//-------------------------------------------------------// Biomech of Equestria -by Alter Sol- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Discovery and History (Edited) //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note This is something to take me from another story I'm doing to keep my mind fresh and it was something I wanted to do for Terra Equestria but thought against it. Enjoy the story. Discovery and History (Edited) 6 years after Luna's banishment Perspective: Ancient Dig This was by and far one of the worst expeditions I've ever been on. I like a good bit of danger and all, but the lack of it, environmental or written history is just boring. I never thought I'd miss the action until there was none and the fact that nopony can chart a course to save a worm from the safer road. Honestly though, it was a nice change of pace as well since significant areas and environments had there own story to tell. When I get the offer to explore a tomb, I am on that like the sweetness of honey and cane sugar. Getting the request though is only the first thing. After that there are papers to sign, legal fees for damages, the prices to transport said item or items and then there is the cost to restore the item, if possible, and so on and so forth. Depending on the condition of the relic, or relics, an the visitors it or they attract, it will make or break the cost of the expedition. And that's not even getting into the legal acquisition of these items, if that's even possible. I've lost the right to acquire some items because of their unknown origin or because the princess has a hidden history to them. Regardless of what I think, getting there is one thing and the journey is another and both are undoubtedly fun but not knowing where it is can be just as bad as not knowing where you're supposed to go. That's the reason maps were made. I need to know where to be so me and the team can be there at a certain time and place. I'll bet just about anything that the nobles fudged the map on purpose and are now at the tomb, bribing the teams just to take the artifacts and make their money back all for stories of how brave of them it was to save this important piece of Equestrian history when all they did was bribe a team for the piece just to gloat at how they got to it before me. I finally had enough and flew up into the air to find that the map led us way off course. So me and a guard or two flew into the air and we noticed where we kilometers from the sight. Telling the others to get there, the pegasi, myself included, arrived just in time to stop, you guessed it, nobles from taking a single thing. "Hold it!" "Miss Dig?" One said clearly shocked I got there before anything could be hauled off. "Thank goodness. We were in the middle of-" "Unloading every single thing you have before I give you the wet works." I interrupted him, not having any of his fake story. "Miss Dig I do not understand-" "That if you do not unload the artifacts like she said, all of you will be arrested under the charges of trespassing, theft, breaking and entering, forgery and four other notable charges, all of which will be written along with the parties involved and sent to Princess Luna" The guards words seemed to bore them, thinking they would take it to Celestia, where they could pay off her guard. Luna and her guard, on the other hand, do not let any charges off by paying back to the public. You want out of prison with her then you have to work for however long she sets and good behavior does not get you out faster, it just humiliates you. It was an unbeatable system. Celestia called it tyranny, thinking it was wrong. I'm with Luna when she said that work and effort should be payment enough for your goals, not money and deception. Princess Luna practically made it a law that was effectively carried out without question, something to be admired. The nobles put everything down while one or two were searched for anything else. We don't let so much as a possible key slip by us unless we want an open door to an empty room like last time. I'm prepared with the nobles. Once they left, I had the guard categorize everything that the nobles got out. Thankfully they didn't get much and seemed to have just started so we made it before anything turned up missing. Sorting through everything, we found plastic film that was hard as leather and had gold bits and black strips, possibly for show or for security. More were found with pictures of some nearly hairless creatures, the only thing on said picture was the face and that was it. The deeper in we went, the more we found until one of the guards touched something and a moving picture was seen with something speaking. "Everypony stand back and let this play." "Previous results have yielded outstanding benchmarks." One creature on screen said in awe. "Never have I seen a whole nervous system be reconstructed from a single brain cell." Gestures to the organs behind it, much to the crews' disgust. "It may be prudent to use the knowledge it is gathering for surgeries in the future as these creatures, as I call them, may not last forever with enough cell division. We can't trust technology with everything if we want to avoid the terminator scenario or worse." "You have nothing to worry about doctor." Another one called. "We've been making strides for these biomachines to connect with the host's brain cells for them to use as they so wish. This way war can be fought without guns or weapons, but we do hope no such thing comes to pass as there are too many variables." "That may be, but these notes and our research do yield that the volume of them will be fixed unless, as you said, they will fully drop the restrictions for any number of what they can create." The previous doctor explained. "What is the malleability of the cells doctor?" "You won't believe this." The recording shows a pairs of crudely constructed, mechanical wings on the board that were refining their shape to something more detailed. "And that is from simulations and controlled electronic stimulation, which will be redundant once they inhabit the brain, where they will protect the brain from excessive injury and the brain keeps them from shutting down or going out of control involuntarily." "Excellent doctor. These Organites may just be the key to a better world peace." The recording ended. "Find more of these and try to extract them without damaging the contents. I want a full review of everything before it goes into a museum." "Dig." And old friend called me, it was Rare Finding. "I see you were able to save the party." I waved him off with a smile. "What do you think?" "It doesn't look that ancient. If anything this place looks brand new and high tech." I explained, still in awe at the construction of this place. "The organic remains are worn from age but everything else looks perfectly preserved." "I'm not surprised that you are so skeptical. These ruins are carbon dated at 22 million years." I broke as my mind was trying to fix itself. My expression must have looked unprofessionally stupid. "Um... Ms. Dig." "22 MILLION YEARS?! THAT CAN'T BE RIGHT!" I was an absolute mess at the moment as I was breathing rather hard. "This has to be a mistake. There is no way anything can predate Equestria itself!" There was a sound from further in. "Rare, Ms. Dig, I think we found something!" We made our way down the hall to see a giant door. "Is there a handle?" The guard shook his head as I tried to find the handle. After some looking, I found a lever on the way. Taking three breaths, I gave it a hard pull and there was a loud thud, most likely the door releasing the pressure. Clanking and banging was heard before the giant steel wall seemed to split down the middle, retreating on the other side of the wall it was connected to. More of those devices were found in here, with strange, large boxes that have survived the test of time. One of the guard got a panel on and called to my attention. "Ms Dig, you may want to see this." The files were history and research labelled 'Orgamech'. //-------------------------------------------------------// Steel and Flesh (Edited) //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note I like what I did with this story. Tragic Rebirth (Edited) Perspective: Ancient Dig Within an underground complex, my team of archaeologists and myself are preparing a file to watch on the history of this place and its research. We didn't know what to expect from this but we were ready to see it. To our savior or to the person who awoke him, we are forever grateful to his service. If his chamber is opened, then either his enemies have reemerged in a time later than our own and they must be silenced again before they harm the residents or he is needed to save us once more or your kind. This recording is not just for posterity, it is our history of our mistake and his tale of heroism and sacrifice, for he had to sacrifice his humanity to save ours. In the year 199X, the governments of the world, after settling on a truce, as rigid as it was, formed the United Nations Assembly, a place where nations can gather and discuss the problems of the world. They gathered for the first time and brought a collective problem to order, the death of nations from famine and sickness, the greatest threats of the world collectively. Thousands to tens of thousands were dying from sickness and disease that could not be cured at the time and more from famine due to drought, flood or worse, either due to poverty or nature's cruelty. In 199X, research, regarding how to alleviate this problem, was being conducted to end the cycle when, in 199X, research for a biomechanical creature, no larger than a molecule, was being conducted on human cells that had been cultivated from stem cells. These creatures were tested day and night in multiple fields from physical therapy, to curing sickness and possibly cancer, to conditioning enhancements and possibly more. Each different cell type was tested including the one that was thought to be the most difficult to treat, brain cells. Unexpectedly, the cultivated micro cells had fully reconstructed the damaged cells and restored the organ systems leading to one, final, experiment. The organ systems were placed in a single tank with the micro cells still active as a full human body was constructed with these biomechanical cells and incidentally making a unique human altogether. These micro cells, from the molecular on up, were dubbed Organites. On the same year, the Organites were carefully constructed to be the perfect marriage of technology and biology and programmed with the basic function of incorporating non-organic compounds and materials into the human cells, increasing their survival rate and effective life cycle by making them the perfect marriage of biology and technology as well. This was the blessed birth of the Cyber Human, human beings that have taken on all of the qualities of the two fields that defined them, making their race, as individuals and as a whole, much greater than the sum of their separate parts. As we know, time advances and life advances with it. As the Organites divided, from the molecular level on up, their construction became more effectively organic as the cells and microcells worked in tandem to improve the host, making them effectively adapting creatures for multiple situations if not all situations. This was not to last as humanity became something less than human and by exchange they became something more. Humanity had evolved into something entirely different as they took on a different appearance over the course of a few short years. In 20XX, war broke out as it always did, but without the restriction of sickness and hunger, the wars waged for much longer as humans died and were replaced gradually. Human bodies became warped and twisted in shape and form, some dispersing into multiple entities, never to be whole again. It was nightmarish as the human race died out in one war, thus became the tragic birth of the Orgamech as their cells from the molecular level on up, became more and more grotesque. This infighting lasted until 20XX, when the remainder of the most humane Orgamechs, begged and pleaded for a cease fire. This request was headed as the war ceased in 20XX when all Orgamechs ceased fighting, deactivating their weapons. This peace did not last as the Orgamechs resumed their world wide war in 20XX when they demanded to rule. Many were terrified, thinking they would be next until a young soul stood up to defend itself from death and participated in the carnage as a separate entity and force. The body changing into the manifestation of humanity's rage and revengeance, forming and growing weapons of unthinkable power. Wings from his body shone with the radiance of any bright star, swords gleaming with clarity that rivaled his untarnished resolved, shields and armor that had the same fortitude as his unyielding heart and powerful forms restricted in construction by only his resilient and creative mind. His devastating power could be seen across the land, sea and air. The battle field, which was everything and everywhere, bathed in the light of retribution as all of the mutated, irrational Orgamechs were destroyed. The fight reigned for XX years as Orgamechs were ripped, sliced, gunned down, blown apart and completely eviscerated as their blood littering the ground or rain from the sky with body parts ranging from torn fibers to whole viscera laying across the battle field in varied sizes and at the center, standing atop the bodies, is the young being who took up arms and committed to genocide, like an apostle of war, fury and death, for the rest of what remained of humanity. His name, while unknown, would be forever remember as he was dubbed the Genocide Savior. More time passed as the year 20XX rolled in. The Genocide Savior was immortalized by the public, as tales of his heroism were spread through novels, comics, tv shows and even word of mouth. In truth, he was sealed in a cryopod, never to be opened unless he was needed. His legend would be remembered as children and adults give thanks to the era of peace he has brought. For his bravery, all media would be stored in a server room for him to use, for ideas and inspiration so as to bless and ease the minds of those too afraid to stand on their own. Thank you hero, you have given us strength, but you, for your sacrifice, will be bestowed our knowledge. Thank you. The server room the recording spoke of was nowhere to be seen if one was to look. In truth the files had, more than likely, eroded from age or the servers themselves suffered too much from the elements. This was all that remained in the time of old, the young man from years past as, by the laws of nature, he was older than any creature. "Something older than the princess... is in this pod." I was caught in a loop. Take the chance and open the pod or try to take the whole thing to Canterlot for display. I hadn't a clue which was better and staying here debating it wasn't going to help. Thankful, by a brief look over, the unit looked self operated and separate from everything else. We took the disks with us after careful extraction and loaded the pod on a cart fitted with metal parts for better suspension and handling. We left the site with disks for information transfer, a few parts from the servers for Crypt to study, categorize and use and the creature in the tank would be put on display, seeing as waking him is not an option. However, we did not see the scene that was about to unfold as the my team was being followed and the tank was thawing off. //-------------------------------------------------------// Danger //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note I can not stress this enough, but if you want to help this story or just want to say something about it -either helps - please leave a comment down below. Ancient History (Edited) Perspective: Ancient Dig The expedition had arrived at Equestria's border and set up camp as the sun was lowering below the horizon as the moon took its place in the sky. Taking a break, we figured that if we left early in the morning, Canterlot would be within eyesight by noon and we can store the artifacts by sunset and then set up the exhibit, or rather parts of the exhibit, the next morning. Getting a warrant from Luna's old guard to prevent the nobles from claiming any piece of it won't be that hard. She hated the nobility and its underhanded ways of obtaining things in an otherwise illegal manner. Nopony that knows Celestia is certain of why she slaps them on the wrist when they do it again and why she says - said - Luna's punishment is too harsh. Celestia makes the nobles pay actual bits for there crimes, yes, but Luna had a smarter and more realistic approach of claiming and distributing their income and Celestia either never considered it because it was a better plan or never liked it because she thought it was cruel and unusual punishment. Everyone loves Celestia, and that's fine, but I always thought that was a problem. If everyone loves you, it is because you are covering certain lies to spare their feelings when they need to hear the truth or because you don't want to admit that the truth hurts. Celestia has so many unknowns about her that I won't be able to understand her completely, but she does strike me as someone who is much like a child, she can't bring herself to make the hard choices. After setting up camp, we got out the rations we took and were thankfully plentiful even after getting side tracked by greedy nobles. I wish they'd just work a small wage job like the rest of us. Exploration isn't a real job but it does remind me how hard other ponies have to work just to make a living or to have the nicer things in life. Then there are some nobles I'm forgetting like Fancy Pants, Luna bless him, who make an effort to give back to the lower and middle class as they help this nation grow in some way. Without the lower and middle class helping Equestria there is no profit to be had, just a stagnating state of income. To put in my own words, if everypony is rich then nopony is rich. At this point I'm just fuming at myself for not noticing this sooner or handling it better. "Ms. Dig, your food is getting cold." I snapped out of it and thanked the guard as I ate my ration. "Did anyone hear about the griffons lately?" One guard said. "Yeah." Answered another guard. "I heard they've gotten into this line of work for next to nothing but I did notice some artifacts that other teams were looking into." "I thought it was strange that they, somehow, got to them before the appointed team." Another guard added. "Then we best stay on high alert." I advised. "There is no telling if the rumor is true or not so be on your hooves if we see any griffons from here to Canterlot." They nodded and one guard had an idea I was not fond of, "Anyone want to tell scary stories?" "NO!" They laughed. They knew why I didn't want them to tell any scary stories. 'I hate snakes. I hate snakes! I HATE SNAKES!' They continued to enjoy their rationed food and drink as they started talking about mares with the bust size of a head. Those are mares that are blessed with the body of a heavy weight fighting champion with their big boobs or larges rears or both. I get so jealous since I have a more streamlined and athletic body. I'm bigger than Cryptic Glyph but I'm not Runway. Dear Celestia that girl could lactate half a cow herds' worth of milk at best and she doesn't even have that ridiculous a bust size, just very active milk ducts. Anypony would ask me about my body in that regard and ask if I was happy with my body. To some extent I would say no because I want to impress a stallion but the majority is yes because a larger body would limit me in my job a bit more since small openings do not like large butts as much as stallions do. The night had finally arrive and two guards stayed up to look out for the camp and keep an eye on the haul. It's time to sleep so the bed comes first. Perspective: Griffon Female I thought they'd never go to sleep. And the nerve of those stallions brazenly talking about their soft and cuddly mares. Griffons have appealing sizes too damn it. I feel so insulted it hurts to even look at myself. I'm not nimble despite my flexibility and I do have a couple of plus sizes but I'm not fat. Great now I'm crying and I don't have a griffon to comfort me. I wiped away the tears to focus on the mission. Intelligence said that the site was dug up and by experienced archaeologists no less and Ancient Dig is among them. If me and Peck pull this off, we'll have griffon males at our bed in sweet pleasure. I hope. I hate being lonely and I'm sure Peck feels the same way. Waiting for their shift to change, Peck and I eased down our respective tree and waited behind the bushes, keeping as low a profile as possible so we don't get spotted. After a while, both of the posted guards passed out, more than likely from helping to pull the cart. One of the few times I do feel for the ponies. We griffons may be stronger by nature but we're not the fit zebra or mighty Minotaur much less a centaur. Whatever is in that tank must be heavy or the tank itself is the heavy one. Easing out into the camp site, Peck and I lifted the tank but the strain that was easy off of the cart caused its metal parts to squeak. Combined with its weight, we'd have to head back to our camp and get the remaining griffons to help us lift this thing. Thankfully our camp was following us and we were able to get the tank out of the cart but one of us slipped and dropped it, waking up the ponies. "Hey!" Dig knocked a few of us away from the tank and squared off with one of the males while the rest of us dealt with royal guard from princess Celestia's and Luna's forces. "We need this technology just as much as you do." One of my comrades shouted. "For what reason?" A guard yelled, demanding an answer. "We got information that this tank can preserve a living body for an extended period." Another griffon said. And he was right, we got that information just from reconnaissance and with that tech from our resources, every nation in the world can preserve their more desirable citizens if not everyone can be saved. "You just want the tech so you can make more and sell them back to us. Admit it!" One guard was definitely fighting on adrenaline as his sword came down on a griffon who had the reflexes to dodge but the blade hit the tank as this white, cold air came spilling out of it. My instincts, at that instance, suddenly kicked in. Desire, fear, lust and caution were now present in my eyes and body language and I wish I had a clue as to why but my more preserving instincts were screaming at me to retreat while I could still move. "Oh great job Captain 'Swing-a-lot' you just damaged our oldest find in history!" Ancient Dig, even as our enemy, was right to be mad. Any find this old is crucial to any nation that discovers it. However, the true relic isn't the tank apparently. The treasure was still inside and it was... is dangerous. AND WHY DOES IT TURN ME ON?! Perspective: Genocide Hero Cold. It's so... cold. How long have I been out? A normal question for cryosleepers like myself since time, when you're preserved, is irrelevant. Time during cryosleep seemingly stands still as you go to sleep and wake up, but thankfully you have time to practice lucid and governed dreaming so as to not empower your mind to unrealistic boundaries. The lid finally opened after detecting the crack to filter more warm air bit I hand plans to speed it up. Using the Organites is all mental, much like lucid dreaming, so raising my body temperature was a simple matter. Before long, the sound of cracking ice was heard as I felt my limbs come free. Leaning up, with ruined clothes, my outer layer of remaining Organites ripped and reformed the fabric into legging and sashes as the creatures I witness before me all held a defensive stance. I could tell the males from the females by the contours in the clothing, and armor if present, and as far as I knew they were enemies but neither contracts or new or repeating Orgamechs, so my objective right now is subjugation. Stepping on the ground, the more bird-like beings seemed to lock up a bit before I reached for a sword and stabbed it into the ground with some still active Organites to grow the blade into something massive, leaving me with no useful organites of any kind. In the meantime, two of the avian creatures tried to dive bomb me as I oriented my movements to throw one into the other. Another rushed me, sword at the ready as I grabbed the wrist, brought him around, grabbed the back of his head and shoved it face first into the dirt. An equine creature with wings rushed at me. Preparing my movements, I ducked underneath and jabbed hard into her stomach, minding her internal organs. She went down after getting the wind knocked out of her but my break was short lived as another avian creature stepped close to me with a combat stance unarmed. I respect opponents like this and brought my arms to my side, relaxed and ready. She went for a jab that I easily blocked with my hand as she flowed into a back roundhouse that was deflected with an arm and she used her wings to drop her body and I prepared for an uppercut. She was smart as she used her wings to do a front flip for an ax drop kick. I blocked it but she used an opening in my attention and knocked me in the face, knocking me away but her bodies contortion made the hit fail to knock me out. "Not bad." "What are you?" She asked, understandably terrified. "Nothing special, just a killer." Whatever my even stare did had scared her as she backed off. "But I'm afraid this is where we part ways. I was awoken so there must be a situation concerning the Orgamechs, though I will need new power, I slept for too long." She appeared stunned. "Orgamechs...? What are you...?" "I have no time to speak." Perspective: Female Griffon The being walked to its sword as one of the ponies went to seize it. As the pony got close, the being drew the sword from the ground as chunks of said ground were pulled along with it. The ponies neck was caught between two blunt prongs of a massive blade and throw to a tree as the rest of the remaining dirt fell, revealing a strong blade that gleamed with a sharp reflection. I rivaled the largest show blades but its refinement looked genuinely tempered, meant for conflict. The hole close to the base and the prong at the end were mostly an unknown but the handle was made with enough length so as to be wielded with versatility. The others went to seize him but all I saw was him catching someone with the prong, kicking another upward, bring its leg around knocking three ponies, I could tell there, into a tree, throwing another pony into a griffon with his hand, another with the sword... it just displayed fighting tactics that made my body react. I was on my knees, wet and scared. I had no way to beat this thing and I know it won't lay me so I sit there, paralyzed in fear. The other griffons woke up as the ponies, Dig included, remained knocked out. We decided to take them half way to Canterlot where they were inside their boarder. Whatever that thing was should not be messed with and we were going to tell everyone that for their own safety. What they do after is up to them. //-------------------------------------------------------// Night of Observation //-------------------------------------------------------// Steel and Flesh (Edited) Perspective: Celestia I was worried about my guards when they had not returned sooner than they stated. When I got the news some griffons were carrying them in, I was quick to intercept. Now, I stood in front of a group of griffons, who were injured, carrying injured guard and one incapacitated Ancient Dig. I interrogated the griffon unit and they began talking about, what I could make out as a human. It fought in a manner I recognized immediately, violence. I remember their harsh ways of enslaving and tormenting my subjects for not converting to their faith and religion. Finding this human may prove troublesome as its fighting method, which can only be achieved magically, was not magical. I wanted to say my opinion as a small sword tuning into a halberd can only be achieved by magic. There is no other explanation, yet that human made it grow through other means. Darker magic may play a hand in this but I need to tend to my subjects. "You griffons will be interrogated for the assault of my guard and Ms. Dig." "What!" The female griffon screamed at me. "We get our becks handed to us and you want to imprison us?" "It doesn't matter what transpired when the creature broke out. What matters is that you planned the attack and assaulted my subjects." I looked to one of my guard. "Detain them for later, I need some time to think." The guard saluted as I walked to my room and onto the balcony, deep in pondering thought. This human used what can only be described or understood as dark magic, forbidden spells that were banned for the safety of the ponies. Some try to use it and were warned of the danger, but it didn't matter to them and they had to be imprisoned or worse. Now a human is here, having eluded my search teams for untold centuries only to resurface, as violent as the rest of its kind. If not contained, this human could bring destruction to Equestria, and not even Discord may be ready for this violent a beast much less know exactly what tricks it may be hiding away. What's worse, if it teams up with Equestria's enemies then all of my little ponies will be a its feet. To make matters worse, what if it can use its magic anywhere then nowhere is safe. My pondering was interrupted by my door being struck, catching my attention. "Come in." The door opens as my guard steps in. "Princess, you need to rest for now. These last few days have been stressful on your mind." She inquired. "I can not rest until I find that creature and bring it to justice." I state strongly. "It has yet to commit a crime and Ms. Dig had informed us, and I do mean us, that it came from a pod that kept it frozen." She said ignorantly. "I don't have time for a back and forth argument Night Gale." I heard my door close as I was still deep in thought. I could only hope the human would remain weak. Perspective: Human This world has turned time greatly. Reminds me of the episode of Justice League where superman is flung into the future by Toy Man. The air around me is tame yet stale and the ground is overly treated. I'll need some insects to start rebuilding my strength. My machines may have made me like Naraku just after being made from Onigumo, hopefully without any issues. I look down to see a spider with legs positioned more longitudinally than latitudinal. A variation of the Huntsman breed. I quickly grab it as my flesh is contorted and goes to work, absorbing and analyzing the spider to breakdown its body for its natural aptitude of reflex. After the processing was finished I began moving again, with less stiffness as my legs felt more awake and stronger. The sword would have to go eventually as my machines were almost drained from being in the pod for far longer than predicted and the ones used would not hold for long. Using what power they did have left, I configured my cells to process organic material, inorganic matter organically and energy, simply the power to Absorb. Soon after I placed the blade on my back after letting out an adhesive fluid on the right shoulder blade. The machines were close to dead or inert, and with no immediate iron particles they may wither away to nothing. I need iron and they only thing that has it is the sword, my only means of readily available offense. I left the blade be as the machines died out entirely, with my cells unable to produce new ones, thought, by definition, I'm still an Orgamech of my own. I looked up to see that dawn was fast approaching and saw a small town with houses built at different altitudes. Some of the residents came out and I saw they resembled the same avians from earlier with different biological fusions. They were griffons for sure but there were so many types I missed some of them returning my curious stare. One came down to greet me and was definitely a female. Her mix appeared to be that of a Falcon and a Tiger, having a slim and built figure with a bit of chest and nice hips. "What are you staring at?" She screamed, almost calling me a pervert, not that I'm insulted nor complaining. "Sorry." I apologized. "A bit new here." I looked around, planning for my question. "Could you mayhaps tell me where I am?" She looked taken aback. "You're in Smokey Ridge, one of the Griffon towns in Equestria's borders." Those names set me in thought. Either the capsule was transported through space, or so much time passed that new life was made in humanities eventual absence. "Terra to monkey face." She brought me out of my thought. "Quit staring into space like that. You look.... weird." I knew she wanted to say something different. It was in her tone though her pride and possibly her image held her back. "Anyway, if you're looking for Ponyville," punny name, "it's that way." She pointed a direction in which there was a thick forest that felt as alive as home. "But you need to head-" I started walking directly to the forest. "Hey! That forest is one of the worst places to go. It contains many of Equestria's most feral creatures." I turned back to her and her plumage increased slightly. "Then I should feel right at home for beasts like myself have no place among more peaceful creatures." I started walking again toward the forest, a smile on my face as it felt like home before the griffon got in my face again. "Wait!" She had her arms out with her feathers looking slightly fluffed. "Don't you want anything to eat?" "I require nothing to eat now." I tried to walk but she stopped me again. "Please. I insist." I looked at her with a straight face before giving in. "Curse my kind heart." "Yes!" She led me to one of the houses but she looked embarrassed as there was no ladder. Not an issue since I erected adhesive barbs on my fingers to pull me up. Thankfully the spiders leg strength came to good use as I reached the house, but not without the griffon flashing her turkey ass along the way. She was most certainly flirting with me. 'This is going to be a long stay if I let her have any say.' //-------------------------------------------------------// Breath of Rule //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note The story, to the best of my ability, will be written from the Human's perspective from here on with changes that aid the story's collision course with Geno and Celestia. If you see anything amiss that I failed to catch, let me know so it can be corrected for convenience and continuity sake.. Let's incarnate into the story. Absorb, Assimilate, Adapt The griffon female had successfully convinced me to stay in the village for a meal. I quickly needed to find a way to escape without alerting them with sudden, suspicious movement. The one spider may help but not for long. I need more to grow stronger. A rainbow stag beetle was the answer. It's shell uses a mosaic effect to blend in with the surrounding environment. Finding on here though would be redundant as they live in desert areas where the conditions for light are extreme. Another choice would be a jumping insect like a Jumping Jack Ant or a Locust. Those would aid me in scaling this valley's walls rapidly without alarm and possibly grant me the ability of flight to reach the higher altitudes. I will say that she has some nice and humble accommodations as her floors are hardwood with nicely complimentary walls and drapes that give the room the feeling of warmth and relaxation. All brought together by the simple interior decor thanks to its owner. "So what do you eat?" She asked, purposefully bent over and the hips to accentuate her tiger rear. "I can eat just about anything short of raw and poisonous materials." That was the truth as humans used to eat raw plant matter in its earlier days and some poisonous foods when times were rough. That was soon lost almost entirely and slowly regained through time when the demand came forth. Humans had a uniquely adaptable biology that aided them in living most anywhere but with some limited restrictions so as to not make us overpowered. A fascinating species trait that we got rid of out of necessity to cure cancer until nature had its way with us again. Now I exist, an orgamech, minus the organites. But enough of my jabbering. "Oh~. Such as~?" And now I have to diffuse this. "Keep you panties on woman, I'm not in the mood. Not now anyway." She played the sad eyes only for me to give a piercing look and she flinched before her wings came to a stiff.... erectio- REALLY?! "Excuse me!" She pardoned herself from the house. Great. She's flirty and I just made her horny. Deary god in whatever heaven exists please don't do this to anyone. It's just wrong. Anyway, with some time to look around I saw a few bugs that could come in handy but were otherwise bland, though no less interesting. One was an average cricket with no difference in structure but the legs would come in handy. Another was a common spider so I'll leave it be, though best to get it out of her house. Lastly was an ant but this one was definitely different. It's a Soldier bred Army Ant. One of the strongest ants in the world, its mandibles act like mechanical vice grips, locking in place with only the ant to release them. Letting the ant bite my finger, as painful as it was, and grabbing the cricket, both bugs were absorbed as the tissue was processing. The ant's strength and the cricket's jump combined with the spider's reflex and speed would aid me in leaving without causing a fight. She came back just as I had gotten the spider out. "Sorry about that. I had to take care of something." Those ruffled feathers and your legs are telling me everything lady. You had fun. "So, anything to eat?" "Got any bacon?" She blushed under her feathery plume as she got the bacon out along with some eggs, which caused me some alarm, which she noticed. "Don't worry, griffons lay infertile eggs every week unless we've mated." I breathed easy. "How many do you lay?" I asked curiously, wondering if they lay as many as farm foul or wild avians. "We can lay up to five or six infertile eggs - which grants us our income since we have so much excess - and up to two fertile eggs, sometimes three if the mother herself is extra fertile." I glad to see she worked the hormones out of her system as she was talking about this almost like a teacher or parent. "I bet the ponies think we're cannibals since we eat eggs and we tried to tell them they weren't fertilized but they wouldn't listen. Luna understands but Celestia is either clueless, uncaring or ill informed." She held the eggs close to her, almost depressed. "Is it wrong to be what we are?" My mind was struck with that question. I though I was wrong. Built, born or raised wrong and this griffon, who looks stunning, and that's coming from me, is asking that question. I went up to her and took the food and pans. She gave me a questioning look before I said something that bewildered her. "I'll cook, you sit at the table." "WHAT?!" She took the things back. "No don't trouble yourself. I'm sure you have a big hunt to attend or something." I took the stock back. "I insist that I cook." She took them back. "Guys shouldn't have to trouble themselves." She looked mildly nervous. I took the things back with a glare. "You need to calm down and I know the correct food to make for just that." She gave up and sat at the table as I got to work. Eggs were no issue as was meat but I was clueless on how to properly fry veggies so I put them in the pan first, starting with fine diced onions, diced mushrooms and some tomato. In a separate pan I cook up some ground beef and mixed in some chili spice, tomato juice and beans. The whole while, my host looked worried about something. Either I've broken the law, done something she doesn't like or she's depressed. One bit of this might bring a smile back to her face. One the tomato juice had lost most of its water, I added the veggies and got on the eggs. These were fairly big, bigger than farm foul, so I only used two and scrambled them in a bowl with some saved milk, pepper, salt and a little hot sauce. Once mixed well, in the hot pan they went and was cooked in a few minutes. I then lay them on a flat sheet and clean the pan before taking the meat and pouring it over the eggs and clean the pan. In the over the mix went and they were done. I didn't have any flat bread or cheese but it will do. After putting it into a bowl and serving it, she looked shocked before the smell hit her nostrils. "Oh, that smells good." She took a bit and she smiled with a child's glee as she almost wolfed down her food and presented the bowl with a wagging tail. "More, please." I gave her another serving and she ate it with more restraint, even giggling as she ate. After getting my serving, I start to eat. I know I said I would leave ASAP, but I shouldn't be an ungrateful guest. Soon there was a knock on the door and she flinched. "Robin Wind, open up!" She shook as the door was soon forced open. A classic griffon, Eagle and Lion, walked in with steel plated armor and he looked stern. "We got reports you forced a male to cook." "No. I tried to cook. Really I-" "Silence!" She flinced and her reaction struck a chord in me as I stood, the air around me turning cold from malice. "Are you the male she enslaved? You don't look griffon, not a pony either and definitely not a Minotaur." He sized me up and he was a whole head taller but he back away with fear. "You're right. I'm none of those." I walked toward him as he backed away from me, as did his guard. "I wasn't forced to cook, I volunteered. Any human worth their salt for survival provides for themselves and family, regardless of gender." "Human?" He noticed he was at the edge and was now visibly afraid. "And if you ever dis her because I cooked ever again, then you will be in my kitchen. Get me?" He nodded rapidly before flying off ahead of me telling him. I turned back and 'Robin Wind' was fluffed again. "Do you need to take care of your business?" She nodded before I stepped out of the door way and a hand caressed my front with her eyes filled with a range of feelings, the most prominent is a plea for relief as her body twitched in want. Saying yes would almost certainly guarantee a child and saying no would be rude though safe. So I made and picked door number three. "Either practice safety or you get nothing." She was quickly inside her house, putting on ointment and taking a pill. A bad move, since birth control takes twenty-four hours, but the ointment might help the safety. Within a few moments, I could smell that her body had almost completely ceased ovulation and she headed to the bathroom before coming back out, with an anxious look. "I'm ready, warrior." Warrior...? "Please human, grant me the honor of being laid by one of Equestria's greatest fighters, show me that you humans still have your spirit." Okay, there is either a cult or humans discovered dimensional travel while I lay dormant. "I've heard stories of a humans fighting spirit and combat prowess. Tales of their endurance against most activities and their," she held her hands to her womanhood with embarrassment, "high fertility." I was now interest in what humanity did while I was indisposed. "Please, satiate me, I can't bare this much longer." My eyes and body relaxed as I did as she asked. I teased her, pleased her and fulfilled her, as she cry in pleasure. I won't divulge details as this is her privacy I am speaking of but she thanked me for paying attention to her and I slept in another room, much to her charging, though she understood. That night, I slept with little interruption but one thing was on my mind, discovering how humanity came to this world and if it was on accident, or by purpose. The next morning, there were knocks on Robin's door and I was immediately thinking she had friends coming over. So I got dressed and answered the door to see a lot of griffins with some of them being children holding some parchment. This could be a while before I get some answers. Or this could be useful. //-------------------------------------------------------// Compromised //-------------------------------------------------------// Flight School Every griffon was at Robin's door to her house including children want an autograph from the human, me, who has come to visit them again. That threw me for a loop since I don't know how humanity crossed dimensions in my absence, or when. They crossed dimensions, end of story. So I took one of the chicks' parchment and I didn't have a name for myself. Often I was called Geno, Genocide Savior, War Wing and all other manner of things. This was like being reincarnated. Wait. Reincarnate. Incarnate. Carnate. Nathan Carnate. I wrote the name down and handed back the paper as children cheered. They didn't mind the dumb name, they just liked that a human signed it. But I intend to find out how humans got here. After scribbling down my on another parchment, the quill well worn and the ink almost completely used up, I went to Robin's room and saw her finishing getting ready, the shirt, thankfully, just past her breasts but her midriff was out and I had to fight a strong urge to poke it. Childish and sometimes wild impulses plague me and no amount of control will get rid of them but I do practice restraint, thankfully. "Um... hi." Embarrassment crossed her expression as she tried to hide her body. "So.... uh, you need something?" "When did the first humans come to this place?" She turned in shock. "I don't know how, or when, humans came upon inter-dimensional travel but I can say with relative certainty that they were no from my time." She had a questioned look. "What clothes did they wear? What armor and weapons did they possess? What was their religion at the time?" I was hitting her with so many questions that she soon put her hand to my mouth. "Sughhy." I was the embarrassed one now. I had a bad habit of asking too many questions. Happened the first time I came out of Cryosleep after the first Orgamech Genocide. I asked so many questions that they presented a disk with all of the information I needed for any changes in the law or if the mechs had evolved further than the last time I saw them. This, however, wasn't the same as there was no disk to help me understand what had changed so far and that there was no way to combat the Orgamechs as I am. This new restriction can be useful though as Orgamechs require iron particles to replicate, and without that I'd have nothing. This final change may be the key to take down the Orgamechs, if they're still around, if not dormant. "To start, humans visited earth around a thousand years ago, but it is said that a minority had gotten out of hand with their faiths, forcefully converting ponies or punishing them in horrid ways." Robin began her story briefly, sparing a few details for simplicity I imagine. "Males were castrated, females sterilized and don't get me started on the children." Solemn air took hold of her face. "Many ponies and griffons tried to help the humans, but too many circumstances led to many of both sides being silenced for her own gain. Princess Celestia." Sadness was very present on her now. "Princess Luna tried to fight back, even asking for aid of her darker side to gain the strength she needed but was banished in the end." She looked up with defiant sadness. "After that, Celestia had done away with them in a variety of ways for a number of reasons." She looked back down. "She's horrible." I was rather, harshly nonchalant about the tale. "So a princess named Sun in latin is butt hurt because humans were being humans and the world was changing, her world." I was not happy with stagnation and Robin looked offended. "Now granted I do not condone any action the humans took but it sounds like Celestia could've been a more grown diplomat about the situation but instead chose to assert her authority where it wasn't needed." She nodded with a bewildered gaze. "I'm surprised you're taking this well." I chuckled darkly, a startling action as it came without provocation and she shivered lightly, either from fear or a drop in cold that I might've missed. "Are you... okay?" I continued to chuckled darkly until I laughed, almost sadistically as she backed away further and stopped laughing so suddenly. "No, I am very much a pissed Orgamech, or human, your choice." She was thrown for a loop and her expression was word enough. "A princess who answered violence with violence, atrocity with atrocity." My voice was low, calming but hiding an urge to kill. "You don't answer blood with blood. It perpetuates a cycle that never stops until a child is forced to stop it, in which case the child is the winner and everyone else have lost." "Sounds like you witnessed a great war." I nodded and she calmed down, now that I wasn't doing anything too out of the ordinary. "Was it bad? The war, I mean." I looked at her with a solemn look of my own. "It was hell. Machines that bleed and humans turning into machines. Flesh and steel as one, a machine that was alive." I looked down and away. "No one should have to see that and I hope no one ever does." I started walking to the door. "Where are you going?" She asked, taking my hand. "With any fortune and effort on my part, forward." Before I took another step, she turned me around and nuzzled her forehead into my neck. "Just be careful, and please come back safe." Her words were laced with worry and concern as if I were leaving her forever and all we did was 'business' last night. I guess I struck a chord in her. She kept the hug a bit longer before letting me go. I was off and on my way to the dense foliage but there was an instant problem. I am in a valley of griffons, with houses that are build into the rock face as a support system. I can jump, but I can't fly and unless there is a murder happy griffon here that the town want to get rid of or wanted punished for his crimes, I am not killing innocent bystanders. This is, however, the perfect time for a combo of abilities and tools I've already gained to act as repel gear. My legs gained the developed muscles like that of the cricket with the Soldier Army Ant's hooked mandibles coming from my wrists to act as grapples, usable with the spider's reflex to safely and swiftly reach the ground. Jumping off to reach the ground, I rebound and swing safely to the bottom of the valley, like a Toa of Bionicle. Griffons who saw me safely traverse to the ground came to me for a story of how I did that, from smiling children to boys and girls gushing over the simple things so I had to get out. Using the valley's walls aided me in reaching the forest close by and here is where the air was fresh, alive and wrought with survival. Bugs of every nature spearing, clawing and eating at their fresh catch as more beastly creatures chase down, tackle and devour their prey. One creature, a raptor, took a flight at me as I joined the fun, devouring the avian and gaining wings and talons from it as my small grant for survival. This forest is perfect for me to live in and a prolonged stay might just make it the house and teacher I need to avoid the Sun Princess of butt hurt. All that is left to do is see how long it'll be before I'm visited by the realtors. Until then, it was time to decorate a place to live so it's time to hunt for living space. //-------------------------------------------------------// Heated Relations //-------------------------------------------------------// Everfree Perspective: Nathan The forest was so dangerous, yet so beautiful. It had bugs of various makes and creatures found only in mythology. If god is real then this place is heaven, or hell. Beetles, spiders and hornets, oh my. This place is just like home, dangerous and well round with peace and order teaming with chaos and balance with no one species able to completely destroy another. Trees housing ants, hornets and spiders, burrows with more ancient arachnids that rely on ambush tactics and tree branches housing colonies of bug. The mammals were no different living within the trees, beneath the soil or hidden by rock as they ate their respective prey. Here, the air, while foul with death, was also fresh and clean as some insects never crossed paths as well as mammals and avians, reptiles and amphibians. During these moments, the air was still and relaxing. My point was made as a snapping turtle passed me by without any aggression since I wasn't disturbing it. I did think of the shell on its back and figured I needed the armor so I weighed my options on what animal to use. Insects have durable carapace while a tortuous has the best shell and crabs with the best chitin. It comes down to the need vs the demand in the end as nothing is going to outright kill me but it's better to have a weapon until I need a shield. Looking around for a suitable weapon, I found the perfect bug for just that: The Moss Mantis. It's shell has a construction that diffuses the silhouette and makes it look like moss. The only reason I saw it was because of it's prey. Once it was done, I grabbed it, processing the creature as my arms gained the spiny sickles and my head was adorned with three extra eyes at the crown and two more in the form of horns. This formation was astounding as I could see 360 degrees around me with no issues with a few blind spots. This would be more than enough for now but I would need a reason to stay since it is a dangerous place on its own and no offence is just as bad as a poor defense. Finding any semblance of a crab here will be a bad search though as crabs require water and I'd need a pond or something, of which there may not be in the forest. It would be advantageous though as crabs have sharp tips for feet and huge claws that act like scissors and an impressive regeneration ability that lets them regrow entire limbs. That will have to wait for now. As I explore the forest, I head deeper in and find a castle that appeared to have suffered fairly recent damages and the bridge was out so I jumped the gorge and headed inside. The interior was just as damaged as the exterior from a fight and time since no one was here to take care of it. Carpets were tattered, drapes were coming undone, left over armor was rusty and many of the hallways looked too unstable to consider passage. All in all, this place was a war zone at one point and it shows from the wear. This place has so much scarring and fracture that I don't think it can be fixed. So this can't be used as any base of operations and may hold something that I should not mess with. So after leaving the structure, I needed to find a cave, without a tenet, and make that my home until something comes along, in which case I will then act like a predator. Perspective: Celestia The Everfree has been quiet in recent days. For years after I had banished my sister, our magic had mixed with the forest, causing it to come to life, with some of the animals wandering close to the edge, only to be kept at bay. Now there are almost no reports of any of the Everfree's creatures encroaching on the border, almost as if magic were at play. I would say it is the human, since my guard had not found him yet but even I know it can not move that quickly, so it might be one of the creatures. I instructed a guard to investigate the matter and he hasn't come back since. I grow worried that my little pony might have encountered a dangerous situation and is in peril. The creatures in the forest are no natural anymore and may possess any number of odd traits from abnormal size to mutations that are not normal by any means like wings on a spider or bulky armor on a fly. Anything is possible with residual magic, but the other possibility is that the forest was given its own life force from the fight and has started to take its affect on the animals. I did, recently, find a spider with claws and armor and legs that looked crooked along with a 'tail' coming out of its abdomen. I was so shocked by this that I ran immediately with a terrified look. A normal spider is creepy enough and that thing was a nightmare. It looked so wrong that I did not want to set foot in that forest again. It scares me sometimes, with the only safe place there being the old castle. It reminds me of my past though and so I want no part of it. Before I could ponder any further, the guard I had sent out barged in, armor ripped or missing, claw marks on the body with minor scratches on the face. His face was fine but his eyes were blank as he spoke. "Beware. Beware the Everfree Thing. Beware the Everfree Thing." The other guards escorted him to the medical wing as the one who came in repeated the phrase as a warning or a chant. Whatever happened to him was no accident. This 'Everfree Thing' just attacked one of my guard though without knowing what it was, or who, taking action now would be a mistake. For now I will have to wait, but one thing is for certain, this 'thing' is dangerous to my little ponies. Visiting the guard, he kept going on about the 'Everfree Thing' and it was apparent that he was scarred for life. The cuts looked vicious but the doctors said only a blade could do this, but there was some tearing as well, as if the blade were serrated, a practice I had banned among the blacksmiths of Equestria for its unethical savagery. They even claimed that rubbing fat on it and sparking the blade would be beneficial in sword play or as a gimmick but they were hiding darker intentions from me so the ones who didn't abandon the practice were cast out for their insubordination and lack of respect to the crown. I know they conspire against me but I will not buckle to their will. I have a kingdom to protect and they will not stop me from doing that. My first priority is to find this 'Everfree Thing' and stop it from hurting anymore of my little ponies or there will be panic among the kingdom. Though sending more guards is a waste of time, I feel that sending one of the older and more trained Guards Mares would be better suiting since they have gone through more missions than the males. I really should bump up the training a bit. I called Honed Iron to the throne room and gave her the mission of searching out the 'Everfree Thing' and to document and report back or capture and kill. Her results would be the safety of Equestria and those orders were taken with a solute as she left the throne room. I can only hope that she makes it back. For now, I have to deal with court. Perspective: Honed Iron My princess is worried for nothing. Many of the creatures these ponies claim to see are big because we start so small as foals. I think it may be no bigger than a stallion and a twig compared to me. If any creature can best me, it'd be a hydra as they regrow two heads for every one that is lost. They are the most ferocious creature but not the brightest as the multiple heads have to share a body and that can breed some conflict if enough heads form. Then there's a manticore, which can be quite deadly with its stinger and wings granting it range and speed. *Howl* And then there were timber wolves. Nasty creatures. Most animals here stay away from them. They are connected to the forest and hunt down what they see without rest. The sound told me they weren't too close, but that could change quickly. That reminds me, we never asked the guard what the 'Everfree thing' looks like. So I'm hunting... nothing? ............... I'M A BUCKING IDIOT! I immediately turn around, stomping my way home with shame... and immediately regretted it. The nearby Timberwolves had heard my stomping around and came after me. I run and they pursue, I duck and weave, they maneuver and navigate. This was their turf and I was able to keep them away with my staff but one of them clipped my leg as I tripped, blood spilling from the open wound like warm water on a hot summer day. The pain was like alcohol on a paper cut without pain killers to null the pain from the intensity of the stinging burn I was feeling. I look up and the wolves are closing in. I go for my staff to keep them away, batting one in the face and jabbing another one through. I kept them off successfully before one of them ran head first into the staff, using it's body weight to knock it out of my hands. They encroached on me, slowly stepping to me, teeth barred and and dripping with sap as their version of saliva. I started to back away, afraid of these things with reminded vigor as they continued to stalk me before a deep and savage howl echoed through the air and the wolves looked visibly terrified as they ran, with only one staying, possibly from false courage as it looked back at me before looking up briefly and running away. I look back to see six glowing eyes approach as I see a lupine shaped beast with a head supporting those six same eyes, closing off four of them so as to give the sense of peace. I walked up next to me and lowered down, gesturing to its back. What was this creature? Why did it save me? Is it of the Everfree? These questions got not answer as it hauled me onto its back and ran, fast, forcing me to grab onto something as it was running straight to Canterlot, following the trails loosely as it headed for the capital. We made the trip in less time than it takes to travel by chariot before it stopped out side of town. Lowering me next to a tree, I breathed in a huge serving of air before a deep howl was sent to Canterlot's direction. It wasn't loud or gravelly but resonant as the howl didn't damage or harm my hearing, but it did mess with my sight a little, nothing too bad. It ran off, with even more speed than I knew it had, as guards came and saw my condition. "Ma'am! What happened?!" I looked down, pondering what that thing was before looking back up. "I believe I have met the 'Everfree Thing'." Was all I said before giving my report to the princess. Perspective: Everfree Thing That will keep them off my back for sometime, just so long as I remember to use this form when interacting with them. I doubt they forgot about the night I was released, but I will make it the day I was reborn as well. //-------------------------------------------------------// Sterile Efforts //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note I decided to branch the story with one additional character, maybe a second in the future for this story to keep any one character from being a total Gary Stu. I wanted to give Carnate a plausible weakness that he would protect to ensure his overall survival but still at risk of death because of it. Hope you like the pitch and I hope to see some comments about it. See you next time. Manifest Perspective: Carnate Roughly two years have passed since I've been awake and whoever is in charge of this nation is getting dangerously close to me. Using search and scout teams to get closer and closer to discovering who or even what I am. I've tried living anywhere else but the air doesn't feel as alive as here. So I am left with a few options. First is to fight back, but a lot of innocents would be sent to there death. Second, I could hide among them but I would need a convincing history and I'm quite positive they are not dense. Third is to lay low for a bit but that may only work for so long. The final option is to do something completely out of the realm of science and into science fiction or fantasy. I can expel my 'heart' to further my own survival but such a thing may require a manner of castle. The second option would be to crystallize most of my being and form it into a jewel, like a core. The problem with that is that if it ever breaks at any point I would die. To counter this, my 'heart' would take on a physical manifestation while my 'soul' took on a property where, while small, it can protect my heart. Heading into my cave, I began to produce flesh to expel my heart while crystallizing my emissions, which may be part of a soul, into a jewel that the heart can hold for protection. Days passed, and the teams were getting closer to me, while in my more vulnerable state. The heart was finished but the soul was still forming. This could not be any worse. Thankfully my heart had a consciousness of its own and used the remaining flesh to make the canine body I use and commanded it to leave. There wasn't much, making look starved and the guard ran after it. I looked at my heart and it had taken on the form of an adolescent child with a curious expression before something I wasn't counting on happened. "Why?" I looked confused as it spoke again. "Why make me?" "I wanted to preserve my existence and doing so require me to separate myself." The crystal was done forming as I cast it in metal and gave it to the Heart. "This will protect you from outside harm." The Heart took the necklace and still wondered. "As I grow in power, so will that gem. You will need to discover your own strength." The Heart had a stern look as I backed away before it softened, allowing me to relax. "I will need a weapon." I wasn't even thinking about that but I'm glad he brought it up. Forming a Scythe with some mechanical workings where the blade could flip into a spear. The Heart took it without a fuss but he needed a name. "Rinta, will be my name." "It has no meaning." I realized what I said before he smiled. "It doesn't need one. I just wanted a name." I smiled at his reason as he returned the gesture, walking out of the cave with his weapon. This gave me time to amass power within the forest as I fought and hunted all manner of creatures, but with nothing left, I needed a plan B. I would need a combination of animals in one body. Casting an alluring pheromone on the cave, bugs and vermin of all kinds came in and started to fight. I sealed off the cave and waited on a nearby summit. The gas had some of me in it, allowing the bugs to merge and grow into different, stronger beings. Finding these bugs would have taken too much time. This helps me, greatly. Days passed as more bugs were able to slip in but that would mean nothing. Soon the gas was attracting stronger creatures of a more supernatural nature, such as wolves made from the forest foliage or vengeful spirits possessing the bodies of corpses. I was impatient but the stronger the better. I'm glad the cave was so big to begin with, allowing for the fights to go on almost indefinitely. Days passed and the fights proceeded with almost no end until I felt a presence come along. I hid. It felt powerful, too powerful for me to take on. I remained still and saw a white girl with equality white feathers hover above the mountain. The smell must've grown putrid over time as she held her.... muzzle? I know I saw that right. That woman has a muzzle and hooves. She started to cast spells, hoping to dispel what I had started, which would help me. She purified the air within and above the cave as the monster was released. I revealed myself and let it strike me as my body started to absorb the beast. I massive combination of this forests potentially worst creatures. My spirit grew in strength as I, myself, felt nothing that could be deemed spiritual, meaning the jewel is absorbing the supernatural energies I take in while I get the more physical powers. Retaining a more tame version of the beast's face, I looked at the woman and turned into the canine form before running off. She was hot on me heels as I used the forest to try and out maneuver her, ducking under branches and roots, weaving left and right as I was slowly losing her. Eventually I hid, turning my skin to resemble fallen leaves and moss as she got to my area. She looked over, lighting her her, presumably to find me and groaned, telling me she failed as she flew away. Not even ten years have passed and this woman, who I assume to be the ruler, had almost found me out. If I was going to make It here I will need a disguise suitable for this world to believe. That woman's form suggested royalty so perhaps an image like that may help me avoid questioning for a while. Doing so now, however, would be to abrupt. I'll need to lay so low that worm could crawl past me before trying to establish a disguise. So, for now, I wait. Elsewhere with Rinta He was traveling outside of Equestria's borders. A timberwolf saw to that swiftly enough, as he was in griffon territory withing moments. How did he know? He met the welcoming committee and won with only his scythe, though the jewel was supplying knowledge on how to fight and what was happening, mentally. The griffons did not like that a young, monkey looking creature had bested them in combat. This felt like a disgrace to their pride. "I'd like to see your king." His straight forward demand was almost insulting as they got visibly angry before taking this child to their king. Perspective: Rinta I was escorted to the capital of the griffon race and the second I entered, every single griffon was eyeing my weapon and the jewel, trying to buy them off me. The jewel expressed zero desire to being taken and my weapon was not for sell. I expressed that myself. Still, can't blame them for trying, but it is a problem if your economy is so bad you are buying from strangers. The guards soon got me to the castle as they looked at me with more pity than they did anger. "Sorry. Our finances are not what they used to be." I already had an idea or two on how to fix this but it would have to wait as I met with the king. The door to the throne room opened and it was quite cozy and modest, meant for a small court with a griffon sitting at the front. He was aged and had sustained serious injury to his eye and some scars to his arm but was overall okay. "What is the meaning of this?" He asked calmly, addressing about me, more irritated than raciest. "I am trying to address the finance issue and you bring a child here?" "My king, he requested to see you." One of the guard spoke up. "Well he can wait." I saw him working as he looked worried and irritated. The guard tried to escort me out until I spoke up. "Why not propose a tax plan?" He looked up and called his guard off me, allowing me the chance to speak. "From the sound of it, the poor and the rich are likely suffering." "Indeed." He replied. "The poor can't pay their taxes and the rich have more money than they know what to do with." "Why not set a base line for how much anyone is allowed to have and increase taxes based on the records and their spending records, setting a budget that must be followed." He looked saddened. "We tried that." He said. "We don't know where the bottom line is." "Well it's not zero." He looked up. Just go through the spending and banking records and tax the rich higher prices on their returns, this gives money back to the classes below them and attains a stability that you can make law." He looked intrigued before getting stern. "And how do you know this will work?" 'If you only knew' "I don't, but it's better to show effort and fail than do nothing and nothing get better." He looked real cross. "I will take full responsibility for your citizens if anything happens." "You better." Rinta was scared of what he proposed as the griffin king wrote a paper. He hoped that it worked to help the kingdom, because for his sake, it better work or he'll have to run, fight or hide. //-------------------------------------------------------// Night and Day //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note I'm proud of this story. I'll be branching the two characters with several chapters to keep the story going. Next chapter will have Celestia and Nightmare Moon and their thoughts on Nathan. Also I'm throwing in a few references here and there that are a bit obscure. They will be marked with stars* to let you know it is a reference to something or someone. Take any guess you want or as many but keep it in the same comment so it is manageable. There are no winners since this is just for fun. Have fun and have a good read. Progress is made Perspective: Rinta I sat in the court room, nervous. A few days had passed since I proposed that tax plan where the richer classes had to pay larger taxes as a means of circulating the currency where it had more strength. In hindsight I should have kept my mouth shut so I wouldn't be here. So I wait for the king as the silence is so fragile, yet so present, a shuffle could break it, the air so still that moving would draw all attention to me from the outside and my nervous so shaky it felt like I was trembling from a cold snap. I didn't know what was going to happen but the Jewel told me to remain calm. I was going to question why until the door opened, making me jump. The king had a sneering expression and my confidence up to this point broke as I shook a little. He walked with strong authority, taking light steps before sitting in his chair. He put his hands under his beak, like a government dictator before looking my way. "Young man," I locked up before he boomed with happiness, "YOU ARE A GENIUS!" I jumped. "The nobles were not happy about the change, but it has helped my kingdom greatly." He started to explain. "The working class can keep up with property costs and tax, the lower classes can get jobs or better jobs and all you did was propose the rich abide the law. It was more full proof than I first thought." He gave me a crushing hug before letting go for me to breathe. "You have done my kingdom a great service and we are in your dept. If you should ever need anything, please do not hesitate to ask." I nod with a smile and turn to the others before frowning. "Does something trouble you?" One of them asked. "Whether you believe me or not... I will out live you, your children, their children and so one." They looked skeptical. "But that is for the reason that I am part of an otherwise immortal being, connected to him. As long as he lives, so will I." They looked insulted. "We need proof this being exists." One said sternly. "Wait." Another spoke up. "I thought you looked familiar, and now I know why." I looked confused. "Hairless body, upright stance like us and the ponies but no animal features." I was confused by his deduction until he said it. "You're a human." The griffons in the room looked at me in shock before suddenly bowing. "Whoa, what." This action caught me off guard. Suddenly I was the one it charge and it made me uncomfortable. "You humans were wronged by her." The king said. "She said you were monsters when you are really warriors, wielding iron and brass against her for her subjugation of your kind, and all for the actions of a few extremists who want to rule with hatred rather than accept humility and honor others." His words - humanity - meant something to him, and the griffons from the sound of it. "Let us protect you, human. Let my people help you in your time of need." I was shocked before smiling, closing my eyes. "If I always rely on something, if I'm controlled to gain strength from fear, then I'll have gained nothing." Without knowing it, my body was releasing a prism of light. "I'll show you and this world my strength in weakness, the determination of the weak." I opened my eyes and saw the lights before they died down. "What was-" "Warrior!" One of them, a general by his armor, rose up suddenly. "Let me serve under you and pledge my life to your army!" That threw the whole room off kilter. "Let me be your sword and shield against the propaganda against you and your race." He was freaking me out before someone hit him with a pan and had an apologetic look. "Sorry. We didn't know he would act like this." I raised my hands as if it were a gesture of forgiveness. They dragged him out of the court room as the proceedsings they had planned started and ended with no issues. Soon I was out in they town, getting 'Hello's from the working class and sneers from the upper class. Fuck them too. I don't need their sass. They wanted to be hoarders and pack rats and this is there punishment. Someone spoke up, took a stance and won. So they can SUCK ON MY BALLS*. The girls were rather... flashy with their approval of me. Some were flashing their wings, which was confusing, while others flashed their breasts or their ass. A more human action that I'm sure they learned and it was making my biology react with the poetry and call of nature's sweet embrace*. Putting that in the mental trash bin, I walked through the rest of this grand kingdom before some griffon stop me. "You costed us everything you twerp." Oh great, whiners. "We had the good life until you came in and ruined it." And cue the monologue. "We had the money to buy whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted and you came in and ruined it." The griffin tapped his claws and more came out. Good thing I was armed. One of them rushed me before I hooked the pommel of the staff to his foot and threw him to the ground before blocking the blade of another and disarming him with a hard swing away from the claws. I looked back to see a sword coming down and panicked. Thoughts were going through my head such as how this would be the end, how my days could've been spent with a girl I loved and why it couldn't be a better day than this to die. Something happened when I felt the need to block the sword and it was as it bounced off of a flash of color. and my instinct took the chance to slash at the assailant, the blade covered in bright green light*. I didn't focus on my weapon for to long as a blade came at me and the same barrier blocked it before slashing the weapon, cutting it to the guard. This fight was tipped in my favor but I still had to think weak to do these actions. Weakness can be strength if done right and this fight showed it as the griffins were disarmed soon and the 'formally rich' nobles looked on in shock. I looked at them with a predators intent and started walking to them. "Daddy!" Three annoyed voices snapped me out of it as my powers faded and I looked to see three griffin females looking at there dads - I think - with annoyance. One guard took a swing at me before his blade vanished down to the guard and the girls gasps, drawing my attention to them as three roses were made out of seemingly nowhere. Their body language soften before it went stern again as they looked at their dads. "You said that everything was okay and we see you picking a fight with a kid who didn't do anything directly!" "Sweety, he took your papa's money, the thing he uses to make you happy." He said, making me feel guilty now. "Yeah? Well spending money for me and not hanging out or spending time with me don't make you a dad!" Ouch. Now I feel bad for the dad. "You spend money on me or give it to me to entertain myself." "Same with us." One of the other girls said. "We like nice things but our dads are not there. It makes it feel like a bribe more than a gift." One of the approached me. "Sorry for our dads. They can be jerks when money is involved." I had a stupid face. "It's cool. Not everyday I get to see such rebellious girls of rich dads." Truth be told it's my first time seeing this, but they didn't need to know that. "Hey," Opened my eyes and they gave me that lustful gaze. "you're that human right?" I froze. "I think he is." One of the girls said with equal lust. "Maybe he can make us mommies to make up for our papas' bad behavior." I ran without thinking about it. I felt really uncomfortable and I could feel their horny gazes while the Jewel seemed to laugh. Why Nathan? Why did you make me like this? Perspective: Nathan I sneezed out of no where and remembered a superstition from the net that I saw on my third awakening. I had a feeling Rinta was talking about me. I pushed that aside and was waiting outside of a hole I had made. It had the purpose of drawing powerful creatures with an aphrodisiac type miasma. Weaker creatures would be killed from shock if they landed in the fluids. Stronger creatures would fight and fight and continue fighting until only one remain. This smell would not cause an immediate alarm like last time and the area is not being as immediately disturbed so this will go without a hitch. Thankfully the counterfeit jewel I put together would absorb spirit power to transmit to the real one. A little cheap, but I was not going to take any chances on me getting any form of spirit power. I need to remain undetected. 'Wait. Undetec-' God damn it! I forgot to make a gem to mask the jewel's power AND hid my heart. I needed to fix this immediately. The miasma had drawn in the strongest creatures in the area and the spirit types would be one of them. Once absorbed by the counterfeit, it will be neutralized of emotion, leaving unfiltered power to transmit to the Jewel and strengthen it, while I get the body of the still living beast. If the seal wasn't broken on one day, I would come back the next and wait, keeping the air from reaching that woman again like it did last time. Taking a precaution, I had the idea of making a gem that would neutralize the presence of smell, sound, sight and taste of the creature in question. The only problem is making the correct neutralizer in crystal or solid form. It would take the time, trial and error that I do not have to make one, so strength was the highest priority for now. Days pass and the beasts were still fighting. From the sound alone, one beast had been fighting non-stop the whole time, even wrestling with the spirit types. If I had to guess, a material monster and a spirit beast were brawling in there for supremacy. I had to end this. Arming a bow with an arrow I had purified, thanks to the wisdom of passing shaman, I fired the arrow just above the opening, breaking the seal on purpose as the two are set free. The beast came at me, with a body that made it look like one of Earth's darkest nightmares while the spirit tried to flee. I threw the gem at it and started absorbing the beast the moment it struck me.My body took on most of its traits before returning to a more human form and the gem had finished neutralizing the spirit, as the gem glow a flaming blue aura. Holding it up, the lion share of its power was shot to the Jewel, leaving the gem as nothing but a dim light. I felt accomplished but I had to hurry and get more power, but if I keep it up here, the forest will be as dead and stale as the rest of the land. Well not dead just... controlled. With that in mind, I decided to leave, producing a white gas under me and flying off, as if being carried by a nimbus cloud. The land below me was as vast as can be. And without knowing where to start, I look dawn and make an atlas in my head, points A and B and that would be it. I did take notice of a range of mountains past the largest den within the range. I flew over to check it out and found almost no signs of life, but less is better as the most adaptable of creature can survive on the most bare minimum supply of food but attack it with a ravenous hunger out of survival. This will be perfect for later. I did, however, take notice of a city built into a mountain side, which would be an architects worse nightmare come true. Hopefully they pass of my smoke as clouds, which are just as harmless, and won't come to this area for a while. Looking around, I saw many animals, but nothing in abundance, which would damage the already delicate ecosystem. So I moved on to something more abundant. Traveling further East North-East, I came across another massive forest and set down before missing a massive claw from a ruthless dog-like monstrosity before a wicked grin came to my face. Where ever this was, it was even more dangerous than the other forest. This was going to be a delightful stay. //-------------------------------------------------------// Peace and War //-------------------------------------------------------// Poison Perspective: Nathan The beasts here were awesome. Many possessed powerful appendages like mandibles on their arms or strange forms that looked awesome to me, and likely terrifying to sunbutt. But there was a constant problem. No matter what I took in, I would need more to become stronger. This endless cycle would only repeat indefinitely unless I took a different approach, especial with these beasts yielding almost nothing of significant improvement anymore. The list is as follows: Poison Claws Fangs Mandibles Stingers Wings Shapeshifting The list goes on and nothing is getting better. I needed a way to improve and gain strength by experience but doing so would require me to be a god but that creates the problem of me being unable to interact of it's spiritual. So I needed something, possibly from myself. 'Myself....' I had a plan. Much like Spider-man's ultimate incarnation, I would take some blood, if I can, and isolate the worst traits for the purpose of amplifying my abilities. Doing so may yielded the same black symbiote that I could use to my benefit, but as it is now, it would possibly be too weak. I would need time to find better or more adaptable versions. For now, I needed to get some old power back. Using my flesh as an iron substitute for what Organites were left, I had made a fabricator and lab in the cave I had found and started working. Taking some simple flesh and subjecting it to subsonic frequencies, the flesh turn black, almost as predicted, and started to test the symbiote against my cells in a controlled environment. The results were.... unfavorable in some way as the control sample of the symbiote bound with the sample and took control. I fought back successfully, but not without injury. Absorbing it now would be suicide and I would need to destroy the current sample. So I started to experiment with one control sample after another, using the organites that successfully replicated to keep it subdued and under control. But it wouldn't last long, as the symbiote was eating the organites to escape. It wasn't doing it so quickly, at first, but then it was covering and devouring them, soon a new containment measure was needed. I screamed in frustration as a result and it was subdued almost instantly for a few moments. The organites responded to a mental command and made a speaker at either end of the cylinder and played a high frequency pitch for half a second a twelve second intervals. Giving me time to work as I was experimenting with the samples. Trial and error paved my days and nothing was working, not even the counter symbiote. It wasn't rebellious, but I can't bind with me and I can't absorb it. That left me with the original and controlling it would be near impossible. So I let it out and it bound with me, trying to take over as I fought it off. Being that it was made of me, it would stand to reason it can absorb me, and likely take over. This left one option. I gabbed the gem as the symbiote and I seemed to enter it, within was an endless void where I tried to fight the symbiote with my own mass. It got me down to my head, where the bulk of my consciousness reside as I attempted a final effort. I dispersed my consciousness within the gem as a way to take over the symbiote. It worked, but the gem became useless to me. While to would grant, what the ponies would consider, god-like abilities, the creature within the gem would be in complete control. Dubbing it the gem of shadows, I chucked the jewel as far as I could in a random direction with as much of my new strength as I could. Left with my thoughts I looked at the Counter Symbiote and thought it was entirely useless until two things came to mind. The weapon I made was a gamble at this point but the counter symbiote could help in that regard. If not, then I can bind and destroy the weapon. Perspective: Rinta I continued to travel the country as I met another race, the Minotaur. The males and females were different from each other in many ways. The females resembled humans a bit more overall while the males were accurate the their mythos counterpart with a few having shaved their chests to apply strange markings. They made and wield large weapons from what they call daggers to what they consider as a proper mace and Great Sword. The women were nice about my size given my age, some were worried and the guys were being guys. The king and queen were open to other races, save for the ponies, and equality accepting to him. "Is there anything you require young man?" The king asked in a voice that rumbled his voice. "There is nothing I-" I felt my weapon's life force fade. It died. Something happened with Nathan and it made me panic visibly with my facial expression. "Are you well young one?" The queen asked, moving from her throne to him in worry. 'I'm not dead but the weapon has gone dark, lifeless. Something happened to Nathan or he did something and it reflects in his weapon. Whatever happened, I need to arm myself once again. A small weakness so I'll need a proper arm.' The queen's shaking stirred him. "Huh?" He looked to see she had a worried expression. "Sorry." He looked to his weapon, as did they. "My weapon was made from something that recently lost its will." The king looked interested. "I fear that now it will break if struck hard enough or with enough force" "You prefer a staff?" The king asked. "Any weapon will do, I just need it to be where it will be within my reach, ready to use at all times." The king was soon deep in thought, his eyes wandering the throne room, which was a huge step up in space compared to the griffins, as it was hug, but the king spotted and focused on one of the many types of axes and then back at the young boy. "Young man," Rinta looked with attention, "how do you feel to an ax?" "An ax?" Now Rinta was in though as his jewel glowed. It stopped glowing soon, as he looked up. "A weapon is fine but can you make a collapsible shield?" The king looked shocked, even bewildered. "We have neither the experience nor the materials to make a shield like that, much less a strong one." The king looked in thought. "Though we can enchant a weapon to return to you upon its beckoning during the forging process. We just need time to do so. We'll even experiment with shield designs until your request is met." I nodded. "Then will you stay and be our guest* in our humble kingdom?" "I'd love to, maybe even compete in a competition or two." I said excitedly. My favorite was Ax throwing, a viking and Norse pass time. Strangely enough, the Minotaur is a greek creature, yet they dress like the vikings and experiment with weaponry like them too, similar to Dwarfs from Norse mythology and how they took the otherwise most unconventional thing and made it into a masterpiece. The ax would be a stretch but the shield - I can tell - would be a problem for them. Jewel, as I call it, had acted weird though, saying the staff was fine when it wasn't. Not sure if he was trying to comfort me but his tone suggested he wasn't, telling me he was either not happy with this place or something more sinister. Before I could rest on that, some of the children asked me for a game of Ax Throw. Much like the name suggests, you throw an Ax but the objective is to hit a marked tree, on the mark from a line that determines your rank. The further back you throw from, the higher you can rank, but it's part of a test and the overall grade determines your rank, granting a sense of accomplishment and humbleness. The child version uses a tree meant to be cut down and the objective is for your throw to be the one to cut it, which encourages teamwork with a small side of bragging rights. My turn was first and I didn't want to show them up but Jewel was persistently insistent, saying they would bow to my strength, just like the griffons. That worried me a little so I tried something. I took the ax, pretending to struggle before whiling around and launching it. It cut deep, but I made it look like I had a hard time. Jewel made a reaction that sent a chill down my spine, like a warning to something dark and unforgiving. The children saw me shake and a young girl placed her hand on my head. Very inaccurate, but sweet. We got back to the game an I did win, but the boys were cooler with it than I first thought they would be, shaking my hand and even giving me some praise. They soon had to leave but one came back, a young girl who asked her mom if she could show me around. She agreed, but she was going to follow. I know how mothers can be. I have one in a cave. Okay, bad joke, but it was funny to me. So, the young girl showed me around the shops, from livestock to harvesting and weapons to decorations, including jewelry. Jewel scoffed at them with disgust, and I was thinking he was going through a sudden change from Nathan sending that last transfer. The gem may rid almost all of the emotions and will of spirit type monster, but it would have its effects. I just hope I won't have to argue with him. I looked at the weapons again when a thought crossed my mind. 'Why am I not dead?' I know that's dark but my last weapon 'died' after Nathan's will or body perished. While that should not be possible, it does raise the question if his old body expired and he's using a new one. That reminded me that I was his heart, making him the mind and both are needed of one another so that did, theoretically, put me in the safe zone but there may still be holes in the theory that I wasn't seeing. While in my state of contemplation, the young girl got my attention by poking - sorry - booping my nose. It caught me off guard but it was strangely relaxing so I couldn't get upset at her, and why would I even get upset at that cute face. Edge lords, meet the first 'Squish Lord' and bow before her. Okay, enough fun. Her family wanted to feed me when the Jewel made a dark comment about having them for a meal instead. That comment got me a little worried as I made a mental note to see Nathan about Jewel ASAP. Dinner was excellent and the daughter desperately wanted me to stay the night and I smiled cutely at her demand. So, being a sucker for the cute, thank you Nathan, I slept in her room. But not in her bed you creepy/misunderstanding fucks. After getting up for breakfast - turns out Hoecakes are a thing - I was escorted by the child, Dixie soft horn - cute name -, even more, with some restrictions to a few areas. Though after seeing a guards face and running off to possibly the king, I had a feeling the wedding contracts were coming in once word gets out. 'Fantastic. And Dixie is going to get stupidly shy about me and either ask for my hand or the rich pricks are going to make her back off. I stay in town since I need my new gear and leaving now would prove hazardous. "HUMAN!" Knew it. Here comes the king, a very happy king that a human has visited his kingdom. "Human, why did you not say anything sooner? Your weapon shall be completed post-" I put my finger to his muzzle. "Haste in forge breeds impurity in battle. Take the time necessary to finish the tools of war. Do not rush their creation." He was ready to say something until I raised an eyebrow. Apparently, even children of humanity were capable warriors. Not surprising given that many cultures were deemed savage by one thing or another, and training children to fight was one of those savage acts. "Do not do me any favors. I was here for a simple visit, staying for a weapon and meeting with your subjects. I'm not looking for wedding rings." The king look shocked while the queen looked a little smug with her husband. Guess she has a daughter I just saved from embarrassment. Night had come again and Dixie was even more nervous. I asked her what was wrong and she would not answer. She was whimpering and it scared me that she might be sick. I went to check and saw the reason before heading back to bed in shock and surprise. I guess the Minotaur race is more open about that subject then humanity. We could learn a lot from them. If her friends knew, then they are some really good friends to have. Jewel had remained silent that day, uttering not a word to anything, which either meant everything was alright or something was wrong. Regardless, the Minotaur had finished the weapon but sent the shield first. It looked like a regular bracer before extending into a full size round shield. It was quite light for something that looked flimsy as it took the beating of a thrown boulder by Minotaur to test its defense. I was quite happy with there work, even openly complimenting them.The next was the weapon, so that if I didn't like it, I could use the shield at least. What they brought was an ax that looked ornate and meant for abuse. Steel and bronze making up many of the details with a hooked pommel resting at the throat, or bottom, of the handle. The belly has cord over top in a patter along it for grip with a reinforced shoulder for durability. The ax was double bit with one bit being far small, yet no duller, than the other for a minor offense perk while the cheeks were close together on the primary side with an in curved toe, pronounced heel and large/wide beard. All of the terms are strange but you can tell that to the Minotaur that are the loggers of this town. After reviving the weapon of their creation, I gave it a test. Drop the 'weak child' script, I chucked the blade as hard as I could and heard the contact of rock before summoning it. It flew to my hand and there was little abrasion from the stone contact. This will work nicely. Author's Note How's the story so far. Should I change up something before going too far. Leave it in the comments. Also, I may not be on here for a few weeks, so if I get internet I'll use it, if not I'll see you lot next time. //-------------------------------------------------------// Spoils of History //-------------------------------------------------------// Announcement So.... I need the comments to tell me if this story is good or not. Yes there are grammar hiccups but I would like to know how the overall story is holding itself and repair where it needs it. So leave comments, help others enjoy this story, ask questions if you have any and don't be afraid to predict what I may do so you can have some fun. So I'll settle with the current chapters unless you readers want more. Until then, enjoy the story and I will see you all next chapter. //-------------------------------------------------------// Poison //-------------------------------------------------------// Update I did a mass update of earlier chapters to keep Geno as minimally involved as possible until season two, five or later. The reason being I need Geno to be more of a proper deity that watches more than acts and acts with power absolute. Also I will be nixing Hasbro's villain reform post-Rainbow Rocks as they were doing it wrong, rushing it and not teaching the harshest and most valuable lesson in friendship. You can't have any friendship based on redemption and that some friends are toxic. Friendship must be earned by effort, not given by pity and some people don't want friends of their own or are possessive. Griffon The Brush-off explains that very well in that its hard to let go of a long time friend but it's better to let go of one friend than lose all of your friends. Forgive me if that is harsh but it is the truth.