[Do you wish to finalize your character?]

Carefully looking over my creation with scrutiny. Before me floats a meter tall impish humanoid. It had a large round head, cartoonishly so, making up nearly a third of its total height. Though what made its head seem huge compared to its body was its ears that jut out the side, slowly tapering up into point just above the head, reaching 35 cm wide each.

Looking closely at its face and its giant eyes pierce back at me, Their icy blue iris’ practically glow with energy that slowly flows inward, blending into its unnatural white slit pupils. In contrast the outer area of the eyes were pitch black as if the colours were inverted.

Above the eyes two midnight blue horns emerge from its forehead and curve back over its head. They slowly thin along their length to the point where their tips can just be seen starting to turning forwards under the base of the ears. Atop its head sprouted messy white hair that tumbled all the way down to its knees, a long fringe slopes between its horns and converge just above its small button nose.

In contrast of the hair its face is coated by charcoal blue fur marred with white freckles that fan from the nose following its contour and under the eyes, a few speckled across the cheeks. Beneath that was its wide narrow maw, curling around its face ending nearly parallel to its ears,three jagged teeth poking over the bottom lip at both corners.

Looking at the body it was clearly human shaped, yet the proportions were fairly distorted. It has a thick neck to support its huge head, but relatively small shoulders and short torso only starting to widen from the waist.

The arms are quite long compared to the body, starting narrow and become larger the further down they go leading to large hand, it’s four fingers almost brush the floor. In comparison the legs are the reverse being very short, starting wide around the hips and narrowing to its tiny toeless feet. At the shins, and fingers, its fur changes from blue to white resembling socks.

At the press of a button leathery wings unfurl behind it, reaching a 1.3 meter span. Fur coats the wings arms which split into three fingers ending in dull claws, a single claw hooking back where the fingers all meet. A thin membrane webs between each finger matching its horns blue hue.

Turning it and checking its back, a 0.6m long narrow tail tipped by a flaring tuft of white hair similar to a lions, trails behind it dragging along the floor. Starting from its shoulder blades is a mesh of white freckles, growing more sparse as it expands down the back as well as up the neck and over the shoulders.

‘Seems about right... though we could give it a few more tweek just to be sure.’

‘No! We’ve been doing this for a week! It’s fine!’

‘This is going to be our body, we will have to live with it for the rest of our lives ok… Unless I’m wrong demons live for a very long time and I don’t want to be haphazard with what’s effectively going to be us.’

‘But the ponies…’

Sigh, ‘Fine, you’re just lucky we’re about done.’ Pressing down on accept the lights around me fades to black, leaving just my creation in view.

[Character Formatting Initialised]

Unlocking Skill Trees

Demonic, Motion, Oxygen, Gyro-Telekinesis

Applying Abilities

Magic breath, Hair manipulation , Animal morphing, Species shift, Partial shifting,

Sin sense, Kinetic Energy manipulation, Gravitic levitation.

Applying Passives

Disease immunity, Fire immunity, Dark energy resistance, Dark sight,

Spirit interaction, Sin detection, Life transcendency

Rolling Traits

Sharp hearing, Protected sensed.

Applying Stats

Power range - Lesser demon:

Strength 2, Dexterity 22, Agility 28, Intelligence 29, Wisdom 32,

Willpower 27, Perception 18, Endurance 15, Resistance 23, Luck 9.

Initialising Class System

Twelve classes generated.

Analysing stats… Six classes currently viable.

Randomizing… Alchemist, Bard, Black Mage and Dancer unlocked.

Remaining Points

Skill Points: 1, Class Points: 0

Stocking Inventory
Weapons: Alchemic Launcher, Mage Staff, Dual Chakram

Armor: Bandolier & goggles, Mage robes & Mage hat

Tools: Alchemist Multitool*, Instruments (Erhu, Flute)

Gathering Supplies

Alchemist Supplies: (Blood Grass, Dragon Peppers, Scorpion Nettle) x10

Seedling Pack: Blood Grass x25 , (Dragon Peppers, Scorpion Nettle) x5

Bit pouch: 500 Copper (cb), 150 Silver (sb), 50 Gold (gb), 1 Platinum (pb)

Basic Supply Kit: Healing Potion x 5, Tent, Bedroll, Clothing, Water Flask

[Formatting Complete]

‘Finally!’

‘Well, guess it’s time to go.’

[Error: Name required]

‘Whyyyyyyy, I wanna go now!’

‘....we forgot to give ourselves a new name, well this may take a while.’

‘No!!! Just pick something already!’

Sigh, giving my new body a look over once more,and start thinking over possible names. ‘Hmmm, names in equestria generally either represent their talent or denote physical traits and some are themed towards their race, such as earth pony names relating to plants or the earth.’

‘If we take the white freckles on dark fur to represent ashes on a burnt pire to make it seem demonic, or perhaps snowflakes or stars in the night sky. Then we need something to connect with it, if we were a pony we could go with something like orchard, wood, stone, grove or something.’

‘Bah, Ash Grove. There, a name that follows your rules. Soooo demonic and scary…’

‘We don’t want an evil name! Besides I’m just using examples, only a pony would have the name “Ash Grove”.’

[Name accepted - Ash Grove]

‘Wait what!!! Cancel! We haven’t decided yet!’

[Finalising… Creation complete]

‘... I hate you so much right now.’

‘You know you love me.’

A wave of exhaustion hits me and my vision blurs, stumbling forward I manage to glimpse one more message as a sense of falling overwhelms me and I black out.

[The adventure begins]

The sound of the roaring wind roused me from my slumber, snapping me to my senses. Reaching out my hand strikes something solid, my eyes jar open and my vision is flooded with faded greens and browns. Confused I look to my side and see dozens of a sideways tree, and the realisation strikes me.

‘Were in the middle of forest, at night...’ Sigh ‘This better not be the Everfree or we’re gonna have a bad time.’

‘It’s always the Everfree forest, betcha 50 bucks it is.’

‘... First off its “Bits”, not bucks. Secondly, No.’

‘But-’

‘We are lost, who knows where and you want to make bets, with yourself? Win or lose we earn nothing. Now, we need to find out where we are.’

Lifting myself off the ground I nearly topple over thanks to my newly obtained diminutive stature, and try to get my bearings. Taking a step I immediately trip, stumbling forward the earth rushes to meet me. I shut my eyes waiting for the inevitable faceplant, yet seconds pass and no impact occurs.

‘The hell?’ My eyes open and I find myself hovering, the grass inches from my face. ‘Oh right, we have wings now’. Quickly straightening out and landing I turn to see what tripped me, finding the very book that brought me here in the first place.

While grabbing it a tingling sensation rushes through me as it starts to glow, the words “Ash Grove’s Journal” weave across its cover in fine calligraphy. Curiosity overcomes me and I open it once more and the colour of the world around me mutes into sepia, the ambient sound drops leaving me in eerie silence.

‘Well... This is weird, I think we broke reality. Good job.’

Sigh ‘Can you be serious for just one second?’ Taking a look around I notice a handfull of leaves floating ahead of me looking up bird had taking flight out of a nearby tree. After a brief moment it was clear something was amiss, the bird remained completely still, defying gravity, as if locked in place.

‘Did we just freeze time?’ Reaching out, poking the closest leaf, and to my surprise my finger passes through it. Startled I slip and tumble backwards, somehow landing at my own feet? Above me is a sepia version of myself, a copy of the book in its grasp.

“Ok where the bloody hell are we now?” The pages within the book in my hands shift, stopping on a page as words start scrawling across it.

[Activating Journal Assistant…. Complete.]

A refined feminine british voice echoes throughout the world “We are within your journals menu system, Sir, how may I be of assistance?” She queries

“Um, an explanation would be helpful?’ I stammer out, not expecting any response to my outburst

“Of course” She replies “The journal in your possession is no ordinary book, as I’m sure you have already figured out. It is in fact a tool that allows you to manage many different aspect of your powers, knowledge, items and more. To put it simply it’s what’s commonly referred to as a ‘Menu’, Shall I elaborate sir?”

‘A menu system? This is great! What can it do?’

‘Really? We are in Equestria, land of ponies, dragons and magic and you want to read a damn book!’

‘Fine, we’ll make it quick.’

“Just a basic overview please, including why there are now two of me” I ask, gesturing towards the frozen version of myself.

“Very well, while reading your journal your mind is projected into a mental hub if you so wish, no time passes within reality and you have no effect upon it while here. While here you can access your skills menu, attributes, review your inventory, quests and any information added.”

“As you experience life within reality any useful information you have learnt will be logged automatically. Further information may be obtained using the journals “scan” ability, Just focus on the target and think “Scan” and any applicable information will be cataloged. Of course information can be added manually, this is a journal and you are free to write in it as you wish.”

“Information can be extracted to reality if you so wish, the selected information will be inscribed onto the current page. Pages can be removed from the journal without damaging or reducing the total pages off the book.”

“It can also be used as a communication device, just request to add someone to the friends list, and then you will be able to telepathically communicate, even across dimensions. Currently there is only one person within this list, a “Master Conflict”. Is that enough information or do you require further details?”

“Oh, no that was quite helpful, miss...?”

“I am your journal, sir” She replies, at first I thought she was attempting to be humorous, but soon realised she was dead serious. ‘She really needs a name, or should we go around calling her book lady?’

‘I get the point, yeah she needs a name, but what do we call a sentient journal? Wait, i think i have it.’

“Miss, would it be fine if i called ya Lexi?”

I… Yes sir, that would be acceptable, From now on we shall be referred to as Lexi. Thank you sir.”

“You’re welcome. Now how do I, you know, leave here?”

“To leave, one must simply close the book. Your journal will then be added into your inventory which can be accessed any time at will.” Closing the book life returns to the world around me with a colourful flash, the book disappearing from my grasp.

‘So, you done now? Can we finally go now, da ponies await!’

‘And do you know where they are? Cause we’re not going to wander randomly about a possibly monster infested forest.’

‘… No but it’s not like we have any other option, unless you have any bright ideas, genius?’

‘Actually there may be one possibility…’ Summoning the journal back, I focus Intently and open it. ‘Ah ha, a map, betcha wish we went for the detailed explanation now, huh?’

‘Why bother listening when I got you to think for us.’ Looking across the map I notice a marker indicating my current location. Apparently I’m in the southern section of the Whitetail Woods. ‘Damnit, now i owe you 50 bits!’

‘You don’t get it do you? If we head south-east we’ll come across a river that leads directly to ponyville!’

‘Well what are we waiting for, a formal invitation? ♪Let’s go already!♪’

After trudging through the forest for an hour on my tiny legs I quickly realise that I was getting nowhere fast. Stretching to ease my joints i catch glimpse of my wings and realise what i was doing wrong. After a quick attempt at flying i head off once more, my pace at least tenfold compared to walking and soon reach the river.

While following the river I began to test the full extent of my newfound flight. An interesting fact I picked up was that I actually didn’t need my wings to fly. It seems that I could hover, simply floating about without lifting a wing. Doing so granted great control, allowing me to weave through the dense forest with both ease and speed.

Using my wings on the other hand would grant vast amounts of speed at the cost of the precision control gained from floating. Not to say I couldn’t change directions, for with a strong flap I could throw myself the desired direction, practically turning on a dime.

Unfortunately doing so flings me with a tremendous burst of speed that apparently isn’t wise to do near ground level ornear any form of obstacle, as I careen face first through the canopy of the trees. Groaning I pick myself up out of the branches tangled around me and float down to the river’s bank.

‘Lets just take it slow, we almost broke our neck there.’

‘Nooooo, you were doing perfect there, I’m suuuure everyone flies full speed into trees, it’s all the craze with the children. Small note though how bout, I don’t know, when we try that we’re in the goddamn sky next time!’

‘I, But that’s quite high up, what if we fall? We would go careening uncontrollably into the ground and die... Oh god we almost died there, what were we thinking!’

‘Whoa, calm down there, don’t forget to breath we kind of need that to live, I think? Do demons need to breath? Whatever, just go with the flow and follow that river aye?’

‘...Yeah, yeah you’re right. Just follow the river east.’

Now that I’ve calmed down I continue following the river leaving the whitetail woods behind. After crossing an open plain the winding river passes between a small grove on northern side, and the dark foreboding woods of the everfree on the south, before clearing to reveal the sleeping settlement of Ponyville.

‘Finally, we are here! What shall we do first… Oh let’s go to Sugarcube Corner and get a hundred cakes. No they’re probably closed, ah there is sweet apple acres we could get some pies, and juice, caramel apples, apple fritters and… no they’re also closed. The library? Closed. Town Hall? There’s nothing really there but we could still go look at it. You think Berry Punch would have a bar open now, or maybe Vinyl Scratch with a club? Come on let’s go find out!’

‘We aren’t going anywhere-.’

‘But-!’

‘Yet, we aren’t going anywhere YET. Seriously, I know that it’s exciting but you’re forgetting something serious here. How do you think everyone’s going to react to a demon floating through town? Conflict specifically told us not to let anyone know what we are.’

‘Fiiiine, just hurry up already!’

‘Ok, how do we do this? We do have the ability to change our species, just got to figure out how, and what I guess. Probably best to stick with a pony form so we don’t stick out like a sore thumb… Guess earth pony would be best fit considering the name and everything.’

‘Aw, come on we just spent a week to become an awesome demonic impish thing, and you want to be like everyone else just to fit in easier, boooo!’

‘Look, it’s for our safety. Besides it’s just a temporary fix so we don’t get attacked, I’m sure there will be plenty of time to be a “Demonic impish thing” down the track, keep your pants on.’

‘But we’re not wearing any pants.’

Looking down I finally notice my furry nakedness ‘Holy Crap We’re Naked!!!’ Covering myself with my hands I take a panicked look around, hoping no one can see me.

‘... Yes, yes we are, everyone is! We don’t have enough time for this crap. Just make us a pony already. We can fix the naked stuff later.’

Sigh ‘You’re right, and I think we have some in the inventory anyway… I’m such an idiot. Lets just get this show on the road.’

Floating down I land at the banks of the river, looking down at my reflection. Closing my eyes to focus, my mind gathers everything I know about earth ponies, their shape, affinity for plants, even the ground under my very feet. Something solid presses against the palms of my hands and my eye jolt open.

A tall lanky stallion now stands in the waters reflection wearing an indifferent expression upon his face. Mostly his colourations matched mine, yet his mane and tail cascading down his shoulders and back legs, rolling in wild curls looking as if clouds had sprouted from his head and butt.

Reaching out a hoof strikes the water, rippling at the touch, and I notice that instead of having white fur, wild unshorn fetlocks cover my now white hooves. ‘So this is what we look like as a pony?’ sigh ‘ Guess we’ll always have a stoic face no matter what body we have.’

Turning around to get ready to go a colourful flicker catches my sight, glancing back into the river I am shocked to find something truly unexpected. ‘We have a cutie mark?’

Upon my flank, which in all intents and purpose should be blank, rests a conical flask full of purple liquid. Two brown vines coil around it intersecting each other as they climb, green leaves sprouting off them as they reach the neck.

‘How did we manage that? I mean it’s cool and all, but isn’t kind of cheating to get one without earning it?’

‘I think it’s since we have the alchemist class? Perhaps is we decided to become a unicorn we would have got a cutie mark related to the black mage class? Who knows?’

‘As to not earning it I’m quite sure as an imp we won’t get one naturally, and an adult pony without a mark would not be an effective disguise. Trying to track a demon hidden amongst the populace? Just target the blank flank adults.’

‘I suppose, doesn’t mean we have to be happy about it.’

‘Yeah well, lets just... Get dressed. I Can’t believe we’ve been running around butt naked.’

Calling forth some clothes from my inventory a burlap sack appear in my hooves,. Inside rest a pair of thin wooden framed glasses, an icy blue hair tie and a green pocketed vest. ‘I honestly don’t know what we was expecting’ Sigh ‘I should be upset, but we’re just lucky that green doesn’t clash with our colors.’

‘You do know there are no pants in there, right?’

‘Yeah... thanks for pointing that out... I’m just thankful ponies don’t wear them normally or this would be more awkward.’ Throwing on what little clothes there is I head off towards Ponyville.

After wandering through many streets for hours I make my way to town square, the only memorable landmark I managed to find. Through all my searching not a single business was open, in fact there was not pony in sight, leaving the streets devoid of life. Shaking my head I gather my thoughts and prepare to search more of this deceptively large town.

‘Man this sucks, we’ve been walking forever and nothing! Even that bar was closed, oh what of the poor late-night drunkard, that’s just bad business.’

‘Look, we’ve only managed to search the western section of town, there could be something open in the northern or eastern sectors. Knowing our luck we probably hit the residential sector first.’

Heading north next I start down the closest path when a seeping chill courses through my body, permeating into my bones. All of my senses are drawn to a nearby alley, slowly approaching it a foreboding aura radiates out and my hooves lock up, my body screaming at me to get as far away as possible.

Yet as much as I wish to listen to my instincts, something deep down is compelling me to enter, as if the very core of my being needs me to witness whatever is down in that secluded pathway.

‘What do we do?!? D-do we follow this feeling?’

‘Suuure, just follow our new found curiosity into a secluded alleyway that screams evil… Have you learnt nothing from horror movies! That way leads to death!’

Turning to flee a faint feminine whimper of fear reaches my ears. The next thing I know I’m sprinting towards the alley and the source of the voice.

‘Guess we’re going in blind!’

[Mission Recieved: Danger In The Dark]

‘Cheers, it’s like I had no idea that this could be dangerous!’

Rounding the corner a hooded pony stands in the distant dead end, it’s back turned towards me. A gnarled dagger floats above its head, a viscous liquid oozes down the blade. Time seems to slow to a crawl, an eerie silence blankets the area, only a sickeningly damp patter reaching my ears.

A deafening pounding startles me out of my stupor, lurching my head back to find its source I find nothing, only to realise that it’s coming from my chest. Taking a deep breath the world around me normalizes and faint crying reaches my ears, driving me to action.

“Hey! G-g-get away from them, y-ya creep!” I shout, charging towards him. The stranger head snaps to me, a small figure darts from behind him towards the nearby trash cans as I collide with the bastard.

Tumbling over each other a deep grunt escapes his mouth as he strike the wall behind him, and we end up in a tangled pile. Stumbling over each other we both struggle to get up, kicking me in the face the manages to stand first to my dismay.

Turning his back to me he frantically looks about the alley, clearly in a panic. Taking advantage I roll onto my back and with all my strength kick out, striking squarely between his hind legs.

With a sharp whine the stranger’s legs buckle and he slumps sideways, propping himself against a wall. Rocking back I jump to my hooves with a flick, only to recoil as a sharp pain radiates through my left foreleg. Glancing down I find the dagger lodged in my shoulder. Wrenching it out with my other hoof I focus back on the fight, when a sputters of red light draws my attention back to the blade.

In my grasp rests a black dagger with a thick jagged blade that curves back near the tip. My gaze draws to the large red gem resting as its pommel at the base of the handle, radiating a foul empty light that seems to pull you in, hungry for blood, and something else… Just holding it fills you with dread.

Throwing the dagger in disgust it clangs against the ground, echoing through the area. The stranger snaps to attention at the sound and an invisible pressure ripping me from the ground, the world around me spinning as I tumble through the air. My impromptu flight is cut short as I strike a wall and come crashing to the ground.

Struggling I lift myself of the ground once more, and see the stranger has his dagger within his grasp. A magical hum fills the air and light starts to shine from under the strangers hood and I brace myself for his next attack, he lowers his head and a bright flash of light fills my vision blocking my view.

Leaping to the side to dodge his attack as the light quickly fades, and find the alley completely empty. About to charge forward I almost trip while coming to a stop, wincing as my foreleg strikes the ground. Quickly backing against a wall and look around, surveying the area, hoping to catch sight of him before he catches me off guard, but nothing happens.

After a minute passes my nerves relax and I slowly approach the trashcans, noticing a small red tail poking out the side. “Uh, h-hey there, um ya mind coming out from behind there?” I ask, a loud yelp is my only response as the tail slips from my view with a metallic clang, the bins jolting from the movement.

‘Nice going, give it another shot maybe she’ll dive into the trash to get away from us.’

‘Lay off, she’s clearly scared out of her mind.’

Taking a deep breath I try once more, softening my voice as much as possible as not to startle her once more “It’s alright hon, the dangers gone. Just take a peek to see if If you’re still worried, I won’t force ya to come out.” Taking a few careful steps back giving her some room to think, a few moments pass and receive no response.

About to give up a faint rustling catches my attention, drawing my gaze back towards the hidden mare. Through a gap a single amber eye panicaly darting around before locking its gaze on me, contracting to a pinpoint.

Carefully laying down trying not to startle the poor mare, match her eye level. “See, it’s just me out here the creeps gone now, no one’s gonna hurt ya.” I gently murmur tilting my head to the side to get a better look.

Her eye slips out of sight and a little filly shuffles out into view. Getting a proper look at the girl I notice tears trickling down her yellow fur, mixing with blood slowly seeping out of a gash beneath her right eye and realization hits me. You’re-!” I blurt out before catching the words in my throat.

‘Is that Apple Bloom?!? what kind of person tries to kill a child?!’

‘Sick bastard, if we get our hands on him he won’t be getting away a second time!’“

Apple Bloom recoils back, ears pinning to the back of her skull, startled by my outburst. Quickly recovering from my shock I barely manage to stammer out “Y-you’re just a little filly” she visibly relaxes at my statement and slowly limps towards me.

As she approaches i get a better look at her, and my eyes widen at the sight. Her front legs are covered in dozens of cuts, staining her coat with patches of red. Getting up and slowly approach her, I call out “A-are ya alright there hon”.

Taking a closer look all but the gash on her face had fortunately stopped bleeding, none of them deep enough to be fatal. “I know it hurts but it looks like everything’s going to be fine, quite the little fighter aren’t ya?” I ask, turning to look her in the eyes “But Just to be cautious we should head somewhere safe to get ya cleaned up. Do ya mind if I carry hon, we don’t want to exacerbate your wounds with walking now do we?”

Nodding she shuffles over to me as I kneel down and climbs on my back, finding myself struggling slightly to stand with the weight. Carefully makIng my way out the alley we make our way to town square. Stopping for a moment to look down the nearby streets and realise I have no idea where to go. “Alright little one, ya know this town right, where should we head?” I ask, tilting my head back to the filly.

“Ah just wanna go home.” she whimpers out between sniffles

“O-of course, we’ll head there right away. Just… Where is that?”

‘On our apple farm.” She replies, gesturing down a nearby street with her muzzle.

Turning to follow her directions I take a glimpse at my map “East it is then” I mutter under my breath. After a small trek and crossing a bridge the buildings thin, apple trees spread across the land before us.“Guess this is your farm, don’t worry hon we’re almost there” I say in a soft tone, getting no response.

Looking back Applebloom is curled up with her eyes closed, chest slowly rising and falling with her gentle snoring. Re-adjusting to keep my precious cargo comfortable I carefully make my way down the country road.

Eventually a red farmhouse enters view and I make my way to the door ‘Ok now we just knock and we can get patched up, wait, how are we gonna heal her wounds? Crap we should have taken her to the hospital, now she’s probably going to have a scar and it’s all our fault!’

‘Calm down you idiot, we can just use one of the potions we have in our inventory. Or we can use one of our powers, I’m sure we could use the alchemist class to whip up something.’

‘Yeah, right we have power, we can fix her up easy. Wait…’

‘Now what, Timmy stuck in a well? The old mill on fire? Get on with it!’

‘If we had powers all this time, then why didn’t we use them in the fight?’

‘...’

‘We’re idiots...’

Overcome by my realisation my head drops and strikes the door with a thud. A clamour of noise can be heard in the house, and two voices pick up inside.

“Apple Bloom!?” A deep masculine voice shouts out, heavy hoof steps echo as they draw close before being cut of by an elderly woman’s shouts.

“Now you calm right down Big Mac, ah told ya she’d be fine.”

“Yup”

Stepping back the door in front of me swings open and a large red stallion stands before me, his emerald eyes locking with mine. Clearly not expecting someone his height to be standing there his muscles lock up, squinting with scrutiny.

“Yer not Applebloom” He grunts out before taking a stumbling step forward, an elderly green mare pushing past him.

“What are you just standing there for, yer blocking the door. Now listen here you whippersnapper, what were you thinking heading out like that without telling anypony? You nearly made yer brother have an aneurysm with all his panicking. You know how much troub- who the heck are you supposed to be and what do you want?” She snaps, finally noticing me.

‘Wait, that’s Granny Smith and Big Mac, but where’s Applejack?’

‘Probably of saving the world or something, you know, the usual.’

We’ll, out with it sonny.” Granny Smith barks, clearly getting impatient.

“O-oh, um, I-I’m… Ash Grove. I know i’m not Apple Bloom, and to ya I’m just s-some weird stranger in the dark, b-but this is important-” I stammer out before being cut off.

“We don’t want what yer sellin’, we got more important things happening right now. Now get before mah grandson makes you.”

Nodding Big Mac takes a step towards, lowering his head and starts effortlessly pushing me back, my hooves sliding along the ground. “Wait! Stop! I-I Found Apple Bloom!” I say, trying to stay balanced. This gets a reaction, as my footing steadies, no longer being pushed back.

“Where” Big Mac asks, furrowing his brow. Carefully turning sideways and lowering my head I present the slumbering filly upon my back, and they gasp in response. Twisting my head i bring my focus back to the pair, panic painted across their faces, Big Mac’s eyes glazed over in a thousand yard stare.

“Sweet Celestia, she’s bleeding!” Granny Smith cries, rushing forward as fast as her old hips will carry her. “If you had something to do with this, I’ll mash yer apples you hear me!” she shouts, shaking Big Mac out of his trance, and he quickens towards Apple Bloom as well.

“No no no no no, l-like I said, I found her.” I manage to squeak out, slowing the muscular stallion charging at me, fortunately preventing me from being bowled over. “Look, I know ya have a lot of questions, but they can wait til we get this little one patched up, ok?”

“Yer right... why the... heck you go and bring her here for!” Granny Smith barks out between wheezes “W-we gotta get her to the hospital! Big Mac, grab the cart!”

‘Yup” Big Mac quickly turns towards the nearby barn, but before he can rush of I call out.

“Wait, I-I know it looks bad, but I checked the wounds before coming here and they aren’t that bad. With a little patching she’ll be right as rain”

“Well why didn’ you say so earlier, you almost gave this old mare a heart attack.” Granny Smith sighs, slowly ambles back into her home “Well what’re you waiting for, an engraved invitation, get her inside and treat her already consarnit.”

“Oh, I uh, okay…” I take one glancing back at Apple Bloom, who miraculously still slumbers, before following the elderly mare inside, Big Mac following closely behind me.

‘How the hell did she sleep through that racket?’

‘Lay off it and let her rest will you! She’s got to be exhausted, both physically and mentally after what happened.’

Making our way into the house we head into the kitchen “Alright, can ya help me place her down” I ask, with a nod Big Mac lifts her of my back and places her on the kitchen table. “Cheers hon.” With the weight of a little pony of my back relief washes through my achy muscles.

‘Damn, how weak are we? She’s tiny and yet that was such a damn struggle.’

‘Focus! That’s not important right now.’

‘Yeah yeah, fix the filly, we’ve got this handled.’

“Well?” The elderly mares question snaps me out of my thoughts “Are you gonna fix her or you just gonna stare at that wall?”

“Oh, sorry, j-just give me second” I murmur out, scratching the back of my head. Focusing I tap into my inventory and a glass flask appears in the hoof behind my head and place it on the table. Before me rests a cylindrical flask a crisscrossing spiraling pattern finely etched onto it, contained within it is a thick green liquid that fades to red the closer it gets to the top.

‘So do we get her to drink it or…’

‘How am i supposed to know, probably? Guess we’re waking her up after all, unless you know of away to make someone to drink in their sleep without, you know, drowning.’

‘Wait, let me just check.’

‘How? Oh, right.’

Locking my gaze with the potion I take a deep breath, ‘Scan’ the world flickers sepia and a small menu page appears before me.

[Healing Potion]

A potent healing potion crafted from blood grass extract. Can be consumed or applied directly to the wound.

Uncorking the flask I pour a small amount out into my hoof and gently apply it to the gash under Apple Bloom’s eye, and she shiver in response. The liquid faintly glows before absorbing into the skin, and shortly afterwards the wound rapidly closes, the flesh knitting back together before fur sprouts up covering up the blank patch of skin.

Within minutes the cuts on her legs were all healed, the dried blood staining her fur the only reminder left of her harrowing ordeal. “That should just about do it. One of ya should probably get her cleaned up and get her to bed.” With a curt nod Big Mac picks up her up and carries her off upstairs.

[Mission Complete: Danger In The Dark]

Reward: 70 exp, 20sb

[Level Up]

Someone places their hoof upon my wounded shoulder sending a spasm down my arm, I bite my tongue to not shout and turn my head to find Granny Smith by my side.

“Thank you” she says, tears in her eyes “You went out of yer way to help our girl, a stranger in yer eyes, and then we up and treated you right awful. Even then you stick round and fix her right up. Ahm real sorry, you deserved better than that.”

“N-nah, ya were just being cautious and worried about your granddaughter. I completely understand” I mutter out with a strained voice “I’m just glad everything worked out fine in the end”. Patting my shoulder Granny Smith turns to walk away, but takes one look at her hoof and stops.

“Yer hurt too?” she asks presenting her hoof, marred with blood.

“Uhhhh…”

“You idjit” she grunts out, sighing exasperatedly “Pass me that fancy bottle and we’ll get you fixed up”. Looking at the near empty flask I pass it her way, which she quickly applies to my wound. “What the heck happened out there?”

“Ah crap! I’ve got to get a guard or something” I say standing with a start, Only for a firm hoof to push me back down.

“Language! Now you ain’t goin nowhere in yer condition. Just tell ol’ Granny Smith what happened.”

Taking in a deep breath I go over the events that unfolded after i arrived in ponyville.

“Land sake! Yer tellin me that The Phantom Butcher’s might be in Ponyville?! First the princess gets captured by some nightmare pony and now there’s no one to raise the sun, and then this!” Granny Smith shouts “What’s happening to mah home?!

“The Phantom Butcher?”

“How have you not have heard abou- nevermind that. You see, a couple years ago ponies found a dead mare n’ foal all cut up in canterlot, caused causing a big old panic.” She says, shaking her head, eyes closed “After that every year the same thing started happenin’ all over equestria, yet no pony ever sees nothing go down, they just find the bodies.”

“T-to think they almost got my Apple Bloom”. She manages to stammer out, shivering as she openly weeps, placing my arm over her we sit in silence for a while.

Eventually she calms down and pushes me away “Enough of that now, no need worrying over this old mare. You must be exhausted, go get some sleep.”

“Are ya sure you're alright?” In response she simply nods to me “Well if you’re sure, I better get going I guess. Uh, ya mind if I set up a tent outside?”

‘Where you think yer goin, after all you’ve done I ain’t letting you sleep out in no tent. Get yer flank upstair, there’s a spare bed second door on the left.” Nodding I make my way upstairs, Once at the top she calls out to me “Just don’t you dare mess it up, or Aj will get a bee in her bonnet.”

That gets my attention and i quickly look back “AJ? I thought ya said it was a spare room?”

“Its mah granddaughter Applejack’s room, It’s empty right now. I’ll just let her know when she gets in. she’s out… facing that… Nightmare pony.” She trails off, head drooping as she finishes her sentence.

“Oh… Well if she’s anything like her sister then she’s going to be fine. She’ll make it back, I promise” I say in a comforting tone.

A humble smile graces her lips and she wipes a tear from her eye “Now get, don’t make me climb up there or I’ll drag you there myself” she says with a chuckle.

Heading down the hall I pass Big Mac, who simply nods at me as he enters what I assume is his room. Once inside i throw myself in the bed, to exhausted to bother getting undressed. Just before I fall asleep a menu appears showing my stats, which Ican now edit thanks to leveling up.

[Updating Character]

Ash Grove Level 1 → 2

Stats

Stat points = 5

Strength 2, Dexterity 22→24, Agility 28→29, Intelligence 29→30, Wisdom 32,

Willpower 27→28, Perception 18, Endurance 15, Resistance 23, Luck 9.

Remaining Points

Skill Points: 1→4, Class Points: 0

[Update Complete]

The moment the update finishes I drop into a peaceful slumber.

Rousing from my sleep i feel the heat of the sunlight shining on my face, grumbling i roll over and pull the covers over my head, and my muzzle brushes something warm and soft.

“What in tarnation?!?” Snapping open and my gaze lock with two emerald eyes inches from my face “Why you filthy varmint!!!”

‘Oh crap.’

Author's Note

Thanks for reading so my story so far and i hope you are enjoying it so far.

In this chapter i briefly mention "traits" which is a system i planned that allows you, the reader, to post ideas for passive and non combat skills (At least not direct combat skills).
To post an idea please post it here on my specific blog page designed for such things. The page has a basic overview for what covers fits in for a "Trait"

For those who want a visual representation for what Ash Grove - Earth pony form looks like, Here is a basic rendition: