Storytime with FenFen!

I was lost.

There was no better way to describe it. Being ripped from your world and sent to another has that effect. But that wasn’t the only change. I was also given powers, was made stronger than I was before. And of course I used these powers.

Yes, ripped from another dimension. No, I don’t particularly care that you think it’s impossible. Jason here experienced the same and can confirm my story.

How about you just deal with the truth I’m laying before you and let me tell my tale.

As I was saying I was in a land I later learned was called Equestria as I trudged along to find civilization. I quickly found it, but…let’s just say xenophobic is a good word for my first experience with the populace. They insulted me and called me a vile demon and attacked me, making it clear to me that I would have to act differently to survive in this world.

Only the strongest deserve to survive and to rule.

That was my unbreakable belief. The weak are being ruled over and die. And I certainly didn’t want to be the latter. So I used my newfound abilities. I used my strength to fight everyone who seemed willing to do so. And let’s just say quite a few guard rookies were eager to take care of a ‘foul beast’ in the hopes to make themselves a name. Unfortunately for them, I was the one that made a name for myself and not them.

I was not only working to gain levels and mana though. I also sought out information and equipment. With that I broke into the homes of everyone who seemed fit. From noble houses, to weapon smiths and libraries-

Don’t act so surprised. No, I didn’t burn down the library or damage it. Do I look like some bloody amateur or savage to you? No, I didn’t steal books and I didn’t rip pages out of them either. Why should I? I have a rather admirable memory after all. So calm yourself.

So, as I was saying before being rudely interrupted again by Purple, I was travelling through Equestria getting stronger and wiser as I gathered levels, mana, equipment and knowledge. Of course many ponies cursed me and tried to stop me. But the Solar Guard was hardly an enemy. The assassins and mercenaries the nobles hired were a bigger threat.

Before long I was feeling like I was on top of the world. With my gathered strength not many could oppose me. I became one of the strongest beings back then. A force to be reckoned with which of course drew the ire of a very specific being.

Yes, I mean you Celestia. Luna told me about how you said and I quote: “If it threatens our little ponies, then we have to put it down!”

Not that I threatened anyone mind you. I merely stole what I needed and fought only when challenged. Of course some nobles were being whiners, but that hardly was my fault. They are a target if they hoard money, knowledge and equipment.

And said knowledge of course led me to several strong fist-type weapons. Of course not to the strongest in existence. That one was safely secured in a specific place.

No, don’t take me for a fool. I wouldn’t take such big risks.

…Princess would you stop laughing?

Yes, I’m aware you are trying to suppress it but it’s still irritating.

Anyway, I became one of the strongest beings and Celestia wasn’t amused. So she sent the elite guard troop after me. The Lunar Demons which are essentially an elite group of the Night Guard.

Yes, no Solar Guard member ever made it into that group Rose. Thanks for reminding me. That is always an interesting point to make in how trained our dear military in this country is. Especially the sun-loving side.

So, the group hunted me down. I still remember it as they invaded my small camp that I had set up for the night…

It was a rather beautiful night. The moon was shining in all its glory, illuminating the trees of the forest in its soft shade. I could hear them. My sensitive ears hearing the slight noises. Almost too inaudible to be seen as anything other than the noises of the forest. I could also smell them. A group of ten, with eight Thestrals, one Pegasus and an Alicorn.

They neared the camp. I made sure to take cover in a save spot among the trees to assess the situation. This wasn’t the first time this happened after all.

Though one thing was different.

After all the different beings sneaked into the small glade instead of trampling like amateurs. One of them being Commander Hurricane of all people, but that wasn’t really that I meant with different. I’m not even meaning the appearance of the Princess of the Night. It was more what she said that surprised me.

“Fenrich the Silver Wolf! I’m challenging you to a duel!” she announced.

Yes. This was actually the first time I was challenged to a duel. All the others weren’t really fans of proper etiquette, so of course I was intrigued by this request, but I was also wary.

What? You meant the nickname? Let’s just say, ponies are not that creative when it comes to them. I mean we had also one thief that got the nickname ‘The Master Thief’, which was just as much lacking any kind of brain capacity when thinking up nicknames.

…No, Pinkie. FenFen is not a good nickname.

Anyway, I didn’t know the Princess back then, so I wasn’t sure if she really meant it, so I stayed silent.

The Princess harrumphed before she looked around to her guards.

“Leave us,” she simply stated.

The elite guards only hesitated for a mere moment before they followed her orders. All with the exception of Commander Hurricane, who she raised a brow at inquisitively.

“What?” he shrugged, “I actually want to see the fight. Well, if he actually shows some spine and comes out.”

“Oh, don’t worry I do,” I answered as I jumped out from my hiding spot and stepping towards the Princess. She was decked out in the finest armor. It was light and had a blue tinge to it, representing the night. It was clear to me that she was counting more on mobility than protection. Something only few people do. The most idiots I faced were so clad in armor that they almost couldn’t move and were an easy prey. I knew she wouldn’t be. She would be different. It got me curious…and also I will admit a bit reckless. She was just emitting a fascination towards me.

The two of them were seizing me up as well. And the Princess also seemed to recognize my own strength as she nodded respectfully towards me.

“It seems we hath finally found thee. Before we begin, tell me Fenrich the Silver Wolf, what exactly do you gain by breaking into innocent ponies homes and robbing them of their valuable goods? Why choose this path of thievery with your apparent strength? Why not use your power for something more beneficial?”

Those cheesy words made me want to vomit back then. I didn’t see any wisdom in them, only the foolish wish dreams of a child, seeing the world as a peaceful and perfect place. I will admit to my shame that this questions of hers made me think of Luna as being unfit to rule as I scoffed at her.

“Beneficial? You mean by helping some insolent brats? Ponies who would never lift a single finger to help me if I was in need? No, that is hardly beneficial. Instead I would rather continue to gather wisdom and strength, so that I can be on top of the food chain. To be an unstoppable force. To be the strongest there is and rule over the weak. That is what I desire. I don’t see the world as the perfect little place like you do. There will always be conflict and for that one needs to be strong. That’s my ambition!”

The Princess sadly shook her head.

“We hath no other choice then. Have at thee!” she roared the last part as she summoned her scythe and run towards me. I took up my fists and deflected her as we clashed in battle.

And with that our fight begun.

I fell to my knees, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from my brow. My hands were on the ground as I tried to push myself up again.

Princess Luna only looked at me with a pitying expression. An expression I hated more than anything at that time.

She was sweating too, and her breathing was accelerated likewise, albeit both far less strong. She looked as if she had a workout, I looked as if I was fighting for my life, which I thought I was back then.

“Just stay down,” she pleaded, but I didn’t listen.

With one last bout of speed I put all of my remaining strength in one last ditch effort. All my power gathering in my fist. Braveheart was really the best I could do at this point, since my SP were too low for anything else.

Yes, Braveheart. The Special that increases the ATK state. No, that is NOT a spell. Perish the thought. And SP are SP. Don’t even think to compare them with Mana. There is an obvious difference. Honestly, don’t they have books in that library of yours to read? I’m feeling like I’m talking to a dimwit right now.

No, I don’t care how high your score was in Celestia’s School or that you think that you are a protege. How about you just let me continue, hm? Good.

Anyway, the Princess didn’t even dodge my attack but took it head on. My fist connected with her stomach, making a clear indent. The Princess did her best to keep a straight face, and did rather admirably at that, even though she still made a slight grimace.

But still. That was what ended this fight for me. I tried to attack her with full power and she just grimaced barely noticeable.

I just stared in disbelief at her before it turned to resignation and acceptance of my fate, as I fell to the ground and on my back. I looked up at the Princess. The moon was illuminating her slender frame in a beautiful light. It certainly was a delightful sight to see upon dying.

...Why are you looking at me like that Rarity?

I was just complimenting the Princess! Nothing more!

...Let’s just move on.

Of course as I lay there, with Luna towering over me. Like I said, she looked beautiful, in an elegant way. Though she still had that pitying look on her face, which slightly ruined it for me.

Not to mention that it was all she was doing as time dragged on.

I summoned one last bout of defiance as I stared up at her and scoffed.

“Don’t tell me one of the leaders of this wretched land is too cowardly to finish what she has started? Go on and finish this. I have lost and therefore am too weak to live. This is the world we are living in after all.”

Luna reeled back as if struck, not expecting my harsh words in my battered state. Her pitying look only seemed to intensify and her horn started to glow. I closed my eyes, readying myself for the end.

I expected a last bout of pain, but instead a warm, soothing light engulfed me, healing the worst of my wounds.

I opened my eyes in shock and saw the Princess holding a hand out to me with a warm smile.

“Nay. We art not going to kill thou. Thou fought well. Thine bravery shalt be a worthy asset to our group, comrade.”

My eyes widened slightly at that. It was only for a small time fraction, as my mind already worked in overdrive on how to use this situation to my advantage. It didn’t take long for me to find that reason. So I took her hand with ulterior motives as she pulled me up. I knew that things were bound to get interesting.

The Princess nodded.

“He speaks truth. At first Fenrich was rather reluctant. And we already sensed his ulterior motives then he took our hand.”

“But why did you even trust him then?!” asked an exasperated looking Rainbow Dash as she shot me a dirty look yet again. Albeit it was quickly quenched by an equally dirty look from Jason.

“Simple. Back then, then he waited for his death and told us of his views of our world, that the strong live and the weak die… We just knew back then that he needed help, that we needed to help him. He was a lost soul, misguided. He needed guidance. And rather would we abdicate than leaving a poor lonely soul like him be. We knew that we at least hath to try.”

I nodded, rather touched by her exposition.

“And I will be forever grateful for this chance.”

Rarity seemed emotionally touched at our words as well, as a dreamy sigh escaped her, though it seemed like a good ice breaker in any case if I had to guess. At least I felt the hostility decrease slightly as some of the ponies started to look thoughtful. Even this Rainbow abomination.

Anyway, soon the lunch ended, leaving us all with our bellies full and satisfied. I took that moment to lead Jason and the young princes out and back into the main hall. The others were meanwhile led out of the castle as the impromptu visit ended. There wasn’t really any big mention worthy goodbyes in case you are curious.

“I hope you all enjoyed your meal,” I started to say as we reached the main hall were the precious spire of diamond could still be seen.

“Not the best meal I’ve had in the castle,” Jason teased, putting his hands in his pockets. “But, you don’t have an immortal boar here.”

I huffed slightly at his tease, “Well, I am what most would call an immortal, considering I’m aging 10 years in 1000 years. Albeit that is of course a trait demons possess. Certainly was useful back then I waited for Princess Luna to return. But it certainly gave me enough time to learn about quite a few different recipes and improve my cooking further, so that the Princess can lead a healthy lifestyle from now on.”

Luna gulped slightly at that, dread filling the pit of her stomach, “W-What kind of healthy lifestyle?”

“Since you are refusing to drink blood I will have to spice up your diet, so that your body can perform the feats it would do so even without the life-giving liquid. I estimate that this would require your breakfast, lunch and dinner to be prepared by me. Not to mention any snacks and drinks in between to really maximize your potential.”

“B-Breakfast…L-L-Lunch, a-and dinner?” she questioned with a shudder which made me roll my eyes.

“Yes of course!” a mischievous smirk then found itself on my face, “Well, if you change your mind, then maybe it wouldn’t be necessary…”

I saw it. Right there, a hint of doubt. She was thinking about agreeing, but that also quickly died down as she braced herself, with a nervous sweat drop building on her brow.

“We decline. A promise can never be broken, so if we must sacrifice ourselves then we will do just that.”

I simply rolled my eyes at her again. On one hand because of this ridiculous notion that came way too close to a specific Disgaea character, and on the other hand at how she was putting a brave face on, while being totally terrified on the inside. I probably should feel insulted at that reaction to my cuisine, considering I was a rather excellent chef. But I of course understood that there were people that simply had trouble with stomaching healthy food.

Much to my chagrin the Princess was one of those people.

But then again I guess that even the Princess has a limit to being a perfect being, so I can forgive her this one and only flaw she possesses.

I then turned around to Jason, “Pardon our little banter. It is just a promise Luna made to not drink blood, even though it does strengthen her.” I then looked left and right conspiratorially, before whispering to him, “It’s sadly just like in the game. The protagonist was a vampire that refused to drink blood.”

“Yeah, that kinda thing happens.”

I nodded. It did. This colorful land certainly had quite a few surprises.

...Just like the pack of timberwolves walking in our direction. Hm. I actually wondered where they were.

Before Jason did anything I walked forward, calling over my shoulder, “Let me deal with them. They are just some deserteurs I once recruited.”

With that said I walked to the largest dog in the pack. Said dog lowering her head in clear submission, trying to earn my favor again, and making me sigh in annoyance.

Then before any of them could react I bounced forward, spinning, before launching my paw in a punch straight into the alpha’s head, making it explode and the wolf collapse.

The other dogs whimpered as I gave them a slight glare. The alpha herself transformed back after a moment, but still clearly servile, making me sigh.

“You abandoned the Princess and I in her time of need. I can’t say that I will tolerate such behavior in the future. But you will be forgiven this one time. Now in case you are hungry, I will make sure to feed you once my business here is finished.”

The alpha nodded her head before turning and walking in direction of the kitchen and past the others.

I was just walking back to the group then I gained some levels. My form instantly grew, and much to my own delight it was slowly transforming from that of a puppy to my normal demonic and more humanoid looking form once again. It certainly was nice to finally have leveled up enough to be myself again.

I then looked over at Jason, “It certainly is a good feeling to have left the effect of the Elements behind. Not to mention to be presentable in my normal form.”

“I’ve never been unfortunate enough to be hit by them,” Jason replied.

It made me roll my eyes, “Yes, yes. You never experienced the pure joy of being hit by poison joke in gem form. No need to rub it in. Though it makes me wonder what prank you might suffer from. Certainly nothing with gender- or species swapping since that is something you can do on your own.”

“I get turned into a ten year old,” Jason explained. “It’s not fun.”

“Oh?” I said raising an eyebrow, “And your powers can’t turn you back? In any case it doesn’t sound that bad. I would rather be a chibi Fenrich than a puppy everyone wants to cuddle…”

Jason gave him a flat look. “You haven’t meet my wife. She makes it hell.”

“Ah… I didn’t consider that. But anyway, we are here yet again,” I said opening the door to Rose’s luxurious room.

Inside was, like I expected, said Thestral mare herself, grinning at us...or Jason.

“I wanted to say goodbye,” she said, now a bit sadly as we already had entered the room.

“You can always visit,” Jason assured, putting his hand on her head. “So, don’t let it get ya down.”

The mare looked up at Jason smiling softly as her head moved up into his pats, “I will!”

She really seemed to enjoy his head pats I noted, but before long her gaze then also spotted me. She was surprised before sighing in disappointment.

“I liked you as a puppy better,” she complained.

“If you really want a puppy, you can create a timberwolf one,” I dismissed her, before looking back to Jason, “It seems our time comes to an end for now. But since our worlds are connected we might see each other. Albeit not as much as I imagine Rose will be seeing you.”

Jason smiled. “Yeah, it’s been fun. Just say, ‘Jason, our contract is complete.;”

“Until another time. Jason, our contract is complete,” I answered.

“Fare thee well,” Luna said her own goodbyes and Rose waved rather enthusiastically.

“I will be sure to come over soon!” she said with a grin, “I just need to prepare myself for the big meeting with the herd.”

At that point her face blushed slightly, making her rub it with her hands in clear joy as she no doubt imagined this meeting already.

Jason gave her a thumbs up before he and the princes vanished in a flash of light.

I gave a sigh. It seems like this was over for now. But it certainly gave us new interesting possibilities. Making allies beyond dimensions was quite the promising concept after all.

Author's Note

The fateful meeting of two minds who couldn't be more different at that time! Certainly a nice chapter. Only one Epilogue like will follow to round things up and lead up to Episode 4!