Empress Zafel stared in mute horror at the mutual destruction the black dragon caused to her Empire. One dragon, and hundreds of thousands zebra citizens and soldiers died instantly in the attack. The only dragon that she has seen personally at all was Dragonlord Ember. Even then normal dragons like to stay to themselves then bother other people, unless they want some food. But the black dragon had an alien structure that made him look stronger, faster, and more muscular than the average dragons she has seen. And it came out from the one pony she didn't expect to turn dragon: Shadow Faze.

Even if this new version of a dragon came out of nowhere, and so sudden too, it made the Empress more wary of the dragons' power. What if the dragons start gaining a sense of wanderlust? The whole planet and its current number of species would be at risk of extinction on a global scale. A chill went through Zafel's spine before redirecting her focus to her soldiers. Some were helping citizens get out of the rubble others were scouting the wreckage for the injured or dead.

She sighed to herself walking off to find her General. The soldiers part way from her presence as she walked up to the General of the Imperial Guard: Sabra Glacier.

"How many are injured?" Zafel asked looking for the numbers.

"Too many, your highness. We're still counting the growing collateral damage that was brought upon that dragon, if you could call it that." Sabra replied.

"Yes, it appears the dragon attack might be linked with the Dragon Kingdom if proved other wise."

"A fair assumption. There is two people waiting to have a word with you, Empress," General Sabra said.

She paid little mind expecting some peasant's plead for their families. However, to her surprise, a zebra and an alicorn showed up dressed in the infamous tribal markings of a group called the Warriors of Will.

Zafel couldn't hold back a snort, to her dismay. "So it seems that even now the Warriors of Will are starting to influence other races in their black magic. What do you want before I have you both arrested for treason and trespassing the Empire's borders." She replied coldly.

To the couples credit, they didnt seem to mind her threat. "Our reason to be here is not unfounded, but it is still classified to your closure or anyone else at this moment." The zebra replied with a small smile. "We just came by to make sure everything is in order with your people."

Zafel leveled her gaze at the cloaked zebra. "Yes, my people are in good hands," a few of the Imperial Guards finally appear to arrest the couple of warriors. "and so will you two."

The zebra didn't reply as the alicorn lit up her horn, and in a flash the two had vanished from sight. Zafel cursed kicking over loose rubble. It seems like now the Empress can focus on reconstructing the capital.

Nightmare Moon

At least we escaped from the zebra Empress. The bad news, we got our ass kicked by Rufusdraco. The new information he gave me confirmed he had a hand in..... creating me, and a few others too. Question is, I don't know how or why though. He has no magic that I know of from our last encounter. Even if he did have magic it has rules that only creates life from pre-existing life forms. For that matter, he has no reason in creating me other than to punish himself in some twisted way.

Then again he is a villain, somepony to trust their word with a grain of salt. It still leaves so many questions.....

I looked around the Village of Zobama letting my companion run off to tell Master Jullboi what happened. I opened a nearby tent flap seeing Smooth Deal laying peacfully in bed. It didn't take long to wake her from her dreamscape, but it did upset her greatly to be interrupted from her beauty sleep.

"What's wrong, Nightmare? Did you kill him yet?" She asked me.

I shook my head my ears pinning themselves behind my skull. "No, I underestimated his strength, but..... Nevermind, we just need to go back to Equestria."

Smoothe Deal's eyes widen in surprise. "Are you nuts! We barely escaped from there. If you haven't forgotten, I was in there dungeons for quite a few years in agonizing pain," she shuttered. "I rather just forget Equestria even existed. Maybe then we would be left alone too."

I sighed. "Chrissy, I need to go back. The... monster did a confession that I need to know and see for myself. If I find out the reasons for what he did in the past maybe I can finally kill him for good this time."

Chrysalis paused for a moment before groaning and muttered something nasty under her breath. "Fine, fine, just as long as I don't have to reveal myself to those damned ponies."

"Don't worry. You'll be fine. Oh, which reminds me! We need to let Master Jullboi know we're going off."

"Yeah. Let's get this over with." We walked out of the home to meet up with Master Jullboi.

He was currently sipping on some freshly brewed tea in his home. He seemed to be aware of the two ponies arrival as he gestured for them to come in. They obliged sitting themselves in seats near his table.

"Master Jullboi, I nee-"

"Need not, child. For I was already informed by the Great One of your departure." Master Jullboi replied.

"This 'Great One' seems to be the nosy type of God to me." Smooth Deal muttered.

The zebra's ears twitched to her comment, but made no move to correct her. "I see. Well, then you know I have to go." I said.

He gave me an eased smile. "Of course you do, for you have a destiny that needs to be forfilled. I must warn you however of one important fact you must learn."

"What do you mean?"

"Your next opponent is strong and will not give up so easily. For she is on the same side as you allied yourself with, beware." He warned.

I bowed. "Thank you for your wisdom, Master Jullboi. I won't fail you or myself."

"I expect no less."

Chrysalis and I left the hut without another word. I looked up noticing that the moon was out on this day. Whatever threat I have to deal with next, I'll make sure that it doesn't hurt the rest of the world. But, what is the threat that I have to handle?

In a small clearing in uncharted lands of Equis

A giant red crystal blob sludges through the open grounds unprovoked. Of course it was since any creature with half a brain would stay clear of the dangerous parasite.

It left behind smaller pieces of itself in its path that wondered the expansion of the forest looking for anything useful to work on breaking down. The largest piece of the crystal halt in its tracks sensing a powerful disturbance happening nearby.

A certain draconequus appeared out of thin air looking absolutely livid at the red blob. Discord snort in obvious disapproval. "Did you really have to tell your creation all that? Do you realize what you have done! Because of you this entire operation could go up in a shit storm! Not that I mind the chaos, but... you know who will."

The draconequus staring daggers at the pile of red crystal. The crystal form a heavily deformed mouth and eyes before grinning to itself. "Relax, old friend, I know of what your.... Master wishes to do. Let me do my thing and you and your Master's plans can run smoothy too. I know how badly you want to grind my oldest creations to mesh for destroying your sis-"

Discord body lit up with immense chaotic power picking up the red blob as he watched the thing choke in the magic. "Don't. Mention. Her. Again. Celestia and Luna will get what's coming to them. There is no doubt about that, Rufus," his expression switched to one of great boredom before tossing the lump aside. "Now, on to the bigger picture, is the pieces in play?"

The blob made an arm to rub its throat of its previous assault. "Yes, they are in play. With luck this would discourage any other holy beings from interrupting with the progression."

Discord gave a toothy grin floating higher in the air. "Excellent!" Clapping his paw and talon together. "Keep up the good work, Rufus!" With that, the creature of chaos disappeared. Leaving a miserable, pissed off piece of Rufusdraco behind.

Chrysalis and I reached a clearing so that we could preform the spell required fpr our journey. Since we were both powerful magic users we had just enough magical energy to be able to return to Equestria without a problem. I looked Chrysalis still disguised as Smooth Deal seeing the edge of worry and paranoia creep into her mind.

I smiled placing a hand on her shoulder. "Everything will be fine. I'll explain the situation and possibly find out more of what is going on around here."

She nod her thanks to me. My horn glows as so do hers before a bright sphere of light wrapped itself around the two ponies. We vanished a split second later.

We reappear in a matter of seconds in a field of grass. I took a look around seeing that we were located within sight of Mt. Canterhorn and a mile from Ponyvile. Pretty accurate for a 5,800 mile teleportation would-be journey. Either way, my magic was half way drained, and Chrysalis looked a bit tired herself contributing to trip.

Chrysalis suggested that we had into Ponyvile for any development of what was happening while I suggested we head straight into the Canterlot Palace and things went from there. Eventually, I gave into Chrissy's plan admitting my idea was more risky due to the Royal Guard might attempt to scan for changling activity if we approach out of the blue in the middle of the night.

Reluctantly, Chrysalis and I head into Ponyvile. I surveilled the area around me to catch a familiar cottage in sight. Shadow's old cottage still stood in the same place even after being unattended to for years. Surprisingly nothing seem to disturb the house, or deface the structure. Not even the usual busy decomposers that are almost all too eager to have a free meal were seen about.

I suggested we stayed there for the night until the sun raises again. Chrysalis agreed as we went inside. The floor boards creaked under the pressure of our hooves.

"The bedroom should be upstairs to the left. The bathroom is to the right hall if you need to use it." I replied.

Chrysalis dropped her 'Smooth Deal' disguise stretching closing the main door and locking it in her magic. "You seem to visit him a lot in your spare time."

I lightly blushed in embarrassment even thinking of Shadow like that. "No, I don't visit him that much. I just happen to come by every so often to talk about lessons, or any information at all really."

Chrysalis gave a sly smile. "I figured that would be your answer. I don't blame you, the stallion has an odd handsome charm to him that even makes me feel warm inside. Off to bed then?" I nod. "Good night then. I'll join you shortly after I'm done cleaning all this dirt off."

I allow her to move into the bathroom while I walk into the bedroom. Surprisingly, the bedroom was quite simple for being built by the mysterious stallion himself. The walls were a plain blue with two dressers and a closet spread out in the fairly big space. A double sized bed with just two pillows laid squarely on their respective sides. There was also only a single window illuminating the moon and stars in a perfect proportion that made the moonlit cast a light on to the bed making it easier to see the bed.

I sighed walking over to the bed discovering a coffee table to the right of it. I saw a few things of interest like a watch, a picture frame and an odd machine. I stared at the machine trying to figure out what it could have been used for.

Pulling the drawer out it revealed several odd square boxes with black stuff in the inside of them. They had two holes in the white rectangles with lining digits that seemed to look like it fit in the machine. There was also something written on the boxes as well. I picked up a white box reading the label it had: Note Log: Chrysalis. I hesitated seeing the title not sure what it could have on it.

I pressed the odd box into the jutting pieces that the machine had watching it fit perfectly. Then I saw some black buttons and one red button. I clicked on the red button as the machine whirled to life Shadow's voice booming from the box:

"Note Log number zero-zero-three. I didn't expect such a new threat to come out of the blue in the form of a shapeshifter of all things! Some days are just too interesting to not record. Anyway, yes, the queen bug herself is captured by the sun cu- I mean, Celestia. Maybe I should have taken the bug queen under my care instead of letting a child deal with these matters. Maybe I should have killed Chrysalis in a painless death. The results would have still been the same. Everything would go right back to normal! Something isn't right about this universe. It's like a sinking feeling in the back of my mind every time I'm alone with my own thoughts.

Something is keeping the 'order' in this place, but not letting this world progress on its own. My suspicion says that the bug queen could be behind this ploy, but it's way too secretive and cunning for her tastes. It's something bigger. I just need to find out what it is. I'll continue to play the 'hero' of this world until a solid answer comes to me. Shadow."

The machine stopped playing as the red piece shot back up again having emptied all that was in the tiny box. My mind in the meantime whirled in confusion. What was Shadow looking for? The world seemed fine to me and from what I knew of things are progressing in its current changing. I didn't really believe his whatever self-indulging theories he had, but my curiosity got the better of me. I wanted some answers to my questions.

I searched through the white flat boxes pulling out two I wanted to see the most. They were labeled: Note Log: Celestia and Note Log: Nightmare Moon/Luna.

I took out the previous box and replaced it with the box labeled with my name pressing the red button again.

"Note Log number zero-zero-two. Well, I should start off saying how I'm roped into this mess from my last entry. These weird ponies creatures almost worship me as some type of hero. Ironic, right? After being treated with the opposite end of the stick you would think I would be happy about it. I defeated a threat that is said to be 'powerful', but that poor creature.... It didn't stand a chance against me. I was weakened previously being surprised attacked by a band of these 'Timberwolves' they call them. Either way, Nightmare Moon was not hard to defeat through her constant gloating and emptying magic on my magic resilient body wasn't difficult at all. Mild annoyance though. I do hope not to meet her again as the 'tyrant' she claims to be. More for her safety than mine. Doesn't really matter now since she is supposedly 'dead'. Anyway, the topic is supposed be about Luna. After wittnessing the transformation with the supposed 'Elements of Harmony' I decided to secretively study these artifacts in my spare time. Little is known about them except that they are one of the few tools that brought the world together. Mainly the ponies together, or someone tampered with the history books. Despite what Luna went through turning into Nightmare Moon, she doesn't feel that same resentment she felt towards her sister so long ago anymore. Not even a little. Even when it's bascially happening again, she is a shadow of herself.

If my theory on her is true, my guess is that a piece of Luna's personality ended up in Nightmare Moon making her a thinking entity of sorts. And if that is true..... These 'Elements of Harmony' aren't what they appear to be. So far, I have come up with no more information. Maybe some of my adventures can provide me with clues to what this world is trying so desperately to hide. Shadow."

It cut off again while I just stared at the recording in shock and mild horror. Has Shadow really been trying to investigate all these things while trying to defend Equestria from certain doom all along? Now that I think about it, some of what he says makes sense. Me, developing my own being mysteriously. Something keeping the 'order' in the world. The more I think about it the more obvious it was to me. I never really liked those six stones of harmony. They seemed too...... precise in their punishments. I mean, turning Discord to stone; sending Luna and I to the moon?

And lastly, attempting to destroy just me. I pulled out the box tossing it back in the coffee table before placing the Celestia tape in. I pressed play.

"Note Log zero-zero-one. The first recording of these damned bipedal aliens. Never in my life did I think I would run into the mother of all titty bouncers, or meet furries, period. I swear, I should have let the thing dissolve me into nothing while I had the chance. Either way, I'm stuck in this damn dimension. For some reason, some of my powers are being restrained on this planet, and the atmosphere is not fly able. It's too wild to attempt space travel either. The only thing I can do is hope that those Element of what-its don't attempt to blast me with that personality splitting stone thing. It seemed easy enough to dodge though.

I'm just lucky no one seems to know who I was before my... readjustment placement. Or they are too dumb to write it down and learn from their ancestors. Either way, I don't have to worry past criminal charges. Eh, on to topic! This Celestia character is highly suspicious in my opinion and hers apparently too.

I mean, who calls themself a 'princess' when obviously she rules them like a Queen? That's very odd she would have them remember her as a princess of all things. In my world, Princesses and Princes don't get too much recognition or power to a country while the Queens and Kings get most of, if not, all the power they want. So what is the reason for being so modest if you can just call yourself a Queen, and no one would give two shits about the title?

Speaking of which, the 'anypony', 'nopony' business. I keep saying the 'anybody', 'no one', but apparently they have replacement words that exclude everything except themselves...... That's a new one. I've been on a lot of adventures in my lifetime and yet this is a first for even me too. That's xenophobia up past several degrees higher then Hitler!

Regardless, I'm stuck with xenophobic walking ponies that seem hellbent on degrading males. Ah, that reminds me," there was some shuffling in the machine before he seemed get what he was looking for. "I haven't touched on the noticeable misandry toward the males of the ponies. It was sutle first watching them interact with me, but it was confirmed later when they act increasingly hostile to me when I attempt to make my own decision against any mare's wishes.

Something needs to be done with that, but it seems this system, or society whatever, is ruled by two monarchies, well, one with real power. It still counts though; I feel bad for Luna becoming a figure head...... Right, the matter at hand: Celestia. Something about her just feels off. I've been trying to put distance between her and I. It always feels like something of.... foreign power is inside her body trying to conceal itself. Problem is that whatever is inside her can't hide from me, yet it doesn't seem to know who I really am either. The small things in life, and begrudgingly, Lady Luck."

He sighed in the machine. "I don't know, it just seems to me that so far this life sucks. I have no purpose to be here other then to be some white and blue horses' fucking puppet. Like that will ever happen. For right now, I'll just avoid contact from the diarchy as long as possible, and give them as little information as possible about me. I need stick to my reputation as the 'hero' after all. Hopefully, I don't need to stray from my persona. God help them if I do. Shadow."

Once the tape stopped rolling I just stared at the machine feeling lost inside. Was the Shadow I knew even really his real person, or his fake? Well, the recordings so far answered a few burning questions about him personally I had, but nothing that explained what Rufusdraco told me. I sighed rolling flat on the bed. Chrysalis walked back in the door in some type of night lingerie that I didn't feel like acknowledging.

She realized this and sat on the bed silently watching me curl up on the bed. Chrysalis frowned seeing my sour mood. "What's wrong, Nightmare?" She cooed bringing herself closer to me.

"I don't know. I thought I knew Shadow personally. It seemed like he has been hiding so many secrets to himself though. I don't get it. He could have told me about any one of these topics. He's just as much pony as anypony else here." I reasoned.

Chrysalis seemed to frown slightly at my speech. She shook her head and laid beside me. "Well, have you thought that maybe this stallion isn't interested in placing foreign burdens on a native of this country? He definitely doesn't talk like he has been on Equis all of his life. And maybe he hid his true feelings to protect himself and others from getting hurt. Imagine you being thrust into an another world full of completely, but similar, creatures to what you are familiar with and then they have all these little things trying to figure out the new 'alien' when he doesn't know if you would attempt to do science tests on him."

I was slient for a moment understanding Chrysalis' reasoning. "I see your point. I wouldn't want to be experimented on either, but he still could have told us about his findings."

Chrysalis shrugged. "From what I can tell, what's the point in knowing more than what you are familiar with? After all, I don't do much outside of what I already know, but there is no need to know more since there is no threat directed at me to require more information."

I glared at her. "It's not about needing the information. Shadow could have saved himself a lot of trouble just coming clean that he is not from this world, or that some of the villains of this world knows him personally for some reason. Holding all that anguish and pain for so long.....it drove me mad....."

I sat up as Chrissy tenderly rubs my back, sighing. "I haven't met the stallion in the best of circumstances, but I do know that his mind seems to work differently. It doesn't matter anyways since he is long gone from this world."

Something came to mind when she mentioned Shadow's death. About what Rufusdraco said.

"Actually, I think he is still alive."

Chrysalis looked startled, and somewhat disturbed, of this revelation. "H-How? No one can survive a sudden drain of all internal magic."

"Maybe he can. Like I said before he has survived a piercing of his heart without so much as blinking. I still need answers.... Chrysalis, do you know of anything about Rufusdraco that I don't already know of?" I asked.

She looked spaced out for a few minutes unsure how to respond. "To be honest, I've never heard of him until he was revealed by Shadow through the disguise of Sombra. Ever since then people have seen a sudden surge of this new villain. I have no doubt Celestia might know something though. She seems to be around when every major villain is around."

It also is possible that she might know nothing at all and revealing information for no purpose at all. Master Jullboi's warning comes back in mind. What did he mean by 'she is on the same side as you allied yourself with'?

Whatever the case, I needed to talk to Celestia. "Tommorrow, Chrissy, I'll talk to Celestia alone."

Chrysalis looked shell shocked and generally worried for me. "What?! But if she was informed of my escape from the dungeons..... you'll be suspected of treason!"

I shrugged. "Then let them think that. I still need to talk to Celestia alone. She would recognize you in disguise and that would definitely look bad on me for first impressions after so long of going missing."

Chrissy was silent for a while before sighing in defeat. "Fine. I'll just find something else to do." She grumbled tossing the covers on her. I giggled softly to myself imagining her cute pouting face underneath the pillow.

"Night, Chrissy."

"Night, Moon."

Well, not such a bad turnout after all.

Morning came easy enough as I prepare my bag to teleport off to the Canterlot Palace. I said my goodbye to Chrysalis before poofing in Canterlot. Getting in was surprisingly not that difficult seeing as I am still announced as apart of the royalty in Equestria. Especially since I am still technically Luna in a more mature sense.

I looked around ending up finding the throne room. I used my magic to pull the doors apart to reveal Sunbutt herself in all her regal glory.

She saw me cringing inwardly at my appearance of my dark blue armor. I slight difference from my light blue armor I originally had coming into this world, and a lot more intimidating than the first set too.

"So you have desided to show up after reported missing for a long while. Did you ran into some trouble?" Celestia asked in her usual motherly tone.

"You could say that I had a difficult time getting out of there. Is Luna well?"

She narrowed her eyes slightly suspecting something more from my request. "Yes, she is doing well enough."

I walked up further to Celestia watching the Royal Guards pay their respects toward me even though half of them seemed to be somewhat scared shitless of my appearance alone.

"I got questions during my rather long quest that only you seem to be able to answer. Do you mind if we speak more privately?"

She smiled. "Not at all. Right this way."

Celestia led me to a chamber not far from the throne room. We entered before Celestia shut the door with her magic. The sun princess motioned for me to sit in a chair already set in the room which I gladly accept the invitation. She followed suite to the other chair provided.

"What is it that you want to discuss, Nightmare?" She asked.

"Did you have any previous contact with a creature named.... Rufusdraco?" I asked.

Her eyes grew distant for a moment before realising I was standing there. "The name sounds... familiar, but I have no direct information on him. What's the name mean to you?"

Should I tell her the truth or a half-lie? The more I stood next to her, the more I felt a somewhat strangely strong sensation pulling me deep within my body. "What's this feeling mean?"

"Well, it's.... complicated."

Celestia silently stared at me with an uneasy gaze. Even now, the presence inside of her only grew due to my answer. Is this a hidden power of the sun she has? Or is this something entirely different? It probably doesn't matter anyway.

"I see. From what I know of, Rufusdraco is a creature that was there during the beginning of creation for the ponies. That's just one theory. There are many more, but there has only been only two ancient documents about him that I know of exist in Equestria. Besides that, the creature has been cleaned from records and magical disturbances for over thirty thousand years." She explained.

"Thirty thousand years?!" It was amazing that magic could even track anything back that far. Either way, it seems like Rufusdraco has been around for a long time. "Do you happen to have these documents?"

Celestia gave me a side glance. "I do, but those files are... confidential."

I thought hard seeing as Celestia didn't seem too fond of my sudden interest in the documents. "I see. It's fine if you don't lend me the scrolls."

Celestia stared back at me studying my every action for the slightest fault in my composure. Once she was satisfied with her findings she gave a small smile. "You can study all you wish in the Canterlot Archives for the information you seek. I'm sure we might have something to help you out."

"Of course, Princess, thank you for listening to me." I said not wanting to extend my visit.

I got up and took my leave. I head straight to the archives and dived immediately into the nearest bookshelf. My stubborn and yearning sense of curiosity and desperation for knowledge fueling me all night long.

It didn't surprise me that I zoned out reading a scroll on the floor. I rubbed my eyes adjusting to the darkness of the archives. "They must have thought nopony was in the archives anymore."

I stood up placing the scroll back on its shelf before walking to the center of the archives. It was quiet enough to hear the light clopping of my hoof steps and the sound of a soft ventilation sound coming from the roof of the library. The ancient stained glass windows helped fill the archives with illuminious moonlight making it slightly easier to see.

Recalling the exit from my memory, I went down the halls of books until I hit a wall. It's not the first time I picked the wrong hall. Sometimes transversing the archives is a lot more troublesome then it appears to be. Whoever built the archives got inspiration from the labyrinth garden just out side of the Royal Palace. Because of this it was wise to have a librarian who was more familiar with the archives to lead you to what you are looking for.

Which brought up a good point. Where did the librarian go? Flashbacks of the Crystal Labyrinth filled my mind. I lit my horn and attempt to do a teleportation spell, but it failed in midcast.

Oh right, the archives were protected from all magic and physical attacks due to its important information stored in here. It would take five full grown dragons to even put a small dent in the outer walls which wasn't a very good sign to me. I'm trapped.

My fear turned to self-frustration at falling asleep. I turned around to go back the way I came to retrace my steps keeping my cool. "I can't get angry now. I must rethink my previous pathways."

I went back into the center room. A dark figure sat on top of the tall hourglass that stood in the very center. The figure stared at me before jumping down. The landing was flawless as the figure approached me.

I reached for my waist to pull out the katana I usually keep to my side. Only I didn't feel the weapon in its sheath. The figure held the blade pointing it to my neck.

"You have been marked for death by the Night Stalker, Alicorn of Nightmares." The distinct feminine voice hissed in anger at me.

The blade went for my throat, but I was faster. I charged my will coding it to my fur. The result was my blade bouncing harnlessly off my body. I took advantage of her stunned position grabbed he by the throat and repeatedly punch her in the face. I delievered the final blow plowing her into the tile below. It made a crater shaped around her body.

I gave a toothy smile. "Now, you're going to tell me everything you know, and it better come out as the honest truth." I silently threaten giving a test squeeze of her throat to see if she heard me. She weakly nod to the threat.

"P-Princess Celestia sent me here to k-kill you."

My eyes widen in surprise. The princess of the sun sends an assassin to kill me. I growled. "What purpose does she have in trying to kill me, wench."

She silently breathes for a few seconds staring into my dark blue eyes. "I'm paid not to answer s-such sentiment questions. I just do my job."

I was tempted to kill her here and now before moving on to the next thing to do: confront Celestia. Then I remembered where I was again.

"Do you know how to find the archive exit?" I asked sharply. She nod. I let go of her. "Then lead me to the exit. No funny business, understand?"

"O-Of course, princess." She quickly bowed before hurrying to the exit. I trailed close behind her. I grew tired of being chased down in a cat-mouse game. It's about time to finish this game, and get real answers.

Shadow Faze
Main Stream World

It has been a long time since I felt pain this badly before. Not even getting torn up by those timberwovles felt this bad. What did I expect would have happened?

Regardless, the blast of will help me regain my rational mind again. Props for that I guess. I grunt pushing my body upwards. I look around seeing that I end up in a forest. Probably far away from the Empress' territory. Good enough for me.

That's when I noticed something. I felt shorter than normal.... And strangely colder.

I checked my hands seeing pale skin instead of of black fur. My eyes widened in disbelief. I checked the rest of my body and sure enough I was human shaped again.

Such a rare occasion deserved something special. I pondered on what to do until it hit me. I summoned some good old fashion strong booze, taking a nice big swig out of it. Now, poorly made alcohol can't survive past two hundred. But I'm not no ordinary buyer and seller of the booze trade. I've crafted my skills in alcohol making for a long time. Eventually, I made the first ever millennium year old booze in the universe, and it still tastes good. Suck on that, Murphy! Oh, I think I took too much of a drink out of it.

I shrugged. Slurring is temporary. My 'super hearing' didn't fail me as I heard some commotion happening to my left. With nothing better to do, and in a happy mood, I decided to go see what it was. My mood fell seeing a bipedal dragon beating the shit out of a collared mare.

The dragon was a least two feet taller than me covered in orange scales and painfully bright white teeth. Sapphire blue eyes and yellow spine scales. The mare appeared to be solid green, dark purple eyes, and a rusty orange mane.

"Just my luck."

"Hey, asshole. Could you stop being a dick and treat her with respect, would ya?" I said.

The dragon instantly locked eyes with me. They temporarily go wide before his eyes narrow. "You filthy arrogant human scum think you can beat the master rac-"

"I don't play the hero saves all shit. Either stop beating her up or I'll kick your teeth in and feed them through your liver." I interrupted him.

The mare seemed to be utterly shocked while the dragon snarled in rage. His claws expose themselves. "Gnats just don't know when to buzz off." He growled.

The dragon charged at me to some would be impressive speeds. Instead they appeared to me as him going at a snail's pace. My shadow claws formed before I grabbed the dragon's right leg, spun him around effortlessly before slamming him head first back into the ground. His body didn't move after that.

I walked over to the mare who trembled in fear from my display of power. My shadow claws dissipate before I snapped my fingers destroying the odd metal devices on her horn and neck. She grasped her neck in mild wonder at the revelation. She jolted to life seeming to remember something before running over to a unconscious woman. Wait.....

My mind froze. A female human.... on Equis..... In Zebrica.....

That didn't sound right to me. The woman laid limp on the ground lightly breathing in a steady pace. She had thick long black hair and was around two to three inches shorter than me. Her clothes were fairly torn like her mare partner's, but still wearable.

Regardless, I destroyed the metal collar that was clasped around her neck. Letting the pony and woman have there moment. She woke up as I suspected in understandable confusion.

"What.... happened?" The woman asked seeming to be completely lost. The mare just gave a hard stare. "Oh, well that makes sense. Who kill...... master......" She said in secret disgust.

And the woman can telepathically speak to ponies. Another bizzare thing to add to the list. "I'm the man that killed, what you call, your master."

Both females whipped there heads at me. I made a waving gesture at them. She seemed to be momentarily caught off guard before uncertainty replaced her expression. "Then that means-"

"You're free. I do not care what crazy tradition those scaly bastards, or humans have here. You can do what you want." I finished for her. The woman and mare looked shocked to say the least, but I barely noticed it. I turned around walking toward the open plains not bothering to turn back. "Have a nice life."

You may be wondering why I didn't jump on the chance to start a harem, or gain new friends in a likely long journey. Well, I've learned in my very long lifetime that socializing and keeping friends are two things that always horribly backfired on me.

Besides, they were both creatures of mortality too. They're even less likely to live as long as I can. I'm a loner, sue me. I made some decent ground tracking though the forests managing to figured out that I indeed end up in Africa, the real continent, mind you. Call it a super accurate hunch.

What clued me in was the fact that after walking a fair amount of jungle, I ended up in a sea of sand, otherwise known as the Sahara Desert. Because of my arsenal of spells and my neat personal pocket space, I didn't suffer too much from the blistering heat, however, a pair of adventurous followers seem to be at the breaking point about three hours in.

I sigh turning around to find the same two knuckleheads I expected to see. The woman and the mare we're near heat exhaustion, leaning against each other for support to catch up to me.

I teleported over to the pair materializing a pop up awning for some shade and two quarter sized water bottles. I gave them their respective drinks and watched them swig the water like they were a sponge. After they drank about two bottles each worth of water they seem to look hydrated enough for them to speak properly.

The mare recovered first seeing that they sat themselves in some chairs that I provided for them. She had a curious look on her that the woman seem to understand.

"She says you seem to have some sort of magic with you she has never seen before. Gem is wondering how did you obtained it." The woman translated.

I smiled still managing to keep a neutral expression. "The how and why is not important. I just obtain magic through years of hard work and discipline."

"She asked since it is unheard of for humans to develop magical power." The woman clarified.

"Oh, I see. Tell me, why exactly did you follow me," I leaned in my chair. "I did make myself clear that you were free to make your own decisions."

The mare and the woman looked at each other for a moment before the woman spoke up again. "You did, but we don't know where we are exactly. Besides, that jungle we were in was filled with some of the most dangerous animals to ever walk Earth. We wouldn't last out there for more than a hour if we were left alone."

I eyed her cryptically. "I see your point. I suppose you two can come along with me." They looked to be excited when I said that, but I ignore them dematerializing the pop up awning causing the two girls to squint from the sudden light invasion. "Alright. That's enough of a break time. We got a lot of ground to cover."

They got up while I dematerialize all the other things I pulled out from my personal space. We marched off back into the blistering hot sun.

Night rolled around quicker than I thought it would take. We did camp at a relative flat dune while I pulled out the chairs and firewood to burn. The woman was strangely chatty with the mare even though it looked like a one sided conversation to me with the mare making odd faces. Regardless, it was still enjoyable to them. They tried a few times to get me to talk, but I just answered with relatively short answers.

I also managed to learn there names: Magical Gem and Sarah Carter; guess whose who? Anyway, we sat around the small fire which I had place an enchantment on the wood to make it burn eternally until I said so, for now.

"Hey, Shadow?"

"Yeah?" I replied staring into the hungry flames bewitched by its dancing beauty.

"Why did you save Magical Gem? You could have just let us recieve our punishment by..... that dragon. Why save us?"

I looked away from the flames. "I have personal reasons. Anybeing that picks and bullies the weak, disabled, or enslaved are lower than scum to me. It doesn't matter who they are or what they are. I put them down faster than a demon could collect the soul."

The two females were silent the crackling of fire filled the air. Sarah jolt upright like someone just spoke. "Gem wants to know what your hometown was like."

I stared at them for the longest time a slight smile on my face. "I can honestly say that the small village wasn't perfect. But everyone there was nice and friendly toward me. No prejudgement. No man hunting. They genuinely cared for me like a family." The smile turned sour. "That was during my baby years. Eventually, good things never last. That small village was burned to the ground, I was told later on. My mother..... didn't survive." Sarah and Gem gasped in horror and saddness filled their hearts. "Don't pity me. What's done is done. Even my large amount of time warping spells couldn't change the out come. The fates decided that it was the best course of action.... Either that, or they wanted me to suffer."

"What about your father! Where was he?" Sarah asked.

I shrugged. "I never really had a father. He must have abandoned my mother when I was still in the womb. Either way, where I'm from things were brutal and hard to live in. One wrong step and you end up as someone's lunch, or worse." There was a brief silence again. "By the way, why is it that Magical Gem doesn't seem to talk?"

Gem shifted awkwardly. "Well, you see, that dragon.... forcefully silenced her because of her.... 'creative language'. She was able to learn to telepathically speak to me, in the end, it made me more valuable to him.... I guess it doesn't matter anymore." Sarah explained.

"Yeah... Well, get some sleep. I'll keep watch tonight." I said.

Gem gave me a flat stare. "Gem said that you do realize we are in the middle of a desert, right? There is nothing that lives in a desert."

I kept my attention on the dunes. "Trust me. Anything can survive in any kind of condition given the right conditions and temperatures."

They didn't seem to believe me which was fine since variety is what makes the world go round. I didn't feel tired strangely maybe it has something to do with returning to my original form. The two girls curled up in a tent that I provided beside a rock jutting out of the surface of sand. The night quickly turn into day. I probably zoned out for a little while.

I awaken my 'luggage' before continuing our steady pace forwards. The females seem to be strangely silent today for whatever reason. Through the returned blistering heat, we finally came across a wooden sign it read: Welcome to Cairo

"Cairo. Now that's a place I haven't been to in a long time." I commented.

"You can read the sign?" Sarah asked which seemed to also be Gem's thoughts too.

"Yeah. I can learn several languages at once. All I need is to hear it and see the written form of it, or feel the rhythm and/or pattern of the language. It depends on what the language is." I replied.

Gem and Sarah looked shocked to say the least of my abilities. I shrugged it off. "It doesn't matter how I understand it anyways," A sudden random thought crossed my mind as we walk. "Come to think of it, where do you two originate from?"

"England, for me. Gem came from Equestria or.... was Equestria." Sarah commented.

Now that had me intrigued. "Was? What happened to Equestria?"

Gem looked away in shame. Depression lookto be painted on her face. "Well, I was told three-hundred years ago there was a spontaneous war when the alicorn sister's rule was just beginning. The enemy invaders, the dragons, came into Equestria out of the blue from the Dragonlands attacking their borders. At the time, Equestria was at the beginning stages of their civilization. The three main pony species were still trying to work together for their country effectively. The dragon brutally forced their way into the capital and took down their government with ease. I heard a decade later they figured out how to make the ponies into their slaves."

That implied that Hearth's Warming Eve for them first began three centuries ago in this world while that same event happened around a millennium ago where I originally ended up. Space travelling is always so surreal to me. Especially since humans apparently exist here and not where I'm from. Weird.

"That sounds bad. Why hasn't other countries or species intervened to stop this?" I asked.

Sarah looked sad. "Several have. Most have failed or were brought under there rule. They call it the Great Dragon Empire."

This world's Persian Empire..... Or was it the Mongrels..... Whatever. They are a big empire now. "I see. Sounds like big trouble. Were the hum-, I mean, we were brought under the control of the Great Dragon Empire?"

"No, the humans' empires are far from under their control. They are on equal footing with the dragons." She said. That actually surprised me more then it should have been.

"If that is true how did you end up as one of these slaves?"

Sarah blushed a bit in embarrassmentt. "Well... I got lost in a forest that was..... different than from the ones I've been in. I mistaken a dragon for a pony and then got captured by them. Since they couldn't make me talk about any sensitive information they immediately put me through the slave market....And here I am now...."

"Sounds like you two have interesting lives. You two speak Egyptian?"

The mare gave a deadpanned stare while Sarah shook her head. I sighed. "Then I guess I'll have to do this."

I walked up to a sturdy looking merchent and managed to work out a deal with him that also got the girls in as a free ride as well. Apparently, Egypt's government secretly support the antislavery movement. I found it ironic given the history I knew about it beforehand.

Anyway, we were given a section in the back of the caravan and some food and water. Just enough for this week. From there, we waited as the caravan moved to life with a crackle of a whip against horse skin.

The trip was long and uneventful sadly. Only small talk was really what consumed most of our time in the caravan. I noticed the temperature getting easier to handle. But nothing more. The caravan dropped us off in Turkey. I paid him and motioned the girls to move with me. Turkey seemed to have a bit more variety in different species seeing some ponies and zebras wondering the streets. That didn't seem to calm my nerves though. A few people eye us wearily on the streets.

From what I heard before my world's 'disappearance', Turkey felt invaded when it came to outsiders, especially from the Americans. It made me wonder if they just tolerated outsiders only for their money. Of course, I'm not saying all Turkey people are like this, but it seems that the majority discreetly dislike foreigners. It seems to be a common theme amongst the human societies. The two girls seem to stick to me tighter watching the natives peer at them from a distance.

I shrugged ignoring their stares as we head for the capital of Turkey: Istanbul. How do I know where the city was even without looking at a map? Earth is one of the planets that I know really well. I've walked on just about every continent, every country and secretly fought in at least one of every countries' wars. But there are those rare times when I find places or see something that was not usually there before.

A group of men came forth out from the streets shadows. Six bulky tall men towered over me surrounding the three of us. Hunger and lust swirled within them and they each had crappy weapons that looked to be worn out pipes. A shorter middle aged man made himself known dressed in cleaner clothes. He had a pair of shades covering his eyes, and some gold assessories on him that was meant to be showy. He seem to casually look over me more intrigued in the two females beside me.

Now, when I cross into different countries I'm normally not bombarded by thugs given the intimidating aura I usually release when walking around. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option given I would scare away my companions along with them. I sighed knowing where this was going. Natives in the streets scurried away to avoid getting involved in the situation.

The leader of the group smiled at me straightening himself to appear taller. "I'm sure you're new around here, foreigner. You see, here, I rule these streets. Which means that you have to pay a toll for walking on my streets. That would be two-thousand dollars..."

"Sure, I got some chang-" One of the bulky men hit me on the head with the butt of his shotgun, but I just stood in place before I rubbed the back of my head. The thugs' fear could be sensed in the air. "You know, it's rude to hit an unarmed person so ruthlessly. Gem, Sarah cover your ears." I said.

The girls hesitantly did as I asked before I used my magic to take the shotgun out of his grip and whacking his head clean off his shoulders causing the gun to go off into another thug. The two bodies fell limp when all hell broke loose.

"Kill him." The leader simply replied.

The thugs snapped out of their funk as they bared their real weapons from their clothes: machine guns and AK-47s. Gem looked absolutely horrified while Sarah was ready to spring into action.

I grinned. "Pathetic. You pick on the weak with poorly made weapons like them? Did you not get enough blood action yet from me, or do you live for punishment?"

The leader seemed to blow a fuse. "How DARE you mock me?! Grab the women, boys. I got this asshole." He growled.

"As you wish, boss." One of the thugs said.

This guy was starting to piss me off. I snapped my fingers in mild annoyance summoning my most powerful copy. The copy of me was double my height with a toned body and a scar over his right eye. His slick back hair made, also, a huge difference between the two of us.

"Prototype. Crush the thugs for me, will you?" I said.

"Sure. This will take a second." Prototype replied cracking his knuckles. The nervous look on the leader and his thugs' faces gave me confidence this would be a short fight.

The silent tension broke as the thugs opened fire on Prototype. This distract me and the leader thug took advantage of this punch me in the jaw. He cried out in surprised pain.

I rubbed my jawline winding back my fist. I made a punching fist with all my might making a whirlwind that pushed the leader back into a brick wall, not making contact with his flesh.

He seemed to get knocked out in his daze. I turned back to find half of the thugs were on the ground suffering from broken bones and limbs while the other half was knocked out cold. Prototype walked up to me nodding in confirmation. "All are taken care of."

"Thank you, Proto. You can rest now." And with that said he disappeared in a flash of a light. The two girls stared at me in mute shock. "What? The thugs asked for it. It's not like I gave myself away."

The rest of the way through Istanbul was peaceful due to my display of power in the backstreets. What? It was the shortest and most effective way out of that city. The city is a literal barrier between continents. How else was I going to get through the country appearing as a foreigner?

Anyway, I made it out of Turkey into Greece. The girls occasionally bring up topics of the landmarks they have seen so far. It was fun up until a powerful magical signature made itself known.

"Ares." I growled out.

King Minos: the Leader of the proud race of Minotaurs sat on his throne that perched itself up in the throne room. Things have been a chaotic mess ever since the Worldquake. Nothing was going right and many of his subjects were dying from a crystal disease, that is so far incurable. He massaged his temple trying to relieve the migraine he currently obtained coming into contact with a victim with the disease.

Honestly, Minos felt very worn out today due to all that has been going on lately. And even though the pride of his people remains to keep them together; how long will it last? He sighed.

A draconic voice chuckled in the room alerting the King of its presence. "What do you want now, voice?" Minos asked getting real sick of the same voice in his head trying to get him to mess up.

"Oh, nothing, carry on as you were, King of Miotanus."

The minotaur king refused to take that answer standing up immediately. "No, I demand you tell me what's so funny! You have stayed in my castle for long enough!" He shouted at the walls.

The voice made a pause. Very well, the way you seem to handle impossible situations is kind of pathetic. And not attending the World Summit seemed to handicap you more than help. It's amazing how one's hubris can be their down fall."

King Minos was livid. How dare a puny voice in his head mock his reign! "So in other words, you think you can rule my kingdom better than I can myself?! No bull dares say such cowardly words in a far off bunker!. Show yourself, coward!"

"Ah, but I'm not hiding. Matter of fact, I'm in this room right now." The voice said.

Minos searched around the room seeing no sign of a cocky bull any where. "That's what you keep on saying, yet I don't see anything that resembles you."

He could practically feel the voice smirk. Two crystal red claw burst from his throne pinning the minotaur in his seat. A crystal dragon with piercing crystal eyes and black pupils suddenly morphed behind him.

The dragon grinned maliciously leaning closer to the Minos. "You see, that's where you are wrong, little minotaur..... I'm everywhere." The dragon attacked as King Minos screamed in agony.

Author's Note

And I'm back with another chapter! And an actual long chapter! I've put a lot of detail into the split, how did it go? Let me know what is good, what is not so good for the story (or storyline) so far. I'll be glad to answer any questions that might be confusing to anybody. If you guys have any. Error finding is also nice to point out.

Until next chapter.....