"... then his towel fell and I saw his... Equipment. You can't tell anypony, though."

"So what was it like?"

"Well, it was weird. It was out of his sheath, but it wasn't hard."

"But if he wasn't hard, how was he unsheathed?"

"Maybe he doesn't have a sheath."

"You know, Pinkie. You're probably right"

"But, Twilight. Every stallion has a sheath." Rainbow stated.

"You have to remember, Rainbow. He's not a stallion." Twilight said.

"So what did he do after *ahem* revealing himself?" Rarity asked.

"He sort of just stood there for a couple seconds, then covered himself with the towel and said not to tell anyone about it." Rainbow answered.

"Rainbow!" Twilight shouted.

"What? He said 'anyone' not 'anypony'"

"That still applies."

"At least Applejack isn't here. Everypony knows she isn't the best at hiding secrets." Pinkie said.

"I doubt much harm could come of this." Rarity reassured.

"It still isn't right." Twilight said.

"Hey, what's everyone talking about?" Alex asked as he walked up to the four girls sitting at one of the cafes.

"Nothing." They all said in unison.

"Um... Okay. Do you have any idea how suspicious that is?"

"No, what are you talking about, Alex." Rainbow said evasively.

"So what brings you here, darling?" Rarity asked trying to change the subject.

"And why do you have an axe with you?" Twilight added.

"Oh, Applejack asked me to get this sharpened at a blacksmith or something..." Alex answered, holding up the axe. "... You girls wouldn't happen to know where that is, would you? I've been walking around for a couple hours and haven't seen anything. I also noticed that no one really cares about me anymore, which is pretty cool."

They all pointed behind Alex. He turned around to see a stallion hammering some metal outside a small building down the street.

"Oh. My journey is coming to an end. See ya." Alex said before waving goodbye and walking off.

"That was close." Rainbow said as the four watched Alex walk away.

"Hey, girls." A voice came from the other direction.

"Hey, Fluttershy." They all greeted.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alex POV

I wonder what those girls were talking about. Oh well. I am on a mission and closing on the objective.

I walked up to the stallion working hammering on a bench.

"Excuse me." He kept hammering away. "Excuse me." I repeated a little louder but still got no response. "Excuse me!" I shouted at him just as he finished hammering. He turned around and gave me a weird look.

"There's no need to shout." He said. fuck you too.

"I was wondering if I could this sharpened." I said, holding up the axe.

"Yeah no problem, it'll be forty bits."

"Are you serious. It's like a ten minute job." I said trying to get him to lower his outrageous price.

"A ten minute job that'll cost forty bits."

"Dude, thats way too much for what I'm asking." I said.

"Look, you're not from around here and I'm telling you this is how it works."

"I'm not paying forty bits." We were both really stubborn about this, and we could tell that the other wasn't going to drop the deal.

"Alright, I'll make an offer."

"What kind of offer?" I asked.

"You help me out today, and I'll show you how to sharpen the axe."

"I dunno. Maybe throw in a little more my end." I coaxed.

"Alright. I'll show you how to sharpen the axe, and I'll pay you for you're help. Obviously the pay depends on the quality of your work."

"Hmmm." the skills could be useful... buuut I am supposed to be chopping wood today.

"Give a stallion an apple, you feed him for an hour. Teach a stallion to grow an apple, you feed him for life." He said.

"I really like that saying. There's something similar where I'm from... You have a deal."

"Great... and to tell the truth, I desperately need help."

"Well I have no experience, but I'm a hard worker."

"I'm Steel Finger, by the way. But just call me steel." Steel said while holding out his hand.

"Alex Regent, but Alex is cool." I said while shaking his hand.

Steel showed me how to sharpen the axe. I wasnt sure if he was just trying scam me or not, but i didnt get it as sharp as I thought I needed it. He preceeded to explain that because I was cutting wood I only wanted it to be a certain amount of sharp or the edge would just chip very quickly and I'd be back within the week. I explained to steel that I had to get back to the farm and do a couple jobs before I could help around the forge and he was fine with it, as long I was there later today and tomorrow. I went back to the farm and told Applejack about the deal I made and she was okay with it as long as I got a few jobs done first. I feel like this is one of those moments where you're told to clean your room before you go and play.

cutting the wood was easy enough, especially since the axe was sliding through it like a hot knife through butter, but it was getting very hot. My job was to cut down a small area of trees so new ones could be planted and then we sell the wood sort of thing. Unfortunately the sun decided to hang directly above me. The only point where I was in shade was when I was cutting down a tree. Once I cut down the tree, I had to chop off all the branches and down size the tree, so it was easy to cut into small firewood pieces.

I had just cut through a tree and it fell down with thud. I was sweating something shocking, but I cut all the branches off and started carting some pieces back to the farm. I had already taken off my hoodie, but doing this in black jeans isn't a good idea. I needed to cool myself off.

"Wan' a drink?" Some one asked from behind me. I turned around and saw Applebloom there with a big glass of icy water.

"Oh my god, that is exactly what I need right now. Thanks, Applebloom." I said and took the glass. I looked at the glass for a bit and had a little idea. Like I've said before, I'm not the brightest and most of my ideas seem good at the time. I lifted the glass above my head and tipped it's cold contents over my body. "*gasp* that is so cold... And so nice." I heard Applebloom giggle a bit as I looked down at my shirt. thats right, when white clothes get wet, they get transparent. the shirt stuck to my skin and showed straight through. The water started getting warm, and the shirt got very uncomfortable. I know I'm self concious and stuff, but those encounters with rainbow every time I have a shower and sort of dulled it a bit. I never thought I would be a little thankful for it.

I took off my shirt and hung it over the cart to dry out. There was a loud wolf whistle that came from the house. I turned around and saw granny on the porch waving at me. It sent a lone shiver down my spine.

Once I finished with a couple mor trees, Applejack came over and said that's all that was needed. I did notice her taking an uncomfortably long glance at me before I put on my now dry shirt.

"How come you didn't go for breakfast with the others?" I asked.

"Ah had too much tah do today." She replied.

"You know, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. You need to have a break every now and then."

"You're not the first t' say somethin' like that. Ah jus' can't afford to spend too much time away. There's only the four of us to work the orchards and Granny's getting old." She replied taking a sad glance to the old mare on the porch.

"Good thing I'm around to help out then." I said, flashing a smile.

"An' ah couldn' be more grateful." She returned my smile. 'Oh, god. That smile.'

"Look, next time the girls are doing something or meeting up or whatever, just let me know and I'll cover your jobs."

"Ah can't ask yah t' do that."

"It's the least I can do. I mean, you've given me a place to live. No, more than that. You've given me a place to call home."

"That's very kind of yah. Keep talkin' like that an ah'll be swoonin'." Her smile got brighter and it made me melt a little. Then she turned and walked off.

'Wait. Swooning? What does that mean?' It was took late to ask as Applejack had already left. Then I remembered my deal with Steel.

I made it to the forge at about three in the afternoon. I would've been there earlier, but a certain pink mare decided that I needed to have lunch, not that I'm complaining. I walked into the forge (that's what I'm calling it, because I can't read the sign) and saw Steel tending to the fire.

"Hey, Steel." I said.

"Ah, Alex. I'm glad you're here, business isn't exactly booming around here so I can't afford to have an assistant full time, but I've got an order from somepony for twenty, thirty inch broadswords by tomorrow afternoon."

"Right. So what do you need me doing." I honestly had no idea what to do, I didn't even know the difference between a broadsword and a normal sword... If there's even a comparison between the two.

"I want you to organise the shipment that just arrived. It's mainly steel, but it'll need to be melted down for the swords. There's a box just outside the door, take it out back and start unpacking." Steel instructed

"Right." I said as I walked to the door and saw a somewhat large crate. how did I miss this? I bent down and got a good grip and used my legs to lift. It was very heavy, but because I had already lifted it, it came down to honour. I managed to get it out back and put down in the middle. I had a quick look around the shelves lining all four walls. 'holy shit this place is a mess.' there were empty boxes everywhere, bits of scrap metal, broken swords, ingots, and something furry in the corner. The furry thing peaked my interest so I grabbed one of the longer broken swords and slowly went to poke it. As the tip of the blade neared the thing. It moved a little bit. Then a butt ugly head popped up and hissed. I released one of the manliest screams I've ever heard. The thing uncurled to show itself as a giant rat and it ran out the door as I wildly swung the broken sword in its general direction. A couple seconds later Steel ran in.

"What the Buck is happening in here?" He asked while looking around.

"There was a giant fuck off rat in here!"

"Holy Celestia, is that it? I thought a filly was getting raped or something."

"Hey, that was a manly scream."

"It was a filly squeal." He said before leaving me to my work. I decided to give the place a good tidy up before I unpacked the box.

An hour later Steel had finished tempering a couple of swords. "Alex. Where's that steel? I need more for the next swords!" He shouted as he came out back. "What's taking... So long?" He went quiet as he looked around the storage room. "Wow. I haven't seen this room clean in years." He said admiring the now organised and tidy shelves.

"I'm not surprised. The amount of shit I found around here. There were so many cob webs I think even the spiders suffocated." I said. He took one look at me and cob webs covering my body and laughed a little. "I've got the metal ready on that shelf, the scrap over there, the boxes in that corner, and the broken swords in that bucket. It should be easier finding things now. I tried sorting the other tools, but in all honesty I don't even know what most of them are."

"It's fantastic. Grab six ingots of steel and let's go." Steel said walking back into the main room. I did as told and followed. We got through most of the order in a couple of hours. Steel was making the blades and I was fitting them into handles and sharpening them, then wrapping them in cloth and storing them in crates.

"Right. I think that's good enough for today. We can finish the last of them tomorrow." Steel said and gave a powerful pat on my back that forced the air from my lungs. I got up from the grinding stone and turned to him. I finally gave notice of what he looked like. He had dark brown fur with patches of black over his arms. I wasn't sure if he had burnt it or if it was just natural. He was wearing a thick, dark green jacket and maroon pants with a black apron over top. His mane was a light grey and so were his eyes. His face was worn and hard, he looked about his late thirties. We shook hands and I was about to walk off home... Home, that's what it is now.

"Hold yer horses..." 'Ahh, the puns are strong in this one "... Don't ya wanna learn how to forge a blade properly?" He asked.

"We haven't been doing that?" I asked slightly confused.

He let out a guttural laugh. "Buck no. We've been using moulds and stencils. It's the fastest way I know of to make a sword. But the speed sacrifices quality. Don't get me wrong, we're still making the finest swords in the country, but I can show you how to make a sword worthy of the princesses." His enthusiasm sparked a twinkle in my eye. I was in total awe of this man... stallion. There's something about watching a master craftsman at work.

"You know... I actually do." I replied

Over next while, Steel showed me how to make a broadsword while he made one and I followed his instructions with my own sword. In the end it was a beautiful blade. It did wonders taking time Instead of rushing with mass production as he'd explained. It had perfect shape. The edge was even and sharp. It was shiny and the handle fitted perfectly. Then I looked at mine and it was dull, bent and wobbled at the joint of the handle and the blade. The edge was even and sharp, though. 'ha, Alex: one... Sword: three'

"Don't worry about it too much kid. It's the best first blade I've seen with somepony of your experience level. Not to mention the short amount of time we had. A true sword of beauty can take months of hard work." He reassured.

"Thanks. Ill just leave it here for the time being." I replied. He gave a short nod before speaking.

"Just needs practice. I'll see ya tomorrow."

"See ya." I said before heading for the door.

"Oh and ah, Alex..." Steel called out to me. "... Here's yer pay for today." He said giving me a small, but heavy pouch. I opened it and saw a decent amount of bits "Hundred an' eighty for a good job an' tidying the back." That seemed pretty good to me for only five hours work.

"Thanks. See ya tomorrow." I said before heading for the farm.

I got back just in time for dinner. I told AJ all about the sword crafting and she was happy that I hadn't gotten myself into something I was going to regret doing. After finishing, I headed upstairs for an early night, starting with a shower. On my way back to my room (you guessed it, in nothing but a towel. Just my luck.) I was stopped by Applejack.

"Hey, Alex..." She said, giving me the once over with her gaze.

"Applejack?"

"Ah was thinking..." She started.

"That's dangerous." I mumbled, but she heard me and gave me a stern look which I just gave an innocent smile to before cracking a smile. "Sorry, couldn't help myself."

"Ah was wondering if yah wanted to join me an' the others fer lunch tomorrow." She invited.

"I see you're taking my advice."

"Yeah, Fluttershy stopped by earlier an' asked. This time ah couldn' think of work, only you..." She said. A small blush arising. "... an' what yah said, of course." She quickly added.

"That'd be great. When is it?" There was a look of confusion and 'are you serious' that crossed her face. "I'm kidding. Tomorrow, lunch. What I do need to know, is where."

"Sugarcube Corner."

"I'll be there... I might be a little late, though. I've gotta finish this order with Steel Finger at the forge."

"That's fine. I'm sure we'll all be glad yah jus' showed up at all." She finished with another smile. 'I can't stop melting at that smile. What sort of spell has she cast on me. Stop with the sorcery magic man.' "Goodnight, Alex.

"Goodnight AJ."

I went into my room and threw on a fresh pair of undies before getting under the covers. Then a thought hit me. My eyes scanned the room top to bottom, left to right and inside out... No Rainbow. Why does she always show up when I'm half naked? Is it because she's a pervert? Maybe she's just helping me be more comfortable with my appearance, in a scary sort of way, or maybe she likes me and this is her way of showing it... Women or Mares. I'll never understand them. My thoughts were silenced as the realm of dreams over took me.

I opened my eyes to see that I was in a really beautiful forest. It was like that dream I had of the beach: night time with a warm breeze. As I looked around, everything was still bright as if it was day time. There was a large pond to my right and I was in a clearing with short grass and a few rocks. 'Where am I?' I thought. I started walking around the clearing, getting a good look at everything until I came to the pond. It was quite shallow and very clear. The bottom was lined with sediment and small pebbles. It was very calming.

"Nice place." A familiar voice rose behind me. I turned around and saw that other human.

"Where did..." I started, but stopped when he rose his hand.

"I will answer your questions, but first listen. We are in your mind. This is what your mind has created to house me. It found what you think is most comfortable and made an image to roam instead of a black void. There's a lot more to it, but that'll just waste time.. I'm Nathan by the way." He said and held out his hand after finishing. I took his hand and shook it.

"Alex Regent." I replied.

"Yeah, I know."

"So is it just Nathan, or is there more to it?" I asked.

"Nathan Summers."

"So, Nathan Summers. How are you in my head?" I asked.

"After that bastard shot me, I used the last of my power and life to imprint myself into your head."

"Oh right, gun. Please tell me its yours." I said with urgency.

"Ah, I see you're worried about firearms in this admittedly innocent world." I nodded quickly. "Yes it's mine. That dick got the drop on me as I was making my way to find you... We've had previous encounters." I recoiled a bit.

"Find me? With a gun? Please don't tell me you want to kill me. I've had enough of that for one lifetime."

"No. I don't want to kill you. I caught wind of another human and had to come find you, putting myself into your head wasn't what I had planned, but it worked."

"I swear my life has turned into a story or something now. I mean first I get thrown into a world full of magic and colourful ponies, next I get stabbed by this Ishrahg guy, now I've got you in my head."

"Right. Do you have any final questions? I can feel that you're starting to wake up.

"I have many. First being..." I started before he cut me off.

"Wait! Did you say ishrahg. Fuck you came across him. That's bad news."

"You're telling me. The bastard stabbed me with my own sword. Thank god there's magic here or I would've had a quick end to my new life."

"So what happened to him? Where was he?" I started to grow suspicious.

"You seem to care an awful lot about that dick."

"Of course I do. He's really bad news. He's the son of..." just as Nathan started to explain everything got blurry and i felt a tugging sensation. Suddenly everything faded to black then morphed to my room.

I looked to my bedside table to see my phone going nuts from the alarm I set. I reached over and turned it off, rolling over to my back and staring at the ceiling. "*sigh* let's see... I've gotta get these swords done with steel before lunch so I can be at Sugarcube corner on time... Easy enough." I mumbled to myself.

I got up and went to pick up my clothes when I remembered the ones Rarity got me. The bag was sitting on the dresser, waiting to be used.

I picked out the jeans and put the on. I was about to grab the white shirt, but decided against it since I'll be at the forge. Instead, I grabbed the plaid shirt and put that on and rolled up the sleeves.

When I made it to my destination, Steel was already there.

"Alex. Great we can start now." He said.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3rd Person POV

Three hours passed and the last sword was wrapped and packed. Alex hammered the last nail into the crate when a mare approached the forge. She was in a suit and was carrying a briefcase. She had tan fur, a long black mane, and was quite attractive.

something about this chick doesn't seem right. Alex thought as he eyes this mare.

"How's it going?" Steel asked.

"I'm here to collect the swords." The mare said as another mare and a stallion walked up out of nowhere.

"Twenty broadswords, each blade thirty inches long..." Steel confirmed the deal. "... The bits?" He asked.

The mare signalled to the two lackeys and they picked up one of the crates and took it over to their cart. where did that come from? Alex thought. They came back and went to pick up the next crate, but Steel stood in the way. "The bits?" He said, with a bit more power this time.

"My boss has informed me that the price for these blade is too high and is only paying half the price." The lead mare said.

"What!?" Steel yelled. "That puts me at a loss."

"We don't care."

Alex was outraged at this. Not only was all their hard work being cut off, Steel wouldn't be able to keep the forge open for long after this deal. Blinded by his anger, Alex dashed at the mare and punched her right across the muzzle. She fell backwards and landed in the dirt. The two lackeys ran at Alex with the full intent of beating him to a pulp. The stallion was first to Alex and threw a punch at his head. Alex leaned his head back just enough for the punch to miss. With the momentum, the stallion fell into Alex, knocking them both over. The mare kicked Alex in the face and blood ran from his nose. The lead mare had stood up and was watching the fight. Steel was still by the crate of swords, stunned by what's happening.

The mare went to kick Alex again, but her hoof was caught and twisted around created a few crack and making the mare fall to the ground. The stallion got up, grabbed Alex by the throat and lifted him off the ground.

Alex had that feeling again. The one where he felt like he was going to explode. He was running out of air and had blood dripping from his chin. He reeled his foot back, and swung with as much power as he could and felt a release of the feeling. Alex's foot burst into flames that extinguished as it collided with the stallions tesitcles.

The stallion dropped Alex and passed out shortly after hitting the ground. The mare was about to get up and run, but Alex stood over her and curb stomped her. There was a sickening crunch.

The lead mare decided it was time to leave and turned to run. Alex saw it and chased after her. The mare almost made it to the cart, but felt a very tigh grip around her shoulders and was thrown to the ground. Alex grabbed her by the throat and hoisted her into the wall of the cart. She looked into his rage filled eyes that had changed. They were black with glowing orange irises.

"Tell your boss, if he only pays half the bits. He only gets half the product." Alex said with pure venom. The mare's head couldn't have nodded faster. She was pertified from the look in his eyes.

Alex dropped her and she clambered into the cart which lurched forward and took off, being towed by two pegasi.

Alex regained his composure and his eyes faded back to their normal greedy grey mix. He walked over to Steel, who was still stunned and leaning against the crate. Alex snapped his finger twice and brought him back to attention.

"Holy Celestia. I'm glad you're here, Alex. Other wise I would've been completely ripped off." He said, calming down.

"It's cool. I could tell there was something off about that bitch." Alex pulled out his phone to see the time was eleven fifty six. "I can make it." He looked back up to Steel. "I've gotta run off, but it's probably best if you tell some local guards about an attempted robbery and get them to deal with these two." Alex said, gesturing to the unconscious stallion, and most likely dead mare.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alex POV

I made my way to Sugarcube Corner. On my way, there were plenty of ponies that were staring at me. I don't know why, but my mind was otherwise occupied at the moment. I killed that mare. She was probably just following orders... I just... Did it. No hesitation. I just did... there was something that scared me more, though. As my foot crushed her skull, I felt so...good.

I came to the door of the Ponyville-famous bake house and walked in to see everything looking like a normal day. There were ponies at tables, at the counter and in booths. I saw my friends sitting at one of the booths and walked over to them. Seeing them flushed all the bad feelings away and a genuine smile adorned my face. I pulled grabbed a chair from one of the empty tables and sat at the end of the booth. Fluttershy was on the end with rainbow next to her, and Twilight against the window. Rarity was opposite Fluttershy, with Applejack next to her and Pinkie opposite Twilight.

"Hey, girls." I said as I sat down. Their conversations ceased as they all looked at me with smiles that instantly faded to looks of shock.

"Holy Buck, Alex what happened to you?" Rainbow shouted.

"Oh my. Darling, you look like you got into a fight." Raity added.

"What? I can't be that ugly." I said, honestly confused. Rarity pulled out a small mirror and handed it to me. I took the mirror and looked at myself. My hair was a mess, there was soot all over my face and a large amount of dried blood from my left nostril to my chin and on my shirt. There was also a very large bruise covering my left eye. "Jesus! I know what you mean now."

"Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked looking over my injuries. "You're nose is broken." She said, making a big deal over it and tilting my head in different directions. She carefully touched below my eye and recoiled and I whinced.

"Well. I made a deal with Steel Finger the Blacksmith. I was to help him fill an order for these people by today, in exchange, he paid me and shared his knowledge. Anyway, the people showed up and tried to rip us off by only paying half the agreed amount. I sort of got angry and beat up two lackeys and scared off the lead mare... I also sort of got kicked in the face, like really hard." I said.

"So who were these 'people'?" Twilight asked.

"I dunno, but they definatly meant business." I answered

"They are a group called The Blades of Hircine. An old order that use to hunt werewolves, but they diminished long ago. Now they are a small time mercenary group trying to make a pretty penny." I heard a separate voice from behind me. I turned my head around but didn't see anyone there. I turned the other way and still no one. 'What the hell?'

"What are you looking for?" Twilight asked me. I turned back to the group with a confused expression.

"I could've sworn I just heard someone."

"Well we were just talking." Rainbow stated, slightly amused.

"Nah, it was like a man... or, stallion." I replied, kinda creeped out.

"Yeah, that was me." There it was again. I jolted a little from the unexpected voice. This time it sounded all around me, like I had said that.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Fluttershy asked, clearly concerned.

"You guys can't hear that?" Okay, now I was really creeped out.

"I literally told you I was in your head this morning. It's me, Nathan. The other human."

"Oh what the hell? That wasn't just a dream?" I asked out loud, not noticing the weird looks from my friends. "How do you know so much about them?" I continued. The girls around me looked at me with confusion.

"What are you talking about, Alex?" Rainbow asked.

"Huh, ah fuck. Uh... Nothing. Nevermind." I said nervously.

"Hi. Are you friendly?" Pinkie asked, looking over my shoulder. We all turned to look behind me, but again no one. Now all the concerned looks were in Pinkie's direction.

"Wait, are you talking to... How?" I asked, putting it together. She giggled and nodded her head.

"Oh no, it's spreading." Rainbow cried pushing herself as deep into the chair as she could.

*ding*

"Ooo, the cupcakes are ready." Pinkie said before disappearing in a pink blur.

"What. Just. Happened?" I asked.

Once we all got over whatever happened, Applejack and Rarity slid over to let me into the booth and we talked for a little bit more. Pinkie returned a little while later and I excused myself to get cleaned up. Pinkie showed me where the bathroom was and I went inside.

I looked into the mirror and sighed at my reflection. I turned on the tap and threw some water over face and started rubbing off the soot and blood, being very careful around my black eye. I looked down at the sink and watched the black and red mix with the water and slowly run down the drain. I looked back up at the mirror and saw my eye had healed. I reached up and touched it and it didn't hurt. "What the hell?" I thought out loud.

"You have really weird powers my guy. Like, unreadable. I've never seen anything like it. Did you get them when you arrived here?" Nathan asked, appearing behind me in the mirror. I turned around and saw him standing there.

"Hold up. How can I see you? Aren't you in my head?" I asked.

"Yes. I still am, but only you can see me as I'm altering your thought pattern so that you think you see me, but you actually don't." He explained.

"That's pretty cool." I said.

"Yeah, but how did you get your... Abilities?" He asked.

"Oh, yeah. I sort of had to make a one sided deal with a demon guy that gave me his powers or I would die and he would kill my friends and rule the world sort of thing." I said blatantly as if it happens everyday.

"Now hold up a fucking second. Don't tell me that was your confrontation with Ishrahg." I stood there silently and Nathan stared back. "Well?"

"You said don't tell you."

"Fuck! You're an idiot!"

"Tell me something I don't know, but what's the big deal? He's gone. Said something about his powers being passed on or something. He's gone now."

"Ishrahg is one of four brothers. All being the sons of Jakhael, God and ruler of the underworld."

"Oh..."

"Jakhael died in battle three hundred years ago, and his brothers have been at war for the throne ever since."

"Oh..."

"Ishrahg was seen as the biggest competitor for the throne, so his brothers temporarily joined forces to eliminate him. They murdered his son and his wife so he didn't have a successor to rule after him, and he didn't have a wife to bare him another one. Thus making him incapable of taking the throne." Nathan continued.

"Shit..."

"Shit indeed. If he has given you his powers, that means you are now a rightful heir to the throne of the underworld."

"Shit..."

"It gets worse... I know Ishrahg, I've had plenty of disputes over the years. He wouldn't just give you a place on the throne at his expense. He wants the throne and my guess would be, he's going to use you to get there." Nathan finished.

"Okay. So uh. Just on a side tangent for a second... You asked if I got my abilities when I arrived here. How would that happen?" I asked.

"Ah, yes. Here's how it works. I was able to make it back to Earth and when I was there I studied magical properties. In Equestria, everything has magical properties, that's how unicorns and alicorns can alter things with spells. Anyway, when I was back on Earth, I found that everything there is exactly the same, including humans..." Nathan started.

"You what!" I shouted with him quickly signaling for me to keep it down. "How the fuck did you get back to earth?"

"Yeah, I get it, but the way I got back was through a magic mirror, but I have no idea where the hell it's gone or if it even still exists."

"Fuck. But there is a way, right?"

"Well... yes, but why would you want to go back. This world is leagues better. There isn't even a comparison."

"My brother, I have to get him." The urgency in my voice made Nathan pause.

"Okay, I'll help you track down that mirror, but you've got a way, way bigger problem to worry about. I don't think you fully grasp the concept of how fucked the situation is. You're powerless and second in line to rule the underworld."

"So I haven't got my own powers, I don't see the problem."

"Earth lost it's natural magic eons ago along with the first civilisation who are the great ancestors of humans. They have an extremely large amount magic within them, enough to equal those in the overworld and the underworld. But the ability to use it was lost. All humans have a connection with that civilization, although not as powerful. You coming to Equestria should have activated your magical properties because of the natural magic on this planet, but for some reason you dont have powers. I was able to use telekinetic and telepathic powers, you should be able to do something aswell." Nathan's words left me in a trance.

"Wait, wait, wait. So what your saying is, I have magic that I can't use yet... And that's a problem."

"I guess so... Maybe that's why Ishrahg chose you. Maybe he could see your capacity for magic and wanted to add that to his powers and probably take over the throne of the underworld by force. Most likely using you to get there. But without your own powers, that's means you're as good as dead." Nathan concluded.

"I'll just find a way to stop him, shouldn't be that hard. I could just not help him." I said, albeit nievely.

"No. Not that simple. We'll continue this later, there's too much to talk about and your friends will be wondering what's taking so long."

"Right." I said before leaving the bathroom to continue lunch and try not to get overwhelmed by all that information.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3rd Person POV

Canterlot Castle:

Celestia and Luna were having a lovely stroll through the castle gardens as they did every now and again.

"So Luna, I've noticed an improvement in you're speech." Celestia said, starting a conversation.

"Yes, I've been practicing in my spare time. We hope it helps with everypony's view of me." Luna said.

"You shouldn't worry about it too much. It may take time, but they will see you as you." After that was said, both princesses stayed quiet for a while.

"You know, Tia. I don't quite understand how my time on the moon has left me looking and feeling younger than we... I actually am." Luna started.

"Perhaps you didn't age there."

"But why would that happen?"

"It could be like discord. Being trapped in stone hasn't changed how he appears, and he's been like this much longer than you've been on the moon." Celestia suggested, gesturing to a statue as they wandered past. "and speaking of things we don't understand, what do you think of Alex Regent?"

"He is very... Different. His moods can change so quickly and the way he acts changes just as fast when either of us are present." Luna answered

"I think he doesn't want to offend the rulers of Equestria."

"Like every other pony." Luna mumbled in a saddened tone.

"He's quite handsome isn't he?" Celestia said with a knowing grin. Luna's cheeks started to flush with a red hue and she shot a surprised look to her sister.

"I have no idea what thou is talking about." Luna said, trying to allude the truth.

"Lulu. I've seen the way you look at him when he's facing the other direction." Celestia teased.

"Tia, please. We barely even know him... and even if we did have a thing for him, which I don't, it wouldn't be right for a princess to be with somepony of another race."

"And yet you were so quick to feel yourself up infront of him." Luna's cheeks grew bright red as she stopped walking and turned to her sister.

"You made that bet and you know it!" Luna exclaimed, getting all flustered.

"Calm down, Lulu. I'm only teasing." Celestia said. "He is handsome, though." She said, continuing her stroll as Luna stood there, a little dazed, before catching up to her sister.

"Can we please change the subject." Luna said.

"The Gala is only next week, it has come around fast hasn't it?" Celestia said, granting her sister's wish.

"We don't feel like attending this year."

"But it will be your first Gala in Canterlot. You use to love going."

"Indeed, but that was back everypony liked me... and before I grew jealous of your day. Nopony likes me now. Not after what i've done" Luna said with a sad tone.

"I know a few ponies, a dragon and a human that like you. I planned on inviting them anyway. I have to admit, lately the attraction of the Gala has changed from the clothes and dancing, to the nobles talking themselves up and it is getting very boring. Hopefully, they will liven up the party." Celestia said.

"I still don't feel as though we should attended. Especially since Blueblood will be there. He's so frustrating." Luna said, shutting down Celestia.

"Yes, he has made it very clear that he doesn't like you returning. But believe me when I say it's only because it pushes him further from the throne." Celestia said as the two princesses returned inside to prepare the invitations to the Gala.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alex POV

After lunch, Fluttershy asked if I wanted to see her animals and I agreed. There's nothing like hugging a cute and furry creature... I totally mean the animals. Anyway, Fluttershy led me to her cottage on the outskirts of Ponyville and right next to the Everfree. Upon crossing a small bridge and heading inside, I got a very unnerving feeling. It wasn't from the house or anything, but I couldn't pin point what is was, so I ignored it, like any normal person.

We entered the cottage and it was very nice. A calming sensation washed over me as soon as I stepped inside. There were plenty of little wooden houses for birds and other small animals alike.

"Woah, this is amazing, Fluttershy. Look at all these little guys. Is okay to pet them?" I said, admiring the flurry of ferrets, rabbits and squirrels that welcomed us."

"Oh, I'm glad you like it." She replied, meekly. "And yes, they're all very friendly."

I knelt down and became absorbed by the abundance of fuzz. I could help but laugh as the all climbed on me and dove infront of my hands for attention. Fluttershy went about introducing me to each and every one of them. I had never seen her so enthusiastic and it was absolutely adorable. There was one little bunny that stood off to the side and just stared at me. I guessed that one must have been a little shy.

"What's that? You want to show Alex your homes. Oh, I'll ask him." It was super cute how she talked to them, but it did give me small doses of 'crazy cat lady' vibes. But then I watched them all jump around and compete for which little house we were going to look at, and that made me pause for a moment.

"Alex, they are all very excited to show you their little homes. You wouldn't mind having a look, would you?"

"Wait, you can actually communicate with them?" I asked, astounded.

"Why, yes. My special talent is being able to talk with animals. Well, not all animals." Now that is cool. I was quick to agree and she led me on to see each of the little critters standing at their little home. The experience was almost surreal. I was, however, quite distracted. I was seeing a whole other side of Fluttershy and I really liked it.

After the extensive welcome, Fluttershy proceeded to show me around her house, and it was by far the most cozy little place I've ever been in. All the while I had a ferret named Robert that refused to leave my shoulder.

She was telling me something as we stood at what looked like a back door. Her words slipped my mind as I was too busy

"You know, Fluttershy. It's very nice to see you like this."

"Oh, really? What do you mean?" She asked, using her hair to cover half of her face. 'Saving this to my memory.'

"Well, you just seem very comfortable and relaxed. You're also so excited to introduce me to these little guys. I don't really know how to put it. It's just... really nice to see you like this." I couldn't help the small, dreamy smile creeping on as I thought about it.

"Oh, um. That's very kind of you to say." Her words were almost a whisper as she tried to hide the blush behind her hair. "Um. There's more animals outside, if you'd like to meet them too."

"Absolutely." I said with a grin. Fluttershy took me outside but as I tried to step through the door my foot got caught on something and I headed straight for the ground.

Unfortunately, Fluttershy had just turned around to continue talking only to watch as I came plummeting towards her. I tried to twist my body to miss her, but I couldn't quite get out of the way. My next plan was to try and push her slightly so I wouldn't tackle her... However, I'm not that lucky. Instead I ended up just grabbing her shoulder as I fell and brought her down with me. I hit the ground first and with my twisting efforts I landed flat on my back, knocking the air out of me. Then I was double winded as Fluttershy came crashing down on top of me.

I groaned as I slowly regained the ability to breathe. 'I've gone blind!' I screamed internally as all I could see was pink, but then the pink started to move and I realised I had just been covered by a pink mane.

"Oh, Alex. Are you okay?" She asked, rising slightly so that her weight wasn't impeeding my already weakened flow of air. It did mean that she was on all fours above me and that is the part where I would consider myself a little bit lucky.

My eyes met hers and I felt myself get ensared by their brilliant cyan beauty. I couldn't look away, I couldn't even do anything. Anything except get lost in those enchanting eyes.

"You have the most beautiful eyes." The words slipped from my mouth like true betrayal. I couldn't believe I had just said that out loud. I felt my face burn up from the realisation and my hands shot up to hide myself. I wanted to just sink into the ground and enter the forever nap. Fluttershy froze for a moment before reeling back.

"Um. Thank you." She squeeked. "No pony's ever said something like that to me before." She added after a lengthy pause. I took a deep breath to calm myself before pulling my hands away. I saw that she was still kneeling on top of me, but her fingertips were gently placed on her cheeks as her eyes darted around to avoid further eye contact. 'That is the cutest thing ever. Argh I'm gonna die from cuteness overload.' her elbows squishing together to emphasise her cleavage admittedly made it that much nicer. "What happened?"

"I think I tripped on something." I said as I tilted my head to see back into the doorway and what might have caused such an awkward situation.

"Angel?" She whispered to herself before placing her hands on my stomach and pushing herself up. I wheezed as more air was forced from lungs. "Oh, I'm sorry, Alex." She rushed to correct herself and help me to my feet.

When I got my feet, I took in another deep breath to collect my mind. "Okay, so that happened. Uh, where were we?"

"Um, these are the rest of the animals that like to live here with me." Fluttershy answered in a much similar state to myself.

"Wow." Was all I could say as i took in the sight. There were many more animals out here, like bigger ones. Hawks, deer, dogs... A bear! A fucking bear! Just scratching himself on tree. I was really impressed with how these different animals were getting along so well with each other.

Fluttershy introduced me to a couple dogs and a cat. Now this cat was something special, and not in a good way. Fluttershy said its name was opalessence and I don't really know if it like me or hated me. First it was acting all nice and cuddly and I was patting it and everything. I even picked it up and was cuddling it and stuff. Then it decided to be a dick and stuck its claws into my chest. As a reaction I dropped the cat it fell with its claws still piecing my skin and ended up slicing a shallow cut to waist. I don't know how, but it ripped the clothes Rarity got me.

"Oh my. I'm so sorry, are you okay?" Fluttershy said getting all worked up.

"That really stings. Aw man, I liked this shirt." I said as she grabbed my hand and took me inside. I sat on the couch as she left to get a first aid kit.

"You know. I thought that cat liked me." I said when Fluttershy returned.

"Mmm, Rarity's cat can be difficult at the best of times." She said while unbuttoning my shirt.

"That was Rarity's cat? Of course it was." I said. When she got all of the buttons undone, there was a furious blush across her cheeks. I started to lose myself while looking into her eyes. She pulled out a cotton ball and put some sort of cream on it.

"This may um... Sting." She said softly, getting ready to run it down my cuts.

I didn't respond as I was too entranced. She carefully placed the ball at the top of the cut and I found a whole new meaning of the word 'sting'. I threw my head back and yelped with displeasure.

"Oh I'm so sorry." Fluttershy said after pulling away and smearing the cream everywhere but the cut.

"No... It's fine..." I managed to say through my teeth. I calmed down and held back my shirt for her to continue. I don't know why, I could have just wiped it up and I'd be okay, but there was something about the way Fluttershy was doing it that made me want to savour the moment.

She put more of the cream on the cotton ball and went to apply it. This time I was ready for it and stayed strong for her to finish.

After the cream was over the whole cut, she looked up "There, all better." She said.

Fluttershy POV

We sat there for a little longer. Everything started to faded away and I felt my thoughts diminish into nothing as I gazed into his green eyes. It felt like time had come to a stop completely. Alex leaned in closer and I copied. Eventually we were mere centimetres apart and we paused for what felt like hours. I couldn't take it anymore and I took the leap, closing the gap. Our lips softly collided, which grew into a passionate kiss. Our tongues danced around each other and I felt my heart rate skyrocket. He pushed deeper into the kiss as his hand came up and ran his fingers through my mane. It was such a good feeling, like nothing I'd ever felt before. Fireworks were going off in my mind and all of my senses had dulled, making that contact between feel so much stronger. It made want more.

I fell back on the couch, with Alex above me. The sudden stop of those wonderful sensations was almost shocking, but then his open shirt caught my attention. 'Oh, my. This is the first time I've openly looked at his body. I've never seen such a strong stallion's body this close.' I was so lost in the thought that I hadn't noticed my hand sneak it's way onto his chest and slowly run down over the defined muscles.

After admiring his physique, for maybe a little too long, I looked back up to him to see him chuckling softly.

"You like what you see?" His voice was like music. The deep vibrations sending a slight shiver down my spine. I drove me crazy and I could feel myself losing control. I leaned up and wrapped my arms around his back and pulled it down on top of me. I needed more of his touch. I thought he was enjoying this, if him diving back into a kiss was anything to go by. However, he suddenly pulled back and we separated, his expression slightly horrified. Oh no, I hope I haven't done anything wrong or made him feel bad.

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy." He said, looking at the ground ashamed. He stood up and went for the front door but stopped as he grabbed the handle. "It wasn't your fault, it's me. There's just so much I need to figure out." He finished with regret coating every word and continued out the door.

I sat there, stunned from what happened. 'Do something Fluttershy, he's hurt and you need to help!' My mind screamed at me and I snapped back to reality. "Alex, wait!" I called out to him as I got up and ran to the door. I looked outside and he was gone. "You don't have to go." I continued with no one here to hear me. I went back inside and flopped down of the couch. 'I hope he's okay... But that kiss.' Butterflies formed in my stomach as I thought about me and Alex kissing. My first kiss.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alex POV

"You don't have to go." I heard Fluttershy say quietly from her door. I had ducked behind a tree by her door. I heard the door close as she went back inside. 'Alex you moron. What have you done? Why couldn't you just let the moment flow?' I thought.

"I agree. Why didn't you let the moment flow?" I heard Nathan's voice in my head.

"we're you watching?" I said in thought.

"Of course I was. So why did you stop?"

"Because..."

"Come on. I'm in your head, it's not like I can tell anyone."

"You make a good point. Okay... I stopped because she reminds me of... Someone else. Someone I never wanted to think of again."

"Explain."

"Back on Earth. Me and my brother moved to The Capital to get away from everything in Dunshore when I was eighteen and James was twelve. I joined a mercenary group and met a girl. that's all I want to say."

"Okay, but why did that make you stop with Fluttershy?"

"Because... I freaked out. I don't know?"

"I don't want to say you just ruined everything, but..."

"Let it go" I said out loud, showing my frustration. I needed to find somewhere to think. Leaving the cottage, I stopped and looked down the path towards Ponyville, then to the forest. It seemed like a nice place to go and vent a little. So I ran in.

After a while of running, I came to an old rope bridge that hung over a very deep and dark crevasse. There was a thick layer of fog covering the ground on the other side, leading up to some very large ruins. I scanned the other side, looking for any reason not to go over. "Damn you curiosity."

The bridge seemed stable enough... Apart from the creaking and wobbling and everything else, but I crossed it anyway. The fog was thicker then I thought. I couldn't see anything bellow my ankles. So I took the walk very slowly. I made it to the very large doors at the front of the ruins and placed my hands against them. I pushed them open and continued on inside. It was very creepy, but it looks like this place once held an amazing beauty.

I continued deeper into the ruins and found myself in a very large dinning room. 'it's almost as if everyone just got up and left this place' I thought as I looked around.

*sob* *sob*

The echoing noise made me jump. I don't know what's scarier, someone crying... Or someone crying in ruins. My mind was going crazy with ideas of who or what is crying. 'l've read enough books to know this can't be good... But what if someone actually needs help. Im probably going to be the only one that comes by for quite some time... Why does everything have to be so double sided?'

I went back out into the long hall and listened for more crying. *sob*. I followed the noise deeper into the ruins, round and round the halls. Soon, I came to more large doors, only these ones had a large crescent moon and was hiding whoever was crying.

I opened the door slightly with a large creak. "Hello?" I asked as I opened the door fully. There was a very bright cyan flash that flew straight at me and into my chest. The force blew me backwards and I hit a wall with a very loud crunch. 'Argh, I knew no one need help. No one ever need helps in these situations.'

I raised my head with my vision blurry. There was a feminine form walking towards me with her horn glowing with the same bright cyan. Then everything faded and I fell into the realm off unconsciousness.

Author's Note

Chapters done. YAY!

A lot happened in this chapter, didn't it?

There were some parts where I wrote this after work (which is about midnight) and I'm really tired. At these times my filter for words has vanished, so if there's incoherent babbling, or parts that are plain random. You now know why... But that's what makes this story fun!

Hope you enjoyed