A Hardened Warrior

by blawrg

First published January 1st, 1970 00:00

A soldier under Kendal's command is sucked into Equestria after ending a 50 year long war, and being the only known survivor.

'Kingdom Under Fire: Crusaders' crossover.

Chapters

Introductions
A Friendly Visit
Questions and a Party
An Old Enemy, A New Hero (pt 1/2)
An Old Enemy, A New Hero (pt 2/2)
Discoveries
Conversations
One Last Trail
A God's Wrath
A Fist Full of Fate
New Friends
Everything Dies (1/3)
Everything Dies (2/3)
Everything Dies (3/3)
Death's Door
A Warm Embrace
Retribution
Evil's Rising
Contingency Plans
Exonerate
As the Moon Dances
Bad Company

Introductions
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A Hardened Warrior

Introductions

Chapter 2 - Introductions

It was now evening, the apple family was having dinner, and Applejack had introduced herself and the family. Big mac was still skeptical about the idea, but he soon accepted me. After dinner had past, and they asked me about the minor details, AJ had him come outside with her to answer some more serious questions.

"So... yer tellin' me that you were a warrior..."

"Yes."

"And you fought demon lookin things..."

"Correct."

"And all yer... 'brothers in arms' are dead...?" a look of sadness appeared on her face as she asked the question.

"Not all of them, just the ones with me at the time... I shall miss them, but they did not die in vain."

"Well, if it means anything, ahm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, but we should not feel sorry, but dignify it as a fair trade." she put on an annoyed look.

"How can you say that? they were yer friends weren't they?"

"Yes, but they will be remembered as heroes, not sacrifices." she paused for a moment, taken back by what I had said.

"Well... we should turn in for the night, your welcome to stay in the barn if you want"

"Thank you, I will repay you when I am able to"

"Don't worry about it, you deserve yer rest, now, I'm gonna hit the hay" and with that, I walked to the barn to attempt to receive a small bit of sleep.

I awoke to find 3 fillies looking at me with curious eyes, one of them i knew. I looked up to stare at them, but they took a few steps away. I stood up and found the blade I was carrying, picked it up, and went to the house waiting for AJ and her friends. She'd be bringing them here to the barn so I don't frighten anypony else.

as I sat there, waiting for them to show up, I began talking to the fillies.

"What are your names? Or shall i just call you fillies?" the orange one with the purple mane spoke first

"My names Scootaloo." she pointed to the white one "and that's sweetie bell, so whats it like being... a... human! thats right"

"It's... about the same as you, but walking on 2 legs with no flying, and we dont have practical magic, only magic for combat purposes."

"Combat? Like fighting?" she gulped and looked confused

"Yes, but only few can perform it, luckily, i was one of the troops who were trained in holy magic." she only became ever more confused and curious. but they finally left it alone when they thought of doing something to get their cutie marks...

It was around four in the afternoon when AJ had arrived with her friends, and i still had my captain's armor on, so i thought I'd just remove the helmet.

When they were at the barn door, I walked up behind them, my armor making LOTS of noise. They all turned around, one of them charging at me, a blueish colored pegasus, leaving me shocked as I hit the ground. I had never seen such speed from an equine. This was one to never be taken lightly.

"Rainbow Dash! Git off him!" AJ ran up to her and pulled her off as I stood back up.

"AJ... what is that thing?" the voice came from the purple one, who had a bit of a frightened look on her face

"Hes a human..."

"Applejack dear... are you sure he's safe? he looks dangerous" this time from the white one

"Girls, just introduce yerselves, hes very nice when ya get to know him."

"Really? because that looks like armor... and you wear armor into a fight..." again from the purple one, with a serious tone

"Well, he was a kni-"

"I'm a knight, a captain as well, and i am now retired" i stated while digging my sword into the ground. "Now... would you mind telling me all your names?"

"I'm Pinkie..." the pink one stated, obviously scared of what i might've been through

"I'm Rarity" the white one spoke, a unicorn

"I'm Twilight" purple one, unicorn as well

"I'm Rainbow Dash! Fastest flier in all of Equestria!" quite a smug one... coming from the blueish pony-pegasus

"I'm Flutter-" the last one, a yellow pegasus

"She's Fluttershy, and she's... well... shy, but she'll come around, unless you do something you'll regret..." Twilight said, giving me a 'threatening glare'.

"And What might your name be? Sir knight..." giving a sassy recognition

"Roderick, Alphine" I responded

"Rod-Er-Ick, hehe, Al-Fine, what a funny name, hehehe" the pink pony seemed to be more enthusiastic.

The introduction was nice, but I couldn't help but think they didn't want me here... I wonder why...

A Friendly Visit
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A Hardened Warrior

A Friendly Visit

Chapter 3 - A Friendly Visit

Dear Princess Celestia,

There's been a new visitor in town, I'm not sure if he's going to harm anyone or not, so i request your presence to help deal with the situation. He walks on two legs, wears armor, and carries a sword. Please respond as soon as possible. This is of utmost importance.

Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle

"Spike, come here, I have a letter for you to deliver."

"Just a sec." A few moments later, Spike arrived, taking the letter, and sending it to the princess.

"So what was it about?" Spike asked.

"A new... visitor." She said with spite, like saying the word left a bad taste on her tongue.

"Oh cool, can I meet them?" Twilight paused for a second.

"Maybe, but not yet, lets go out for lunch." Spike had been hungry all day, and lunch sounded VERY tempting right now.

"Okay, Sugar Cube Corner again?" Twilight simply nodded.

They had returned in no less than 10 minutes, biting happily into the cupcakes they bought for lunch.

"Luna, I'll be leaving shortly to help Twilight with a problem that demands my assistance. Try not to cause too much trouble."

"Very well sister, we shall try to behave." Leaving a giggling Luna to her own devices, Celestia is then escorted to the golden chariots. I'm sure it had something to do with those monsters and soldiers.

As she arrived in Ponyville, she was greeted by everypony with a bow, finding her way to Twilight's library, she opened up the door, to see a studying Twilight, almost too busy to notice the princess, but she did, and bowed respectfully.

"So, my star pupil, where is this problem you addressed earlier?"

"Over at Applejack's Orchard, the sooner this is done, the sooner I can stop worrying."

"Well then, let's not waste time." They set off towards the orchard, receiving bows from everypony they came across.

They had arrived at the entrance to the orchard, and that's when she saw him, the knight 'bucking' the trees, and collecting the apples that fell, and stood shocked. They should all be dead... they checked every corpse... why? how? Twilight had noticed this, and Celestia disregarded it as 'viewing the scenery'. Twilight still seemed worried however.

The knight, who saw what he thought he recognized as the princess, knelt to one knee and bowed, him not wearing the armor made it much easier.

"To what do I owe this pleasure of meeting the ruler?" standing back up, just about 1/2 an inch over the princess.

"You're a soldier, yes?" she had a serious tone.

"That's right, a captain under General Kendal's command." he said while saluting.

"Were you with those corpses in the field across the Everfree Forest?"

"Aye, indeed I was, they were my brothers." He was just as serious as she was. "Is there a problem Princess?"

"If you harm one hair on any of my little ponies, I will END you, is that understood?"

"Loud and clear, but i make no promises if they attack me first." He dropped his salute.

"Fine, but you will be watched very closely, and i will know first hoof if you do something to my subjects."

"I'm very aware of that, you're scouts aren't subtle, and so far, I could care less about what you do to me." She looked slightly confused. "Any why is that?" His face became very stern. "Because I've lost everything, I can't go home, my men and general are most likely all dead, and I've no one to turn to." This struck her like a chord, leaving her in a look of pity.

"Are you able to perform magic?" She asked somewhat quieter.

"Yes, but only holy magic, I haven't been trained in anything else." Celestia looked very confused at that statement, and took a moment before continuing.

"Very well, I shall see to it that you are given a chance, but my threat still stands. I will NOT have any mercy for you."

"Understood." With a quick nod, she turned around, and began her walk to the chariot awaiting her at the library. All the while leaving a slightly concerned look on her face, one no one could detect under her poker face.

The Princess and Pupil were walking back to the chariot at the library when Twilight spoke up.

"I still don't trust him Princess."

"Nor do I, he reminds me of Discord, but we should at least give him a chance."

"I know Princess, I just don't like taking these kind of chances, especially with a monster like him." They had arrived, and said their goodbyes. "I wish you well Twilight, take care, and keep me informed of him." Twilight simply nodded, and replied "Goodbye Princess." The chariot began the ride back to the palace, and Twilight had some favors to ask of her friends.

two days later

A scream could be heard in the distance, alarming Roderick who grabbed his sword and ran off towards the sound. not even a minute later, he saw the infamous three fillies being chase by five or six timber wolves, he readied himself for the fight, the wolves quickly surrounded him. As the first one charged, he brought the large sword down upon its head, and readied himself for the next one. To his dismay, three of them attacked him at once, he killed one, but the other two landed on his left thigh and his right shoulder. He ran the wolf on his shoulder through, still feeling the pain from the one on his leg. by now the others started biting and clawing, until the last one was standing, it had fear in it's eyes, and i took off. Roderick was bleeding badly, so he slumped against the nearest tree, and casted his holy magic, curatio, and closed the majority of the wounds.

"I ain't never seen nothing like THAT before!" AJ had been watching, and she had a look of shock on her face, trying to ignore the remains of the wolves and how he brutally chopped them to pieces without any compassion.

"It's called holy magic, that particular spell is called 'Curatio'." He replied, while standing back up

"Well, ah think we should get back to tha farm"

"Agreed, but, are those fillies always getting into trouble like this?"

"Sadly... yes, they're a hoofful, but they are just fillies"

"Well then, let's be off" Roderick had casted it a second time to minimize the damage, and began jogging back to the orchard.

"So... how can you just... kill... them like that? Don't it bother you?" She looked disgusted.

"It's not surprising how you react to a fight like that, I hold no compassion for my enemy, but I will bring them a swift death." He stated coldly. "I think of them as monsters, like those... things at the field, they killed with no care in the world. My General called them 'Encablossa', the name of the god of darkness, and enemy of Nibel, goddess of light."

"So, yer saying yer some kinda angel or sumthin? Cuz angels don't do that." She looked slightly annoyed, but curios none the less.

"No, I'm not an angel, I am but a man, a man who fights for his home, and his people, so they may live in peace. I would give anything to see what peace has come to the land, but i have nothing anymore." He had a look of defeat on his face, as well as anger. The rest of the trip back was silent, until the three saw their 'savior' and ran up to him, asking lots of questions, more or less pertaining to how he fought them without fear, and he answered, but left out the gory details to avoid horrifying the young ones. They had a celebratory feast that night, and slept well.

Rarity came by to give her thanks to the knight, only to have it dismissed as simply 'defending the weak'. She had started looking at him differently, and began asking him questions as well, which he answered without hesitation, but leaving out some details.

Twilight and the rest came by later to get the whole story, which started to annoy him, but he told them anyways. Twilight and Rainbow Dash stayed after to listen to the gruesome details of his war in his world, and they left mortified, after which he stated he will tell no'pony' else.

Questions and a Party
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A Hardened Warrior

Questions and a Party

Chapter 4 - Questions and a Party

Twilight hadn’t stopped thinking about Roderick ever since she met him. ‘What if he was dangerous? What if he hurt somepony?’ Those thoughts rang through her head non-stop. She had a nagging fear that no matter what she did, she couldn’t get rid of. ’I suppose I’ll just get Pinkie to throw him a welcoming party...’ She plopped onto her bed, curling up in the sheets.

“Good night Spike.”

“G’night Twilight.”

Twilight hesitantly went to Sugar Cube Corner, but went nonetheless to speak to Pinkie about getting the party arranged.

“Hiya Twilight! Whatcha need?” Pinkie called from behind the counter.

“Well, I was wondering if you’ll be throwing a party for Roderick.”

“I would but... he didn’t seem like the partying type, that and I have no clue what kind of parties he likes.” Pinkie’s hair was becoming flat somewhat slowly.

“Well... why not just ask him? I’m sure he could tell us his style of partying.”

“Great idea!” Pinkie became her normal party self once again, and they set off to meet with Roderick to question him.

Pinkie was rambling on and on about what she could do for the party, wondering if he liked drinking, or dancing, or something else. Twilight was starting to regret going to her in the first place, instead of asking Pinkie to go by herself. But she couldn’t leave Pinkie alone with that thing, not until her fears subside.

Roderick was busy running into the trees, an equivalent force of AJ’s bucks, to knock down the apples from their limbs. He was starting to feel a lot of pain in his shoulder. But he was happy to help and repay his debt to the Apple family. He finally stopped when he noticed the unicorn and pony standing behind him with confused and shocked faces. He turned around to address them.

“Is there something wrong?” He was unsure if this was a serious matter or not.

“Actually, we were wondering what you would describe as a party.” Twilight spoke up first.

“Ah, normally I would go with many of my brothers down to the barracks to drink and eat, a banquet of sorts.” He looked like he was having nostalgic memories, before remembering he would never return, and in turn received a look of sorrow.

“Right... well, Pinkie and I were going to introduce you to the rest of the town, so they won’t run away like every OTHER time something new comes to town.” Rolling her eyes as she put emphasis on her words. “Er... Pinkie, you’re being awfully quiet...” Pinkie had a distant look in her eyes. “Are you alright? Pinkie?” She began waving her hoof in front of her face, until Roderick came up and poked her lightly in the middle of her forehead.

“Wha- huh? Sorry, I guess I dozed off for a minute there.” She replied, giving a sheepish grin and a small chuckle.

“Well, why not start giving out invitations? I’m sure Roderick here would like to at least know some other ponies besides us. He doesn’t have many friends left anymore.”

“You’re right! bye Mr. Knight! Bye Twilight!” Was all they understood before she started rambling and firing off words while dashing back to Sugar Cube Corner.

“So... Roderick, would you mind if I asked you a few questions about your life?”

“Of course not... but how does your friend do that? It’s... not natural.” He lifted up the buckets of apples to pile in the cart and began pushing said cart to the apple cellar.

“It’s Pinkie, nothing she does is normal, for the most part.” Walking along side Roderick.

“Well, you may begin asking me questions, or will you be recording them as well?”

“Oh right, would you mind stopping by later then? At the library?”

“I don’t know where that is, would you mind giving me a description? Brick, stone, wood?”

“I completely forgot, it’s a tree, in the middle of town. I’ll be getting my stuff ready.”

’A tree... odd... I’m beginning to question my own sanity.’ After he dropped off the apples, he stopped inside to tell Applejack he would be back later.

“Where is this damnable tree? I’ve been looking for an hour.” He was starting to lose his patience, as was Twilight waiting for him. She had seen him pass by twice, and was starting to wonder if he even knew it. “I swear-” he cut himself off when he turned around and spotted the lavender unicorn standing right by the tree he had just passed with an annoyed look. “Hello, I can’t seem to find this tree you spoke of.” She only face-hoofed before walking in, leaving a bewildered knight standing in the middle of the road, empty since he arrived in town.

She came back out one more time before asking “Are you coming or not?”

“Oh, sorry, right away.” He replied with a self-conscious chuckle before following the mare in, and ducking under the short entrance. After sitting down and getting comfortable, he started with a few questions of his own. “So, what is it you wish to know? Origin? Country? Politics?”

“First, your country, what was it called?”

“Ecclesia, E-C-C-L-E-S-I-A.” She scribbled it onto a paper.

“Who rules over it?”

“Dimitri the third, he’s the patriarch.” More scribbling.

This carried on for about 3 hours, she was asking about geography, history, myths, and other things, even to the point of everyday life. They were both getting tired, her from magical exhaustion, and him from a day of working on the farm. The sun was starting to set, and he returned to the barn by the time the moon had come out. He passed out on a bale of hay, laying on top of a pitchfork too.

He woke up shortly after the sun rose, finding three long, thick lines in his abdomen from sleeping on top of the pitchfork. He set about doing his new daily routine; knock down apples, stack them up, deposit, repeat. It was when AJ asked him to come to town that he became suspicious of the party. He follow warily, expecting others to jump out yelling surprise along the way, but it never happened. Until they reached their destination, Sugar Cube Corner. He saw the subtle movements of the ponies hiding in the darkness, and let a small grin come to his face. They walked in, Roderick not flinching when they yelled out “surprise!” while a smile crept onto his face.

After the party had finished, he remembered a few names; Lyra, who was strangely obsessed with his hands, Bonbon, Lyra’s roommate, Carrot Top, Ditzy Doo was a very interesting one, Vinyl Scratch, and Octavia were the ones who stood out amongst them. Each one of them asked about the same questions; “what was your home like? How’d you get here? What kind of music do you listen to?” One of them stuck out in particular... “Do you like muffins?” That made Roderick burst out laughing. They had all gone home to sleep, save one. One, who hadn’t been at the party, followed him from afar.

A stalker! *GASP*

An Old Enemy, A New Hero (pt 1/2)
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A Hardened Warrior

An Old Enemy, A New Hero (pt 1/2)

Chapter 5 - An Old Enemy, A New Hero (pt 1/2)

As Roderick was walking, carrying an EXTREMELY drunken Applejack, to the orchard for the night, Roderick couldn’t help but feel he was being watched. But every time he turned around, he saw no one. The feeling didn’t leave him though, until he reached the barn. He had left AJ with Big Macintosh, who was just heading back into the house. He had fallen asleep within the barn again, and rested peacefully until morning came.

This was Roderick’s day off, but he did his job regardless, against the suggestions of Applejack and Big Macintosh. The day went well, he had harvested nearly one and a half times what he usually harvested, much to the surprise of the Apple family. He didn’t eat all day, and didn’t speak a word, and started to scare AJ when he wouldn’t stop. When night came, he wasn’t even tired, but he went back to the barn anyways. He drifted off into space all night, never falling asleep. The same happened for a few days, he ate when he became weak, and spoke straight, flat answers when necessary.

“Twi, ah think there’s sumthin wrong with Roderick.” Her voice had a hint of concern, and a bit of fear. Twilight picked up on it.

“What do you mean?” Becoming concerned that her fears might be coming true.

“He’s distant, won’t talk much, and doesn’t eat a lot.”

“Hmm, are you sure he’s not just sad? He did lose a lot you know.”

“Ah know, but it’s not like ‘im”

“How long?”

“A week now, ah really think sumthin’s wrong with him.”

“Then we should talk to him, if he doesn’t answer us, then we’ll leave him alone.”

“alright, ah’ll be back at the farm then.”

“I’m coming with, we’ll talk to him now. Spike! I’m going out for a while, look after the library.”

An almost inaudible reply came from the dragon, who was reading a book labeled “Dragon Origins and Behavior”.

Roderick was at the last tree on the orchard when he was interrupted by Twilight and Applejack calling his name. They had a short conversation, about his eating, sleeping, and working habits. Twilight seemed pleased to know that he wasn’t going to harm anypony any time soon. They exchanged goodbyes and the two ponies began a small conversation on the way to the house.

“I told you he was just missing his friends.”

“Ah don’t think that’s all though, ah really think he’s comin’ down with sumthin.”

“AJ, he’s fine, he doesn’t have any symptoms, and he’s running at 100%, there’s absolutely nothing to fear.”

But that night, they were going to learn how wrong they were.

A/N: sorry it took so damn long to write this, part two will come tomorrow while I write ahead. trying to pace myself, oh and also... sorry for the short chapters, I'm still trying to learn how to write longer ones. I'm going to try to keep the pace at 3 chapters a week.

cliffhanger <3

An Old Enemy, A New Hero (pt 2/2)
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A Hardened Warrior

An Old Enemy, A New Hero (pt 2/2)

Chapter 6 - An Old Enemy, A New Hero

Once Roderick went back inside the barn, where he was and is still sleeping in, a shadow emerged from the darkness. It had no shape, other than a simple floating mass, with a ghost-like appearance. He felt it’s presence, grabbing the massive two-handed sword by instinct.

“Who goes there? Show yourself.” Roderick stated flatly, a warriors tone. But the ‘wisp’, as they’re called, remained silent. Watching from above, as Roderick listened intently for any breathing or other noises other than his own. When he came to the conclusion that his mind was playing tricks on him, he lied down to sleep, still uneasy about the earlier feeling. The wisp then left again, leaving a sparkling blue trail behind it as it slipped through the open window in the middle of the barn.

“And what might this devilish creature be?” The wisp thought aloud, but to itself, in a feminine voice. “Perhaps it will be an asset to me... It seems very... corruptible.” The wisp disappeared back into the darkness

“Roderick? Y’in here?” Applejack called out, but with no response, she went in. She was thoroughly disappointed when she saw him awake, sitting indian style, staring blankly at the wall. She was also slightly worried for him. “Y’okay? Roderick, say sumthin.”

...silence...

“Roderick! This ain’t funny. Say sumthin!” before she came closer, and saw his eyes weren’t their natural color, but completely black, no pupils, irises, or sclera. Just midnight black, like a demon’s. An audible scream could be heard for miles, coming from the barn.

Big mac came in, ready for a fight, only to see Applejack wide-eyed in fear staring at the human. “What’s wrong?” was all he could say. Before Roderick moved. Before he attacked the two ponies viciously, but non-lethally. The ponies fought back, bucking the armored soldier as hard as they could, but to no avail, and near broken legs from the recoil.

"This body is mine..." A dark, and foreboding voice over shadowed Roderick's own.

“Twilight!” was heard through the library door, followed by pounding, with Rainbow Dash’s voice. “Something happened to AJ!” That was all Twilight needed to hear to wake her up, and unlock the door.

“What happened? Is she hurt?”

“Yeah! she’s got bruises and cuts all over! she’s at the hospital, with Big Mac. And that human thing ran into the Everfree forest!”

“What? I don’t understand, do the other girls know about this?”

“Yeah, they’re all at the hospital with AJ.”

“Then lets go!” Twilight shouted while leaving a note for Spike and rushing out the door.

They arrived at the hospital, heading into the lobby with the others. They explained what they knew happened, and their beliefs, along with some nasty comments about how ‘they never should have trusted it’. This led to a heated discussion of where they should start looking, after sending a letter to the princess. A few seconds later later came a reply, along with the princess with a concerned mixed with furious look on her face. The hospital ponies quickly got out of her way, fearing what kind of wrath she would bestow upon those who were foolish enough to get in her way.

I will be there shortly. Was all the letter said. No seal. No signature. Just a sentence in hastily scrawled lettering.

The door to the room flung open.

“Twilight, girls, I need to speak to Applejack, is she awake?”

“Yes Princess.” The girls stepped aside, allowing the princess to see AJ, with a bruised face and broken left foreleg.

“Howdy Princess, sorry I can’t bow to ya, nothin personal.”

“Which way?”

“Pardon?”

“Which way did it go?”

“Oh... Princess... ah need t’explain sumthin first.”

“What is it?”

“It wasn’t him.”

"What?!" All the ponies replied in unison.

Meanwhile, in the Everfree forest, Roderick was having a mental battle with Nightmare for control of his body. He was resisting well, which angered her, loosening still the hold Nightmare had upon him. He would not let her free, however. But instead become her prison, for all of eternity.

'Mortal, I have granted you immortality, now I ask that you serve me, allow me control of your body.'

'I will never serve you.'

'Why do you resist?!'

'I know your intentions. I will not follow your command. Demon.'

'I WILL BREAK YOU MORTAL!'

'Fat chance.'

'You will suffer!'

'Don't care. It's a worthy trade, to become a hero, and suffer forever. And you shall rot inside me for the rest of eternity. Demon.'

He remained sitting, observing the surroundings of his new, and (hopefully) permanent home while chatting away with Nightmare about his homeland. Getting only a few statements out of it.

Recap: Nightmare made Roderick immortal, and he took over, now he sits in the everfree forest alone for the rest of the existence of time. AJ explains to the princess and girls what happened to Roderick.

A/N: Sorry for the long update time, next chapter won't be out for a few days, going on vacation for the weekend. It's currently 12:00, and I shall release this chapter! :D

also, chapters will now be released on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. At 3pm Central time ;3

Discoveries
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A Hardened Warrior

Discoveries

Chapter 7 - Discoveries

As Roderick sat in his newly-immortal body, and without need to eat or sleep, he casually talked to Nightmare. She had gone silent, because of Roderick constantly angering her, and resisting. He only kept talking, and talking, until he ran out of things to say, but quickly started telling epics from his homeland. They had been there for a month, moving to location to location, in a sort of circle every week. The elements tried still to find him, but only being encountered with eerie silence when they called out his name. The animals had left their homes, for fear of Nightmare's presence.

Twilight and the girls were still looking for him, they knew he was here because the animals had left, and never came back. So they kept on searching, afraid of what he might be planning. They knew he was corrupted by Nightmare, because Princess Celestia had told them, and why. They were trotting through the Everfree, except Pinkie, she was bouncing and hopping, with a grin plastered on her face. They were following Winona, AJ's pet dog.

Rainbow Dash: "Can't we just get the elements and wait for him? Like with Nightmare Moon?"

Twilight: "No, she won't try the same thing twice. She's too smart for that."

Fluttershy: "What if he beat her?"

Twilight: "I doubt it, if Luna couldn't I don't think anypony can."

Pinkie Pie: "But he's not a pony silly, he's a human"

Twilight: "Pinkie..."

Applejack: "Maybe shes right Twi, he was trained to be strong right?"

Twilight: "I suppose... but we can't be certain, we should take every precaution."

Applejack: "Winona's been taking us in circles, think he goes to the same spots?"

Twilight: "Only one way to be sure, we'll come back here every day for a week."

The girls and dog turned around to go back to their homes, but Roderick was lucky, much like humans, ponies never bothered to look up. He had been sitting on a branch listening to their whole conversation. It was time to move.

The girls had all gone home, most sleeping soundly, except Twilight. Her fears nagging her that she was being watched back in the forest. She kept trying to dismiss it, but it crept back every time.

When the girls grouped back together, except AJ, who has to work the farm, and Rarity, who had a number of dresses to make, they worked their way into the forest. This time however, the animals were back, and Twilight's fears as well. They waited outside of the area for a solid hour, before turning back. Roderick had moved already, Fluttershy could tell.

Fluttershy: "I do-don't think he's c-coming here anymore."

Twilight: "Why's that?"

Fluttershy: "W-well... the animals are back..."

Rainbow Dash: "I think Fluttershys right, It's warmer than yesterday here, but its colder back at Ponyville."

Twilight: "I knew it! We were being watched!"

Rainbow Dash: "Whad'you mean you knew? You're not getting pinkie sense are you?"

Pinkie: "Yeah! 'cause if you have pinkie sense we could be like... Pinkie Sisters!" she exclaimed, while receiving confused looks from the other three.

Twilight: "No, but I felt like I was being watched, I thought it was just animals, but now I'm sure it was him. Roderick saw us looking for him. We need to get a real search party going."

Pinkie: "Ooh! I'll invite everyone in town! It'll be a great big party!"

Rainbow Dash: "Not that kind of party Pinkie."

The conversation about types of parties continued, and Twilight's fears came rushing back. She looked over her shoulders frequently. Only to find nothing unnatural. The others were starting to think Twilight either wasn't getting enough sleep recently, or that she's gone over the deep end again. That is, until Pinkie's tail went 'twitch-a-twitch' and was followed by sounds of a branch snapping, a thud, and a groan of pain. The girls all looked towards each other, before sprinting off to find the source of the noises. They found a man-sized imprint in a bunch of mud, as well as foot prints. Rarity fainted from the pure sight of mud. again. for the fifth time that trip.

"Damnit. I knew I shouldn't have jumped to that branch. I knew it was too frail."

'Then why?'

"Silence."

'They'll keep looking for you, and when they find you, what will you do?'

"They won't. I'll run, and if they do... I'll tie them up and throw them on the edge of Ponyville."

'Yes... of course you will.'

"I said silence."

He had been running with a limp for a while, five minutes at the most, since the fall. It had most likely fractured his left thigh bone. But with his uncanny immortality, It would heal up fairly quickly. The same could be said for the stick lodged within his upper right arm. He finally came to rest within the edge of a cave. Fearing what might lay within, seeing as he had no armor, he wasn't ready for a fight. His mind wasn't ready to cast another spell anyways. So he lay there, until morning, to start his travels again.

A/N: About next chapter... It's all about Roderick, just conversation between him and Nightmare ;3

Conversations
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A Hardened Warrior

Conversations

A/N: This is going to be all dialogue, nothing really interesting here. just talking. ;3

Chapter 8 - Conversations

’Tell me, why do you care for them, you hardly know them.’

‘Because I am a warrior, a knight, and I have sworn upon an oath to defend the weak and defenceless. Be it against orcs, vells, or you.

’What a shame, they hate you, and fear you, and yet you defend them.’

‘My pride does not come from power, but from duty.’

’Duty... you’re a fool. With my power we could easily rule this world!’

‘I’m in no position to be a king, nor do I want to be.’

’You fool... You’re stubbornness will be thy end.’

‘Your point? If I must die to fulfill my oath, then so be it. I will not rest until it is complete.’

’What is your oath anyways?’

‘My knight’s oath is to fear God and maintain his Church, to serve my liege lord in valour and faith, to protect the weak and defenceless, to give succour to widows and orphans, to refrain from the wanton giving of offence, to live by honour and for glory, to despise pecuniary reward, to fight for the welfare of all, to obey those placed in authority, to guard the honour of fellow knights, to eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit, to keep faith, at all times to speak the truth, to persevere to the end in any enterprise begun, to respect the honour of women, never to refuse a challenge from an equal, and to never turn my back upon a foe. Why do you ask?’

’Curiosity... but, that must be so much to uphold, why not just... abandon them? Who will ‘smite’ you? Who is this god, and what are ‘women’?

‘God is the creator of my world, Nibel, she brings light to the world, and I defend it from the darkness that dwells within it. I would never abandon my savior, and god.’

’She sounds much like that impeccable princess of these ponies... and what about ‘women’? What are they?’

‘They are the females of my country and kind.’

’I see... What is it you truly desire most though?’

‘To be pure, and live peacefully. Something you cannot bring me.’

’Says who...? I can grant you anything, power, mates, money, even respect.’

‘That so? I don’t believe you.’

’Why are you so stubborn?’

‘Because I am told to be so. To fight evil, and all it’s entropy.’

’You are so weak, its pitiful, how can you hope to ever defeat me?’

‘I am doing so right now, by resisting you. How can a being such as you, an immortal who has lived for many generations, be so stupid, so naive?’

’SILENCE! I am no fool!’

‘Clearly.’

’Silence!’

Roderick began to chuckle, which only annoyed Nightmare more and more.

‘You are weak, demon. My will is stronger than yours. I will stand by my decision, and until the day the world ceases to exist, you shall be forever inside me. You will not escape, you will not harm innocents, you will not best me.’

’And yet you call me naive? You truly are a fool, I can take possession of you whenever I wish to do so.’

‘Prove it.’

Roderick began to glow, not with light, but with darkness. A black so dark, it would blind those who dared look at it. It lasted for a minute, before dissipating.

‘Wimp.’

’HOW?! HOW DID THAT NOT WORK?!’

‘Good is greater than evil. Purity is stronger than corruption.’

’I’m done speaking to you mortal, I will tolerate you no more.’

‘Is someone cranky?’ Roderick thought while chuckling.

’I truly hope those ponies find us and rid me of you, I would gladly be destroyed before talking with you.’

‘Well, doesn’t that suck? It’s not going to happen, for now at least.’ After this, Nightmare had stopped speaking, albeit through thoughts, but speaking nonetheless. They continued trekking through the forest all throughout the night. Stopping only to admire the scenery. Roderick already developed a mental map of the forest, he knew almost every cave, nook, and cranny.

But he didn’t notice Zecora.

One Last Trail
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A Hardened Warrior

One Last Trail

Chapter 9 - One Last Trail

“Rainbow, I really doubt he would be stupid enough to go near Zecora, let alone her home.”

“But Twilight, we haven’t talked to her before, don’t eggheads like you check every place?”

“Fine! I’ll go talk to her later today, I have some errands to run.”

“I’m coming with you, remember what happened last time you went alone?”

“Yes... I’ll come get you when I’m ready to go. Just be ready.” Rainbow Dash flew off without word as Twilight continued into the marketplace to pick up some notes from Lyra. The stalker pony who watched Roderick when he was working, and taking notes on him. She had taken quite a while, filtering through her own fixations and her true notes.

After the awkward conversations between the two unicorns, Twilight headed off to find Rainbow Dash, who was performing like usual in the air.

“Rainbow Dash!” That got her attention.

“Yeah? You ready to go Twilight?”

“Yes, let’s get going, the sooner the better.”

The two began trotting to the edge of the Everfree Forest. Once they arrived, they found the right path to Zecora’s home, and began the long walk. As usual, the further they went in, the darker it got. The girls had gone through here enough to not be afraid at every second, but they still were worried something could jump out and attack them. But nothing ever did, and they reached Zecora’s, who, wasn’t home...

“Oh no...”

Roderick and Zecora were chatting in a peaceful meadow he had discovered her in, attempting to find some ingredients for some form of anesthesia. She hadn’t seen him trying to sneak away, until he stepped on the infamous ‘twig that came from nowhere’. At first, she thought he was just another Everfree creature, but knew better as he motioned to walk away, after muttering an apology.

“So... you’re a... zebra?”

“Indeed, I brew many a potion, to set cures, in motion.”

’This one is so... annoying, why do you tolerate her? She has nothing to benefit you.’

‘She has understanding, that, and I love to see you angry and annoyed.’

’I hate you so...’

‘Love you too’

“I’ve been plagued by this... ‘disease’...”

“And what disease would that be? I know of many.”

“Nightmare.”

’HAH! look at her eyes! I never knew throwing my name around like that could be so frightening, you should do that more often.’

The zebra’s eyes became pinpricks, and she started to take off, when she heard her name. She turned around to find the source of the voices, and turned back to look at Roderick, but he was gone.

‘You remind me of a tame beast of Encablossa...’

’Who?’

“Zecora!” Twilight shouted.

“Zecora!~” Rainbow yelled.

They had been out here for a while, and the sun was reaching the 3p.m. mark. They found Zecora, frightened like a filly who thought she saw the boogeypony.

“Zecora! What’s wrong?”

All she mustered to say was “Nightmare...”

That was enough to worry them all. Zecora was able to stand, so they rushed her back to Ponyville. She was staying in the Ponyville Library, for a few days. They contacted the rest of the girls so Zecora didn’t have to re-explain the story more than once. What they heard, didn’t frighten them, but confused them. Twilight sent a letter to the princess.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Zecora, the zebra herbalist in the Everfree Forest, encountered the human today. She explained what she saw, but it seems as if he’s holding Nightmare back. We’re not quite sure on the details however. Zecora is currently staying in the library with Spike and I.

Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle.

And no sooner than a few seconds, there was a reply. One that would normally take a pony a few minutes to write.

Dear Twilight,

I would like to ask that ‘Zecora’ comes to see me in my castle tomorrow, I would like to ask her many questions. There are things that nopony should know, and I prefer to keep it to myself. If you see him, attempt to restrain him. But do so with caution, we are still dealing with Nightmare, the same being that took control of my own sister, Luna.

Ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia

‘Think they’ll send an army to comb through the forest?’

’No, they don’t have the guts to look in this forest.’

‘Hm... What other races are there in this world?’

’Griffins, dragons, diamond dogs, zebras, ponies...

‘I see, which of them are closest?’

’Besides the ponies? Griffins. Why? Are you going to finally listen to me?’

‘No, I will simply explore the world, and defeat those who are evil, such as yourself. I will rid this world of what I can.’

’So cliché...’

A God's Wrath
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A Hardened Warrior

A God's Wrath

A/N: I’ll be trying to make these all 1k+ words at least. May take a bit longer than before, Since school is going to start in a week or two.

Chapter 10 - A God’s Wrath

It was raining outside, more like storming like armageddon. Lightning, hail and rain bigger than your fist, falling at a good 20 mph. The whole sha-bang. And Roderick was caught in the middle of it.

Roderick had just left the Everfree on the other side, only to see a storm start brewing. A big one. He turned tail and ran back in to find a cave or something to get away from it. He’d found one, thankfully, and it had just started pouring.

What he found in the cave, however, wasn’t as appealing as the storm outside. It was a MASSIVE purple shaded bear-like thing with constellations on it. Claws bigger than him, If he didn’t know any better, he would’ve tried to kill it. But it was still sleeping however, so that gave Roderick a choice, stay here and possibly die in the morning... Or freeze and die in the rain tonight.

The choice was obvious.

Roderick found a crevice in one of the walls of the cave. Making as little noise as possible, he squeezed in, and attempted to sleep.

’Coward... I give you power, but you won’t try to kill an Ursa Major?’

‘I’m not trying to die...’

’You forgot already... I’ve made you immortal. You can’t die.’

‘...’

’That’s what I thought.’

‘shut up’

’Oh? I don’t get to ‘troll’ you?

‘What does ‘troll’ mean?’

’I thought all you mortals had the same terms for things... Oh how I hate being mistaken.’

‘Just... Let me sleep.’

’Fine, when you’re ready to pick this conversation, you know where to fin-’

Roderick fell asleep before Nightmare could finish her thought. Leaving her to her own devices. As well as anger for being ignored.

Waking up to loud noises is never fun. Loud noises are annoying. Annoying things wake us up. That’s why we have alarms. But alarms are supposed to be set at reasonable times. Not five hours after Roderick fell asleep, he was awakened by a loud roar. Needless to say, Roderick was annoyed. Shit, meet fan.

’I didn’t realize spines could bend that way... or necks...’

‘They don’t. Until you piss me off.’

’Right... remind me to make an offer to you when I become whole again...’

‘Are you still speaking to me?’

’...’

The awkward silence kept up for a while, at least, until they reached the edge of the forest.

’Where are we going to go?’

‘Griffin territory.’

’You’re still annoyed... aren’t you?’

‘I hadn’t noticed.’

After that, the silence continued. Nary a peep was heard from Nightmare, noticing how easy it would be to take over, but decided against it. She could still feel pain, and Roderick would stop at nothing to stop her. Not even suicide, after countless hours of torture. He would have no trouble at all, fitting into the Griffins’ country.

The zebra from the forest was extremely skeptical about coming to the castle. She hated the dirty glares she got from everypony. Rich to poor. Like she was a monster. Even the guards gave her dirty looks, until she told them she was here for the princess, which only confused them.

By the time one of the guards left to go confirm it, ten minutes had passed. She was irritated, and they could feel the hatred coming from her glare. After the guard that left told her she was admitted, they stepped aside, and heard her mumble something about ‘incompetent’ and ‘stupid cities’.

She greeted the princess like any outlander would. A simple hello, and a curt nod. Which seemed to leave the princess almost offended, but showed no sign of doing so.

“Hello... Zecora.”

“Your highness...”

The two had already gotten off to a bad start. Ponies and Zebras, despite their physical appearances, almost never got along. But with all the strange happenings in Ponyville, she wasn’t surprised anymore. And Zecora wasn’t exactly happy, enough so that she’d stopped rhyming.

“I heard you came in contact with the beast we’re trying to find.”

She chose her words carefully, the terms ‘hunt’ and ‘subdue’ usually unnerved her subjects.

“Yes, I saw it.”

“Would you care to explain where you were? As well as where it was headed?”

“The forest, I was gathering herbs... It seemed passive, but... It mentioned that it was plagued by ‘Nightmare’”

Thankfully, Luna wasn’t present, but was instead dealing with some flooding over in Manehattan. Apparently, an Ursa minor was rampaging through town. Something about it losing it’s mother.

“Right... well, do you know where it was headed?”

“No, I ran. I doubt it would’ve told me anyways.”

“I see, thank you for sharing this information with me. I’ll have my servants arrange a room for you.”

A happy thought slipped into Zecora’s mind.

“If it’s all the same to you princess, I’d like to return home, I must confess.”

“Very well, I’ll have a chariot send you back, I’m sure my subjects would be uncomfortable around you, from what I’ve heard.”

With a curt nod, and a complete 180 on the spot, Zecora began to trot out of the room, and into the lobby. All the ponies present gasped as she came out, and murmuring ‘not-nice’ things. Which, filled Zecora to the brim with something mixed between anger at the ponies, and self-hate, for ever agreeing to come here. She couldn’t wait to get back home, make some bombs, and blow up some of the mountainside to let out some of her anger. Nopony ever knew Zecora was a demo-freak. Nopony ever would, they’re all too afraid of the forest, and the explosions would send them scurrying anyhow.

The chariot was already waiting for her. The flight attendants... were the guards out front. She couldn’t wait to get out of this place. After explaining where to go, they both shuddered at the mention of ‘Ponyville’. They’d probably seen the crazy things that happen there. But they went anyways, to the path near Fluttershy’s, so Zecora could have a peaceful walk to her home.

A Fist Full of Fate
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A Hardened Warrior

A Fist Full of Fate

A/N: Yo, sorry bout the short wait. Went to Michigan lake to swim. That thing is HUGE. here's the chapter <3

Chapter 11 - A Fist Full of Fate

Carrying on from the edge of the forest, Roderick stops to consult Nightmare on where to go.

‘So... from here, which way?’

’Northwest, the sun is just rising, so walk with your back against it, then turn left a bit.’

‘You seem more compliant...’

’I’m stuck here until you’re purged of me.’

‘So you are... How long will it take to get there? To the...’

’Dominion. Two days.’

Wasting no more time, Roderick began the direct path to the Dominion, avoiding crevices, pitfalls, and trees. They saw no animals, like usual.

7 Hours Later

A loud swooping noise was heard overhead as he was walking past a rather large mountain. Apparently, it was large. Because the shadow, which Roderick managed to miss, could cover an entire block. Roderick was growing frantic.

‘Did you hear that? Or am I going mad?’

’Dragon...’

‘WHAT?’

’Well... You are passing by one of the resting places for the great dragon migration. Seems they’re here for a while. I am curious however... Why is there one so low on the mountain?’

‘A dragon.’

’Yes... a dragon. Do you not have them in your world?’

‘Only from bone. And Wyverns. Both are evil. Evil must die.’

’...’

When the adult green dragon finally landed in front of Roderick, it readied to ask him questions. As to why he was trespassing on his turf, and why he was so ballsy as to come near the mountain that dragons were residing for the time being. But before he could ask said questions, Roderick rushed at him, to try and chop it to bits. But the dragon simply opened its mouth, and chomped down on him, like a boa constrictor and a mouse.

“Foolish crea-”

Before the dragon could finish it’s statement, A burning sensation was coming from his stomach. So he screamed. Loud enough to attract the other dragons’ attentions from the border of the top of the mountain. Most ignored it, the rest didn’t care enough to inspect the scene. But by the time the screams stopped, some looked back to see a dragon dissipating into a golden glowing mist. One that was being absorbed by the ground. One of their own had deceased.

5 minutes later

“DRAGONS ARE EVIL! EVIL MUST DIE!” Was all Roderick was chanting as he finished killing the great beast. He looked for more foes to best, but none showed themselves. Forgetting all about the mountain, he ran in the direction he had been going in.

’I’ve never seen that before... It’s like his soul was removed and taken into the earth.’

...

’Hello? Are you there? Roderick...?’

...

’Roderick. Calm down. I wish to speak with you. Cease your insanity.’

...

‘What?’

’You went insane. Stay away from dragons. That and I need to speak with you.’

‘About what?’

’What was that, when the dragon died? It’s never happened before.’

‘I was hoping you could tell me.’

’Well... this is great. New things to learn.’

‘You sound like that unicorn... Twilight I think it was.’

’The element of magic? Speak not her name ever again.’

‘...’

’What? Why did you stop speakin-’

‘What in the Sam Hill is that.’

’What? I- Oh... That... Is Cerberus.’

Laying before them, sleeping, in a field, with a ball in its mouth, was a giant, three headed monster dog.

Roderick’s mind: Broken.

His first course of action was to stare intensely at it. With wide eyes. Then came the slow backward steps. Finally, the infamous ‘random twig’ struck again. His heavy armor, despite making loud clangs as he walked, didn’t wake up the dog. But that twig.

That twig will pay.

But first, comes the problem of Cerberus. He woke up. And. He. Is. Pissed.

“GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOWL~~~”

’RUN.’

‘ALREADY ON IT.’

But Roderick wasn’t quick enough, and he was now the dog’s chew toy. Only, Cerberus can’t have nice things. He breaks them. All of them.

But Roderick wouldn’t just lay down (hang mercilessly from the air) and die. He would fight (plead for his life to) the dog. But Cerberus would have none of it. He woke him up, he gets to suffer for a while. Thankfully, Cerberus couldn’t smell the scent of Nightmare within him, or he would be in for a long, warm eternity...

6 Hours Later

Cerberus had finally fallen asleep. Roderick’s armor, was now dented everywhere possible. Nightmare was feeling sympathetic however, so once Roderick slipped out, she used her power to undent his armor.

‘Thanks...’

’But of course. I may be evil, but I am not entirely cruel. That dog scares even I.’

So, night had approached, and they were now on their way to the Dominion. Again. But fate had other plans. Fate was a troll. Roderick had run into large, unnamed animals, plants, and even spirits. That night had been VERY angering for him. He’d been eaten, again, Burned, Frozen, Burned twice more, Dropped from the sky, Haunted by a very talkative ghost, who was, an ancestor of Pinkie’s. Go figure. Finally, he got clubbed in the face. Hard enough to shatter every bone in your body.

When he’d finally arrived at the border, he dropped. into a pit. which housed a nasty giant wyrm. Roderick had had enough.

‘Know any explosive spells?’

’With fire? no.’

‘Damn... This immortality is getting really annoying. Infinite pain, and infinite life. How did you put up with this for so long?’

’By not getting killed repeatedly...’

‘...’

’Fine... I will lend you some more of my power.’

A bright flash occurred within the pit, followed by a man climbing out of it, completely disoriented. He stumbled to get away from the wyrm before it recovered. It was, undoubtedly, angry. Enough to rip him to pieces for the rest of its life. After minutes of stumbling and running, Roderick was safe from the wyrm. He collapsed, exhausted after a days worth of fighting, and pain. It was time to take a nap...

A/N: Another author's note. Back to watching Doctor Who.

New Friends
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A Hardened Warrior

New Friends

Chapter 12 - New Friends

Having woken up from his nap, Roderick stands up, and opens his eyes. He had moved in his sleep, apparently. Or he just didn’t remember anything after the wyrm... Nah. Sleepwalking.

‘Hey. You.’

’Hmm?’

‘Know where we are?’

’Sorry, I never visited the Dominion much. Nature can change things in a thousand years anyways.’

‘Great... I’m going in blind, how many cities do you know of?’

’Gryphus is most likely the only one standing.’

‘Which direction?’

’West.’

‘Towards the sun, got it.’

’Other way. It’s morning.’

‘...’

Roderick began walking west, for how long, he didn’t care. He began sleep walking. Sure, he fell a lot, and he was impaled many more times, but he kept moving on. He even fell off a small cliff, which was the final mark to make him pay attention. Because he had apparently marched on for 3 days... And passed through the entire Dominion with no encounter of the griffins. Or animals for that matter. Only carnivorous plants. Big ones.

He’d lost almost all of his soldierlike habits, except the ration eating. He never ate more than two servings. However, only to savour the delicious foods, since he was immortal, and hadn’t a need to eat anymore. But it also kept him healthy and fit as well. He was quite intimidating with multiple holes in his armor, and dents, and strange voices.

When he was going back through the dominion, he noticed the griffins flying into coves, followed by a chorus of howls, Screams, and a roar. Much like that of a dragon...

“Draaaaaaaagon~”

’Roderick... don’t you dare. I get hurt when you get hurt.’

But he would have none of it. Brandishing his weapon, and using Nightmare’s spell to fix his armor, he sprinted to where he heard the dragon. Sure enough, standing over cowering human/dog hybrids and griffins trapped in nets. Big as the last one, but darker. A dark purple, and looked almost feminine.

’Seems like the ways of the diamond dogs haven’t changed.’

‘What’dya mean? And what are Diamond Dogs?’

’Diamond dogs are those hounds cowering before that dragon. They’re slavers, quite bothersome when they have nets. They feed gems to the dragons so they don’t get eaten. When they run out of gems. They offer griffins. And ponies. And they’re own weakest members.’

‘Cowards...’

’Very much so. I may be evil, but not entirely cruel. I hate to see things like these. Call me a hypocrite, but I’m not one for sacrifices and slavery. Only tyranny.’

‘You’re asking me to save them?’

’I’m doing no such thing, but it would be nice. Besides, we could perhaps rally them together and have them as an army...'

‘You’re not getting control of me.’

Before she could respond, he charged off the behead the dragon. But the dragon saw him coming. But had no idea what kind of power such a small, insignificant being like him could hold.

“And by the fires of my ancestors, what are you?” Definitely female.

Roderick stopped so fast that he fell, tumbled, and had enough built up dirt to make a home of it. He stood up just as quick.

“YOU CAN SPEAK?!” While pointing an armored finger at the gargantuan beast.

The dragon wasn’t amused. Of course her kind could speak, who didn’t know that? But he did look like a mighty fine appetizer compared to the usual Griffin she had. Or gems for that matter. Sapphires and Onyxes were getting bland. But they kept her alive. Without another moment’s notice, she snapped him up, and swallowed.

’Not again... why must you make me endure such misery?’

“YEEEEARGHHH~” Much like the last time, he cut open the stomach, seeing as the insides were nice and tender, compared to the scaly skin on the outside. The stomach and lungs cut so very easily.

The dragon, just like the last one, roared in anger and pain. before choking on its own blood, and dropping to the ground. Glowing brightly for a moment, before the light shifted into the ground, and sprouting golden-yellow flowers. The petals looked like fire when bunched together.

When Roderick slowly crawled out of the beast’s mouth and stood up, the diamond dogs scattered. Leaving him, and some even more scared griffins than before. They’re pupils became pinpricks at the sight of him coming closer, others just closed their eyes and waited for death to come. The only noises next, were those of metal hitting rope and rock, confusion followed by rejoice, and grunts coming from the human.

“From this day forward, you are free. I will right the wrongs in this kingdom.” The griffins all looked towards each other in more confusion at his ‘voice’. “Would one of you kindly point us to the lair of those hounds?”

“I will.” A female griffin with a stern voice walked forward. “Thanks for saving us, you’re pretty cool for a monster, ya dig?”

“Er...”

’She said you’re awe inspiring.’

“Ah, thank you, let’s be off then.”

’Funny...’

‘what is?’

’You’ve had more contact with these mortals and their modern slang, and yet, I know more of it than you.’

‘hush.’

“Yeah, sure” She began walking towards the north. “Name’s Jinrai. Means thunder.”

“Yin rei... interesting name.” He began following her. “So, tell me about those hounds.”

“You mean the diamond dogs? They’re weaklings, using nets to catch us and force us into the mines to dig and pull carts full of gems. But recently, the gems haven’t been showing up, so they fed us and some ponies to the dragons.”

“I see... not too different from what I’ve seen back home.”

“What’cha mean?”

“Orcs. They enslave my brethren, and eat them as well. I don’t know why, but they like the taste. I was once a slave, before Kendal came and slaughtered the beasts. They didn’t stand a chance. A single troop crushed dozens in a matter of minutes.”

“Wow... Sounds like a tough one.”

“He was.”

“Was?”

“I’m not sure if he’s still alive. I became one of his two captains, and we went into Encablossa’s soul, with three squads of soldiers. They all died when we came here, and I couldn’t find him or Regnier in the field we arrived in.”

“Who’s Encablossa? And Regnier?”

“Encablossa is the god of the darkness, sworn enemy of the creatures born under Nible, the goddess of light’s rule. He is, by all definition, a monster. Reignier is a servant of the Ancient heart, the heart of Encablossa. But when it was destroyed, he became mortal. He charged in with us to destroy the god.”

“Wow. Anyways, we’re here. See that cave?”

“Yes.”

“They’re hidden in there. They have lights for the slaves to see where they’re going, but they dig real fast, and rely on hearing to find you. That armor will give away your spot.”

“I’ll best them. I’m not taking this armor off.”

“Alright... but please stay alive, we need a hero like you. See ya ‘round.” With that, she flew off into the now night sky. They had walked for a decent while, the better part of twenty minutes.

He set off into the cave, clanking armor and weapon, ready to fight anything that tried him. He was not expecting, a head on assault. A spear was thrust near his head, caught his shoulder and broke in half. The shock could be seen even with it’s helmet so far on it’s head. But only lasted a short while, before it rolled off.

The other dogs had surrounded him, charging from all directions, hitting him with all they had. They left only dents and scratches. But when he returned fire, he killed them, his sword sharp enough to cut through bone with ease, managed to kill at least three with a simple wide swing.

Before long, however, the only thing left were corpses, and a man standing tall. He had slaughtered them, twenty or thirty in number. But he set off to go deeper into the cave. To find the captives, and to free them.

’Sometimes... I’m curious what it would be like to fight you in close range.’

‘messy.’

’So it seems... Thank you.’

‘This is not for you. This is for them, and myself.’

Before long, he found the holding cells, abandoned. With large amounts of ponies and griffins in shackles, lying unconscious. He allowed a small smile to creep upon his face. He clanged the flat edge of his sword against the metal bars, awakening the creatures inside with a start.

“Wha- WHAT ARE YOU?!” Was seemingly the favored response of the captives.

“Silence. You are free now.” Was all Roderick said, before breaking the locks on each of the cells. But they stayed inside, afraid of what he might do to them if they get caught. Until one of them walked up to him. An orange filly with a green mane.

“Thank you.”

A/N: Whew, all this in one sitting... two hours. I think I can keep this up. Definitely.

Btw, in the show: Rainbow Dash mentions a bullet. guns in Equestria...

Everything Dies (1/3)
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A Hardened Warrior

Everything Dies (1/3)

Chapter 13 - Everything Dies, Part 1/3

The ponies and griffins had already gone back to their homes. The griffins dropped their usual hostility with the ponies to rejoice with them, and offer them shelter for the night. After all, those who are confronted with death, usually had a wider range of views. Tonight was their night to celebrate, but not Rodericks. Tomorrow would be the day for them to mourn the lost. Not his.

Finding a suitable tree to climb up into, he reached a stable branch, one that could support his weight.

’You miss your friends. Don’t you?’

‘...’

’Believe it or not, I once had friends as well... Mortal friends... When they died, I became this monster. I feel that... through you, I can change. I can better myself.’

‘You already have. Continue seeing things this way, and perhaps...’

’I will let you rest. You’ve earned it.’

Roderick slowly drifted off to sleep...

Waking up, still in the tree where he remembered he fell asleep, Roderick jumped out of the tree. Falling a decent 30 feet of so, he landed with a giant thud. He sank up to his neck in soft mud.

’BWAHAHAHAHAH’

‘Glad to see you find this funny. Mind helping me?’

With a bright flash of midnight blue colors, he was standing on the edge of the mud pool. The very same one that wasn’t there the night before.

‘How long did I sleep’

’A night’s worth.’

‘Then how the hell did this get here?’

’The air is moist here, I’m sure you were just walking upon solid earth last night, and there may be a water pool underneath.’

‘I see...’

’Shall we go?’

Without another word, he set off to what looked like a massive playground for mega earthworms. It was the ‘homes’ of the griffins that live here. A sad sight to see, when something can’t be afforded the luxury of owning even something as simple as a farming cottage. Even if the land was scorched, most likely from the dragons that roamed here.

Cheers were heard from the griffins and ponies that he passed by. He noticed something horrid last night. A lonely child. He was going to help guide that child. No matter the race, nothing sentient and young should feel so alone. Dragons were no exception.

Listening for possible crying, Roderick scanned the many holes in the mountain as he passed them by. Until he found it. A crying griffin, too small to fly, or find its own food.

“Hello, little one.” Nightmare’s voice didn’t echo this time.

“H-Hi...” The griffin managed to get out, after a few sniffles.

“Are you alone?”

“Yes...” more sniffles.

“Who did you lose?”

“My mommy...”

“She is not entirely gone, she lives with you, in your heart.”

“Why can’t those stupid diamond dogs all just die?”

“They do what they must to survive. Just as you do, as well as I. Do not pursue revenge. Revenge is a dark, and lonely path. Make friends, and live. Live for your mother, and father. Do not just survive. Live well... or you will come to regret it.” After giving the young one a lecture, and some food to eat, he left.

’Very touching... I hadn’t a thought you were so good with children.’

‘I’m not.’

’...’

‘Which way is the capital?’

’Further east.’

‘Then let’s be off, the sooner I can get there, the sooner I can relax, and request help.’

’What are your true intentions?’

‘You will see in the times to come.’

Night had fallen upon Ponyville again, and Twilight was still awake, writing a letter to her mentor about her progression of finding Roderick.

Dear Princess Celestia,

We still haven’t managed to find the human, I feel that it’s safe to assume he’s no longer in the Everfree Forest. On a side note, a few ponies who had gone missing came back yesterday. They’d been ponynapped by diamond dogs and offered as food to dragons or enslaved to dig for gems. They came from the Dominion, and had been rescued by a tall, bipedal ‘thing’ in armor.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle

Spike sent the letter as per usual.

“I wonder if Applejack was right... if he really did beat Nightma-” Her thoughts were cut off by an immediate response.

My Star Pupil,

If the human has gone to the Dominion, then all we may do is wait and prepare. I will send guards to the border to monitor. I’m beginning to question how much influence Nightmare has upon it. He is alien, and as such, we do not know his capabilities. In all likelihood, however, we must remain vigilant. Rest and gather your energy, Twilight.

Your Eternal Princess, Celestia.

“So even she doubts Nightmare...”

Roderick had stopped to relax a bit at the base of a mountain that stood as high as Pike’s Peak, fourteen thousand feet. He’d been walking for a day and a half, awake this time. He didn’t want a repeat of what happened last time.

’Were at the base of the city. It’s up this mountain.’

‘I’ve always hated mountains...’

’why?’

‘Well... heavy objects and hills don’t usually agree.’

’I see... I’ve never experienced the... inconveniences of such things.’

‘Of course not. You can fly.’

He began the silent, and slow walk upon the mountain. It may as well have taken him another day, bar a few hours. Night had fallen, and day had risen. What they found surprised Roderick, he expected nests, like birds camped in a tree, but this was a city. Tall buildings, streets, shops... everything Ecclesia had. Except the patriarch and the holy buildings.

He was approached with spears and claws by several griffins.

“Who are ya? What’re ya? ‘N why ya here?” asked the griffin in front of him.

“Name’s Roderick, I’m a hero, and I’m just visiting...” He’d been used to interrogations like this when he was younger, before he meant something to someone.

“Whad’ya mean ‘hero’?”

“I help the helpless...”

One of the griffins whispered ”I think this is what those others that came in yesterday were talkin’ bout.”

“Can’t be...” His attention turned back to him. “Were ya the one that saved the prisoners from the diamond dogs?”

“Yes.”

...

“Let ‘im through.”

The group of griffins returned to their posts, on the corner of the streets. All but one, the griffin that spoke to him, and let him in.

“So... why’re ya really here?”

“To help. With anything. Got anything suitable?” Roderick asked with a grin.

“Yeah, why don’t I take ya to the mayor then.”

“That’d be very nice.”

A/N: Shorter chapter than before, felt like giving you a cliffhanger. multiple parts to this will come, just be patient. Writing this over the weekend.

Also, forgot today was monday, sorry for the late release.

Everything Dies (2/3)
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A Hardened Warrior

Everything Dies (2/3)

A/N: Thought I'd let you have this early, since the last one was a few hours late.

Chapter 14 - Everything Dies Part 2/3

Roderick had been led by the griffin to the office that the mayor had been working in for the past five years. His size was twice the other griffins, and he sat behind a desk with mounds of paper stacked upon. He briefly looked up, and cocked an eyebrow.

’He’s rather fat...’

Roderick giggled at the comment, leading to confusion for the griffin guards.

“Er... Sir, this is the... what’re ya called again?” coming from the same griffin as before.

“Human.”

“Right... this ‘human’ is the one who saved the others from the diamond dogs in the valleys, sir.”

His voice was deep, and thundering. Deeper than Big Macintosh’s, which shocked Roderick quite a bit. “Is that so? Just you?”

“Yes.”

“What’s your name?”

“Roderick.” The smaller, first griffin had left before the question was asked.

“Are you a soldier?”

“Yes.”

“Rank?”

“Captain, under Ecclesia’s rule. second to General Kendal.”

“And what, pray tell, is this... ‘Ecclessia’?”

“My kind’s capital.”

“And why are you here?”

“To help with anything physical.”

“Right... I’ll arrange something, thanks for stopping by... My name is Sigurd, by the way.”

’What did you do before all this?’

‘I fought the legions of Hexter.’

’Err...’

‘Orcs and dark elves.’

’Well... you don’t mind if I just hop in your mind and look do you?’

‘Just be careful... I prefer not to have something happen to me because you decided to play with my memories.’

No response came.

Roderick had been walking along the streets, looking around, while talking to Nightmare. He was also getting mixed reactions from the griffins. Smiles from the ones he’d saved, and glares from the ones who he didn’t. He stopped in at what he thought was a café. He was greeted by the griffin who ran the place, he was one of the ones that were in the net. There were two couples eating happily, same case.

“So, you came to the capital eh? Oh yea, I never introduced myself... name’s Grendle.”

“Yeah, looking for work. Mayor said he’ll arrange something.”

“Alright. Would ya like somethin’ t’eat?”

“Whad’ya serve?”

“Just about anything cheap.”

“Venison, please.”

“How would ya like it done?”

“Very cooked, brown in the middle.” Grendle was shocked, no one ever wanted their meat so dry and flavorless

“Alrighty then... It’ll be ready in a bit.” He stepped behind the counter and into what looked like a kitchen. A door was heard opening, and boxes moved, and a door closing. Then sizzling, like when bacon is put on a pan.

’You have a very... interesting world.

‘As do you.’

’Still, I thought I was ruthless when it came to being evil. Those ‘orcs’ were just...

‘Disgustingly despicable.’

’I was thinking morbid. But that works as well.’

Grendle came back out with a dry, and almost colorless deer steak. “Here ya go, never had to cook something so long.” To which Roderick took his helmet off to eat.

“Thanks.”

’I’m actually curious about what you would’ve done if you weren’t so righteous.’

‘Not sure, don’t want to think about it.’

Inside of the Ponyville Library, four of the six representatives of the Elements of Harmony, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash sat at a table. Twilight gathered the present elements in the library to speak with them about Roderick, and how they’ll keep watch for him. On the table they sat before, Spike placed many muffins and cookies for the girls to eat while they spoke.

“So Twi, ya think he ain't in Equestria anymore?”

“Yes, Applejack, none of the other towns said anything about a bipedal monster walking around, and if he went through the forest, he might’ve curved around and went to the north.”

“I hope he’s alright...”

“I hope so too, Fluttershy. For our sake, and his.”

“Well when he comes back, I’ll be ready to kick his flank!” Rainbow Dash struck her famous self-appraisal pose.

“Unless... he beat Nightmare.”

“Well yeah... but if Princess Luna couldn’t, I don’t think he could.”

“He’s trained to resist stuff, remember?”

“Ah agree with Rainbow, Ah don’t think even he could beat ‘er.”

“But that doesn’t mean he can’t. We have to hope, so how are we going to watch for him?”

“I can check while I’m on weather patrol.”

“Ah’ll do rounds on mah farm.”

“I can ask the animals if they see him. I’m sure they’d be happy to help.”

“Okay, now that that’s settled, let’s eat. I’m starving...”

“We told you not to starve yourself when you’re doing your egghead stuff, Twilight. It’s not healthy.” All she got in response were some mumbles that only Pinkie could translate, but she wasn’t there. “What was that?”

“I said... I can eat when I’m done.”

By the time the silence was over, Roderick had finished eating, picked up his helmet, and just before putting it on, he sneezed. Violently. Enough to scare Grendle when he was so far behind the counter, as if Roderick was going to blow the whole place down and snatch up all his piggies.

’Somepony’s talking about you...’

‘So it seems.’

’Who do you think it is?’

‘The only ponies I know by name.’

’The elements...’

‘If that’s what you prefer to call them, yes. They, and their princess, are the only who know my name.’

’Well then, they’re most likely plotting your downfall for when you return.’

‘Definitely.’

As he finished his last thought, he left the café, and a griffin came by and gave him a letter.

To the recipient of this letter,

Your services are desired by the mayor of Gryphus, the capital of the Griffin Dominion.

Sigurd.

’It seems he came up with something.’

‘Let’s see what it is.’

He began walking casually down the streets to the mayor’s office for whatever the mayor had arranged. But before that could happen, he was jumped, gagged, and bagged.

When he came to, he was chained to the wall, armor stripped from his body. Torture tools laid out before him, as if to intimidate him.

’I forgot to mention, griffins aren’t as kind as ponies.’

‘I noticed... but, I’m curious who-’ His thought was cut short as a rather large griffin came in.

“Ah, the human awakens. I’ve been informed by that annoying Princess Celestia~... that there was a two-legged monster in armor running around destroying everything. You’re wanted dead.” It was too dark to tell, but the voice sounded like Sigurd’s, it most likely was.

“So... she set a bounty on my head, eh?”

“Correct, now... I enjoy watching my prey scream, kick, and bleed. So, I had my servants arrange a bit of a collection of tools.”

“Can’t kill me.”

“Oh come now, Everything dies eventually.”

“But not at the hands of another.” Sigurd gave him a dead panned look.

“Are you saying you’re immortal?”

“Indeed.”

“Well... we’ll just have to test that, won’t we.”

’I prefer to not feel pain... so, I’m putting you in a subconscious state.’

‘Fine with me.’

And that’s what she did, as the ‘operation’ began, he felt nothing. But he saw what he was doing, the stabbing, the bones being cut through, the blood and skin falling off... but he felt nothing.

When he regained full consciousness, he was in a bag. There was a slight stinging pain in his stomach. And he heard the sound of wood grinding together and against the ground. He was in a wagon.

’You finally awaken.’

‘How long?’

’Three days, the pain would’ve put you in shock if I let you up early.’

‘Where are we?’

’Headed to Equestria... I suggest you get out of here quickly.’

As he moved, however, he noticed something on top of him. A box, seemingly like a chest, was thrown off him as he shook violently, getting his head out of the bag quickly. Next, his hands and arms, torso, and legs. He threw the chest hard enough that it spilled the contents. His armor and sword were there.

He put them on as quickly as possible, and slid out the back. And ran to Gryphus at a speed he’d never done before, he was going to get revenge. Sigurd was going to die.

’And what of Gryphus? They will revolt, and try to kill you themselves.’

‘Let’s see them follow me into the badlands.’

’Point taken...’

As he got to the gates, the guards had various reactions ranging from shock to confusion. He walked through without resistance.

‘Seems the bounty didn’t get out yet.’

’Want to grab something to eat first? You’re starving.’

As she thought it, he felt a rumble in his stomach. He had no money, however. He would have to steal... But Grendle had been right beside him, when he heard his stomach growl.

“Hey, hungry again?”

The voice startled Roderick, looking to his right put him to ease.

“Yes, and it seems I’ve no money to pay for food again.”

“That’s fine, it’s on me, where ya wanna eat?”

“Anywhere that has food...”

’How about the place to your right?...’

‘That will work.’

“Then how about this place?” He responded, as if hearing Nightmare speak.

“Why not.”

The two strolled in, ate a nice meal, Grendle paid, and they walked out. Into a lot of guards pointing sticks at him. Sigurd was standing before him. With a very pissed off look in his eyes.

A/N: This is not turning into a gorefic. Just so you know.

Everything Dies (3/3)
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A Hardened Warrior

Everything Dies (3/3)

Totally forgot today was Friday, sorry guys. posting story now.

Chapter 15 - Everything Dies Part 3/3

Roderick was seized and brought to the dungeons in Gryphus for more torturing. Only this time, he had a dagger hidden in his boot. They hadn’t yet chained his hands to the wall, so he grabbed it with his bound hands, and cut the rope binding them. The room he was in was empty of other life, bar the rats running around.

The griffins, hadn’t learned from last time. They left his armor and such in a chest with no lock on it again. In the half an hour he had to dress himself, no griffin had come in to check on him. So, he politely lets himself out by hacking the iron bar door down with his sword with one great cleave. There still were no guards outside the door, or down the hall for that matter.

’It’s too quiet... I’m sure its another trap.’

‘Doesn’t matter, Sigurd is corrupt. He’d sell his own for a few extra... erm...’

’Septims. As they were called when I was still around a thousand years ago. Named so after Tirius Septim.’

‘Right, I don’t need a lecture right now.’

He’d been running down a very long corridor. It took him nearly a full minute of running to reach the door. He regained his composure before setting foot outside, to an office with a sleepin warden.

‘Nice security...’

’A thousand years ago, he’d of been beheaded for that.’

Without a second thought, he slipped out the... locked... door...

He scanned the room for a window, luckily there was one. Unluckily, he was on the second floor. He dived out, falling face first into the cobblestone with a loud clang and screeching of metal. This awoke the warden on the second level, who looked outside the window to see a mess of steel and gold. All he did was raise an eyebrow, and go back to his spot.

’That was unnecessary...’

‘Agreed...’

He could hear a cheer echo from the next block over, attracting his attention.

A familiar voice sounded off right next to Roderick. “How do I keep running into you?” It was, yet again, Grendle. He was carrying what looked like a basket full of bread on his wings, and other groceries.

“I’m not certain... but where is Sigurd?”

“He’s making an announcement that direction.” he said while pointing to his right. Looking down the long stretch of cobblestone, there was a caravan awaiting a griffin on stage, whom he could only guess to be Sigurd. “Why? Somethin’ wrong?”

“He imprisoned me, and seeks to use me to benefit himself with money.”

“Whad’ya mean? He’s gonna sell ya?”

“Exactly, he sells me as a... slave... to someone else. Or rather, somepony... else.”

“A slave?! Are you sure?”

“Yeah, he even said it to my face last time.”

“Last time...?”

“I escaped twice now.”

“Something needs to be done.”

“Something needs to die” Roderick had been lost to his hate. Which had affected Nightmare as well, seeing as she was now part of his conscience.

’Roderick! calm do-’

Nightmare's new usual voice was interrupted by her old one, one much more sinister.

'Roderick... Kill...’

Hearing Nightmare’s voice(s) distracted him from his hate. He’d noticed what happened to her, and he began to regain his composure again.

'Nightmare?'

’Good... keep calm... This kind of anger will only endanger you. I should have mentioned, I once was mortal, but... something occurred...’

‘You were... mortal?’

’Yes... I was actually a twin. My sister was always filled with hate, but I, was kind. But our parents loved us both... enough to commit to dark magicks. When she died, they put her soul in my body with me. It killed us both, but made us one... Nightmare.’

‘I see, you’ve my condolences... but I’m still going to kill Sigurd.’

’Thats fine, but do not lose yourself, I’m finally free from my hate. I’d... well... hate, to lose my freedom so quickly.’

He began walking to the stage Sigurd was on, picking up his pace as the hill he was on gained an angle. Halfway down, he was at full speed, and barreled through the guards, the crowd, and then dived at Sigurd.

Sigurd’s eyes engrossed his head as he saw the metal mammoth coming his way. And then colliding with him. Gasps were heard, then yells.

The landing may as well have crushed his ribs. He screamed in pain, as red took over his vision. Before Roderick could bring down the tip of the sword down on his skull, he clawed voraciously at him, the attacks only bouncing off the thick plate metal. What did help, however, was when one of the civilians were bold enough to tackle him off.

Roderick flung the griffin off quickly, and stood back up. Not bother to take the slow sword, he pulled out his dagger from his boot’s ankle strap. Holding it in an aggressive stance, he charged Sigurd, only to be blocked off by more civilians.

“What the hell d’ya think yer doin?!” One of the griffins shouted.

“Some hero!”

“Go away!”

“Get lost!”

“Get out of our city!”

The demands poured on, and on, and on. Enough time for Sigurd to push his way back out of the crowd, after taking one of the crossbows from his guards. He fired the shot, and it stuck into Roderick’s throat.

He didn’t grunt in pain however, he pulled it out, and the wound quickly sealed up. Not even a scar was left there, and when he saw the look on Sigurd’s face, he grinned. And charged yet again. He was quick, but not quick enough to stop when he noticed Sigurd pulling someone else into the way. It was Grendle.

The dagger plunged into the part that connected his wing and shoulder, going all the way through, and arcing into Sigurd’s skull.

The griffins wailed in pain as the blade went through them, one dying short, but the other, lasted.

Roderick put up no resistance when the guards came to arrest him. He put up resistance when they came to kill him. He bolted through the crowd so fast that it looked like Barry Allen himself dashing through.

‘I love the way this world works.’

’Glad to see you’ve calmed down.’

‘Battle no longer fills me with rage, just adrenaline.’

’So I see... you can remain calm even when staring down your enemy like that... Very admirable’

Most of the crowd took a while to register what just happened when he took off. Some took Grendle to the hospital to fix him up and ask questions. The others finally realized where Roderick had gone, and chased after.

Roderick had made his great escape, after doubling back various times to get them confused. Only one of them had seen him jump off the cliff, into a waterfall. It had slowed his fall at first, until he fell right back out of it. He knew what it was like to do a belly flop with no protection against the water... but this, hurt like nothing else could. Nightmare wasn’t pleased...

’Why must you be so reckless?!’

‘I’m not sure. It’s just who I am.’

’Well then stop being YOU!’

‘Besides that... do you think the griffin city will collapse?’

’No, they’ll just find someone else to take charge. Like they always do...’

‘And what of Grendle? I suppose he’ll hold a grudge against me.’

’It’s very likely, but it is better to be known as a monster than ignored.’

‘Perhaps... Where should we go now?’

’There are still slaves in the dominion... Take a guess.’

‘More dragons to kill! Yay me!’

’You’re sounding more and more like a foal everyday.’

‘I think this world is contagious.’

’Maybe, after all, you did become 3 different sentient beings at once when I jumped into your body. So you may as well be picking up on the magic here. It makes just about everything obnoxiously childish.’

‘What about our mentalities? Surely they won’t degrade down to that.’

’No, the mentalities are still the same, but with influences... Let’s just drop this subject, and go to ‘work’’

‘Yes... let’s.’

He finished drying his armor out from the fall, after trudging through the twenty feet water to the surface. He dried the metal using some magic Nightmare taught him. A basic spell to heat up the water, and turn it into a vapor.

He put the armor on, and walked off into the sunset.

’Wrong way.’

‘I knew that...’

A/N: Don’t worry, if you feel bad for Grendle, we’ll see him again... or not. who knows...

Anywho, I was playing assassin’s creed when I was writing this. <3

Death's Door
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A Hardened Warrior

Death's Door

These next two chapters are going to be shorter chapters, sorry.

502 errors are annoying...

Chapter 16 - Death’s Door

Coming up on the border of the griffin dominion, was a bipedal beast slathered in metal.

’Somehow, you managed to pass the entire kingdom without so much as a single encounter.’

‘It’s strange, I run into everything, then nothing on the way back through.’

’Quite’

‘What other countries are there?’

’The only race that doesn’t hate you for sure, are the zebras... They’re directly south... You could, however, steal a ship and sail directly north. This world is nothing more than a large island.’

‘I just might do that...’

He turned right, with the sun to his left, and ran north. At speeds that would leave a cheetah bewildered.

It didn’t take him long to start tripping on the vegetation. close to about zero seconds, after he took off, he went flying into a tree head first.

’...’

Leaving the hole he just created in the tree was his first priority, then, restarting his adventure again.

Using what left of his arms’ freedom, he wedged himself out, wiggling, and pulling at the same time. Until he realized there was something behind him. Which he found out by placing his foot on what he could only guess was it’s head.

He gave it a nasty kick, which put him in the same position he was in before, but further in. He kept pushing, until he fell head first into the dirt below. He continued on his downward trip, placing his back on the ground next.

What stood over him, with a boot-shaped bruise covering its face, was a manticore. Twice the size that Fluttershy had helped when Nightmare Moon invaded. Perhaps three times... It was hard to tell with it in his face.

‘That thing is huge...’

’Might I suggest running?’

‘Noted...’

Before the manticore could do any harm to the stunned tin can, it punched the manticore in the nose, and bolted. Carefully enough to trip on only a ’few’ vines and what not. Tearing right through them with five hundred pounds of force was beneficial. Until he came to a cliff. Then, he wasn’t moving forward anymore. But up...

‘Is gravity broken?’

’No... You’re not going to like what you’re going to see...’

‘Worse than a dragon?’

’Much more so...’

What he found at the end of his strange journey, flying above the forest he was in, was a spirit. He’d seen it before, in a similar state...

‘Nibel...’

’The goddess you spoke of? this is her?’

“Indeed.” The spirit spoke, in a lush, and sweet voice. “Hello, Roderick.”

Bending over to do a full bow, like one would to a king, he stooped at her ‘feet’.

“You may rise, knight.”

And he did so. “What do you command of me?”

“That you remain true to your path. My intentions will become clear to you further along.” Was all she said, before disappearing.

’And here I was... thinking you were going to get eaten by the unnameable beast...’

‘What?’

’Nothing.’

‘Anyhow... Is the sun setting or rising?’

’Setting, mid day has passed.’

Without another word, he set off to what he hoped Nightmare correctly assumed was south. For hours, nothing happened, and he’d thought Nibel had blessed him with protection. But that wasn’t true.

Before him, stood a massive cave, rising from the ground... engulfing him in it’s gape.

No matter how resilient he was, he is not impervious, and as such, he fell into death’s grip as he fell for countless minutes, crashing with a sickening thud.

Only to be release yet again. In complete darkness.

’Allow me to help you...’

His eyes adjusted to the darkness. Adding a vibrant blue-green tint to his vision. And all he saw, were burnt corpses.

’Speak of the demon...’

‘What?’

’The unnameable beast... it burns it’s victims and drains them of their life force... We... are an infinite supply. I feel I should also mention that I cannot use magic in this form.’

‘In that case...’

’What? What are yo-’

Before she could even finish the last thought, the surrounding area became colder, and colder, and colder. Unbeknownst to Nightmare, Roderick knew more than just holy magic. He knew Ice and Earth as well...

He cast ‘blizzard’.

It was then, that a gargantuan eye opened up. Surrounded by thousands more in the darkness. It’s veil much like that of death itself.

How convenient. A scythe was on the ground right in front of him. With a label on it reading ‘property of grim’.

A Warm Embrace
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A Hardened Warrior

A Warm Embrace

Chapter 17 - A Warm Embrace

Even after all Roderick had seen in the years he’d been alive, this was, by far, the worst horror.

It was the ‘chimera’. A lion, with a goat head in the middle, and a serpent for a tail, the lion head also spewed fire. This ‘chimera’, however, was perhaps fifty times the size of the one detailed in the myths.

‘Why is the chimera in your world?’

’Is that what you call it? kim-mare-uh?’

‘Indeed... a fearsome beast from hell itself.’

’And what about those things?’

‘I’m not sure... but there’s a LOT of them...’

From out of the darkness came a light. A ball of light, growing in size, and growing, and growing. Until it ignited, thawing all the ice that Rodericks spell had created.

Nightmare saw it coming, and was quick to put up a ward spell with what magic she could use.

That didn’t stop Roderick from partially melting, however. With immense pain. As well as a scream that could be heard across the world.

It was nighttime in Ponyville. Within fluttershy’s home, all was silent... until a hardly audible scream could be heard. Due to Fluttershy’s trained ears, she picked up on it. Apparently none of the other town ponies could.

Something was in trouble, and she couldn’t help it.

“I hope it’s alright...”

She quickly went to the library to consult with Twilight.

Fire was fun, but it was hot. Really hot. Roderick found that out the hard way. But the ice spell he knew kindly took care of the chimera and strange... beasts... rather quickly.

Without so much as a hesitation, Roderick picked up his sword and began hacking away at an Ice sculpture. One that resembled a giant lion, with deformities. When all that was left was him and the shards of ice, a light came from above.

And he was lifted away yet again.

’I’m starting to question your goddess’s motives...’

‘As am I...’

A blinding light came closer and closer, until all he could do was guard his eyes from it. When he opened them, he was within the forest... the Everfree forest. He’d arrived with a mortifying pain in his back.

It was time for a nap...

‘Fluttershy’s cottage... Is right there...’

“A scream? What kind of scream?” Twilight was very tired, and once was annoyed when Fluttershy came knocking on the door at two in the morning. But all annoyance was replaced with concern.

“Like something was hurt, it was horrible Twilight.”

“Do you know where it came from?”

“It sounded like it came from the ground... I hope the poor thing is okay...”

“The ground?”

“Well... from the ground of the forest... like something was below it.”

That statement inflicted fear into Twilight. Everypony knew the Everfree Forest was evil. But what about below the forest? What horrors could await there?

“I’ll send a letter to the Princess. It’s the most I can do at a time like this.”

“Okay... thank you Twilight.” Fluttershy floated with steady flaps of her wings back to her cottage. Then she saw a light coming from the forest. like a white light show. She quickened her pace, noticing the light waking everyone up. She headed to the edge of the forest, the light was awfully close to her cottage. “I hope none of the animals were hurt...”

She arrived, and what she saw... was horrifying.

Roderick... clad in steel and gold trimmed armor, was surrounded by an aura of pure blackness. As if it were protecting him. Black shadows crept out playfully from his body on the ground. All poor Fluttershy could do was scream. Scream and sit. Petrified with fear.

After Fluttershy had left, Twilight wasn’t tired anymore, so she’d decided to write that letter now and send it in the morning.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

Fluttershy has reported to me about a scream coming from *below the forest. I fear what may be resting below, and I would like to ask you a few questions about what might be. Seeing as you have been here longer than any other. Please, contact me as soon as possible.*

Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle.

There! now... off to bed.”

She layed there for no more than a few seconds, before a blinding light burst through the skyline, and into her home.

“What was that?!”

Panic mode engage.

She rushed off to meet Fluttershy, but as she got closer to her cottage, she also realised that that’s where the light came from. Or at least near there. She kicked it into overdrive. Ignoring all the questions she got from everyone else.

She finally arrived at Fluttershy’s door, ready to knock, when she heard a scream. Her eyes wide as ever, she rushed to the source. There she saw Fluttershy, backed against a tree, crying in fear looking at... Roderick. Surrounded by darkness, laying limp upon the ground.

Retribution
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A Hardened Warrior

Retribution

These are going to be up at later times. School's starting, might be dropped to two chapters a week.

Chapter 19 - Retribution

Having slept in the crevice he’d once been in before, Roderick woke up to familiar voices.

“Yes, Applejack, I’m sure he came this way. My horn doesn’t lie.”

“Ah’m just saying, Winona cain’t find nothin’.”

“AJs right Twilight, isn’t this an ursa home?”

“Yes, I’m sure Rainbow Dash, he’s here somewhere. Besides, the ursas aren’t here anymore.”

“Yeah... but how would he know that?”

“I don’t know, but what I do know is he’s... here... really close by.”

A few faint voices were heard from behind.

“What was that?”

“What was what?”

...

“Nevermind.”

“Are ya’ll okay?”

“Just fine.”

Hearing how she phrased the sentence about him, he panicked. Looking deeper into the crevice he was in, it seemed to go even farther than he’d thought. Quietly as possible, he crept further in, but having little more than half his body size in room to work with, was quite hard.

Small clanks came from the crevice he was in, alerting the girls to his presence.

“Did y’all hear that?”

“Yeah, maybe Twilight was right...”

Without a response, Twilight began using her magic to sweep the crevice, catching Roderick’s body in it’s grasp. She yanked him out, ankle first, making his head hit multiple juts in the walls.

By the time he was all the way out, and standing again, they had surrounded him. Fury in their eyes, even Pinkie’s. After all, he had ‘assaulted’ multiple guards back in Canterlot. Including Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor.

“Roderick...”

Twilight spoke with a cold, and disgusted tone. He took a look at Twilight, she had a tiara on, and the others had necklaces.

’It seems that now would be a good time to do this...’

Roderick’s armor began to glow, raising him into the air. As the Elements charged, so did the girls. The six colored rainbow hit Roderick. An explosion of magical force sent all of them flying away from him, and knocking them unconscious. The pain for all of them was unbearable, like lighting yourself on fire, while getting hit with lightning.

Five hours after the use of the Elements, Roderick woke up. His armor shone brighter than ever before.

‘Nightmare...?’

’Indeed.’

‘Your voice...’

’Sounds much like one of a goddess, does it not?’

‘To put it simply...’

’It seems the Elements have purged me of my sister’s evil...’

‘Amazing... I feel stronger as well.’

’Without a doubt. The Elements are the purest force in this world. With a conscience such as yours, it would empower you.’

‘How would I go about using this power?’

’See that boulder over to your left?’

Turning to his left, he saw a boulder no bigger than him.

’Imagine it being held in the air.

He did just that, and the boulder... hardly moved at all. But it shook. Leaving Roderick breathless because of the amount of magic he’d just used. There was no aura, like the unicorns had. Just the boulder lifting.

’Practise with smaller stones, and improve... but for now, we have guests.’

‘What should we do with them?’

’Do you remember the broken down cart we saw on the way here?’

‘Yes.’

’Go to it, you are strong enough to balance the weight of the missing wheel.’

‘Put them in it and wheel them to the town?’

’Precisely.’

‘... Where’s my sword?’

Getting to the cart was easy enough. But it was missing it’s back left wheel, and had been half enveloped in mud. He nearly broke the thing trying to pull it out. But using his advantages, he wedged it out bit by bit, until he was able to heave it onto solid ground. A rustling noise came from behind him, but was ignored.

‘I’m lucky this thing was empty...’

’So it seems.’

‘Now to the cave...’ “ugh...”

With many groans, grunts, and pulls, he managed to get the cart back to the cave. The sun had just reached what he estimated to be three in the afternoon. His arm was aching from the weird position he was holding for so long.

He left the cart to carry the ponies to it, laying them side by side. The cart seemed to double in weight at the new additions. But he prevailed. After six more hours... they were still asleep.

‘Are they alright?’

’Yes, they’re recovering, I wouldn’t be surprised if they slept through the night as well.’

With his mind at ease, he left the cart on the outskirts of Ponyville. It was nighttime, and he encountered no one on his way there, so no one had seen him. Or so he thought.

before the search...

Twilight had just returned from Canterlot, tiara of magic in her bags. She began packing for the hunt. Once she finished, she turned to her assistant.

“Spike, I’m leaving to go help look for the human. Stay here and look after the library.”

“Why can’t I come with?”

“Because, Spike... It’s too dangerous.”

Before he could muster a response, she closed the door and ran off to meet with the others.

But Spike had other plans. As soon as Twilight was out of view of the library, he left, locked the doors, and took off to follow Twilight...

“What did he do to Twilight?!” He said in a hushed tone. He was hidden inside a bush, somehow avoiding Roderick’s attention. Watching him as he ripped the cart out of the mud. Take it back, and line up the bodies... His eyes tearing up.

He ran.

Evil's Rising
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A Hardened Warrior

Evil's Rising

A/N: This chapter takes place during the same time as ‘Retribution’.

also, I'll be taking a little break. Family stuff, etc. is keeping me busy.

Chapter 20 - Evil’s Rising

”Deep inside the Everfree Forest, lays a temple with locked doors. What lies beyond the doors of said temple, is forbidden. As per the decree of Princess Celestia herself... Hidden from the prying eyes by a vast number of magical enchantments and wards. It is said that something worse than Tartarus itself is hidden within. The princess has been asked on several occasions why it was locked up, her response being: ‘The things beyond those doors, are not for mortals to see. It will bring the end times, the destruction of the world and more.’ Any further questions were later ignored or disregarded.”

Someone had been reading aloud a passage in an old newspaper, Hidden in black cloth outside the royal palace. A deep masculine voice repeating the words on the paper.

“Hah... they think our master is locked away...” A feminine voice sounded off, quite loudly.

“Silence, unless you want the guards to hear us!” A hushed, masculine voice reproached.

“Right... sorry...” Came the quiet reply.

Three dark figures with padded hooves ran within the royal palace. Stopping in the forbidden libraries.

“Damn, nothing about the enchantments in here...”

“I told you, we need to search the other magic wing. This one won’t have anything o-” The masculine voice was cut short as two lunar guards walked in, brandishing weapons.

“Who goes there?!” Shouted one of the guards.

“Run!” was heard before two loud explosions. The three shrouded figures flying out of the palace from the windows.

“Gah!” the guards shouted, covering their eyes and ears.

“That was close...”

“No it wasn’t. We were prepared. Besides, Moondancer, why did you bring us to the ’forbidden’ part of the library?”

“Err...”

“Thought so... Master would be displeased.”

Moondancer removed her mask and cloak, revealing a white coat, with a crimson mane, along with a crescent and stars for a cutie mark. The others followed suit, the masculine pony being chocolate brown, with a charcoal black mane, named Promontory. The other, was a deep orange color, with a golden yellow mane.

“So what’s your name rookie?”

...

“Hey! I’m talkin’ t’ya!”

...

“Moondancer, I don’t think he can speak. Look at his throat.”

All that came out was a soft spoken “Oh...”

“Well, we’re gonna have ta wait for a while before we go ‘n raid the place again, aren’t we?”

“Yes.”

“How long?”

“A few days. Let’s go back to the hideout until then.”

A nod from the Orange pegasus.

“Alright, let’s go.” They headed off to a cliff, and took off in the direction of Ponyville, or rather, the Everfree Forest. They’d arrived at the edge at noon, hiding in the brush when they heard a group coming their way. They decided to follow them through, to make sure they were safe. There were six, two unicorns, white and purple, two pegasi, blue and yellow, and two earth ponies, pink and orange.

A while later, they stopped.

“Yes, Applejack, I’m sure he came this way. My horn doesn’t lie.” Coming from the purple one.

“Ah’m just saying, Winona cain’t find nothin’.”

“AJs right Twilight, isn’t this an ursa home?”

“Yes, I’m sure Rainbow Dash, he’s here somewhere. Besides, the ursas aren’t here anymore.”

“Yeah... but how would he know that?”

“I don’t know, but what I do know is he’s... here... really close by.”

“What’re they doin’ here?”

“I’m not sure, be silent.”

The purple unicorn picked up on the voices.

“What was that?”

“What was what?”

...

“Nevermind.”

“Are ya’ll okay?”

“Just fine.”

The group headed into the cave, pouring dread into the three hidden ponies.

“Looks like we need a new hideout...”

“How’d they find it?”

“I don’t know... What was that?” Clinking noises were coming inside the cave.

“Sounds like metal.”

...

A large flash of light beamed out of the cave, blinding the ponies.

“GAH!”

...

When their vision came to, they decided to look inside.

What they found, was the six ponies, and an unconscious... thing.

“What in Tartarus is that?!”

“I... don’t... know...”

The silent pony took the sword from the body.

“That thing is huge...”

“No kiddin’.”

They quickly squeezed into the crevice that Roderick was pulled out of, hitting the boards at the end to knock them loose, and crawl into the hideout. Crossbows, bombs, and other assortments of weapons littered the walls and tables. It was an underground abandoned bunker that their cult had found and maintained, as well as equipped. The torches were burning low.

“Long live the darkness.” they individually said as they entered the bunker.

On the table in the middle of twenty square foot bunker, was a creature of Encablossa. Still living, and breathing. Hardly able to move. It adjusted it’s eyes to Promontory, speaking to him using the same method as it’s master, telepathy.

“No, master.”

“We will.”

“Y- Yes... master... We will retrieve your heart.”

“Long live the darkness.”

They each bowed their heads to the beast, and covered it up with a thick blanket. Replacing the burnt out torches, the three began plotting how to invade again.

“We won’t... mess up again. Will we Moondancer?”

A furious glare came from her.

When the plotting was done, they decided to look around for other uninvited guests.

When they crawled back out of the crevice, they noticed Roderick was gone. With a concerned glance from each other, the continued quietly. Roderick wasn’t far, however, they noticed that much. The walking metal giant was silent, and was walking away. It continued to do so until it came to a half sunken cart in the mud.

“What’s it doin’?” Moondancer whispered.

“I’m not sure. Keep watching.”

Roderick began to wedge the cart back and forth to free it from the mud. When he pulled it out, it had only three wheels on it. The back left wheel being the one missing. He set it up right, and began pushing it back the way he came.

“What’s he doing with that cart...”

“I hope it’s not what I think it is. I hope he didn’t find our hideout.”

They followed him all the way back to the cave, he stepped in, and came out with one of the six unconscious ponies. He repeated that process, until they were all in the cart. At which point, he began to pull the cart towards the nearest town...

“Oh... I thought he was going to eat them.”

“I thought he was going to raid our hideout...”

When Roderick was gone, they also noticed a little dragon that was hiding behind a tree coming out. It was following him.

“What’s up with that dragon?”

“Would you keep those rhetorical questions to yourself?”

“Sorry...”

“He’s gone, let’s go back in.”

And so they did, to sleep for the day.

Four days after the recent occurrences, the three were ready for another round of sneaking into the palace. This time, they took the map.

When they arrived at their position, they knocked out the two lunar guards standing in position in front of the doors with blackjacks, snuck in, and found the room they were hoping for.

“The Royal Archives... find the ‘enchantments’ section.”

The two others dashed off, scanning through the multiple sections of the room.

“Got it!” Moondancer shouted in a quiet voice. The two others quickly headed over to help look for information on ‘Illusionary enchantments’.

After nearly tearing the entire shelf apart to find it, they found one.

“Aha!”

“Did you find one?”

“Yep! This one makes things locked, can’t unlock it with a key.”

“Perfect, take it. We’re getting out of here.”

One thing the silent pegasus hadn’t noticed, was the giant crystal ball he was standing next to. It was on a pedestal, and he happened to jerk his next in it’s direction.

The ball fell. The guards heard it.

“There’s no windows in here!”

“Then we push out. Hurry!”

The three pegasi bolted through the door, into the presence of dozens of lunar guards. They took off overhead, dashing through the windows.

The guards didn’t take kindly to trespassers, especially the lunar guards. They chased them all throughout the night. By the time morning came, they were all exhausted, and the three pegasi had nearly passed out, but managed to escape. They were hidden in some brush in the White Tail Woods.

“Alright... Lets... Go.... Home...” The stallion said, in between various amounts of pants.

“Yeah... Sounds good...”

A/N: Here you go, the antagonist returns.

If you’re curious as to what Encablossa is, click here

An Encablossa spawn is a much smaller, human sized version of him, curled into a ball.

Contingency Plans
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A Hardened Warrior

Contingency Plans

Chapter 21 - Contingency Plans

A lunar guard approached Luna in her royal chambers to deliver a message about the invaders from the previous night.

“Princess, the Royal Archives were invaded.”

“What?! Was anything taken?”

“We think so.”

“What did they take?”

“Were still trying to figure that out, Princess.”

“Keep at it, there are some things in that room that shouldn’t exist.”

A curt nod was all the response she received.

‘Perhaps I shall consult my sister about this...’

She got out of her bed, put on her regalia, and worked on removing her fatigued looks. Wasting fifteen minutes getting the sleep out of her eyes, she headed off through the palace to locate her sister. She found her during a meeting yet again with the griffin ambassador. He wouldn’t stop complaining to her about catching the human that was now their problem, not his.

The complaints and propositions lasted a good half an hour before the ambassador and his guards left. She took that as her queue to walk in, she did. Much to her sister’s surprise, who hadn’t been told about the break-in.

“Oh! Luna, you’re awake.”

“Sister, there is something of importance we must discuss with thee.”

“What is it?” She asked, while giving a questioning look.

“A group hath invaded the Royal Archives.”

Celestia’s face lost all emotion. “What did they take?”

“We are unsure as of yet. But they were definitely after something key.”

“Most likely. Would you report to me when they find something?”

“Of course, sister.”

“Thank you, I will see you then. As for now, I have other meetings to attend to.”

“Then we shan’t keep you.”

Luna turned, and left the room, being replaced by two uncertain unicorns. Twilight’s parents.

‘Oh boy... this again.’ Was all Celestia thought when she saw them.

“Sir, I think we found what was taken.” A solar guard announced.

“What was it?” Shining Armor questioned.

“Something from the ‘enchantments’ section.”

“Alright, I’ll let the princess know.”

Shining Armor quickly left the archives to find the Solar Princess, to deliver the information. Luck would have it that as he arrived in the dining room where she was holding conference with his parents, they were just leaving. He knew they were most likely worried about Twiley, but she would be just fine.

“Princess Celestia.” He announced, while saluting.

“Oh? Hello Shining Armor, what brings you here?”

“We’ve discovered that something from the ‘enchantments’ section was taken.”

“How many items?”

“Just one.”

“I see... assemble some of your soldiers, I want a patrol at the temple in the Everfree.”

“Yes, Princess... may I ask what for?”

“No. This is a need to know basis only.”

Shining Armor left the dining hall, and proceeded to the barracks. He repeated the orders over a table with a map of Equestria on it. The others nodded, and took off to fulfill their duties pulling a chariot large enough to carry a month’s worth of supplies, being escorted by two dozen solar guards.

“Nnng... Spike, close the blinds.” Twilight was stirring, not yet realizing what happened.

“Twilight...?” Rarity was just awakening as well. “Oh my... why, are we on a cart, outside of Ponyville?”

“Wha...?” Twilight opened her eyes, noticing the things Rarity pointed out. They were indeed outside of Ponyville, not farm from Applejack’s farm. Twilight gasped, realizing the moments from yesterday. “Do you think he brought us here?”

“I doubt it Twilight. He’s a monster. Monsters aren’t friendly.”

“We didn’t think he was a monster when he was here in town...”

“That was before Nightmare took his body.”

“But-” Twilight’s response was cut short as she heard groans from the other sleeping ponies next to her.

“Twilight... what’s goin’ on? Why am I sleeping in a cart...?”

“Dash, we all passed out after using the elements. I think Roderick took us back to Ponyville.”

Rainbow Dash quickly bolted upwards, hovering a few feet off the cart. “Where is he?! Did you catch him?”

“No Dash... he got away...” Twilight responded with a defeated tone. “I’m going to send a letter to the Princess.”

“Twilight, It’s not your fault.” Rarity said, in a comforting tone.

“I know, but we still couldn’t capture him... after all he’s done.”

“It wasn’t him, It was her.”

“You’re right... but what if it wasn’t? What if it really is him?”

“Ever the optimistic one...” Rarity said in a mocking tone.

By now, the others had awoken, with shame in their eyes. Twilight took off for the library. Upon seeing the door being locked, she grumbled, commenting on Spike’s laziness. But what she saw inside, made her thoughts stop. The library was clean, but had no sign of activity.

“Spike...?”

No response.

“Spi~ike?”

Still no response. Twilight was getting worried, so she bolted upstairs. She found a cold room, missing pictures, and no dragon.

“Oh no... Spike!”

‘So... where shall we go now?’

’I am unsure, as of yet.’

‘Something that doesn’t involve pain.’

’Obviously...’

‘Any ideas?’

’Well... there’s a temple in the Everfree. Shall we attempt to look over there?’

‘May as well...’

He walked away from the cart of sleeping ponies, praying silently to any and all deities he could name, foreign or not, for their safety. Nothing would attack them... but he was unsure of whether they truly would wake up. He could faintly hear what he thought were voices from the heavens. Had he truly spoken to a deity? They were saying something about 'puppets'...

He’d arrived in the forest after a few short minutes of traveling, much faster than with that damnable cart he was dragging with him. He continued on with his new journey, trudging on to the ‘temple’ Nightmare had suggested.

’May I ask a favor of you?’

‘What is it?’

’That you call me Ceres’

‘Seres hmm?’

’Indeed, now that I’m no longer infused with my sister, I should have a new name, should I not?’

‘Yes, you should. Seres. By the way, how do you spell it?’

’C-E-R-E-S. Ceres.’

‘Where have I heard that name before?’

’A story you read. I thought it would fit me.’

‘Ah... yes... “The Legend of the Lone Wanderer”.’

’Yes... That one.’

Before a full week, he’d arrived at said temple they spoke of. Only to be yet again, surrounded by various guards.

“Halt, creature!”

Exonerate
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A Hardened Warrior

Exonerate

Got bored... decided to look on thesaurus for synonyms to the word ‘forgive’. Exonerate... I liked it. It sounded fancy. Also, I suck at writing the princesses...

Chapter 22 - Exonerate

Princess Celestia was in conference yet again, with Twilight’s parents. They’d heard what happened to their daughter, and prayed that they never do something so dangerous again. When they left, Shining Armor presented himself.

“Princess Celestia.”

“Yes, Shining Armor?”

“He’s been caught.”

Her once happy/curious stare became a cold one. “Where at?”

“The temple you asked me to set patrols at.”

“Bring him here, I’ll need to have a chat with him.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Not too much longer after Shining Armor left, he returned to the throne room Celestia had moved to. He pulled in a cage with a covering over it. When the cover was pulled off, it revealed Roderick, sitting Indian style.

“So.. Roderick...”

“Correct.”

“Your voice... isn’t different, yet I can feel... something inside of you.”

“Indeed. Ni- Ceres resides within my body now.”

’Glad you remembered my new name.’

‘Of course. I have no reason not to.’

“Ceres...?”

“Yes.”

“Who is... she?”

“The former Nightmare.”

“Former...?”

“The ‘Elements of... Harmony?’... Purified her.”

She was beginning to become annoyed. Nightmare wasn’t something to be purified... was she?

“Let her speak.”

”You wish to speak, Celestia?” The guards jumped at the sound of a feminine voice coming from him. It was so alluring as well...

She was stunned, that wasn’t her usual tone. But it sounded so much liker her.

“So, you’re Nightmare?”

”I prefer Ceres...”

“Why is that?”

”Some name I particularly enjoyed, which Roderick here, had read somewhere.”

“By the way, Princess...” Roderick spoke, hinted with Ceres’ voice.

“Hmm?”

“That temple... why is it guarded?”

...

“Guards, would you give us some privacy?” They nodded, and filed out of the throne room. She proceeded to cast some spell. Most likely to blot out any noises from inside and out. “Now that they’re not able to hear us...”

Roderick’s point of view

“Halt, creature!”

‘Oh boy...’

He slowly raised his hands, and put them behind his head, while kneeling down.

’Something powerful is behind those doors...’

‘Like what?’

’I am... unsure. But it is dark. Darker than even I was.’

‘The only thing I can think of like that... would be him’

’Who?’

‘Encablossa. Better known as Tobied of Earth. He was the immortal god of darkness.’

The guards had him surrounded during the whole chat he was having, tying him up, and without even getting his attention. They attempted to pick him up, miserably failing at it, while trying to put him in a cage. His conversation stopped when he realized what they were doing. He ever so quickly stood up, and turned to the cage. His quick movements spooked the guards, and one of them tried to run him through with a spear of theirs.

It broke in half.

He stopped in his tracks, turned to the guard that tried to kill him, and laughed heartily.

“You thought that stick would pierce my armor?” His voice boomed across the courtyard they were in, scaring the guards quite a bit. Without waiting for a response, he continued to the cage they had so conveniently setup on a cart.

He hopped up, and managed to sink through the wood.

“Oops...”

The guards were, still, staring in horror and shock.

‘Think I can run past them and boulder through the doors?’

’I don’t see why not.’

So that’s what he did, knocking the one guard that was slow enough to stand in his way. He was rushing so fast, he could rival Rainbow Dash. Until he collided with an unseen force, that happened to be the stone doors. He was sent flying backwards.

‘That’s not supposed to happen...’

’Enchantments. You can’t open them, no matter how much force you use.’

‘Could’ve told me about that beforehand...’

’But you wouldn’t have done it if I did’ She mentioned, while simulating a chuckling sound.

‘Be glad I can’t hurt you...’

’I can’t say the same for you...’

Roderick got up, only to be forced back down by some colossus of flesh called a pony. It looked like any other solar guard. White, clad in golden armor... but with red eyes. And LARGE. It only took one good kick to put Roderick to sleep.

When he came to, he was in the cage from before. It was dark, and he could see a fabric covering the cage on all sides. He decided to sit up, crossing his legs, and his arms. The fabric was withdrawn after a minute, revealing the Canterlot palace’s throne room.

“So.. Roderick...”

“Correct.”

“That temple... why is it guarded?”

...

“Crystal?”

“Yes, blood red, and large.”

“The Ancient Heart...”

“You know what it is?!” She shouted in rage, causing Roderick to visibly withdraw in shock.

“Yes, but I’m curious, why did it come here?”

“I don’t know, my guards found it within the mass of... bodies”

“Oh? The heart fell in with us... odd.”

“Very.”

“Well, make sure none attempt to destroy it.”

“Why? It’s pure evil.”

“Wrong, It is the heart of Nibel, the goddess of light. So long as that heart remains intact, darkness is held at bay.”

Confusion flooded Celestia’s body. How could something with such a dark, evil aura, be so good?

“So, what am I to do with you?”

“Erm... Set me free?”

“I see no reason why not... Nigh- Ceres... Isn’t a threat anymore. And Applejack has forgiven you for... hurting, her.”

”So glad you think so.”

“I ask that you guard that... ‘heart’ as best you can.”

“You had to ask? Of course I will.”

Roderick had been transported back to the temple, much to the despair of the other guards. He’d gotten bored with watching them quiver in fear every time he looked at them. The only other time something he thought was interesting happened, was when a manticore came strolling by, but decided to have a pony shishkebab instead. But it’s head was placed on a pike, disgusting the other guards. A lot.

“I hope something comes by soon... I’m so bored.”

’You say that every ten minutes... Were you not bored back when I first entered your body?’

“Wasn’t thinking about it...”

back in the distance, he heard some chatter from the other guards. Things like “Is he talking to himself?” and “What’s wrong with him?”.

“Let’s play a game...”

As the Moon Dances
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A Hardened Warrior

As the Moon Dances

Chapter 1 – As the Moon Dances

Sunset. What a beautiful thing, the end of light, and the rise of darkness. Some say the dark is wondrous, others say evil. But I know something they don’t, I know what lies within.

Rise, knight, and bring peace to those of evil.

A human soldier, one who has brought peace to many parts of the world, now stands with his comrades inside of a demon god. Three sets of soldiers were there, an archer troop, knights, and cavalry. Along with a flying battaloon.

“Sir, were inside, what shall we do?” Coming from a child, standing by his leader's side. A child standing next to a towering man spoke.

“Simple, Thomas, we shall wreak havoc upon this god, and claim his heart once more.”

A flying creature care over head, dropping scythe shaped chains into the soldiers, while being shot down by the archers. They set about killing off as many of the Encablossa-born creatures as they could, destroying the supporting limbs as well. When they succeeded, Encablossa created a black hole, sending the remaining soldiers to another world. Only a single soldier survived. This is his story.

A mass of bodies, human and monster, side by side, spread out in a field, no town's in sight. One soldier in particular, was moving.

That foul smell… rotting bodies… my brothers.

He awoke with a start, but something was… off... unrealistic, to put it in one word. Everything had an outline, of black, and the colors were far brighter than normal, much like a child's painting. He picked up his sword laying around, and walked for what seemed like hours, until he found a line of trees.

A forest. perhaps there’s food there? A deer perhaps... I'd could seriously damage a steak right about now...

Imagining such succulent food after a hardy war left the warrior wandering mindlessly into the forest. About half an hour later however, he noticed the trees looked almost evil. He kept his mind sharp, jumping at the sound of howling, and since he knew wolves were often times nocturnal, and carnivorous, he’d have a fight on his hands fairly soon… on an empty stomach.

But the wolves never came, and he found a carcass of what looked like a small wolf, made of wood however. He looked around to find 3 others, something had torn them to shreds, another oozing an oily liquid, from what looked like an over-sized scorpion sting, and he didn't want to find out what did it. So he left the bodies, and instead found a bush with berries. Starving enough to not care if they were poisonous, he scarfed them down, and started to look for some water. He found a shallow stream not to far West, and carried on north.

By the time morning had come, he emerged through the forest, ready to pass out from pure exhaustion. But his determination to get out of the forest surpassed that, and he had found a lot of apple trees. Satisfied, he leaned against a tree and very quickly drifted off to sleep.

“Whad'ya think it is?”

“Dunno, but its got a weapon, be careful, and make sure Applebloom don’t find out about this”

“Alright, be careful sis”

The knight had been awake the whole time, careful to not move until he was sure there was no threat, or at least to identify his spectator.

Getting up rather quickly, while leaving his sword on the ground, he looked for the source of the voice, unsure why there was an orange colored horse… no, too small for a horse… a pony? With a hat on its head, and a colored branding on its thigh, and a look of determination on it's face.

“Stay back, I don know whatchu are, but I’ll kick you so hard you’ll split, ya hear?”

A look of shock appeared on the knights face, hidden from the orange pony because of his visor. He must be in a cruel afterlife, with talking animals.

“Why are you on mah orchard?”

At a loss of words, he straightened up, and looked around to see if there were any others around. A shepherd to be exact. But he found no one, and he looked back to the pony.

“How are you talking? Ponies aren’t supposed to talk.”

Now it was the pony’s turn to be shocked, she thought it was a monster, but it talked. It’s gotta have some intelligence right?

“Wel- uh… er…”

“Well? Out with it pony." This really annoyed her, but she just scowled at him.

“Excuse me? If I had half a mind to… nevermind, what are ya anyway?”

“Ecclesian knight, captain of General Kendal's close combat troop”

“A knight hmm? And who is this Kendal?”

“Kendal is my leading officer, my general.” but I didn’t see him or Reignier at the field…

“well… anyways… this here is the apple family orchard, mah name’s Applejack… and what’s yours?”

“Roderick, Roderick Alphine”

Bad Company
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A Hardened Warrior

Bad Company

Chapter 18 - Bad Company

After finally awakening, Roderick found himself bound yet again to a wall. In a dungeon.

‘Please tell me we’re not back in the Dominion...’

...

‘Nightmare?’

...

‘Damn...’

His cell was dark, and isolated. No bar doors, just the kind in maximum security prisons. If he was in Equestria again, he wouldn’t wonder if he was alone in this place. None of the ponies ever commited a large enough crime to end up in a place like this.

The door opened...

And in stepped two male ponies who sounded like a pegasus solar guard and a unicorn servant. The servant carrying a dish of food. Roderick hadn’t moved, acting like he was asleep, to eavesdrop.

“This is such a waste of food, he’ll never eat it. See?” The servant said, while holding a spoon in his magical aura, waving it in front of Roderick’s face.

“Just put it over there, like every other time.” A gruff voice stated.

The door closed...

When Roderick was sure they were gone, he looked around his new cell. To his left was a table with a tray of food. An apple and a bowl of oats rest upon it. Looking at his chains, he noticed they weren’t sturdy at all. So he decided to break them with his pure muscle power. Like splitting wood with an axe, he broke through the cuffs with ease. His armor was gone again. That really started to annoy him, he liked that armor. He really did.

Getting up, taking the apple, and eating it quickly, he crept up to the door. Putting his ear against it, he listen for any signs of life. No hoof steps, which were rather easy to detect, and no voices. The door looked just as frail as the cuffs he just broke out of.

Stepping back to the opposite side of the room, he bum rushed the door, knocking it off it’s hinges. Looking around, and finding himself in a well lit corridor with no one in it, he took the left corridor. He hated being right after all. It always ended up with pain.

‘Nightmare? You’re being awfully silent...’

No response.

‘I hope you aren’t in pain...’

After a few minutes of silence, He found the warden’s office. Assuming it was full of jailers, he quietly snuck in. His padded boots helping him, and his experience in scouting on his mission helped dearly. But there was no one in the room. Just a chest with a padlock on it. How they manage those things without magic, he’ll never know...

Picking up the chest, bringing it back into the corridor, and breaking off the lock, he found his sword only. Running back in, he noticed several large containers. Checking them each, he found scraps of his armor in each of them. About halfway through, he’d begun thinking to himself.

‘This is always to easy...’

A weak voice resonated in his head.

’Indeed...’

The word was drawn out. As if it was struggling to speak.

‘Nightmare?’

’Correct...’

‘I think you might’ve been imbued to my armor...’

’As do I... Put the rest of it on...’

And he did so. With a quickened pace, which he undoubtedly regretted when he finished, he put on all his armor.

’This is much better.’

It’s voice was strong.

‘So, do you know the layout of the building?’

’Yes, and if you wish for a quick escape, ram through that wall.’

After saying that, she used some kind of controlling magic, and turned his head to his right.

Listening to the voice in his head... Or rather, armor... He grabbed his sword, and rushed the wall with his right shoulder protruding.

He went through like a knife through butter. And he fell. Hitting an incomprehensible amount of obstacles on the way. He landed on the ground with another sickening thud. Scaring the surrounding guards that were posted to guard the entrance half to death.

‘I hate going right...’

’You didn’t ask what was behind the wall...’

‘You’re evil...’

’Hee hee... I suggest you tend to your guests.’

Looking around, after climbing to his feet, he found there was a large crater, surrounded by shocked guards. Deciding he didn’t want to stick around when they came to... He charge through the smallest portion of them, and began dashing for the exit. The gate was closed.

Gate. Meet Shoulder.

It stood no longer.

He carried on, spooking the population of Canterlot. Some screamed, some just got out of the way. Others... just called him a freak.

It didn’t help the case when multiple squadrons were chasing after him, and he was barreling down the lone street with immense speed. Nothing could stop him. Not even Big Mac at this point. He tore through the city gates with ease, and left a gaping hole in the guards lined up there.

He, with his immortal strength and endurance, was able to outrun and outlast even the pegasi guards. They also didn’t want to chase him through a forest with monsters bigger than him. So they stopped chasing when they saw him take down a manticore that jumped him at the edge of the forest. Brutally.

He was tackled by the beast, to which he head butted threw it off, and lunged with the sword in his hand for its skull. It was a quick death. And it scared the pegasi guards away. He was finally alone again. For now.

The princess had just gotten the news from one of the guards about Roderick’s escape. She wasn’t pleased, and they knew it.

“So he escaped...”

“Y-yes yo-you’re h-h-highness.” The pegasus who reported his escape, was cowering before her.

She may have been cruel in the past, but not to her own kind. She would never dare lay a hoof on her loyal subjects... All she ever did was kill a few griffins with the power of the sun... eight hundred years ago, to stop the wars. Since then, everyone was afraid of her. If they weren’t, they were stupidly courageous.

She called for the elements to arrive for a conference about ‘Roderick’...

My Dearest, Most Faithful Student Twilight,

The ‘human’ has escaped, I need you help to locate and subdue him. I will ask that you and your friends come with, to the palace. Transportation will be provided.

Your Mentor, Princess Celestia.

With the quick letter written, she sent it off post-haste.

“And THAT is why zombie ponies don’t exist, Spike. Neither do-” Her lecture to Spike about zombies and ghosts was interrupted by a letter from the princess.

Reading with a speed that would baffle anyone else, she ran off to get her friends.

They were all doing their usual routine. Rainbow Dash performing tricks, Fluttershy helping the animals, Pinkie making baked goods, Rarity making dresses, and Applejack bucking apple trees. She got all of their individual attention, and told them to meet at town hall for the transport.

What arrived there, were two large pegasus carts. Large enough to carry all six of them, three in each. They took them to the castle as quick as the pegasi could fly.

When they landed, the princess was waiting for them.

“Hello, my little ponies. I trust Twilight has explained what this is about?”

A resounding of “yes”es were the only response.

“Good, now then, the guards followed him to the Everfree Forest. After which he disappeared.”

“So you want us to find him?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, Twilight, I cannot, for I have the royal duties to attend to. I know Luna can handle the night court, but not the day court.” She responded.

“We’ll do our best, your majesty.” Rarity said while giving a courteous nod.

“Darn tootin’” Applejack added.

“Thank you all, but you should rest. Day will end soon, start the search tomorrow.”

Without another word, they all headed to individual guest rooms. And fell asleep for the night.

Roderick had eluded the pegasi guards... mostly by scaring them and running away even further.

’You need to be more careful with these ponies. Just because they’re chasing you doesn’t mean you should mortify them for life...’

‘I wasn’t trying to, that manticore attacked me, so I killed it. Besides, it would’ve gone for them anyways.’

’I know that, but you could have just knocked it out...’

‘Perhaps... nevertheless, we should find a place to hide.’

’Yes, knowing their princess, they’ll be here in the morning.’

So he set off trying to find some nook or cranny to hide in during the day. Until he found the perfect one... The old residence of an Ursa family... He found his old hidey hole, and squeezed in.

'Nightmare...'

'Hmm?'

'Why was there a scythe with Grim's name on it in that pit thing?'

'I'm... not sure.'

'Bah... I'm going to rest now.'

And he slept...

A/N: seems like I'm running low on stuff to write. Chapters may be just a few hundred words shorter than usual.