My Little Pony: The Last Dreamriderby Joss10ChaptersThe BeginningPhysical HarmConfrontationThe Beginning... Humans. When the word was first spoke, it was thought as a myth, a fluke, or even a legend... The respect that humans were given, even as they were no longer existent to their knowledge was quite striking. It felt like we were some kind of god, some superbeing... And we were. Far more advanced than the likes of the Equestrians, we conquered all where we saw fit. And that was a promise. Crushing our foes with a our heavy machinery and modern equipment. After the first human sighting, the world never saw the humans the same way again. For the human in charge was a spy, sent out to see what the news about growing Equestria. It was a make-or-break mission, and one error was deemed fatal to not only the spy but to the human race and in their diplomatic discussions. But as humans, we got ahead of ourselves. We did not see through with our other diplomatic relations and seeing as how grave news spreads like wildfire, unlike good news, the news spread to Equestria, discouraging them to form relations with us... And they were a superpower. Oh but the second strongest in the known world, we were much greater, stronger, and mightier... But what we didn't know is that raw materials can be blocked well by magic, and for that simple minded mistake, cost us the sanctity of the human race, as well as the war which began on May 7th, 1544. The 'Fateful Appointment' day, as it was known, was by all means an infamous day. For then we realized that the war would be over soon. Our best defenses and offensive units couldn't come close to what you or anyone else would call an 'advantage', or even a 'fair fight'. Even our ruler, Dreamrider, who fulfilled his dream of starting off the human race. Would we even have dreams if it wasn't for him? Heavens no. He gave us the hope and ability to chase our dreams... Until the very end. ... The war ended on May 24th, 1544. ... It lasted not even 3 weeks. It was not even given the grace to come anywhere near a year-long war... ... But there was still, in the silence and midst of the war, a shining, twinkling little spark of hope... You see, one man alone cannot procreate, as I'm sure you know... He must be accompanied by a partner to be able to fulfill the gift of life through the womb... The old legend is said to have it that he fell in love with one such as the pony kind, a unicorn, or an Alicorn... One that was said to wear a horn, but the history books have never been specific... ... But it is still said that through the generations of the Dreamriders, each and everyone of us was enstilled in us a still, small sliver of Magic, opening the gates to us the gift of utilizing Magic... Though as to what extent that legend ever existed or was ever true, never convinced me that it was ever true... For in the end, the humans, once defeated and their might metropolis was destroyed, the rest fleed, scattered, were killed, or were captured for interragation and they killed. Few humans ever made it out, and even fewer were made out to be captured, and captured they were... Out of a handful of people, I was chosen by fate to be part of the few humans who survived... And I was also chosen by fate, to carry the unimaginably heavy burden of one who made it so far before... ... My name is Michael Dreamrider, and I am one of the last surviving immediate relatives of the Dreamrider family. And now, instead of living inside a lavish castle, I am now the friend and accomplice of one most high ruler of the Empire of Equestria, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Alicorn and Princess of Magic, Goddess of all things tangible. She'd grown up so far, she'd made it to full princess and stood tall at eye-level with the Princess of the Day, Princess Celestia, and Princess of the Night, Princess Luna... I cannot tell you what I feel, for I feel at times good, and at other times bad. I am confused as to what I am destined to be... I'm now 17 years old, going on 18 in a month, and I have no predestined area to go and flourish in, at least in my mind... Working as a servant for Ms. Sparkle is a treat. She's happy, vibrant, beautiful, caring, and most of all, supportive... I can't imagine not being with her now, as I practically am considered her friend and comforter... But even still, I am only her servant; I still treat her with respect and care... ... But that's not where I started... 1 & 1/2 Years Ago... The Town of Fillydelphia... ... I couldn't have asked for more attention in the way people, or I say ponies, today. Everywhere I went: staring. I felt like I could crawl into a dark corner and die without second thought or the slightest hesitation. But I guess that's the point of being embarrassed, is it not? To be utterly and completely vulnerable and feel stupid from the reactions of others around you, making you feel that you did something as if it was something wrong?... Yes, I believe that is the point... "MICHAEL!" The voice of my owner and superior boomed at me as I shot up from sitting down against a large oak tree under the shade next to the street. "YES MA'AM!" I shot out as I stood at attention, my heart racing as she gave me an angered look, gritting her teeth. "Quite your loafing and help me with these things!" She commanded me as I nodded and ran over to the suitcases and piled them in the back of the wagon trunk. "Sometimes I wonder why I even have you." She muttered as I awaited further instruction. "Now get in here before I change my mind." She ordered me into the car of the wagon as she motioned for me to sit down. She took a moment to stop and wave at the crowd again. Oh, I'm sorry, did I forget to tell you she was an entertainer? Some say she was born to do it, but I say it's just a bunch of folly. Oh but what fun it is! She started a few months ago in a small area downtown of Fillydelphia, and her talent increased her popularity. She recently hosted a magic show for a few more magicians after I convinced her. I don't know how, but I always do end up convincing her in the end. I guess it's that special little talent I have inside for certain situations that arise. "Ms. Lulamoon? We should be going now, i-" I started as she cut me off, "Oh I know, I just wanted to spend one more moment with the citizens... And quit reminding me, I remember." She said as she sat down across from me. I closed the door behind her and sat down low so as I could fit in the carriage. I was 6 feet, 1 inch. Quite the man I was. I wasn't small inside or outside. "And where are we going anyway? I mean, was I even told?" She asked sarcastically. "We are going uptown to meet the mayor, remember? We cannot be late for him, no... And I did tell you, ma'am." I said as she squinted at me for a moment in thought. "Fine." She huffed. "And give me the schedule." She held her hoof out as I pulled it out of my black leather coat pocket, located on the inside. I placed it in her hoof and she took it. "Hmm... Where? I don't see any appointment for the mayor anywhere! You incompetent fool! It's not here!" She yelled at me and threw the paper in my face. I grabbed it and scanned it as I saw it marked down in plain sight. "I-It's right here..." I said, my voice wavering. I pointed it out to her as she took it out of my hand and studied it. I looked out the window and silently cried to myself as my tears welled up in my eyes. I didn't do anything!... and I was reprimanded for it... "Your right..." She muttered as I cried even harder, seeing as how I was right in the end, remembering the appointment and reminding her. Without me, she would have been made a laughingstock. "But next time mark it down like it's important!" She seethed as she stuck the schedule in her saddlebag. "Yes ma'am." I said, causing my voice to sound as if everything was okay on my end. She sighed in disgust and went about her business and began reading one of her novels she bought from a bookstore that sold rare and unique books. After I recollected myself and wiped away my tears, I stopped to on what I would say to the mayor, seeing as how many of these ponies despise us human beings... I wondered if The Great Trixie also despised humans and only enslaved me because she needed someone to do the work for her... I sincerely hoped that was not true. "Michael." She addressed me as I looked to her and saw her face giving me an expression of sincerity but also of seriousness. "I don't say this to much... And I doubt I will ever say it again, but..." She started, inhaling before saying what it was she wanted to address, "... I'm sorry. I should have seen it... There. I said it." She said as she blushed and looked away. "Quite staring at me, I am the Great and Powerful Trixie! She does not wish to be looked upon like that!" She announced as I instantly looked away and respected her wishes as I felt my heartstrings snagged on the phrase 'I'm sorry'. Never in my time of being with her, my scoldings, my reprimands, and the discipline she showed me, did she ever say those two words to me so caringly. And I've been with her for almost 3 years... Almost. I started with her at 14 years of age... I was quite small until I sprouted quickly... But I could never understand why she acted so shallow... But at least she apologized... Even if it was half-hearted... I stopped staring out across the town through the small carriage window and layed down inside the carriage, closing my eyes and thinking about the many shows Ms. Lulamoon would perform. I know she'd probably go farther than most others, I could sense it. Magicians were just folly anyway, but she was the best, to my knowledge... Best at folly? Best at magic? I don't know. Best at something, anyways... "Oh tell me you got some sleep last night." She sarcastically asked me as I opened my eyes and sat up to face her. "Oh I got plenty of sleep last night... It's just that what else would I do for the moment... I mean it's not like I'm going to twidle my thumbs the whole way... ma'am." I said as she shrugged and looked out the window. "I don't want you to be tired and weary when I need you. I believe I payed good money for you, so act like it." She said as I bit my tongue, using my self-taught self-discipline as I burned inside to tell her to go to hell with her money and that you can't ever own a human. It's morally and spiritually wrong. I can't imagine having a crueler master... I wouldn't say she's the cruelest... But she's up there with the worse ones... I merely shivered at the sheer though of being the servant of Princess Celestia... Dear god in heaven, please, I beg of you, don't ever let me be her servant... I just don't know what I would do. She'd probably have her servants maul me just for looking at her wrong... Then tell me never to speak of it again... That's the kind of pony I'd imagined her to be... Cruel, unloving, and most of all, the sole destroyer of the humankind... She was the one to declare war on the humans once our spy was caught... Then it was shortly afterwards when she annihilated our forces and wiped humankind of the face of the Earth... ... Earth... ... I cry just at the name of it, and... I'm crying now. "What on... Are you crying?!" She asked me in a tone of disbelief as I looked at her and nodded, blinking slowly, releasing my tears evermore. "Yes... I'm... Remembering the old times I had with my fellow humans... How we would sit around the fire and talk about the legend of Earth... A place of rest for us humans, if we ever had the blessing of reaching it... We vowed to keep that our main objective... We vowed... That if we ever, just one, made it to the other side, we would bring back as many humans as possible..." "And we would try and unite with the surrounding countries... And then crush the living daylights out of the Equestrians, once and for all." I finished as she looked at me in horror. "But don't worry, I fear they will not be back for a while... But if they did come back years from now... Equestria would have no chance." I said as she kept giving me the same look of horror. "Do you... Share the same beliefs about us?" She asked as I pondered the question. "Yes... But I would not bring the humans back to kill the Equestrians if they did not still have the same hatred..." "I vowed to fulfill the wishes of my forefather, The Dreamrider himself... His famous words which impacted the world of us humans even after his death... Even more so after... His exact words were: 'I've only got one life to lose, and I want to live it all... I only have one life to live, and I don't want to lose it all...'. I keep that close everyday..." I said as I made a fist to my heart and closed my eyes and remembered him from a message that was given to me to watch... It was a message sent down from each ancestor... But I am the last. And I can no longer find a wife to marry and procreate with... I doubt I will make it far without these ponies... The Everfree is a scary place... But... I hear that humans actually retreated to that area of the world to escape imprisonment... Maybe... Someday I will be able to find my fellow people? The friends and family of my blood?... Maybe even pass on my forefather's legacy through me and a loving wife... But how would I ever come to find that opportunity anytime in my life? These ponies would never allow me to leave... The 'Laws of Humanity' are a binding set of guidelines/rules that every human/pony must abide by... The 'Laws of Humanity' in this country are: Humans are only allowed to leave a city/town/province with supervision and a warrant to do so from their master/superior. Humans may not leave the country. Humans are not allowed to meet together without authorized supervision. Humans are not allowed to carry weapons of any kind. Humans which do not have masters will be subject to an auction where a master will buy them. Humans are only to procreate when the population of humans are low. Humans who are found guilty of any crime will be sentenced to a serious punishment, or possibly death. For humans, only a princess has the power to have a human that is not bought nor has a Certificate of Authentication. (CoA) Humans without a Certificate of Authentication (CoA) will be assigned one and drafted as a servant immediately. Humans who enter the country are immediately arrested for further instruction by a princess or high ruler in power. Humans born with the ability of magic will immediately be sentenced to disable that ability. Humans caught practicing or utilizing magic will be sentenced for serious reprimand and have the ability removed. Any human who is guilty of crime(s) and the total crime(s) is equal to capital punishment of execution and that said human is fled as a refugee, IF the human is killed by a pony/human, then said pony/human is NOT sentenced guilty of murder.* Any human who is not in the presence of their master will have to be tracked and monitored by their master. Humans are to obey all commands by their masters, no matter how insignificant. If a human flees from their master because the order is harmful to them, i.e, suicide, will be arrested and so will the master, where they will both be trialed in a court of law to find if the refugee made a valid claim. If so, human is drafted another master. If not, human is reprimanded and returns to their master. Humans caught with a weapon will be sentenced to imprisonment for X amount of time, where X is dependent on the weapon. If a human is under the servitude of a high ruler, i.e., Princess Celestia, he/she will obey commands without hesitation and with the utmost profound respect for the ruler in command. Only Princesses or high rulers are allowed to engage in any romantic/sexual relationships with a human. If said human and pony procreate, the birth will be honored as so. Any offspring by pony and human will act as an successor. Any romantic relationships to a princess from a human immediately names him/her a Prince/Princess, until relationship is over, in which case human returns to a master/servant relationship. Violation of these rules will be observed by a princess and then by a court of law, depending on how severe the crime was/is. *: stands for if killing is a sufficient reason. ... Confining, isn't it? We humans like to call this: 'Conduct: 20'. The last law is just a reminder anyways... "Michael."... "MICHAEL!" I heard a scream as I stood up straight and banged my head on the top of the carriage, exclaiming in pain as she laughed loudly. "Don't laugh." I grumbled under my breath. "Hahaha! Haha, ohh... Okay. Enough of that. The Great and Powerful Trixie forbids it. We have arrived." She stated as I looked out. I nodded and opened the door for her, only to realize that it was muddy on the ground. I nodded to myself and got out first, careful not to get mud on me. She tried to get out, readying herself, but reeling back every time because of the muck on the ground. I then rolled my eyes and motioned for her to hold me when I picked her up. "What does that mean?" She asked as I looked at her and sighed. "Hold onto me. I'll carry you." I said as she scoffed. "Ponies weigh more than you think." She smirked as I shrugged. "I bet I can carry you." I said as she rolled her eyes and readied herself. "If you drop me, consider yourself dead or close to." She growled as I nodded. I wrapped my arms around her and held her head so it wouldn't bounce back and forth as she clung to me. "Now will you believe me?" I said I walked across the street and put her down, ponies noticing what a nice thing I did and admiring my gallantry. "Oh... Wow..." She sighed as she blushed hard. I had a hard time figuring out why. But I think I knew. "Ms. Lulamoon? Your blushing." I said as she shook her head and chuckled nervously. "Oh, well... I guess I am, hehe." She said, a changed tone of voice and a soft heart as I saw the side of her that I doubt any others except her parents have ever seen. "But the show must go on!" She proudly stated. I was in for one hell of a ride, wasn't I? I mean, I've never felt that any pony could be so self-centered. Oh well. That was soon chucked out the window soon after I knew her. "Ms. Lulamoon?" I addressed her as she turned back around. "Yes, my subject?" She answered, making me sigh in disgust as I moved on, "Might I suggest that you not act so... 'Great and Powerful Trixie', with the mayor?" I suggested as she looked at me, confused. "But I am the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She battled, huffing as I sighed in disgust again. "Not with the mayor your not. A little advice and, you can slap me if you want at any time, but being with one of higher authority is a privilege. From what I always learned back home, and being the last of my kind, I've learned that every second is a blessing, knowing that we are breathing borrowed air as we speak... I know you don't believe that but hear me when I say that higher authority rarely speaks to the common individual." I said as she took it all in but then was enraged when I called her the 'common individual'. She growled and walked towards me as I held up my hands, "Woah woah woah, I meant that HE thinks your the common individual. To me your my master, so let's get that straight... Ma'am." I said as she looked up at me. 'Course I was quite tall. "Lean down." She said as I did so. *SMACK* ... Damnit. "There. Better." She smirked as I nodded slowly to myself, my stinging resolve halting my anger as I felt so stupid yet confused. But in some way I must have deserved that, right? I mean, it's not like she would slap me just because I was right and she wasn't, right? ... Double damnit... Oh well, at least I got somewhere. At least I am being listened to. Others would not even permit me to speak, much less give them advice. I guess maybe she isn't that bad. I mean, I can imagine other masters... Dear god... The ones that make me shiver are the ones who... Would ask of you sexual favors. Shiiiit... That's so messed up, I can't imagine. I could handle just about everything else, but...Damn. That's so messed up, I can't even imagine. Relationships with a pony? Man that's so... Familiar. Every time I think of that, I think of the story of my great-great-great-great grandfather... Michael the First Dreamrider... Ah yes... I was named after him because of the day I was born... I was born on May 7th. The declaration of war... That is why they named me Michael... The believed that I would find the rest of the human race and re-unite them, leading a huge revolt against the enemies of the surrounding countries of Equestria... Convincing them that Equestria destroyed us mercilessly because of prejudice... And we would crush them... But I never believed that... Another reason I was named Michael. He was a strong-willed man, from what I heard. Stubborn, strong-willed, and wilful. To my knowledge, he was the man who carried the feelings and burden of all humans on his shoulders. He had the largest heart for his friends and even some of his enemies. Many people after the war commented that I was just like him... And that I was the spitten image of him as well. Some say that I was the reincarnation of the Dreamrider himself... But how was I to believe any of them? Who knows, I could be the living, breathing reincarnation of my father. I was never to know until the time was right, anyway. But I'm... Just a purebred human. I don't have hundreds of years to live like these ponies do... I have 80, 90 years? I'm not immortal. I'm a homegrown, old-fashioned human... I mean, it's not like I have any part of me that's immortal... ... Wait a minute. Ponies live to be hundreds of years because of genetics... If the legend... If the legend is right about my father, then... A small bit of pony genetics was placed in me when I was born... Which meant that... ... Oh man... I'm gonna live a lot longer than the normal human, and... Hmm... What will I do? Humans were never meant to live as long as I believe I will... *SMACK* "WAH!" I jumped as now my right cheek stung, my body trembling at the sudden surprise. "The Great and Power Trixie is really tired of yelling at you, so she decided slapping you would be more... Effective." She smirked and nodded as I nodded back. "You know you sound really sexy when you talk like that." I said as she spluttered a mass of syllables out and almost fell over. "W-WHAT?!" She questioned loudly. "I-I didn't say anything." I said as I tried so hard not to laugh... Though my laughing would soon be replaced my horror, as even joking sounds real... If I was reported, we would both suffer a huge loss. "What did you say?!" She yelled at me as I held my hands up. "I said, 'I didn't say anything.'." I replied as she looked at me and squinted her eyes in wonder. "I don't believe you... And I could care less." She said as I nodded and acknowledged her silently. "My apologies, Ms. Lulamoon." I responded as she acknowledged and turned around, walking into the large building proudly named 'Center Hall'. I walked ahead of Ms. Lulamoon and opened the door and motioned her in politely. "Well... Thank you." She said, surprised a bit and a bit happy and proud that she had such a nice servant. I had hoped every servant was as close to having such high standards as I do... But knowing humans, I doubt it. I shifted my coat a bit and stuck my hands behind my back, crossed in respect as I admired the architecture and lavish interior. "My my, what a lovely building." I commented to myself as Ms. Lulamoon walked up to the receptionist. "The Great and Powerful Trixie is here to see the mayor now." She proudly stated as I slapped my head and sighed in disgust. The receptionist filed through her appointments, running her hoof down the list as she began to hum in rejection. "Mmm... What was your name again?" She asked as I took a step forward. "Trixie Dazzle Lulamoon." I said as my master looked up at me in confusion. "Mmm... No. I don't see the name on the list. Sorry." She said, shrugging. "But Trixie demands she see the mayor! She has an appointment, assuredly!" She demanded as I sighed in disappointment. I looked up and mouthed the words, 'Father, what has become of me?' and then shook my head in disgust. "Bu-But I have an appointment! She's expecting to see me in 20 minutes!" She tried again as the receptionist wouldn't budge. "As the rules are, nopony sees the mayor without an appointment." "Bu-" My master started as I tapped her, looking at her to stop. "We have an appointment. I bet you my life that the mayor is expecting us soon. Either give us a pass, or I decide to make one myself." I said as she opened her mouth, "Be wise in your descision." I glared at her seriously and dangerously as she gave me a wide-eyed look. "And I doubt security would ever work on me." I said as she called security anyway. And then I was thrown out first, landing on the sidewalk and catching Ms. Lulamoon in my arms as she looked at me and blushed, scrambling out of my arms. "Well how infuriating! The Great and Powerful Trixie is enraged!" She growled and yelled in anger as her eyes lit up and spoke of terrible deeds. "Hm..." I began to ponder as I looked at the wall that was next to the door... Very able to be scaled. "Master? Do you mind if I... Try my way?" I asked as she glared at me. "Oh what does it matter, I could care less at this moment!" She yelled at me as I grunted in annoyance and looked at the wall. I backed up a few meters and began running towards the wall. I jumped onto the wall, bouncing off and landing onto the platform left of the window to the mayor's office. "Alright. Phase one complete..." I told myself as my master almost fell off her hooves in amazment. "WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?!" She questioned loudly as I shook my head. "Lot's of things, if you would let me." I grumbled to myself as I opened the window and leaped in, catching the surprise of the mayor and her bodyguards. I tumbled onto the ground and stood straight up, expecting a fight. "Watch it, boys." I held up my index finger at the guards and the mayor fell out of her chair. "A-A HUMAN?!" She questioned loudly as I nodded. "I'm terribly sorry, ma'am, we could not find a set time with you." I respectfully addressed her. "W-Who are you?!" She demanded. "I am the servant of Trixie Dazzle Lulamoon... 'The Great and Powerful Trixie'?" I said as she exhaled in relief. "Oh thank goodness... I though you were some villain." She said as I shook my head side to side. "Heavens no... We were not able to get in the conventional way, so... I decided for the unconventional way, ma'am." "Leave us." She told the bodyguards as they hesitantly moved but soon enough left. "So..." She started, giving me a slow once over,"... Where is she?" She asked as I pointed behind me with my thumb. "Down... There." I said as I walked over to the window and heard a sigh from behind me. "MS. LULAMOON!" I addressed her as she looked up. "I DID IT!" I said, making her retract in disbelief. "YOU CAN COME UP NOW!" I told her as she shook her head and walked inside the doors... Trixie's POV... I walked inside the doors of the building, shocked in disbelief at how easily he fixed the problem. He was like the solution to every situation... Through all the time I've had him I've never met another human or pony able to fix a problem so easily... And never met a one so... Strong and... Masculine. I'm surprised he isn't asked out... But he is a human, and the Laws of Humanity forbid it. I hugged the wall and found myself sneaking past the receptionist and past the guards. I used my magic to create a bubble of invisibility, after straining quite hard, I finally the magic spell, able to walk through the guards undetected. I walked up the stairs, careful not to bump into anypony, as they would instantly call security. I slithered quietly past the corner of the end of the stairs and looked at the two sets of stairs, one going left, and one going right, up to a central balcony that I sure was the mayors room. I walked to the right set of stairs and trotted up the flights of stairs, reaching the room and deactivating my cloak, making myself look ready for the mayor, opening the door quietly as I walked in, Trixie and all. "Ma'am please don't. I-I can't. I-It's against Equestrian law!" He begged as I looked at him bumped up against a wall. "C'mon... I'll make it quick." She smirked and approached him slowly as I addressed the situation by clearing my throat and making the mayor jump and turn around. "W-Who are you?" She cleared her throat. "I, am the Great and Powerful Trixie, making the appointment." I announced as I looked at Michael, who was hugging the wall and sliding over to me slowly, his frightened eyes never leaving the mayor as she eyed him hungrily. "Trixie Dazzle Lulamoon?" The mayor repeated my name as I sighed. "Yes, if you will." I grumbled as Michael reached me, out of breath and trembling heavily. "What in the world... Could I have a moment?" I asked the mayor as she nodded. "What is wrong with you?" I asked, maintaining my proud side without revealing my care. "I-I-I... I don't want to talk about it. Just get this over with." He breathed fearfully as I retracted in surprise as I rarely heard him order me. "I'm the one in charge here, remember?" I said to him through clenched teeth. "Yes, yes, I understand... I'm sorry." He nodded, his head shining with sweat and his chest rising and lowering faster than the rods on the wheels of a locomotive train. I walked past him, my pity going out to him as I cared for him deeply, even more so than I should... But I was afraid to show it. "We are done. Trixie now gives you her full attention." I stated as the mayor nodded. "Well. Let's get started... I see that you are a star performer in downtown areas. I've heard many things about you... And I wouldn't mind seeing a magic show." She said as she looked at Michael and fluttered her wings. "Yes... Trixie would be delighted to put on a show for the mayor... It would not go without it's advantages." I said as I looked for Michael. I cranked my head straight around and saw him practically cowering in a corner all alone, making me sad as I waved him over here. He shook his head before I gave him a serious glare, pointing to the chair next to me as he shook with fear and slowly walked over to the chair and sat down, not looking at me or the mayor. "What is the matter with you?!" I slapped his arm as he looked at me and then the mayor, before looking straight down as I realized that the mayor had trained eyes on him. "I see you are one of the privileged ponies to have a human servant..." She stared at Michael with half-lidded eyes as I realized what was going on here. "Yes... He is faithful and loyal to me. Being as how he's very skilled with his body, since he practically made this building look like a snap." I smirked, showing off for him, unbeknownst to me making her want my servant even more. My Michael. "What is his name?" She asked as I slapped his arm quickly. "M-Michael I. D-Dreamr-rider." He stuttered as the mayor sighed. "Mmm... Pretty name. How long have you had him?" She asked as I pondered by putting my hoof to my chin and looking up. "Hmm... Almost a year now. He's grown quite a bit..." I said as the mayor nodded. "How old is he?" She asked as I shrugged. I slapped his arm and looked at him as I saw his hand covering his face by his eyebrows like a sun visor. "Si..." He mumbled as I rolled my eyes. "He's about 27, 28." I nodded as I was right. "Right?" I asked him as he replied, "Seve-Seventeen" He blurted as my jaw dropped in surprise. I never even considered anything past 24. But 17?! That's unheard of! He's practically a boy!... Well... Not really. He's surprisingly mature for his age, and well kept in shape with a killer body. "Ooh... Tight and young." The mayor said to herself as I looked back and shrugged. "I never knew he was so young." I looked at him as the mayor cleared her throat. "I have to ask... Since I have been needing a good servant... Do you consider him somepony who you could... Maybe sell?" She asked as I looked back at her in confusion. "You want to buy him from me?" I repeated her implied meaning. "Well... Yes. For a handsome price." She said as she began writing down something in her checkbook. "Well I bought him... For quite a sum of 78,000 bits. He was expensive indeed... In fact... He's the most expensive ever recorded, to my knowledge. But I wanted the best... And I did my research." I finished and the mayor looked at me. "Would... This meet your needs?" She showed me a check for... 120,000 BITS?! "WAH!" I fell off my chair and hit the ground, dizzy, as unbeknowest to me Michael instantly tended to my needs by grabbing my left hoof firmly with his left hand and using his right hand to wrap around my back and prop me up. "Ms. Lulamoon? Are you well?" He asked as I blinked a few times to see the loving and caring face of Michael. "Y-Yes." I replied as I sat back down and looked at the check as if it was calling me. "Well? Do you accept?" She asked as Michael looked confused as to what was going on. "Well... I don't know... I-I mean it's-" I started but was cut off by the mayor, "Maybe... This?" She asked as I saw a check for 180,000 bit check, my mind going numb at the large amount of money involved. That could buy me a better house and 3 human servants! "I could buy myself 3 or 4 servants with that money!" I said to myself aloud as the mayor felt confident inside that the deal was sealed. "Who do I make this out to?" She asked as I chuckled nervously. "Well, that's so much! I mean that... Michael..." I trailed off as I looked at Michael's loving and caring face as he fearfully looked at the check and trembled. "I... Michael is one-of-a-kind... I-I don't think I could sell him... For anything." I said as the mayor sighed. "I can-" "No... I've made my mind. Michael is not for sale... I've learned that he is too valuable and certainly is worth more." I said as the mayor nodded in defeat. "Well... If that is how you feel... It was nice meeting you." She said as I nodded and replied the same. "A pleasure as well." I said as I stood up from the chair and Michael doing the same. "You will be there for the show, correct?" I asked as the mayor nodded in reply. "Good." I nodded and we walked out of the mayor's office and out of the building. "Oh god thank you so much!" Michael clung to me once we walked out and embraced me. "Wha-What are you doing?!" I panicked as he didn't stop. "Thank you so much for holding onto me, Trixie -- I mean ms. Lulamoon. I will never forget it." He said as he stopped hugging me and wiped the tears from his eyes and looked down at me. "Oh... Thank you." I said. That was the first time he called me Trixie... And I liked it... "Shall we be off?" He asked, motioning towards the carriage. "Yes... We have a show to perform." I replied and walked behind him as he picked me up again and carried me over to the carriage. He opened the door and let me down inside, climbing in once I got situated. I never knew another human who would do that for a master voluntarily... I really did have a one-of-a-kind, didn't I?... Hm. I believe when I said I made my mind up I meant it for a good long time... I doubt I would sell him for anything. He's... different. And the things he speaks of, his trials, errors, and the prophecies he spoke of were... Awesome, at least. If the prophecy was correct, then... I had one of the most powerful humans in the world in my grasp. And I was not going to let go so easily. "Ms. Lulamoon?" Michael addressed me as I looked up to him. "Since the show is in 4 days, when would you like to start preparing?" He asked me as I made my mind up. "2 days before. We really don't have that much to prepare for, anyways." I replied as he nodded. "Acknowledged." He finished as he wrote it down in his small notepad. "Michael, have us depart to my home." I told him as he nodded and climbed out the window halfway to tell the stagecoach of our desired destination. "Home it is, sir." The stagecoach replied as Michael climbed back into the carriage. "We are en route." He said as I silently acknowledged and looked out the window as he layed down and folded his hands over his stomach and remained silent. I looked out and thought of what would become of me, now that I was becoming more and more popular. Would I continue on and play in the major concerts, or would I... Become famous in the city I am currently in for my career?... I believe that a career without accomplishment is no career at all. I would join the major concert auditions and try my skill on the stage. After all, I am the Great and Powerful Trixie. Of course I am! Who can replace me? "Who can replace me?" I repeated aloud as Michael looked at me. "No one, right now." He said as I looked at him. "Of course not! I am the Great and Powerful Trixie! Being bested is not an option!" I declared as Michael nodded subtly. "Well... It's not just that. There will always people better that others. It's just the way the world works... But no one can replace you. You are special in your own way. Everyone is born with a set talent... That's why cutie marks are so different. You have a special and distinct mark of talent." "No one can tell you your not special." He looked into my eyes seriously. "Don't EVER let someone else tell you what you can and cannot do. Your dream is just within reach." "Only you can grab onto it and hold fast... And don't ever let go, you hear me?!" He looked at me as my jaw hung open at his sudden philosophy. I've never felt better about myself... He made me feel so... Amazing. Alive... So... Confident and... talented. Only my parents have ever made me feel the same, and even then it wasn't the same... I swear, if he was a pony... I'd be over him in a second. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have said that. Sometimes I get carried away when I remember my time with my humans..." He apologized to me and then spoke to himself. "No... That was fine... I quite enjoyed the little chat." I replied as he nodded. "Thanks. It's nice to know someone still listens to me... Oh, we have arrived." He said as I looked out the window and smiled at my house. Not the best, but definitely a good and stable house. In fact, Michael actually installed a home-made air conditioning system. He installed small fans on every window without disturbing the window sight. On the flick of a switch they would all silently turn on and make not a sound. He bought the best he could find, in that size. He opened the door for me and let me out first. After we climbed out he shut the door and grabbed the things stuck inside the trunk of the carriage. He grabbed them and walked behind me as I jingled my keys for a moment and stuck the right one in the door and twisted it, hearing the satisfiying sound of an unlocked door. I opened the door and walked in, Michael following me as he kicked the door shut gently and put the cases down, taking his shoes off and walking in. He stretched for a moment, making me turn around and watch him take his coat off. He always looked so much more... Muscular without the coat. His shirt was now always tight-fitting because of his muscles he had built over the period of time he exercised. I've never seen such a strong creature before. I conclude that he could easily benchpress 180 pounds. I've seen him do it many times. "Alright..." He said to himself as he hung his coat on the coat rack and looked at me. "Do you wish something?" He asked respectfully as I shook my head out of my daze. "No. Trixie does not require anything at the moment." I replied as he nodded in acknowledgement. "I will be... I don't know. I'll be in the main room if you need me, Ms Lulamoon." He said as I nodded once and he walked past me. He sat down and put his feet up on the ottoman as he sighed in relief when he sat down. "God I love this house." He said to himself as I smiled inside. I knew I made the right choices. But now I had to plan for the show... I am the Great and Powerful Trixie, aren't I? Physical HarmRegretful Mistake "Oh where did I put that stupid sheet?" I heard Trixie fume as she began to relentlessly try and find the schedule sheet. "Ms. Lulamoon? Try looking in your saddlebag." I said, pointing as she waved me off. "I already looked there. It isn't there." She said as I nodded but insisted that I look myself. I shuffled around the saddlebag and found deep inside a small folded sheet that I know if the schedule sheet. "Ms. Lulamoon? I found it." I said as she walked in the room. "Oh thank heavens, where did you find it?" She asked as I pointed to her saddlebag. "But I searched there already!" She whined annoyingly as she gritted her teeth as I handed her the sheet and shrugged. "You must put a little more effort into such things. Such problems may not seem like much now, but later it will amount. Trust me, I know." I said as she gave me a look of non-amusement as I shrugged as closed my eyes, shaking my head in my own self disappointment. "Oh heavens sake's what am I doing?" I thought aloud to myself as I slapped the temple of my head and shook my head some more. "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't correct you." I scolded myself and looked down. T'was only by the grace of my master I was here... Though humans were quite rare and I believe that getting rid of me would have a serious negative effect on her... But she didn't know that... And neither would she... You could consider it my... 'Bargaining Chip'. Lord knows I need one... But what use I would have for it would still yet be unveiled. As for right now, I just needed to live life... But only as long as I could not find a new opportunity... I would at first chance take life by the horns and choose what I, Michael I. Dreamrider, wanted to do. I want to reunite with my fellow humans to lead the human race to a peaceful agreement with the ponykind after a serious reprimand on Equestria's part... If by any measure you interpret that as a threat to them, then by all means, yes. You interpreted right. Ponykind will be forced under human rule once I'm in charge. These ponies have no right to tell us humans what we can and cannot do. These ponies will experience the very same thing that we have and will... But this time, Humanity will not be so kind. Humans are only able to take so much before absolute chaos... And absolute chaos it is. Humanity is now on the survival mindset... If I am right, they believe that life is now precious, and that survival means everything... I don't know how they managed to survive... But dammit all, I'm going to eliminate the feeling of constant threat, once and for all. The humans, including myself, are never allowed to sleep at night comfortably... We have to remain conscious, sleeping with 'one eye open', per se... Even myself. I don't know when an anti-Human pony will come in through the night and assassinate me... As many of my fellow humans have before... I had 7 friends... Now all dead from brutal and ruthless assassinations... I don't know what they got into, if even they did... But now I was the last of our little group in this sector... Our nationwide little group... The Dreamriders. We are comprised of humans who sought out other humans to help with their problems and trials, seeking out work to do for other humans, telling them of the prophecy of The First Dreamrider and explaining it to them more clearly, and most importantly, asking them if they wanted to join our little group... Once they did they would swear complete secrecy to the Plan of Order... The Plan of Order is exactly what it sounds like. We would reunite the Humans as a whole, bringing peace and order to our race, and to destroy the Laws of Humanity, making the Equestrian Empire fall to it's knees... Of course, the group would not be without a leader... And again, of course led by yours truly, The Dreamrider himself. Most people considered me a living god. I didn't, and I would correct those who thought that. I wasn't a god. I wasn't a superbeing, or anything. I was just some guy who wanted justice served their way... The cold way. The hard way... ... But for now, I would remain a simple human... Destined for things greater and higher. What I would give for- *SLAP* "AHHG!" I yelped and jumped at once as I looked to see Ms. Lulamoon staring at me, teeth clenched together and narrowed eyebrows staring me down to size. But I also gave her a steely glare of anger. "DON'T look at me like that! You never LISTEN to me!" She said as I sighed in disappointment, shaking my head as she looked at me and gave me a cocky grin. "Was that a sigh?" She asked as I looked at her strangely, only seeing her like this twice. And the second time I was burned with magic. "I-" "DON'T GIVE ME THAT! YOUR LUCKY I'M STILL YOUR MASTER! I DON'T ASK MUCH, BUT WHAT I DO ASK FOR IS COMPLETE ATTENTION AND RESPECT!" She screamed at me as I knew this time it wasn't important... At least to me. "Why must you be so impatient?! Do your fans not give you proper attention?!" I asked her seriously as she slapped me again, giving me the same burning sensation. "How DARE you! How DARE you!" She attempted to strike me again, but clearly she, was out of line. I grabbed her hoof and looked at her seriously. "Don't make a mistake your likely to regret." I stared her down with devoted and committed eyes as she burned my hand with her magic, transfering her hoof into a fireball. "Ah!" I exclaimed as I rectracted my hand and held it in pain as she shoved me into a wall and grabbed my throat to yield my violence... Or because of her anger. I began to feel my extremities slowly fail and yield any use at all as my vision slowly became foggy, and my breathing halt. But this was a mistake on her part... You see, I'm the type of man who if you inflict more harm to me, I do not retract, but I cause harm to the aggressor. The more you inflict, the more I inflict. I desparatly grabbed her hoof but then grabbed her throat as well and clenched hard as her grip lessened and lessened. At this point, anger flowed through me like a passionate and vigorous desire, as she began to gasp for air. My eyes then glowed like fire, the inside of my mouth glowed like lava as I looked at her with a cocked head and concerned look. "What's wrong?..." I started, looking at her seriously, "... You don't seem well... Something bothering you?" I asked her sarcastically as I put my mouth to her ear. "I... Don't... Like... Your... Actions..." "... You should be dead by now, but I have mercy for those incompetent about the truth..." I whispered into her ear with the voice of a demon, "... So consider this your lesson of truth..." I smirked and looked at her, giving her a small kiss on the cheek as I let go and returned my expression to serious, my fiery outlook fading as I saw her on the ground, gasping for air as it slowly returned. I reached behind me and put my thick leather coat on, readying if I needed to leave. She looked at me with terror-filled eyes as I reached down and healed her wounds, making it impossible for any trial to hold against no evidence against me... No evidence, no trial, which means no imprisonment... Hm. I looked at the door and then down at her again. "You are at my total and utter mercy... But my piece has been said." I finished as I picked her up, slinging her arms over my shoulder and hearing her mutter words. "Help... Me..." She breathed as I chuckled lightly. I walked over to her bedroom and placed her down onto the bed and looked at her. "Oh Ms. Lulamoon... If only you knew..." I clicked my tongue in slight sadness as I noticed her beginning to pass out. "Don't worry, I' will take care of-" *ZAP* "-you..." I said to myself as I looked around in fear, realizing that I stood in the midst of the city I so despised, the city of Royals and the city of Princess Celestia and Luna. Canterlot Capital. "HEY!" I heard behind me as a pair of guards ran up to me and grabbed my wrist and arm. "What are you doing here without a master?!" He asked as I looked at them both. "Princess Celestia?" I addressed behind them as they looked back and I jolted away from them, pulling the oldest trick in the book on them as I ran and ran. I realized that Trixie herself had condemned me and placed me in my worst of nightmare scenarios. "AFTER HIM! DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY!" He screamed as another pair of guards bolted towards me, this time being pegasus rather than a unicorn and earth pony. "Oh crap." I said to myself as I leaped up two barrels and onto the roof, leaping from building to building as I noticed how close these buildings were from the Canterlot Castle. Where my nightmare resided. "GOTCHA!" One said as they grabbed my arm and I slugged him in the nose, causing a broken nose as well as a large nose bleed as he flew back and fell to the ground, grunting and screaming all the way as the other pegasi stabbed me in the left shoulder with his metal spear, making me scream in pain as he twisted the spear out the other side, making me stumble onto a roof, hitting my shoulder all the way. I pulled out my large, 7-inch combat knife I forged from my own time and resources and leaped onto him, stabbing down into his left eye and into his skull as I got up and pulled the spear out slowly. "AAAAAAGGGGHHHHRRRRRRAAAA JESUS CHRIST!" I screamed and wailed, my tears flowing as I finally pulled it out and tossed it onto the ground, sheathing my knife in the sheath located on my left shoulderblade. I looked behind me to see two more pegasi diving after me as I grabbed the pole and threw it at them, causing them to split up and dodge the spear, giving me a few extra seconds as I lept to the next establishment and then lept down to what seemed like a large glass dome... Quite large indeed. I found myself attacked from two pegasi who came from my right and my left, as I looked down. "Damn." I grunted as I stomped down onto the glass dome, cracking it as the two pegasi reached within 7 feet of me before I cracked through the glass and fell to my doom. But I was blessed and received a large tree to stop my fall momentarily as I fell from that tree about 20 feet down and onto the ground on my back and noticing the second pegasi diving down at me, I rolled to the right and let him land hooves first into the ground as I pulled my knife from it's sheath and stabbed the right side of his neck, blood spurting out as I yanked it out and turned around to notice a large and flourishing garden which reminded me an awful lot like the Canterlot Castle's own Royal Garden. But I couldn't... I shouldn't... And I certainly wouldn't. I heard air wooshing as I turned around and narrowly dodged a spear to my gut as I stopped the pegasi mid-flight and grabbed the back of his neck as I whirled the knife into his head and twisted, pulling it out and letting the body go and leaving a thud once it hit the ground as I turned around instinctively to see 9 more ponies standing in horror as I realized that I made a grave and fatal mistake. These were no ordinary ponies. Four of them were not just ponies... These were Alicorns. Princess Alicorns. "Oh shit." I said to myself as I backed up and stumbled over a body as they stood, shocked at my efforts and horrified at the scene... But I trained for these encounters. I was not afraid of the punishment. I looked up to see 4 more pegasi flooding down as I then was tackled by another from behind me as I landed on top of it and was ready for another skull-stabbing. But this was no pony. This was now a human. "WHO ARE YOU?! WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?!" I screamed at him as the pegasi stood back, aware of my power. "I'M NOT SURE!" He screamed back as I gritted my teeth. "WELL THEN YOUR NOT ON MINE!" I screamed as he winced in preparation of death as he held his hands up. "WAIT!" He yelped as the knife stopped a few inches from his head and I pulled him up from his neck, throwing him to the pegasi. I turned around and began to run the other direction as I knew their was no way out... Unless I found a way. I grabbed a rock from a creek and threw it to the glass 20 feet from me as it practically didn't even scratch it. I turned around slowly to see four pegasi approaching me as I ran towards them but juked them and ran to the left side and dodged them altogether. I ran back to my original spot, my shoulder throbbing in pain as I turned around and backed up, weary and aware of the weapons they wielded. "Stop." I heard behind me as they immediately stopped but remained ready to fight. "If you can't stop him... Then I will." I heard behind me as I looked over my wounded shoulder to see the alabaster white alicorn known as Princess Celestia, with a very angry expression adorn on her face. "Who are you, human?" She said, her magic encompassing me as she held her hoof up and choked me with her magic, the gold aura surrounding me. "You come into my place, my home, and you bring destruction with you... Killing my little ponies as you see fit, is that what you do? A human minister of death?" She asked as I remained silent. My eyes and inner mouth began to glow like lava again, but this time along with the inside of my skin, like someone was flashing a flashlight inside. I looked like I was made of pure lava. At this point in time, her magic began to faulter and quit as she looked at her hoof in a troubled way. "Who are you... To question fate?" I asked as she gritted her teeth and lept onto me, holding my hands and fighting against me. "I am but a humble minister of justice... And your time..." I started as I smirked. "Is over." I headbutted her as she retracted, giving me the upper-hand as I rushed past her and towards the door that lay in front of my freedom. "Don't you dare." She said as I stopped dead in my tracks. I turned around only to see a large ball of magic hurtling towards me as it slammed into me and exploded, making the other ponies run for safety. I now felt as if every bone in my body was broken, and my glow was gone. "Aww... Damnit..." I whined as I tried to get up but failed several times. The white Princess walked over to me and grabbed my throat and smirked. "What a pity. I was in need of a good servant." She said as I was at her mercy. "Sister, wait." I heard a voice as my vision was blurry. "Don't you see?" She asked as Celestia grunted. "See what?!" She said through clenched teeth. "This is no ordinary human... This is the human. The human that the prophecies predicted... He came in such a way, as he was only one to defend himself. Your stone-cold guards are thick-headed, indeed..." "Oh please, just let me kill him." She remained a tunnel-vision as her sister shoved her with her hoof. "The prophecy is to have said that one of pure heart and soul would one day mate with us. Giving us the seed so that we might bear offspring and continue the lineage!" She said as Celestia looked at her sister and then and me again. "But they say of a PONY!" She growled as her sister shook her head. "They never specify! They said that he would come as a warrior, fighting his way to victory as he was though of a kind and wise one, who would one day be our mates!" Her sister, Luna stated a bit more as Celestia looked at her sister a little while longer this time. "I have a hunch, dear sister. My hunches are never wrong... And I'll be damned if I wrong this time." She said as Celestia let me go and I fell to the ground on my side, rolling onto my back. "How would you know this?!" She asked her sister, Luna as she rolled her eyes. "I know these things. I've read the prophecies declared by our own mother and even our father! They predicted these things so, it's in our blood! If you kill him now, we will die off as a race and then the Equestrian Empire will be unstable... Who will we leave these crowns to?" She asked as we heard a loud crack from the stone as I looked up and saw a large chunk, the size of me or larger, chip off. "LOOK OUT!" Luna screamed as I then saw nothing but darkness... Canterlot Castle... Room 7; 1:34 AM... ... I lay in this bed, awakened by the touch of night creeping it's way into my bed as I opened my groggy eyes and blinked a few times to relieve myself of the blurry picture. I set my gaze upon the moon which shown through the windows, the wind caressing the drapes which had been set aside to let the cool breeze flow throughtout the room. I layed, stunned at my surroundings as I jerked to the left to get off the bed, forgetting of my previous injury but now remembering after quite a sum of encouragement from the pain that shot through me as I fell off the bed and landed with a thud, almost screaming from the sheer pain. Almost. I layed on my face as I put my forearms out to prop myself up, but to no avail. I stopped when I heard the sound of slippered hooves walking across the floor as I could do nothing but think for the moment. I looked at the bed and instinctively slid painfully under it as I then straightened myself out, looking at the moonlight blue slippers which were worn by said pony. The hooves stopped at the bed as I layed praying not to be found... ... Or maybe that I needed help?... Hm. My brow filled with sweat as I looked at the hoof which grabbed the drape and lifted it up, as a face came into view with the tip of the horn light gently to see the underside of the bed. I whimpered in fear as I looked away and slid farther back. She could crush me in an instant. I didn't take well to higher-power citizens, or the rulers, god forbid. "What are you doing under there? Out of bed?" She asked as I was careful not to make eye contact. "Come out. It's cold under there, and you don't need a flu as well." I heard in a slight English-accented voice as a hoof reached out but I didn't take the bait. Nor would I. "I said, come out." She pryed again, but all efforts failed as I layed there, trembling and fearful. These princessess were not happy with humans. They themselves approved of the Laws of Humanity, deeming them prejudice against the humans... And that is why I am so scared. I broke many of the Laws. And could immediately be killed... She shook her head and rolled her eyes as the sound of a large door opening up and the sound of another pony walked in. This one, alabaster skin and golden slippers for footwear... I almost cried in horror when I saw the feet of my some-day killer. I feared that those hooves were the last thing I'd ever see. "Where is he?" A stone-cold, female voice asked as I swallowed hard. Luna popped her head back up and walked over. "Under the bed... He's much too scared." She said as I hoped for her not to speak of that. "Oh really? He has the gaul to assault me and then hides under a bed?! Ha! What a coward." She stated as my blood boiled but was then cooled off as she walked over and stood over the side of the bed. "I'm giving you 3 seconds to come out from under there before I make you." "3." "2." "1." She sighed then used her magic and dragged me out from under the bed, as I whimpered at her feet, exposed and weak. "Tsk. The mightest of humans... Now a cowering blob of mass." She said in a snobby way. "Looks like your human isn't all what he's chalked up to be." She said as she then kicked me hard in the side, making me roll over as I'm sure that bruised or even broke a rib as I winced and strained in pain. "Aghss!" I hissed and reeled in pain as I slammed my fist down on the ground and Luna stood, shocked. "Why... Are you surprised?!" I growled through clenched teeth at Celestia's sister. "W-what?" She stuttered, unsure of whether I was speaking to her. "THIS IS WHO SHE IS!" I screamed at Luna but stared into Celestia's eyes with steely resolve as Celestia smirked and scoffed. She picked me up with her hoof wrapped around my hoof and slammed up up against a wall as Luna lept forwards but slammed into Celestia's block field, magic and all. "How dare you slander my name... In front of my own sister?" She looked at me with pure hatred running through her eyes and into my heart. "I speak... Of the... TRUTH!" I grunted as I tried to pry her iron grip off of me as she laughed. "Your so full of horse-buck, you've fooled yourSELF!" She seethed as she slammed me into the wall again. "Sister! Stop! Please!" Luna begged as Celestia budged not an inch. "Oh please, dear sister, it's not like you've never been wrong." She told her, turning her head as I grabbed for my knife in the sheath located on the nightstand. She turned back around as I smirked. "Well then, it's not like your ever right." I smirked and 'drew a blank' as I stabbed her in the side of the head, blood spurting out the side as I pulled the knife out. She fell limp, her grasp ceasing as she fell to the ground in one loud thud... I shook my head in uncertainty as I looked at the dripping blood on the knife. I couldn't believe what I had just done as I dropped the knife onto the ground with a clang as held my hand as Luna looked at me in horror. "Oh no... Why did you do THAT?!" She looked at the body as the blood and parts began to reform into Celestia's head, the blood on the knife being sucked off and finally her head pieced back together as Celestia's eyes were white snow, glowing with a sense of magic. "YOU..." She growled as I looked at her in fear and horror. "Sister don't!" Luna exclaimed as Celestia picked up my weapon and thrusted it towards me, but then the knife stopped a half-inch away. I shut my eyes in regret as I opened the left one, looking at the knife in suspension as it was dangerously close. "Your... Your right.." Celestia said, looking back at her sister as Luna and me gave her strange looks as to why her attitude changed in moments. "This is much too quick." She said as Celestia looked back at me and smirked. "An eye for an eye, human." She growled as she grabbed the knife with her hoof and plunged it into my left eye and twisted as I screamed in pain, the stabbing, bleeding pain. "GAAAAAAHHHH HAAA AAAHHHH!" I wailed in pain as I tried to stop her by pushing her away, but finally she let me go and I dropped to the ground, the knife still in my eye as she pulled it out, my sliced eye coming out with it. "I doubt very much that you are the chosen one... You will be executed in one week. Consider yourself lucky as so." She said as the field disappeared and she walked away from me, dropping the knife in front of me to make me stare at my impaled eye as Luna knelt over me. I cried in pain as I strained and broke a blood vessel in my neck, making it sore as well. "I'M SORRY, JUST MAKE IT STOOOP!" I screamed as I then whimpered in pure pain, the feeling of my left eye, now nothing more than a memory. "Oh my... Oh my god." Luna looked at me, her expression all but horrified as I looked away and growled while panting. I set my gaze back onto the pony who was walking away, as I looked at the knife and grabbed it again, all previous pain fading away like a forgetful memory. I gripped the knife and screamed as I ran towards Celestia, leaping onto her as she turned around mid-flight and landed onto her back as I plunged the knife into her head again and stood back up as I saw guards rushing towards me from both sides. "COME ON COME ON! COME AT ME WITH IT!" ... Twilight's POV... I awoke harshly to the distant scream of... Something... But as to what, I had no idea... Strange. The castle is... Quite large and far off the ground, I doubt ANY sound would break through... Hmm... Makes me wonder, y'know? I never really liked living in castles as much as I thought I would, but I still miss the little red oak tree-house. Homely... Y'know? It's warm surroundings could never be replaced by that of a castle. Castles were for ponies and other who enjoyed the high life. Don't get me wrong, living in a castle with the six greatest friends in the whole wide world is AMAZING to say the least, it's just... I never imagined living in a castle, and neither did I even consider the notion. I mean it's not like I thought, 'Hey someday I'll live in a castle!'. Who thinks about that on a daily or even weekly basis? Nopony! Are you kidding me? Castles are for royalty, fancy-insane-rich ponies, and those in HUGE amounts of power. Like royalty. Princess Celestia, her sister, and Princess Cadenza are the only ones who live in a castle because of royalty. I don't know nothin' about her servant, that Jacob-Something or whatever, but he must enjoy living there. The Princess is so nice, I mean, who wouldn't enjoy her company? I would. Anyone who didn't would either be mad, prejudice, or just plain dumb. She's done so much for others, I don't think she even has time to think about the things she wants... Safe to say the same about her sister. I mean she doesn't have as many, as she is the younger sister... but she has her responsibilities. She has the moon to take care of, she has the many, many tasks of small importance to take care of that Celestia couldn't or else be overwhelmed. Though the little things are not without strenuous work as well. One little thing here, another there, soon there’s dozens of these little tasks to be done. But as though all those in royalty, (Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadenza), do share the militaristic knowledge of the country as well as those militaristic leaders. Who am I kidding, it's not easy to be a princess... Or a prince. But prince would be cool. I could do whatever I want! At the mercy of another, ha-ha! “Spike?” “AHH!” I jolted as I looked behind me to see Twilight looking to me with a groggy expression, bed-mane and all. “What are you doing up so late? Why aren't you asleep?” She asked as I looked at the ground and scratched my head. “Something... Ehh... Woke me up. I then got thinking 'bout stuff... Did I wake you up?” I asked as I pointed to her with my claw. “No,” She started and shook her head, “I was woken up as well. I don't know why, but something feels strange... I don't know what it is.” “Me neither... Now I'm hungry.” I replied as Twilight nodded, “Me too.” She agreed as we looked at each other for a moment before our stomachs growled. We giggled silently and covered our mouths as we moved silently towards the kitchen. We took a left, then a right, and a right again before I opened the large door and moved in silently as Twilight followed. She shut the door and then we stood side-by-side, looking at the large, castle-like kitchen as we tried to figure out what we wanted. I guess we were so focused on hungry that we forgot what we felt like. “I feel like soup, what about you?” She asked me as I shrugged. “Sandwich, I guess.” I nodded as I looked at her and she nodded as well. “Well then let's get to work.” She said as I smirked and nodded. Grabbing all the necessary condiments for a good sandwich included, but not limited to; Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, some spices, maybe some Brussels sprouts, and finally, but not least, some crystal bits for flavor. Can't forget those bits. Mm mm, they are good. Then I grabbed a knife from the kitchen drawer, (once I found it), and began putting on the necessary condiments for the sandwich. “Alrighty...” I patted myself on the back as I began expertly spreading them and adding the seasonings. “How is your soup going?” I asked as I looked over my shoulder. “Good... Just a few more minutes.” She smiled as I stopped what I was doing and grabbed a bit of water, adding in a bit of ruby bits for that sweet flavor. And it fizzes in your mouth, too. I sipped it a bit and placed it down next to the plate before I exhaled in satisfaction and resumed my making a sandwich as I stopped to think of why I felt so strange. “What are you both doing?” We heard a voice as we jumped to see a groggy Rainbow Dash, her feathers ruffling as she squinted her eyes in tiredness and extended her neck. “Um...” Twilight began as I took over. “We're just making some food. Y'know, midnight snack?” I said as Twilight nodded. “Yeah.” She finished as Dash nodded. “Okay. It's just that you two made some noise, I decided to check it out, that's all.” She replied. But that was not why I felt so strange. “Twilight, do you feel strange at all?” I asked her as Dash looked at us strangely. “N... Y... Yeah?” She stopped and looked at me over her shoulder. “Why do you ask?” She petitioned as I shrugged. “I dunno... I guess it was that human thing little while ago...” I shrugged as Dash walked into the conversation. “You mean... That human thing?” She asked as Twilight responded. “Yeah... I've never seen a human move like that... Nor have I ever seen a human so strong-willed at what he was doing... It's as if he wasn't stopped, he'd take over the whole country, single-hoofedly... Strange.” I heard as I chimed in. “Yeah... But he looks familiar. I've seen him at 4 auctions already. Humans never got that far.” I said as they both nodded. “And all of them were somehow cheated.” Dash sighed in disgust. “Yeah... But 78,000 bits was a high price to set.” She finished as I put my talon up to my chin. “But wasn't he special in some way?” I suggested as Twilight nodded. “Yeah, he was... I don't know how he was special in any other way that just expensive, though.” She replied while shrugging. “I heard he was... The leader of something. Like a BIG leader who had lots of power.” Dash said as we raised an eyebrow in wonder. “Hey, I read books sometimes!” She said as we still remained in wonder. “Heard he was some guy who was special... I don't know.” “Michael Dreamrider! That's his name that's been so popular among the crowd! I remember now! He was the leader of a group named... Aw man, I forgot. But I heard he was so expensive because of how well he was at a servant. He was polite, strong, smart, and skilled. But he all said it was because he was 'blessed' somehow. I don't know... He's practically called a living god from the other humans, from what I heard.” I said as Twilight looked at me strangely. “Don't you be gettin' a human on me, little one.” She said as I sighed in defeat. I would never enslave a human just for my own wants. That's just cruel. “He's right, y'know,” Dash started, “He is the highest-paying human in the country. There are about 800,000 million citizens and about 2 million humans. The second most expensive human was 32,000 bits. Nowhere near the amount of 76,000.” She finished as we nodded. “You think we should ask?” I looked at Twilight. “Yeah,” She answered back instantly as she teleported some ink, a paper, and a feather pen at the ready. “Dear Celestia,” She started... Dear Celestia, Hello there, it's me Twilight sending you this message... I'm sending you this letter so early in the morning in regard of the incident which happened quite a while ago... Maybe not that long ago, but quite a sum ago nonetheless. Anyway, I am speaking of the human incident. The one that devastated 6 solder's families? Yes. That one. From my knowledge, and, it is my duty to inform my friends, that the human that you have in custody is the human known as Michael Dreamrider. I am not sure as to what his status is amongst humans is exactly, but what I do know is this: His name is Michael Dreamrider, and he is part of a group which leads the other humans to some common goal. Whether this goal is beneficial to the pony race or not, he leads the entire human race. He is to all, if not, most, considered a living god amongst the people. Very high, indeed. He was purchased at a base price of 49,000 bits, but the price was raised 29,000 bits to 78,000, where somepony bought him at the large, and almost outrageous price... Almost. The price itself is, from the other ponies around, worth every bit. From what I've heard, he is what every human-owner wants. He's strong, intelligent, smart, and very skilled, as well as polite. I know, as a princess, I should own a human, but I don't feel that is right, seeing as how I am the bearer of the Element of Magic and Friendship. It would go against my morals, as I've told you. Now I know it isn't the best thing to tell from me, but if I were you, I would not let said human go very easily. I know types like him... I almost married one. Needless to say, he is very special. He is the all-powerful ruler of the humans... He could lead the revolt which one day may turn the tides, Celestia. From our knowledge, humanity is itching to strike back from beyond the outer walls... If I am right, if we don't change the way he looks at things a little more to our benefit, he could single-hoofedly bring Equestria to it's knees with the amount of power he wields in his heart and mind. As cunning as he is dashing, he won't stop there. We are blessed to have a human to lead the other humans who is not a tyrant and a cold-hardhearted ruler... Take what I mean seriously, Celestia. I know what I mean. Twilight, Your Faithful Companion … “Aaaaannnnd... There we go! All done.” I said as Twilight sighed in accomplishment. “Good. Send it off.” She said as I nodded and inhaled as I opened my mouth and breathed the traditional green fire from my mouth and blew into the rolled letter as it disappeared in the flame off to the Princess. When she would get back was quite random, at some times. But she is a princess, after all. ConfrontationI trotted over anxiously as I smiled to the friendly conductor while boarding the train with my friends... Oh how I would follow them anywhere... To the gates of Tartarus, to the beginning of heaven, I would be there with them, right by their side. Where they need me. Where I belong... Anyway, the train ride seems longer than it actually is, though it is only an hour train ride from where my castle was located. “Twilight?” Rarity spoke to me as we sat down around the first-class car room. “Yes?” I replied as she sat next to me and looked at me with uncertainty. “Are you alright? Do you feel well to do this? I know this has to be a difficult task... She is the ruler of Equestria... Do you require something?” “... Hhh... I don't know... I-I don't want to force her... I-I mean she has enough stress... After all, I know her almost as well as her sister... Some consider me her half-sister... And I guess I am... I've known her all my life, since I was a little filly...” I looked down in remembrance of times past. Whether they were good or not... That still was being decided. “Never would I have imagine that I would have to tell her things eye to eye... She's done so much, and I, so little... I don't know what I'm doing...” I said, now addressing the many problems which plague me. “I don't know if I can stop it...” I began, “... But I know that I will try.” I looked back up at Rarity and the others as they talked amongst themselves... I truly didn't know what to do. If it was just to try to convince her otherwise, then so be it... If anything, I can make the excuse of wanting to visit her since it has been so long... All we do now is just send letters to each other... I need to see her face to face again. It's just been too long... … But I have a mission... And I plan to fulfill it. Canterlot, Trixie's POV... “… Michael...” … “Michael... Why?” I cried as I sat in a mess, a small puddle of tears forming as I hiccuped and looked to the sky, as if it was calling me. “You must be Trixie...” A voice accompanied me as I looked down to eye level to see Princess Celestia standing in wait. “Oh! Y-Yes ma'am... I am Trixie.” I said, shooting up but then looking down as if my name was of no more worth... Maybe it wasn't. “You seem to have known that human... Was he of some importance?” She asked, but unbeknownst to me, she was lying through her teeth. “Yes!... Yes he was... He was my servant... And the best one I've ever seen... He was... So nice and friendly...” I began. “And then I killed him!” I sobbed in my hooves as she put her wings around me and hugged me. “No no no... You didn't kill him... He killed himself... It's not your fault, my little pony... Sometimes you must let go of things you otherwise cannot hold.” She said as I cried hard into her fur. “But why him!” I cried as Celestia sighed in concern and sorrow. “I don't know... He was not anything like what you described when he acted so... irrationally.” She replied in tones so caring and mature. “But I know he wouldn't do that!... I know he wouldn't... I know...” I trailed off as Celestia clicked her tongue. “Death is a sad thing...” She said as I nodded sadly. I heard rapid hoofsteps run towards our position as I looked back to see a guard, out of breath and stumbling in exhaustion. “Princess.. human... aw... He's...” The guard panted as Celestia looked at him. “Take a deep breath... Now let it out.” She said as the guard did what she said and exhaled slowly. “I bring you information about the human who was killed.” He said as Celestia gave him a look of annoyance. “Yes?” She said as the guard shook his head in disbelief. “The human...” “... He's alive.” Friendship Express, Twilight's POV... “Ugh. So bored. If it was going to be this long I would've brought one of my Daring Doo books... jeez.” Rainbow Dash complained as we rolled our eyes... Like I've noted, it's only one hour away from Canterlot. “Can't ya find something to do?” Applejack asked as Dash rolled her eyes. “No! It's been like, 3 hours!” She exaggerated. “No it hasn't, silly filly, it's only been 49 minutes and 57 seconds!” Pinkie noted as we all stared at her in uncertainty. “Do you have some kinda clock inside you or what?” Dash asked strangely. “Well, I once swallowed a clock once!” Pinkie smiled as we looked at her strangely. “Don't even want to know.” I said as she smiled even more... And laughed. “Well I think that this train ride should help you cope with your impatience, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity noted. “Mhm, and besides, maybe you'll end up like having nothing to do. You don't have to think about anything, or do anything, or anything.” Fluttershy also noted. “... Hm. Well I still say I should carry an emergency Daring Doo book just in case.” She pouted as the train whistle blew loudly and we slowly headed to a stop. “What? That's it?” Dash looked out the window and I shook my head and rolled my eyes in defeat. She impossible sometimes. “Yes Dash, that's it. It's only an hour or around that.” I sighed in defeat. “Sweet!” She flew out of the window and floated above the ground, the ground being the brick road of Canterlot... Something I've not seen for a long time. “Well... Here we are.” I exhaled in uncertainty and wonder... It's been so long since I've been here, and I've been so busy, I almost forgot what it's like... The walls... The citizens... The architecture... Everything. “Well everypony... you know why we are you, don't you?” I walked forwards and turned around to face them as they gave me their attention and sat silently. “... Well, alright...” I started, “... We are here because of the execution which will take place sometime in the near future... We are here to stop it. I believe that capital punishment is unacceptable, considering that this is Equestria... These human have... Made us think differently about what we do and such...” “We've practically changed and created a large document of guidelines to show the humans how they need to go about their lives. The Laws of Humanity is what humans should and should not do...” “But I believe that it should never have to come to execution.” “That is why we are here... So if you have any objections, the train is still here.” I said as I looked down, hoping they wouldn't have any objections. “C'mon Twi, we're not gonna leave you!” Dash said as Pinkie bounced. “No were not!” Pinkie shouted. “Heavens no, we are your friends, Twilight, friends don't leave each other.” Rarity finished and smiled as I did the same. “Thank you all, your so kind...” I hugged them in a group hug again and exhaled in preparation. “Shall we?” Rarity motioned to walk forwards to address the problem soon. “Yes... We shall.” I said as the rest followed me down the roads, taking directions from many different ponies as they pointed us to the castle. They thought of it so strange that a princess would walk without either some protection or in a carriage. I wasn't a stuffy princess. I was just a princess. Plain and simple... how I got to that, I don't even know. It's just a blurry, clouded mess. I DON'T KNOW! “Twilight, I think I see it.” Fluttershy said as I looked up from my trance and saw the large Canterlot Castle, standing proud as ever as it seemed to get a new touch-up of paint. “It's so... cool.” Dash said excitedly. “So... Lavish.” Rarity noted. “Strong, Ah say.” Applejack stated proudly. “It's just so different.” Fluttershy cocked her head. “AND PARTY-SIZE BIG!” Pinkie shouted and jumped while spinning. “And was once home.” I said as they looked at me as I nodded. “Better believe it girls, I once lived here. It's was different indeed... Somehow I was considered different, so I guess I fit in the category well.” I said as they remained silent, their gaze set upon something else. “Is that who I think it is?!” Dash said, flying above us as we looked ahead to see a familiar pony, looking for something, obviously lost. “Trixie?!” I said aloud in disbelief as she looked towards the sound. “Trixie! It's me! Twilight!” I said as she looked at me with sorrow. “Hello again Twilight... 'tis I, Trixie, as you say...” She said glumly. “What's with you?” Dash asked. “Somethin' or somepony on yer mind, sugarcube?” Applejack asked as well. “OH YES! IT'S TERRIBLE!” She burst into tears and fell as we looked at her in awkwardness. We felt... As if we had done something to upset her. “What's wrong, Trixie?” I leaned down to her. “Michael... That's what's wrong!” She said as I looked at her strangely and looked back at my friends in uncertainty. “Wait... His name wouldn't be Michael Dreamrider, would it?” I asked as she looked at me and got up. “How-How did you know?” She asked, tears still falling. “Because... I did a lot of research on the humans, and found him quite a bit... did a little reading.” I replied. “... So what's up?” I asked her as she sniffled and looked down. “Michael's been hurt...severely... A-And I can't contain myself... I just want him to be okay!” She said, looking around for something. “What's he to you?” I asked as she looked at me in disappointment. “He's is my most faithful servant... a-and now I've killed him!” She cried again as we tried to comfort her. But nothing worked... “Are you looking for him?” I asked as she nodded. “He's got to be in the hospital, if anywhere. Are you looking for the hospital?” I asked her as she nodded quickly. “Yes I am, where is it?” She asked as we waved her to follow us. “So you got a servant?” I asked her as she nodded. “He cost me 78,000 bits... He's the best they've ever sold... I wanted the best.” She replied, sadly and proudly. “Wow... I read about that... Wasn't he supposed to be that way because of how he acted?” I asked her as she nodded. “Yes... After he was sold to me, he told me, in front of all these ponies, thanking me for the large purchase, and how he didn't know his own worth until I bought him... It was so sweet...” “All I want is to have him back... I consider him a close friend... And I treat him badly... But please don't tell him I told you that.” She said as I nodded. “Thank you... Is this it?” She pointed as I nodded again and motioned for us to move. “Let's go!” She bolted quickly and sprinted towards it as we did the same, keeping pace with her. We slowed down and trotted through the doors as we walked up to a receptionist and got her attention. “Yes-oh! Princess Sparkle! W-What a surprise to see you here!” She said as I looked at her in concern. “Were looking for a human.” I told her. “Well... What is his name?” She asked as I inhaled. “Michael Dreamrider. 6 foot 1 inch, emerald green eyes, and light brown hair. He was rushed in here recently, yes?” Trixie said, covering his features descriptively. “Ah yes, Mr. Dreamrider, he's been rushed to the ER for surgery... He supposedly had something stuck in his neck and had to rush him into their quickly... That's all I know. That doctor knows more, he found the thing through X-ray.” She pointed as we trotted quickly over to him. “Are you the doctor who x-rayed the human with the piece of metal in his throat?” Trixie asked quickly as he looked at her and nodded. “Yes I am. What is it you need?” “We need to know if he's going to be okay.” I stated. “Well, I can tell you this: they rushed him because of a metal piece which began to make it's way towards his pulmonary artery, slowly but surely... The object cut deep. They rushed him into the ER and he's been there for about an hour. Whether he'll make it is in the balance...” “But were hoping that he will. I've heard some things about him... Lots of ponies asking questions... Someponies actually have been wanting to meet him... Me included.” He said as we nodded. “Thank you so much, doctor.” I said as Trixie went to the observation area for the ERs. “Whooves. Doctor Whooves. He's in Room 8.” The doctor told us her as she walked desperately down the hallways. We followed Trixie down the hallways and called her name, but received silence as we then looked right to see her staring into the glass-windowed pane along with other humans, trembling as we looked through to see humanity's only savior, lying across the table in sad array. We then looked at the surgeons as they began to speedily work to accomplish something, as I looked at the monitor to see the heart rate flat-lining as they worked frantically to stop whatever was happening... It was like this for almost 4 minutes. “No...” Dash said as the human convulsed violently before ultimately stopping, the surgeons shrugging and shaking their heads in defeat as I looked at the human and began to cry in sadness for him... He didn't even know that he went. “N-No... No. NO!” Trixie cried as the surgeons stopped their work and began to file out, letting the other know what just happened. “What went wrong?” One asked as they filed out, their suits off as they shrugged. “Dunno... Just that it did... Guess it was his time... You knew him?” One asked us. “Yes... I did.” Trixie said, swallowing her tears as they then forced themselves out again and she wailed, the surgeons giving us our space as the human lay there, motionless. Trixie burst into the room once they left as we followed her in. “Michael! MICHAEL NOOO!” She screamed as he lay there, blood over his clothing as the monitor gave out a steady buzz of defeat as we cried with her... Death was a sad thing... And we all hated it. “He was so... happy... all the time... Michael please! Don't leave us! DON'T LEAVE ME NOW!” She screamed as her tears fell without ceasing, her trembling body observing the sad specter of death as we revered the once powerful and mighty human, now nothing but a result of death's final laugh as we cried our hearts away. “You... You bastard... How could you?” The female woman said through tears, slamming her fist on the glass as I'm sure she knew him in some way more personally. If only we could've done something... Then maybe it wouldn't be so sad... “It's so sad... I've never seen worse...” Dash said as we all felt the powerful surge of magic go through us as it left his body... We Alicorns can feel such things. The mighty human who was once destined for things greater, as Luna spoke of, now nothing but flesh as his spirit seemed to lift to the heavens, only to stop and look at us and cry as well as he gave his last goodbye to this world... … He was so young... Not even an adult human, as he barely started out his life... To take the life of one so young and so pure... It almost sickens me... it does sicken me... He would've been the mate of our rulers, Celestia and Luna... if only his life were here to stay... But he was called up by higher and greater beings, the gods and kings of the here-after... “C'mon Trixie... Let's go... We have to let them do their job...” Fluttershy said as we looked at the coroners who came and stood on the sidelines to take the body away as we filed out and cried on our way out. “I-I... I can't... Believe it... He's actually gone.” Trixie said as we head hoofsteps running down the hallways, only for us to see that it was Princess Luna herself. “W-What’s going on?!” She said frantically as she observed the sight, covering her mouth with her hooves in shock and in sadness, as she too, observed the sad prospect of death, the human who was once so great... “No... No it can't be!” She said, her tears of frustration and of sadness came as we nodded in acknowledgment. “It is, Luna...” “He's gone.” I said as she sat down in sadness and looked down. “Sister... what have you done?” She asked herself as we focused on making sure Trixie was well... Making sure she would do something she would regret... Hoping she was still of sound mind... But I know she wasn't. I wouldn't after all this... In fact, I wasn't... None of us ponies were... Nor were the humans, as they cried silently at the sight, holding their necklaces in a regretful ritual as they all cringed in sadness, embracing themselves and others as Michael I. Dreamrider, the human who was destined for things above, now found as nothing at all... Dead, on a cold, metal bench. “I can't believe it... ol' Michael's really gone...” “No, he is not, young ones... Trust me.” A human said as we observed an older human who was too old to be a servant. “He's right there, dead as ever! Don't tell me he's not dead!” A female, one who was led from the castle earlier, spoke up. “Do not doubt him, Ellie... I think you know him far too well for that.” The elderly human said as I walked up to him. “Who are you?” I asked him as he looked down at me. “Yes, I would like to know, mister, who are you?” She asked him and got in his face as he laughed. “Why... I'm surprised! Don't you remember me?” He asked as she scoffed in rejection. “No I don't and how dare you come in here and tell me he's alive! Do you know how I felt about him? Do you?!” She screamed and cried as she held herself... I suspected that she knew him more than just the norm. “I... am his grandfather.” The human stated as the others scoffed in disbelief. “Phillip Dreamrider.” He said as they all looked at him strangely. “He doesn't have one!” One human said as the rest agreed in sadness, mumbling as the did so. “Ah but he does...” The elderly pulled out a necklace and the humans looked at it in awe. Obviously handcrafted... Whether it meant something or not, it was definitely important. “Now, do you believe me when I say I think you know him too well, Ms. Ellie?” “I... I... don't... I don't... know.” She said, the strong accent, similar to Luna's, but much stronger, stood out to me. “Yes... You do know.” “Michael is in there... Somewhere... I know it. I can feel it.” He said as Michael laid there... Motionless... “How do you know?” Rarity asked as Phillip looked down at her. “It's because of who he is... Nothing could kill him as a kid... We sheltered him and trained him too well... I know it's illegal, and I doubt anyone cares, but he has a large flame of magic within him...” “... That magic have survived all the Dreamriders, as we passed it down from line to line... His father, god bless his soul, died... doing the very same thing...” “... But he was born on May 7th, the day of the war... We knew right then who he was going to be and who was going to lead us... His great-great-great-great-great-GREAT grandfather, was Michael the First...” “The first human... We named him Michael after his ancestor, Michael The First...” He continued. “Why do you call him 'The First'?” Trixie asked. “Because... He was The First... Michael The First Human... And the First Dreamrider... His name spoke instilled power, his ideals, inspired hope, and his words, spoke dreams... Michael I. Dreamrider, the man you see in there, exactly everything that you would see in the First, you would see in him...” “And even more.” “Y-y... You mean that... That's why he was named Michael?” Ellie asked as Phillip nodded. “Yes... He is the chosen one. The one who will lead us into freedom... to our greatest dreams... Just as The First did.” He smiled as he turned around and walked away, us gawking at him in awe as he left with only one thing to say... “Watch him. He may get tricky.” He finished and chuckled as we looked back to see Michael was not on the table. “What the fuck?!” One human spoke what was on all our minds. “He's gone!” Another spoke as Ellie burst into the room through the side door and looked down. I walked in their after her quickly and observed that Michael was on the ground, his entire body glowing as if his blood were of lava. “M-Michael?” Ellie mumbled as his right hand closed ever so slowly into a fist as the left hand did the same. His body slowly began to turn over, his eyes shut as Ellie looked at him in disbelief. “... Michael?” She said to him, kneeling over and putting her hand on his chest and listening for a heartbeat. Her expression didn't change for a while... … But then suddenly, it did. He eye shot open wide as he eyes fluttered to life. I opened the side door quickly with my magic as I leaned out. “GET HELP! QUICKLY!” I yelled as I then closed the door to see two humans going to get help as I looked to see a small white shard of something come out of his through, glowing and shining white as it lowered into my hoof and stopped shining. It was silver... Metallic. Sharp. The sliver of metal which was stuck in his throat, somehow is now in my hoof. “Michael! Are you alright?” She asked as he looked at her slowly, his eyes half open as she cried in happiness, as Trixie burst in. “Trixie don't! You don't want to hurt him!” I said urgently as she stood there in disbelief as Michael slowly stirred to life and the humans watched intently. “Michael? It's me, Ellie... Remember?” She said as the right hand on his stomach reached over and touched hers, gently grasping it as he smiled weakly, his throat still open, but somehow, not bleeding. “Where is he?” A pair of surgeons in full suits burst in as he looked at me. “No need... It's out.” I showed them the shard as they looked in disbelief. “Good good, but now we need to patch the wound, everypony out.” The unicorn surgeon said as we nodded. “Alright, let's get him up.” The doctor said as Ellie picked up his legs and helped the doctors in lifting him. He looked quite large and heavy. He looked at me as he was going up and mouthed the words, “Thank you”, to me... I never felt like I was ever better... He thanked me and Ellie for what we did as the doctors put him under anesthesia through a face-breather which went over his mouth and nose. I walked out of the room with Ellie as I looked back once more, hoping he would be alright. and closed the door to the room. “I-is he going to be okay?” Rarity asked as Trixie looked at me as well for answers. “Yes... I think so.” I showed them the piece and smiled. “He sure will...” I smiled even more as Ellie turned to me. “I never thought I'd say this to another pony... But thank you. That took guts as well as feelings to do what ya did... Considering your a princess and all.” She said as I shook my head. “No, what I did is what I was supposed to do... I love to help others, and will not stop until I have to... I just hope he's going to be okay... But I know he will.” I said as she scoffed in agreement. “He better, after all he put me through...” She trailed off and I smiled. “Thank you... Ellie. I know what you did and just said to courage and forgiveness towards all of us... On behalf of ones who oppose human slavery... I thank you.” I said as they looked at me differently. “You... Don't have a human?” She asked. “No. None of us do. We represent the Elements of Harmony... Loyalty, Kindness, Laughter, Honesty, Generosity, and Magic... Owning a human would be going behind the Elements' back and backstabbing everything we hold dear as a moral principle...” “... So, no, we don't condone human-auctions or the right to own a human.” I finished as the rest of the humans looked at us in surprise. “Hm... Well... Alright. We look at you differently now, Ms Sparkle. We know who you are...A little... We also would like to thank you for not supporting the human owning like some others do.” Ellie said as she looked at Luna. “And if it of any help, if you need anything, the Dreamriders would be proud to do a good job for you. Our treat.” She smirked as I smiled. “Thank you, Ellie... That means a lot to me... I'm sure Michael would be proud right now.” I said as she nodded. “But I would like to get the scoop on Michael... Just to know who he is inside, and I'm guessing you know him?” I asked her as she nodded and looked at Michael again. “Yes... I know he remembers me now since his mind isn't focused on anything right now...” “So I was just wondering if... You wanted to go get something to eat or something?” I asked her as she nodded. “Sure. Sounds good... I just hope he gets well soon.” She said, looking at him and then looking down before she shook her head and looked back up. “Where would you like to go?” She asked me as I shrugged. “We could just go get some coffee or something.” Dash said as Ellie accepted the idea. “Sounds good.” I said as Ellie smiled. “Shall we?” I said as Ellie motioned for us to lead the way... She was so nice... I wondered why... Was it because of Michael? Or... Me? I didn't know... Maybe it was a combination of multiple different things. We looked to the one of the coroners in charge to know what time the operation would be done. “Excuse me, when will the surgery be done?” I asked as they thought for a moment. “It should only take... About 40 minutes... But the anesthesia will have to wear off and that alone will take about 2 hours at the most.” The one on the right said as we smiled and thanked him kindly. “Well. That should give us about 2 and a half hours to do whatever we want.” Ellie said as I nodded. “Will you tell us or dispatch somepony when he is awake?” Trixie asked as the ponies nodded. We smiled and thanked them as we headed down the hallways to exit the hospital... It was going to be a while. “D... Do you mind if I join you?” Luna asked me as I smiled. “Of course you can! We wouldn't leave you stranded, Luna.” I said as Ellie gave a look of disapproval. “Is something wrong?” Rarity asked Ellie as I looked at her. “It's just that Michael's worst enemy is Princess Celestia... And now her sister stands in front of me. I'm not okay even being near you. I bet your buddy-buddy with your sister, aren't you? You just stood there when it went down.” Ellie said as I wondered what she meant when she said “it went down”... I hope nothing bad happened. “W-Well I-I don't really have a human, he's my sister's servant, I-I” “If your not for us, your against us... But I won't make the same choices as Michael... That's his responsibility... To lead us. I cannot do it.” She said as I looked down and nodded. “Can't she go with us, Ellie?” Fluttershy asked as Ellie shrugged. “I don't care, she can do what she wants.” Ellie said as I smiled. “Thanks.” “Don't mention it.” Ellie mumbled in annoyance as we exited the hospital, the rest of the humans following far behind as the talked amongst each other. We walked amongst the streets as we tried to find someplace to sit down and chat amongst each other. Finally we found a coffee shop... Thank the gods, we were out there for about 30 minutes... “JEEZ! We were searching for-EVER!” Dash exclaimed as we rolled our eyes. “Look on the bright side, at least we shaved off 30 or so minutes of time.” I said as Ellie nodded. “Michael's probably just getting out of surgery by now... I hope he's going to be well. Sometimes it takes more than just medicine to help people... And in this case, he needs all the help he can get” She said as we all nodded. After that little note she spoke of, we ordered some coffee for ourselves as I paid with a check. I had so many bits anyways, since I was a princess... I wonder why... I don't know... “Twilight, where's Spike?” Dash asked me. “I left him to take care of the castle while I was gone... He likes the alone time, anyway.” “I would imagine living inside a large castle alone would be quiet.” Trixie said as I nodded. “Very. Most of the times it's just me and that's it, making the castle seem that much larger.” “Do you like living in a castle?” Ellie asked me as I nodded. “Yes, I do... but it doesn't quite replicate the comforts of home when your not in your own personal room... And even then, it's still not the same... But I like it, along with my friends.” “Yeah... But jeez, you should see Rarity's room, it's like what a castle room looks like in the magazines! It's like... I dunno... It's just that way.” Dash said, emphasizing that as the key word. “And in this case, that way is what way?” Ellie asked. “Just that way.” Dash said as Rarity blushed and chuckled like someone told her an inside joke... … But as to what the inside joke was, (if you get my meaning), I have no idea. “Well, you know, a mare must treat herself to mare-like things...” She smiled and looked down in thought. “Well, if it's to any help, I know how you feel.” Luna said as Rarity nodded. “Why not live or at least sleep well? Sleep comfortably or at least have a nice room to reside in...” Rarity spoke as Luna nodded in acknowledgment “So... Ellie... What do you know about Michael?” Rarity asked her as Ellie inhaled to speak. “Well... I've known him for a while... Everyone thinks he's older than he really is... Just watch. How old do you think he is?” She asked us as we thought for a moment. “29.” Dash replied. “I think so too.” Fluttershy agreed. “He has to be at least 30 or so.” Rarity spoke. “Ah think he's 26 or 27.” Applejack shot up. “I think he's 30!” Pinkie bounced. “I'd have to say he's about 26 or so.” I said as Ellie scoffed. “He's 17.” Ellie announced as our jaws dropped like bricks. “No.” Rarity said and gasped. “Yes... I'm 21, and I've known him for as long as I can remember... He always had a crush on me as a kid... It was so cute... But I could never reciprocate the feelings, as when he was 12, and he ran away, I never saw him again... I was 16. Such feelings would be looked down on, but now... It's entirely different.” “... I just wish I hadn't lost sight of him as a child... I didn't know how much I lost until I saw him again... He's successful, strong, cunning, dashing as a human could be... He's polite... Kind... Sweet as ever... And from what I heard from other humans, he's a romanticist... And a well-informed one, too.” Ellie said as Trixie gasped. “That’s why he's got so many romantic books! He even bought a book on how to be romantic... I think it's called “10,000 Ways to say 'I love you'.”... Gee... I never knew... I-I'm sorry for what happened...” Trixie announced as Ellie waved it off. “Don't be... I should'a been there when he needed me... see, I was like his big sister, y'know, being older and such?... Well now it doesn't matter. I'm just an equal to him now... Which surprisingly opens many doors that I wanted open years ago...” She said and smiled and blushed a tad as she looked down. “But he's still 17, and he's got all of humanity on his shoulders... Something that we could never do, even together... That's why he's so... Strong. He's a Dreamrider... Michael the Second. Born on May 7th, as you know, he's definitely special...” “He's to us as important... No, he is more important the Michael the First because he is alive and now leading us, 400 years later...” She began as she looked down. “I just hope he'll be okay!” She whispered through tears, looking up as she covered her mouth and closed her eyes. We began to walk over to comfort her, but she held up her hand to halt us. “I-I'm... I'm okay... Just... Gimme a moment, okay?” She said as we respected her wishes and sat quietly. “You seem... very attached to Michael.” Trixie said as she nodded. “I was his big sister for 8 years... And now the only time I get to see him, and he's already dying...” She said and shook her head. “... I don't know what you are going through, but I have become quite attached to Michael as well... Even though he is my servant, he acts as though I'm the only thing on his mind at all times...” “... Yeah... That's Michael... Never thinking about himself when he needs to... Silly boy...” She said as she realized he wasn't a boy anymore. “... I just... I hope he's going to be out soon...” She said as I noted through my internal watch of magic that almost an hour and a half had gone by. “Well... he should be out soon. It's been almost one and a half hours.” I notified them as they nodded. “Hey, maybe we should check in on them, hm? Maybe we should make sure on the progress?” Rarity noted as we nodded in agreement. “Sounds like a plan.” Fluttershy replied. “Well then let's go.” Luna said as we all got up and began to make our way back to the hospital... Since we knew where to go and where we are going, (if that is the right way to say it), it only took us about 15 minutes to walk back. By then it was almost two hours. We walked through the doors and up to the receptionist. “Hello again! Come to check up on him, have we?” She said as we all nodded. “Well, he got out about 15 minutes ago... The doctor is in his room right now. Room 144. You'll find it.” She smiled as we did exactly that. We snaked around the hallways and found room 144... “Okay...” Ellie said, readying herself as Trixie walked in, Ellie following close behind. “Doctor?” Trixie addressed him as he looked back suddenly and quickly, obviously shocked. “Yes?” He looked at the rest of us as we walked in, his eyes widening as Princess Luna walked in last. “How is now?” “Well, the patch-up went well, the wound is slowly healing, and he is recovering from both the surgery and the anesthesia... When he is to awaken, we expect in the next hour or so... The anesthesia will wear off then... As for when he will be able to speak...” He exhaled sadly. “N-no...” Trixie said as he nodded sadly. “We predict... considering the injury...” He turned and glanced at Michael as he then turned back around to look at us. “... He won't speak again. The object, we suspect a knife, slit his larynx and trachea severely... His vocal cords have been cut badly... He most likely won't be speaking again... But if he does make a miracle recovery, then... maybe.” The doctor finished. “N-no... It can't be.” Trixie cried. “Well... I'll leave you all be...” The doctor said as he nodded and walked out of the room, leaving us in complete silence with Michael... I hope he'll be able to speak again. “Oh god... I feel so terrible.” Luna broke down as we looked at her. “Why?” Dash asked what we all thought. “This is all my fault... I should've stopped it!” She cried and covered her hooves as I walked over. “Stopped what, Luna? Tell me... It's okay.” I told her as she sniffled and removed her hooves from her eyes as Ellie came over. “M-My sister... After the incident, he woke up and then hid under the bed he was laying on, a-and then my sister... She... tried to choke him, but then... Then he stabbed the side of her head with that knife!” “H-He didn't know that mortal weapons can't kill immortal beings! And so she... She reformed and then... She stabbed his left eye and... he lost his eye! That's why he has an eye-patch... And then he was th-thrown in the dungeon...” “After that, I had a meeting with Ellie and the rest of the humans about the Laws of Humanity... Celestia thought it best that Michael sit in, being as how he was the leader of the humans, but then things went wrong and... she tried to kill Ellie...” “... But then he saved her, at the cost of his own life and then had his throat slit, blood spilling everywhere! It was awful! A-And now he's here because of it!” She finished as we all looked in awe. She basically “spilled the beans” just now... … But it couldn't be... Celestia would never do that... Would she? “You mean... that... Michael is here... because of... Princess Celestia?” Trixie asked, trembling in fear. “Yes... I'm sorry for what she did.” “Oh she will, once I'm done with her!” Ellie yelled as I stopped her in her tracks, looking at her seriously. “Ellie, don't! My sister will stop at nothing to make your lives miserable!” Luna said as Ellie eyed me with steely resolve. “S... She...s... ri... ght.” A voice from afar said in a surprisingly hoarse and dry tune. We all looked at the source of the sound as Michael still laid motionless... Was it our imagination? “D... don't...” The same voice spoke from Michael's mouth as we all crowded around him quickly but silently. “H... hi...” He said while a weak smile formed on his face and his eyes fluttered to life only to open halfway. “Michael!” Ellie whispered in a happy and shocked tune. “Y-your okay!” She said, her voice now in full. He nodded very subtly and smiled weakly again as he exhaled slowly while closing his eyes. “Michael?” Trixie said as his eyes opened to the sound her her voice. He turned his head slightly to the right to meet again, his master, Trixie. “I'm sorry...” She said while he turned his head in obvious disapproval. “I... don...t... care.” He said as she now began to cry. “I-I'm sorry I sent you away, it's just that you were out of control!” She said as Michael only stayed silent. “Li... liar... I... was... g-go...going... to help...you...” He said as Ellie looked dangerously at Trixie, almost threateningly. “What did you do to him?” Ellie asked Trixie in calm and pure, angered rage. “I-I didn't mean to! I-I just couldn't stop myself! I-I'm sorry!” She said as she backed up in fear as Ellie approached him dangerously. “You won't be sorry any longer!” Ellie said while Luna stopped her with magic. “Ellie, please... Don't do this. Not with Michael here.” I asked her as she growled at turned around. “Why shouldn't I?!” She yelled as I pointed to Michael. “Because you are fighting battles you alone will not survive... Michael is lucky he's here by the skin of his teeth... If what Luna said is true, Celestia will have no problem hurting you...” “Luna is what you said true?” I asked her as she nodded. “Sadly... yes... it's true...” I looked down at the ground in anger as my eyes shown white as snow, looking back up with an angered expression. “If anypony is going to fight her, it's going to be me.” I turned around as a still, small voice halted me. “... Plea...se... don't...” Michael said as I turned back around. “... I... want... to th-thank you... please d... don't go.” He said as I walked up to him. “For what?” I asked him as he smiled weakly. “... For... caring... for me... for... thinking... a-about... what I... need... help... ing... me... survive.” He finished as he weakly grabbed my hoof and smiled. “T... the things... I... hear... about... you... are true... you are a... wonderful creature... Twilight... don't waste it on my... stupid... behalf.” He said as my tears broke the dammed up wall and they fell down my face. “I... know... how much... you care for... your... friends... and...” “... I wo... would... be... honored... to be... called... your... friend.” He finished as I smiled and cried hard, the words of his sinking in as I could muster only a few words. “Yes... you are.” “N... now... I need... to sleep... thank you... Twilight... for what you... and... your fr... friends... believe in...” He said as I began to tremble hard, as he fell asleep shortly after. I looked back at my friends as they smiled and cried as well. I knew humans were kind... but this was nothing like I ever imagined. To hear such kind and humble words come from The Second Dreamrider, just... hit me in a way that I never thought possible. From now on I would look differently on how humans are... How they look... they act... they feel... and that I would allow all humans, in my regard, to be created equal, in the sight of all ponies... … Now I had to convince Celestia of that as well... … What a task I had ahead of me.
The Beginning... Humans. When the word was first spoke, it was thought as a myth, a fluke, or even a legend... The respect that humans were given, even as they were no longer existent to their knowledge was quite striking. It felt like we were some kind of god, some superbeing... And we were. Far more advanced than the likes of the Equestrians, we conquered all where we saw fit. And that was a promise. Crushing our foes with a our heavy machinery and modern equipment. After the first human sighting, the world never saw the humans the same way again. For the human in charge was a spy, sent out to see what the news about growing Equestria. It was a make-or-break mission, and one error was deemed fatal to not only the spy but to the human race and in their diplomatic discussions. But as humans, we got ahead of ourselves. We did not see through with our other diplomatic relations and seeing as how grave news spreads like wildfire, unlike good news, the news spread to Equestria, discouraging them to form relations with us... And they were a superpower. Oh but the second strongest in the known world, we were much greater, stronger, and mightier... But what we didn't know is that raw materials can be blocked well by magic, and for that simple minded mistake, cost us the sanctity of the human race, as well as the war which began on May 7th, 1544. The 'Fateful Appointment' day, as it was known, was by all means an infamous day. For then we realized that the war would be over soon. Our best defenses and offensive units couldn't come close to what you or anyone else would call an 'advantage', or even a 'fair fight'. Even our ruler, Dreamrider, who fulfilled his dream of starting off the human race. Would we even have dreams if it wasn't for him? Heavens no. He gave us the hope and ability to chase our dreams... Until the very end. ... The war ended on May 24th, 1544. ... It lasted not even 3 weeks. It was not even given the grace to come anywhere near a year-long war... ... But there was still, in the silence and midst of the war, a shining, twinkling little spark of hope... You see, one man alone cannot procreate, as I'm sure you know... He must be accompanied by a partner to be able to fulfill the gift of life through the womb... The old legend is said to have it that he fell in love with one such as the pony kind, a unicorn, or an Alicorn... One that was said to wear a horn, but the history books have never been specific... ... But it is still said that through the generations of the Dreamriders, each and everyone of us was enstilled in us a still, small sliver of Magic, opening the gates to us the gift of utilizing Magic... Though as to what extent that legend ever existed or was ever true, never convinced me that it was ever true... For in the end, the humans, once defeated and their might metropolis was destroyed, the rest fleed, scattered, were killed, or were captured for interragation and they killed. Few humans ever made it out, and even fewer were made out to be captured, and captured they were... Out of a handful of people, I was chosen by fate to be part of the few humans who survived... And I was also chosen by fate, to carry the unimaginably heavy burden of one who made it so far before... ... My name is Michael Dreamrider, and I am one of the last surviving immediate relatives of the Dreamrider family. And now, instead of living inside a lavish castle, I am now the friend and accomplice of one most high ruler of the Empire of Equestria, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Alicorn and Princess of Magic, Goddess of all things tangible. She'd grown up so far, she'd made it to full princess and stood tall at eye-level with the Princess of the Day, Princess Celestia, and Princess of the Night, Princess Luna... I cannot tell you what I feel, for I feel at times good, and at other times bad. I am confused as to what I am destined to be... I'm now 17 years old, going on 18 in a month, and I have no predestined area to go and flourish in, at least in my mind... Working as a servant for Ms. Sparkle is a treat. She's happy, vibrant, beautiful, caring, and most of all, supportive... I can't imagine not being with her now, as I practically am considered her friend and comforter... But even still, I am only her servant; I still treat her with respect and care... ... But that's not where I started... 1 & 1/2 Years Ago... The Town of Fillydelphia... ... I couldn't have asked for more attention in the way people, or I say ponies, today. Everywhere I went: staring. I felt like I could crawl into a dark corner and die without second thought or the slightest hesitation. But I guess that's the point of being embarrassed, is it not? To be utterly and completely vulnerable and feel stupid from the reactions of others around you, making you feel that you did something as if it was something wrong?... Yes, I believe that is the point... "MICHAEL!" The voice of my owner and superior boomed at me as I shot up from sitting down against a large oak tree under the shade next to the street. "YES MA'AM!" I shot out as I stood at attention, my heart racing as she gave me an angered look, gritting her teeth. "Quite your loafing and help me with these things!" She commanded me as I nodded and ran over to the suitcases and piled them in the back of the wagon trunk. "Sometimes I wonder why I even have you." She muttered as I awaited further instruction. "Now get in here before I change my mind." She ordered me into the car of the wagon as she motioned for me to sit down. She took a moment to stop and wave at the crowd again. Oh, I'm sorry, did I forget to tell you she was an entertainer? Some say she was born to do it, but I say it's just a bunch of folly. Oh but what fun it is! She started a few months ago in a small area downtown of Fillydelphia, and her talent increased her popularity. She recently hosted a magic show for a few more magicians after I convinced her. I don't know how, but I always do end up convincing her in the end. I guess it's that special little talent I have inside for certain situations that arise. "Ms. Lulamoon? We should be going now, i-" I started as she cut me off, "Oh I know, I just wanted to spend one more moment with the citizens... And quit reminding me, I remember." She said as she sat down across from me. I closed the door behind her and sat down low so as I could fit in the carriage. I was 6 feet, 1 inch. Quite the man I was. I wasn't small inside or outside. "And where are we going anyway? I mean, was I even told?" She asked sarcastically. "We are going uptown to meet the mayor, remember? We cannot be late for him, no... And I did tell you, ma'am." I said as she squinted at me for a moment in thought. "Fine." She huffed. "And give me the schedule." She held her hoof out as I pulled it out of my black leather coat pocket, located on the inside. I placed it in her hoof and she took it. "Hmm... Where? I don't see any appointment for the mayor anywhere! You incompetent fool! It's not here!" She yelled at me and threw the paper in my face. I grabbed it and scanned it as I saw it marked down in plain sight. "I-It's right here..." I said, my voice wavering. I pointed it out to her as she took it out of my hand and studied it. I looked out the window and silently cried to myself as my tears welled up in my eyes. I didn't do anything!... and I was reprimanded for it... "Your right..." She muttered as I cried even harder, seeing as how I was right in the end, remembering the appointment and reminding her. Without me, she would have been made a laughingstock. "But next time mark it down like it's important!" She seethed as she stuck the schedule in her saddlebag. "Yes ma'am." I said, causing my voice to sound as if everything was okay on my end. She sighed in disgust and went about her business and began reading one of her novels she bought from a bookstore that sold rare and unique books. After I recollected myself and wiped away my tears, I stopped to on what I would say to the mayor, seeing as how many of these ponies despise us human beings... I wondered if The Great Trixie also despised humans and only enslaved me because she needed someone to do the work for her... I sincerely hoped that was not true. "Michael." She addressed me as I looked to her and saw her face giving me an expression of sincerity but also of seriousness. "I don't say this to much... And I doubt I will ever say it again, but..." She started, inhaling before saying what it was she wanted to address, "... I'm sorry. I should have seen it... There. I said it." She said as she blushed and looked away. "Quite staring at me, I am the Great and Powerful Trixie! She does not wish to be looked upon like that!" She announced as I instantly looked away and respected her wishes as I felt my heartstrings snagged on the phrase 'I'm sorry'. Never in my time of being with her, my scoldings, my reprimands, and the discipline she showed me, did she ever say those two words to me so caringly. And I've been with her for almost 3 years... Almost. I started with her at 14 years of age... I was quite small until I sprouted quickly... But I could never understand why she acted so shallow... But at least she apologized... Even if it was half-hearted... I stopped staring out across the town through the small carriage window and layed down inside the carriage, closing my eyes and thinking about the many shows Ms. Lulamoon would perform. I know she'd probably go farther than most others, I could sense it. Magicians were just folly anyway, but she was the best, to my knowledge... Best at folly? Best at magic? I don't know. Best at something, anyways... "Oh tell me you got some sleep last night." She sarcastically asked me as I opened my eyes and sat up to face her. "Oh I got plenty of sleep last night... It's just that what else would I do for the moment... I mean it's not like I'm going to twidle my thumbs the whole way... ma'am." I said as she shrugged and looked out the window. "I don't want you to be tired and weary when I need you. I believe I payed good money for you, so act like it." She said as I bit my tongue, using my self-taught self-discipline as I burned inside to tell her to go to hell with her money and that you can't ever own a human. It's morally and spiritually wrong. I can't imagine having a crueler master... I wouldn't say she's the cruelest... But she's up there with the worse ones... I merely shivered at the sheer though of being the servant of Princess Celestia... Dear god in heaven, please, I beg of you, don't ever let me be her servant... I just don't know what I would do. She'd probably have her servants maul me just for looking at her wrong... Then tell me never to speak of it again... That's the kind of pony I'd imagined her to be... Cruel, unloving, and most of all, the sole destroyer of the humankind... She was the one to declare war on the humans once our spy was caught... Then it was shortly afterwards when she annihilated our forces and wiped humankind of the face of the Earth... ... Earth... ... I cry just at the name of it, and... I'm crying now. "What on... Are you crying?!" She asked me in a tone of disbelief as I looked at her and nodded, blinking slowly, releasing my tears evermore. "Yes... I'm... Remembering the old times I had with my fellow humans... How we would sit around the fire and talk about the legend of Earth... A place of rest for us humans, if we ever had the blessing of reaching it... We vowed to keep that our main objective... We vowed... That if we ever, just one, made it to the other side, we would bring back as many humans as possible..." "And we would try and unite with the surrounding countries... And then crush the living daylights out of the Equestrians, once and for all." I finished as she looked at me in horror. "But don't worry, I fear they will not be back for a while... But if they did come back years from now... Equestria would have no chance." I said as she kept giving me the same look of horror. "Do you... Share the same beliefs about us?" She asked as I pondered the question. "Yes... But I would not bring the humans back to kill the Equestrians if they did not still have the same hatred..." "I vowed to fulfill the wishes of my forefather, The Dreamrider himself... His famous words which impacted the world of us humans even after his death... Even more so after... His exact words were: 'I've only got one life to lose, and I want to live it all... I only have one life to live, and I don't want to lose it all...'. I keep that close everyday..." I said as I made a fist to my heart and closed my eyes and remembered him from a message that was given to me to watch... It was a message sent down from each ancestor... But I am the last. And I can no longer find a wife to marry and procreate with... I doubt I will make it far without these ponies... The Everfree is a scary place... But... I hear that humans actually retreated to that area of the world to escape imprisonment... Maybe... Someday I will be able to find my fellow people? The friends and family of my blood?... Maybe even pass on my forefather's legacy through me and a loving wife... But how would I ever come to find that opportunity anytime in my life? These ponies would never allow me to leave... The 'Laws of Humanity' are a binding set of guidelines/rules that every human/pony must abide by... The 'Laws of Humanity' in this country are: Humans are only allowed to leave a city/town/province with supervision and a warrant to do so from their master/superior. Humans may not leave the country. Humans are not allowed to meet together without authorized supervision. Humans are not allowed to carry weapons of any kind. Humans which do not have masters will be subject to an auction where a master will buy them. Humans are only to procreate when the population of humans are low. Humans who are found guilty of any crime will be sentenced to a serious punishment, or possibly death. For humans, only a princess has the power to have a human that is not bought nor has a Certificate of Authentication. (CoA) Humans without a Certificate of Authentication (CoA) will be assigned one and drafted as a servant immediately. Humans who enter the country are immediately arrested for further instruction by a princess or high ruler in power. Humans born with the ability of magic will immediately be sentenced to disable that ability. Humans caught practicing or utilizing magic will be sentenced for serious reprimand and have the ability removed. Any human who is guilty of crime(s) and the total crime(s) is equal to capital punishment of execution and that said human is fled as a refugee, IF the human is killed by a pony/human, then said pony/human is NOT sentenced guilty of murder.* Any human who is not in the presence of their master will have to be tracked and monitored by their master. Humans are to obey all commands by their masters, no matter how insignificant. If a human flees from their master because the order is harmful to them, i.e, suicide, will be arrested and so will the master, where they will both be trialed in a court of law to find if the refugee made a valid claim. If so, human is drafted another master. If not, human is reprimanded and returns to their master. Humans caught with a weapon will be sentenced to imprisonment for X amount of time, where X is dependent on the weapon. If a human is under the servitude of a high ruler, i.e., Princess Celestia, he/she will obey commands without hesitation and with the utmost profound respect for the ruler in command. Only Princesses or high rulers are allowed to engage in any romantic/sexual relationships with a human. If said human and pony procreate, the birth will be honored as so. Any offspring by pony and human will act as an successor. Any romantic relationships to a princess from a human immediately names him/her a Prince/Princess, until relationship is over, in which case human returns to a master/servant relationship. Violation of these rules will be observed by a princess and then by a court of law, depending on how severe the crime was/is. *: stands for if killing is a sufficient reason. ... Confining, isn't it? We humans like to call this: 'Conduct: 20'. The last law is just a reminder anyways... "Michael."... "MICHAEL!" I heard a scream as I stood up straight and banged my head on the top of the carriage, exclaiming in pain as she laughed loudly. "Don't laugh." I grumbled under my breath. "Hahaha! Haha, ohh... Okay. Enough of that. The Great and Powerful Trixie forbids it. We have arrived." She stated as I looked out. I nodded and opened the door for her, only to realize that it was muddy on the ground. I nodded to myself and got out first, careful not to get mud on me. She tried to get out, readying herself, but reeling back every time because of the muck on the ground. I then rolled my eyes and motioned for her to hold me when I picked her up. "What does that mean?" She asked as I looked at her and sighed. "Hold onto me. I'll carry you." I said as she scoffed. "Ponies weigh more than you think." She smirked as I shrugged. "I bet I can carry you." I said as she rolled her eyes and readied herself. "If you drop me, consider yourself dead or close to." She growled as I nodded. I wrapped my arms around her and held her head so it wouldn't bounce back and forth as she clung to me. "Now will you believe me?" I said I walked across the street and put her down, ponies noticing what a nice thing I did and admiring my gallantry. "Oh... Wow..." She sighed as she blushed hard. I had a hard time figuring out why. But I think I knew. "Ms. Lulamoon? Your blushing." I said as she shook her head and chuckled nervously. "Oh, well... I guess I am, hehe." She said, a changed tone of voice and a soft heart as I saw the side of her that I doubt any others except her parents have ever seen. "But the show must go on!" She proudly stated. I was in for one hell of a ride, wasn't I? I mean, I've never felt that any pony could be so self-centered. Oh well. That was soon chucked out the window soon after I knew her. "Ms. Lulamoon?" I addressed her as she turned back around. "Yes, my subject?" She answered, making me sigh in disgust as I moved on, "Might I suggest that you not act so... 'Great and Powerful Trixie', with the mayor?" I suggested as she looked at me, confused. "But I am the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She battled, huffing as I sighed in disgust again. "Not with the mayor your not. A little advice and, you can slap me if you want at any time, but being with one of higher authority is a privilege. From what I always learned back home, and being the last of my kind, I've learned that every second is a blessing, knowing that we are breathing borrowed air as we speak... I know you don't believe that but hear me when I say that higher authority rarely speaks to the common individual." I said as she took it all in but then was enraged when I called her the 'common individual'. She growled and walked towards me as I held up my hands, "Woah woah woah, I meant that HE thinks your the common individual. To me your my master, so let's get that straight... Ma'am." I said as she looked up at me. 'Course I was quite tall. "Lean down." She said as I did so. *SMACK* ... Damnit. "There. Better." She smirked as I nodded slowly to myself, my stinging resolve halting my anger as I felt so stupid yet confused. But in some way I must have deserved that, right? I mean, it's not like she would slap me just because I was right and she wasn't, right? ... Double damnit... Oh well, at least I got somewhere. At least I am being listened to. Others would not even permit me to speak, much less give them advice. I guess maybe she isn't that bad. I mean, I can imagine other masters... Dear god... The ones that make me shiver are the ones who... Would ask of you sexual favors. Shiiiit... That's so messed up, I can't imagine. I could handle just about everything else, but...Damn. That's so messed up, I can't even imagine. Relationships with a pony? Man that's so... Familiar. Every time I think of that, I think of the story of my great-great-great-great grandfather... Michael the First Dreamrider... Ah yes... I was named after him because of the day I was born... I was born on May 7th. The declaration of war... That is why they named me Michael... The believed that I would find the rest of the human race and re-unite them, leading a huge revolt against the enemies of the surrounding countries of Equestria... Convincing them that Equestria destroyed us mercilessly because of prejudice... And we would crush them... But I never believed that... Another reason I was named Michael. He was a strong-willed man, from what I heard. Stubborn, strong-willed, and wilful. To my knowledge, he was the man who carried the feelings and burden of all humans on his shoulders. He had the largest heart for his friends and even some of his enemies. Many people after the war commented that I was just like him... And that I was the spitten image of him as well. Some say that I was the reincarnation of the Dreamrider himself... But how was I to believe any of them? Who knows, I could be the living, breathing reincarnation of my father. I was never to know until the time was right, anyway. But I'm... Just a purebred human. I don't have hundreds of years to live like these ponies do... I have 80, 90 years? I'm not immortal. I'm a homegrown, old-fashioned human... I mean, it's not like I have any part of me that's immortal... ... Wait a minute. Ponies live to be hundreds of years because of genetics... If the legend... If the legend is right about my father, then... A small bit of pony genetics was placed in me when I was born... Which meant that... ... Oh man... I'm gonna live a lot longer than the normal human, and... Hmm... What will I do? Humans were never meant to live as long as I believe I will... *SMACK* "WAH!" I jumped as now my right cheek stung, my body trembling at the sudden surprise. "The Great and Power Trixie is really tired of yelling at you, so she decided slapping you would be more... Effective." She smirked and nodded as I nodded back. "You know you sound really sexy when you talk like that." I said as she spluttered a mass of syllables out and almost fell over. "W-WHAT?!" She questioned loudly. "I-I didn't say anything." I said as I tried so hard not to laugh... Though my laughing would soon be replaced my horror, as even joking sounds real... If I was reported, we would both suffer a huge loss. "What did you say?!" She yelled at me as I held my hands up. "I said, 'I didn't say anything.'." I replied as she looked at me and squinted her eyes in wonder. "I don't believe you... And I could care less." She said as I nodded and acknowledged her silently. "My apologies, Ms. Lulamoon." I responded as she acknowledged and turned around, walking into the large building proudly named 'Center Hall'. I walked ahead of Ms. Lulamoon and opened the door and motioned her in politely. "Well... Thank you." She said, surprised a bit and a bit happy and proud that she had such a nice servant. I had hoped every servant was as close to having such high standards as I do... But knowing humans, I doubt it. I shifted my coat a bit and stuck my hands behind my back, crossed in respect as I admired the architecture and lavish interior. "My my, what a lovely building." I commented to myself as Ms. Lulamoon walked up to the receptionist. "The Great and Powerful Trixie is here to see the mayor now." She proudly stated as I slapped my head and sighed in disgust. The receptionist filed through her appointments, running her hoof down the list as she began to hum in rejection. "Mmm... What was your name again?" She asked as I took a step forward. "Trixie Dazzle Lulamoon." I said as my master looked up at me in confusion. "Mmm... No. I don't see the name on the list. Sorry." She said, shrugging. "But Trixie demands she see the mayor! She has an appointment, assuredly!" She demanded as I sighed in disappointment. I looked up and mouthed the words, 'Father, what has become of me?' and then shook my head in disgust. "Bu-But I have an appointment! She's expecting to see me in 20 minutes!" She tried again as the receptionist wouldn't budge. "As the rules are, nopony sees the mayor without an appointment." "Bu-" My master started as I tapped her, looking at her to stop. "We have an appointment. I bet you my life that the mayor is expecting us soon. Either give us a pass, or I decide to make one myself." I said as she opened her mouth, "Be wise in your descision." I glared at her seriously and dangerously as she gave me a wide-eyed look. "And I doubt security would ever work on me." I said as she called security anyway. And then I was thrown out first, landing on the sidewalk and catching Ms. Lulamoon in my arms as she looked at me and blushed, scrambling out of my arms. "Well how infuriating! The Great and Powerful Trixie is enraged!" She growled and yelled in anger as her eyes lit up and spoke of terrible deeds. "Hm..." I began to ponder as I looked at the wall that was next to the door... Very able to be scaled. "Master? Do you mind if I... Try my way?" I asked as she glared at me. "Oh what does it matter, I could care less at this moment!" She yelled at me as I grunted in annoyance and looked at the wall. I backed up a few meters and began running towards the wall. I jumped onto the wall, bouncing off and landing onto the platform left of the window to the mayor's office. "Alright. Phase one complete..." I told myself as my master almost fell off her hooves in amazment. "WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?!" She questioned loudly as I shook my head. "Lot's of things, if you would let me." I grumbled to myself as I opened the window and leaped in, catching the surprise of the mayor and her bodyguards. I tumbled onto the ground and stood straight up, expecting a fight. "Watch it, boys." I held up my index finger at the guards and the mayor fell out of her chair. "A-A HUMAN?!" She questioned loudly as I nodded. "I'm terribly sorry, ma'am, we could not find a set time with you." I respectfully addressed her. "W-Who are you?!" She demanded. "I am the servant of Trixie Dazzle Lulamoon... 'The Great and Powerful Trixie'?" I said as she exhaled in relief. "Oh thank goodness... I though you were some villain." She said as I shook my head side to side. "Heavens no... We were not able to get in the conventional way, so... I decided for the unconventional way, ma'am." "Leave us." She told the bodyguards as they hesitantly moved but soon enough left. "So..." She started, giving me a slow once over,"... Where is she?" She asked as I pointed behind me with my thumb. "Down... There." I said as I walked over to the window and heard a sigh from behind me. "MS. LULAMOON!" I addressed her as she looked up. "I DID IT!" I said, making her retract in disbelief. "YOU CAN COME UP NOW!" I told her as she shook her head and walked inside the doors... Trixie's POV... I walked inside the doors of the building, shocked in disbelief at how easily he fixed the problem. He was like the solution to every situation... Through all the time I've had him I've never met another human or pony able to fix a problem so easily... And never met a one so... Strong and... Masculine. I'm surprised he isn't asked out... But he is a human, and the Laws of Humanity forbid it. I hugged the wall and found myself sneaking past the receptionist and past the guards. I used my magic to create a bubble of invisibility, after straining quite hard, I finally the magic spell, able to walk through the guards undetected. I walked up the stairs, careful not to bump into anypony, as they would instantly call security. I slithered quietly past the corner of the end of the stairs and looked at the two sets of stairs, one going left, and one going right, up to a central balcony that I sure was the mayors room. I walked to the right set of stairs and trotted up the flights of stairs, reaching the room and deactivating my cloak, making myself look ready for the mayor, opening the door quietly as I walked in, Trixie and all. "Ma'am please don't. I-I can't. I-It's against Equestrian law!" He begged as I looked at him bumped up against a wall. "C'mon... I'll make it quick." She smirked and approached him slowly as I addressed the situation by clearing my throat and making the mayor jump and turn around. "W-Who are you?" She cleared her throat. "I, am the Great and Powerful Trixie, making the appointment." I announced as I looked at Michael, who was hugging the wall and sliding over to me slowly, his frightened eyes never leaving the mayor as she eyed him hungrily. "Trixie Dazzle Lulamoon?" The mayor repeated my name as I sighed. "Yes, if you will." I grumbled as Michael reached me, out of breath and trembling heavily. "What in the world... Could I have a moment?" I asked the mayor as she nodded. "What is wrong with you?" I asked, maintaining my proud side without revealing my care. "I-I-I... I don't want to talk about it. Just get this over with." He breathed fearfully as I retracted in surprise as I rarely heard him order me. "I'm the one in charge here, remember?" I said to him through clenched teeth. "Yes, yes, I understand... I'm sorry." He nodded, his head shining with sweat and his chest rising and lowering faster than the rods on the wheels of a locomotive train. I walked past him, my pity going out to him as I cared for him deeply, even more so than I should... But I was afraid to show it. "We are done. Trixie now gives you her full attention." I stated as the mayor nodded. "Well. Let's get started... I see that you are a star performer in downtown areas. I've heard many things about you... And I wouldn't mind seeing a magic show." She said as she looked at Michael and fluttered her wings. "Yes... Trixie would be delighted to put on a show for the mayor... It would not go without it's advantages." I said as I looked for Michael. I cranked my head straight around and saw him practically cowering in a corner all alone, making me sad as I waved him over here. He shook his head before I gave him a serious glare, pointing to the chair next to me as he shook with fear and slowly walked over to the chair and sat down, not looking at me or the mayor. "What is the matter with you?!" I slapped his arm as he looked at me and then the mayor, before looking straight down as I realized that the mayor had trained eyes on him. "I see you are one of the privileged ponies to have a human servant..." She stared at Michael with half-lidded eyes as I realized what was going on here. "Yes... He is faithful and loyal to me. Being as how he's very skilled with his body, since he practically made this building look like a snap." I smirked, showing off for him, unbeknownst to me making her want my servant even more. My Michael. "What is his name?" She asked as I slapped his arm quickly. "M-Michael I. D-Dreamr-rider." He stuttered as the mayor sighed. "Mmm... Pretty name. How long have you had him?" She asked as I pondered by putting my hoof to my chin and looking up. "Hmm... Almost a year now. He's grown quite a bit..." I said as the mayor nodded. "How old is he?" She asked as I shrugged. I slapped his arm and looked at him as I saw his hand covering his face by his eyebrows like a sun visor. "Si..." He mumbled as I rolled my eyes. "He's about 27, 28." I nodded as I was right. "Right?" I asked him as he replied, "Seve-Seventeen" He blurted as my jaw dropped in surprise. I never even considered anything past 24. But 17?! That's unheard of! He's practically a boy!... Well... Not really. He's surprisingly mature for his age, and well kept in shape with a killer body. "Ooh... Tight and young." The mayor said to herself as I looked back and shrugged. "I never knew he was so young." I looked at him as the mayor cleared her throat. "I have to ask... Since I have been needing a good servant... Do you consider him somepony who you could... Maybe sell?" She asked as I looked back at her in confusion. "You want to buy him from me?" I repeated her implied meaning. "Well... Yes. For a handsome price." She said as she began writing down something in her checkbook. "Well I bought him... For quite a sum of 78,000 bits. He was expensive indeed... In fact... He's the most expensive ever recorded, to my knowledge. But I wanted the best... And I did my research." I finished and the mayor looked at me. "Would... This meet your needs?" She showed me a check for... 120,000 BITS?! "WAH!" I fell off my chair and hit the ground, dizzy, as unbeknowest to me Michael instantly tended to my needs by grabbing my left hoof firmly with his left hand and using his right hand to wrap around my back and prop me up. "Ms. Lulamoon? Are you well?" He asked as I blinked a few times to see the loving and caring face of Michael. "Y-Yes." I replied as I sat back down and looked at the check as if it was calling me. "Well? Do you accept?" She asked as Michael looked confused as to what was going on. "Well... I don't know... I-I mean it's-" I started but was cut off by the mayor, "Maybe... This?" She asked as I saw a check for 180,000 bit check, my mind going numb at the large amount of money involved. That could buy me a better house and 3 human servants! "I could buy myself 3 or 4 servants with that money!" I said to myself aloud as the mayor felt confident inside that the deal was sealed. "Who do I make this out to?" She asked as I chuckled nervously. "Well, that's so much! I mean that... Michael..." I trailed off as I looked at Michael's loving and caring face as he fearfully looked at the check and trembled. "I... Michael is one-of-a-kind... I-I don't think I could sell him... For anything." I said as the mayor sighed. "I can-" "No... I've made my mind. Michael is not for sale... I've learned that he is too valuable and certainly is worth more." I said as the mayor nodded in defeat. "Well... If that is how you feel... It was nice meeting you." She said as I nodded and replied the same. "A pleasure as well." I said as I stood up from the chair and Michael doing the same. "You will be there for the show, correct?" I asked as the mayor nodded in reply. "Good." I nodded and we walked out of the mayor's office and out of the building. "Oh god thank you so much!" Michael clung to me once we walked out and embraced me. "Wha-What are you doing?!" I panicked as he didn't stop. "Thank you so much for holding onto me, Trixie -- I mean ms. Lulamoon. I will never forget it." He said as he stopped hugging me and wiped the tears from his eyes and looked down at me. "Oh... Thank you." I said. That was the first time he called me Trixie... And I liked it... "Shall we be off?" He asked, motioning towards the carriage. "Yes... We have a show to perform." I replied and walked behind him as he picked me up again and carried me over to the carriage. He opened the door and let me down inside, climbing in once I got situated. I never knew another human who would do that for a master voluntarily... I really did have a one-of-a-kind, didn't I?... Hm. I believe when I said I made my mind up I meant it for a good long time... I doubt I would sell him for anything. He's... different. And the things he speaks of, his trials, errors, and the prophecies he spoke of were... Awesome, at least. If the prophecy was correct, then... I had one of the most powerful humans in the world in my grasp. And I was not going to let go so easily. "Ms. Lulamoon?" Michael addressed me as I looked up to him. "Since the show is in 4 days, when would you like to start preparing?" He asked me as I made my mind up. "2 days before. We really don't have that much to prepare for, anyways." I replied as he nodded. "Acknowledged." He finished as he wrote it down in his small notepad. "Michael, have us depart to my home." I told him as he nodded and climbed out the window halfway to tell the stagecoach of our desired destination. "Home it is, sir." The stagecoach replied as Michael climbed back into the carriage. "We are en route." He said as I silently acknowledged and looked out the window as he layed down and folded his hands over his stomach and remained silent. I looked out and thought of what would become of me, now that I was becoming more and more popular. Would I continue on and play in the major concerts, or would I... Become famous in the city I am currently in for my career?... I believe that a career without accomplishment is no career at all. I would join the major concert auditions and try my skill on the stage. After all, I am the Great and Powerful Trixie. Of course I am! Who can replace me? "Who can replace me?" I repeated aloud as Michael looked at me. "No one, right now." He said as I looked at him. "Of course not! I am the Great and Powerful Trixie! Being bested is not an option!" I declared as Michael nodded subtly. "Well... It's not just that. There will always people better that others. It's just the way the world works... But no one can replace you. You are special in your own way. Everyone is born with a set talent... That's why cutie marks are so different. You have a special and distinct mark of talent." "No one can tell you your not special." He looked into my eyes seriously. "Don't EVER let someone else tell you what you can and cannot do. Your dream is just within reach." "Only you can grab onto it and hold fast... And don't ever let go, you hear me?!" He looked at me as my jaw hung open at his sudden philosophy. I've never felt better about myself... He made me feel so... Amazing. Alive... So... Confident and... talented. Only my parents have ever made me feel the same, and even then it wasn't the same... I swear, if he was a pony... I'd be over him in a second. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have said that. Sometimes I get carried away when I remember my time with my humans..." He apologized to me and then spoke to himself. "No... That was fine... I quite enjoyed the little chat." I replied as he nodded. "Thanks. It's nice to know someone still listens to me... Oh, we have arrived." He said as I looked out the window and smiled at my house. Not the best, but definitely a good and stable house. In fact, Michael actually installed a home-made air conditioning system. He installed small fans on every window without disturbing the window sight. On the flick of a switch they would all silently turn on and make not a sound. He bought the best he could find, in that size. He opened the door for me and let me out first. After we climbed out he shut the door and grabbed the things stuck inside the trunk of the carriage. He grabbed them and walked behind me as I jingled my keys for a moment and stuck the right one in the door and twisted it, hearing the satisfiying sound of an unlocked door. I opened the door and walked in, Michael following me as he kicked the door shut gently and put the cases down, taking his shoes off and walking in. He stretched for a moment, making me turn around and watch him take his coat off. He always looked so much more... Muscular without the coat. His shirt was now always tight-fitting because of his muscles he had built over the period of time he exercised. I've never seen such a strong creature before. I conclude that he could easily benchpress 180 pounds. I've seen him do it many times. "Alright..." He said to himself as he hung his coat on the coat rack and looked at me. "Do you wish something?" He asked respectfully as I shook my head out of my daze. "No. Trixie does not require anything at the moment." I replied as he nodded in acknowledgement. "I will be... I don't know. I'll be in the main room if you need me, Ms Lulamoon." He said as I nodded once and he walked past me. He sat down and put his feet up on the ottoman as he sighed in relief when he sat down. "God I love this house." He said to himself as I smiled inside. I knew I made the right choices. But now I had to plan for the show... I am the Great and Powerful Trixie, aren't I?
Physical HarmRegretful Mistake "Oh where did I put that stupid sheet?" I heard Trixie fume as she began to relentlessly try and find the schedule sheet. "Ms. Lulamoon? Try looking in your saddlebag." I said, pointing as she waved me off. "I already looked there. It isn't there." She said as I nodded but insisted that I look myself. I shuffled around the saddlebag and found deep inside a small folded sheet that I know if the schedule sheet. "Ms. Lulamoon? I found it." I said as she walked in the room. "Oh thank heavens, where did you find it?" She asked as I pointed to her saddlebag. "But I searched there already!" She whined annoyingly as she gritted her teeth as I handed her the sheet and shrugged. "You must put a little more effort into such things. Such problems may not seem like much now, but later it will amount. Trust me, I know." I said as she gave me a look of non-amusement as I shrugged as closed my eyes, shaking my head in my own self disappointment. "Oh heavens sake's what am I doing?" I thought aloud to myself as I slapped the temple of my head and shook my head some more. "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't correct you." I scolded myself and looked down. T'was only by the grace of my master I was here... Though humans were quite rare and I believe that getting rid of me would have a serious negative effect on her... But she didn't know that... And neither would she... You could consider it my... 'Bargaining Chip'. Lord knows I need one... But what use I would have for it would still yet be unveiled. As for right now, I just needed to live life... But only as long as I could not find a new opportunity... I would at first chance take life by the horns and choose what I, Michael I. Dreamrider, wanted to do. I want to reunite with my fellow humans to lead the human race to a peaceful agreement with the ponykind after a serious reprimand on Equestria's part... If by any measure you interpret that as a threat to them, then by all means, yes. You interpreted right. Ponykind will be forced under human rule once I'm in charge. These ponies have no right to tell us humans what we can and cannot do. These ponies will experience the very same thing that we have and will... But this time, Humanity will not be so kind. Humans are only able to take so much before absolute chaos... And absolute chaos it is. Humanity is now on the survival mindset... If I am right, they believe that life is now precious, and that survival means everything... I don't know how they managed to survive... But dammit all, I'm going to eliminate the feeling of constant threat, once and for all. The humans, including myself, are never allowed to sleep at night comfortably... We have to remain conscious, sleeping with 'one eye open', per se... Even myself. I don't know when an anti-Human pony will come in through the night and assassinate me... As many of my fellow humans have before... I had 7 friends... Now all dead from brutal and ruthless assassinations... I don't know what they got into, if even they did... But now I was the last of our little group in this sector... Our nationwide little group... The Dreamriders. We are comprised of humans who sought out other humans to help with their problems and trials, seeking out work to do for other humans, telling them of the prophecy of The First Dreamrider and explaining it to them more clearly, and most importantly, asking them if they wanted to join our little group... Once they did they would swear complete secrecy to the Plan of Order... The Plan of Order is exactly what it sounds like. We would reunite the Humans as a whole, bringing peace and order to our race, and to destroy the Laws of Humanity, making the Equestrian Empire fall to it's knees... Of course, the group would not be without a leader... And again, of course led by yours truly, The Dreamrider himself. Most people considered me a living god. I didn't, and I would correct those who thought that. I wasn't a god. I wasn't a superbeing, or anything. I was just some guy who wanted justice served their way... The cold way. The hard way... ... But for now, I would remain a simple human... Destined for things greater and higher. What I would give for- *SLAP* "AHHG!" I yelped and jumped at once as I looked to see Ms. Lulamoon staring at me, teeth clenched together and narrowed eyebrows staring me down to size. But I also gave her a steely glare of anger. "DON'T look at me like that! You never LISTEN to me!" She said as I sighed in disappointment, shaking my head as she looked at me and gave me a cocky grin. "Was that a sigh?" She asked as I looked at her strangely, only seeing her like this twice. And the second time I was burned with magic. "I-" "DON'T GIVE ME THAT! YOUR LUCKY I'M STILL YOUR MASTER! I DON'T ASK MUCH, BUT WHAT I DO ASK FOR IS COMPLETE ATTENTION AND RESPECT!" She screamed at me as I knew this time it wasn't important... At least to me. "Why must you be so impatient?! Do your fans not give you proper attention?!" I asked her seriously as she slapped me again, giving me the same burning sensation. "How DARE you! How DARE you!" She attempted to strike me again, but clearly she, was out of line. I grabbed her hoof and looked at her seriously. "Don't make a mistake your likely to regret." I stared her down with devoted and committed eyes as she burned my hand with her magic, transfering her hoof into a fireball. "Ah!" I exclaimed as I rectracted my hand and held it in pain as she shoved me into a wall and grabbed my throat to yield my violence... Or because of her anger. I began to feel my extremities slowly fail and yield any use at all as my vision slowly became foggy, and my breathing halt. But this was a mistake on her part... You see, I'm the type of man who if you inflict more harm to me, I do not retract, but I cause harm to the aggressor. The more you inflict, the more I inflict. I desparatly grabbed her hoof but then grabbed her throat as well and clenched hard as her grip lessened and lessened. At this point, anger flowed through me like a passionate and vigorous desire, as she began to gasp for air. My eyes then glowed like fire, the inside of my mouth glowed like lava as I looked at her with a cocked head and concerned look. "What's wrong?..." I started, looking at her seriously, "... You don't seem well... Something bothering you?" I asked her sarcastically as I put my mouth to her ear. "I... Don't... Like... Your... Actions..." "... You should be dead by now, but I have mercy for those incompetent about the truth..." I whispered into her ear with the voice of a demon, "... So consider this your lesson of truth..." I smirked and looked at her, giving her a small kiss on the cheek as I let go and returned my expression to serious, my fiery outlook fading as I saw her on the ground, gasping for air as it slowly returned. I reached behind me and put my thick leather coat on, readying if I needed to leave. She looked at me with terror-filled eyes as I reached down and healed her wounds, making it impossible for any trial to hold against no evidence against me... No evidence, no trial, which means no imprisonment... Hm. I looked at the door and then down at her again. "You are at my total and utter mercy... But my piece has been said." I finished as I picked her up, slinging her arms over my shoulder and hearing her mutter words. "Help... Me..." She breathed as I chuckled lightly. I walked over to her bedroom and placed her down onto the bed and looked at her. "Oh Ms. Lulamoon... If only you knew..." I clicked my tongue in slight sadness as I noticed her beginning to pass out. "Don't worry, I' will take care of-" *ZAP* "-you..." I said to myself as I looked around in fear, realizing that I stood in the midst of the city I so despised, the city of Royals and the city of Princess Celestia and Luna. Canterlot Capital. "HEY!" I heard behind me as a pair of guards ran up to me and grabbed my wrist and arm. "What are you doing here without a master?!" He asked as I looked at them both. "Princess Celestia?" I addressed behind them as they looked back and I jolted away from them, pulling the oldest trick in the book on them as I ran and ran. I realized that Trixie herself had condemned me and placed me in my worst of nightmare scenarios. "AFTER HIM! DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY!" He screamed as another pair of guards bolted towards me, this time being pegasus rather than a unicorn and earth pony. "Oh crap." I said to myself as I leaped up two barrels and onto the roof, leaping from building to building as I noticed how close these buildings were from the Canterlot Castle. Where my nightmare resided. "GOTCHA!" One said as they grabbed my arm and I slugged him in the nose, causing a broken nose as well as a large nose bleed as he flew back and fell to the ground, grunting and screaming all the way as the other pegasi stabbed me in the left shoulder with his metal spear, making me scream in pain as he twisted the spear out the other side, making me stumble onto a roof, hitting my shoulder all the way. I pulled out my large, 7-inch combat knife I forged from my own time and resources and leaped onto him, stabbing down into his left eye and into his skull as I got up and pulled the spear out slowly. "AAAAAAGGGGHHHHRRRRRRAAAA JESUS CHRIST!" I screamed and wailed, my tears flowing as I finally pulled it out and tossed it onto the ground, sheathing my knife in the sheath located on my left shoulderblade. I looked behind me to see two more pegasi diving after me as I grabbed the pole and threw it at them, causing them to split up and dodge the spear, giving me a few extra seconds as I lept to the next establishment and then lept down to what seemed like a large glass dome... Quite large indeed. I found myself attacked from two pegasi who came from my right and my left, as I looked down. "Damn." I grunted as I stomped down onto the glass dome, cracking it as the two pegasi reached within 7 feet of me before I cracked through the glass and fell to my doom. But I was blessed and received a large tree to stop my fall momentarily as I fell from that tree about 20 feet down and onto the ground on my back and noticing the second pegasi diving down at me, I rolled to the right and let him land hooves first into the ground as I pulled my knife from it's sheath and stabbed the right side of his neck, blood spurting out as I yanked it out and turned around to notice a large and flourishing garden which reminded me an awful lot like the Canterlot Castle's own Royal Garden. But I couldn't... I shouldn't... And I certainly wouldn't. I heard air wooshing as I turned around and narrowly dodged a spear to my gut as I stopped the pegasi mid-flight and grabbed the back of his neck as I whirled the knife into his head and twisted, pulling it out and letting the body go and leaving a thud once it hit the ground as I turned around instinctively to see 9 more ponies standing in horror as I realized that I made a grave and fatal mistake. These were no ordinary ponies. Four of them were not just ponies... These were Alicorns. Princess Alicorns. "Oh shit." I said to myself as I backed up and stumbled over a body as they stood, shocked at my efforts and horrified at the scene... But I trained for these encounters. I was not afraid of the punishment. I looked up to see 4 more pegasi flooding down as I then was tackled by another from behind me as I landed on top of it and was ready for another skull-stabbing. But this was no pony. This was now a human. "WHO ARE YOU?! WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?!" I screamed at him as the pegasi stood back, aware of my power. "I'M NOT SURE!" He screamed back as I gritted my teeth. "WELL THEN YOUR NOT ON MINE!" I screamed as he winced in preparation of death as he held his hands up. "WAIT!" He yelped as the knife stopped a few inches from his head and I pulled him up from his neck, throwing him to the pegasi. I turned around and began to run the other direction as I knew their was no way out... Unless I found a way. I grabbed a rock from a creek and threw it to the glass 20 feet from me as it practically didn't even scratch it. I turned around slowly to see four pegasi approaching me as I ran towards them but juked them and ran to the left side and dodged them altogether. I ran back to my original spot, my shoulder throbbing in pain as I turned around and backed up, weary and aware of the weapons they wielded. "Stop." I heard behind me as they immediately stopped but remained ready to fight. "If you can't stop him... Then I will." I heard behind me as I looked over my wounded shoulder to see the alabaster white alicorn known as Princess Celestia, with a very angry expression adorn on her face. "Who are you, human?" She said, her magic encompassing me as she held her hoof up and choked me with her magic, the gold aura surrounding me. "You come into my place, my home, and you bring destruction with you... Killing my little ponies as you see fit, is that what you do? A human minister of death?" She asked as I remained silent. My eyes and inner mouth began to glow like lava again, but this time along with the inside of my skin, like someone was flashing a flashlight inside. I looked like I was made of pure lava. At this point in time, her magic began to faulter and quit as she looked at her hoof in a troubled way. "Who are you... To question fate?" I asked as she gritted her teeth and lept onto me, holding my hands and fighting against me. "I am but a humble minister of justice... And your time..." I started as I smirked. "Is over." I headbutted her as she retracted, giving me the upper-hand as I rushed past her and towards the door that lay in front of my freedom. "Don't you dare." She said as I stopped dead in my tracks. I turned around only to see a large ball of magic hurtling towards me as it slammed into me and exploded, making the other ponies run for safety. I now felt as if every bone in my body was broken, and my glow was gone. "Aww... Damnit..." I whined as I tried to get up but failed several times. The white Princess walked over to me and grabbed my throat and smirked. "What a pity. I was in need of a good servant." She said as I was at her mercy. "Sister, wait." I heard a voice as my vision was blurry. "Don't you see?" She asked as Celestia grunted. "See what?!" She said through clenched teeth. "This is no ordinary human... This is the human. The human that the prophecies predicted... He came in such a way, as he was only one to defend himself. Your stone-cold guards are thick-headed, indeed..." "Oh please, just let me kill him." She remained a tunnel-vision as her sister shoved her with her hoof. "The prophecy is to have said that one of pure heart and soul would one day mate with us. Giving us the seed so that we might bear offspring and continue the lineage!" She said as Celestia looked at her sister and then and me again. "But they say of a PONY!" She growled as her sister shook her head. "They never specify! They said that he would come as a warrior, fighting his way to victory as he was though of a kind and wise one, who would one day be our mates!" Her sister, Luna stated a bit more as Celestia looked at her sister a little while longer this time. "I have a hunch, dear sister. My hunches are never wrong... And I'll be damned if I wrong this time." She said as Celestia let me go and I fell to the ground on my side, rolling onto my back. "How would you know this?!" She asked her sister, Luna as she rolled her eyes. "I know these things. I've read the prophecies declared by our own mother and even our father! They predicted these things so, it's in our blood! If you kill him now, we will die off as a race and then the Equestrian Empire will be unstable... Who will we leave these crowns to?" She asked as we heard a loud crack from the stone as I looked up and saw a large chunk, the size of me or larger, chip off. "LOOK OUT!" Luna screamed as I then saw nothing but darkness... Canterlot Castle... Room 7; 1:34 AM... ... I lay in this bed, awakened by the touch of night creeping it's way into my bed as I opened my groggy eyes and blinked a few times to relieve myself of the blurry picture. I set my gaze upon the moon which shown through the windows, the wind caressing the drapes which had been set aside to let the cool breeze flow throughtout the room. I layed, stunned at my surroundings as I jerked to the left to get off the bed, forgetting of my previous injury but now remembering after quite a sum of encouragement from the pain that shot through me as I fell off the bed and landed with a thud, almost screaming from the sheer pain. Almost. I layed on my face as I put my forearms out to prop myself up, but to no avail. I stopped when I heard the sound of slippered hooves walking across the floor as I could do nothing but think for the moment. I looked at the bed and instinctively slid painfully under it as I then straightened myself out, looking at the moonlight blue slippers which were worn by said pony. The hooves stopped at the bed as I layed praying not to be found... ... Or maybe that I needed help?... Hm. My brow filled with sweat as I looked at the hoof which grabbed the drape and lifted it up, as a face came into view with the tip of the horn light gently to see the underside of the bed. I whimpered in fear as I looked away and slid farther back. She could crush me in an instant. I didn't take well to higher-power citizens, or the rulers, god forbid. "What are you doing under there? Out of bed?" She asked as I was careful not to make eye contact. "Come out. It's cold under there, and you don't need a flu as well." I heard in a slight English-accented voice as a hoof reached out but I didn't take the bait. Nor would I. "I said, come out." She pryed again, but all efforts failed as I layed there, trembling and fearful. These princessess were not happy with humans. They themselves approved of the Laws of Humanity, deeming them prejudice against the humans... And that is why I am so scared. I broke many of the Laws. And could immediately be killed... She shook her head and rolled her eyes as the sound of a large door opening up and the sound of another pony walked in. This one, alabaster skin and golden slippers for footwear... I almost cried in horror when I saw the feet of my some-day killer. I feared that those hooves were the last thing I'd ever see. "Where is he?" A stone-cold, female voice asked as I swallowed hard. Luna popped her head back up and walked over. "Under the bed... He's much too scared." She said as I hoped for her not to speak of that. "Oh really? He has the gaul to assault me and then hides under a bed?! Ha! What a coward." She stated as my blood boiled but was then cooled off as she walked over and stood over the side of the bed. "I'm giving you 3 seconds to come out from under there before I make you." "3." "2." "1." She sighed then used her magic and dragged me out from under the bed, as I whimpered at her feet, exposed and weak. "Tsk. The mightest of humans... Now a cowering blob of mass." She said in a snobby way. "Looks like your human isn't all what he's chalked up to be." She said as she then kicked me hard in the side, making me roll over as I'm sure that bruised or even broke a rib as I winced and strained in pain. "Aghss!" I hissed and reeled in pain as I slammed my fist down on the ground and Luna stood, shocked. "Why... Are you surprised?!" I growled through clenched teeth at Celestia's sister. "W-what?" She stuttered, unsure of whether I was speaking to her. "THIS IS WHO SHE IS!" I screamed at Luna but stared into Celestia's eyes with steely resolve as Celestia smirked and scoffed. She picked me up with her hoof wrapped around my hoof and slammed up up against a wall as Luna lept forwards but slammed into Celestia's block field, magic and all. "How dare you slander my name... In front of my own sister?" She looked at me with pure hatred running through her eyes and into my heart. "I speak... Of the... TRUTH!" I grunted as I tried to pry her iron grip off of me as she laughed. "Your so full of horse-buck, you've fooled yourSELF!" She seethed as she slammed me into the wall again. "Sister! Stop! Please!" Luna begged as Celestia budged not an inch. "Oh please, dear sister, it's not like you've never been wrong." She told her, turning her head as I grabbed for my knife in the sheath located on the nightstand. She turned back around as I smirked. "Well then, it's not like your ever right." I smirked and 'drew a blank' as I stabbed her in the side of the head, blood spurting out the side as I pulled the knife out. She fell limp, her grasp ceasing as she fell to the ground in one loud thud... I shook my head in uncertainty as I looked at the dripping blood on the knife. I couldn't believe what I had just done as I dropped the knife onto the ground with a clang as held my hand as Luna looked at me in horror. "Oh no... Why did you do THAT?!" She looked at the body as the blood and parts began to reform into Celestia's head, the blood on the knife being sucked off and finally her head pieced back together as Celestia's eyes were white snow, glowing with a sense of magic. "YOU..." She growled as I looked at her in fear and horror. "Sister don't!" Luna exclaimed as Celestia picked up my weapon and thrusted it towards me, but then the knife stopped a half-inch away. I shut my eyes in regret as I opened the left one, looking at the knife in suspension as it was dangerously close. "Your... Your right.." Celestia said, looking back at her sister as Luna and me gave her strange looks as to why her attitude changed in moments. "This is much too quick." She said as Celestia looked back at me and smirked. "An eye for an eye, human." She growled as she grabbed the knife with her hoof and plunged it into my left eye and twisted as I screamed in pain, the stabbing, bleeding pain. "GAAAAAAHHHH HAAA AAAHHHH!" I wailed in pain as I tried to stop her by pushing her away, but finally she let me go and I dropped to the ground, the knife still in my eye as she pulled it out, my sliced eye coming out with it. "I doubt very much that you are the chosen one... You will be executed in one week. Consider yourself lucky as so." She said as the field disappeared and she walked away from me, dropping the knife in front of me to make me stare at my impaled eye as Luna knelt over me. I cried in pain as I strained and broke a blood vessel in my neck, making it sore as well. "I'M SORRY, JUST MAKE IT STOOOP!" I screamed as I then whimpered in pure pain, the feeling of my left eye, now nothing more than a memory. "Oh my... Oh my god." Luna looked at me, her expression all but horrified as I looked away and growled while panting. I set my gaze back onto the pony who was walking away, as I looked at the knife and grabbed it again, all previous pain fading away like a forgetful memory. I gripped the knife and screamed as I ran towards Celestia, leaping onto her as she turned around mid-flight and landed onto her back as I plunged the knife into her head again and stood back up as I saw guards rushing towards me from both sides. "COME ON COME ON! COME AT ME WITH IT!" ... Twilight's POV... I awoke harshly to the distant scream of... Something... But as to what, I had no idea... Strange. The castle is... Quite large and far off the ground, I doubt ANY sound would break through... Hmm... Makes me wonder, y'know? I never really liked living in castles as much as I thought I would, but I still miss the little red oak tree-house. Homely... Y'know? It's warm surroundings could never be replaced by that of a castle. Castles were for ponies and other who enjoyed the high life. Don't get me wrong, living in a castle with the six greatest friends in the whole wide world is AMAZING to say the least, it's just... I never imagined living in a castle, and neither did I even consider the notion. I mean it's not like I thought, 'Hey someday I'll live in a castle!'. Who thinks about that on a daily or even weekly basis? Nopony! Are you kidding me? Castles are for royalty, fancy-insane-rich ponies, and those in HUGE amounts of power. Like royalty. Princess Celestia, her sister, and Princess Cadenza are the only ones who live in a castle because of royalty. I don't know nothin' about her servant, that Jacob-Something or whatever, but he must enjoy living there. The Princess is so nice, I mean, who wouldn't enjoy her company? I would. Anyone who didn't would either be mad, prejudice, or just plain dumb. She's done so much for others, I don't think she even has time to think about the things she wants... Safe to say the same about her sister. I mean she doesn't have as many, as she is the younger sister... but she has her responsibilities. She has the moon to take care of, she has the many, many tasks of small importance to take care of that Celestia couldn't or else be overwhelmed. Though the little things are not without strenuous work as well. One little thing here, another there, soon there’s dozens of these little tasks to be done. But as though all those in royalty, (Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadenza), do share the militaristic knowledge of the country as well as those militaristic leaders. Who am I kidding, it's not easy to be a princess... Or a prince. But prince would be cool. I could do whatever I want! At the mercy of another, ha-ha! “Spike?” “AHH!” I jolted as I looked behind me to see Twilight looking to me with a groggy expression, bed-mane and all. “What are you doing up so late? Why aren't you asleep?” She asked as I looked at the ground and scratched my head. “Something... Ehh... Woke me up. I then got thinking 'bout stuff... Did I wake you up?” I asked as I pointed to her with my claw. “No,” She started and shook her head, “I was woken up as well. I don't know why, but something feels strange... I don't know what it is.” “Me neither... Now I'm hungry.” I replied as Twilight nodded, “Me too.” She agreed as we looked at each other for a moment before our stomachs growled. We giggled silently and covered our mouths as we moved silently towards the kitchen. We took a left, then a right, and a right again before I opened the large door and moved in silently as Twilight followed. She shut the door and then we stood side-by-side, looking at the large, castle-like kitchen as we tried to figure out what we wanted. I guess we were so focused on hungry that we forgot what we felt like. “I feel like soup, what about you?” She asked me as I shrugged. “Sandwich, I guess.” I nodded as I looked at her and she nodded as well. “Well then let's get to work.” She said as I smirked and nodded. Grabbing all the necessary condiments for a good sandwich included, but not limited to; Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, some spices, maybe some Brussels sprouts, and finally, but not least, some crystal bits for flavor. Can't forget those bits. Mm mm, they are good. Then I grabbed a knife from the kitchen drawer, (once I found it), and began putting on the necessary condiments for the sandwich. “Alrighty...” I patted myself on the back as I began expertly spreading them and adding the seasonings. “How is your soup going?” I asked as I looked over my shoulder. “Good... Just a few more minutes.” She smiled as I stopped what I was doing and grabbed a bit of water, adding in a bit of ruby bits for that sweet flavor. And it fizzes in your mouth, too. I sipped it a bit and placed it down next to the plate before I exhaled in satisfaction and resumed my making a sandwich as I stopped to think of why I felt so strange. “What are you both doing?” We heard a voice as we jumped to see a groggy Rainbow Dash, her feathers ruffling as she squinted her eyes in tiredness and extended her neck. “Um...” Twilight began as I took over. “We're just making some food. Y'know, midnight snack?” I said as Twilight nodded. “Yeah.” She finished as Dash nodded. “Okay. It's just that you two made some noise, I decided to check it out, that's all.” She replied. But that was not why I felt so strange. “Twilight, do you feel strange at all?” I asked her as Dash looked at us strangely. “N... Y... Yeah?” She stopped and looked at me over her shoulder. “Why do you ask?” She petitioned as I shrugged. “I dunno... I guess it was that human thing little while ago...” I shrugged as Dash walked into the conversation. “You mean... That human thing?” She asked as Twilight responded. “Yeah... I've never seen a human move like that... Nor have I ever seen a human so strong-willed at what he was doing... It's as if he wasn't stopped, he'd take over the whole country, single-hoofedly... Strange.” I heard as I chimed in. “Yeah... But he looks familiar. I've seen him at 4 auctions already. Humans never got that far.” I said as they both nodded. “And all of them were somehow cheated.” Dash sighed in disgust. “Yeah... But 78,000 bits was a high price to set.” She finished as I put my talon up to my chin. “But wasn't he special in some way?” I suggested as Twilight nodded. “Yeah, he was... I don't know how he was special in any other way that just expensive, though.” She replied while shrugging. “I heard he was... The leader of something. Like a BIG leader who had lots of power.” Dash said as we raised an eyebrow in wonder. “Hey, I read books sometimes!” She said as we still remained in wonder. “Heard he was some guy who was special... I don't know.” “Michael Dreamrider! That's his name that's been so popular among the crowd! I remember now! He was the leader of a group named... Aw man, I forgot. But I heard he was so expensive because of how well he was at a servant. He was polite, strong, smart, and skilled. But he all said it was because he was 'blessed' somehow. I don't know... He's practically called a living god from the other humans, from what I heard.” I said as Twilight looked at me strangely. “Don't you be gettin' a human on me, little one.” She said as I sighed in defeat. I would never enslave a human just for my own wants. That's just cruel. “He's right, y'know,” Dash started, “He is the highest-paying human in the country. There are about 800,000 million citizens and about 2 million humans. The second most expensive human was 32,000 bits. Nowhere near the amount of 76,000.” She finished as we nodded. “You think we should ask?” I looked at Twilight. “Yeah,” She answered back instantly as she teleported some ink, a paper, and a feather pen at the ready. “Dear Celestia,” She started... Dear Celestia, Hello there, it's me Twilight sending you this message... I'm sending you this letter so early in the morning in regard of the incident which happened quite a while ago... Maybe not that long ago, but quite a sum ago nonetheless. Anyway, I am speaking of the human incident. The one that devastated 6 solder's families? Yes. That one. From my knowledge, and, it is my duty to inform my friends, that the human that you have in custody is the human known as Michael Dreamrider. I am not sure as to what his status is amongst humans is exactly, but what I do know is this: His name is Michael Dreamrider, and he is part of a group which leads the other humans to some common goal. Whether this goal is beneficial to the pony race or not, he leads the entire human race. He is to all, if not, most, considered a living god amongst the people. Very high, indeed. He was purchased at a base price of 49,000 bits, but the price was raised 29,000 bits to 78,000, where somepony bought him at the large, and almost outrageous price... Almost. The price itself is, from the other ponies around, worth every bit. From what I've heard, he is what every human-owner wants. He's strong, intelligent, smart, and very skilled, as well as polite. I know, as a princess, I should own a human, but I don't feel that is right, seeing as how I am the bearer of the Element of Magic and Friendship. It would go against my morals, as I've told you. Now I know it isn't the best thing to tell from me, but if I were you, I would not let said human go very easily. I know types like him... I almost married one. Needless to say, he is very special. He is the all-powerful ruler of the humans... He could lead the revolt which one day may turn the tides, Celestia. From our knowledge, humanity is itching to strike back from beyond the outer walls... If I am right, if we don't change the way he looks at things a little more to our benefit, he could single-hoofedly bring Equestria to it's knees with the amount of power he wields in his heart and mind. As cunning as he is dashing, he won't stop there. We are blessed to have a human to lead the other humans who is not a tyrant and a cold-hardhearted ruler... Take what I mean seriously, Celestia. I know what I mean. Twilight, Your Faithful Companion … “Aaaaannnnd... There we go! All done.” I said as Twilight sighed in accomplishment. “Good. Send it off.” She said as I nodded and inhaled as I opened my mouth and breathed the traditional green fire from my mouth and blew into the rolled letter as it disappeared in the flame off to the Princess. When she would get back was quite random, at some times. But she is a princess, after all.
ConfrontationI trotted over anxiously as I smiled to the friendly conductor while boarding the train with my friends... Oh how I would follow them anywhere... To the gates of Tartarus, to the beginning of heaven, I would be there with them, right by their side. Where they need me. Where I belong... Anyway, the train ride seems longer than it actually is, though it is only an hour train ride from where my castle was located. “Twilight?” Rarity spoke to me as we sat down around the first-class car room. “Yes?” I replied as she sat next to me and looked at me with uncertainty. “Are you alright? Do you feel well to do this? I know this has to be a difficult task... She is the ruler of Equestria... Do you require something?” “... Hhh... I don't know... I-I don't want to force her... I-I mean she has enough stress... After all, I know her almost as well as her sister... Some consider me her half-sister... And I guess I am... I've known her all my life, since I was a little filly...” I looked down in remembrance of times past. Whether they were good or not... That still was being decided. “Never would I have imagine that I would have to tell her things eye to eye... She's done so much, and I, so little... I don't know what I'm doing...” I said, now addressing the many problems which plague me. “I don't know if I can stop it...” I began, “... But I know that I will try.” I looked back up at Rarity and the others as they talked amongst themselves... I truly didn't know what to do. If it was just to try to convince her otherwise, then so be it... If anything, I can make the excuse of wanting to visit her since it has been so long... All we do now is just send letters to each other... I need to see her face to face again. It's just been too long... … But I have a mission... And I plan to fulfill it. Canterlot, Trixie's POV... “… Michael...” … “Michael... Why?” I cried as I sat in a mess, a small puddle of tears forming as I hiccuped and looked to the sky, as if it was calling me. “You must be Trixie...” A voice accompanied me as I looked down to eye level to see Princess Celestia standing in wait. “Oh! Y-Yes ma'am... I am Trixie.” I said, shooting up but then looking down as if my name was of no more worth... Maybe it wasn't. “You seem to have known that human... Was he of some importance?” She asked, but unbeknownst to me, she was lying through her teeth. “Yes!... Yes he was... He was my servant... And the best one I've ever seen... He was... So nice and friendly...” I began. “And then I killed him!” I sobbed in my hooves as she put her wings around me and hugged me. “No no no... You didn't kill him... He killed himself... It's not your fault, my little pony... Sometimes you must let go of things you otherwise cannot hold.” She said as I cried hard into her fur. “But why him!” I cried as Celestia sighed in concern and sorrow. “I don't know... He was not anything like what you described when he acted so... irrationally.” She replied in tones so caring and mature. “But I know he wouldn't do that!... I know he wouldn't... I know...” I trailed off as Celestia clicked her tongue. “Death is a sad thing...” She said as I nodded sadly. I heard rapid hoofsteps run towards our position as I looked back to see a guard, out of breath and stumbling in exhaustion. “Princess.. human... aw... He's...” The guard panted as Celestia looked at him. “Take a deep breath... Now let it out.” She said as the guard did what she said and exhaled slowly. “I bring you information about the human who was killed.” He said as Celestia gave him a look of annoyance. “Yes?” She said as the guard shook his head in disbelief. “The human...” “... He's alive.” Friendship Express, Twilight's POV... “Ugh. So bored. If it was going to be this long I would've brought one of my Daring Doo books... jeez.” Rainbow Dash complained as we rolled our eyes... Like I've noted, it's only one hour away from Canterlot. “Can't ya find something to do?” Applejack asked as Dash rolled her eyes. “No! It's been like, 3 hours!” She exaggerated. “No it hasn't, silly filly, it's only been 49 minutes and 57 seconds!” Pinkie noted as we all stared at her in uncertainty. “Do you have some kinda clock inside you or what?” Dash asked strangely. “Well, I once swallowed a clock once!” Pinkie smiled as we looked at her strangely. “Don't even want to know.” I said as she smiled even more... And laughed. “Well I think that this train ride should help you cope with your impatience, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity noted. “Mhm, and besides, maybe you'll end up like having nothing to do. You don't have to think about anything, or do anything, or anything.” Fluttershy also noted. “... Hm. Well I still say I should carry an emergency Daring Doo book just in case.” She pouted as the train whistle blew loudly and we slowly headed to a stop. “What? That's it?” Dash looked out the window and I shook my head and rolled my eyes in defeat. She impossible sometimes. “Yes Dash, that's it. It's only an hour or around that.” I sighed in defeat. “Sweet!” She flew out of the window and floated above the ground, the ground being the brick road of Canterlot... Something I've not seen for a long time. “Well... Here we are.” I exhaled in uncertainty and wonder... It's been so long since I've been here, and I've been so busy, I almost forgot what it's like... The walls... The citizens... The architecture... Everything. “Well everypony... you know why we are you, don't you?” I walked forwards and turned around to face them as they gave me their attention and sat silently. “... Well, alright...” I started, “... We are here because of the execution which will take place sometime in the near future... We are here to stop it. I believe that capital punishment is unacceptable, considering that this is Equestria... These human have... Made us think differently about what we do and such...” “We've practically changed and created a large document of guidelines to show the humans how they need to go about their lives. The Laws of Humanity is what humans should and should not do...” “But I believe that it should never have to come to execution.” “That is why we are here... So if you have any objections, the train is still here.” I said as I looked down, hoping they wouldn't have any objections. “C'mon Twi, we're not gonna leave you!” Dash said as Pinkie bounced. “No were not!” Pinkie shouted. “Heavens no, we are your friends, Twilight, friends don't leave each other.” Rarity finished and smiled as I did the same. “Thank you all, your so kind...” I hugged them in a group hug again and exhaled in preparation. “Shall we?” Rarity motioned to walk forwards to address the problem soon. “Yes... We shall.” I said as the rest followed me down the roads, taking directions from many different ponies as they pointed us to the castle. They thought of it so strange that a princess would walk without either some protection or in a carriage. I wasn't a stuffy princess. I was just a princess. Plain and simple... how I got to that, I don't even know. It's just a blurry, clouded mess. I DON'T KNOW! “Twilight, I think I see it.” Fluttershy said as I looked up from my trance and saw the large Canterlot Castle, standing proud as ever as it seemed to get a new touch-up of paint. “It's so... cool.” Dash said excitedly. “So... Lavish.” Rarity noted. “Strong, Ah say.” Applejack stated proudly. “It's just so different.” Fluttershy cocked her head. “AND PARTY-SIZE BIG!” Pinkie shouted and jumped while spinning. “And was once home.” I said as they looked at me as I nodded. “Better believe it girls, I once lived here. It's was different indeed... Somehow I was considered different, so I guess I fit in the category well.” I said as they remained silent, their gaze set upon something else. “Is that who I think it is?!” Dash said, flying above us as we looked ahead to see a familiar pony, looking for something, obviously lost. “Trixie?!” I said aloud in disbelief as she looked towards the sound. “Trixie! It's me! Twilight!” I said as she looked at me with sorrow. “Hello again Twilight... 'tis I, Trixie, as you say...” She said glumly. “What's with you?” Dash asked. “Somethin' or somepony on yer mind, sugarcube?” Applejack asked as well. “OH YES! IT'S TERRIBLE!” She burst into tears and fell as we looked at her in awkwardness. We felt... As if we had done something to upset her. “What's wrong, Trixie?” I leaned down to her. “Michael... That's what's wrong!” She said as I looked at her strangely and looked back at my friends in uncertainty. “Wait... His name wouldn't be Michael Dreamrider, would it?” I asked as she looked at me and got up. “How-How did you know?” She asked, tears still falling. “Because... I did a lot of research on the humans, and found him quite a bit... did a little reading.” I replied. “... So what's up?” I asked her as she sniffled and looked down. “Michael's been hurt...severely... A-And I can't contain myself... I just want him to be okay!” She said, looking around for something. “What's he to you?” I asked as she looked at me in disappointment. “He's is my most faithful servant... a-and now I've killed him!” She cried again as we tried to comfort her. But nothing worked... “Are you looking for him?” I asked as she nodded. “He's got to be in the hospital, if anywhere. Are you looking for the hospital?” I asked her as she nodded quickly. “Yes I am, where is it?” She asked as we waved her to follow us. “So you got a servant?” I asked her as she nodded. “He cost me 78,000 bits... He's the best they've ever sold... I wanted the best.” She replied, sadly and proudly. “Wow... I read about that... Wasn't he supposed to be that way because of how he acted?” I asked her as she nodded. “Yes... After he was sold to me, he told me, in front of all these ponies, thanking me for the large purchase, and how he didn't know his own worth until I bought him... It was so sweet...” “All I want is to have him back... I consider him a close friend... And I treat him badly... But please don't tell him I told you that.” She said as I nodded. “Thank you... Is this it?” She pointed as I nodded again and motioned for us to move. “Let's go!” She bolted quickly and sprinted towards it as we did the same, keeping pace with her. We slowed down and trotted through the doors as we walked up to a receptionist and got her attention. “Yes-oh! Princess Sparkle! W-What a surprise to see you here!” She said as I looked at her in concern. “Were looking for a human.” I told her. “Well... What is his name?” She asked as I inhaled. “Michael Dreamrider. 6 foot 1 inch, emerald green eyes, and light brown hair. He was rushed in here recently, yes?” Trixie said, covering his features descriptively. “Ah yes, Mr. Dreamrider, he's been rushed to the ER for surgery... He supposedly had something stuck in his neck and had to rush him into their quickly... That's all I know. That doctor knows more, he found the thing through X-ray.” She pointed as we trotted quickly over to him. “Are you the doctor who x-rayed the human with the piece of metal in his throat?” Trixie asked quickly as he looked at her and nodded. “Yes I am. What is it you need?” “We need to know if he's going to be okay.” I stated. “Well, I can tell you this: they rushed him because of a metal piece which began to make it's way towards his pulmonary artery, slowly but surely... The object cut deep. They rushed him into the ER and he's been there for about an hour. Whether he'll make it is in the balance...” “But were hoping that he will. I've heard some things about him... Lots of ponies asking questions... Someponies actually have been wanting to meet him... Me included.” He said as we nodded. “Thank you so much, doctor.” I said as Trixie went to the observation area for the ERs. “Whooves. Doctor Whooves. He's in Room 8.” The doctor told us her as she walked desperately down the hallways. We followed Trixie down the hallways and called her name, but received silence as we then looked right to see her staring into the glass-windowed pane along with other humans, trembling as we looked through to see humanity's only savior, lying across the table in sad array. We then looked at the surgeons as they began to speedily work to accomplish something, as I looked at the monitor to see the heart rate flat-lining as they worked frantically to stop whatever was happening... It was like this for almost 4 minutes. “No...” Dash said as the human convulsed violently before ultimately stopping, the surgeons shrugging and shaking their heads in defeat as I looked at the human and began to cry in sadness for him... He didn't even know that he went. “N-No... No. NO!” Trixie cried as the surgeons stopped their work and began to file out, letting the other know what just happened. “What went wrong?” One asked as they filed out, their suits off as they shrugged. “Dunno... Just that it did... Guess it was his time... You knew him?” One asked us. “Yes... I did.” Trixie said, swallowing her tears as they then forced themselves out again and she wailed, the surgeons giving us our space as the human lay there, motionless. Trixie burst into the room once they left as we followed her in. “Michael! MICHAEL NOOO!” She screamed as he lay there, blood over his clothing as the monitor gave out a steady buzz of defeat as we cried with her... Death was a sad thing... And we all hated it. “He was so... happy... all the time... Michael please! Don't leave us! DON'T LEAVE ME NOW!” She screamed as her tears fell without ceasing, her trembling body observing the sad specter of death as we revered the once powerful and mighty human, now nothing but a result of death's final laugh as we cried our hearts away. “You... You bastard... How could you?” The female woman said through tears, slamming her fist on the glass as I'm sure she knew him in some way more personally. If only we could've done something... Then maybe it wouldn't be so sad... “It's so sad... I've never seen worse...” Dash said as we all felt the powerful surge of magic go through us as it left his body... We Alicorns can feel such things. The mighty human who was once destined for things greater, as Luna spoke of, now nothing but flesh as his spirit seemed to lift to the heavens, only to stop and look at us and cry as well as he gave his last goodbye to this world... … He was so young... Not even an adult human, as he barely started out his life... To take the life of one so young and so pure... It almost sickens me... it does sicken me... He would've been the mate of our rulers, Celestia and Luna... if only his life were here to stay... But he was called up by higher and greater beings, the gods and kings of the here-after... “C'mon Trixie... Let's go... We have to let them do their job...” Fluttershy said as we looked at the coroners who came and stood on the sidelines to take the body away as we filed out and cried on our way out. “I-I... I can't... Believe it... He's actually gone.” Trixie said as we head hoofsteps running down the hallways, only for us to see that it was Princess Luna herself. “W-What’s going on?!” She said frantically as she observed the sight, covering her mouth with her hooves in shock and in sadness, as she too, observed the sad prospect of death, the human who was once so great... “No... No it can't be!” She said, her tears of frustration and of sadness came as we nodded in acknowledgment. “It is, Luna...” “He's gone.” I said as she sat down in sadness and looked down. “Sister... what have you done?” She asked herself as we focused on making sure Trixie was well... Making sure she would do something she would regret... Hoping she was still of sound mind... But I know she wasn't. I wouldn't after all this... In fact, I wasn't... None of us ponies were... Nor were the humans, as they cried silently at the sight, holding their necklaces in a regretful ritual as they all cringed in sadness, embracing themselves and others as Michael I. Dreamrider, the human who was destined for things above, now found as nothing at all... Dead, on a cold, metal bench. “I can't believe it... ol' Michael's really gone...” “No, he is not, young ones... Trust me.” A human said as we observed an older human who was too old to be a servant. “He's right there, dead as ever! Don't tell me he's not dead!” A female, one who was led from the castle earlier, spoke up. “Do not doubt him, Ellie... I think you know him far too well for that.” The elderly human said as I walked up to him. “Who are you?” I asked him as he looked down at me. “Yes, I would like to know, mister, who are you?” She asked him and got in his face as he laughed. “Why... I'm surprised! Don't you remember me?” He asked as she scoffed in rejection. “No I don't and how dare you come in here and tell me he's alive! Do you know how I felt about him? Do you?!” She screamed and cried as she held herself... I suspected that she knew him more than just the norm. “I... am his grandfather.” The human stated as the others scoffed in disbelief. “Phillip Dreamrider.” He said as they all looked at him strangely. “He doesn't have one!” One human said as the rest agreed in sadness, mumbling as the did so. “Ah but he does...” The elderly pulled out a necklace and the humans looked at it in awe. Obviously handcrafted... Whether it meant something or not, it was definitely important. “Now, do you believe me when I say I think you know him too well, Ms. Ellie?” “I... I... don't... I don't... know.” She said, the strong accent, similar to Luna's, but much stronger, stood out to me. “Yes... You do know.” “Michael is in there... Somewhere... I know it. I can feel it.” He said as Michael laid there... Motionless... “How do you know?” Rarity asked as Phillip looked down at her. “It's because of who he is... Nothing could kill him as a kid... We sheltered him and trained him too well... I know it's illegal, and I doubt anyone cares, but he has a large flame of magic within him...” “... That magic have survived all the Dreamriders, as we passed it down from line to line... His father, god bless his soul, died... doing the very same thing...” “... But he was born on May 7th, the day of the war... We knew right then who he was going to be and who was going to lead us... His great-great-great-great-great-GREAT grandfather, was Michael the First...” “The first human... We named him Michael after his ancestor, Michael The First...” He continued. “Why do you call him 'The First'?” Trixie asked. “Because... He was The First... Michael The First Human... And the First Dreamrider... His name spoke instilled power, his ideals, inspired hope, and his words, spoke dreams... Michael I. Dreamrider, the man you see in there, exactly everything that you would see in the First, you would see in him...” “And even more.” “Y-y... You mean that... That's why he was named Michael?” Ellie asked as Phillip nodded. “Yes... He is the chosen one. The one who will lead us into freedom... to our greatest dreams... Just as The First did.” He smiled as he turned around and walked away, us gawking at him in awe as he left with only one thing to say... “Watch him. He may get tricky.” He finished and chuckled as we looked back to see Michael was not on the table. “What the fuck?!” One human spoke what was on all our minds. “He's gone!” Another spoke as Ellie burst into the room through the side door and looked down. I walked in their after her quickly and observed that Michael was on the ground, his entire body glowing as if his blood were of lava. “M-Michael?” Ellie mumbled as his right hand closed ever so slowly into a fist as the left hand did the same. His body slowly began to turn over, his eyes shut as Ellie looked at him in disbelief. “... Michael?” She said to him, kneeling over and putting her hand on his chest and listening for a heartbeat. Her expression didn't change for a while... … But then suddenly, it did. He eye shot open wide as he eyes fluttered to life. I opened the side door quickly with my magic as I leaned out. “GET HELP! QUICKLY!” I yelled as I then closed the door to see two humans going to get help as I looked to see a small white shard of something come out of his through, glowing and shining white as it lowered into my hoof and stopped shining. It was silver... Metallic. Sharp. The sliver of metal which was stuck in his throat, somehow is now in my hoof. “Michael! Are you alright?” She asked as he looked at her slowly, his eyes half open as she cried in happiness, as Trixie burst in. “Trixie don't! You don't want to hurt him!” I said urgently as she stood there in disbelief as Michael slowly stirred to life and the humans watched intently. “Michael? It's me, Ellie... Remember?” She said as the right hand on his stomach reached over and touched hers, gently grasping it as he smiled weakly, his throat still open, but somehow, not bleeding. “Where is he?” A pair of surgeons in full suits burst in as he looked at me. “No need... It's out.” I showed them the shard as they looked in disbelief. “Good good, but now we need to patch the wound, everypony out.” The unicorn surgeon said as we nodded. “Alright, let's get him up.” The doctor said as Ellie picked up his legs and helped the doctors in lifting him. He looked quite large and heavy. He looked at me as he was going up and mouthed the words, “Thank you”, to me... I never felt like I was ever better... He thanked me and Ellie for what we did as the doctors put him under anesthesia through a face-breather which went over his mouth and nose. I walked out of the room with Ellie as I looked back once more, hoping he would be alright. and closed the door to the room. “I-is he going to be okay?” Rarity asked as Trixie looked at me as well for answers. “Yes... I think so.” I showed them the piece and smiled. “He sure will...” I smiled even more as Ellie turned to me. “I never thought I'd say this to another pony... But thank you. That took guts as well as feelings to do what ya did... Considering your a princess and all.” She said as I shook my head. “No, what I did is what I was supposed to do... I love to help others, and will not stop until I have to... I just hope he's going to be okay... But I know he will.” I said as she scoffed in agreement. “He better, after all he put me through...” She trailed off and I smiled. “Thank you... Ellie. I know what you did and just said to courage and forgiveness towards all of us... On behalf of ones who oppose human slavery... I thank you.” I said as they looked at me differently. “You... Don't have a human?” She asked. “No. None of us do. We represent the Elements of Harmony... Loyalty, Kindness, Laughter, Honesty, Generosity, and Magic... Owning a human would be going behind the Elements' back and backstabbing everything we hold dear as a moral principle...” “... So, no, we don't condone human-auctions or the right to own a human.” I finished as the rest of the humans looked at us in surprise. “Hm... Well... Alright. We look at you differently now, Ms Sparkle. We know who you are...A little... We also would like to thank you for not supporting the human owning like some others do.” Ellie said as she looked at Luna. “And if it of any help, if you need anything, the Dreamriders would be proud to do a good job for you. Our treat.” She smirked as I smiled. “Thank you, Ellie... That means a lot to me... I'm sure Michael would be proud right now.” I said as she nodded. “But I would like to get the scoop on Michael... Just to know who he is inside, and I'm guessing you know him?” I asked her as she nodded and looked at Michael again. “Yes... I know he remembers me now since his mind isn't focused on anything right now...” “So I was just wondering if... You wanted to go get something to eat or something?” I asked her as she nodded. “Sure. Sounds good... I just hope he gets well soon.” She said, looking at him and then looking down before she shook her head and looked back up. “Where would you like to go?” She asked me as I shrugged. “We could just go get some coffee or something.” Dash said as Ellie accepted the idea. “Sounds good.” I said as Ellie smiled. “Shall we?” I said as Ellie motioned for us to lead the way... She was so nice... I wondered why... Was it because of Michael? Or... Me? I didn't know... Maybe it was a combination of multiple different things. We looked to the one of the coroners in charge to know what time the operation would be done. “Excuse me, when will the surgery be done?” I asked as they thought for a moment. “It should only take... About 40 minutes... But the anesthesia will have to wear off and that alone will take about 2 hours at the most.” The one on the right said as we smiled and thanked him kindly. “Well. That should give us about 2 and a half hours to do whatever we want.” Ellie said as I nodded. “Will you tell us or dispatch somepony when he is awake?” Trixie asked as the ponies nodded. We smiled and thanked them as we headed down the hallways to exit the hospital... It was going to be a while. “D... Do you mind if I join you?” Luna asked me as I smiled. “Of course you can! We wouldn't leave you stranded, Luna.” I said as Ellie gave a look of disapproval. “Is something wrong?” Rarity asked Ellie as I looked at her. “It's just that Michael's worst enemy is Princess Celestia... And now her sister stands in front of me. I'm not okay even being near you. I bet your buddy-buddy with your sister, aren't you? You just stood there when it went down.” Ellie said as I wondered what she meant when she said “it went down”... I hope nothing bad happened. “W-Well I-I don't really have a human, he's my sister's servant, I-I” “If your not for us, your against us... But I won't make the same choices as Michael... That's his responsibility... To lead us. I cannot do it.” She said as I looked down and nodded. “Can't she go with us, Ellie?” Fluttershy asked as Ellie shrugged. “I don't care, she can do what she wants.” Ellie said as I smiled. “Thanks.” “Don't mention it.” Ellie mumbled in annoyance as we exited the hospital, the rest of the humans following far behind as the talked amongst each other. We walked amongst the streets as we tried to find someplace to sit down and chat amongst each other. Finally we found a coffee shop... Thank the gods, we were out there for about 30 minutes... “JEEZ! We were searching for-EVER!” Dash exclaimed as we rolled our eyes. “Look on the bright side, at least we shaved off 30 or so minutes of time.” I said as Ellie nodded. “Michael's probably just getting out of surgery by now... I hope he's going to be well. Sometimes it takes more than just medicine to help people... And in this case, he needs all the help he can get” She said as we all nodded. After that little note she spoke of, we ordered some coffee for ourselves as I paid with a check. I had so many bits anyways, since I was a princess... I wonder why... I don't know... “Twilight, where's Spike?” Dash asked me. “I left him to take care of the castle while I was gone... He likes the alone time, anyway.” “I would imagine living inside a large castle alone would be quiet.” Trixie said as I nodded. “Very. Most of the times it's just me and that's it, making the castle seem that much larger.” “Do you like living in a castle?” Ellie asked me as I nodded. “Yes, I do... but it doesn't quite replicate the comforts of home when your not in your own personal room... And even then, it's still not the same... But I like it, along with my friends.” “Yeah... But jeez, you should see Rarity's room, it's like what a castle room looks like in the magazines! It's like... I dunno... It's just that way.” Dash said, emphasizing that as the key word. “And in this case, that way is what way?” Ellie asked. “Just that way.” Dash said as Rarity blushed and chuckled like someone told her an inside joke... … But as to what the inside joke was, (if you get my meaning), I have no idea. “Well, you know, a mare must treat herself to mare-like things...” She smiled and looked down in thought. “Well, if it's to any help, I know how you feel.” Luna said as Rarity nodded. “Why not live or at least sleep well? Sleep comfortably or at least have a nice room to reside in...” Rarity spoke as Luna nodded in acknowledgment “So... Ellie... What do you know about Michael?” Rarity asked her as Ellie inhaled to speak. “Well... I've known him for a while... Everyone thinks he's older than he really is... Just watch. How old do you think he is?” She asked us as we thought for a moment. “29.” Dash replied. “I think so too.” Fluttershy agreed. “He has to be at least 30 or so.” Rarity spoke. “Ah think he's 26 or 27.” Applejack shot up. “I think he's 30!” Pinkie bounced. “I'd have to say he's about 26 or so.” I said as Ellie scoffed. “He's 17.” Ellie announced as our jaws dropped like bricks. “No.” Rarity said and gasped. “Yes... I'm 21, and I've known him for as long as I can remember... He always had a crush on me as a kid... It was so cute... But I could never reciprocate the feelings, as when he was 12, and he ran away, I never saw him again... I was 16. Such feelings would be looked down on, but now... It's entirely different.” “... I just wish I hadn't lost sight of him as a child... I didn't know how much I lost until I saw him again... He's successful, strong, cunning, dashing as a human could be... He's polite... Kind... Sweet as ever... And from what I heard from other humans, he's a romanticist... And a well-informed one, too.” Ellie said as Trixie gasped. “That’s why he's got so many romantic books! He even bought a book on how to be romantic... I think it's called “10,000 Ways to say 'I love you'.”... Gee... I never knew... I-I'm sorry for what happened...” Trixie announced as Ellie waved it off. “Don't be... I should'a been there when he needed me... see, I was like his big sister, y'know, being older and such?... Well now it doesn't matter. I'm just an equal to him now... Which surprisingly opens many doors that I wanted open years ago...” She said and smiled and blushed a tad as she looked down. “But he's still 17, and he's got all of humanity on his shoulders... Something that we could never do, even together... That's why he's so... Strong. He's a Dreamrider... Michael the Second. Born on May 7th, as you know, he's definitely special...” “He's to us as important... No, he is more important the Michael the First because he is alive and now leading us, 400 years later...” She began as she looked down. “I just hope he'll be okay!” She whispered through tears, looking up as she covered her mouth and closed her eyes. We began to walk over to comfort her, but she held up her hand to halt us. “I-I'm... I'm okay... Just... Gimme a moment, okay?” She said as we respected her wishes and sat quietly. “You seem... very attached to Michael.” Trixie said as she nodded. “I was his big sister for 8 years... And now the only time I get to see him, and he's already dying...” She said and shook her head. “... I don't know what you are going through, but I have become quite attached to Michael as well... Even though he is my servant, he acts as though I'm the only thing on his mind at all times...” “... Yeah... That's Michael... Never thinking about himself when he needs to... Silly boy...” She said as she realized he wasn't a boy anymore. “... I just... I hope he's going to be out soon...” She said as I noted through my internal watch of magic that almost an hour and a half had gone by. “Well... he should be out soon. It's been almost one and a half hours.” I notified them as they nodded. “Hey, maybe we should check in on them, hm? Maybe we should make sure on the progress?” Rarity noted as we nodded in agreement. “Sounds like a plan.” Fluttershy replied. “Well then let's go.” Luna said as we all got up and began to make our way back to the hospital... Since we knew where to go and where we are going, (if that is the right way to say it), it only took us about 15 minutes to walk back. By then it was almost two hours. We walked through the doors and up to the receptionist. “Hello again! Come to check up on him, have we?” She said as we all nodded. “Well, he got out about 15 minutes ago... The doctor is in his room right now. Room 144. You'll find it.” She smiled as we did exactly that. We snaked around the hallways and found room 144... “Okay...” Ellie said, readying herself as Trixie walked in, Ellie following close behind. “Doctor?” Trixie addressed him as he looked back suddenly and quickly, obviously shocked. “Yes?” He looked at the rest of us as we walked in, his eyes widening as Princess Luna walked in last. “How is now?” “Well, the patch-up went well, the wound is slowly healing, and he is recovering from both the surgery and the anesthesia... When he is to awaken, we expect in the next hour or so... The anesthesia will wear off then... As for when he will be able to speak...” He exhaled sadly. “N-no...” Trixie said as he nodded sadly. “We predict... considering the injury...” He turned and glanced at Michael as he then turned back around to look at us. “... He won't speak again. The object, we suspect a knife, slit his larynx and trachea severely... His vocal cords have been cut badly... He most likely won't be speaking again... But if he does make a miracle recovery, then... maybe.” The doctor finished. “N-no... It can't be.” Trixie cried. “Well... I'll leave you all be...” The doctor said as he nodded and walked out of the room, leaving us in complete silence with Michael... I hope he'll be able to speak again. “Oh god... I feel so terrible.” Luna broke down as we looked at her. “Why?” Dash asked what we all thought. “This is all my fault... I should've stopped it!” She cried and covered her hooves as I walked over. “Stopped what, Luna? Tell me... It's okay.” I told her as she sniffled and removed her hooves from her eyes as Ellie came over. “M-My sister... After the incident, he woke up and then hid under the bed he was laying on, a-and then my sister... She... tried to choke him, but then... Then he stabbed the side of her head with that knife!” “H-He didn't know that mortal weapons can't kill immortal beings! And so she... She reformed and then... She stabbed his left eye and... he lost his eye! That's why he has an eye-patch... And then he was th-thrown in the dungeon...” “After that, I had a meeting with Ellie and the rest of the humans about the Laws of Humanity... Celestia thought it best that Michael sit in, being as how he was the leader of the humans, but then things went wrong and... she tried to kill Ellie...” “... But then he saved her, at the cost of his own life and then had his throat slit, blood spilling everywhere! It was awful! A-And now he's here because of it!” She finished as we all looked in awe. She basically “spilled the beans” just now... … But it couldn't be... Celestia would never do that... Would she? “You mean... that... Michael is here... because of... Princess Celestia?” Trixie asked, trembling in fear. “Yes... I'm sorry for what she did.” “Oh she will, once I'm done with her!” Ellie yelled as I stopped her in her tracks, looking at her seriously. “Ellie, don't! My sister will stop at nothing to make your lives miserable!” Luna said as Ellie eyed me with steely resolve. “S... She...s... ri... ght.” A voice from afar said in a surprisingly hoarse and dry tune. We all looked at the source of the sound as Michael still laid motionless... Was it our imagination? “D... don't...” The same voice spoke from Michael's mouth as we all crowded around him quickly but silently. “H... hi...” He said while a weak smile formed on his face and his eyes fluttered to life only to open halfway. “Michael!” Ellie whispered in a happy and shocked tune. “Y-your okay!” She said, her voice now in full. He nodded very subtly and smiled weakly again as he exhaled slowly while closing his eyes. “Michael?” Trixie said as his eyes opened to the sound her her voice. He turned his head slightly to the right to meet again, his master, Trixie. “I'm sorry...” She said while he turned his head in obvious disapproval. “I... don...t... care.” He said as she now began to cry. “I-I'm sorry I sent you away, it's just that you were out of control!” She said as Michael only stayed silent. “Li... liar... I... was... g-go...going... to help...you...” He said as Ellie looked dangerously at Trixie, almost threateningly. “What did you do to him?” Ellie asked Trixie in calm and pure, angered rage. “I-I didn't mean to! I-I just couldn't stop myself! I-I'm sorry!” She said as she backed up in fear as Ellie approached him dangerously. “You won't be sorry any longer!” Ellie said while Luna stopped her with magic. “Ellie, please... Don't do this. Not with Michael here.” I asked her as she growled at turned around. “Why shouldn't I?!” She yelled as I pointed to Michael. “Because you are fighting battles you alone will not survive... Michael is lucky he's here by the skin of his teeth... If what Luna said is true, Celestia will have no problem hurting you...” “Luna is what you said true?” I asked her as she nodded. “Sadly... yes... it's true...” I looked down at the ground in anger as my eyes shown white as snow, looking back up with an angered expression. “If anypony is going to fight her, it's going to be me.” I turned around as a still, small voice halted me. “... Plea...se... don't...” Michael said as I turned back around. “... I... want... to th-thank you... please d... don't go.” He said as I walked up to him. “For what?” I asked him as he smiled weakly. “... For... caring... for me... for... thinking... a-about... what I... need... help... ing... me... survive.” He finished as he weakly grabbed my hoof and smiled. “T... the things... I... hear... about... you... are true... you are a... wonderful creature... Twilight... don't waste it on my... stupid... behalf.” He said as my tears broke the dammed up wall and they fell down my face. “I... know... how much... you care for... your... friends... and...” “... I wo... would... be... honored... to be... called... your... friend.” He finished as I smiled and cried hard, the words of his sinking in as I could muster only a few words. “Yes... you are.” “N... now... I need... to sleep... thank you... Twilight... for what you... and... your fr... friends... believe in...” He said as I began to tremble hard, as he fell asleep shortly after. I looked back at my friends as they smiled and cried as well. I knew humans were kind... but this was nothing like I ever imagined. To hear such kind and humble words come from The Second Dreamrider, just... hit me in a way that I never thought possible. From now on I would look differently on how humans are... How they look... they act... they feel... and that I would allow all humans, in my regard, to be created equal, in the sight of all ponies... … Now I had to convince Celestia of that as well... … What a task I had ahead of me.
