In a flashing light, the mysterious figure and I disappeared from my eternal prison. Wherever we were heading had me at a loss, for there was nothing to be seen. Nothing to be heard. No smell, no touch, no feel, or anything to indicate the groundbreaking physics of a real world. Just an emptied void of nothingness stretched out for who knows how far. Heck, I wasn’t even sure if we were moving at this point, because there wasn’t the slightest breeze, to let me know. But she held me close. Arms around me. Covered in her cloak as we drifted through the vast, infinite blankness. How she can navigate through here or what she sees, had me a little...intrigued.

“So. Uh...” Searching for the right words to start up a conversation. “..where exactly are we? If you don’t mind my asking.” Trying to break the silence between us.

“The beginning and end. To everything. A point where all lines across infinite timelines. Infinite realities, all converge and begin anew elsewhere.” She responded without facing me.

“Lines. Realities?” Looking about. “The only thing I see is nothing.”

“Makes sense...” Her gaze, I reckon under the hood, looking down towards me. “After all, I brought us to this existence of oblivion for a reason.”

“Wait. Oblivion?” Sounding credulous.

“Oh yes, If I remember correctly, you tried to off yourself along with Sedrick. Well,” Releasing her hold of me. “allow me to grant you that wish.” Sliding out of grip as I tried to hold onto something. A hand or part of the robe she wore. But it came to not as my fingers phased through her. As if, there wasn’t anything solid to grasp.

Free falling in a canvas of painted white. Grind the gears in my head for a way out of this.

“You Biii~tch!!” The answer to my problem.

Give or take. After a good five to thirty minutes of nothing happening, I screamed in rage, for the fact that oblivion was so boring, I’d rather die all over again.

“Was I seriously brought here just to live out my existence doing nothing. Ahhh! I’m still stuck in hell aren’t I. God dammit.” Face-palming in disbelief.

“No, your here because you must think me naive, Katherine.” The hooded crusader spoke. Looking at every angle possible, nowhere in sight.

“Well, I do now. Who are you, really. And why am I stuck here?” Wanting answers.

“....”

“Say something already! I thought we had a deal. I serve thus granting me freedom and in return, I do whatever you want...oh jeez.” Gritting in frustration. Clenching hands tight. “Is this another gate?!”

Chuckling from my fit at first, she finally responded. “Don’t be a fool. While I applaud you on surviving in hell for as long as you did, this place is my world. Universe. And home.” Her voice whispered, behind me.

The contact of hard, cold hands; gripping the side of my upper arms.

Felt icy.

Leaving the impression of dark feelings and thoughts, bubbling in the back of my mind, of who in God’s name I was with. That such a thought seemed impossible, given, the entities...I’ve met.

Her whispers, drawing in near the side of my face. Hood ever wavering and never showing a look of her’s. Not even her chin could be seen. Hidden under the hood’s, shadow. For holding me in place, she spoke in my right ear.

“I could make things much worse for you than you can possibly imagine.”

“Yea...like how?” Not wishing to show fear, creeping in.

“For starters, I can curse you in a cruel fate to carry out your end days trapped, in a labyrinth. To search endlessly, of every waking moment. Every waking hour. Just, to find an exit of escape. And when you’ve think you finally found the golden ticket out..” Trailing off.

Then clasp!

As her index fingers, in front of me, closes.

“..it’ll disappear. Along with any hopes of your deepest prayers. Your deepest beliefs.”

Then motioning that skeleton looking hand.

“However...” Caressing my left cheek, softly. “..if you feel lonely after some time...I could conjure up some beasts to keep you company. I’m sure they’ll love to meet a soul so radiant, like your’s.” Speaking in dark pleasure.

Tilting my head to a side. An unnatural feeling I’m all but used to.

I spoke, in a calm voice. “Sure. You could do that...but is that why I’m really here? Surely there’s something you want from me. So just tell me.

“What I want? What I want is for you to be honest with me Katherine. I’ve traveled so far. So long. Awaited time and time again to meet someone of your caliber. And that’s saying something.” Gripping me tighter.

“Why. What’s so special about me that you had to spring me from hell?” I asked.

“That’s just it. I have no clue. Among the many beings, I’ve met, your by far the most inferior to them.”

“Well, la-di-da. Sorry, for being me.” Sarcastic, I grew.

“And yet...” Pinching my cheek. The nerve of her. “..no other spirit has shown such willpower as you. Your spiritual form is proof of that and you may not have noticed it, but your glow is pure. To maintain what little sanity you have, after experiencing so much peril. So much carnage. Death at hand many times. Stranded in a dimension; dying thousands, if not millions of times.” Her words, sinking in deep.

Recalling events that transpired during my first, hundred years. Stinging more and beyond in memory as I came back to life, unable to die. A never-ending suffering.

Unfortunately, that was only a century. I lost count after a while.

’God I’m old.’ Feeling the weight.

“How alone you must have been. Facing not only demons, fiends, gate lords, and other unnatural creatures.....but lost souls as well.”

“Stop it.” Barely spoken.

It getting heavier.

“It’s always been hard for a new inmate. Tortured..beaten..abused. Frightened to the very core of their being and driven into despair as madness takes hold. Twisting everything they are and know against them. Eventually molding it into form as it breaks the spirit apart. Thus trapping them in a state where the shell they inhabit, erodes away by time. And their once clear essence is stained. Masked in now black, ugly, unrefined appearance.”

I shook my head no. A sign of enough. “Stop.” Trying to sound firm.

But she continued, anyway.

“Sinners, transforming into corrupted versions of themselves. Becoming homicidal psychopaths, brutes, sadists, perverts and even more. Bringing out the monster...no...more like revealing the truth of this so-called ’humanity,’ in all its disdainful glory.”

“Stop, talking!” Covering my ears. Tired of listening.

“Tell me, were you afraid...when they dumped you into that horrid, cavern?” Enjoying my distress. For if she wasn’t, she wouldn’t have asked otherwise.

“Did you seek help. A means of escape. Seeking out another rational person to keep your mind in check. As each individual you’ve come by had a twitch. A small fit even, that you simply went on blind trust for comfort. Discovering, that such action for hope and compassion, for some company led you....into a dark corner.” Etching a lost memory to the surface of the mind.

One where I didn’t want to remember. Didn’t want to forget. One to keep and throw away at the same time. A memory of my confinement with other souls seeking somewhat refuge. But instead, a dreadful awakening to how cruel everyone else was. A lesson so painful. So humiliatingly painful. I still continue to scream up to this day for. A helpless woman I was...

..a stupid, weak, gullible, foolish, frightened little girl I became.

The weight of it all, bearing down on me.

Remembering, what it felt like. What Natasha, my closest friend. My best friend. A sister even. Had to endure, as I was too late to save her.

“I said, to shut up!!” A feeling of disgust kicking in the doors. Hating myself, as memory by memory play in frames. My greatest regret, the day I failed her, the things I did afterward. My arrival here. The torment I’ve undergone. People and faces met and disappear.

“Was I afraid? Did I seek help?! Hell yes!!” I screamed out. Leaning my head back. Uncontrollable tears beginning to run. Trying to hold myself back but lost to the memories overflowing the emotions, raging inside. Taking a sec to talk. “I admit I am powerless. Weak if that’s what you want to hear. I’ve been at my lowest point. Done things and been through them. I had a good long look at the people around me and what I saw in their eyes. A reflection in their sights.” A bleak understanding about myself.

“Another pathetic human with faults. A husk. So dreary and rotten that my existence is spat upon by everything evil. That whatever we see in one another is not the filth left behind. But a window of sin.” Facing down. Staring blankly at open space. Nothing said for the passing moment, between us.

“But you know what?” Rhetorically asking. “My life’s my own. I’m me.” Thinking of the trouble I gave. No longer afraid of feeling pain nor death, as time and progress, shaped me. The things once considered gruesome and grisly, becoming second nature. Punishments underwent as I got used to the torment. “So that’s good enough.” Staring out lazily.

“Good enough?” She asks. Sounding confused.

“I was sent there because I killed multiple people. Enjoyed it. And in my heart, I’m a monster and know it. But I won’t let that define me. Given everything else, those men had it coming. For they were monsters in sheep clothing as well.” Raising head up slowly. Making way to stare at the entity before me, overhead.

Not showing facade or second thought as I faced her. Whatever gaze, looking back.

“I’m me because I can take whatever dish hell throws at me, but deep down. They know. They know, they won’t ever break me. Not even you.” I pointed a finger. “With all your power, can scare me. Death!” The last part ringing out. No sign of movement by my statement. Settling back into position, I spoke in a bored tone.

“So do what you will with me. You're a god here, right? I’m sure there’s some peril my soul could be placed in, for your amusement.”

Silence.

For a world deprived of colors or void of anything else. There was an unspoken volume between us.

“hehe...” Something brewing.

“heheheh...” A fit occurring. Shaking me, a puzzling manner.

“hahahahahah!!” Death’s laughter reaching climax.

“Glad to know I’m just humor, to you.” I said.

“Hahaha. Indeed, you are.” She spoke after calming down a bit. “But the good kind I need.”

“Need.” Repeating her words.

“Katherine.” She began. “You don’t like me and me...mildly so.

So I knew when I offered you a way out of hell. You’d most definitely take the deal and then break our agreement. Running off doing who knows what. Right?”

Not saying anything.

“Of course, if you did break it. I would have sent you back, immediately.”

“Tch.” Mouth gritting.

“Hehe. Then again, I could force you to do my bidding. No free will what so ever. A servant perhaps.”

Hating the thought.

“Then why not? Go ahead. Would save you the trouble and time from dealing with me.” Responding in disdain.

“But I don’t want to Katherine. I want you to do them willingly...I need you to be. Releasing me.

Turning around to face her. Floating in place.

“The world I was bringing you to needs someone like you, who can endure the harsh reality it is. The dead roaming about causing havoc. Supernatural beings of untold proportions, burning towns and cities to the ground; consuming life and feeding off souls, everywhere. The wicked plunging the innocents and rest into darkness. I need you to be a monster. A weapon of my extension. Of my will and testament. Something to prevent the tide of fate, for what is to come.” Something changing within her, as she spoke.

Reaching a hand out. “I will grant you redemption if that’s what you seek. I won’t ever judge what you do in the world but if you want to stay alive. Prove your worth to me. Do that.. and I promise I’ll never send you back down.” Opening it in a welcoming manner. A sign to shake.

Absorbing, in everything that’s been going on. The details and all. One question troubled me.

“I don’t understand. Your death. If anything, you are an all-powerful force. Something. Someone not to be trifled with. The end to not only life but everything in existence as we speak. Why don’t you just solve the problem yourself?” I questioned.

“If it were only that simple.” Dropping her hand.

“I am powerful. Yes, but not almighty. I have responsibilities too, you know. Making sure people die when their time comes. Including yours, when it happened.” Eyes slamming open in shock. Stun by her words. Never once thinking she was present. “I can’t do everything I want freely. Plus, to enter the realm of the living, using my powers in such a way. Would be worse than destroying the menacing creatures themselves. Lives will be lost.” Feeling a sense of burden.

“...It’s no wonder you're here alone.”

Beginning to look around. The blank canvas, lonesome in every way imaginable. “You can’t stay in a universe with any life in it. Can you...” A depressing question.

“No...I can’t for long. My presence begins to affect the surroundings near me in time. Which is why the urgency....will you aid me?” A somber tone heard in her voice.

Looking down at my measly arm. Studying it for a bit. I faced Death once more. Breathing in through my nose and letting whatever air out. I replied.

“I’ll do it.” Raising out the hand. “But in order to do the job right, I”ll need power.”

“Of course.” Grabbing a hold of mine, with hers.

“And I might have just the things in mind.”

“Sounds interesting...but if you want power, you’ll first need a vessel to contain it in.” Bringing me again close. “I’ll share with you a part of me. That way you’ll have a physical form to interact in and can later communicate with me, in future reference. All you have to do Katherine is concentrate on what abilities you want. How they feel, their nature, and how they dwell up, inside you. Nothing godlike. For I fear you’ll do more harm than good.

I nodded.

"Very well. I'll construct the body now. I doubt you'll be afraid, but please try not to fidget through any pain that may occur. OK? Oh, and I apologize in advance."

"Apologize for what?" A soon to be realized question answered.

Planting her left hand on my shoulder. Coming up in my face. A spark of glow ignited from within her hood.

"For this." Words heard. As a skeleton jaw shot forth. The last thing saw as the jaw was wide, clamping down on my head. Everything fading away. Flat-lining in a spiral of cloudiness. The last thoughts of characters I held in high regards, for simply being badasses in their own right. Along with what powers they displayed in their greatest highlights.

The smell.

The scent.

The aroma of something clean in the air was foreign. The floor beneath me as I lay lifeless, felt...relaxing. The air cold as the wind passed over me. Through me. Shuddering a different feel.

The sound of trees rustling around me. Branches bending and moving along the draft. Leaves being flown away as they collide and dance away in the sky. Carried off somewhere.

A dark world with feeling, smell, and sound was bewitching. Causing my mind to claw it's way out. As bit by bit, a light was shown through a cracking obsidian glass. Breaking into full view of a scenery before me.

Eyes blinking. Adjusting from a long eventful nap that felt forever. Witnessing a clearing as I stared straight away. Dozing off and on. Alone, in a forest witnessing as trees play in the wind. Sunlight showing through.

Alive.

"I'm alive?" I said unsurely. Feeling something wet trail along my right side. Taking a hand. Wearily making its way. I wiped the trickle off. Noticing a clear tear instead of the usual blood tear ones.

"I'm alive." I repeated a second time. "I'm alive! I'm alive!!" Yelling the words with new found happiness.

Getting up a little groggily and noticing a difference in balance. I crawled over to a tree instead, for support.

I stood weary but stood none the less. Viewing myself for a sec. I noticed a few things that took place.

'I'm no longer naked. Good.'

The second was that I had on a white tank top shirt, underneath a stylish black leather jacket I wore. Shirt tucked inside a black skinny jeans, fastened by a white belt with black flame designs; going around my waist. The shoes or more like boots on my feet were...

"No freakin way!" I said in excitement. "These are Shadow's skate shoes. What-but-why am I wearing his skates." Rubbing the side of my head confused.

'Didn't you wish for them?' A voice said.

Getting on guard in a fighting position. I searched for the hidden figure. Whoever said that didn't sound like Death. Voice definitely female, but out of sink or something.

"Who's there." Showing anything but fear.

'Who's where?' They spoke again.

"Don't toy with me!" Speaking up. "I'm not in the mood for games."

'What about hide and seek. See, I'll hide. You seek.' Getting excited.

"...alright. Hide."

Waiting a few seconds as the person grew silent. Checking out the bushes and trees in every direction for any sign of movement or sound heard.

'Seriously, if Jason or someone dressed like him walks out here, I'm dropping them one time.' An idea I liked.

'Agreed.'

A strict nervous feeling from behind. I jumped forward in a front flip. Rolling against the soil.

Landing nailed, as I was on a knee. Hand grasping the dirt and grass, spinning around to face the nuisance. Ready to pounce back at them.

But no one was there. Just the tree I leaned against not too long ago. Very upsetting.

Eyes darting in my pounce position. 'Where is she.'

'Where else. You. You idiot!' A shouting heard loud in my ear. Almost like another voice in my head as the source.

'...Death? Is that you in my noggin. ' Not sure what to feel about the current situation.

[color=#be4343]'Yes. I am the almighty powerful force that constitutes the universe and everything in it to a whim.' She said sarcastically. 'And your suppose to be my queen.' She sounded in disbelief.

'Enough.' Another individual said. This time a male. An incredibly all too familiar voice heard and recognized from my greatest anime.

"Zangetsu." Shock and awe at my words.

'Perhaps, it would be better to meet in person.' He said.

The forest. Light. Color and everything becoming gray. The wind and movement around slow to a still. As nothing and everything remained in a trapped limbo.

Rising from my position two individuals stepped forth in front of me. Walking leisurely from out of existence. A strange phenomenon by this point, that had me skeptical about who I thought it was.

"It really is you." A surprise expression plastered on my face. Taking a step forward but halting at an unfamiliar sight. To the person who stood beside him. Wearing the same clothes as I. White biker gloves strapped on each hand. And...

"My necklace!" Moving past him. Reigning in a hold of her white leather jacket. Everything about her off. Skin and hair as matchmaking as snow. The opposite colors of my clothing. Eyes yellow; indicating for a fact she is indeed a hollow. And that black fabric, choker necklace around her neck, as it passes through a designed ring. A silver wolf's head, two green gems as eyes, held onto by a small chain.

"How do you possess this? This never arrived with me to hell so it's impossible for it to be here." The gift from my father staring back at me as it jingles a bit.

"Don't know but if I had to guess queen. Death." Grabbing a hold of my jacket. Getting close in my face. Eyes slit as she spoke coolly. "This is a very nice jacket. Would be a shame if it got wrinkled or dirt on it."

"Indeed. So give me what's mine and I'll think about letting you off scot-free." A simple answer.

"That's gonna be a problem." Drawing near. Looking excited.

"Is that so." A staredown underwent.

"Yea. Considering that you're already wearing the damn thing. Look." Using her other hand. Poking my chest.

I arched my eyes down to see what she was on about, making sure she was still in view in case she wanted to pull a fast one. To my astonishment the hollow was right. The same necklace around her neck was the same one as mine. Similar in every way.

Letting go and cautiously placing a hand on the frame. Afraid that it was all a lie. A trick. But contact with the jewelry said else wise. A sense of nostalgia taking way.

"I never thought I'd see this again. I owe Death my thanks. In more ways than one." I said after some time.

"I'm sure you will get the time to my master. But first." Kneeling as if a knight. Arm cross over a knee and other into a fist, planting against the lush green grass. "Know that I am your sword in battle. A mentor, on the path of strength. Consultant, should you need any advice. And above all else. A friend." The last part said, looking up at me. Even with those shades on, I could tell he was staring into my eyes. Every word in truth as he spoke.

"I understand that given your predicament about everything that's happened and the harsh trials you've been through. Voices in your head, not of your own would seem troubling. If it is your wish. We will remain silent from now on." Head bowed.

"Zangetsu." I called his name. Not facing me. "Please, look at me." Reluctantly, he did as I asked. Not sure what to say, but did, as we needed to clear the air between us.

"Having multiple personalities speaking in my head all at once is weird. Unable to decide a course of action. Goal or plan, and constantly fighting one another for dominance. Very concerning. But having you beside me in this strange new world. As it's not only me venturing forth and exploring it, but us three." Placing a hand over his shoulder.

"It relieves me to know that you got my back. Truly, it does. And honestly speaking, I rather have someone that's apart of me to keep me company. Than spending the night here alone." A smile crept on my face from the sudden words. "As for my time in jail. The memories are my burden to bare. But if your willing to listen or talk about it...it's alright with me."

"Can you even trust me? Knowing what I am. The unbalance between us quincies, soul reapers, and hollows. What makes you place such trust in me."

"Well, that's a silly question." Taking my right hand before his forehead. "Your me. And I, you." I flicked a finger. "We're one and the same, from now on and always. What other reason do I need."

Trying to read his reaction under that visor was somewhat difficult. But a smile replacing his all too lonesome face told me what I needed.

"Che. Look at you two. Warming up to one another like a family. Makes me wanna hurl." The hollow spoke. Crossing arms. Looking away.

"And you." Turning to a side to face the mirror image.

"Yea?"

"We're not gonna have a problem here, are we?" I asked.

"Hmm. Depends."

"Depends. On what?"

"Do you plan on dying or being sent back to hell?" She asked facing me. Arms still crossed.

"No."

"Then I promise to be a good dog, queen...as long as I have to."

"Huh. I didn't catch that."

"I said I'll be good." Posing in an innocent girls stance: arms behind her back, eyes closed, tilting her head to a side. A bashful kind-hearten smile, warm enough even to put an adorable kitty in awe.

"Right." Not buying the act. Looking around. Surveying the area again. "We should get a move on before dark. As much as I enjoy the smell of herbal fresh air. I should find someplace to spend the night.

"Uh, before you do. Don't you want to check your pocket." The hollow pointed to side pockets she wore.

Following her lead, I reached inside mines. Feeling paper, I pulled out the folded note. I read the content out loud.

Dear Katherine,

I hope the body is too your liking along with said gifts. I must admit that such powers are intriguing and should be used wisely. But knowing you, you'll soon realize and start to experiment with them. But don't get too distracted. Zangetsu and said hollow are to keep you on task. As for now, survive. Survive, train hard, and prepare yourself for the nightmares, this world holds. Do that and I'll contact you in due time.

P.S. Happy Birthday and Hallows Eve. There's a gift for you inside the jacket.

"Hallows Eve?" Zangetsu said.

"No way. Bloody Mary! We're born on Halloween?!" Ecstatic for the thought. She fist pumped in the air.

"I guess we are." I said in disbelief. Putting the note aside. I checked the jacket once more. Zippers and holds on the outside. Inside, two zippers. Something heavy within on left side. Unzipping the zip, I pulled out a cell phone and two earpiece buds.

"Trying to butter me up after before, huh Death?" Smiling. "How nice of you." Putting the items back in place.

"Hollow." She faced me. "Do you have a name?"

"Name. Whatever for?"

"Cause I refuse to call you hollow every time we talk. Your apart of me. So I need a name to call you by."

"Well it better not be lame if you think of one."

"OK." Thinking. "How about Levy?" I suggested.

"Levy? Why that one." Asking.

"Because you kind of rub off on me as the bad girl type. Foul mouth, party animal, obsessed with killing and fights. A good name fitting for a girl your style.

"I like it. You know me, well queen."

"Reyna." She looked at me with a quizzical gaze.

Continuing. "It's not every day I get a new lease on life. Much less, by death and to be reborn on the one day of the year we celebrate nightmares. Even better. So why not become someone new. After all, I am Death's weapon. Heck, as far as I know. She just might be my new mother." Speaking coolly. "Reyna Beatrix, Daughter of Death. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

Beginning to walk in a direction. Zangetsu and Levy following.

"So where to."

Shrugging. "Don't really matter. I just want to run. These skates are begging for some tread."

"Then we'll leave it to you. But be warned, there are a number of different reiatsus in the vicinity. Some harmless but others out there that could prove troublesome." Looking at me in a sort of way. Eyes visible through shades. "If you do come into contact with them. You're not alone." Walking away as he fades.

"Later Rey. Hey, look at that. Already got a nickname for ya." Chuckling and doing the same.

Waving my head. 'This is gonna be fun.'

The rush of wind in my hair. Tight turns and maneuvers made as I whirl pass many trees. The sound of rockets flaring beneath my feet. No longer touching the ground as I was a moving force traveling as the wind. The forest and wildlife within coming and going. Zipping pass them, as they're too stunned by the breeze, to even realize what just flew by.

I was light on my feet. At times hopping from ground to tree. Leaping like a certain blue hedgehog from one spring to another, but in this case. Tree to tree and branch to branch. Then back down to the surface. Skating off again.

"This is amazing!" I shouted over the wind. The mere acrobatic features of Soifon, Yoruichi, and Shadow was amazing. Not only that, but I had their fighting styles down to heart.

Coming to a halt. Skidding against the grass to a stop.

'Alright. Still, need some practice but getting there. Can't believe it took me an hour to figure out the mechanism for the skates to work. Would've thought there was a switch to activate them. Not via through consciousness in order to get them started.' Stretching for a bit in different poses.

'Then again. It would be complicated if there was a switch to hit inside the shoes. I mean really, that would grow tiresome. And every time I wanna stop, all I have to do is just think it willingly. I'm starting to like Death more and more.' I thought.

'Careful now, that sounds like a suicidal thought.'

'You know what I mean.' Picking up the pace again. Dashing in a sprint of speed. Skates roaring to life as the fun was on.

The forest seemed huge. As no matter how long or fast I ran, I couldn't find a path out of here. While it was fun to test out some new combat techniques. It was frustrating to leave. Eventually, I stopped again to catch a breath. As dusk was upon me.

Deciding best to camp in the wilderness for the night, I climbed up a tree and balanced myself on a branch. Taking note of its sturdiness to hold my weight. Laying back in a restful position. Hands folded underneath my head.

"Maybe tomorrow." Falling asleep.

'Reyna.' Or not.

"Yes Zangetsu." Responding. Eyes Closed.

'It may be nothing, but there appear to be several energy sources approaching near you. One of them cut different from the rest. Higher reiatsu and distinctive in a way.'

'Weird how they seem to be running away from the rest of the group though. Must be injured. Oh well. Nothing to do but sleep.' Levy voicing her opinion.

Sitting up against the tree. "Distinctive how?" Asking.

'Their spiritual pressure emanating in a different flow than everything else you've passed by in the forest. Deeper. Concentrated. Something that you might want to investigate.'

Tossing legs over and falling off the branch. I landed on the soil beneath. Getting up I decided to have Zangetsu point the way as I made my way to the group.

Carefully navigating through the forest as my eyes hadn't quite adjusted to the night. Yet, here I was, making good track. Not losing momentum. Coming upon a clearing as the approaching group stopped.

Hiding behind a bush I quietly watched the spectacle before me. A movie in 4D, for here stood several large creature-like-men. But they were peculiar in a way. Resembling that, closest to a human and yet, showing some major differences. For one, a snout like jaw with razor teethes, taller in height and body length. Fingers stretched out big as if it could fit a bear's head in their grasp and crush it with brute strength. Claws pointy and entire body covered in fur. One of them I took noticed had black eyes.

'Is that a..' Trailing off in thought.

'Wendigo!' Levy said.

'Reyna, ahead of you.'

Trying to locate the main source I was tracking.

However, what I saw baffled me. For inexplicable reasons, it had me question the situation of what the hell was going on. And if...I should even intervene.

<<>>

"ha..ha...hah!"

'I got to run. Gotta keep moving. Can't stop. Or else.' The growls behind me. Scratches and snaps heard behind. 'Or else they'll get me!'

Fear motivating me further into the dark ominous forest. Once beautiful in daylight to witness, but now terrifying at night as it really shows it's true appearance.

My heart beating. Pounding. Afraid. Legs carrying me on their own accord no matter how much they ache. The tightness in my chest. Heaving for air more and more as it leaves my lips. Branches and twigs and everything else obscuring my path to escape the monsters chasing me. Hunting me.

'Is this what I wanted. What I craved for so bad. I want to go home.' Tears stinging the corner of my eyes. 'I want to go home now. I want to play with mommy and sis again. I'll study harder in teacher's class. I'll listen more. Whatever it takes, so, please. Wake up. Let this be a dream.' Running past a few more obstacles. The sound of clothes being snagged.

Caught by a branch. Halting me in progress.

Turning around to get free. I pulled and tugged my clothing. Nothing working.

'Please let this be just a dream. A nightmare even!!'

Noises getting closer.

I ripped off the cloak I worn. Doesn't matter whether I get cold if I'm caught. I thought. They're gaining on me.

Continuing the spree. Sweat and fatigue aching my body. I wanted to rest. To sleep. Thankfully, a light had shown through, into a clearing.

Heading towards the source. The last of my all gave way, as I made it out the damp forest of misfortune. I fell to my knees. My hands planted against the ground to catch myself. Breathing hectic.

I seethed. Throat dry and swallowing whatever spit I had in hopes t quench my thirst.

But something bad stepped out from behind. A menacing growl as the beasts that gave chase finally caught up.

Turning around as I fell on my butt. No longer able to stand as I could barely remain calm. Fear by what I saw sent a chill in my spine. Paralyzing my body. My mind, to run anymore.

"No." I whispered. Shaking intensely. Moving away from several wendigos that appeared behind the first.

"No." I said again to no one in return. For I knew that I was all alone here.

Alone. Tired. And doom.

Tears I didn't know I had till now, began to stream rampant on their own. Remembering the stupid fight I had with sis before fleeing the castle. Just to see the outside world. Just for once.

It's terrifying. Terrifying to think I'll never see her or mother again.

The wendigos approaching me bared their signature trademarks. The stories I heard about their cannibalism, ruthlessness, and tenacity. Gave me a clear perspective of one thing. 'I'm going to die.'

Giving up hope as there was nothing, a child like me, can do.

In a fierce movement, one member of the group lunged at me. Ready to kill me on the spot. Moments, flashing before me in slow motion. As the creature had me at it's beckoning.

"Piss off!!" Someone cried.

Right before the strangest sound was heard. As someone came flying into the wendigo's side. Both legs seeking in deep, carrying the monster before kicking it off in another direction. The monster smashing through trees and wood. Creating dust.

The individual. My savior. Flipping through the air and landing before me on foot graciously, was a woman. Strange clothing and garments. Hair black and long reaching her shoulders; flow in the wind. A necklace tight for comfort around her neck with a silver wolf pendant. Eyes green as if they glowed.

"Hey, kid. Are you alright." She asked looking my way.

Feeling flabbergasted. The words came out mopey. Trying again to thank her.

"Y-yes. Thank you, but why would you save me. That was a Wendigo you just kicked. They're monsters of the Everfree." I said.

"Really? Well, that sounds interesting." Facing sideways. Eyeing the cluster group.

"Interesting?" I repeated dumbly. "Did you not just hear what I said. You can't fight one head on with just your bare hands. They're too strong. Not to mention a group of them!" I tried to reason with her.

"That sounds like a challenge." She said. "How about it, wanna place a bet on who'd win."

Shocked by my savior. Rising up. "You won't win. Not even an equestrian guard with all their training and weapons could dent those things. Unless you know of a fire spell then maybe. But if not, then we have to flee.

A change in pace as one of the wendigos charged the mysterious women. Slashing at her with deadly claws. Yet for some reason it missed. Trying again it missed. And missed. Her footing stood in place but her body moved constantly around. Weaving and dodging in flow. Taking a hand back she punched the beast back.

An incredible feat non seen before, as the wendigo was sent back some feet. However, it didn't seem injured to the slightest and came back at her. Attacking violently and some.

"Fire spell huh? Sounds ridiculous, but if it's fire that does the trick.

A distance shorten getting in close range. Facing sideways and reeling in a leg. She kicked the beast straight in its midsection. Nothing happening at first, but then the sound of something bursting came to life.

The brilliant flame emanating from the bottom of her right leg as it shot forth and blaze the opponent on fire. The flame burning not from outside but from within.

I continued to watch.

The other wendigos startled and snarled as one of their brethren died before them from its injuries.

"By your awe-aspiring gaze, I'll take that as a yes. But if I win." Glancing me quick before speaking. "I need some questions answered. OK kid."

"Quit calling me kid. I am Princess Luna of Equestria and I refuse to be undermined by my appearance." A sense of annoyance. "Besides, what happens if you lose. You'll die in vain for trying to save me. And I-I don't want anyone else risking their lives for me." Clenching my fists. The remembrance of the attack. People and guards around dropping lifeless. Some even sacrificing themselves for me. I never asked for it. I don't want it.

"Just leave me here. Get away. I'll only be a burden for you if you stay." A harsh fact realized hard and heavy. "I'm a princess, but I can't even protect my people. Nor me. So just leave. Please." Biting down on my lips hard in a depressed, frustrating way.

Laughing. "Are you serious." Facing her stoic expression. "I'll be damned if I leave you alone here. As for these suckers. Leave them to me. I've been meaning to try something." Preparing for a fight. The others watching a distance away. Eyeing her carefully.

She's a fool. I thought. 'A hopeless. Stupid. Fool.'

But deep down. In my chest. In my heart. I was relieved that someone came to save me, in my darkest hour.

The sound of ruckus from the path of destruction not too long ago was heard. What came out was the same wendigo from earlier. Heading in a one-way collision for the warrior and out for blood. Closing the gap fast.

"Luna." She called my name. "Whatever you do, don't blink." A ring of white light suddenly appearing between her midsection. The band of white splitting apart in two directions. To her feet and over her head as the figure before me was replaced by someone. Something new. A large blade drawn, from nowhere.

As in a swing. The shivering beauty a sword makes when swung.

Slice cleanly in half the rampaging creature. And what remains, was a woman shimmering in the moonlight.

Wolf-like ears, slit green luminous eyes, hair, and tail as white as the clearest snow.

It spoke in a familiar voice. "Cause the party's just getting started!"

"Woah."

To be continued...

Author's Note

Finally~! Equistria at last. Stay tuned to find out what happens next on The Phantom Wolf of Equus.

Also happy Hallows Eve. May the ghouls and ghosts haunt you in your very sleep.

P.S. Did you guys figure out what her said abilities are, cause if not, you'll soon see in ch.4

P.S.S. the following characters will be seen talking in colors from now on in:

Zangetsu=Orange, since i couldn't see the difference between black or brown.

Levy=Red

Luna=Blue