Well… it’s not bad I suppose,” said Rarity, agreeing. “Though I wished it were a different color...”

“Don’t you dare,” said Atlas, protecting his headband.

“There, problem solved,” said Burnice, happy with everyone’s reaction.

While everyone was happy with the choice, Spike came in with some rope. “Hey I got the rope… What I missed?” asked Spike.

“You can put away the rope Spike,” said Rarity.

“Why in the deities do you have a rope?” asked Atlas, a tad afraid and weirded out.

“I have my reasons,” said Rarity, poking the floor.

Deciding not wanting to know, Atlas made his way to their next destination. Elsewhere, at Ponyville Station was Princess Celestia, and Luna who arrived to the event. With them were some royal guards, and six notable individuals who followed Luna. “Luna, is it safe for you to bring… ‘them’?” asked Celestia, staring at the six individuals.

“You asked for me to handle with Atlas’s whereabouts, and that’s what I’m doing. My elite guard will handle that, we will simply be a political image for all of this,” said Luna. Looking toward one of the six, she nods signaling them all to move to positions.

Back at the stage, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow prepare the decorations for Atlas’s quote on quote, speech. Whilst Fluttershy watched in the amazement of her friends doing all this amazing work, she brought Discord to see the spectacle. “I don’t know why you brought him Fluttershy, he’d probably do something to ruin everything,” said Rainbow. “And I’m security for Celestia’s sake!”

“Because your my friend, I trust that you go along with Discord. He may be troublesome sometimes, but his a good friend, so please let him stay,” said Fluttershy.

Not wanting to make her close friend upset, Rainbow allowed this to slide… for now. “Fine… but if he does anything suspicious, I’m allowed to tackle him, right?” said Rainbow. “I always wanted to tackle somepony.”

“I would never do anything to ruin this moment!” said Discord, trying to look innocent. “Popcorn?”

Rainbow stared at Discord, not excepting his gift. “Now behave… And Rainbow, if he does do anything… you do have my permission to tackle him,” said Fluttershy, grabbing some popcorn.

“Sweet,” said Rainbow, happy with Fluttershy’s decision.

“FLUTTERSHY!” said Discord, surprised.

“As I said… behave,” said Fluttershy, eating a bit of popcorn.

Slowly the area began flooding with ponies, gryphons, dragons, and more. Soon countless reporters from different branches of news groups arrived to see Atlas. Once everything was set, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow stepped off stage. In the back, Atlas waited for him turn to move to the stage, while Twilight prepared his introduction. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” said Atlas.

“Don’t worry, everything is going to be fine,” said Rainbow.

“All your going to do is talk to a big stage of ponies and more from other lands, but you might cause an international war with your nation which isn’t even on this plane of existence, whilst being chased down by multitude of ponies,” said Pinkie, smiling.

“Pinkie… I think you should check if there are enough snacks,” said Applejack, pushing Pinkie away.

As Pinkie left, to check the snacks… the eleventh time, everyone began to move with the crowd to see his speech. “Good luck out there Atlas,” said Applejack, patting him on the back.

“Try to be honest, as best you can,” said Burnice.

Atlas was left alone in the back area until Twilight signaled for him to come to the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce, the ambassador from a faraway unknown land… Atlas,” said Twilight, stomping her hoof to the ground. As Twilight gotten off the stage, many ponies began to stomp their hooves to introduce Atlas… but as the seconds went by… Atlas never appeared. Everyone began to chatter and think something happened or that Atlas doesn’t even exist, but when a tall figure then appeared on stage, everyone’s focus was back to the stage. Atlas who was sweating profusely remembered he had to be careful with what he said, unless he wanted several empires after him.

“Hello, everyone… I… am Atlas,” said Atlas.

Twilight covered her eyes, from the embarrassment on how Atlas started his speech. Then one pony reporter began to speak today’s first question. “I’m with the Manehatten News. May I ask, but your name is different from anything known ever in history. What is your full name?” asked the newspony, curious.

Everyone was also curious on how the naming process on Atlas world worked out. At first, Atlas thought he would mess up, but breathed in and out slowly, and spoke clearly and more loudly. “My full name is, Atlas Gartahl Opus Viz’Nul Zon. And yes this is indeed my actual full name,” said Atlas.

Everyone was astounded from how long Atlas’s name was that more questions started to appear. Twilight began listening more to what Atlas had to say from that point on, that she pulled out a notepad to write what he said down. “Are these last names, the names of your parent’s families?” asked one reporter.

“Yes, the names Garthal and Opus are my adopted last names. The names Viz’Nul and Zon are the last names of my actual parents...” It was a long time since Atlas told anyone about his past… and it’s usually to a selected few. But now his telling his life’s story to a whole nation… this made things a bit awkward for him.

“What’s your world like?” asked another newspony.

That was the one question Atlas didn’t want to answer. Unsure how to answer it, Atlas could only say one thing that was partially true. “My world is both mysterious and massive. It has it’s differences, but all I can say… it’s somewhere that won’t run out of uniqueness,” said Atlas, with a grin.

Many ponies will quote Atlas for that. As time passed more questions were asked, until one in particular was truly surprising. “Excuse me Atlas, I’m from Canterlot Bureau, and it says you were in Canterlot before and went to see Celestia. Is this true?” asked the reporter.

“Uhm, yes, indeed it is,” said Atlas, a bit confused from the question.

“I see… then does that mean you and Celestia are in a relationship?” asked the reporter. The whole crowd went to chaos after hearing what the reporter asked, even the royal guards were shocked. No one was ready for such a question, but Atlas just calmly answered it like it was nothing.

“No, Princess Celestia simply called me to Canterlot. Simply so she could see me face to face, nothing more,” said Atlas. Realizing what kind of question he just answered, his face began to redden from the question the reporter just answered.

“Are you crazy! The princesses are here you idiot!” said one reporter, whispering.

“Well I saw him come to Canterlot, so I just put two together,” said the reporter who asked Atlas the question.

“Anyway… anymore questions?” asked Atlas, going back to answering more questions.

“I have one.” Amongst the crowd was a filly wearing a tiara, with her was a butler pony of some sort. “Many ponies say you were here for a few days, but nopony heard your arrival to our town, ever. Just how did you get here to Equestria?”

Atlas was now in dead end. He knew lying won’t work, especially to somepony like this. Unable to answer, Atlas instead answered with a question. “I think what you should be asking is, where am I staying,” said Atlas, acting confident.

Everyone was confused from what Atlas means, that it gotten everyones attention. Many ponies and others, made aws, and oos when Atlas suddenly sounded confident answering the filly’s question. “What do you mean!?” asked the filly, confused.

“Well, you see… I’m staying at Princess Twilight’s home,” said Atlas, grinning.

“You idiot,” whispered Twilight, face-hoofing herself.

Panic arose from hearing that Atlas was staying with Princess Twilight. Everyone completely forgotten about Atlas’s visit to Celestia, and focus around Atlas and Twilight and what could it all mean. But before anyone could react back, someone began running screaming toward the crowd. “HELP HELP SOMEONE HELP!” shouted the stallion.

“What’s going on?” asked Rainbow, acting as security.

“There… THERE’S A FIRE AT SWEET APPLE ACRES!” shouted the stallion.

“WHAT!?” screamed everyone.

“NOT ONLY THAT, BUT I SAW THREE FILLIES GO TO THE APPLE FOREST NEAR THE FARM, AND SUDDENLY THE WHOLE FOREST BEGAN TO GO ABLAZE!” shouted the stallion.

“This is better than some ambassador! Three fillies trapped in a forest by sudden fire!” said one newspony.

“QUICK TO THE FOREST!” shouted another newspony.

Everyone rushed to Sweet Apple Acres, leaving Atlas back on stage. “Well… Shit just got real,” said Atlas, grinning even more. Removing his suit, Atlas put his headband back on and put on his clothing and weaponry. “Time to save some lives!”

Whilst everyone was at the speech, a mysterious fire happened at Sweet Apple Acres. The fire has already spread across the nearby trees not part of Sweet Apple Acres and more. Many pegasi attempted using as much clouds that are full of water to douse the flames, but the flames were too hot and massive to douse at all. With everyone watching in horror, Celestia and Luna appear to the scene. “How did this fire happen?” asked Celestia, questioning a nearby guard.

“We’re not sure princess, but we found a trail of hooves leaving the scene. We’re not sure if it’s the fillies or not, but we’re unable to find out if their safe or not,” said a guard, reporting toward Celestia.

“Please Celestia! There’s got to be something you can do!” said Applejack, worried for her younger sibling. “Applebloom and her friends are in there, you got to do something!”

“Our sisters are in there,” said Rarity, tears beginning flowing out, begging for her sister’s lives to be saved.

“I can only control the sun… not fire,” said Celestia, staring at the large ever growing fire.

“Maybe there’s someone else who can,” said Spike. “Burnice!”

Everyone began to look at Burnice who was there, indeed she had some control over fire… but something this size… was impossible. Having no choice in saying no, Burnice stepped forward. Closing in near the flames, but far enough not to get burnt herself. She began focusing as much energy she can, Burnice attempted to douse or weaken the flames so the pegasi can douse what remaining flames there is. “Come on… please, work,” said Burnice, focusing.

Thinking the fire is weakening, Burnice doesn’t realize… that the flames have started to surround her. Unable to control the flames, Burnice finds herself surrounded in flames. At first everyone thinks the flames are the main threat, but actually the smoke itself is. Slowly finding it a hard time to breath, Burnice slowly begins to lose oxygen to breath… when a familiar voice is heard. “NO FIRE AIN’T GOING TO SCARE ME!” shouted Atlas.

“Atlas?” thought Burnice.

Atlas pulled Burnice out of the flames, unscathed. Once out Burnice began coughing and wheezing for oxygen. Opening her eyes, the first thing she saw was Twilight. “Oh thank Celestia your okay. We all thought you were… well...” said Twilight, going in to hug Burnice.

“You should of seen Atlas, he just went through those flames and just pulled you out! IT WAS AWESOME!” said Rainbow, making a whoosh noise and moving her hoof, mimicking Atlas pulling Burnice out of the flames.

“Where… where’s Atlas?” asked Burnice, weak from nearly suffocating.

Pointing where he was, he stood in front of the flames. Beside her was Celestia, the two talking about what Atlas was about to do. “How exactly are you going to get pass this massive firestorm?” asked Celestia, both curious and worried. “I know you saved Burnice, but how you going to save three fillies?”

“I lived in a village in the most dangerous climates known to any living being… this… this is a cakewalk,” said Atlas, smiling. Stepping into the flames, he was slowly engulfed by them. Everyone was awe-shocked from what Atlas had done, that more newsponies began writing it down in their notepads.

Inside the ever-burning forest, Atlas had no issue with the fire, but the smoke made it hard to breath and the low visibility was also hard. Trudging through the ash, and fallen trees, Atlas came across a treehouse. Heading up a ramp, Atlas broke through the door, inside he found three fillies unconscious. Picking each one up, Atlas headed out. Realizing that how his supposed to get these three fillies safely through the fire, without him going unconscious… Atlas entered a sort of zen like mode.

Atlas found himself waking up in an area, where nothing but small flames in sparse areas were seen, as a voice began to speak within Atlas.

Do you wish to save these three mortals?

Not questioning the fact that a random voice is speaking to him… Atlas feels as if his been hear before. “Wait… haven’t I been here before?” asked Atlas.

So you do remember? Then you must remember my name, correct.

“Yes, it’s uhm… Wrimhis or something,” said Atlas, trying to remember.

Wriachas.

“Yeah Wriachas. What you want?” asked Atlas.

Now, I know you can survive this simple fire… but not the attacks of this world. There are things that can kill you… and only I can save you. I will have help you save these creatures… if… you allow me to use your body.

“This wasn’t the first time something like this happened. Last time, I nearly blasted a whole civilization to extinction with your fiasco,” said Atlas.

Indeed… but this time won’t happen. Your emotions control my powers, if you focus then you can use them.

“Powers you say… what kind of powers?” asked Atlas, curious.

Hmmm… here’s a little… test sample.

Back with the crowd, everyone waited for Atlas to return. “Why can’t the dragons go in, and save the fillies instead,” said one bystander.

“Just because we’re resistant to fire, doesn’t mean we are with smoke,” said one dragon.

Everyone began arguing with one another, under the long wait for Atlas to come out of the flames. As the guards try to calm everyone down, Applejack and Rarity wait. “Do you think they’ll be fine Applejack… that Atlas can really save them?” said Rarity, her face wet with her own tears.

“Don’t think like that! Have faith… he has too… he just has too,” said Applejack, comforting Rarity.

“WAIT, WHAT’S THAT!” shouted Pinkie, pointing toward the flames.

In the distance, all the fire began to slowly stop, then it halts. Not continuing to burn any surrounding trees, the fire simply stopping before everyone. Watching in curiosity, a sudden wave of energy spreads throughout the whole forest, both extinguishing the fire, and causing all the smoke to vanish. As the smoke slowly began to disappear, three small figures began to come out. “APPLEJACK!” shouted Applebloom.

“RARITY!” shouted Sweetie.

Applejack and Rarity rushed to their younger sisters, as Scootaloo rushed to Rainbow Dash. “RAINBOW!” shouted Scootaloo, going in for a hug.

“You almost scared me half to death, Scoots,” said Rainbow, noogieing her head.

“Are you… crying, Dash?” asked Pinkie.

“Wha… NO! It’s the smoke, it's making my eyes all watery that’s all,” said Rainbow, wiping her eyes.

Once everyone celebrated the safety of the fillies, Burnice noticed a large figure coming out the smoke. It’s Atlas except… he looks different. “Atlas?” said Burnice. “Is that… you?”

Atlas was the same size he always was, but he was surrounded in an almost ethereal energy. His eyes looked the same way when Celestia saw him back at the castle. He stared at the surrounding ponies, and then suddenly the immense power suddenly disappeared from him. “Whoa… I, am not doing that anytime soon,” said Atlas, feeling woozy.

Everyone celebrated Atlas saving the CMC, were Pinkie leaped and tackled Atlas. Everyone was happy everyone was safe, but what caused the fire? That’s when one familiar figure began to come out of the smoke. “HEY! THAT’S THE STALLION THAT BUMPED INTO FLUTTERSHY BACK AT CANTERLOT!” shouted Rainbow. “HIS THE ONE WHO DID THIS!”

“Shit!” said the stallion, beginning to run.

Before he could get away, some random pony tackles him to the ground. The pony began to grab him and beat the senseless snot out of him. “Ah horsefeathers, I wanted to tackle somepony,” said Rainbow.

“WHY DID YOU BURN DOWN THIS FOREST!?” shouted the mare.

“I only did it because that behemoth of a thing, embarrassed me in Canterlot! Don’t you know who’s son I am, I can have you sued and mo...” said the stallion.

“You did this… for some petty revenge!” shouted the mare. “BLAN! CHOMP!”

Suddenly a large lizard-like dragon appeared behind the mare. At first everyone thought the dragon was an actual monster, because it’s sheer size was enormous. The dragon was so tall, he was nearly as tall as the apple trees in Sweet Apple Acres. The dragon grabbed the stallion by his leg, opening it’s large mouth, only to howl at the stallion.

“GRAHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!” screamed Blan, his teeth near the stallion’s head.

“PLEASE! DON’T EAT ME!” said the stallion, covering his face with his hooves.

“BLAN, DROP HIM!” shouted Luna.

Immediately Blan dropped the stallion, only to immediately act like a puppy in front of Luna. The stallion began to whimper, nearly peeing himself. “Lun, didn’t I say not to get involved if anything like this happened!” said Luna, staring at the mare.

“I know princess, but this… fiend, had audaciously gotten three fillies in danger. He deserves to be punished!” said the mare.

“Let my sister and I handle that,” said Luna.

“Uhm princess Luna? Who is this?” asked Twilight, interrupting the two.

“I suppose I should introduce them,” said Luna, sighing. “Twilight and company, I would like to introduce to you, the Dark Squadron. An elite force under my command. They are also, responsible… of watching Atlas until his stay in… Equestria.”

“WHAT!?” said everyone, shocked.

“Well ain’t this dandy,” said Atlas, who was okay with it.

The Dark Squadron are an elite force, usually handling situations that are beyond Equestria’s control. Political assassinations, world ending beings, and more. Each one of Dark Squadron’s members began to introduce themselves.

“Hello, my name is Lunar Shadow. Codename: Dark One, and leader of Dark Squadron,” said Lunar.

“H-hello, my name i-i-i-is Empty Glass. C-c-codename: Dark Two, I’m responsible with handling information and communications,” said Empty, stuttering.

“Name, Grais Caws! Codename: Dark Three! Responsible with airborne support and reconnaissance! You can call me Sharp!” said Sharp, saluting.

“The name’s Vern, Vern Lifal. Codename: Dark Four, I handle our medical equipment. If any one of us is hurt, I’ll do as best to help,” said Vern, winking toward all the mares. “Ladies.”

“Turos Avol. Codename: Dark Five. My specialty is weapons of any kind. I know every one of every generation,” said Turos, proud of his skills.

“And finally, we have Blan, our sixth member,” said Lunar. “He doesn’t talk much, but he can understand us. His this team’s muscle and pet… just try not to touch him.”

Blan grunts as his tongue slithers out his mouth like a snake’s. “His been raised by lizards, so he doesn’t properly understand society… well sort of, but his learning,” said Lunar. “Now… are you Atlas?”

“Yeah, why?” asked Atlas. Suddenly, Lunar rushed toward Atlas, ready to drop kick him. Dodging, Lunar hits a tree, falling to the ground… and rolling in pain, clutching at the hoof that hit the tree she made contact with.

“Owie...” said Lunar, whimpering.

“Great, now I have bloody security team up my case. Why wasn’t I told of this?” said Atlas, annoyed.

“This team was meant to be secret, but considering that the possibility of you being attacked now is possible, they will now not only monitor you but protect you as well,” said Luna, a bit upset with the protect part.

“Anything else I should know?” asked Atlas, still concerned.

“There is… but...” said Luna. “It’s best we talk somewhere private.” Being watched by everyone, the group headed to Sweet Apple Acres, while the royal guard blocked off the crowd. Now continuing with the conversation, everyone present in the room had a number of questions now.

“Celestia did you know of this?” asked Twilight. “I haven’t even heard the existence of this group in any history books at all!”

“I half knew. The part I didn’t know was that this group originated from a clan of monster hunters. They slowly joined Luna’s guard after sometime in the past. All I know is that they been kept hidden from society, and any past information of them has been long gone destroyed or hidden,” said Celestia.

Whilst everypony continued to ask more questions, Atlas noticed Lunar staring at him… angrily. “Uhm… do you need something” asked Atlas.

“I don’t trust you,” said Lunar, sneering at Atlas.

“Excuse me? But we haven’t met until now. How can you say you don’t trust me when your the one in a secret black ops group for deities sake,” said Atlas, pissed from hearing what Lunar had to say to him.

Lunar continued staring at him, while Atlas in returned stared back. The two continuing this until… they ended up fighting each other. “COME HERE YOU BRAT!” shouted Atlas.

“YOU WANT SOME, COME GET SOME!” said Lunar, going for a choke hold.

Luna sighed from seeing the spectacle of the leader of her elite commando squad… choke holding Atlas, for an immature reason. Signaling Blan to stop the two from fighting, the giant dragon picks up Lunar with ease. “Let me go Blan! Let me at him, let me at him!” said Lunar, swinging her hooves.

“You sure are the feisty one captain,” said Vern, chuckling.

“Shut it! And use codenames, damn it!” said Lunar.

“B-but Dark One, didn’t you just call Dark Six by name,” said Empty, stating the obvious.

Lunar slowly moved her gaze at Empty, then began to growl at her. “Dark Six… let-me-go,” said Lunar, her tone serious.

Blan dropped Lunar instantly, as she then proceeded to noogie Empty. “Don’t talk back to your commanding officer, recruit!” said Lunar.

“Please, not another noogie!” said Empty, trying her best to defend herself.

Watching the secret group fighting like a bunch of children, everyone thought “Where did Luna find these guys?” As Celestia moved up to Luna, she asked the same question that everyone was thinking. “Sister… where did you find these… soldiers?” asked Celestia.

“Sometimes in order to find the best… you need to look at the least expected places,” said Luna. “Now… DARK SQUADRON, TEN HUT!”

Immediately all six commandos lined up without a fuzz. But Atlas could feel Lunar’s gaze on him. “Since you’ll be staying here in Ponyville for the duration. You’ll now take orders from, princess Twilight Sparkle. However, you will still follow my original orders to keep an eye on Atlas,” said Luna. “Any questions?”

“One princess Luna. Princess Twilight has only been an alicorn for several months, she has no combat experience or has commanded any army of the sort. So I must decline from this decision,” said Turos, disagreeing with Luna.

“I know this, but Twilight is an exceptional leader, and you will follow her… do I make myself clear,” said Luna.

Dark Squadron as a whole nodded, and didn’t reject Luna’s command. As the day continued to pass, most of the crowd left, but soon today’s event will be news-wide. Luna and Celestia left, with many of Ponyville’s residents repairing today’s damages. Luckily most of Applejack’s family farm was repaired with a help of Celestia’s guards and Ponyville’s residents. As everyone regrouped in Fluttershy’s cottage to analyze today’s events, Atlas was left alone outside, when a familiar face appeared. “What do you want?” asked Atlas, annoyed seeing who it was.

It was Lunar, and she kept staring at Atlas with that hateful look. Atlas didn’t understand what was it with her but, she kept showing this hateful stare at Atlas… that it irritated him. “Look if you got nothing good to say, then bugger off,” said Atlas, looking back at staring at the night sky.

“You said you were from a faraway land… right?” asked Lunar.

The tone in her voice changed that Atlas decided to not do anything sudden toward her. Continuing to stare at the night sky, Atlas answered her question. “I think that’s obvious, nobody has seen my kind before,” said Atlas.

“Then you wouldn’t be from a world called… the Living World, wouldn’t you,” said Lunar.

Atlas sat still, how did she know about his home dimension, nevertheless to hear the name of it. Atlas slowly turned his head to look at her, looking at her eyes she genuinely wanted to know and was hiding no hidden intentions. Checking to see nopony was looking, Atlas grabbed Lunar and rushed to the edge of the forest. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” said Lunar, nearly shouting.

“Shut up if you want to learn the truth,” said Atlas, whispering.

Several minutes before, Twilight asked about why Luna chose such a strange arrangement of members in her elite guard. “Why did Luna picked you six in particular?” asked Twilight.

“She picked all of us because of our unique gifts, skills, and so on, princess Twilight,” said Sharp.

“Please, just call me Twilight,” said Twilight.

“The main reason Luna picked us was because, we all had a connection to her that is both different, and special,” said Vern, drinking something from a silver container.

“So explain where you found this behemoth,” said Spike, pointing at Blan. Blan was busy digging his head in a bag of squirrel food, chomping the food into mincemeat. “What kind of dragon eats squirrel food?”

“Blan was raised by a family lizards since an egg. We don’t know what happened to his family, but his a rare few who’s been given a massive growth spurt. In dragon years his four, but in pony years his considered sixteen,” said Empty.

“Weren’t you stuttering before,” said Rainbow, realizing that.

“That was because princess Luna was there before…” said Empty, blushing.

“You all really have a close relationship with Luna?” asked Rarity. “How did all of you meet her?”

“That’s secret information,” said Lunar, dodging Rarity’s question. “And besides, we came here to watch an eye on Atlas. Not to chitchat.”

Burnice had enough of this Lunar pony, to simply talk about her friend like this. Deciding to take action, Burnice stands up for Atlas. “What did Atlas ever do to you? It’s not his fault his so far away from his home!?” said Burnice.

“I don’t trust him that’s what… Wait, what you mean far away from home, his just an ambassador. It’s not like his not returning ba...” said Lunar, realizing what Burnice meant.

“Why did I mention that part,” thought Burnice.

Lunar immediately stepped outside, to where Atlas was. “Excuse me… I need to speak to, Atlas… alone,” said Lunar, leaving.

Everyone kept silent, not speaking… well until Pinkie spoke. “Anypony want to play poker?” asked Pinkie.

“Better than sitting doing nothing,” said Turos, joining in.

As everyone played cards, well except Blan who continued eating squirrel food. Burnice watched out the window, when she saw Atlas rush away with Lunar under her arm. “What are you doing Atlas?” said Burnice, whispering. “Uhm, I’m going to get some air. I’ll be outside.”

“Okay Burnice, but be careful,” said Twilight, putting a card down.

Meanwhile at the edge of the forest. Atlas finally dropped Lunar while also talking to her… right after he was hoof slapped. “What was that for!?” shouted Atlas.

“For picking me up like that all of a sudden! I’m only eighteen,” said Lunar.

“Anyway… wait, your eighteen,” said Atlas. “Wait don’t hit me!”

“Well you better continue talking or I will hit you,” said Lunar, suppressing a slap.

“As I was saying… who told about, the Living World?” asked Atlas, crouching until his eye-level was the same as Lunar’s.

“No one… I found out about that place on my father’s notes,” said Lunar. “Years ago when I was little, he was a researcher… the only one ever in my family. He was a disgrace to our family, but he was also the best father any daughter could ask for. He never made an excuse, and always came to my aid. All his experiments were fun to see, he was researching on the possibility of alternate realities. He created a machine that allowed him to look through other worlds, like a window. One day he found that the other side of one particular world was able to contact him… he was close to finding a way to make a portal, but my grandfather was about to rush his laboratory, with the whole family with him… when he suddenly vanished. Apparently he built a portal, but when he used it… it transported him to this world, with no way back. When I went to look through my father’s notes, he wrote that this other world was called, the Living World, but… there was a name written on my father’s notes… I didn’t understand what it was, but it was the same name of your last name.”

“...Which one?” asked Atlas, frozen in fear, and anticipation.

“I think it was called, Viz’Nul,” said Lunar, remembering.

Atlas immediately grabbed Lunar to a hug, and began turning in circles. Unsure what was happening, Lunar tried attempting to get out of Atlas’s hug. “Uh… you mind,” said Lunar, lightly blushing.

“Oh right,” said Atlas, putting Lunar back down. “But that last name, is my father’s name, my actual father. How did your dad ever made this portal machine?”

“I don’t know, my grandfather destroyed most of the laboratory. Anything that couldn’t be destroyed was kept in a hidden vault,” said Lunar. “The location has been hidden to me, so I don’t know myself.

Atlas was so happy knowing there was a way home, but also evidence that his people made contact to this world. In the distance, Burnice watches curiously what’s happening. “What is he doing?” thought Burnice.

Hello Burnice… daddy’s back.

Burnice shivered and made a one eighty turn, but saw nothing but the window of Fluttershy’s cottage. Shaking from hearing a voice in her head, the voice sounded… familiar. “Father?” thought Burnice.

Atlas returned with Lunar, the two not becoming friends, but neither enemies… more like… rivals, maybe. “Just because I can help you doesn’t mean I will, I still hate your guts,” said Lunar.

“Whatever you say, but when I’m done here, I’m going to find my way back to my world,” said Atlas. “Oh hey Burnice, you okay?”

“Huh, oh yeah… I… What were you doing?” asked Burnice, trying to remember what she was doing.

“Oh I was...” said Atlas. Lunar immediately hit him on the head. For her small size she could hit really hard, she then suddenly pulled Atlas to her face, her muzzle poking his nose.

“Now listen here, no one, I REPEAT, no one must know that I know about your world… You got it?” said Lunar, whispering.

Atlas nodded, only to drop to the ground. “WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?” said Burnice, rushing to help Atlas up. “You been nothing but rude to Atlas! Just what has he done to you!?”

“It’s fine Burnice,” said Atlas, wiping his pants. “After all… me and her are just associates.” Atlas grinned, a sort of challenge toward Lunar. In return Lunar does a raspberry and runs back inside.

“Okay… start talking,” said Burnice, getting suspicious.

“About what, I got noting to hide,” said Atlas, lying.

“Uh huh, right,” said Burnice, sarcastically.

Once the two got inside they find everyone on the ground. “The heck happened here?” said Atlas. “Did a storm come through here or what… or did Pinkie win another match of Poker again.”

“No… Blan did...” said Rainbow. “Seven times...”

“SEVEN TIME!” shouted Atlas.

“BLAN DID WHAT!” shouted Lunar, the same time as Atlas.

Blan turns his head at the two shocked faces, and simply smiles back at them. “Apparently for a dragon who doesn’t talk… he sure is lucky,” said Applejack.

“Fear the quiet ones...” said Pinkie, her face landing back to the table.

Burnice began to laugh seeing everyone on the floor, when slowly everyone joined in. Atlas and Lunar looked at one another, only for the two to sigh. “The day has been crazy, but at least everyone had a good time,” thought Atlas.

Far from Ponyville, ontop a mountain, a unicorn in a black cloak looks down at Ponyville. With a malicious grin he smells the air, and licks his lips. A dark aura surrounds the pony, intent on causing harm to not Ponyville… but the world. However, the being stares off toward the ever long forest called, the Everfree… sensing that his not the only ones that are intent of causing mayhem amongst the residents of Ponyville. Sniffing the air once more, the pony smells… a separate scent. “Hmmm… Strange… this energy, it’s more potent than magic… more potent… than fear. What I smell… are darkness… and insanity...” said the cloaked pony. “What… are you?”

Deep within the Everfree, beyond Zecora’s hut, beyond the castle of the two sisters… deep within is an ancient place. A field of flowers… the same field that Atlas had encountered when he first arrived to Equestria. A sudden noise can be heard… slowly growing, then silenced… and then a sudden bright light shone within the darkness. Swirl of colors, both bright and dull appear, bringing life to a portal. Stepping out the portal are two figures, one clad in black armor, helmeted. The other, in green clothing both damaged and worn, wearing a hat that has both seen history time and time again. The portal closes as the two figures are left in darkness… slowly the second figure begins to speak. “Why we here again? I was in the middle of a massacre and you pulled me out of it… I was about to cut out that damn bastard’s...” said the figure in green.

“One of our companions vanished… he has been missing for two weeks. We got that call from that friend of his,” said the figure in black.

“You mean Aaron? Meh, he was a wimp, however he did handle those gangsters, nicely,” said the figure in green, laughing hysterically.

Slowly from the forest, steps out a swarm of timberwolves, slowly approaching, but not advancing… watching the two figures. Slowly both figures pull out weapons both strange and unknown to this peaceful land. The one in black pulls out a blade, looking like half a katana… half a cleaver, and a gun both big and heavy in look and size. The one in green pulls out duel scimitars, ready to pounce any second for the kill. “It seems we have guests,” said the figure in black.

“I hate guests! They always eat my pizza!” shouted the figure in green. “Can I cut them up?

“You shall, you shall. Right now… we begin our mission,” said the figure in black. “Operation: Phoenix Search, commences now!”

“HELL YEAH! I DO LOVE ME A MASSACRE!” screamed the figure in green, laughing psychotically. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAHHAHAHA!”

Charging forward, as the residents of Ponyville sleep, the two figures destroy every timberwolf in sight. Equestria will now encounter two of the most deadliest beings in the multiverse. As the Reaper of Shadows, and the Immortal of Insanity now step to the fray. Atlas stares into the starry lit sky, whilst Burnice asks him a very personal question about his life. “Atlas… do you have any friends? You know… in your world?” asked Burnice.

Atlas took a careful long time to think, and after done thinking he looked at Burnice then back at the sky. “Well… I be lying if I say I didn’t. I wouldn’t think of them as friends, more like companions, but I been with these crazies for so long… I guess their more than friends now,” said Atlas.

“Crazies?” asked Burnice. “What you mean by crazies?”

“Oh right… Remember I said I was a mercenary, well… I was part of a team. We were the most dangerous team in existence hunting down criminals, psychos, mob bosses, and more… but… half the time I wondered… if we were the real monsters,” said Atlas.

“Atlas, your not a monster,” said Burnice.

“I know, I know… but my allies… my friends… their more than monsters. Their the people you call to kill the boogeyman. Their the two most deadliest people… ‘things’ I met in this world...” said Atlas, continuing to speak.

Their names… are Drakos… and Locust.

As the light of the moon shines down across Equestria, the world will forever change. Stories are a thing of magic, mystery… filled with heroes, villains, and monsters. As our heroes sleep quietly… dark forces approach them intentions unknown… but objectives, sure to be achieved. For this story may end…

For now...

Author's Note

Who may these strange figures be? That will be told... in another story.

Now time to discuss something. The antagonists in this story (or in this case the sequel for this story), are the Dark Squadron and the three mysterious figures. Dark Squadron will act more of an nuisance for Atlas and his friends than actual villains, while the figures... will play that role.

Dark Squadron, and the black (Drakos) and green (Locust) figures belongs to me.

The mysterious unicorn belongs to Dark-Kisame, it'll be revealed who he is later.

Hope you wait for the sequel, because sure will have a blast writing it, heheheh.