Chapters Tales of the "Good Doctor"
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
It was another glorious day in Ponyvile. The birds were chirping, the bees were buzzing, and the foals were enjoying their day off. Little Apple Bloom was walking through town trying to find a way to kill a bit of time when she something caught her eye. Somepony bought the old house that has been on the market more a few years.
Walking out of the was a unicorn stallion (Although his creepy hat concealed the horn), his grey fur was complimented by his black and white mane and tail. The weird thing was what he attire, aside from his hat he also wore a pair of surgeon's goggles and medical saddle-bags. Without a care in the world she approached the strange pony
"Hi, I'm Apple Bloom. Did you just move into that old house?" the filly asked with gleeful smile that coaxed one out of the older pony.
The stallion giggled a bit "Nope I've been here a few days, I moved here from Canterlot, trying to track down and old friend" the unicorn said removing his so he could use his horn " Tell me do you know a mare by the name of Twilight Sparkle?"
"Oh I know her!" Apple Bloom shouted. "She lives just a mile north of here but she's out-of-town for now" she finished sound a bit down at the end. "You know she pretty handy with that horn of her's, do you know any cool tricks?"
The stallion laughed at this "My word you sure do talk a lot, my name's Dr.Cold Hooves but everypony calls me Doc". A wicked smile formed on Doc's face. "Want to see a cool spell?" he said, voice changing slightly to a deeper more sinister pitch. Apple Bloom just nodded excitedly.
A green bolt of magic leaped from the doctor's horn to Apple Bloom's head causing her to fall asleep. " I guess I'll to settle for you now, I could use the practice" He muttered to himself levitating the Knocked-Out girl into his home
Brining her into the basement was a hassle. but he managed to get Apple Bloom all strapped onto the table and went out to fetch a few things
An hour later Apple Bloom came through the room was nearly pitch black save for the spotlight shinning down on her from the celling the room looked like a doctor's office. The only exception being the operating table she was strapped to, all four legs spread.
At this time Dr.Cold walked in, his voice completely changed to something more sinister, something more fitting to his upcoming actions
"Comfy?" he asked mockingly "Well it seems with my target no where to be found I'll have to practice with you for now" Doc walked over to the counter away from the operating table and press a red button on the radio "Patient: Apple Bloom, female hight 5 feet est. weight 20 LBS. a bit heavy for a foal you size" the good doctor walked over to the table putting it at a 80º angle with the floor.
The little foal scared out of her mind spoke up "Wha-what are you going to do me"
"Oh were going to play for a bit, then the fun begins" He replied hooking up a few monitoring Leeds to the foal chest. A monitor sprang to life beeping in-tune to Apple's heart. "Patient's vitals normal for now, you a cute one you know" he said patting her head. Rummaging through his bag he levitated a scalpel and gently traced Apple Bloom's neck making sure only to knick a few hairs.
"Oh your fear is just delightful, I haven't had such a lively patient down here since Canterlot its nice to make a fresh start" he taunted sniffing the sweat from her fur. To further promote fear in ran his tongue from her neck down her body stoping just an inch short of her 'special place'. "Now now lets not be to hasty, Im a pony of class"
With in the terrified foal a spark of bravery kicked in "When mah' brother finds out about you he'll buck your head clean off!" That confidence faded once Dr.Cold Hooves removed his goggles.
"Your in no position to be making threats, don't worry you'll be home for supper, just sent back there in a body-bag containing a foal that has been through the same kind of hell I went through, but enough games" he said putting his gear back on
"Time for some fun, injecting sedative!" Dr.Cold shouted. using his magic he thrusted a needle into the foal's right arm
"This should keep most of the pain away and you awake" Doc then disposed of the needle and magically grabbed his blade again
"I think its about time I made my mark in this world" he said making light slashes across Apple Bloom's chest though the drug blocked most of the pain it still stung like hell. "With this cut I dub thee damned" he said making another 3 cuts
"EENIE-MEENIE-MINIE-STAB" he pierced Apple Bloom's left lung "Don't be such a baby lungs grow back, wait, no they don't".
This caused the little Apple to scream in pain like a banshee "So... much... pain..." she passed out.
Dr.Cold sighed "This is not what I hoped for, using adrenaline dose 1" he shouted injecting the foal. "Sorry doll the shows not over yet, Bartok get in here!" he shouted "You just have to me my son/assistant". Just then a grey unicorn foal looking like a mini Dr.Cold Hooves walked in and stood next to the table just in time for Apple Bloom to rewaken
"Oh good your awake, meet Bartok Cold Hooves" he said gleefully
Apple Bloom was mortified at this "Your own son, you monster!"
Bartok only grinned "C'mon maybe a little persuasion will help you" he said forcing his lips against Apple Bloom's she struggled to the best of her ability but gave in until she noticed something poking her belly.
"Time to put on a show" he said shoving his member into her causing even more panic. he managed to thrust into he a few causing a bit of blood to form in her lap thenDoc quickly intercepted
"You've done your part, diddle the corpse later" he ordered only getting a devilish nod from his son "now time for the main attraction, Saw!" he shouted prompting his son to had him the tool. Taking the saw Dr.Cold Hooves gracefully sliced off Apple Bloom's left blank-flank and ate it
"Blank always taste better" and repeated this process with the right.
Apple Bloom just stared crying "I... Just... Want... To... Home..." the rest faded into inaudible sobs
The doctor lapped a bit of blood from the right flank then hugged Apple Bloom. "There their don't worry the pain is only temporary. Soon you'll be reunited with all your dead relatives"
"Wha-what?" was all she could say
"You're not getting out of this alive" Doc quickly cut a large incision down Apple's body exposing all of her anatomy
His gambit continued for 3 hours till she had finally passed from blood loss
Unhooking the restraints he started giving his son orders, "Prep the corpse with a bag, prepare an obituary, contact the authorities say we found her like this outside of town"
The walk over to sweet apple acres was rather quick. Dr.Cold and Bartok knocked on the door.
"Can I help you?" an orange pony with 3 apples on her flank answered the door.
"Im Dr.Cold Hooves, Im afraid I bring grim news, we found Apple Bloom raped and halfway eaten outside of town" He said handed her the body bag
Shocked and stunned she could not believe it but the photos stapled to the bag were all the proof she needed.
Leaving them to grieve the two grey unicorns ran off. once they were back on the road they laughed the whole way home
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
Silver spoon
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
It was late at night as Bartok was preoccupied hosing down the O.R. after slicing up Apple Bloom the day before. "Yesh we sure maid a mess of this place. Well now that Im finished with this I might see what dads up to" he said to himself walking outside to the spacious backyard where Dr.Cold was standing with a charred training dummy.
"Need to perfect my spells" The doctor muttered to himself using his 'Operating voice' panting heavily. "Triplicate!" He shouted charging his horn and with a flash there were suddenly three of himself.
"We look good, nice hat" the trio said simultaneously, in a flash they were gone.
"Dad, you must not force yourself" The foal cautioned "no point in revenge if your horn burns out from over use"
"I know son" Dr.Cold said putting his hat back on, reverting his voice to normal, and removing his goggles, "By the way we need a bit of intel on these ponies I herd that Twilight hangs out with, so your starting school starting monday" Cold Hooves smiled "This shouldn't be a problem, besides you were getting sick of home-schooling anyway".
Bartok smiled "Thanks dad, your the best" he quickly hugged his dad then adjusted his own hat and goggles
The doctor laughed "I know I am, in the meantime we must check the rest of this town out" he said as Bartok walked back inside. "Now, lets trying looking into the future one more time" said the doctor. His horn began to glow along with his eyes, seconds after he passed out from exhaustion.
After a good night sleep the two set off to comb the town, after a bit of shopping they settled on a small café, and were enjoying some fine pastries when Bartok noticed something "See something kid?" Cold Hooves asked his son.
"Yeah dad, that orange pony we dropped the corpse off with and a unicorn with luxurious white fur sitting at the table behind you"
"Listen darling, I know your a strong mare but bottling up grief only ends in disaster, remember Big Mac after his hard cider reserves were sucked into that tornado and he raided 5 homes?" the unicorn said hooves over Applejack's
She sighed "Yes I remember, Im going to go harvest something" she muttered leaving her half of the bill on the table.
Dr.Cold thought to himself "If that was Applejack then the unicorn was Rarity, Maybe I could use to my advantage". Cold Hooves approached Rarity "Excuse me miss, I couldn't help but over hear your conversation so who was your friend anyway?"
Rarity looked up at the older pony "If you must know her name is Applejack she was close to a filly who was murdered yesterday, but the question is who are you?"
"Im Dr.Cold Hooves, I unfortunately was the one who found the body, shame too she was so young" The doctor said hat over heart and shedding a few fake tears.
"I know, we just got back from the burial, it was a small affair, your not from around here are you?" she questioned
"Moved in last week" the doctor looks up at the sky "I smell a storm coming, might we continue this back at your place over tea?" he asked butting his hat back on
"That would be lovely" she replied
The doctor smiled "Go ahead I'll catch up" he said as Rarity ran off.
Bartok rolled his eyes (Though you couldn't see due to his eye ware) "Your a monster" he said sarcastically.
"Oh that may be true son but for that your carrying the all the bags" Cold ran off shouting "Coming or not?"
When the group go to Rarity's the rain had started and the group was soaked
"Remind me to pen Cloudsdale weather inc. at some point for overdoing the rain" Rarity said stepping in
"Happily" replied the doc annoyed.
"Someone help me with these bags, I ran out of magic half way over and had to shove everything in my saddle bags" Bartok said collapsing on the ground
Doc cleared his through "About that tea?"
Rarity nodded and walk into the kitchen. Around that time Sweetie bell walked downstairs, the grey foal caught her eye. "Rarity who are your guest?"
"Just some ponies I met a the café" She replied
"Dr.Cold Hooves, and this is my son Bartok" Stated the good doctor
"Nice to meet you" said Bartok
"I'm starting in a bit" the colt replied
the two looked each other in the eyes Cold Hooves sensed something but his son's love life being useless to him he disregarded it.
"I'm Sweetie Bell, I like your mane"
Bartok blushed noticing the unkempt mane on the back of his neck
"Thanks, I like your mane too" he said almost chocking on his tongue. He could not believe this the foal who could decapitate a rabbit and screw the neck-hole was nervous over some filly albeit cute.
As Rarity brought drinks and everypony was enthralled in there conversation an all too familiar cyan pony flew through the door nocking over Cold Hooves
"Sorry about that, I tried to cheer up AJ with a stunt show then the rain started. I was on my way some when a stay wind gust blasted me though your door. It was awesome!" she said as the doc stood up with a large crack in his goggle's left lens
Revealing his horn Dr.Cold launched Rainbow off of him and into the wall "Well this has been fun, but I must be getting home, Bartok can stay if he wants" Cold said with a hint of his "Operating voice" and teleported home
"Are you ok?!" Rarity shouted with worry rush to Dashie's side
She stood up "I've taken worse" she said ignoring the gash on her side
Rarity sighed "Sweetie Bell take your new friend upstairs"
Bartok stood up "Wait I can fix this" he said firing a red magic bolt patching up the wound
Sweetie Belle Gasped in amazement "What else can you do?"
"A lot more" he said smugly
"Wow, and yet your still a blank" she said gesturing to his flank "You know Im in a secrete order of blanks trying to find our callings, maybe you could join?"
Bartok pondered this, he remembers a newpaper article with the headline "Crusadeing foals accidentally torch park". He spoke up "maybe I will. But for now I better get home" Bartok finished then proceeded out the front door
The day started off smoothly as the students all walked into the school house where a suspiciously perky purple pony sat behind a large desk while Bartok grabbed Apple Blooms old seat though it was the only one available the others just glared.
"Good morning class" The teach chimed
"Good morning Ms.Cheerilee" the class replied as one
"Nice to see you all again, I know were all a bit down about the loss of one of our students" She said looking at the picture of Apple Bloom on the wall.
Bartok tried to stifle a grin
Cheerilee resumed speaking "But we do have a new student, every give a warm welcome Bartok"
The other students just glared at the "Replacement"
"Ok then, due to recent events I'm going to go easy on you today with a few review asignments" Ms.Cheerilee said sensing tension in the room.
Class were simple for the most part, nothing Bartok didn't know before. After a long hard day the midday lunch break in the yard finally arrived. Many of the foals avoided Bartok forcing him to sit alone, till whats left of the Cutie Mark Crusaders showed up
"So your the unicorn Sweetie Bell keeps going on about" Said an orange pegasus sounding almost impressed "Name's Scootaloo by the way"
"Bartok, nice to meet you" He replied. As the group chatted amongst themselves as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walked to to them
"So new kid whats with the hat? Its so lame" Questioned Diamond.
Bartok glared "It was a gift from my late mother to my dad. I would appreciate a little respect thank you very much"
Diamond Tiara's only response was that she grabbed the hat, threw it to the ground then stomped on it. "Don't look so sad. I did you a favor. later loser" she said as the pair walked away.
Bartok stared down at his ruined hat, leaving his unkempt mane and horn exposed. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo left seeing he needed space. Even Though one could not see them through his goggles the colt's eyes were full of pure rage hotter than a forest fire.
Bartok muttered "Cloak" and with a flash vanished instantly. The started creeping behind Diamond Tiara
"I have to use the little fillies' room" She told her friend walking into the bathroom with Bartok following behinde
After doing her business she turned around to flush but and invisible force dunked her head into the piss filled bowl "Lets get surgical, teleport" the pair warped to Dr.Cold's operating room
Once they arrived Bartok uncloaked and wasted no time strapping her in, once strapped in Diamond Tiara's ride began
"Do you think its funny mocking others? Lets fix your mouth then" he said with an "Operating Voice" a bit more demented but not as deep as his fathers. Applying a head restraint Diamond was now immobile. With a bit of magic and acute precision Bartok sutured her mouth shut, though a work of craftsponyship it was still unbearably painful
"Lets try the 'other lips' now" using the same sill sutured her love-box shut. "Lets make a detour" he said using a drill on her abdomen just above the waist.
then stuck in his erect penis as she tried screaming but her mouth remained shut but Diamond Tiara kept trying but still gave off only muffled screams. Finishing he removed his 'probe' as his fluids and her blood leaked out he lapped up this mix then smiled. "Lets alter your flank to be a bit more fitting" He took the same mix and signed his name with it over her cutie mark.
Barley awake Diamond's eyes showed nothing but fear and agony. Bartok always one to end on a high note stabbed both her eyes and stole the tiara she was wearing.
"My job is done. You're finished" Bartok said warping back to class leaving his patient to die a lonely death.
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
Princess Celestia was pacing around her throne room something was agitating her. Once news reached her about the 2 murders in Ponyvile and the decrease of murders in Canterlot she knew only one thing. "Dr.Cold's relocated" She muttered to herself.
Princess Luna on the other hand barely noticed due to being lost in her own world. "Tell me sis who is this pony you keep going on about?" she asked concurred with her sister's sanity.
Celestia sighed. She decided to tell Luna the story of the good doctor "Years ago while you were banished I was looking through candidates for my decibel. One prospective was a colt named Cold Hooves, he had grate potential and a impressive knowledge of magic but the only problem was the darkness I saw festering in his heart. All he wanted was power and wealth. The only other pony left was Twilight sparkle, so I chose here. From that point on his life was one hell after the next, he got into the Canterlot Acadamy of advance magic without a problem. That is where he met Annabelle Hearth, his future wife. they dated up until graduation when Cold Hooves enlisted in the army as a combat medic during the Griffin war." The princess looked down feeling a cloud of depression settle over her as she got to the sad part of her tale.
She continued "War turned him into the Psychopath or at least made him worse. He became a sadistic killer after the war I decided to Discharge but not institutionalize him, big mistake" He retuned to Canterlot and married his beloved, But in order to control his thirst for suffering he still sliced-up ponies around the city. Seeing as he was only killing criminals in the local hospital's basement on a biweekly basis we looked the other way. Everything was okay until his wife was murdered while pregnant with there son" Princess Celestia shed a few tears "He managed to save the foal and only the foal. The killings persisted for 6 years, Increasing in rate and brutality until the city was crime free. Everypony who so much as littered had either fled or was was killed off"
Luna tilted her head "So what do you think he wants in Ponyvile?"
Celestia's jaw dropped "Twilight!"
Luna became even more confused
The rainbow maned princess put the pieces together. "Revenge"
Princess Luna shrugged. "Rally a strike team then" she said turning a page in her book.
Celestia shook her royal head "He's a world renown doctor, the media backlash would not look good on us. Although Twilight Sparkle could handle this matter herself" the Princess finished running of into the archive.
A few pegasus guards stood watching Her Highness cram 10 books about combat spells into a iron crate "Take this crate to Twilight Sparkle, the contents are for her only!"
the two guards saluted and carried out there orders.
Meanwhile Cold Hooves was doing a few preparations of his own. He was in his study when there was a knock at the door. Bartok answered the door.
"And you are?" Bartok asked while Sweetie Bell stood behind him.
A griffin with a arabian accent responded "Its me Sand Runner, c'mon let me in.
Dr.Cold opened the door. "Ah old friend welcome"
The griffin walked in. He didn't look too different from most save for his sandy-yellow head and neck feathers as opposed to the common white. "Nice to see my favorite doctor in good spirits"
Dr.Cold laughed "Nice to see my favorite Archeologist/Black-market dealer is also happy. So what do you have for me?"
The griffin pulled a few stone tablets from his bag "Ancient illusion spells from an old Canterlot dig-site"
Dr.Cold looked over the tablets and the glyphs adorning them "Excellent find Runner, what else?"
The dealer chuckled and pulled out an aged scroll "This you'll like. bought this from that bazar in Caravan, High powered strength potion recipe"
Reading through this recipe Bartok noticed the ingredients were hard to come-by "I know where to find most of this stuff except for something called 'Blood of Draco' any idea where we can find a dragon?"
Sweetie Bell spoke up "I know Twilight keeps a pet dragon. Why would you need this stuff anyway?"
Bartok coughed "Dad is kind of a strange guy. He keeps using some 'future sight' spell and keeps seeing some stance stuff not even he can make sense but he is certain Twilight is at the center of it all "
The good doctor grinned "Bartok your on collection duty, remember the knock-out spell I taught you"
The colt nodded
"Take Sweetie with you" he finished
She nodded and left with Bartok.
"The two remind me of you and the dead wife, why didn't you remarry anyway?" the griffin pondered.
The doctor sighed grabbing himself and his friend a bottle of hard cider "I have yet to meet a mare like Anne in my travels, beside Im happy"
Runner opened his beverage "Is Bartok?".
The doctor glare at his friend "Whats with the questions?"
The dealer backed off "We're getting old my friend. We just can't keep living these lives of adventure. I'm considering retirement, you should too. Your starting to get a little grey in the mane. Not to mention how much of a strain all of this magic is putting on your aging body"
Cold sighed "I'm aware of my age".
As the doctor and his friend were chatting and drinking the two foals were strolling around town trying to find Spike
Sweetie bell had to ask "What do you plan on doing with Spike anyway?"
"Just take a blood sample" he grinned
"So how do you spend your free time?" she pressed
"Music, books, eating, and doctor assisted homicide," he said
"What was that last one?" she stopped dead in her tracks.
"Kidding" he responded.
Continuing on there stroll the noticed Spike having an interesting conversation with some yellow pegasus
"I'm telling you the guy's a creep" Spike said with a persuasive convection
Fluttershy just shrugged "I'm sorry but I dont see it. Doctors are nice ponies, and besides he even gave me some meat to feed my animals although he didn't say what kind it was" she retorted.
Sweetie Bell and Bartok approached them. "Hi spike, what are you talking about?" she asked the two.
"That creepy doctor that moved in a few days ago" the purple dragon answered.
Bartok grunted "Thats my father your talking about, and I will introduce you to him later to prove he just as normal as an other pony. Sweetie Bell you go on ahead and speak with that zebra you mentioned on the way over"
The filly nodded and ran off
"Wait its dangerous to go alone" Shouted the pegasus flying to catch up.
Reaching from his saddle bags Bartok revealed a lead pipe and knocked-out the little dragon then ran back to the house with spike In tow.
Spike regained conciseness strapped to Dr.Cold's operating table.
"Welcome dragon" The good doctor greeted his "Guest"
Spike struggled to break the bindings "Let me go!"
"Just give me what I want and you can leave, struggle and I use you for a pair of boots while your still alive" Cold stated in his "Operating Voice" gesturing the Griffin to haul in a large medical-looking device, a hose with a needle at the end leading into a machine hooked up to a jar and monitor caught Spike's eye.
"Weird. He looks a bit like the dragon I found on some old prophecy" Runner thought to himself.
Plunging the needle into Spike's arm Dr.Cold began extracting the blood from the dragon into a jar hooked into the device. Something on the monitor called the pony's attention.
"Thats odd..." The doctor muttered "Bartok are you sure this is a dragon you nabbed?"
The foal walked over to the screen "What do you make of it dad?"
"Its mostly dragon's blood, 75% to be exact. Yet I'm detecting proteins and basic microscopic compounds that are found only in pony blood" he answered
Collecting the amount needed Dr.Cold used a sleep spell on spike "Bartok, wipe his memory of this and dump him back where you found him. I have to research something in my study"
The hours have passed and Twilight Sparkle was busy examining the crate she received in the mail mostly the letter
"Dear Twilight
I'm afraid I must be brief with you. This is probably nothing but a Pony-of-Interest relocated to your town by the name of Dr.Cold Hooves. In case he is scheming against you use the spells in these books to defend yourself
-Princess Celestia"
Nervously pacing around her library, her mind far lost thought. "I just don't know how to handle this Spike. Is this just a staged challenge or is there something the princess isn't telling me. Any Ideas?" Twilight asked her companion.
Spike just scratched his head "I don't know, I can barley remember this day. If this guy is as dangerous as Celestia says then maybe you should flee"
Twilight shook her head. "Princess Celestia sent this just as precaution. Its likely just nothing"
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
Tales of the good doctor
That night the town of Ponyvile was sleeping soundly under the cover of a rainstorm and all were sleeping except for one zebra, downing a cloak she trotted through the local graveyard she stopped upon a familiar grave
"Applebloom you were such a good friend, this was not men't to be your end" she muttered to herself unearthing the casket. Once it was out of the ground Zecora opened the coffin, after confirming its contents she dragged the casket back to her hut in the woods.
Once back in her own home the zebra emptied the coffin into a cauldron, the floating head stared wide-eyed at Zecroa prompting her to start mixing in the various powders, potions, and herbs. Once these were in Zecora threw some very special powder causing the fire to turn into a mystical shade of green. "Everything is according to plan, of my works I am quite a fan." She laughed at herself "Soon this brew will cause you start rising, then you will rejoin the living". Closing the lid the left the magic to do its trick. "This is the voodoo that I do" she muttered before turning in for the night.
Meanwhile in Cold Hooves' study his mind was in overdrive trying to solve this new mystery "First the image of disaster is saw when I tried that future-sight spell, now this. According to my recent scan of that dragon's blood I can safely assume its 5% pony DNA. Back when I went spec-ops after killing that Commander I heard rumors of a hybrid program but I didn't believe it"
Sand Runner who was sitting in the room with him spoke up "It's not hard to believe. Back when I ancient temple south of a known dragon den then native pegasus tribe foretold of an eventual hybrid. Besides you have more important thing to worry about?"
Cold Hooves sighed "I know but still... This might be worth our time. If you want to put this matter behind us that bad I'll contact an old friend of mine who might know something about this"
"Who?" the griffin inquired
Cold Hooves smiled "Dr.Softheart. I met her back in the war, during operation: Sneak and Torch. My unit had retrieve all of her data then burn the experiments before the Griffin Army got in"
Sand Runner was confused "What's her place in all this?"
Dr.Cold responded "She said there were hybrid attempts from her lab dating back to when I was just a foal. But the Royal Science Society, claim to have perfected it. Maybe this might be worth looking into"
"You have be chasing the visions you have been getting since you started peering into the future with magic. First it leads you to this town then to some experiment" replied Sand Runner with a sigh "But you seem to have a talent for making the insane a reality. I will go write a letter to that 'old friend' you mentioned"
Once Dr.Cold's friend left the pony began reading over the potion recipe he was given
Walking into a kitchen noticing a letter on the fridge "Dear father, Went with friends to see creepy Voodoo Witch Doctor in the woods"
Back in Zecora's hut the Cutie Mark Crusaders were gathering around a closed cauldron "Now children I know we are moved by the loss of our dear friend, but thanks to my voodoo we can out our mourning to an end" the zebra gleefully recited before bucking the cauldron causing its contents to spill all over the floor. Amongst some purple liquid the was a fully repaired and revived Appleboom.
The yellow filly uneasily stood-up clearly disoriented "Erk... Girls, what happened?"
Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo both tackled her to the ground with a big hug. "Dotn you remember? Somepony killed you!" shouted the unicorn.
Applebloom was stunned "I don't remember getting murdered"
Zecora smiled "It's ok, I have yet to see one with my own eyes who remembers there demise"
But they didn't care. They were all just happy to have there friend back, they all were happy except for when she got home.
Applebloom casually walked through the front door and we greeted with shock from here family
"What is the meaning of this unnatural abomination!?" roared Big Mackintosh
The filly was shocked "But it's me... Your sister"
Big Mac rose from his seat "Applebloom is dead and buried. I don't how you came back, but your no longer my sister. Your just a freak of nature, an unholy abomination" the red stallion shouted with fury.
With a swig brush of his leg he slammed the filly into the causing her to shriek in pain and cough up a bit of blood. "Begone foul scum, and never return, your nothing but an disgrace to what was once sacred. Crawl back to where ever you came from" with another quick yet powerful move thew her again and again until she was finally thrown out the window and into the cold rain
Heartbroken Applebloom fled in tears banish from her own home and retreated to her only sanctuary, the crusader's clubhouse. After hearing about what happened the rest of the gang headed back to their clubhouse to comfort there friend.
"I thought they would welcome me back, but they threw me out." the crying pony managed to say between sobs
"I'm sorry your family was unable to see who you really were" Bartok said making a failing attempt at helping the situation.
"But where will I go now I-I-I don't have home anymore" she replied resuming her loud wailing.
Looking out the window Scootaloo heard Big Mac talking to himself "I know that zebra is behind this I can smell it, I'll grinder dust with my own Celestia damned hooves if I have to" he finished charging into the forest
"We have two problems now" the young pegasus said "Zecora's in danger"
Bartok nodded "I'll go, you say with Apple" he said running off.
Meanwhile Dr.Cold was having an interesting discussion with Zecora over tea
"You raise a interesting argument Cold, hopefully I can come to make sense of if before I get old" she responded to an earlier point.
Just then Big Mac burst through the door "You!" he shouted slamming into the zebra and then pinned her down
"I know your voodoo had something to the my undead sister" the red stallion shouted pressing his hoof harder on her back restricting her breathing. He then threw her across the room then pinned her again. Big Mac went on and on about her disgraceful actions until he felt the pain of an electro-shock spell paralyze every nerve in his body.
After knocking out the brute Dr.Cold rushed to Zecora as Bartok entered the room. "Damn, she bleeding heavily and knocked-out. Meet me back in the O.R. We'll work on her there" the doctor shouted then teleported back home with Zecora on his back.
In the O.R. the two began the operation. Opening up the zebra the full extent of the damage was present. "Left lung's toasted, Ribs are all fractured, and both kidneys are bleeding, this is going to be interesting" Cold said, levitating the needed tools around while Bartok worked healing magic on anything traditional surgery wouldn't fix.
3 hours and 6 flat-lines latter the two secured her survival "Bartok, put her in the guest bedroom, I think i need stiff a drink" Dr.Cold said before addressing the 3 fillies in her living room "She's going to be fine" he said then walking into the kitchen searching for a bottle of aged griffin wine.
"This is all my fault, I never shoulda have came home" Applebloom said burying her face in the couch
Bartok spoke "Your more than welcome to stay here, Sweetie Bell is already staying over the unexpected break and I'm sure dad won't mind. Same offer to you Scootaloo" Bartok offered
After a bit of convincing Applebloom and the the whole crew decided to stay over. A few minutes later the four were laughing and have a good time in Bartok's room.
"So tell me something Sweetie Bell, where did you run into Bartok anyway." Applebloom asked
Sweetie Bell answered "He just kind of showed up out of nowhere I guess, but he's still my little mystery" she then leaned over and gave Bartok a peck on the cheek. Applebloom's jaw dropped.
While the foals had there fun Cold Hooves and Zecora picked up on there conversation where they left off. "I must admit is quite interesting the way zebras channel magic through potions rather than spells"
Zecora nodded "We both know that's true, there are some potion that can do anything a spell can do"
Cold got an idea "Do you have anything along the lines of future-sight potion?"
Zecora nodded again "I should have something back back at my home, send someone for that and that alone"
The doctor smiled "Assuming its labeled I can send Sand Runner tonight"
"That is true, what use is it to you?" she asked
"I tired using my own spell to peer into the future but all I got back where monochrome seconds-long glimpse of disaster" he responded.
"Hey drunk griffin on my couch, there is a hut in the middle of the woods. I want you to go retrieve a bottle label potion of future-sight from it" shouted the pony
"Screw you... Fine I am going" Runner responded on his way out.
Dr.Cold cleared his thought "So tell me why did you bring her back?"
Zecora sighed "She said she wanted me to, a while back she told me if something were to happen to her to do what I can do"
Cold nodded "I remember reading this was common practice back within the Zebra Nation but I wrote it off a cruel stereotype, interesting"
"But is the spirit's choice on returning, and Applebloom choose to return to the living" Zecora added.
After Sand returned with the mixture as requested. Cold Hooves returned to his study, he needed to work out this new information. "Hopefully this will be make more sense than the spell" he said opening the bottle. Somehow the liquid was changing colors.
Drinking the substance Cold Hooves began talking to himself and stumbling around. "I'm dazing out… Drinking this strange liquid… Truth… Hitting me fast… At full throttle… I'm feeling slugish… The answers… All revealed… It's not the end… But the upcoming disaster is real… waves of war washing over the landscape… Violence… Tanks… making the ground shake.. I'm falling asleep?… Better stay awake… cultists misleading… using blind faith… Bodies flooding the streets of Canterlot… But if the nations stick together… Not enough… The elements… Not enough… The Half Bloods… Saviors… Darkness' bane… must find the Half-Blo-" Cold Hooves was cut off by falling unconscious.
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
Tales of the good doctor
Thanks to the magic of next day airmail Dr.Softheart arrived the next day. Walking into the house she was directed to the sleeping doctor in his study. Waking up Dr.Cold saw the unicorn scientist looking over him, her fur was a shade of sky blue which was complimented by her navy mane and tail both cut to look as professional as possible. Cold haphazardly stood up to greet her "Nice to meet you doctor"
"Same to you" she responded
Setting a tape recorder on the table and activating it Dr.Cold spoke to his guest. "I hope you didn't mind the travel" said the doctor
"Not at all" Dr.Softheart responded "I'm used to it. Allow me to formally introduce myself, I am Dr.Softheart my PHD is in dragonology. I am currently employed by Alter Labs"
"Nice to meet you" responded Sand Runner.
"So tell me what you know about the hybrids" Cold asked
The scientist clears her thought than began her story "To get the obvious out of the way, yes we were working on a hybrid long before your foalhood. After years of failures and dealing with outdated equipment we managed to bond dragon and earth pony DNA, those were known as the Series 1 hybrids. After a half-year we contacted by Princes Celestia's science team the 'Royal Science Society' once they caught wind of our success and offered to help. We were fools for trusting them, there true intention was weaponization of our diplomatic research! We hoped that a being with a foot in both worlds would help pony-dragon relations. Although their equipment did what we couldn't, create hybrids the were able to fly or use magic. Those were the Series 2s. Things went down hill with the Series 3s, this new set were somehow angrier. Military grade psychological-manipulation turned them into killing machines, a kill team was sent to eliminate the Series 3 when they made there escape and cover the project by locking up those who failed to escape. My team helped those that we could in their escape, we're not sure where they are now but I pray for their safety"
"Interesting for you to say that" The doctor said pouring a glass of Appeloosan whiskey "I found one of those hybrids belonging to a local. Although he's at least adolescent in age the hybrid's stuck in toddler stage, and his mind is far beyond that state. Not to mention he has no clue about the program, can I offer you drink"
She nodded promoting him to pour a second glass. "Thank you"
"No problem" the doctor continued "What do you want to do with him?"
"If he's safe then nothing at all, but if you're looking for something to interrogate there is a female winged hybrid locked up in Foalsome prison. You should be able to take a train there and be back in 24 hours" the scientist finished
Just then part of the vision from the potion made sense "The Half-Bloods are the key"
"Somethings tells me that we should look more into this, it's a half-day train ride anyway I can use that time to read a few spell books" Cold Hooves finished grabbing his saddle bags and running out the door.
"Want an interesting fellow" stated Dr.Softheart
The long train ride to the prison gave Dr.Cold the time he needed to review the events that have transpired in his head up until this point, but before he could think of anything useful the train pulled into his stop. After a quick stroll the doctor arrived at the prison's gate "Halt" shouted one of the guards "Speak your piece, why are you hear"
Cold smiled "I am Dr.Cold Hooves former spec-ops Medical Officer for the royal army, I demand access to a prisoner named 504"
Hearing Cold's rank the guards straightened up and showed him to the basement. The door to the cell he wanted resembled a vault door, save for the air-holes. "Open it" Dr.Cold ordered
Opening the cell door caused the creature inside to awake. She stood a bit shorter than Big Macintosh, her black scales glistening in the light along with the purple on her under-belly and wing membrane. "504 reporting" she stated saluting
The doctor sighed "I didn't come here to retrieve you for armed services, I just need some information on the hybrid program"
The she-dragon let out a sigh of relief and slouched a bit "What do you need to know?"
"Interesting name, where'd you get it?" he asked
"We were all given a random number, it doesn't mean anything" she responded
"Also I was just wondering about the escape, and where you planed on going" Dr.Cold added
The dragon shed a small tear having to bring up that fateful night and told her story.
The escape plan started just as expected, the Series 3 hybrids began their training. A simple live fire target practice, 504 decided to blow the brains out of one of the handlers. Alarms went off as the 24 others made for the main hallway. "338 take your team and gather the eggs, 212, 990, and 487, go release the others" she barked out. Up ahead she saw a group of 5 unicorn guards preparing there spells, 504 leaped onto the first one and tore most of the guard's throat out. Jumping onto another she removed that guard's entire head and beat a third to death with it, causing the others to flee. Continuing the sprint down the hall her pack, joined by the others met up at the main door leading to freedom. The combined fire-breath from 25 dragons melted the iron door and opening a path to freedom.
Once they were outside under the cover of night 504 issued her final orders "Just as planned, meet in the Zebra'ha desert!". Just then the kill team caught up with them, while most of them got away 504 witnessed the brutal execution of her friends overwhelmed by spellpower and stun-rods. The 5 that couldn't get away and surrendered were spared and dragged back along with 10 dead members of the Series 3 hybrids.
"Why did you escape?" asked Dr.Cold
This prompted rage from the dragoness "We were tortured, sterilized, experimented on, and for what, science, war, some sick satisfaction, we had to get out of there"
Cold gave a sympathetic smile "Tell you what, help me out with something and I'll get you out of here""
504 squealed with glee "Thank you greatly, what do you need?"
"Back at my home town a hybrid living there has no clue about the program, fill him in on it and that's it"
She agreed, after unexpected flight home the pair returned Ponyvile.
Walking though town the pair were engaged in conversation "I'm surprised we're not attracting more attention, never-the-less we must get back to my home there is someone I want you to meet" said Cold walking through town, dragon in tow.
The route home took the two through the park. Out of the new sights for 504 something caught her eye, Mrs.Cake was out with her twins causing the dragon to stop and stare. "look at them, so happy, so care free" she thought to herself placing a claw on her lower abdomen, eyes watering up. Clearing her thoughts she caught up to the doctor before he noticed anything.
"Welcome back doctor, your son's out with his friends right now" Dr.Softheart greeted them. Cold Hooves and 504 fallowed her inside, the group all sat together in the living room having much to discus.
"What do we do now" Runner asked after 5 minutes of silence
"That's simple" said Cold "We convince Spike to join up with us, then we move forward as planned"
"How do we do that?" asked 504.
"Just convince Spike that everything he knows about himself is wrong" answered the doctor "Do what ever you see necessary, just don't turn him into a suicidal wreck" he finished and gave her the file and photo she would need.
"Fair enough" She responded while flying out the window. After flying around town she finally found her target, dropping out of the sky she confronted her target "Are you the one they call Spike?"
"Yes" the purple dragon responded nervously
"Good. I'm 504, pleasure to meet you. I'm what you've been looking for all these years"
Spike was getting confused and a little confused "And that is?"
504 smiled "The answer to the question you've been asking yourself for what seems like too damn long".
"Who am I?" he responded.
"Have a seat" she said directing him to a nearby bench. "So where do you want me to start?".
"From the beginning" he said nervously.
"You're not a dragon" 504 said.
"W-What?" Spike could not believe it, he felt his heart sink as his mind was blown
"You're a dragon pony-hybrid created long before you're hatching, Twilight Sparkle just happened to have only activated you within the last 2 decades. Thats why you look like a toddler rather than a common adolescent of your species, a bit of magic should fix that right up" 504 continued
Spike sighed at this information "So I'm just a freak of science, new low. Explains a lot really".
504 could easily notice the tears in his eyes. "It's not that bad, trust me we're better than your common dragon"
"But wait you'er wrong, on my birthday greed turned me into a giant. That must mean I'm normal" he said foolish in denial
"I looked into that, sapphire messes with our body chemistry stay away from it" she said shooting his hopes down.
"Well, at least this explains my attraction to Rarity. Thanks for telling me this" he said with a mixture of joy and sorrow in his voice. He hugged 504. "So who do I talk to about fixing my appearance to look older?" he asked with a bit of a better mood.
504 smiled "Fallow me" she said to him.
After receiving the spells needed to age normally Spike retuned home to Twilight looking like a proper adolescent hybrid, a bit taller than a common mare. Incidentally Dr.Softheart decided to spend a week's vacation in Ponyvile. 504 decided to gather supplies needed to survive in the desert and left to search for the other hybrids that night, although Spike was offered to go with 504 but he passed knowing his place
"Spike what in Celestia's name happened to you?" Twilight shouted with concern. After being informed about the Hybrid Program Twilight was in shock. "That sounds horrible, I'm sorry the answer to your big question was... well... that"
Spike "I know. Did you finish reading that file Celestia gave you"
Twilight Sparkle nodded "Yes, what was interesting was why Cold Hooves was discharged despite the fact he was already an insane wreck after his promotion. Apparently Princess Celestia knew something was off and decided to wait until it was post-war to get rid of him. Still something just seems off about her report"
After discussing the current state of affairs to two decided to resume there usual tasks.
Once night fell and Twilight was asleep Spike was out on the balcony, thinking about the most interesting day of his life. "Today Twilight, tomorrow Rarity" he said smiling
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
Tales of the Good Doctor
Spike woke up early that morning, skipping breakfast he rushed outside. The sun was shinning bright as he ran through town, tripping often not quite used to his new form. He knew in his heart that this would be the day he made Rarity his.
Dr.Cold Hooves' morning was rather different, he woke up in his backyard on the grass from training heavily the night before. His joints were achey as hell, his eyes hurt from sleeping with his goggles on, and his felt his reserves of magical energy depleted rendering his horn useless for the next 4 hours. He heard Spike nocking on his door, dragging himself to the door he opened it and was almost disgusted by how good of a mood Spike was in.
"Can I barrow a few things from you?" he asked tail wagging.
"If it will get you off my Celestia damned doorstep then sure, what do you need?" The doctor asked having no patience for social graces
"Anything to help convince a mare to date somepony" he said giving a sheepish smile.
"Why are you asking me this?" Cold said with a scowl
Spike just shrugged "Your the only stallion I know who I can trust and has no ties at all to Rarity"
The doctor thought about this for a moment, then came to the conclusion that helping the poor half-dragon out could not cause any major turns of events.
Walking inside he was greeted by Sand Runner."I think its about time we dispensed some indiscriminate justice" said the doctor.
"There is former foal molesting drunk a few block down, want to slice her up?" the Griffin responded
"Retrieve her" the pony ordered prompting Runner to fly off.
Just as runner was leaving the four foals upstairs walked down, ready to start there day. "Morning dad, want me to make coffee. By the way I sent home Zecora last night as you requested" greeted his son.
"Thank you. I'll pass on the coffee though" The doctor said walking into the kitchen "By the way Sweetie Bell what dose Rarity have planned for today?"
The white foal thought for a second, "She just finished a large order so she's taking it easy for a while"
Meanwhile in Carousel Boutique Rarity was finally getting some time to herself until she heard a knock at the door. Opening the door she was breath-taken by Spike's new form
"Hey Rarity, can I come in?" Spike asked blushing red as flame.
"Sure come in. what is that in your hand?" She responded
"Flowers, candy, and wine" he responded
Using her magic Rarity took the bottle from spike, reading the label she realized something "This is a rare bottle of Griffin's Desire merlot, it normally runs for 250 bits how did you afford this?" the pony asked completely baffled.
"I know a stallion" Spike answered unaware of the value himself, "Shall we?"
Rarity merrily smiled and ran off into the kitchen to set the table.
As the dragon was preparing for his afternoon the good doctor was prepping for his.
"Let me go you *hic* fiend" the captured pony slurred
"Its 1:00 in the afternoon and she drunk, Runner where did you find her" the doctor inquired .
The griffin stood next to Berry "Found her at the local tavern, bar-keep was happy to hand her over" he answered
"Still... We know who you are. Berry Punch the town drunk, sister to Ms.Cheerilee, and arrested 10 years ago for foal molestation!" the doctor said finishing with a shout "You were acquitted due to lack of evidence, but I believe the children that came forward. Thats bad new for you"
Berry Punch vomited on herself as a response. Make a large incision down her abdomen caused her to shriek in pain like the rest, even in her intoxicated state.
"Sand, hand me the contraption!" Ordered the doctor. the griffin handed him a power drill with a very dildo at the end "This will work" Cold said giving it a few revs then rammed it in and set it to max
Berry was in pure agony. Between the blood loss from the cut and her bleeding vagina Dr.Cold knew she wouldn't last long. "Allow me to give you a lesson in dental torture, although I don't respect dentistry as a field comparable to my own". Using his teeth he tore Berry's jaw clean off! Resuming the cutting Cold Hooves decided to remove her liver. "Yesh, this things in such bad state you would be dead in a month" he continued tearing out organs one by one till the hear-rate-monitor announced her death.
"That was not as entertaining as I hoped" Dr.Cold said to himself as he started to wash up.
He could have brought her back from the dead for a few more rounds, but he didn't. Something was different, the spark he felt after a operation wasn't there. The good doctor was tired, tired of the whole game, despite everything he has been through he found joy to be harder and harder to achieve. Depp within him he hoped the disaster over the horizon was inevitable. Though he could not tell any of his companions of the near end, that would cause more then enough problems. Sighing he made his way up-stairs
Returning to his study Dr.Cold and his assistant began rummaging through books to hopefully cram in more training before sundown. But at the end he decided that he knew enough.
"The greatest honor is in combat" echoed through his mind. "I'm calling it a night Sand, you clean up" the doctor shouted on his way up the stairs.
Meanwhile back at Rarity's home Spike found himself in an interesting spot, Rarity was tipsy from the wine and a little voice in Spike's head was urging him to do something though he didn't know what it was.
"Well Spike I don't know about you but I am feeling a little off, what about you" she asked trying not to slur"
"I'm feeling pretty good" he replied.
The voice in the back of Spike's mind was now yelling some unknown command. Out of pure instinct he pulled Rarity to him and locked lips with her, after a few second the parted and looked in each other's eyes.
"This is wrong Spike, we're both so different it wouldn't be right" she protested
"Screw right and wrong" he shouted locking his lips with her's again. The young dragon carried his princess up to her bedroom. Once they were behind the door her melted the lock shut and laid her down on the bed.
Rarity looked at him, his some-what sculpted for was emphasized by the sunset glistening off his scales as he held himself with confidence. This was not the baby that stalked her for days on end, this was the new Spike the dragon who showed genuine love and was about to psychically express it.
Spike stared his prize over as the air around him filled with pheromones. Her fur of pure white shined like a galaxy as her eyes of ocean blue peered into his. Breathing heavily as his Dragonhood began to expose itself. He looked into her eyes and nodded to her "Ready?"
"When ever you are my love" Rarity responded.
After a long night of passionate sex Spike and Rarity both finally clocked out, although lasting for 5 rounds in one night was an easy feat for dragon. Rarity's experience helped her keep up with his stamina for most of the night, but even a well traveled mare like herself had her limits. Little did they know that some had already began the search for the pair.
At around 2:00 p.m. Dr.Cold and his "Team" consisting of himself, Runner, Bartok, and Dr.Softheart showed up at the home. Assisted by the traditional ponyshoes he was outfitted from enlisting in the military Dr.Cold kicked the door down to the bedroom startling the sleeping lovers.
The group was shocked to see the room a mess. The curtains were burnt, tailoring supplies laid strewn about, and the room smelt of "A night well spent". "This is interesting" the doctor said to himself "Dr.Softheart, Bartok, take a look at Spike for me" he said while walking to Rarity.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Just making sure your ok thats all, I heard the action while walking last night so I figured I'd pop in after the show" he responded. Raising one lens of his goggle he looked the mare over. "Bite marks on the neck, claw laceration on the flank, Softheart is dragon sex always this rough?"
"This is not the full extent, if he was like a normal dragon his age she would be dead" she shouted back
Finishing his exam he noticed something odd leaking out of Rarity's vagina, collecting a sample he looked it over "This stuff aint' her stuff, I'm not sure if this is even pony stuff" Dr.Cold said tossing a sample in a vial over to Dr.Softheart
"This is dragon stuff alright, I know it anywhere" she said passing the vial to Bartok
"This requires more research. Bail!" he shouted prompting the team to clear-out like a pack of panty raiders
The group rejoined in Dr.Cold's basement lab to asses the situation.
"Sample analysis confirmed it, Spikes fertile" Runner said tossing the file on the table.
"Dr.Softheart, any chance of impregnation?" Cold said skimming the file.
"I would need to run more test but its possible giving that Spike's a hybrid"
Bartok grunted "The question is how do we test?"
Dr.Softheart shrugged "Using my research alone I was able to discover that it is possible for a natural hybrid to be born, but I wont know the exact details of this case until I am able to examine Rarity"
Dr.Cold snorted "Its too early for us to know if he was able to get her knocked-up, any ideas?"
"We could use a bit of magic to speed up Rarity's biology without harming the unborn" Bartok said
"It could work. One issue is how to get her to come to us" Runner stated
"She will. Rarity will be looking for a 'not so well known' clinic, namely us. Then the rest will fall into place" Dr.Cold said reassuring his group. "Meeting adjourned" he stated before leaving the others.
While this is taking place Rarity, Spike, and Twilight Sparkle gathered in the library.
"Spike I would like and explanation as to why you didn't come home last night" Twilight said showing her aggravation.
Rarity sighed "He spent the night with me Twilight, if you must know".
The purple mare rubbed her neck "Nothing happened right?" she said causing Rarity to stand attention
"No, no, no. Of course not, why would you think that. I mean honestly" the white mare said stammering through her words.
Twilight smiled "Good. You know Spike isn't like most dragons"
Rarity tilted her head "Why would that matter didn't I sleep with him or anything"
"He is not like most dragons. long story short he is a hybrid, half pony, half dragon. but that doesn't matter since nothing happened" Twilight said then resumed sorting between books for another round of preparation.
Rarity quietly slipped out than ran like hell across town. As she ran through town like a startled rat she attempted to make sense of her situation "Oh crap. sweet Celestia no. Where do I go. Where do I go. Ok calm down, think rationally. There is no way he could have gotten my knocked-up. But what if he did, I need to find a doctor. Now I cant go to the hospital, don't need everypony knowing I even had sex with dragon. Redheart's clinic? No, don't need to reenact that incident when I was in high school. That doctor, Cold Hooves could be exactly what I need"
While this whole affair was taking place the good doctor was busy at home, within his study Dr.Cold tried to get a some sleep and try to ease his troubled state of mind. Then there was a knock at the front door. Agitated more than anything else he opened it, and was surprised to see Rarity.
"Excuse me if you will, I need to request your services immediately" said the startled mare cautiously looking around.
"Come inside" he said ushering her in
Once in the living room Rarity began to talk to Dr.Cold about her predicament.
"How are you Cold?" she asked
"I know why your here, and you still reek of it too." He replied in a harsh tone. "I can help you but you must do everything I say"
Rarity nodded as she was led downstairs to the O.R. where Dr.Cold's team was waiting.
"Doc, do we need to strap her down?" Asked Sand Runner, alcohol on his breath causing Rarity to rethink her choice in medical professionals.
"No. Dr.Softheart go into my study and bring me the scroll labeled 'Star Swirl the bearded's Temporal Acceleration Spell'. Bartok keep your friends occupied, I don't want any interruptions" The doctor ordered. Once Softheart returned with the scroll Cold Hooves began learning the spell.
"Since niter machine or magic can detect pregnancy after the first night we must age you and the possible fetus by 2 about weeks" explained the doctor. Before she could stop Cold Hooves his horn glowed a dark purple as Rarity felt the effects of the spell. Dr.Cold kept the spell going until he noticed a slight bulge on rarity's belly.
"Got something! Now Rarity, which method of detection would you like, blood, urine, or magic?" the doctor asked.
"Magic" she replied sheepishly
Cold nodded "Your call" he said adjusting his goggles. Horn glowing Dr.Cold's shade of grey he slowly stuck his horn into Rarity passage. "I'm detecting something. I cant quite make it out but its alive alright. Ultrasound!" he said finishing with a shout.
Being as quick as medically possible Runner rolled over the machine passing the device's scanner to Dr.Cold. applying the scanner to Rarity's abdomen Dr.Cold stared at the screen while adjusting his angle. "This looks like a dragon egg, I need a second opinion. Dr.Softheart".
The mare in the lab coat looked over the image. "Thats a dragon egg alright, I know it anywhere" stated Dr.Softheart
"Looks like the dragon half of the genetics altered the fetal development causing the embryonic sac to harden into an eggshell. The scanner can barely penetrate the shell, and we cant use radiographic imaging, not to mention magical imaging would yield the same result" Dr.Cold said in response.
"English please!" Rarity shouted
"Basically we know your pregnant, its a hybrid, and we cant get any more information unless we remove it" Runner translated.
"So how do we safely remove it?" asked Dr.Softheart.
"Simple, age the egg, then perform a C-section" answered Dr.Cold. "We need a specialist, a surgery of that nature is out of my area of expertise. Runner head over to Canterlot Medical and look for Dr.Newblood, he owes me a favor"
"No" stated the griffin. "We need to talk doctor, you too Softheart"
The good doctor turned to Rarity "Give us a minute dear" he said to her as the team walked out of the room.
"Friend listen. I think we might be in a little over our heads here. We are pulling an unpaid job for some mare who couldn't keep her legs shut!" Hollered Sand Runner. He was furious "Something is change in you old friend. You were never like this before and now look where we are. I would like one reason why I should continue along with this crazy ploy of yours"
"Don't question me you overgrown turkey, I have my reasons" replied the doctor.
"Don't make this an atonement for that job we pulled for the wonderbolts!" retorted Runner.
"Its Cold's call on this one, Rarity's your patient now. Do the right thing" Dr.Softheart said with a bit of fear towards Runner.
"This is not about that dark contract, nor about her. I have seen more then enough horrors that make that incident with spitfire look like nothing more then any other of our thankless jobs, and Dr.Softheart despite Rarity being my patient there are bigger things in play"
With rage as clear as the beak on his face Sand Runner gave the good doctor a solid right hook knocking him over. "Your a damn fool doctor, get you priorities in order for the sake of your own identity. You we're a soldier then a mercenary of medicine, now what are you?" Runner stated before leaving.
Rushing to Cold's side, Dr.Softheart tried waking him up. Dr.Cold was clearly in pain.
"Send Rarity home... Inform Bartok and update him on the situation... When your done with that, get me my flask of bourbon" he said before passing out.
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
Tales of the good doctor
Dr.Cold awoke several hours later in a daze, he could tell at that point the sacrifices that must be made to ensure that this world will survive the cataclysmic events soon to come. Trying to stand up he made is way to the living room just in time to accidentally greet his son and his companions.
"Dad! What in Celestia's name happened?" Bartok exclaimed with shock. Rushing to his father's side he began to look over his father's injuries.
"I'm fine. Any idea where Dr.Softheart is?" the doctor said laying down on the couch.
Bartok quickly cleared his thoughts. "She is meeting Dr.Newblood at the train station. By-the-way Rarity went home already".
"Damn… how long have I been out?" asked the doctor
"A little over a day" Applebloom answered.
Dr.Cold face-hoofed "Not good. Bartok I'm assuming you told her to stay at home until we can gather everypony"
The foal nodded his head yes.
"Good. If anyone needs me I will be going out for a bit" Cold said regaining is strength. "If Dr.Newblood gets here before I return show him to the OR and allow him to look over the files" Finished the doctor before stammering out the door.
Needing supplies Cold Hooves decided to travel to the town's shopping district. Upon his arrival he noticed something odd, A unicorn filly downing a purple and black hooded cloak from head to hooves concealing her identity. He put this to the back of his mind until he bumped into her
"Watch where thou art going, fool" the shadowy mare said. The impact unveiled her face. Her fur was a shade of hot pink and her mane was avery dark shade of purple, but the oddest thing was her necklace made out of black beads connected to a stone with a glyph carved into it.
"I'm sorry. Interesting necklace, where did you get it?" the doctor inquired.
The child glared at him. "Its a talisman fool as any unicorn worth thou's horn would know". With a huff she stormed off.
Curious Dr.Cold took a small yet old book out of his saddle bags. "I knew I've seen her before. She's Night Bane the young, a practicer of shadow magic until her banishment to Tartarus 6,000 years ago"
Walking into the local tavern Cold noticed a familiar sight at the bar. "Sand Runner. I thought I'd find you here"
The beast glared at his Friend. Finishing his pitcher of cider Sand decided to approach the doctor stumbling as he did "You have some nerve, give me one reason why I should return to your side" the griffin said staring down Dr.Cold.
Pulling a strange bottle from his saddle bag Dr.Cold began to speak "Listen, although you may not believe in what you see this potion should allow you to see enough of the future to know why I need you"
After ingesting the whole bottle the griffin passed out on the floor, an hour later he woke back up and stumbled to his feet. "What did you see?" asked the doctor helping his friend up.
"Enough, forgive this old drunk" replied the griffin
Dr.Cold smiled "If I could forgive you for what you did back in that Las Pegasus casino don't you think I could forgive you now? besides I'm going to need your help with something"
On the walk back the doctor and archeologist discussed what Cold saw on the way to the tavern. "Judging by what you told me it seems the cultist known at 'The Forsaken' have started to break out of Tartarus. This World of Nightmares is used to hold dangerous magical creatures and to then later hold users of forbidden shadow magic during the crusades of light, this world is also known as Tartarus to some" said the griffin.
Cold grunted "At least we know what were up against. See what else you can figure out, In the meantime I have someone to meet up with" finished the doctor who then casted a teleportation spell on himself.
Reappearing in Rarity's room startling the poor thing and the dragon comforting her, Dr.Cold removed his goggles in a vain attempt to appear sincere. "Have you come to a conclusion?"
Rarity feigned a smile "Yes and we invited the others to tell them that we are keeping it"
"I'm assuming Spikes okay with this" Cold asked putting his goggles on.
Spike nodded. Afterwards the three went downstairs to explain the situation to there friends, there was a mixture of pride, shame, hope, regret, and a bit of ambition in the air. While this was going on, the forces brewing in the World of Nightmares were rallying together
Deep within Tartarus hundreds of ponies, all wearing matching black and purple cloaks or armor made from black steel gathered within a make-shift amphitheater. Unicorns, earth ponies and a large swarm of bat-winged pegasus gathered as a towering Alicorn took the stage. His fur was black as coal while his mane and tail were long and a dark shade of grey, his intimidating hight taller than even Princes Celestia was complimented by his mighty bat wings. His body was adorn with armor of Shinny black metal covered in ancient glyphs
"Hear me children of the shadows! Warriors of darkness, and champion of The Forsaken lend me your ears! For 10,000 years they have banished us to this place" shouted the towering figure. "I Darkshire the Betrayer, will leaded us to victory against the living! Our scouts report their weaknesses while we gather more of the damned into our ranks! As we prepare our forces they sit unaware of our legions!" The crowd was going nuts hanging on every word. "In due time we will rise to our true destiny. Death to Equestria, and death to the living!". The audience gave a standing ovation rhythmically stomping there hooves in response to their leader.
After Darkshire returned to his throne a unicorn downing black steel armor took the stage. Her peach colored fur clashed heavily with his gear and blood-red mane. "May all unite in the chant of allegiance" said the unicorn mare going by the name of Hemorrhage.
The members of the audience all closed there eyes and held their heads high. "A voice from Tartarus calls to us, All that he is what we can be. We forsake the light, we forsake the code, With unholy steel, we serve his throne. From darkness we are born again!
Hemorrhage wiped the tears of pride from her eyes. "You all have your orders, long live Darkshire"
Once nightfall came Dr.Cold and Dr.Newblood met at the town park to discus various maters
"Once I do this for you, I never want to here from you again" said Newblood. His tan fur and shaggy orange mane shown in the moon light.
Dr.Cold laughed "Why would I do that?"
Dr.Newblood glared at the good doctor "Because that favor you did for me ruined some filly's life and wrongfully saved some mare's. Your a embarrassment to the medical arts"
"And to think we were such good friends back in med school" Cold said looking to the other unicorn. "All I need is for you to do your job. An expert on the matter will assist"
"When?"
Cold tossed him a bag of coins "Now. you know where I live. Remove the egg, and let it age naturally. I'm sure we don't want to repeat the incident with the Wonderbolts"
Shivering from the thought Dr.Newblood walked off.
Meanwhile high in the skies above Equestria the airship known as the cloud breaker flew high in the air. Like most airships it's design is basically a large ship held in the air by a ballon connected with long rope. Inside the captan was hard at work, he was a young stallion downing his uniform when he heard an alarm.
"Captan, something big is on radar! It looks like a 10,000 pegasus army lead by something big" shouted an operator. Suddenly the ship was caught in whirlwind of bat-winged pegasai. Then there leader landed on the ship's deck
"Surender the ship in the name of Darkshire" Darkshire announced with a roar.
"Screw off" stated the captan over the P.A.
Once he said that the opposing force landed and broke though the ship's doors, ravaging everypony inside. Killing and consuming everything in there path while a trail of toxic clouds trailed them. Within the hour the ship was under the command of Darkshire.
In the ships command center Darkshire and his team were settling in nicely. Hemorrhage walked over to her dark lord siting the captain's chair. "Lord Darkshire, I assume this will be our new base of operations"
Darkshire grinned "Correct, what is the status of the rest of our forces?"
"The cerberus guarding the nearest dark portal has been slain. The changeling scouts are rejoining with the main group, the Shadowbolts have taken up refuge in the cargo hold, and the rest are gathering at the portal's entrance my lord" Spoke the dark lieutenant.
"Good" said Darkshire. "The ship is yours now, have fun"
"Bring us down to 100' altitude. Bring the ship over by the nearest Tartarus gate" commanded Hemorrhage.
Once daybreak came in ponyvile everypony's day went on as normal, unaware of the impending war. Rarity had already seen Dr.Newblood and was carrying the egg in a basket around town with Spike and full of pride. Much to Dr.Cold regret he agreed to meet twilight at the café.
The two stared each other down until one broke the silence.
"Whats your angle Cold Hooves?" Asked the purple mare
"Elaborate" the doctor replied.
"First you stroll on in here then turn-tail and get yourself involved with the affairs of everyone I know. What kind of pony are you?" she asked somewhat shocked by his cold demeanor.
"Tell me, have you ever seen into the future?" pressed the doctor. Surprised by his question she nodded yes. "Then you know of the disaster soon to come but have only been presented with snippets of the truth. I have seen the big picture, my skills in combat wont be enough, you and the other Elements of Harmony must take the leaded"
Twilight looked down at her hooves "But thats not enough, is it?"
"The four nations on this continent must unite" said Cold.
Just as they were discussing other matters a member of the royal guard showed up "Twilight Sparkle and Major Cold Hooves of high spec-ops, your presence has been request aboard The Devine Intervention." said the pegasus
Twilight stood at attention while cold remained seated "There are two thing wrong with what you just said. First off I was discharged 11 years ago, and second I was a colonel before that" said the doctor
The guard grunted "Despite everything, you have been reenlisted with a demotion. Both of you into the carriage"
Both ponies were loaded onto the carriage then it took off high into the sky. High above the clouds they saw it. The Devine Interception, Celestia's personal super-carrier. The white exterior lined with ornate gold fixtures along the sides of the hull. Landing on the deck they saw all of the guards pointing their spears and swords at the pair. After being escorted to the command deck they were greeted by Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Captan Shining Armor.
"Good your here" Said Luna.
"Whats this about?" Asked Twilight walking over to the table in the middle of the room noticing the map and figurines on the table
Shining Armor spoke up, "At 0300 hours last night a destroyer class airship was taken over by a terrorist group"
"How dose this involve us?" Twilight asked even more curious.
"The suspected leader is my former student , now going by the name 'Lord Darkshire the betrayer' fitting name I must admit" Said Celestia "1,000 years in the past after Luna's tantrum I needed to find a disciple to take by place in the event of my demise. I found Night Shade and trained him in the magical arts, not seeing the lurking darkness in his heart. He lusted for power and dabbled in shadow magic to satisfy that lust. Night tried to kill me long ago but I trapped him in the World of Nightmares, same place I trapped all users of shadow magic when I was a crusader of light and a common mare. Now he has returned with a vengeance. As per your contract Twilight Sparkle during times of war your my Right-Hoof-Mare. So any advice?"
Twilight was speechless. Fortunately Cold had the solution. "Give out a call to arms order. Rally back all living former soldiers fit for duty"
Celestia thought this over "That could work, if I were to follow this plan of yours then what would I tell the civilians?"
Cold grinned "The truth"
They were In agreement. That evening Princess Celestia began sorting through the paperwork to order a "Call to Arms" to all citizens of Equestria. Twilight Sparkle and Cold Hooves returned to their homes to make their affairs in order.Taking a transport back to the ground both ponies thought over the events leading up to now.
Twilight felt a sickening fear. "What if this really is the end, how should this time be spent? Maybe the Princess will understand me backing out. What do you think?"
Cold Hooves on the other hoof was lost in his own world. Replaying memories of his glory days in the military. Between the heartwarming tales from his days as a combat medic to the bloody satisfaction from his spec-ops career. "I don't plan on fighting this. You can take the soldier out of the war, but not the war out of the soldier". Before they knew it the carriage has landed and the two set off in there own directions.
Cold Hooves returned home and call for its occupants. "Listen everyone. The drums of war are beating again and I must answer the call. So before I have to leave tomorrow but before I go I have some things I need to say. Bartok, take care of Applebloom. Also school might resume in 3 days so your little filly-friend might need to go home"
Bartok responded with a salute
"Runner, try not to drink yourself to death. I wont be here to repair your liver"
The griffin responded with a quick hug then recomposed himself.
"And Dr.Softheart, your more then welcome to join the cause"
She smiled nervously "I really must resume my research. If I ever need a my lab torched again I know who to contact"
Dr.Cold smiled back "I better call it a night, big things are coming the next day"
Indeed the doctor's assumptions were correct. Everypony gathered at the train station as instructed and waited for there assignment. Twilight was standing nervously, scanning the crowed for anypony she might know. She was utterly shocked to find a few of her friends with recruitment forms.
"Fluttershy, Rainbow, Pinkie, what are you doing here?!" the purple mare gawked at her friends.
Pinkie Pie shrugged "I'm a sergeant in lower spec-ops. Sorry I didn't tell you. Fluttershy here here plans on joining the medic's corps. I'm not sure why Rainbow Dash is here"
The cyan pony laughed "I'm here to join the equestrian air force and show the Wonderbolts what I can do"
"Also Big Mac's here because he was a tank operator back in the Griffin wars" Fluttershy added.
As the group went on with there conversation a pegasus stallion in battle armor stood at a podium "Attention everypony listen up! I am Lieutenant Buck Wild and my stallions and I are going to work quickly to get you all on the right train to your proper destination. Behind me are four magic-fueled armored trains that will escort you to the appropriate bases. All former combatants are to take the first train to the Canterlot Skyport"
Hearing his call Cold Hooves gathered his bag and stepped onto the train with the others.
The Lieutenant resumed "All Unicorns enlisting take the second train to the Canterlot Magic Academy for basic training in combat magic. Unfortunately due to the circumstances all pony races will receive and abridged training trimmed down to 1 week"
Twilight sighed hopping on to the train and saying good-bye to her friends for what might be the last time.
"All pegasus recruits take train 3 to Fillydelphia Skyport and then to Cloudsdale for training" Buck said as the recruits boarded the train. "Earth ponies will take the last two trains to Fort Iron Saddle for your training" the last of the recruits took there seats at the trains sped off with a mighty roar". The four friends and one insane doctor knew that they all passed the point of no return.
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
Tales of the good doctor
Train one stopped at Canterlot Skyport just as planned, Cold Hooves hopped off onto the platform and took in the sights. The amount of guards and tables meant only one thing, war. Standing in line with Big Macintosh the two had a mildly amusing conversation.
"So where were you stationed back in the Griffin Wars?" Cold Hooves asked his travailing companion.
"I was a Gunnery Sargent of 5th armored battalion, one of the very first in these new 'Arcane Tanks'. It turns out magic does make better fuel than steam" the large stallion responded.
"Impressive" Cold relied taking his turn at the desk.
The soldier on the other side of the desk recognized the doctor the very second he saw him and saluted. "Corporal Cold Hooves is that you? Last I heard you were decommissioned, what happened?"
"Its a long story.So, what is my assignment?" the doctor asked saluting back
"Your stationed on 'The Devine Interception' as there chief medical officer sir" the private responded. "I recognized you from when you freed me and some hostages back in the war. You inspired me to make the best decision of my life and enlist. I must say your kind of a legend amongst most recruits"
Sighing Dr.Cold faked a smile "Glad it worked out for you" he said walking over to The Devine' Interception's dock".
Big Mac stepped up to the desk. "GSGT Big Macintosh of 5th armored battalion. My orders?"
"Your unit's now serving on the Divine Interception with a full fleet of arcane tanks" the grunt responded.
Nodding the red stallion boarded the airship.
While Cold Hooves was settling into the MEDBAY, Rainbow and Fluttershy were just arriving at Ft.Storm Rage. Stepping out of the transport Rainbow Dash felt pure zeal and exhilaration, while Fluttershy felt a deepening sickness but was determined by her own motive to join and pushed on though. Joining the other in the mess hall the recruits waited to be addressed by the base's CO, Lt. Col. Buck Wild.
"Alright recruits listen up! today marks day one of your week of training" the Commanding Officer said. His fur was light brown while the mane was dark brown, he was also wearing metal armor with a green-camo paint job. "During that time I will oversee your training in the basics of combat. While earth ponies may have there swords, and unicorns with their spells, but we have our own style of Hoof-to-Hoof combat!" the pegasus finished with a laugh. "On a side note due to fact we have lost two minor cities in one night the Griffin nation is officially scared shitless, so they have decided to revive the 50 year dead 'Combatant Exchange Program' you may notice there will be Griffins joining us for training and some of you may be stuck on a Griffin airship. Never the less walk with me to the training grounds"
Outside they saw a skinny, shaky, mare in padded sparing gear. "I will now demonstrate how to incapacitate an enemy pegasus" Buck said flying to his victim. He started with a kick to her abdomen powerful enough to send her skyward, after he flew above her then stomped on her back slamming here into the ground. The audience was shocked until she got back up 5 minutes later. "That is how we win wars, that is how the pegasus serve the crown, our dominion over the skies allow us to fight and win campaigns efficiently. Line up! I want to judge the mares and stallions I'll have the pleasure of training" Everypony followed orders without question.
Buck ran down the line inspecting his recruits, all of them standing tall and proud until he stopped at Fluttershy who was still cowering over the "Demonstration" earlier. "Get up maggot!" shouted Buck Wild.
Fluttershy got up slowly "Aren't you going to help her?"
Buck laughed "Thats enchanted training gear, she cant feel a thing" he finished then slapped Fluttershy. "Why did you enlist if you cant stand the sight of violence?"
"I-I-I joined to become part of the medic's CORPS" she responded terrified of Buck.
Buck glared. "Even you medics must still fight. I remember back when I was just a sergeant, there was this medic that went by the name Cold Hooves. He was one of the best I've I seen and one scary SOB on the battlefield. Shape up or your gone". She was still cowering. Buck back-hoofed the cowering pegasus "Go back to the barracks 'till you grow a pair of wings. You, recruit with the rainbow mane, see if you can get her to fall in line like the rest of us?"
Rainbow nodded
Fluttershy was behind the barracks sitting alone. "You ok?" asked the cyan pony. Fluttershy wasn't crying just sitting and looking at the cloud they were standing on.
"I'm fine, just a little sad I chocked back there" she answered
"Why are you here anyway, enlisting I mean" Rainbow pressed.
"I heard a few too many in town saying I'm nothing, just some mare on the hill in a cabin. I joined to prove something to myself, I want to help ponies, I wanted to be respected by somepony and Dr.Cold said that this my best bet" Fluttershy added.
Rainbow Dash noticed something."Your noses is bleeding, let me get that" she said rubbing her friend's nose who thanked Rainbow with a hug.
"You've always been good to me" Fluttershy said. Parting the two look into each other's eyes and blushed. "We better get back in line with the others" she said nervously then flew off.
"Love ya kid" Rainbow muttered under her breath then was socked that she said it out loud. She sped quickly to the rest of the group.
The rest of the day seemed to fly by for the two, between awkward moments and training nether of them could think straight. Meanwhile Cold had a few problems of his own.
Getting the MEDBAY organized was his priority at the moment. "No, No. The medi-pack go in the closet!" he shouted at a few incompetent medics. "Three days we have to set for the clouds and I cant even get my own supplies organized. That egg should be hatching soon. Wonder what Bartok's up to" he said to himself then resumed the sorting "This stuff has been on the airship since the invasion of the Zebra Nation 100 years ago!" shouted the doctor.
Back at the base Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy along with the rest of the camp completed their training for the day and returned to the barracks. Fluttershy made sure to grab a cot next to Rainbow.
"Thanks again for earlier" Fluttershy said.
"No problem at all kid. Something else on your mind?" asked Rainbow.
"Quiet down! we'er trying to sleep" Called a griffin from the other side of the large room.
The two lowered themselves to a whisper. "No" replied Fluttershy "You?"
"I don't know. I know we have been friends since both of us could remember but.. I keep felling like there is more to us" Rainbow said blushing after hearing herself.
"You mean like filly-friends?" Fluttershy said causing Rainbow's heart to skip a beat at her straightforwardness.
"You've been thinking the same thing huh?" The cyan pony asked.
"A little bit. Do you want to find out if there is something?" Fluttershy responded bashfully.
"How?" Rainbow asked.
Without another word Rainbow Dash was pulled in for a kiss. Once their lips touched both melted into pure bliss. Blushing and yearning for more the two did not realize they were making out for a few good minutes 'till they broke there embrace.
"Wow" thats all Rainbow has to say. "They say you find yourself in the military, did not know they meant this"
"Did you feel anything Dashie?" Fluttershy asked grinning wildly
"More than anything I felt in a long time" Rainbow responded
"You felt like this before?" the yellow mare asked.
Rainbow Dash sighed "I did a bit of experimenting with Gilda back in Flight School, but I didn't fell into it. I guesses I was missing something that should have been there-"
"-Love" they both said at the same time.
The griffin from earlier walked up to them his tan head-feathers ruffled. "Both of you go to sleep or I introduce you both the business ends of my talons!"
They took the message and called it a night.
The sun rose the next day for Cold as he awoke in the airship's MEDBAY. "Damn... Need coffee" he said walking to the mess hall. Fortunately medical officers don't need to be up a the crack of dawn like the soldiers. Drinking a bit he quickly spit the foul liquid out. "Bad coffee, this is war alright" he muttered walking down to the vehicle depot.
"My medical evacuation airships ready yet?" he asked annoyed with the ship's new crew.
One of the engineers walked up to Dr.Cold. "The new E-VACs are a bit different from what your used to but you may like the changes that we've made over the years" he said walking the doctor to the airship, its balloon was deflated due to it being in the hanger for a little over 10 years. Cold was appalled at its state of disrepair.
"Its too damn small, it looks a 13 pony airship and I need the 20 pony model. Not to mention the celling is a little low, I'm going to have duck under lights to preform basic task. The colors are all off, its supposed to be camouflage pint not red-on-white. Who authorized this?"
Princess Celestia walked up to the two. "I did. these changes are for the better and designed for quick transport back to the main airship"
Cold grunted. "By the way I noticed on one of the supply invoice you paid a very high amount for a set of nuclear payloads. I'm assuming this is for us"
The princess nodded "Correct major. We are prepared for anything" she said with alarmingly sternness.
As The Devine Intervention began its preparations The Cloud Breaker was having its own issues.
Hemorrhage rush towards the seat of her dark lord. "My lord, something is out of the ordinary with the changelings"
"How?" asked Darkshire
Hemorrhage wiped a bit of changeling bile off of her black armor than resumed speaking "Something is making them more active, like there preparing for a feeding frenzy. I'm starting to doubt bringing the swarm into our vendetta"
Darkshire pondered this for a few moments. "I just fed them the tied-up crew and a bit of armor from the hull, what more could they want?"
Just then Queen Chrysalis walked into the room. "Its called the 'Hive-mind'. All of my children are linked into a mind network allowing them to exchange memories, thoughts, emotions, disguises, and general chit-chat from anywhere. From what I heard a few of them found that 'highest priority target' my lord"
Darkshire's eyes sprang open. "The white pony, purple dragon, and there egg?"
Chrysalis nodded. "Yes. They took the form of a fraternity living near-by and are currently tracking them as we speak. What are there orders my lord?"
"Have a small tracking team keep a closer eye on them for when we march into town. If they are compromised pack up and end the spy operation in Ponyville" The dark alicorn answered. "And another thing, how is our progress in the two cities we have under siege?"
Hemorrhage checked her clipboard. "New Heresy is completely under our control. The local populace is either dead, one of our Dread Knights, or part of the zombie horde we're working on"
Darkshire nodded "Continue"
"But things aren't working out so well in Manehattan. A local resistance group has taken shape and at the rate we're loosing troops they will retake the city by tomorrow"
Darkshire stood up "If you want something done right you have to do it yourself. Plot a course for Manehattan!"
The airship's operators began flipping various switches and knobs. Hemorrhage began barking orders "Manehattan, ETA: 120 hours. Arcane engines to full"
The next day after a long week that seemed to fly-by of training and having there ponyshoes nailed-in it was time to hand out the assignments. Fortunately for Fluttershy the two of the both have a place aboard the griffin airship 'The Dominant Eagle' .
Lining up on the skydoc they were greeted by the ships commander, Captain Gilda of the Griffin Sky Armada. As per griffin customs she wanted to give her new recruits a "friendly welcome"
She cracked her neck then started her speech "Alright listen up. I am no more happy about having to work with losers than you are to deal with me" she said walking down the line. "I will not lie to you, when on my airship you are required to accord yourself with our customs. Weakness will not be tolerated. While on my airship you may find yourself sparing to kill time, eating meat, hell a few of you get hooked on our refined griffin cigars . Now get in that ship or I will personally toss you in the furnace, thats an order!" she finished causing her recruits to literally shove there way into the airship.
In the airship's quarters Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy began to settle in as the ship took off.
"So what do you think of our 'pleasant hosts' and I use that sparingly" Rainbow asked.
Fluttershy blushed "Not that much to be honest, they lack morals"
"How so?" Rainbow dash asked tossing their bags on the top bunk. "I'm on top!" she shouted giggling a bit at her own joke.
"Well since getting on the ship I've been shoved, had smoke blown in my face and I think something was stolen from my bag" The yellow mare went on "And not just that, they have no respect for us. Not to mention the fact they... eat meat".
"Just relax, thats just how they are to normally. Make a few friends and we'll be fine" Rainbow said. "You were right, your bag was looted. Just hang tight I need to talk to the captain about something" Dashie said walking off.
Fluttershy turned around to the griffin behind her. He was dark brown with light brown head-feathers, and was reading a magazine. "Hi... um... what ya reading?"
The griffin turned his head "Firearms and Bullets monthly. Can I help you?"
"No... not really. Do you like animals?" she replied sheepishly.
As Flutteshy stammered through her attempt at social graces Rainbow Dash was already walking down a steel corridor to the command deck. As she did images of the time she spent with Gilda rushed through her mind, nights of empty pleasure and good intentions wasted.
Entering the room Gilda was hard at work. "Hey Rainbow, we just got orders to save some city known as Manehattan. What do you need?"
"I wanted to talk about what happened in flight school" she said looking away from her friend.
"Whats there to talk about, I was an exchange student, we became friends, banged in the locker room, I found out that I had a think for the gals as well as the guys and you didn't" Gilda said while review a bit of tactical intel on the map-table in front of her.
"Thats kind of the thing. Turns out I wasn't into it because I didn't feel anything for you but... there is somepony else now. So I thought I should let you know since your my friend and all" she said more nervous than ever.
Gilda looked to her friend. "So your just into girls now, fine by me. Just don't let that get in the way of your job. By the way a transmission came in for you from Equestrian Command. Let me play it for you" she said gesturing the pony to a small screen.
Rainbow recognized the pony onscreen as Spitfire. "Rainbow Dash, you have been chosen for a trail run with the Wonderbolts based on both your performance during training and a recommendation from Major Cold Hooves. Meet with us when we arrive in Manehattan for your uniform. Good luck"
Upon hearing this Rainbow leaped up in joyous celebration. Finally all of her dreams were coming true "I have to tell Flutterhsy!". Once the joy-crazed mare left the room Princess Celestia appeared on the monitor.
"Captain I would like to know your ETA to Manehattan" order the Princess.
Gilda checked one of the control panels "ETA 90 minutes"
"Good. Then you should arrive before us. The city's residents are still in combat with the invading forces, just fly into the city and I'm sure you will figure out the rest. Track down General Frost for further orders. Celestia out" finished Princess Celestia.
Back in The Devine Interception the Princess was already discussing battle plans with the general.
"So I lead the infantry into the city via the main road then take command of the local resistance. Sounds simple" said General Frost. He was a very well built unicorn, along with his icy blue mane he body was covered with signs that he as seen the true meaning of suffering. Most of his tail was chopped off, his left eye covered by a patch and front right hoof was replaced with an iron prosthetic.
Twilight began to noticed he looked like somepony she knew, once he was finished with his debriefing she walked dup to him and asked "Tell me do you know Cold Hooves by any chance?"
The general stared her down "That fine example of insanity is my son, he is nothing more than a lying cowered to me" just then Dr.Cold walked into the room.
"The unicorns on portal duty are ready for our arrival in Manehattan which should be in 110 hours, The Dominant Eagle has engaged the enemy " he said handing Princess Celestia an official looking piece of paper. upon seeing his father Cold and Frost immediately turn to each other's attention
"Hello there my pathetic excuse son" Frost said crimson eye glaring.
Cold Hooves removed his goggles and returned the favor, "Nice to see you again deadbeat father. I see the time you spent in that POW camp hasn't cause you lose your sense of humor"
Frost grinned at this "And I see the death of that whore you married hasn't effected your attitude. Still sneaking in corners for a living you common hitpony?"
Cold snorted as a response "Are you still the same senile asshole who ruined what little foalhood I had before shipping me off?"
"Both of you stop your meddling!" shouted Celestia. "General prepare the troops for deployment. Major set up a portal in the cargo hold so we can set up a camp"
"Here? were on the outskirts of the city, little far off from the battlefield don't ya think" asked the doctor.
"My orders stand. Get to it!" she retorted.
While in the cargo hold Twilight Sparkle accompanied Cold to help wit the portal.
"On three. One... Two... Three!" the two said in unison then opened a portal large enough to allow anything from infantry to tanks through.
"Alright the base camp is just outside this portal" shouted the good doctor "Once on the ground await further orders". As he said that tanks, ponies carrying munitions, and other military equipment started rushing through.
Once the camp below was fully set-up General Frost began addressing the troops. "At 1200 hours we strike into the city" he said prompting a roar of applause.
Meanwhile within the city Gilda's forces have already began there assault. Griffins armed with rifles made up the bulk of the group. "Medics head to the base camp a miles north! Everyone else stay here and fight" Gilda ordered while blowing the brains out of some poor changeling.
Rainbow Dash on the other hoof was having the time of her life, the thrill of combat was the rush of her life. The city's streets were flooded with corpses of fallen ponies and changelings, a grim sight to behold. "I have to find the WonderBolts" she said to herself
"Alright stallions move up!" shouted General Frost leading the charge. Rainbow Dash used this opportunity to slip away to the base camp.
Waving high to her filly-friend working the medical tent Rainbow rushed into the largest tent, and sure enough she found the Wonderbolts. Along with them she saw Cold Hooves in standard spec-ops uniform. An identity concealing black bodysuit, night vision goggles, and gas mask. The only way to tell them apart is the mane, tail, and the wings or horn if (there are any) that isn't covered.
"Alright here is our orders" said Spitfire "My team will work on clearing the skies, since this city is mostly earth ponies the changelings have a natural dominion"
Cold nodded still wearing his hat and surgical goggles along with his uniform. "Meanwhile I will lead a small team to plant explosive charges in an office building which believe to be housing a Forsaken command center and assassinate the lieutenant issuing orders from said building if we get the chance". Cold then noticed the mare standing in the doorway "Changeling spy!" he shouted and tackled Rainbow while pressing a knife to her neck "Who sent you?"
"I'm hear for the Wonderbolts" she shouted almost forcing the words out.
"Stand down Major" Spitfire ordered.
Releasing Rainbow Dash Cold was joined by two other ponies in spec-ops uniform.
"Sergeant Pinkamina and Private Foxtrot of lower spec-ops reporting sir" said Pinkie Pie standing next to another earth pony with a frizzled sea foam green mane.
Helping the cyan pony off the ground Spitfire looked at the good doctor "Its good to have you back in the field Cold, even if your back to your 'old games' again"
Cold nodded "Good to be back. Alright gather up the equipment we'll need and lets move out! Don't forget to grab a sett of the new communicator headsets that we're recently commissioned for the occasion"
With Cold leading his team into the city Rainbow went off with Spitfire to try on her new uniform.
After 20 minutes of running and fighting through cities sewers Pinkie began to voice her complaints "Do we really need to use the sewers? its so gross"
Foxtrot grunted "Check your filters. If they work then you shouldn't smell a thing" he said in a cold, emotionless voice
"She just complaining about the fact where in a sewer. I swear the newer the recruit the less of a personality they have. We should be directly underneath the town hall the cultist are using as a command center. Pinkie breacher-charge"
"Okie dokie" she said starting to rig the charges. "Clear!" she shouted upon detonation.
Entering through the hole the team then found themselves in the basement surrounded by Changelings.
Cold immediately started casting a spell causing his horn to glow. "Looks like we have to fight our way through. Change of plans, we fight to the top and plant the other charges as we go"
"Sounds like a plan" Foxtrot said cracking his neck
Pinkie Pie stood on her hind legs with a knife in each of her front hooves "Lets paint this building red, or green in this case"
2 hours and 300 defenders slain the team finally reached the penthouse's balcony where they saw a unicorn in black armor standing alone
Meanwhile the Wonderbolts had there hooves full in the skies. Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, and the other squad members were on a massive killing spree.
"That make 43" Rainbow said triumphantly.
Spitfire smiled while trying to catch her breath "That was... impressive" out of the conner of her eye she saw Cold and his unit confront Hemorrhage.
Cold stepped forward. "By order of her highness Princess Celestia I am bringing you to justice. Come peacefully and you will not be harmed, refuse and we will engage you in combat"
Hemorrhage laughed and turned to face her adversaries "Your efforts are in vain you know. I know a lot about you Dr.Cold Hooves, the legend spoken only in whispers. Your as much of a disgrace as the rest of us. Soon this city will fall, then another, then another, until all of Equestria is under the rule of Lord Darkshire"
Pinkie gritted her teeth "Whats your plan? Eternal darkness, world of chaos, whats your angle?"
The armored stallion grinned "Celestia has had her oppressive reign for far too long. She was part of the crusade to wipe out thousands of good, decent ponies who all they did was practice shadow magic. Times have changed and a 100,000 year old leader wont cut it anymore, our revolution is about saving this nation from itself"
Foxtrot stomped the ground. "Enough talk, lets finish this!" he said charging in with a roar.
Hemorrhage quickly evaded and tossed Foxtrot back to Cold Hooves's side. "Pathetic"
"Pinkie take Foxtrot and get out of here, I'll handle this creep" Cold ordered and Pinkie followed accordingly. "That just leaves you and me"
Cold immediately opened with a fireball spell, although it had very little effect. Hemorrhage simply smiled realizing the large difference in power between her and her opponent.
The evil unicorn laughed. "If this is what you call a fair fight then allow me to begin" he said firing a bolt of black shadow magic at Cold's left shoulder leaving a large splatter of black tar. "Like it? its one of the spells Lord Darkshire taught us, that sludge will slowly burn though your flesh. Enjoy the agony"
Cold could feel its effects working, there was a burning pain around the tar. Retaliating Cold Hooves launched another fireball at Hemorrhage causing his target to be knocked back a bit but quickly recovered. "Damn... this toxin is eating away at my magic as well. Time to resort to melee " Dr.Cold thought to himself.
Charging in Cold managed to sucker-punch Hemorrhage but was quickly grappled and slammed into the floor. "Your struggling, thats hilarious" Hemorrhage taunted.
Cold tried to stand up but the toxic sludge had melted its way to his nerves causing the doctor to kneel down in agony only to be bucked in the chest by his opponent causing Cold to gasp for air. Pressing a hoof to his headset Cold Struggled to say "Spitfire... Help"
"I'm sending Rainbow to help. Just hang on" Cold heard on the other end of line.
"You ok Doc?" Spitfire asked flying next to the two.
Dr.Cold was blacking out. "Pain... So much pain... vision fading... I-I'm coming Annabelle" he said before going limp.
Rushing back to the base camp a Changeling came out of nowhere and tore off Rainbow's right wing. Letting out a cry of agony Rainbow began to plummet, and unfortunately due to the combined weight Spitfire was only able to slow there decent.
Dragging the two to the medical tent Spitfire gently put the two down on different stretchers. "Rainbow's lost her wing and Cold is at death's door".
Seeing this horrific sight the medical staff rushed to save them both. Although Cold Hooves was losing blood and it would take time to brew a cure for the magic affliction, special attention was paid to Rainbow Dash due to the concerns of her being rendered flightless. Working quickly the medical staff managed to have both in stable condition and sedated.
Tales of the "Good Doctor"
Tales of the good doctor
Hooked on life support Dr.Cold lied there comatose. His physical form was damaged heavily and the spot of cursed tar on his shoulder has spread to most of his leg and a bit of the chest. To make the situation worse the only medic on base who could undo a curse this potent was Princess Celestia and even she was having problems cracking it. At the moment the Wonderbolts, Cold's unit, Princess Celestia, and Twilight Sparkle were meeting to discuss this and other matters
Spitfire began her briefing. "Major Cold Hooves is currently undergoing dialysis to cleanse his now mostly toxic blood" Twilight said addressing the onlookers. "Private Rainbow Dash on the other hoof is in no better shape. Although we stitched the nub of whats left of her wing we are taking into consideration possible psychological damage. The question is how do we proceed?"
"I already have Luna work on undoing Cold Hooves's affliction, she is pretty skilled with shadow magic so even a curse made by Darkshire shouldn't be a problem. The real question is what to do now?"
Just then General Frost's came on the radio. "We have a serious problem" he said panting. "Darkshire has appeared on the battlefield. I'm getting of reports all over of entire units being wiped out in the blink of an eye"
Celestia growled "How many of us have we lost?"
"One third of our combatants. I suggest a full retreat and nuke the city" Frost replied
Twilight stood up "We can't just obliterate the city!"
"I don't plan on it, with nightfall approaching we better pack-up for the night. Order a full retreat back to base for all units" Celestia ordered "In the mean time I'm going check on Luna. Meeting adjourned"
Back on the ground the base staff had there hooves full sorting out the incoming units, war machines, and refuges seeking shelter. Even the Dominant Eagle in a state of sever damage still showed up.
Walking into the medical tent Celestia received first-hoof look at the dead and dying that lined the large tent. Upon her entrance she was greeted by one of the medics there wearing the "Surgical goggles and lab coat" uniform.
"Princess Luna just finished up with Major Cold Hooves. Although he is mobile I would advise against combat for the time being"
As the two were wrapping up Luna exited the ICU section "Sister, Dr.Cold is ready for you" she said followed by a pair of her personal guards glaring and surveying the area.
Walking into the room where Cold was being kept Celestia was shocked by the fact Cold Hooves was still alive. Despite having the muscle on the infected leg exposed to the point of the bone being visible, fortunately that injury was already wrapped in gauss. He sat there awake in his bed with his hat and goggles on the nightstand while his bodysuit was folded at the foot of his bed.
"Good to see you Princess" Cold said sarcastically
Celestia dropped the sympathy smile and walked towards the broken stallion. "I see the pain meds are working, can't feel a thing right? Listen, I'm not here for small talk"
"It never is with you. Always something on your mind, take a damn vacation" Cold said. Clearly whacked out of his mind on morphine. Celestia was no mood for Cold's insanity.
"Because you were injured in battle to the point of temporary disability, you now have to make choice. You can etheir return home or stay here yet stay out of combat, your call major"
Cold Hooves began to lose himself in thought of this decision. "I'll take the medic job until I'm combat ready" he said getting out of bed while disconnecting the IV tubes and wires monitoring his vitals. Leaping onto the ground he winced when he hooves touched the floor. "This might be an issue" he said walking out of the room, with an obvious limp in his step. I'll get myself settled as one of the doctors here. you go have fun" Dr.Cold said mockingly.
Putting on his uniform and hat Cold was greeted by Spitfire. "How are holding up Cold?"
Cold sighed. "Stable. How are you?"
"I'm fine. Listen I need your help" she said getting closer to the doctor.
"I'f this is anything like 12 years ago than forget it" Cold said walking away "I have patients to treat, and I don't have time for favors"
It echoed in Spitfire's mind over the "Job" from all those years ago. After the Griffin War ended a new position on the Wonderbolts opened which was to be filled by there first female member, Spitfire. There was only one problem, an accident while on shore leave shattered the bones in both of wings completely. Seeking help she and her lover Soarin sought help from a very well recommended surgeon, a specialist in Advanced and unorthodox Surgery.
"I'm afraid your out of option miss An amputation is your only option at this point, your at the limit of pain meds your body can handle, and it's only a matter of time until a dislodged bone fragment pierces a nerves causing the true definition of agony and crippling you in the process beyond your current flightless state. They wont let you serve with your condition" Newblood said bluntly.
"Cant you use a regeneration spell or something? There has to be more!" Spitfire asked.
Dr.Newblood sighed knowing he would regret what he was about to say "If your this determined I know someone who could help" Newblood left the room reappearing minutes later with Dr.Cold.
"I have reviewed your condition and have formulated a solution" Cold said smiling.
"What is it?" Spitfire replied with excitement.
"A teenager walked out of here a day ago with transplantable set of wings. She's dying of a cardio defect so its a free game. I'll just send an old friend of mine on a 'collection' run" Cold said looking at a X-ray
Although shocked she accepted the deal and regretted it ever since.
Cold Hooves on the other hoof had better things to deal with, the large amount of refuges weren't going to treat themselves. Meanwhile the Wonderbolts and Fluttershy stood around the sleeping Rainbow Dash, quietly discussing amongst each other about what do now?
Slowly she began to awaken. "Ow my head... What happened?" she asked. With ever other pony awkwardly looking at each other trying to decode who would break the news to her.
Fluttershy sighed taking this role. "Listen Dashie... I'm sorry to say this but you lost a wing" said the yellow mare with a voice as grim as death. Panicking Rainbow Dash felt the nub of what's left of her wing.
"So.. I get a chance to live my dreams and it cost me flying for the rest of my life" she said quietly with tears in her eyes.
"Aren't you over reacting a bit?" said an earth pony medic.
"The loss of one's wings is a great tragedy amongst the pegasai" whispered Cold followed by Spitfire.
Walking over to Rainbow Dr.Cold prompted her to lean over so he could get a look at what's left of the wing. "This is that genius who patched you up boss?" asked on of the Wonderbolts.
Spitfire smiled "If there is at least one pony on this planet that fix our new recruit its him"
Cold attempted to levitate the patient's file but dropped it mid-air. "I'm sorry, nothing I can do" he said causing everpony's hope to shatter like glass. As Rainbow Dash resumed silently crying to herself Spitfire got very angry.
"What do you mean you cant fix her?! Use the same procedure that you preformed on me!" Spitfire said in outrage.
"I cant do anything. With you it was just a lot of broken bone. In this case it not just bone, its nerves, bone, flesh, blood, and the anti-regeneration properties of changeling saliva. I cant help her! Even if this was the same I'm in to much pain to cast the most basic spells" Cold retorted. Just then Twilight Sparkle walked in. "What do you want?"
Twilight growled "I'm just here to visit a friend. How you holding Rainbow Dash?"
"Fine... just fine" she replied.
"So now what Cold? We just send her home? To what? She lives in a cloud-home like most of us." Spitfire shouted with a powerful conviction. Cold just sighed and restated the facts only to be slapped in the face Fluttershy.
"Don't talk about her like she's not even here!" She shouted. Cold Hooves slowly rotated his head back into position and glared down the yellow mare.
"Are you insane? You just slapped a commanding officer. I could have you locked away for insubordination. What is your rationalization?" Cold asked clearly not in a good mood. Then he returned the slap with enough force to knock her into a tray of medical supplies. "I'll be in my quarters trying to get some sleep. If anypony needs me you know were I am" he said leaving.
On the way to his quarters he decided a shower was in order. Since it was a couple of minutes till midnight and very few ponies would be up at this hour the showers were mostly deserted save for a few of Luna's guards. After fixing a plastic wrapping over his mangled leg Cold let water begin to flow. Once he finished washing himself down he set the shower to the coldest possible setting and began to think.
Image after image, memory after memory, patient after patient, flooded through the broken doctor's mind. Echoes of former pegasus patients he had been forced to tell them they are now one of the flightless. Almost all of the, have either retreated to solitude in the mountains, killed a few innocent ponies then themselves, or just simply killed themes less than 24 hours after leaving. Then came the few Dr.Cold crippled himself. All of this prompted him to smash his face right in the linoleum tile.
Letting the pain settle Cold Hooves heard two soldiers walk into the room, one unicorn and one Griffin. Cold stopped the flow of water and listened in.
"248 dead, and that's just our own forces" said the pony.
"Really. What ya' see him do?" the pony pressed.
"After he finished sorting through most of the dead? Checked in on one of the Wonderbolts"
"What happened?" the pony asked with an almost deranged curiosity
The Griffin sighed "Deliver some bad news then beat the crap out of one of our new recruits" griffin said finishing his shower, dying his wings by flapping them cleared the mist that concealed the doctor. The doctor quickly dashed out of the room before the two noticed him.
Finally after receiving some paperwork from Big Macintosh Dr.Cold returned to his Quarters on The Devine Interception. Setting the papers on the small desk Cold immediately set to work. The forms themselves were stand documents one needed to fill out after a patient is either permanently crippled or dead, which for the doctor came down to about 40 pages. If that wasn't enough a distraction occurred.
Twilight Sparkle slammed open the door barging into the small room. "Get up Major. Princess Celestia wants to give us and a few other ponies a special assignment" she said in a stricter then normal voice. Cold just sighed and followed her to the command bridge.
Once there they were greeted by Princess Luna. Amongst the two Pinkie, Foxtrot, Fluttershy, and Rainbow dash gathered around the table. "Good to see you all, Sister wanted me to give you your orders now. Play the recorded transmission from Prime Minister Vole of the Zebra Nation" she commanded.
Just then the video of the male Zebra in question appeared on a large monitor. "Princess Celestia, good to see ya still alive mon". He was wearing a formal suit with a few good-luck yellow trinkets around his neck. "Dere be somthin' out of the ordinary out in the Zebraha desert. One of your ancient temples is seeing a lot of activity, mostly strange lights. But it reeks of bad mojo. What ever is in there it isn't something natural, there are reports of strange dragon-like two legged creatures walking around the area. Just send one of your units to check it out mon" after that the screen went black.
Cold ponded the situation for a bit. "Where is Celestia anyway?".
"Preparing for our departure. It seems every city we save two more fall, all of the airships are meeting in Canterlot to plan a major offensive strike since our current plan isn't helping the war effort. Back to your orders, You will be taking a small transport airship the forgotten temple and see if it has anything to do with the invading cultist"
"So when will we be leaving this city to fend for itself?" asked foxtrot.
"10 hours. Assuming Sister can have the refuges sorted by then. You and the Wonderbolt's aircraft will be heading out now. Rainbow Dash its your call on what you want to do" replied Luna
Rainbow sighed "I'll stay with my friends" she replied lacking any emotion in her voice.
"Don't worry Dashie, I'm sure we will wrap this up then be home before you know it" Fluttershy said giving Rainbow a peck on the cheek in a vain attempt to lift her spirits.
"So you want to send a nerd, psycho physician, a cripple, a rookie medic, a emotionless spec-ops agent, and an insane party pony, to one of the most lawless towns on the continent?" Cold asked only to get a nod from Luna. "We're in"
Walking into the small transport ship via a door in the hull Twilight asked the yellow mare something thats been racking in her mind since the briefing. "What was with you and Rainbow back there"
Fluttershy simple shrugged "War opens you up to what you really want in life"
"You have always wanted to be Rainbow Dash's lesbian lover? Good for you" Twilight replied followed by a large smile from pinkie
"I'm glad that you found somepony to make you happy" the pink pony exclaimed still in spec-ops uniform minus the goggles and mask
"You can remain in this room or you can stay in the bunks behind that door" Cold said then the sound of an engine starting up was heard silencing the doctor. Once they were in the air the ponies had small conversations amongst themselves knowing this would be a long flight with Rainbow and Fluttershy walking to the sectioned off area mentioned before.
Meanwhile back in Ponyville Spike and Rarity were occupied by finishing one of Rarity's projects.
"Spike dear, have you ever heard of a fabric called 'Ember Silk' its listed in the order but I don't seem to have any" Rarity said rummaging through her cabinets.
"Sounds exotic" replied the dragon "Maybe that odd griffin that was hanging out with Dr.Cold might have an idea". The couple walked downstairs to find the freeloading griffin thats been taking up refuge on the couch for the past week.
"What do you want?" Replied the griffin, to sober to care about anything.
"Well for starters why are you sleeping on my couch?" Asked Rarity less than amused.
"Doc is out of cheep booze and he doesn't want me in the expensive stuff" Sand Runner replied.
"What about Bartok and Applebloom? Who's watching them?" asked Spike.
"Bartok can handle himself and Applejack a little more accepting of the undead than Big Mac so she's not my problem" he answered the rolled over.
"The real reason I wanted to waste your 'precious time' was to see if you have ever heard of 'Ember Silk'?" Pressed Rarity.
The griffin stood at attention upon hearing this. "I know the stuff, its cheap but the only place to buy is at the bazar in a town called Caravan. Its a one day trip by 'hoof' as you would say".
"Should we go?" Asked Spike.
"The egg?" asked his mate
"Dr.Softheart said not for another month. Beside we can take Bartok and Sweetie Bell with us, I kind of have the feeling we could all use some adventure" retorted the dragon.
"What makes you think that?" asked Rarity.
"She's been pestering us for the past three days for some excitement" Replied Spike remembering how many times he spilled coffee on himself due to the filly startling him.
"So its settled. We head out in 3 hours, I'll pack up Cold's spare carriage, he wont mind.
Little did they know just outside Changeling Spies were watching on then three of them jumped though the windows startling the group. "We're here for the unborn" they said in unison.
"Changelings!" Rarity shouted before fainting. Just then something click in Spike's head. As the first spy leapt at the group the dragon grabbed the coffee table and smashed it against the first changeling.
"Spike... Defend" he said breathing heavily the used his fire breath to deep-fry the remaining two. As Runner stared at the corpses he cracked his neck prepared to fight.
"I take care of these chumps, find the foals and the egg, load us all into Cold's carriage then get the hell out of here" said the griffin.
"Deal" the dragon replied as five more came through. Quickly grabbing a mannequin as a melee weapon Spike unsealed his fury and fought off the invaders while being assisted by Sand Runner.
Once the had everything together the went outside and saw the town overrun with changelings. Buildings were being chewed apart, changelings and Dread Knights were rounding everypony up
"Just like swarming parasprites" said Spike still overflowing with rage and carrying his beloved over his shoulder.
Bartok was already in the cart with the other Crusaders. "We all set, and Scoots coming with us"
Runner growled "Fine. Shotgun!" he shouted and was tossed an interesting version of the Griffin Rifle.
"What about Applejack?" asked Bartok
Applebloom sighed "She's heading to the transition for evacuation like most ponies along with Granny Smith"
"Egg's secure. Who's pulling the cart?" shouted Sweetie Bell.
"Spike will" Shouted the dragon hooking himself up and putting his fiancee down, then hauled ass south towards the desert.
Looking back on the now wreck of a town the foals began to wonder if the will ever return to there homes again.
Once the group was in the clear Bartok spoke up "Whats the plan once we hit Caravan?"
"I know an old cloth dealer we can stay with. It should be fine"
"Where dose he live?" asked Applebloom.
"A small shop in the bazar its major trade spot for the whole region. Stick with me and we'll be fine" responded the griffin.
Back in the sky Cold's team was trying to enjoy the flight.
"How long have those two been back there?" asked Twilight.
Cold giggled to himself "2 hours"
Foxtrot sighed "I hope they wont be a problem"
Cold tosses his hat in the air then caught it "Probably not. They will kill us if they find out were military so we have to act like civilians. What better way to do that then look like a group of friends on vacation? By the way your staying witht eh ship" he said resting.
Thats when the pilot yelled over the intercom "Prepare to drop, parachutes out the back".
Upon hearing this the group gathered their things then went to the back of the airship barging in the on the pair. "We can be shocked and confused at this scene later. Grab a 'chute then jump" shouted cold who then took the first plunge.
Once the group was all settled on the sandy ground and Twilight Sparkle recovered from the shock of it all the campsite was set up.
"We still have a few hours till sunrise" said Foxtrot "I suggest we all get set up for tomorrow before sunrise"
"Good idea. Tomorrow we don our cloaks then head south of here towards our objective" said the doctor.
"Cloaks?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Yes, the'll keep us cool in the heat and conceal our faces. See you in the morning" Cold replied for dropping down and sleeping on top of the sand below him.
