Friends on The other side

by red reaper

Rating: everyone
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Romance, Original Character, Trixie, Starlight Glimmer, Adventure, Crossover
Length: 26516

An old friend of Starlight came to Ponyville with two friends, to collect his debt.

When Starlight planned her revenge her on the mane 6, she made a deal a reptile unicorn called Dr Mephist, he will teach her how to change time and she will give her soul to him. Years later and the Dr returned to take what belongs to him, and with him two friends that have their interests.

A story of Red Reaper, NicLove, and Light heart101.

Published 2019-06-06 23:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-08-12 03:50:43 UTC

Price of time

After her defeat by the hooves of Twilight Sparkle and the elements of harmony, Starlight had to abandon her village, and she ran away, hiding her skin and living like an animal as she was seeking revenge. As the purple mare walked through the dark tunnels, trying to find a place to call home, she heard the sound of something walking on the ceiling, Starlight turned her head, but nothing was behind her, and she continued to walk, and the sound of walking followed her and echoed through the dark tunnel. Trying to keep her mind off the idea that some pony is here to hurt her, Starlight decided to talk to herself.

“Heroes,” The purple unicorn rolled her eyes, as the stings of rage started to hurt her, “They are not heroes, they are destroyers, they destroyed my village, they destroyed my paradise. If only I could…”

“If only you could change it?” A twisted voice spoke behind the mare. Starlight turned around and she saw a small green unicorn, in the size of a young colt, but his voice sounded like a young stallion, the unicorn had scales instead of coat and he had no mane, and he had three claws on his front hooves. The reptile pony wore a black top hat and his eyes were red as blood. “Well, well, well, what a beautiful mare is doing in this gloomy tunnel?” the pony reptile asked as he walked closer.

“What are you?” Starlight asked the creature, “Some kind of a changeling trick?”

“It is no trick my friend,” The creature smiled, “And these green scales, are the only skin I have.”

“Whatever you are, just leave me alone, I have no time for monsters and creeps,” Starlight responded. The mare raised her head and she continued to walk, and the reptile followed her. Starlight noticed the reptile and she walked faster, and faster, looking back to see if he still following her, until she bumped by the reptile that suddenly stood in front of her.

“And what about the heroes you want to destroy?” The reptile asked with a smile as he helped the mare get up on her legs.

“You can help me?” Starlight asked as she laughed at the reptile, “Who do you think you are that you could help me?” The reptile took his hat and from the hat, he took a small card and gave it to Starlight.

“Dr. Mephist?” Starlight read the card.

“At your service,” Mephist smiled, revealing two sets of sharp teeth.

“And how can you help me?”

“I can show a nice trick, for a price.”

“I have no money.”

“Money is not the price,” Mephist smiled, “There is something that cost more than money.” The cave grew darker and darker, destroying every piece of light there is, and leaving the two in a purple space.

“I can see that you are fighting for a purpose.
The will for being equal is in your veins.
But the elements have come,
And what you’ve built has been gone.
Now you walking and planning your revenge.”

“Oh-wuh-oh-wuh, oh. Oh-wuh-oh-wuh,” echoes came through the tunnel as the choir for Mephist’s Song. Starlight was terrified by the sounds, but Mephist was calm like he knew they would be heard by him and the mare.

“Now I see that you have a talent in magic,
I’ve seen raw powers just like this before.
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)
And that is why I came,
To teach you how to take,
Reality and bend it to your own.”
(Oh, wuh-oh-wuh, oh. Oh,wuh-oh-wuh).

The tunnel grew darker as three shadows grew behind the reptile, as he smiled in sinister, and Starlight backed away in fear, the shadows filled the tunnel Mephist continued to sing.

“You have the magic, you have the magic,
And the Doctor is here to help.
You have suffered,
your heart has been shuttered.
And the elements are all to blame!”

“and what do you propose, Dr?” Starlight asked

“There is a spell to change time itself,” Mephist said as he turned his back at the mare, “But it will cost.”

“I told you, I have no money.” Starlight repeated.

“And I told you that I am not after money,” Mephist smirked, “No, you can pay me with your soul.”

“What?!!”

“What I’m suggesting’s very simple,
You can change the events.
Yes, it cost your soul, but think
You can destroy the elements
and my dear, the vengeance
is worth the cost.”

The shadows came to life, and they took the forms of the elements, the elements that destroyed her life and they circled the poor unicorn, as the reptile smiled.

“Learn that magic, it would be tragic
If you don’t take this chance.”

Dr. Mephist clapped his two hooves as he stood on his rear legs, and a yellow scroll came out as the hands opened.

“Just sign the deed,
It’s all you need.”

Starlight read the deed, as a white feather appeared with black ink, and she signed the deed and sold her soul as Mephist smiled. The deed burned in green flames and the reptile smiled and started to giggle as more and more shadows appeared, taking the forms of those that Starlight knew, smiling and their eyes glowed in fiery red

“And now the deal has been made!” Dr. Mephist laughed as the shadows leaped at Starlight as she screamed in terror and she woke up, covered in cold sweat and she saw that she was in her room in her friend’s castle.

“Starlight are you okay?” Twilight asked Starlight as she burst to the room, worrying over her friend’s screams.

“Yes, just a bad dream,” Starlight answered.

“Okay, good night then,” Twilight smiled as she left the room.

“It’s just a dream, Dr. Mephist is not real,” Starlight tried to convince, and calm herself.

Starlight went back to sleep as a shadow of a unicorn, with a top hat, hairless tail and red eyes looked at her and he smiled as his eyes glow in the dark room.

A warning in the forest

Kirouac was walking in the Forgotten Forest, followed from behind by Shifting-Surprise.

“Wait for me!” Surprise yelled out.

Kirouac turned back to face Surprise. “You can follow the prints my front claws left!?” He asked Surprise will pointing to both the claw and hoof prints he had left behind himself.

“I know that I can.” Surprise said will wiping the sweat that was accumulating under his Dark girl purple mane with his gold field dark pink girl hoove. “But I rather walk next to you.” He finished with a smile.

As the gentle breeze blew through Kirouac’s short green mane, with orange tips, he stretched his blue feather covered leathery wings. “Can you please give me some room, so that I can practice my flying?” He asked Surprise politely. He had always been following him everywhere ever since he had found him alone and starving in the forest. Kirouac hated how judgemental the ponies were, and how holier-than-thou attitude they had about none pony races.

The Kirin spread his wings and he flew through the forest as his halfling friend watched. Kirouac flew from tree to tree, looking at the animals that ran with family filling some jealousy towards normal looking creatures, but his intercession was interrupted when he spotted a green unicorn attacked by a group of manticores. With no hesitation, Kirouac leaped through the wind to help the poor pony.

“Thank the gods,” the green pony said. Kirouac noticed that the pony was without a fur, instead of coat he had green scales and his tail was the same, all scales and no fur, and he had claws on his front hooves. Kirouac blasted the manticore, scaring them away.

“Who are you?” Kirouac asked the small reptile pony with the black hat, hoping that he was also a dragon pony hybrid. “How did you get here?”

“I have heard of the country of MoonRacer, and all from the land of the ponies I have come to warn you.”

“Warn me about what?” Kirouac asked the unicorn. The pony was about to answer as Surprise came from the woods.

“Kirouac are you alright?” Surprise asked as he caught his breath, “I saw you diving here and I ran as…” Surprise stopped as he noticed the small green reptile that looked like a unicorn with a hat looking at him.

“A changeling halfling,” The reptile smiled, “I haven’t seen that kind long time, tell me are you one of Chrysalis’ hybrids?”
“NO!” Surprise said in disgust to hear changeling hag’s name. “Who are you?” Surprise asked the reptile.

“Of course, where are my manners, I am Dr. Mephist. I told your Kirin friend about a warning.”

“About what?” Surprise asked and raised an eyebrow.

“A warning about Equestria, I have come from the land that the ponies are ruling,” Mephist’s horn glow in green and the forest grew darker as shadows came from the ground in the form of seven ponies, all mares. Two unicorns, two pegasi, two earth ponies and one alicorn.

“The ponies took over other races, forcing them into their beliefs and destroying all that isn’t what they believed to be, there you must commit yourself into their beliefs or you will be an enemy of the country.” Mephist lighted his horn again and more forms appeared in the shadows, griffons, changelings, dragons and more, being abused and attacked by the seven.

“And why should we trust you?” Kirouac asked the reptile, “As all we know, you can be just as evil as the ponies you claim to be evil.” Surprise didn’t agree with his friend, he looked at Mephist and tears were in his eyes.

“You suffered the same aren’t you?” Mephist asked, “The ponies all about friendship, but when it comes to creatures like us, they would show only cruelty.”

Surprise nodded, “They never saw me as one of them.”

“Because you are not,” Mephist put a hand on Surprise’s shoulder, “You are superior, you are a pony and a changeling.”

“I cannot even transform,” Surprise replied.

“It doesn’t matter,” Mephist smiled, “You have potential, both of you. I ask you as an outcast, please help me stop this cruelty, please help me stop this madness, help destroy those ponies before they come here.”

“What do you propose?” Kirouac asked.

“Come with me to their land, and we will show them who really are the monsters.”

“So are you telling that this Dr. Mephist visited you in your dream last night?” Trixie asked Starlight, who was quite frightened looking, as the two mares walked among the ponies in Ponyville.

“I know what it sounds like, but this wasn’t a dream,” Starlight insisted, “It felt familiar.”

“Well,” Trixie put her hoof around her friend’s shoulder, “It doesn’t matter, because, in three days, the great and powerful Trixie will appear in the castle party for the great Nightmare Night!” As Starlight and Trixie laughed, Starlight noticed a hooded figure looked at her, and she was filled with fear.

Born of pride and rage.

In the Ponyville town square, there are many interesting ponies there. One of them is known as Short Fuze. He’s a pegasus with a bright yellow coat and a red and yellow mane. His cutie mark was a firecracker with a lit fuze. It established his position as the pyrotechnics expert of the area and one of the few construction ponies around.

He was the third oldest out of six in his family, and due to the fact that his dad was a unicorn and his mom was a pegasus, it meant that he had siblings that were either one. The fact that his two older siblings were both his brothers made his life difficult.

His oldest was a successful officer known as Book Knight. Book was a unicorn with a dark grey coat and a dark blue mane. His cutie mark was a book with a knight’s helmet on it. The main thing that helped his career was the fact that he was also the Shadow Knight, a hooded hero that fought crime at night. Ever since he read that comic that Twilight got from the other world Book wanted to be like Batman.

Fuze’s main problem with Book was that he was a know-it-all who liked giving lectures, and long ones at that fact. Even though he and his brothers worked together to help make the Shadow Knight come to life, it was still Book’s suit, Book’s job, and Book’s achievement.

Now having a superhero for a brother would be annoying, but his second brother somehow took it up a notch. Light Heart was once a unicorn with a yellow coat and a blue mane. His cutie mark was a teddy bear, solidifying his status as a toymaker. He was autistic, so it always felt like he got more attention from his parents. Admittedly when he was younger Fuze would make fun of the fact that Light struggled with magic.

Now imagine the day when he walks into his parents' house and finds this autistic pony with a pair of wings. This was only a year or two ago, but it still bugged him. Light would always say that he had no real clue why or how he became one, but it was always hard to believe. How does an idiot become an alicorn?

These two siblings always made him feel like he wasn’t on the same level as them. Fuze was always trying to prove that he was just as important as his brothers, but when you take into account that he’s also in the same town as the main six, it’s hard to stand out. It always seemed like he would never have the spotlight for once in his life.

His feelings were even more bitter when Nightmare Night came around. It started off as a minor inconvenience, but it got to the point where he was on his own with nothing to do. Book was on patrol as the Shadow Knight because he believes that it’s the best time to catch any criminals who’d try to make a move. Light never liked the large crowds, so he’d usually try to work on making some more toys at his house.

Normally Fuze would at least be able to work on the fireworks show, but that ended when Trixie came back into town. Now he was being upstaged by a second rate magician!

He wasn’t in costume because he didn’t find a point in one anymore. He ended up taking a walk on the edge of the Everfree forest.

As he was trying to cool his head off he heard a familiar voice from behind him. “I don’t think it would be wise to be so far out in these woods at this time of night.”

Fuze groaned as he turned around to face the hooded figure. “What’s it to you Book.”

“What did we say about using my real name in public?” The figure hissed at him.

Fuze couldn’t help but roll his eyes at him. “Dude, everybody in town knows your secret identity. Don’t you have a monologue to give to the sky or something?”

“That was one time, and you know it. What are you doing out here?”

Fuze was already annoyed, now he had somebody else to drive him nuts. “What does it matter to you? Nobody needs me because they’ve got the main six and all of the other ponies who get the spotlight.”

The Shadow Knight took a deep breath, signaling that the lecture was going to begin. “When I first put on the mask I thought I’d be against the main six. They had always taken down the major threats in the past. But when I actually started being able to do stuff I realized that I didn’t need the spotlight, in fact, I worked better without it. While those girls took the path of lights and friendship I took the path of the shadows and dealt with the darkness that nopony wants to know about. When you stop trying to focus on what you…”

“AWE FOR CELESTIA’S SAKE! CAN YOU CUT IT OUT! I’VE HEARD YOU TELL ME THIS THREE TIMES ALREADY!”

Book looked a little taken back, but he knew that this was another tantrum from Fuze. Book wanted to try drilling some sense into that thick skull, but he saw a few kids in the distance running into the woods.

Book held up a smoke pellet with his magic as he spoke. “Fuze, as long as your pride is in the way I can’t help you. Now if you excuse me, I’m needed elsewhere.”

Book slammed the pellet on the ground and was out of Fuze’s sight by the time the smoke cleared. Fuze started muttering to himself as he sat down on the grass.

"You don’t see me fitting in
I’m sitting here alone
Hidden by my friends' shadow
Always on my own

If I could share my wildest dreams
Maybe they would see
I’m more than just a firework
There’s so much more to me

I’m Invisible, INVISIBLE
A droplet in the mist
Invisible, INVISIBLE
It’s like I don’t exist

No spot in the pages of history
For me, that’s what you’ll read
I haven’t done much anything
I’m not likely to succeed

A pony with no destiny
That no one wants to find
Maybe I’ll just be forgotten
Until the end of time

I’m Invisible, INVISIBLE
A Droplet in the mist

Invisible, INVISIBLE
It’s like I don’t exist

INVISIBLE, INVISIBLE
A droplet in the mist

INVISIBLE, INVISIBLE
It’s like I don’t exist
"

When fuze turned he saw a green small unicorn with a green hairless tail and he was covered in scales instead of coat leaning on a tree and eating an apple.

“Invisible?” The reptile smiled, “You're not invisible to me.”

Fuze jumped a bit, but once he saw the unicorn better he groaned a bit. “Listen, if you wanna take over Ponyville then I have no clue where the main six is, but my brother is hanging around here if you want a fight. Just shout some crazy threats or something, it’s His job to take care of you. If you want to kidnap me, you’re in way over your head. If it’s none of those options then leave me alone! I don’t want to talk to some random punk that I’ve just met right now..”

“Wow, take it easy,” the reptile said.

Fuze sighed as he tried to walk away. “Listen, if you want to go into town, do it. Otherwise, go away. Go talk to my alicorn brother or my superhero brother if you want to have a good time. That’s what everybody else does.”

“If I wanted to see the ‘shadow knight’ I would have been there, no, I am here for ponies with potential,” the reptile said.

Fuze was now a little confused. When ponies talked about potential they referred to his brothers, not him. Now some guy was saying that there is some for of it in him that wasn’t in his brothers. “What do you want with me?”

“ I want to help you, I am Dr. Mephist, and I am here to find some potential ponies for a plan.”

“What kind of plan?” Fuze asked warily.

The Dr. smile at the confused little pegasus, “A plan to change the world. First, I want you to help me with something at the party that the princess will have.”

“What do you have in mind?” Fuze asked.

“Nothing big, I need you to help me and my friends enter for start.”

“You need inside the city? I can easily pass you for a pony in a costume.” Fuze explained. “By the way, who are these friends?”

“Two other ponies in costumes,” Mephist smiled as two other figures appeared from the trees. One was a purple pony with holes in his body and he had short purple mane, the other was a combination of the back legs & top wings of a pony and the front legs & bottom wings a dragon, he was blue with a green mane with orange tips and he had a horn that gave him the appearance of an alicorn.

“Short Fuze, meet Shifting-Surprise and Kirouac, they will help us in our mission from above.”

Fuze looked a little confused at this sight. “Okay, one, I’m not as dumb as other ponies here, none of you are wearing costumes… and that’s weird. Two, what do you mean mission from above? What exactly are we doing?”

Surpise rolled his eyes about this. “Neither is your brother, really.” He murmured to himself.

"Let's not fight among ourselves boys, that we will leave to the enemy" Mephist tried to calm the angry, "but for now, our friend fuze will help us meet the enemy and learn"

Fuze still had a sense of uneasiness, but he wasn’t willing to count this group out yet. “Okay, who’s the enemy?”

"Soon enough you will know" Fuze did not understood, but before he could ask again the Dr. he heard the voice of his brother calling him.

"Fuze!!!" Book shouted.

Fuze rolled his eyes as he started to turn around. “I’ll handle him. He’s always doubling up on security on Nightmare Night.”

Fuze quickly ran over to Book before he could confront the others. Book looked serious as he was glaring daggers into Fuze. “Who are they?”

Fuze groaned a bit. “Seriously? You’re just going to jump at anypony from out of town? They’re just some tourists wanting to see what Nightmare Night is like around here. You do remember that this is becoming a town for tourists to come and see the princess, right?”

Fuze was a little worried that he was actually trying to lie to his oldest brother, but he actually had a shot at the spotlight for once in his life. How could he give that up to Book?

However, Book didn’t get his hero position for being gullible. “Really? I’d think that tourists would use the train. Seriously! You need to be careful of who you hang around with.”

Fuze glared back at Book. Fuze never liked the feeling of being lectured. “Book, I am an explosives expert and a pretty good flyer. I know how to defend myself. Now let me repeat myself when I say that they’re just from another town. Ponies have wings and hooves. Now, if they cause trouble I’ll be the first pony to let you know. Can’t you trust me for once in your life?”

Book stared at Fuze and the group in the distance for a minute. Fuze couldn’t tell what Book was thinking through the mask that was blocking the view of his mouth. Finally, Book nodded. “Alright. You’re a grown pony, so you can make your own choices. However, I will be keeping an eye on this little group of friends you’ve made, just to be safe.”

Fuze gave a frustrated sigh. “Of course. Anything for a little breathing room.”

Book didn’t bother replying. All he did was teleport off in a poof of black smoke.

Fuze groaned a bit as he turned to the others. “Do you see what I have to deal…” He was cut off when he realized that the three ponies he was talking to were gone. Fuze gave a nervous gulp as he decided to head back to town. “Please don’t let those ponies be a threat to Ponyville! Book will never let me hear the end of it.” Fuze thought to himself.

Unknown to him, Book was watching from a building in the distance. He could feel his instincts screaming that there was something wrong with this group that his brother has now joined. Book didn’t have the heart to say that after sending the “exploring” kids back into town he had watched Fuze’s whole conversation with these strangers.

The only clues he had from reading their lips were their names. The green lizard-like pony seemed to stick out the most as their leader. “Dr. Mephist, who are you and why are you in my city?”

Book did care for Fuze, but his brash nature always made it hard to deal with him. If these new ponies were a sign of a new threat then he had to pull ahead of them. He needed to learn who these ponies were, and currently, his best bet was asking the pony who’s been around the most. Twilight Sparkle.

the manipulation of love

Starlight sat in her office at the school, helping students to find costumes for the party at the castle. As Starlight worked on some ideas for her and Trixie’s costumes, she felt cold wind tapping on her back and sending shivers down her spine. Probably the window, Starlight thought and she walked to close the window, but when she arrived at the window, it was already closed. Starlight shrugged and she returned to her chair, only to find a small green unicorn, covered in scales sitting on the chair that served the students and he read her ideas.

“Royal guards... Celestia and Luna… Applejack and Rainbow Dash?” The reptile pony laughed as he threw the pages from his clawed hands, “Is that the best ideas you came up with?”

“Mephist?” Starlight asked in fear, as she shook her head, “No, you are not real, you just some monster I created in my mind.”

“Not real?” Mephist asked with a sinister smile, “If that is so, who taught you the dark art? Who helped you to walk through time?”

“I learned it from the pages of Starswir-” Starlight’s mouth was held by an invisible hand as two shadows took her shadow her shadow and place it on the chair, forcing Starlight to do the same.

“Trust me, you are not that smart to understand the big-headed wizard,” Dr. Mephist said in anger, “It was me who taught you that, we made a deal, and you broke it!” Mephist calmed down and he took off his black hat and taking out an old scroll and he used his green magic to give Starlight the scroll, “As you can see, you signed for a deed for your soul for the knowledge to time travel.” Starlight read the scroll and she smiled. “What so funny?” Mephist asked and he released her mouth.

“It seems you forgot something,” Starlight smirked and read in loud the scroll, “ ‘Starlight Glimmer will hand over her soul, when she will succeed to defeat Twilight Sparkle’, I never defeated Twilight and so, I have the right to keep my soul.”

“What?!!” Mephist took the scroll and read it, but to Starlight’s surprise, the reptile laughed, “Well done, well done. It seems you tricked me, but do not worry, I will wait, soon enough you will suffer more than you know, your friends will pay for the trick and when you walk alone, betrayed by all, I will be there, ready for the deal.” Mephist disappeared in a cloud of black smoke, and Starlight was left alone.

While Starlight was trying to comprehend what happened, Fuze was busy wandering through town, trying to find out where those weird ponies went off to. “Great! Some guy tries to tell me that I’m special and then runs off. If that was some sort of criminal, then I’m dead meat.”

As he was running through town he ended up finding himself over by Trixie’s cart. He noticed that she didn’t have any fireworks set up. He wandered around her cart until he heard a noise coming from a locked box. “Uh, Starlight? Is that you? Can you help me out?”

Fuze rolled his eyes as he heard the second rate magician trying to escape. “Trixie? Did you seriously get stuck in your own prop?”

He noticed her voice get a little panicky. “Wha... Who dares disturb the great and powerful Trixie?”

“My name is Short Fuze. I’m the local pyrotechnics expert. Can you tell me what you are doing in there?”

“I’m… just getting ready to do one of my great tricks. Watch as I magically escape this locked box!” Fuze watched as the box started rocking around for a minute. After a few minutes of struggling Fuze managed to hear Trixie mumbled to herself. “Stupid box and dumb teleportation spell.”

Fuze sighed as he walked up and used his wing to reach inside of a crack in the back. He found a latch and unlocked it, allowing the back part of the box to open up. “You do know that these boxes come with a secret exit, right?”

Trixie looked shocked at the sight of the Pegasus. She quickly crawled out and tried to look professional. “Uh... Trixie knew that. So… you think you can outdo a magician in magic?”

Fuze rolled his eyes as he grabbed a deck of cards and started shuffling them. “I used to do some magic tricks when I was a kid. You don’t need actual magic to do these tricks if you have the knowledge and skill to use them. Now pick a card.”

Trixie rolled her eyes as she drew one and gave it a small glance before placing it back into the deck. “Seriously? As much as this amuses Trixie, why would a pegasus want to learn magic tricks?”

Fuze grinned a bit as he thought back and shuffled the deck again. “Because I thought it was cool. For a magical pony to be able to escape a box is nothing, but for one without magic to do it… it adds a layer of mystery. I always loved magic tricks. It’s dazzling and breathtaking… kinda like fireworks. I always like it when I can put on a good fireworks show. it makes me feel… like I can still be amazing.” Fuze then drew a card from the deck. “Is this your card?”

She was a little taken back by Fuze’s mindset. It actually reminded her of when she was a child and even when she tried to go professional. As Trixie snapped back to reality she noticed that Fuze was holding up the wrong card. She tried to playfully scoff at his mistake. “No. You still have a lot to learn before you can match Trixie’s skills.”

Fuze smiled as he handed her the cards back. “Very well, but if you want to learn how to dazzle people without the horn, feel free to ask me. By the way, there’s something on your hat.”

“What? It’s my only hat! I can’t have it looking…” Trixie stopped as soon as she saw a single card on her hat, the same one that she drew. The queen of hearts. She blushed a bit as she was trying to figure out how he did it. “Well… I guess that Pegasus isn’t too bad after all.”

Before she could try to look for him, she realized that it was time for her to practice her fireworks display. As she opened her chest to unleash the turret of lights and explosions she started thinking about Fuze. He had a form of precision that she wouldn’t expect from a pegasus. She sighed a bit as she kept thinking about him. “Maybe Trixie shall take him up on that offer.”

As Fuze continued his walk to the sugar cube, he heard a familiar voice, “Well done Romeo,” he turned to see Dr. Mephist sitting in a dark corner, smiling as he was playing with a pack of cards.

“What are you talking about?” Fuze asked in confusion.

“I am talking about you and...” Mephist took a card with a picture of Trixie with hearts on the sizes. “...the magician, you will be a beautiful couple. And it seems that you gave her one heck of an impression.”

Fuze was still confused but then started to catch his drift. “I… maybe in the future. I’d still want to learn more about her and who she is.”

“Kid trust me, the future is now, and if you want to become somepony like your brother, you must trust me, and your heart.”

“Maybe… but I don’t want to be like my divorced grandfather. I would like to make sure that she is… My special somepony.” Fuze explained. “My dad always said that love never grew overnight.”

“Very well,” Mephist took from his hat a small potion, it was a pink potion with a heart symbol, “This love will give her this in the party and her heart will be yours.”

Fuze looked worried at the potion. “W-Wait! You want me to just… make her my special somepony… without even knowing who she is?”

“Kiddo, it’s a love potion, not mind control, she will be aware who she is, she won’t be a zombie, but her heart will see you like the pony you are really beautiful and hero.”

Fuze was starting to get worried. “And now my brother’s lectures about the difference between love and infatuation is going through my head.”

“Okay then, you wanted to see if she is your special somepony?” Mephist asked as two shadows appeared behind him, one that belonged to a young pegasus and one that belonged to a beautiful mare, “Look at the shadows Fuze, they are your future. Trust your future, she is the one, this potion isn’t controlling love, it’s merely freeing love and as I saw in her eyes, she is in love with you.”

Fuze looked at the shadows for a minute. He truthfully didn’t know much about Trixie, besides the fact that the first two times she showed up in Ponyville there was almost as much chaos as one of Discord’s weekends. He didn’t think much about her… but… maybe there was something more than what he saw.

He wasn’t ready to just use the potion… but maybe he could just talk to her some more. Just a couple of days was all he’d need to tell if he truly loved her back. He decided to hold on to the potion, but maybe he wouldn’t need it. “I’ll hold on to this, but give me a couple of days to learn the basics about her.”

“Very well, you will have your days, but remember if you need me, I will be next to you like a shadow.”

“That still begs a few questions. Why are you here? I doubt you’d just be here to do some match-making. Why do you need me?” Fuze asked, more curious than ever.

“Sharp as a knife,” Mephist smiled, “You see, I am here because,” Mephist looked from left to right, making sure no pony is listening, “An old enemy of mine is here, and her name is Starlight Glimmer. I need you to keep Ponyville safe and the magic unicorn of course.”

Fuze was taken back by this. This was Twilight’s pupil that he was talking about. “Uh, I don’t know where you’re from, but she was reformed to my knowledge. She also saved the nation once, so why are you still after her?”

“Think about that, she enslaved a village and more, and never went to Tartarus, and my sources told me she controlled Cozy glow, think about that, a child can defeat master magic? Sounds fishy to me. This is not redemption, this is hiding in plain sight.”

Fuze wanted to think about a way to point out that he was wrong, but then again… how else could a child with no magic take down the pony who went hoof to hoof with Twilight? As for her saving the kingdom, she could have just been taking out the competition. The more he thought about it, the more possible it seemed.

Fuze turned to the doctor. “Alright, in spite of the fact that neither Luna nor Discord went to Tartarus either, let’s say that you are right. Who’d believe it? If we just try to charge her with those crimes we’d have no proof. We’d be the enemies.”

“That is why I need you with Trixie, an ear and an eye for me, and of course help the poor unfortunate soul that she trapped with her tricks.” Mephist raised his clawed hoof ready to shake the pegasus’ hoof, “So, are you in, do you want to save Equestria?”

Fuze bit his lip a bit. “I.. I’ll try to find the truth, but I won’t seduce her just for this. I’ll love her for love’s sake.”

“Remember the shadows kid, if you love her, help her. She is the one for you.”

Fuze swallowed nervously. “A-Alright. I’ll just try to ask her a few questions and… I’ll work it from there.”

“Again, she won’t tell you anything, keep Starlight to me, all I need is that you will keep an eye on her, and of course keep your other eye on ‘the great and powerful, whatever her name is’.”

“Her name is Trixie.” As soon as Fuze said that he started to realize the emotions swelling up in him. He had never felt like this about any pony in his life. How was she getting into his head?

“You see,” Mephist draw a heart with his lizard tail, “Special somepony, now go to her lover boy!”

Fuze was about to speak, but Mephist faded away into the shadows. “And I thought it was annoying when Book pulls stuff like that.”

“Um, Fuze?” Fuze jerked around to see Trixie walking up to him. She looked a little flustered as she looked at him. “Um, I found your trick interesting, and I started asking about your fireworks displays. From what it sounds like you know how to put on a show. Um… Please don’t tell anypony, but I was wondering if you could give me some pointers?”

Fuze blushed a bit. Sure, she was a little arrogant, but when she wasn’t boasting about herself, she was pretty nice. He didn’t want to put too much thought into how cute she was, but this was his chance to learn more about her. “Uh… Sure. Let’s go. While we are walking, mind if I ask you a bit about yourself?”

Trixie smiled a bit. “I think I can do that.”

Fuze’s cheeks turned a bright red as he saw her smile. As much as he still had questions about Starlight now, maybe he found something more through this.

He learned about Trixie's rough upbringing and how magic tricks became her escape. She wanted a brighter future, so that’s when she decided to try to make a living off of it. She also talked about how much she had to deal with her big ego in order to make any real friends.

Fuze had to sympathize with her struggles with being noticed and her being ridiculed for her big ego. He explained that he was also accused of having a big head. He told her about his brothers and how it always felt like a challenge to gain any attention.

They both also asked some basic stuff like what they loved and despised. Fuze enjoyed hearing her stories about the places she visited. Trixie also enjoyed hearing about his skills and how much he helped his brothers when they went on a inventing spree.

Light would come up with some crazy ideas and add a spark of creativity. Book would work out some of the science and magic needed to pull this stuff off. Fuze was the one who was the best at building the stuff that they came up with. Together, they were a good team, but even then only half of the stuff they made actually worked. Trixie had to giggle at his story of how they nearly burned down the town when they tried making the world’s biggest fireworks.

Trixie smiled as she said that they both were just a few ponies who fell from the spotlight. She didn’t notice as her wall of pride fell away to reveal her compassion and insecurities.

As they started walking towards her cart, Fuze started to see far past her flaws and into who Trixie really was. Behind that ego and lack of training, there was a playful and kind pony. He couldn’t care if she was the ugliest pony in the world. He had found a diamond in the rough, and he didn’t want to let it go. He wasn’t sure yet, but he might have fallen in love.

To know the two towns

“I’m telling you Princess.” Book said exasperatedly. “There are strange pony-noid monstrous creatures in the forest, lurking, and luring my brother into.. the unknown.”

The Princess took a deep breath of exasperation. “I understand your worry, but we can’t just have the whole town just jump off and marsh into the forest to attack a group of creatures that have never attacked or invaded into the town, as long as those creatures stay in the forest then I don’t see any point to bring any pony to any unnecessary dangerous activities.” She said with finality.

“But PRINCESS! Those creatures, one of them looked like a pony, but with holes in it’s legs, will the other was a corrupted.. monsterific form of an alicorn, but instead of from hooves it has claws, and it’s jaw was the same as your pet, if it was a monster.” Book said will pointing to Spike, the baby dragon.

Spike tock some offence to Book’s comment, but was curious to know about this.. half pony, half Dragon hybrid.

“Spike isn’t a pet, his is my faithful assistant.” The Princess said, before thinking. “By the way you describe the first one, he sounds to be a changeling, or at least half of one, will for the second one.. I don’t know, they might have finally found a way to make a pony conceived a child with a dragon.”

Spike perked up to the sound of that.

“They must be from that mysterious unknown town, deep in the Forgotten Forest, that goes by the name of MoonRacer.” The princess said with some worry. “By Legend, they supposedly are a pacificial group of.. a mix of all 3 & plus pony races, and some.. none pony races.”

“Then we most go to it at once, find this town, and ask questions, demand answers!” Book said with viger. “I could care less about what race these ponies are, this group is looking like trouble.”

“I would love to let you go there. But..” The princess paused for an awkward minute. “I don’t know where it is.”

“MoonRacer, the Forgotten Forest.” Book’s slightly younger brother, the one that has become an alicorn spoke up. Light Heart walked forward and gave a quick glance to Book. “I heard that you and Fuze had an argument about some new ponies… and I figured that I could help. All I ask is that I ask the questions alone. I don’t think that we need Book going nuts over there.”

Book raised an eyebrow at his younger brother. “You seriously think that I’d go too far?”

Light chuckled a bit. “Dude, I know what you are like when you wear that suit. You take everything too seriously. This is something that I know I can do and will help everypony in the long run.”

Twilight had to agree. “I think that it might be for the best. Until this shows signs of being a major threat I’d rather treat it like a friendship mission. It could be that your little brother is just trying to make some new friends.”

Book sighed frustratedly. “I just have a bad feeling about that green lizard-like pony. However, you are a princess, and that means that I must obey. So Light… How in the world are you going to find a place that’s not on any map?”

Light smiled confidently. “Oh, I know where it is, I even have a friend there.”

“You DO!?” The princess asked both in shock and surprise. “WHO?”

In a small dirt house in the middle of MoonRacer, in the Forgotten Forest, a young adult slept with his bottle-caps covered hat resting over his face. He awoke to a pair of hooves trying to climb onto his body. He pulled his hat off of his face, regretting it immediately, getting blinded by the light that poured in, from the hole in the roof, created by the cracked branch that was part of the roof of his house. Even though he was blinded by the light, he could still discern the silhouette of his second daughter. “Morning FastFox! I can see that you are both excited and panicking all at the same time.”

Fast nodded. “Yes yes!” She said rapidly. “Nightmare night is in 3 days and I can’t wait.” She said while bouncing on both FlashTruth and his bed.

“I’m glad that you are excited, truly I am.” Flash told her. “But I do hope you don’t wake up ShyStone by accident.” He finished with a bit of sterness. “That wouldn’t be really nice of you if you did that to your sister.”

She shook her head. “Nope, I slipped out the covers, slid off of our bed, and then creeped out of our room before coming to you.”

Flash was glad that Fast could restrain her excitement for celebrating nightmare night with there GodFather, uncle “Light Heart” enough to let her sister sleep. Ever those that Light wasn’t related by blood with him, and that Light already has five siblings, Flash couldn’t think of any one else that he rather have keep track of his two adopted daughter then his best friend, Light Heart. “Go get yourself changed, and I’ll meet you at our usual breakfast table, with your sister ShyStone.”

Fast nodded and was about to leave, but her adopted father Flash stopped her.

“Wait!” Flash silently yelled, before motioning her to head to him.

She went to him, and he adjusted the 4 feathers in her mane. “Red for her, Orange for her fathers orange coat, back & white for her zebra sister, and Yellow for Light Heart.”

As Fast trotted off, she slowly reverted from a fox, back to her buffalo self.

As Flash was about to put his sunglasses on, and deal with that blaring light, the candle next to his bed lit up, and a letter appeared. He was now used to Light’s delivery method of sending mail to him. Flash grabbed the letter and started to read it.

“Dear friend, FlashTruth

Hey, I know that this is a little short notice, and I know that you’ll be coming anyways soon, but could you please come and visit me in Ponyville? My brother wants to know about some of the possible citizens of MoonRacer. He’s convinced that they are up to no good and Princess Twilight wants to learn more about them before a fight starts. You don’t have to bring your daughters, and now that I think about it, you should probably not. All I need to know is who they are, and why they are here. That should help calm Book down.

Your friend, Light Heart.”

Flash placed the letter in one of the pockets in his orange coat and went to wake up ShyStone.

“Shy... Shy... Wake up Shy!” He said will tapping on his daughters door. He kind of wished that he could give them each their own rooms, or at least their own bed, but they had to do with what they have, and they were happy, and that was the most important thing.

Shy got up, putting on her big green glasses on. “I'm… yawn… I’m up.” She said while yawning.

She made herself presentable, and came out of her room and walked with her dad to there usual breakfast table.

The tables weren’t fancy at all, just some old wooden tree stump with a bed sheet over it.

When there were done eating, Flash announced that he got a letter from Light Heart, asking him to take an early trip to Ponyville. Both girls here happy to hear that, but were sad to hear that there father was asked to go without them, and that they would have to walk to school by themselves. He said farewell for now to his daughters, and then parted ways.

As he got ready to make the long trip to Ponyville he silently thought to himself. “I hope that this is as important as you say it is.”

When Flash got to Ponyville he slowed his pace. They weren’t as fond of the citizens of MoonRacer as Light was. Luckily for him he was one of the normal looking ones.He made his way Light’s place, just situated over his small toy-shop, across from sugarcube corner.

He gave a knock, and Light open the door for him. Light’s eyes lit up when he saw him.

“Hey Light, long time no see.” Flash said as he gave him a high hoof.

Light agreed as he led him into his small toy store. “Can you believe that it’s been over a year since that fateful day, when I woke up in your house, with those two things on my back.” He said will pointing to the wings on his back.

Flash chuckled. “Ya, you were confused on why both of my daughters were referring to you as a pegacorn.”

“And then your mom showed up and bowed to me, thinking that I was royalty. And I thought my life before this transformation was weird.” Light said with a small chuckle. He lead his to a couple of small, homemade chairs and sat down. “I still owe you my life. I know that without you… I would have succeeded in killing myself. Meeting you, and seeing how you and your daughter managed to live with also with Asperger really helped me out.”

Flash smiled as he heard how comfortable he’s become with his life. “I'm glad we could help. Though most of the ponies that come into MoonRacer come to find their place in the world, and usually stay and find the answer to why. Have you?”

Light shook his head. “I still don’t know why I’m an alicorn, to the astonishment of many, especially Neighsay. For now I’m good with helping the kids here. The more I can help others the better I feel about myself. I’m just glad that I didn’t get a crown when I came back. I’d be the end of Equestria.”

Flash shivered when he heard about Neighsay. He had remembered Light talking about what that pony said to him as a kid and the trouble it gave him in the long run. As much as he wanted to just sit around and talk about the past, he knew that Light called him for a reason. “But you didn't call me here just to chat about old times. Who did you want to know about?”

Light cleared his throat. “My brother saw a blue half dragon with a horn, followed by a purple changeling with less holes then normal and a cloak. They were with a green scaled pony with a top hat and a horn as well. Do you know them?”

“Hmmm.. the 2 first ones must be Kirouac and Shifting Surprise. They’ve been best friends for a long time. It’s a long story.”

“I’ve got time. Tell me.” Light said as he leaned back in a chair.

Flash spent the next several hours explaining Kirouac’s and Shifting Surprise’s backstory. He went into the details about how Kirouac’s parents came together in MoonRacer and how Surprise’s changeling father was taken advantage of by his pony mother, who ended up giving birth to him. Apparently Surprise was trying to find a place in his world and then he met the dragon-pony. Even since then the two have been the best of friends, or at the lest the handmaids of the other.

“They just like us, just wanting to find their place in a world they don’t think they belong. Kirouac is the only half dragon-pony that we know of, and Surprise is the only changeling and halflings that never learned how to change, tho… he can detect between bad and good emotions, but not which one specifically. As for the third one, I don’t know who he is, but if I see them I can promise you that I'm going to ask them.” Flash finished explaining.

“But why are they in Ponyville? I wouldn’t think that either of them would want to head over there.” Light asked.

Flash shrugged. “Maybe they heard about Twilight’s school or other efforts to build relations with the surrounding nations. As weird as it is to your people to see a hybrid, maybe this is their attempt to try and build relations with the other nations.”

“That’d be nice. I’ll need to talk to Twilight about it. So, you’re sure that they aren’t here to cause any trouble?” Light asked.

“I’m positive. They are not the ponies to cause a fight over nothing.” Flash explained, certain that he was right.

Light was happy with what Flash told him. “I’ll let my brother know what you’ve told me. I guess I’ll see you in a few days, but thank you for coming and helping me out.”

“Thank you for having me here. I’ll see you around, and hopefully the girls will be with me next time.” Flash said. He gave Light a hoof-shake and started to make his way back to MoonRacer.

But unbeknownst to them Dr Mephist over hear there little chat. ‘Mhmm.. I think I can use this information for my own gain. Their past will help me to change things, and Glimmer’s soul will be mine.’ He thought to himself before going off, fading into the shadows.

Difference of opinion

“... And that’s he told me. Currently there’s no reason to believe that they’re here for a fight. I still don’t know why they are here, but I don’t think it’s a problem.” Light had spent the last half hour explaining how his conversation with Flash went.

Twilight and Book were both listening. Twilight was actually glad that Book wasn’t in his suit, but that only meant that she could see his sceptical face as he spoke. “Are you sure that you can trust your source?”

Light looked offended that Book asked that. “First of all, he’s not a source, he’s my friend. And second, I do trust him as much as he trusts me. I’m the Godfather to his kids, meaning that he trusts me whenever he can’t be there for them. He’s helped me a lot, so yeah, I trust him.”

Twilight quickly tried to defuse the conversation. “So you don’t know why they are here?”

Light nodded. “Or who Dr Mephist is. I don’t think that it’s a big deal.”

Book shook his head. “You didn’t see Mephist like I did. His eyes were cold and calculating. He’s planning something big and ponies will get hurt.”

Light groaned. “You do know why that suit of your only sees action every other month? It’s because crime is low. I’m seriously concerned about you right now.”

Twilight could feel her sweat running down her head as she was starting to worry about what the two brothers would do. Light was never one for physical violence, but she didn’t want to leave anything to chance.

It was at this minute that she figured out a way to make Book content and keep this from boiling over. “Book, maybe instead of treating them like criminals you should try to get to know them as friends. At least talk to Kirouac and Surprize. Offer them a room here and tell them that I’d love to talk to them. If you want to investigate the doctor, just send a letter to Celestia or Luna. Just let me try my magic before you start a war.”

Book looked frustrated. “Do I have to talk to those two goons?”

Twilight nodded. “Consider it a direct order from a princess. I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to beat your enemies is to make them your friends. You two are dismissed, and please try not to start a war.”

The two brothers walked out as Light sighed. “Are you going to be able to talk to them without going full edgy on them?”

Book rolled his eyes. “I’d rather focus in my investigation. You do know that our little brother is wrapped in this, right?”

Light sighed out of pure frustration. “Listen, I’ve given up trying to get him to listen. I think he’s at the point to where he needs to make his own choices. As for these two... Goons as you call them, maybe they aren’t as bad as you think.”

Book still looked ticked. “I just can’t get my mind off of that Doctor. Every instinct is telling me that he’s up to something. Those two… and Fuze might just be turning into his pawns. I’d rather focus on sending a letter to Luna. She’d be able to have a response by the time night comes knocking. I don’t want to waste my time with two ponies who I don’t know.”

Light was at the end of his rope. He knew that Book’s heart was in the right place, but he was just stuck with the attitude of when he saw them. Light knew that he’d have to play his trump card if Book was going to pay attention. “Remember the rule of the mask Book.”

Book suddenly stopped. Light had told him about this code when he started as the Shadow Knight. Light said that he needed to keep Book and Shadow separate, so whenever Book was to edgy Light would remind him that he was only allowed to be like that under the mask.

Book wanted to argue with him, but then he started to realize that Twilight and Light had a point. “Alright. I’ll send the letter and then I’ll go find these two… unique ponies.”

Light finally looked like he was calming down. “Good. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a lot of toys that are needed for costume props that I need to get made before Nightmare Night. Later Book.”

As Light walked off, Book summoned a quill and scroll and began writing.

“To her highness, Princess Luna,

I have recently witnessed some strange ponies enter Ponyville. As much as I’d like to downplay it as tourism, there’s a member of this group who has me concerned. This pony is Green and has some lizard-like skin. His attire is a black top hat. He seems like he is in control of the group and gives me the impression that he has a larger plan.I’m currently going off of my instincts right now, but I can’t shake it. Something is wrong with him, and I fear that lives are on the line. I’m trying to learn more about this strange pony and according to Twilight’s request I’m taking the pacifist route. I need all of the information that you have about Dr Mephist as soon as possible. I hope that I’m wrong about this whole mess, but I feel like it won’t be the case.

Your loyal soldier, Shadow Knight.”

Book used a teleportation spell that he knew to send it to Luna. Hopefully when she wakes up she’ll be able to give him some answers. Until then, he had to learn more about this group, and the only way to do that was through learning about Kirouac and Surprize.

Kirouac had decided to not go back to his town, not right now. He wanted to just be alone, away from the stares, well... As much alone that you can when you have a halfling who keeps following you everywhere, insistent to be his handmade. Even though the MoonRacer-ians accepted him, it didn’t mean that they didn’t stare, or ask to invade his private space and touch him. “Why does every single pony that meet us expect the worst? We are still ponies, at least half of us are pony DNA.” Kirouac asked.

“I don’t don’t know, they are all so... Rigged with their race, the earth-ponies do manual labor, the pegasus move & transport stuff, will the unicorn subjugate, and the alicorns just rule and get knelt to.” Surprise said. “We just don’t fit in their world.”

They both heard a sound from behind them. “You know, I’m a pretty manual labor type of guy, and I have a brother who’s a toy maker alicorn. Maybe we just have some bad misconceptions about each other?”

They both turned to see Book without his suit and gruff voice. He was actually wearing a pair of glasses and had a book with him. Neither one of them could recognize him from the other night.

“Oh, an alicorn, my apology.” Surprise did a sarcastic curtsy-bow to Book. “Pardon me, brother of a princess.”

Book motioned him to step back up. “Don’t bother with the bowing. My brother is nowhere near a prince, that’d be the end of the nation. He’s autistic and prefers to be a normal toymaker. He still has no clue how he became an alicorn or what it means. Have you heard of him? His name is Light Heart.”

“Light... Heart… Oh ya, he is the one who tried to take his own life.” Surprise said with a hint of sarcasm. “What was the reason... OH yeah, because he couldn’t find his place in your raged world, he didn’t feel that he belonged nor was accepted for his... Insignificant different.” Surprise asked with an evil grin.

Book felt a bit of anger when he spoke of his brother in such a negative way, but he promised that he wouldn’t go nuts. “No... That, that’s not the case.” Book tried to say.

Surprise could tell that he had struck a nerve, and could feel that Book had felt some negative emotions when he was remaining of the failure of his fascist country. “And then they make him a royal demi-god, so that he wouldn’t have to do anything to get knelt at, him the suicidal toy maker.”

Book could feel his blood boiling as he was dragging his brother’s name through the mud. “Well, from what I heard about your people you’re supposed to be welcoming to the downtrodden and outcasts, but now I see that’s not true. I’d at least expect it from a pony born because somepony lied about what race they were. Don’t you feel like Light every now and then? You just feel… out of place? Don’t play the hypocrite, especially with my brother.”

Kirouac tried to calm this down. “Let’s not kill each other. Please?”

Surprise backed down begrudgingly. “He started it.” he murmured to himself.

“Now, why are you here? I don’t think you’re just here to look at the scenery?” Kirouac asked Book, pointing to the ugly landscape of the everfree forest.

“Alright, I’ll get right to it. These woods are dangerous, and I’ve seen quite a few ponies get hurt when they don’t stick to the trail. I was asked to either offer you some lodging inside of the city or to point you to a camp sight that won’t get visited by timberwolves. What are you two doing out here anyways?” Book asked, hoping that his explanation of the forest would keep them from getting offended by his question.

“Well, we live in the forest, and you don’t need to worry.” Surprise pointed to Kirouac. “We can protect ourselves, we don’t need a...”

Kirouac stopped Surprise. “Where would this lodging be?” Kirouac was ready to give this Book guy a chance.

“Princess Twilight has offered a few rooms in her castle. There’s a storm scheduled for tonight, so it’s not wise to be caught outside. I’m doing my job and I hold no offense to either of you. Admittedly I’ve met several races, but you two are a first. It’s cool when you think about it. I haven’t seen a race as cool as you since I took a trip to see the Kirins.” Book had a bit of hope when Kirouac warmed up to him. At this point he knew who had a level head in the group.

“Thank you, but...” Kirouac pointed to himself. “Are you sure that there are bed big enough for me?”

“You’d be surprised. She’s had everybody from Dragons to Yaks stay over. You’re a first, but I’m sure that she’ll have a room for you.” Book explained.

“No, he is Surprise!” Kirouac quipped, finishing with a laugh. “But ok.” Kirouac was ready, and willing to bridge these two worlds together, and prove that lizard Pony wrong.

Book smiled as he offered his hoof. “Thank you. By the way, my name is Book Knight. It is nice to meet you. By the way, Light wanted me to ask if you two know a friend of his, Flash Truth?”

“Oh yes, who doesn’t know the innocent minded Flash Truth, who lived his whole life in a town that accepts all, and thinks that it’s the case for all.” Surprise said, annoyed of Flash’s constant desire to help out.

“He’s my brother’s best friend, and helped him a lot. Light’s the godfather of his kids now, much to my surprise… Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to say your name.” Book said, trying to lighten the mood.

“When doesn’t he?” Surprise asked Book about Flash. “And I’m not yours, I’m his.” Surprise said jokingly while pointing to Kirouac.

“Sorry, I’ve never met Flash before. My brother said that he was going to take Flash and his girls out here for Nightmare Night. Of course, I’ll be working that night.” Book explained.

“Oh, what a shame.” Surprise said trying to hide his glee.

“Please show us the way.” Kirouac looked down at himself. “Do... Should I change?”

“Only if it makes you comfortable.” Book said calmly as he led them through the forest. “So, you’re here for Nightmare Night, right?”

They both gave a glance to one and other, saying yes to that would be least suspicious, then saying anything less. “Yes” Surprise said while nodding. “We are here for... The fun and... Candy!”

Book could tell by their pauses that there was something more to this. Book decided to use his legend to keep the off guard. “Most ponies visit to either see the princesses or to learn about Nightmare Moon’s escape. Of course, there’s the few who come to want to try out Pinkie’s candy. But the rarest bunch are the ones who want to catch a glimpse of the legendary Shadow Knight. It’s a bit of an urban legend.”

Surprise rolled his eyes, not surprise of how holier than thou he was. “And how many just want to have a breath of fresh air?” Surprise had enough from the ‘Shadow knight’ and he decided to take some miles alone. As the halfling walked down the forest, a small green pony that looked like a lizard came down off the trees.

“What’s the matter Surprise?” Mephist asked as took an apple from the tree.

“This Book Knight guy thinks so think so highly of himself and his country that he is blind to the truth.” Surprise said both in anger and disgust.

“And what would the truth be?” The doctor asked with a grin spiting on his face.

“That Equestria is a fascist segregated country.” He explained.

“Indeed, a country that a pair of wings and a horn give to one pony power, but to another it marks as a freak,” Mephist sighed, “They think they’re better because they are the same. And now, Kirouac could be turning his heart for them if we do nothing,”

“Ya, I should go back and follow him, to make sure that they don’t brain-wash him.” Surprise said.

“A true, true friend helps a friend in need

A friend will be there to help them see

A true, true friend helps his friend in need

To be free from his from true enemy.

Would you try to understand

Who is the enemy in the mask of a friend?

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

A friend will be there to help you see

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

To see the monster that is the pony.”

“So, would you help your friend?” Mephist asked Surprise, “Even if it means to do something bad?”

“Bad?” he asked the doctor.

“It won’t cost a life,” Dr. Mephist reassured him, “But I will need you to impersonates somepony”

“Umm...” Surprise pointed to himself. “Did you forget, I’m a Halfling. I didn’t live with my changeling father, so I can’t change!” He said exasperation.

“Take your time and think about it. I promise you that the offer will stay open.” Mephist turned away and he disappeared in a black cloud.

As Surprise made his way back to the group Book and Kirouac were busy talking. “Wow! I didn’t know that you’ve had so much training. I guess that gives us a few things in common. We work hard for our goals, and we protect the ponies we care about. You’re pretty cool man.” Book said, now rather impressed by Kirouac.

Book still didn’t know how brash Surprise was, but he started to get a feel for Kirouac. They were both guardians of their towns and only wanted to see them live in peace. Book wanted to wait for a while before he dared to ask about the doctor, but he started to get the feeling that Kirouac isn’t a threat.

Surprise could feel that Book was starting to have positive emotions to this situation. Fearing the worst, he started to ask some questions. “So what do you do exactly?”

“I am a general security officer for the Ponyville area. Basically you take any position that relates to cops and I do it. I’m the only officer there, but that’s because of the lack of crime there. We don’t even have a prison in our town. I’m mainly there to make sure that the peace is kept, and that’s an easy job with the princess of friendship in charge.” Book explained.

‘Ya... No visible crime, anyone that goes out of line, they are taken care of, and are stripped from the record, like they have never existed.’ Surprise thought to himself.

Book could tell that he was getting an evil glare from Surprise, but he wanted to try showing them the good that they have done. “Currently we are at peace with the Griffins, changelings, hippogriffs, yaks, and a lot of the other neighboring races. It’s the best peace Equestria has seen in a long time.”

“Oh yes, the griffins, I heard that one was cast out of your village, jest because she didn’t fit in your pony way?” Surprise asked Book. ‘Not to forget the one you managed to brain-wash to believe that the only way she could be happy was if she got one of your slave marks, to let everyone know what the great royal has decreed that you would be forced to do for your whole life.’ He thought to himself.

Book looked curiously at the half changeling. “If you were talking about Gilda, she was assaulting ponies at the time, but has since become the beacon of friendship in Griffinstone. Everypony changes and grows. Why don’t you stop looking at the dirt of the past and look at the bright future that’s growing right in front of you?”

‘You would say that.’ Surprise thought to himself. “Because the dirt of the past is the foundation of our future Construction.” He said poetically.

“Every nation has a little dirt. I’ve never found any creature that’s perfect. Isn’t that what your nation is founded upon? Learning from the mistakes of the past and making a better future?” Book asked, trying to shake Surprise’s resolution. “Wouldn’t life be better for everypony if that idea could spread?”

“It would.” That was the only thing Surprise could think to agree. “But it must not be a one sided affair, it would need to be made with more than one point of view.”

“Politics is Twilight’s thing. I’m a soldier at heart. Tell me, do either of you hold a political position in your country, or are you skilled with politics in any way? I’m sure that Twilight would be more than willing to talk to you two about this.”

Kirouac shook his head. “No, we don’t really have ambassadors, but I’ll try to be fair in my judgment.”

They got to the end of the forest, and could see the Castle of Friendship just a few steps away.

Book smiled a bit to see his city safe. “It’s a small town, but it’s had a big impact on the world. Is your city like this? A small community where everypony knows your name?”

They both nodded. “We all know and help one and other.” Kirouac explained.

“Without getting ridiculed or judged by appearance.” Surprises finished.

Book knew that he was still begging for a fight, and kept finding it harder to hold back his growing frustration.

“So...” Kirouac pulled out a bag. “Should I sprinkle some MoonLightFog onto ourselves?” He asked. “Or… are you good?”

Book smiled, trying to think about what Twilight would do. “If you want change then you do it in the open. No shame in who you are, now show them that you’re proud of who you are.”.

Kirouac took a deep breath, and started to trot forward. Surprise followed behind. Many ponies looked in shock and curiosity. Surprise look at all of them, even tho Kirouac has both a horn and a pair of wings, none of the ponies ever thought to kneel to him.

Book chuckled a bit at Surprise’s expression. “You should have seen my brother when he came back into town. He’s the reason that nopony here bows without knowing who they’re bowing to.”

Surprise was confused. “They didn’t know who your brother was? Don’t they all know one another.” Surprise was very surprised to see how far Light had fell in the cracks.

“They did, but since Twilight was promoted to a princess they expected him to follow in her steps. Light made it clear that even though he had a pair of wings he wasn’t royalty. He said something to me about making a difference by being an inspiration for the kids, and he couldn’t do that from a throne. There’s also the fact that he knows nothing about running a kingdom. Twilight is wise and a good ambassador, but Light’s just a pony who likes having fun and helping the younger generation.”

“Ya... I heard.” Surprise tried to hide his anger and sadness he felt towards the betrayal he thought Light had done to the MoonRacers-ians. He thought that Light would be the prince that would lead to major changes, but he had failed to see any of them.

Book pointed over to a small store where a bunch of kids is gathered. “They love Light. They believe that he was given his wings just, so he could have more fun with them. He’s doing a lot better since your visit, and I must thank your people for that. Just, so I could have some names, who all helped him with his depression?”

“You can thank Flash and his daughters, those 3 really were the true helpers of your brother.” Kirouac said humbly.

Surprise stayed quiet, angry at Light for wasting his gift that was given to him just to do what Flash does as a pastime and hobby.

Soon, they found their way to Twilight’s castle. Spike was waiting at the door for them. “Hi, I’m Spike. I was asked to take you to Twilight’s throne room, but between you and me, I just wanted to see what a half dragon and pony looked like. You are now the coolest pony I’ve ever met.”

Kirouac looked a little confused, but he could see that he was serious. He gave him a little smile and a high five.

“So... Like... Which one was the dragon?” Spike asked.

“My dad, while my mom is a unicorn.” Kirouac explained.

“Really!” Spike said in glee.

Book smiled to see the two of them connect. “I don’t know what Equestria would do without this little guy. He’s played a large part in the peace between the dragons and the changelings. Twilight couldn’t have a better friend alongside her.” Book wanted to make sure that he avoided the words assistant and servant to make a good impression.

Surprise could feel some negative emotion at the end, but like always he couldn’t tell which negative emotion it was.

Spike was practically beaming as he led them through the castle.

As they got to the throne room they found Twilight, sitting at her round table until she heard the door close. She quickly turned around with a bright smile and bowed to them. “Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve only heard so much about your people, but I’m proud to be able to learn more about you.”

Surprise could see the map in the table. He figured that it must be the lands that they have already conquered and taken over.

“So... Um…” Twilight looked Kirouac over. “You have a horn and a pair of wings!?”

“Ya, and unlike you, he doesn’t get Kn…” Surprise’s mouth was covered by Kirouac’s claw.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Princess.” Kirouac said politely.

Book grinned a bit at Twilight. “I admittedly assumed that the mix was merely a mix of the dragon and pony wings. Kirouac, is it alright if you can confirm that?”

Kirouac nodded. “My father was a winged dragon, and my unicorn mother was half pegasus and also happened to have been born with the trait of having two clusters of feathers on her back, one on each side.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Wow! There’s only a few recorded instances of a pony inheriting the physical traits from their parents of different pony races. Normally the dominant gene takes hold. As for a pony and dragon, they rarely bred together to it’d make sense for a more… unique hybrid to be born. Either way, it’s great to have you here. And you are Surprise. Am I correct?” She asked while turning to him.

“I am Surprise, but you are not c...” Kirouac interrupted Surprise and changed the subject.

“I do know that you have a dragon friend, but... Have any dragons tried to have a child with a pony?” Kirouac asked her.

“I don’t think so. Our relations with the dragonlands have only improved a few years ago. Most dragons don’t live here because a lot of stuff here is flammable. We’re working on that, and we even have a school of friendship with several races attending. I’d love to show you two the school, but you wouldn’t see it in action. Due to Nightmare Night school’s out for this week.”

“Oh... What an inconvenience.” Surprise said. He was convinced that the kids were kidnapped and forced to be here out of their will. The doctor had already told him that about the dragon Smolder.

“Trust me, the kids enjoy the holidays. It’s always been my dream to help spread friendship to the surrounding nations.” Twilight explained

‘Friendship or your will.’ Surprise asked himself in his head. “I bet the kids love that.”

“Well, Is there anything about our people that you’d like to know about. If it’s mainly about me and my friends I can let you have a copy of our journal.” Twilight offered, wanting to extend her friendship.

Surprise wasn’t interesting to have a copy of their Manifesto. He looked around that all the crystal that made this castle. “That’s a nice castle you have.” He was convinced that it was made by slaves she had captured, and forced to build it with the resources she stole from the other countries.

Twilight smiled a bit. “Yeah, it was formed by the tree of harmony after Tirek’s attack. It does have a magical feel to it.”

Surprise couldn’t believe that the princess was expecting him to believe this out-landed, far-fetched story. “Is that so?”

Book could see the skepticism from him. “I can still show you the gigantic holes in the mountains where Twilight and Tirek fought. I could even show you the tree. Tell me, how much do you know about the tree? Even the Yaks could feel the raw magic coming from it.”

Surprise was feeling more stressed the more they tried to cover their tracks. He decided that it was time to call them out for everything they’ve done. All he needed was something small to accuse them of to light the fire. “Tell me, is this true that you chased away a dragon from its home?”

Surprise could feel the Princess’s anguish of being put into a corner. “Well... Ummm the thing is that he was causing trouble.”

“Oh, was he attacking you or pillaging Your Land?”

“I would like to mention that we have made peace with the dragonlands.” Book tried to explain. He knew that Surprise was trying to stir up some trouble, but he had to try to remain professional.

“But you still forced a none pony to live the place he calls home just because it inconveniences your perfect pony *coft*-topia”

Book knew that this pony only wanted a fight, so he had to turn the tables. “Well, enlighten us. Let’s say that a giant dragon wanted to take a long nap, and he picked out back yard to set up camp. He’s now releasing smoke that will threaten to kill all of your crops and the crops of all of your people. How would you handle it? Would you force everypony to leave, or try to negotiate? And what happens when he starts the fight? Enlighten us all.”

“You have a series of Pegasus at your beckon call, pegasus that can make tornadoes, you can find a way.” Surprise said with a grin.

“Tornadoes would have done more harm to the dragon, not to mention the rest of the town. You can form tornadoes, but trying to maintain one 24/7 would result in a large build up of energy that would have killed the dragon and everypony in a ten-mile radius.” Book explained, glad that he studied tornadoes as a kid.

“That was just an example, there are many other things to could have commanded the pegasus to do.” Surprise bosted.

“May I remind you that Twilight wasn’t a princess back then? This small town can’t handle such a monumental and constant task like that.” Book said sternly. “Their plan was to talk to them and ask them to move, the only real punches thrown were by that dragon.”

“Oh, how it is sad when your ruler is unable to help its subjects.”

“Why do you think she sent Twilight there in the first place? To borrow a cup of sugar? You know nothing about politics or managing resources. Face it, if you were in our horseshoes you’d do the exact same thing. Trying to calmly ask him to find another place to take a nap. But I bet you are the type of person to have the whole village move instead.” Book replied.

“You do know that there are trees that can absorb and filter out dragon smoke.” Surprise explained boastfully.

Twilight’s eyes widened. “There are?”

Book scoffed a bit. “We didn’t know, but your argument is now going to be that we should have known. Nopony knows everything. You laugh at the power of hindsight, but you look like the pony who’s never had to deal with the hard choices on the spot with no time to find every single resource. We had to think on the spot, you now have had years to think about it.”

“You could have asked the dragon you have about the trees that grew in his birth lands.” Surprise told the princess.

Spike bit his lip a bit. “I wasn’t born in the Dragonlands. I was abandoned at birth and wasn’t hatched until Twilight found me. It was her who took me in and helped me become the dragon I am today. And before you accuse her of anything, she’s been like a mother to me. She gave me a home and a family, so don’t you dare try to say that she made me into some pet!”

“So she told you.” Surprise told them. “What a strange convenience that you were found by ponies and not another dragon. How far is this town from the Badlands?”

Spike started to stare darkly at this changeling as he pointed a claw at him. “Don’t you dare make guesses about what you don’t know about!” He snarled.

Twilight looked shocked as Spike looked ready to teach this changeling a lesson, but before they could say anything Book started making his way towards Surprise. “Well, glad you could help when we needed you… oh wait! Where were you?” Book was starting to get fed up with him. “Tell me where you were when the Storm King threatened to destroy countless races, or when Tirek was trying to conquer the world, or when one changeling managed to help his people find peace? Tell me if your people have no flaws whatsoever. Look me in the eyes and tell me that this isn’t about race.”

“Oh it’s not about race, unlike your country, the country I’m now calling home were making peace with the race different from use, LONG before it was beneficial for us. Oh, and F.Y.I. We had changeling changing a valve to the next step long before your parents had even met.” Surprise could feel that he was stroking nerves.

“Really? Then where were you when the griffins fell into poverty? We’ve started trades now that they’ve finally opened up to us. Tell me why you are here. Are you here to foster peace, or to find any reason to have a war? The only pony here who is persistent that ponies should be strung up and wiped off of the face of Equestria is you.” Book said, calling him out.

“Well let me think... At that time I would have been at a school, if any had wanted to teach me, but instead I was taught by my princess-fearing mother.”

“FACE IT! All you want is war, and you’d do anything to have your revenge on any innocent soul who had NO PART in your lousy past. I’ve seen eyes like yours. You want somepony to pay for what’s happened to you. Guess what, I’m nearsighted. I wasn’t qualified for my position. I didn’t play the pity party game and tried to find every pony who I could blame for this. I was a bit enough stallion to take hold of the reigns of my life and made my life better on my own. I made contact lenses that grant me better vision and now that same technology is being used to help countless ponies, and I refused to have a cent of that money. Why don’t you stop blaming everypony for your life and make it better on your own?” Book barked, tired of Surprise’s excuses for wanting a fight.

Surprise rolled his eyes, not impressed that from all the thing Book could think of to show that his life wasn’t perfect, he chose the thing that didn’t even come up in Flash’s things he would want to change.

Twilight and Kirouac were both starting to get worried about where this was going to go.

Book started to tell from the looks Twilight and Kirouac were giving that all he was doing was blowing into the fire. He quickly turned to Kirouac. “Listen, ponies like me and Surprise aren’t the ponies who make changes. We are defensive and see the darkness and what it could give. It’s ponies like you and Twilight who make peace and change mindsets. You dream of a place where you can fit in, Twilight has made friendships with nations that we never thought were possible. You two don’t look at the past, but see the future and how it can be better. Together, you two can change the world in ways not even Celestia could. The choice is yours. You can let the sins of the past and the theories of a few allow you to fuel the fires of war which nopony wants, or you can find the better path and change the world for the better.”

“We do have a place that accepts us, MoonRacer!” Surprise said. “And unlike here you don’t have to fit in to be welcome.”

“Why settle for a place that only a few ponies can find? How many other ponies out there feel like outcasts? Your people helped my brother find his place in the world. Why can’t you share that with other ponies?”

“It’s found by anyone who needs to find it, How do you think your bro found Flash?” Surprise barked.

“Wait…” Book suddenly realized something. “I do remember you. My brother talked about you. You tried to lift him up as a king, expected him to be royalty. Did it burn you when he wanted to help kids instead of returning to Moonracer? You expected him to abandon his family and all of the kids that he helps just so you could have a boasting right.” Book could tell by the look on Surprise’s face that he hit it rights on the mark. Book got right into Surprise’s face and stared at him darkly. “You’re a hypocrite. You are picking specks of dust out of our eyes when there’s a two by four sticking out of yours. You’re no politician. You’re a warmonger. I should have just brought Kirouac to this meeting and had you wait outside.”

“We accept your flaws and mistakes.” Surprise tried to say.

“No, Your people have. You, Surprise, haven’t.” Book said coldly.

Twilight looked nervous as she stepped forward. “I know that we aren’t perfect, but we both want to see our people prosper. I’ve made my share of bad decisions when I was younger, but I’ve grown. I want us to see that we all want to share friendship with each other. Can you help us find that dream and make it into a reality?” Twilight offered Kirouac her hoof, hoping that he would be willing to see eye to eye with her.

“Don’t tell me you are going to believe their LIES!” Surprise yelled out. “Let’s go Kirouac, I don’t need to use the only changeling ability I have to tell that we are not welcome.”

Kirouac stayed where he was, it was the first time that Surprise was choosing where to go instead of following him. Something about what Book said made sense. Why would he trust the word of one pony without listening to all of the facts? It was wrong, and a strong part of him knew it.

“Kirouac!?” Surprise turned to look at Kirouac, and saw that he wasn’t moving. “Fine.” He started to go without Kirouac. “But don’t go crying to me when they betray you.” Surprise slammed the door behind him in anger.

Twilight took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for this. I’d like to start over and try seeing eye to eye. If you’d like I can call the other princesses over, and even some of the other rulers of the surrounding nations.”

Book took a deep breath. “If you want to have a good idea of who we are you need a pony who actually knows about our people and our culture.”

Twilight’s eyes brightened up a bit. “That’s it! You said that Light is friends with FlashTruth, and Flash has been to our city many times and has talked to a lot of our people. He’d be perfect. I can arrange a meeting for after Nightmare Night and Light can ask him about helping you. Well, if that’s okay with you.”

“Yes, but why not tomorrow ?” Kirouac asked.

“Because he’s on his way home from visiting Light right now. Light’s told me that he has kids and Flash will most likely want Light to watch them.” Book explained. “I’ll talk to my brother about it. He’s the only pony in town who knows how to get into contact with him.”

“I’m sure that he wouldn’t mind coming back to see Light once more, they are best friends.” Kirouac explained.

Book nodded. “I’ll ask Light to message him. Maybe we can speed this up.”

Twilight nodded. “Okay, but just know that this is a little last minute. It might take a while for the other nations to join us.”

“I can wait, I didn’t have any plans for the next day.” Kirouac said. “That is... If you are letting me stay for the night?” He asked her.

“Of course.” Twilight said. “I can prepare a room immediately.”

Twilight quickly ran out of the room. Book wiped some sweat from his head as he turned to Kirouac. “Twilight doesn’t have any servants. Tell me, how much do you trust Surprise? I’m not trying to be rude, but his violent nature against ponies has me worried.”

“He had a rough childhood.” Kirouac explained. “He feels that Equestria is hypocritical, and that its full of holier-than-thou ponies. Even if it might have been true in his birth town, It doesn’t excuse his behavior.”

Book could tell from Twilight’s face that she wanted him to say something. “There’s always a few hypocrites in any town. My brother was actually denied a chance at a higher education when he was a kid due to one pony who thought he couldn’t be worth anything. It was a few kids who weren’t from this country who changed that pony. There’s always a few bad ponies in any town, but they can change. They just need somepony to lead the way. If it’ll make you feel any better, I’ll stay out of the meeting. I’ve never been good with this stuff.”

“Oh ya, FlashTruth laughed when he heard about Light’s rejection.” Kirouac said. “He couldn’t believe that someone would think that Asperger is a handicap.”

“I guess that’s something else that needs to change around here.” Book said as he headed for the door. “I hope things will go smoother from here on out.”

Kirouac nodded. “Well, I don’t know about you.” He yawned and stretched. “But I’m a bit sleepy.”

Twilight had made her way back to the room at this point. She knew that there was still a few hours before the sun would set, but she wanted to respect his decisions. “Alright, I’ll take you to your room. It’s a little last minute, but I’m certain that it’ll meet all of your needs.”

Kirouac thanked her, and followed her.

Twilight lead him to a guest room as Book was thinking about Surprise. He had a hard time trying to understand how somepony who’s never been to his town could know about it’s past. He gave too many details that most outsiders didn’t know about. He desperately needed to learn about that doctor, but he had a feeling that the Shadow Knight would have to trade a few punches before he’d see the end of this. Book gulped a bit as he thought about what that could end up meaning for Equestria. “Dear Celestia, don’t let this end in a fight.”

Surprise hid in the trees at the entrance of the forest, crying to himself, as he noticed a familiar shadow looking at him.

“Your friend didn’t listen to you, they have corrupted him.”

“You were right Dr.,” Surprise cried as Mephist appeared in a black cloud of smoke, and he was out of his shadow form, “Kirouac has turned on me, for the ponies!” Mephist sighed, and he put a clawed hoof on the halfling’s shoulder.

“He is not the one to blame my child,” Mephist said to Surprise, “But the ponies are, they have turned his heart to their side, they made him to leave you. I won’t leave you. Join me and I will teach you to take your revenge on those who robbed you, I will teach you to change. What if I told you that you could change, you have your father’s blood in your veins.”

“What do you mean?” Surprise asked, confused.

“Your father is a changeling, that makes you a changeling as well.”

Surprise nodded. “But he wasn’t there to show me how.” He tried to explain.

“I will show you,” mephist gave a clawed hoof to surprise “I will be the father you never had, I will teach you.”

“But how, you aren’t a changeling! Are you?” Surprise asked, completely confused.

“I am not a changeling,” Mephist reassured the confused halfling, “But I learned their tricks, including the one that teach how to shape shift. Of course that to me it’s useless, but to you, my friend, it will be useful.”

Surprise eyes widen. “Y... You can!?” He asked excitedly.

“Yes, join me and I will teach you how to fulfill your true potential.”

“I will, I am!” Surprise told him.

“Good,” Mephist smiled, “As Shifting Surprise, you have been ignored by all, and now you will rise as Loyal to me, as Loyal Dark, will you carry any mission you will be commanded, Loyal?”

“I will,” Loyal agreed, kneeling to Mephist. “What is the first order of business?”

“First I will teach you the rights of the changeling, the ability to shape shift, but then I would need you distract the elements, while I will take something that belongs to me. Soon enough Loyal Dark, soon enough those who mocked will become like us.”

Loyal nodded. “What about the half dragon?” He asked, no longer wanting to say his name, for now.

“He won’t be a problem for now, but if he will come to stop us, do not hesitate.” Mephist said sternly as he helped Loyal up.

Unknown to them Book was watching from the castle. He was thankful for wearing his glasses, but he couldn’t tell what they were saying. Book could feel his heart tense up as he watched them talk. “I don’t know what you want, but if you are against this city, then you’ll have to go through me first.”

Seek the truth

“SERIOUSLY?!? HE JUST LEFT!” Light was busy yelling at his brother as he was closing his shop. “Why do you keep coming up with stuff without thinking about what the other ponies involved would have to put up with?”

Book felt a little silly being chewed out for once. “Just so you know, this was Twilight’s idea. I thought you’d be able to just mail him again.”

Light groaned. “I know how to get the mail to his bedroom. He’d have to get home first, then he’s got the kids and help them get cleaned up, and then there’s a good chance that he’d just crash when he gets to bed. Then he’d have to accept the fact that I’m asking him to come again…”

Book could tell that Light was beginning to stress out over this. “Easy Light! Okay, I’m sorry for having to drag you into this again, but I think if we can get to Kirouac then not only will we have peace, but we’ll know more about Dr Mephist.”

Light glared at him. “You’re not letting this go, are you?”

“Please? I can feel that something’s going to happen, and Flash might be the pony that could save us from a war.” Book pleaded.

Light took a deep breath. “Fine, but you owe me big!”

Book shrugged in defeat. “Whatever you want.”

“When this whole Dr Mephist thing is over, you’ll take those vacation days that you’ve been saving up.” Light said with a little grin.

Book’s heart dropped when Light said that. He had never taken any time off unless it was a family or medical emergency, and those were a different category of time off. If he added his vacation time up then he’d have five months of time to kill. He nervously grinned as he knew that Light was getting serious. “Uh… that’s nearly half a year. Can we just do a week?”

“Two weeks, and you finally need to ask Twilight out on a date. You’re both beyond good friends, and everybody can feel the chemistry between you two. Why are you waiting so long to have a semi-normal life?” Light asked with an even more devilish grin.

Book wanted to object to his claims, but considering how many times his mom asked him if they were going to the next phase of their relationship, it’d be a losing battle. “I’d be lying if I said that I feel like we could grow in our relationship, but I’m just more focused on my work. What’d happen if my enemies tried to get to me though her.”

Light stared at him blankly. “You have one dude who’s still at large, and she’s taken on enemies ten times as dangerous as yours. I think she can handle herself. You need to start thinking about more than your career. One day you’ll with that you’ve had a little more fun. Either way, that’s what you owe me now. Don’t forget to ask her father for permission first.”

Book shrugged as he knew where Light’s argument was ending. “Fine, but only after this whole mess is cleared, and I get an exemption if something big happens during my vacation that I’d need to deal with.”

“Deal.” Light said as he grabbed a blue jacket.

Book looked a little confused as he brother put it on. “Where are you going?”

Light rolled his eyes. “I figure the best way for Flash to understand and get the message would be to tell him in person.”

Book cringed as he said that. “You do know that the storm’s going to be starting soon, right?”

Light looked a little ticked as he started walking towards the Everfree forest. “Your poor time management skills are not my fault!”

Book sighed as Light walked away. He knew that he was putting a lot of effort into this case, but this was a part of his family he was dealing with. As difficult as Fuze might be, he was still family. His father always stressed the value of protecting his family, and that’s what Book had to do, even if he had to protect Fuze from himself.

Fuze has returned home from another date with Trixie, and his head was in the clouds.

As he was learning more about her she seemed less and less like an arrogant magician and more like a misunderstood wonder. He had never felt like this in his life. A part of him even forgot his mission and focused more on his new friend.

As Fuze sat down on his couch and started listening to the rainfall he heard a knock on the door. He walked up to it, expecting Book to ask him a dozen questions. As he opened the door, he was shocked to see Trixie standing there, soaking wet.

“Oh! Trixie! W-What are you doing here?” He asked, a little flustered.

“My cart burned. I would ask Starlight for a room at the castle, but I always get lost when I get up to use the restroom. Can I spend the night here?” Trixie asked, looking a little embarrassed.

Fuze was a little shocked and worried to have the girl he was courting stay at his house, but he knew that the storm was only getting worse. He’d also find it very awkward to say no to her. “Uh… Okay.”

Trixie took off her soaked hat to reveal her wet hair, making Fuze blush a bit. “Tell me, is there a shower that I can use?”

That didn’t help with Fuze’s blush. “Um… yeah. It’s upstairs.”

Trixie nodded as she made her way upstairs.

Fuze spent the next several minutes trying to ignore the sound of his shower and the idea that Trixie was in it. His heart was in a whirlwind as he tried to keep calm. It was a big relief to him when the noise stopped.

A few minutes later Trixie came down with her hair wrapped in a towel. “Sorry for using both of your towels.”

“Um… it’s okay.” Fuze said as she sat down on the other side of the couch.

After a minute they started talking about Book’s family. He told her several stories about them and how he’d often get into trouble with them. He told her that he knew that his temper was a problem, but it was so hard to keep from blowing up.

Even through all of this she didn’t judge him. She actually lowered her head a bit. “F-Fuze? Can you keep a secret?”

Fuze was a little confused, but he didn’t want to lose her respect. “Okay.”

A few tears ran down Trixie’s face. “I’ve… never had a family. My dad left when I was young, and my mom didn’t care about me at all. I’ve always had the feeling that I’ve had to prove something… that I’m… worth loving… but… I always feel… like I’m not.”

Fuze watched in pain as she was now crying in her hooves. He had never seen her this vulnerable before. Fuze slowly scooted to her and gave her a gentle hug. “You are to me.”

Fuze realized that those words escaped his mouth, but they felt so right. He didn’t want to see her cast aside like some tool, she was so much more.

Trixie sniffled as she hugged Fuze back. Fuze couldn’t care if that doctor ordered him to lose Trixie. He was never going to let go.

The two of them hugged as Fuze started remembering the stories about Starlight. He decided to wait until she was calmer before he tried talking to her.

“Princess, I’m telling you, we must check about this Dr. Mephist!” Book begged Twilight, “He’s up to something.”

Twilight groaned at this. “We’ve been over this several times. I’m starting to think that you’re obsessed.”

“He knew about stuff that happened years ago, and he only knows the dark version of it. How would a pony who’s never been here before know that unless somebody was feeding him information and twisting it?” Book asked.

Twilight sighed in frustration. “You sound paranoid. So the doctor talked to Surprise, that doesn’t mean anything. You’re making theories without evidence.”

Book was still frustrated at this. “Fine. I’ll leave Kirouac alone, but I will continue watching Surprise and looking for the doctor. I’ll try to keep you updated once I find out what really is going on.”

Book stormed out before Twilight could speak. Book knew that she was a nice pony and saw the best in others. A part of him wondered if he could have had a chance to court her, but he knew that his job trumped everything, even his own life.

Book walked across the castle, trying to find the exit as Starlight ran after him. Book could tell that Starlight was nervous as she stopped him.

“Book, I am sorry to bother you,” Starlight apologized, “But I heard you saying Dr. Mephist.”

“Yes,” Book answered, intrigued that she of all ponies would be interested. “Do you know who he is?”

She looked around the hall before grabbing him and dragging him into a room. Book was confused as they were now in one of the bathrooms that the palace had. Starlight quickly locked the door. “We can’t let anypony see us talking.”

“Um… alright, but how…” Before Book could ask his question she dragged him into the shower and turned it on.

Book could tell that this was out of fear and not heat. “This way they won’t be able to hear us.”

Book was still confused at her actions. “Can’t we just tell Twilight about this?”

“No! First of all, I can’t let her know what I did! She also might not believe you. She thinks that having a pony to fight criminals is against everything she stands for about friendship.” She explained as the shower water was soaking both of them.

“So… she hates me?” Book asked.

“I’d call it more of a serious dislike.” Starlight explained.

Book sighed a bit at this news. “Well, I guess that bridge is burned. So, how do you know this doctor?”

Starlight lowered her head is shame. “When Twilight had beaten me the first time… he made me an offer. He’d give me the knowledge to travel in time, and then after I had beaten Twilight he’d have my soul.”

Book started to see where she was going with this. “And since you didn’t beat her he couldn’t cash in.”

She nodded. “Now he’s back. I saw him myself, and he wants my soul!” She said with tears going down her face.

Book started adding the pieces together. “That’s why he was getting those ponies together. He knows that he can’t do it in person, so he’s getting a team to do it for him. Fuze, Surprise, and possibly Kirouac.”

Here eyes widened when he mentioned Fuze. “Your brother? But he’s dating Trixie!”

Book nodded with a somber look on his face. “He might be trying to get to you through her. I think Kirouac’s allegiance is shifting, but now Surprise is a bigger threat. He’s the closest to Mephist right now, meaning he’s the main tool in his plans.”

Starlight looked terrified as she looked pleadingly at Book. “What can we do?”

“I’ll investigate my brother’s house and see if I can find something there. The peace with MoonRacer is extremely important, so we need to make sure that he stays on my side. FlashTruth will be the ace in the hole there. As for Surprise, I can’t do anything against him, but the Shadow Knight can.” Book said, planning every move. “Through Surprise I’ll find the doctor and see what I can do to get him to walk… or crawl away.”

Starlight wiped the water from her eyes as she shuddered a bit. “I… I’m just afraid of what’s going to happen.”

Book gave her a hug as the water ran down the two of them. “It’s going to be alright. They’ll have to get through me in order to get a shot at you.”

Starlight hugged him back. “You know, I always did love how persistent you are. You always do whatever you can to protect us.”

Book smiled a bit. “To bad the princess of friendship doesn’t understand why I do my job. Not everybody can be taken down with friendship. Just ask Tirek or Chrysalis.”

Starlight nodded. “Well, I’m hoping that this isn’t stress or fear talking.”

Book shrugged. “Maybe after this is all over we can see if we can be friends, but right now, I can’t afford to let my emotions get in the way.”

Starlight nodded as she turned to the door. “I just don’t want to lose my friends, let alone my soul. I can’t even tell which one would be worse to…” She turned around, and she noticed that Book was now gone. At first, she would have panicked, but she remembered Twilight complaining about him doing it all of the time.

While she stood in the shower by herself, Book was now back in his house. He was soaking wet, but he knew that the rain would crush any idea of remaining dry. Book made his way into the basement and opened up a locked chest to reveal his equipment. “Alright, now I know the game, time to make my move.”

Loyal Dark was surrounded by monsters, hydras, manticores, and more, ready to fight them all. “A changeling must find the best way to deceive his enemy, or find a creature that could defeat all of them. Now my apprentice, you must find the best creature to be, and destroy those who oppose you!” Loyal Dark thought hard, he focused on the creature, and he started to transform into a giant dragon, lashing his rage upon the beasts, and burning them all. Loyal returned to his form as Mephist teleported to his side. “Well done, my apprentice, well done.”

“When do we attack them my master?” Loyal asked Mephist as the Doctor’s horn lighted up and the dead monsters disappeared into the shadows.

“Soon enough, but for now, you will just fool them, prepare the skin to the knife before you strike.” Loyal Dark nodded as Mephist looked behind him, and he felt a new spirit among them. “Please come out, Shadow Knight.” Out of the trees, a black figure came out, “Leave us,” Mephist told his apprentice, and Loyal Dark did as he was told.

“So, this is what you two have been doing with your free time, training your little puppet for a war against a peaceful nation. Is your deception on him done, or does he still cling to his soul.” Book said while levitating several throwing stars.

Mephist disappeared into the shadows, and he reappeared behind the Shadow Knight, making him jump back, “Puppets, I am not the one who manipulate them,” Mephist said, pretend to be hurt by the unicorn’s words, “Who do you think I am, Starlight Glimmer?”

“Right now you’ve shown me everything that I needed to see. You’re starting a revolution to destroy our country. Now I’m giving you one chance, leave town, or I’ll be the one who punches your ticket!”

“At least listen to my offer,” Mephist tried to calm the angry warrior as walked to a tree to take some bugs to eat. “I believe you’re in love, aren’t you?” Book didn’t say anything, he just looked at the lizard pony with rage. “Not much of a talker, anyway, your brother is in love, and you care about him, don’t you?”

“Is this love?” Book asked, holding up the vial that Fuze had. “A love potion, kinda explains who those two can stand each other. As for me, my job always comes first. I’m barely at the friend faze with the mare I’m planning on seeing. Now, you can either call off your dogs and go back to whatever pit you came from, or you can deal with me.”

“I was living enough time in the pit my father sent to, and the potion is nothing but a small poison I wanted to kill Starlight’s friend with.”

“I’ll take your confession as my reason to take you down. You’re under arrest for attempted murder and conspiracy against the crown.” Book said.

“What?” Mephist asked surprised, “No speeches about friendship, no talk me out of the dark path that I am walking in?”

“Friendship has always been the greatest tool for Twilight and her friends, but I’m not her. I’ve seen eyes like yours, and they show me that you’re not interested.” Book replied coldly.

“But I had a great villain monologue about how I am the right, about how I will control the land, and how you fell for my trap.”

“First of all, save it more your diary. Second, not the first time somebody tried to trap me, and not the last.” Book said coldly as he threw several stars it him.

“Loyal Dark, kill when ready, let’s see if the training were leading you to be the next king at my side.”

Book grinned under his mask as Loyal came out. “Changelings, I never got used to you guys.”

“You have a problem of trust in others, why didn’t you came with back up?” Mephist asked as Loyal Dark started to transform, “Is it some kind of distrust in society, or is it a way to prove the princess that you are on her league.”

“I’ve just found that it’s easier to do it yourself. I don’t play well with others.”

“A loner that work for the leader of friendship. Ironic isn’t it?”

“Oh, I don’t work for Twilight, I work for Luna. As for any relationship with Twilight, that’s over it this point.” Book said.

“Really?” Mephist asked as he teleported to the warrior’s back, kicking him and disappearing into a dark environment, “So why did you ran to her help like a small dog, any time I was here? Why didn’t you just took me yourself?”

“There’s a thing known as law and evidence. Now, both are on my side. Princess Luna will have received my evidence by now, including your poison. You’ll soon find yourself on the most wanted board by the time the sun goes up.” Book said with a grin.

“There is no law upon gods,” Mephist grinned as he disappeared, leaving Loyal Dark to deal with his enemy. Book felt that the bottle disappeared as well, turn into a black cloud of smoke.

“So this is what you are, a thug working for an assassin! You never wanted peace, you just wanted to see the ponies all die so you could become a king!” Book barked at the monster.

“And will bring peace,” Loyal dark proclaimed, “Your kind has destroyed enough, claiming others for your power, pretending to be gods!”

“You’re not the bringer of peace! You’re the bringer of death. Tell me, where will you stop? Will you murder the kids? Will this reign of tyranny spread to the other nations?” Book asked while subtly pulling some pellets from his belt.

Loyal turned into a manticore, roaring and running to attack the pony, but Book leaped from there before any harm could come to him.

“You’re the evil that you seek to destroy! You, not your nation, but you are the disease that plagues our nation, and I’m the cure!” Book barked as he threw the pellets to the ground, making a thick cloud of smoke.

“No, you are a disease, a parasite that feeds on others, the doctor showed me your true self, and showed me what I could become.”

“You’re a tool, you’ve heard what he’s doing to your teammates! He’s trying to trick Fuze into killing the pony he loves! He’s using you, just as he’s using him!”

“No, he is using ponies, I am his apprentice, why would he show me my true powers if he doesn’t care?”

“So you can kill his enemies for him, and once he’s in power, you’ll be nothing but a threat to that power! You’re expandable to him!”

As the two fought for some time, the elements of harmony came to see Book fighting a small filly.

“Book!” Twilight shouted, “What are you doing?”

“It’s a changeling! He’s being used by Mephist!” Book barked.

“There is not Mephist!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she flew to the take the filly, “Are you okay?” The filly nodded.

Book soon saw what the plan was. He was trying to remove the only pony who knew the truth. “See the ponies that you want to destroy? Get to know them, before you stab them in the back!” Book kept his distance as the main six were surrounding him.

“The big monster pony took me, he told me that he was going to feed me to Tirek!” The filly cried.

“Don’t listen to him. You know how much blood I gave from my body to protect this nation. I’ve had bones broken and had my own family threatened. Do you think that I’d lie to you.”

“I am sorry,” Twilight sighed, “But the evidence are pointing against you, until we can tell what happened here, Book Knight, you are under arrest.”

Book looked shocked as she said that. “Well, I already knew that this would never work between us, not while I wore the mask. When the nation starts burning, the Shadow Knight will return.” As Dash tried to tackle him Book slammed several pellets to the ground, enveloping him in smoke and allowing him to teleport off.

Zecora was at her hut, making potion for the illusion for the party Princess Twilight will have in 2 days, as she felt cold and darkness surrounding her. “I know to amulet you could not resist, reveal yourself now, Dr. Mephist,” from the shadows the lizard pony showed up smiling at the zebra.

“Zecora, so good to see you again,” Mephist smiled as he looked at the pot, “It seems you are busy, I would just take my belongings and leave you to your rhymes.” Mephist looked at the alicorn amulet, and he teleported to take it, bu Zecora stopped him before he could.

“You will not take this amulet, Mephist!” Zecora stood before the reptile that started to get annoyed by her.

“You make it more difficult than it should, my love,” Mephist’s shadow grew bigger as he took Zecora’s shadow by the tail, and he held her as Mephist took the amulet, and he put it on his green neck, “You could live as my queen, now you are just as a slave.”

“What has become of you Green scale,” Zecora asked, “This is not the pony that for whom I have fell.”

“That name means nothing to me!” Mephist shouted in rage, “It was nothing but a name I took, I am and I will always be Mephist, god of the shadows!”

“You can fool yourself as long as you like, but to me you are always been the lizard I like.” Mephist rolled his eyes, and he disappeared from the place, and Zecora fell on the floor, and an old picture of her with a lizard pony was broken.

fading hope

Flash was glad to finally be home with his girls. They were enjoying a simple dinner as the girls kept trying to ask him what had happened while he was there. He tried to keep it to just him having a chat with Light. “Don’t get too excited girls. In a couple of days, you’ll see Uncle Light.”

“Did somepony mention my name?” The girls turned around to see Light walking in, soaking wet, but still there.

Both of the girls leaped from their seats and hugged Light Heart. “Uncle Light! You’re here!” They both yelled in unison.

“Good, I thought I was having an out of body experience.” Light quipped.

Flash was confused but happy to see Light there. “Why have you come back so soon?” He asked while trying to find a 4th pillow for Light to sit on to join them on the cloth that was laid on the floor like a picnic blanket.

“Well, apparently Twilight is trying to make peace with MoonRacer, and Surprise doesn’t want it. Book didn’t help at all with it, but Kirouac is still interested in helping build relations with your nation. Twilight had requested for me to bring you and any officials here to come to her castle and talk with a bunch of princesses and other national rulers.” Light explained.

“Oh really!?” The young girls said in unison.

“Yeah, we’d be leaving tomorrow, meaning that you two would have to come with us. So I guess that I’ll have to watch you two while this is all going on.” Light said with a smile.

The girls looked at their dad, excited for the chance to go to Ponyville sooner than planned. “Oh. Please, please say yes.” They both pleaded.

“Umm... Let me think.” Flash tried to think of what would be the most consistent ruler in a town that has elected officials instead of royals.

“Listen, we don’t need you all to elect a king or anything, just pick who’s in charge now and we can show them how things run here. They won’t mind.” Light said confidently. “Either way, Twilight also wants you there because you know the most about Ponyville and Equestria.”

Flash tried to think of who was at the town meetings the most often, was the most involved, organized and was the best to find a compromise. “Well... C.D.O. Would be the closest we have to a ruler. I can’t recall ever seeing nor knowing a meeting that he wasn’t there for, nor one that he hadn’t been a part in the help of having that issues settled.”

“C.D.O? Can you help me out here.” Light asked, feeling bad that he couldn’t remember all of the names of the ponies there.

Flash chuckled a little bit. “Don’t worry, it’s fine.” He thought about it. “From what I recall, Twilight would get along with him. They are both O.C.D.s, hence the name that the town gave him.” Flash tried to recall C.D.O.’s birth name but didn’t know it by heart.

“Well, if this brings us to a place where we can be at peace, it’s good enough for me.” Light said with a smile.

Flash nodded. As he noticed the downpour outside and was worried about what could happen to Light if he tried walking home “Are you staying for dinner, and to sleep?”

Light heard a crack of thunder and nodded. “I’m sure not walking home tonight.”

Flash made some room so that Light was sitting on the of their side of the cloth on the floor.

As Lightheart sat with the others to eat on the floor, a beam of light was blown in the living room. The sudden flash madeFlashTruth and Light to run there as the girls ran to their room in fear to hide. The two grown-up stallions saw Book wounded and wet, dripping water and blood all over the floor.

“What happened to you?” Light Heart asked his brother.

“Mephist tricked me, now I am a fugitive,” Book said, exhausted. “He’s going after Starlight, and possibly all of the national leaders. They’re starting a war, and Surprise is his tool to make it happen.”

“Why?” Light asked in fear. He thought that Book was just throwing theories around, but now his blood and the nodding of FlashTruth was telling him that this wasn’t paranoia anymore.

“Starlight sold her soul to him for that time-traveling spell. I’ve had some research done, and apparently, there was no knowledge of Starswirl’s spell being able to go that far back in time until Starlight used it. He’s even using Fuze to try to kill Trixie.” Book explained as he coughed up some blood.

Light’s eyes widened as his little brother was dragged into this. “I thought those two were falling in love?”

Book shrugged “The doctor gave him a love potion, but it’s poisonous. I sent a sample to Princess Luna, but I fear that it might have been intercepted. As for Fuze’s real feelings for her… I don’t know.”

Flash reassured both brothers that their youngest’s love was real. “I’m magically unable to lie. It’s the curse of my truth seeing abilities. I can tell you that your brother loves Trixie. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to say it.”

Light sat down as he tried to process this. “W-Well, we could have Flash tell them what happened. This dude can’t lie, even if he wanted to.”

Book shook his head. “With Surprise’s changeling abilities unlocked, he could easily take his place or twist things around. Mephist has planned this from the start. I… I need to get ahead of him and warn Starlight.”

As Book tried to stand up, he only managed to move a few steps before falling. Light quickly caught him before he hit the floor. “You’re a wanted pony, and you don’t have enough energy to get in there and teleport out.” Light’s eyes turned to Flash. “We need a place to hide him, preferably a place where he can get medical help.”

“We could bring him to the town’s Hospital!” Flash suggested. “It holds the knowledge of Healthcare from every country and race!”

Light bit his lip a bit. “I’ve seen that hospital and was a patient in it for a while. Not the best place to go.”

Flash was taken aback by his friend’s comment but accepted the fact that not even they were perfect.

“No offense, but it isn’t up to date. You do remember how long it took before the decision not to amputate my leg, and that was because one doctor wanted to try a new technique.” Light explained.

“Ya.. Sorry about that.” Fash.. Both winced and blushed. “She is always trying to get every patient to get mechanical limbs.”

“I still remember you saying that the reason they shot that idea down was that I’m an alicorn.” Light said, rolling his eyes.

“They thought you were the princess’s long lost son.” Flash laughed. “And it wouldn’t be a good idea to.. Take away any part of her child.” He finished, thinking of what we would do to anyone or anypony that would everything think of harming a hair on his daughters’ mane.

“I’ve got a long list of theories about me.” Light said while sighing.

Book shook his head. “I did a sensor-based teleportation spell on Light so I could get here. I figured that this would be the last place they’d think to look for me, but with the doctor and Surprise looking for me, I can’t leave a trail. I need a place where nopony can find or trace me. So no public doctors who Surprise could question.”

“I know someone,” FastFox told her dad, “He’s a friend of mine, he’s a doctor!”

“How much do you trust him?” Book asked. “Will he keep this secret?”

“He saved me once, and he never leaves the forest.” FastFox told as she was worried about her father’s reaction, “His name is Black Shield.”

As Book coughed up more blood Light quickly spoke up. “Let’s do it! We don’t have much time. We’ll take this armor off when we get there.”

FastFox nodded and she took Book, Light, her father, and her sister out of the town towards the forgotten forest, leading them through a hall of trees. Book noticed that the trees were marked in red hoof print that belonged to a big pony, probably in the size of Big Mac’s. The group arrived towards a cave with a wooden door on it. Fast knocked on the door with all of her power.

“Black, It’s me!” Fast called for her friend, the group heard heavy hoof stamps and the door opened, revealing a large grey stallion earth pony. One of his eyes was brown and the other one was grey and scarred. He had no mane, but he had a brown beard and tail, and he had an axe on his back.

Flash placed both of his daughters behind him, but Fast just walked around her father. “Hey, we need help!”

“What are you doing here?” Black shield asked them, and he saw the wounded warrior, “Get him inside, Now!” The group did as the stallion told them and they entered. As they walked inside Book noticed an old picture of Black Shield in his young age, with a full brown mane. Next to him was a unicorn mare, pink with a blue mane, and in the middle was a unicorn child, a small colt that had his mother purple eyes, and his father’s brown mane. Black Shield cleared the table off, allowing Light put Book on it.

Light quickly helped remove the armor, having helped design it. He was shocked to see how much damage was done. Somehow Surprise had found every exposed part and turned it against Book. Light knew that it would have taken changing abilities to get to these parts due to the small size of them.

“What the hay has happened to your child?” Black Shield asked Book as he pushed his hooves on the wound on his chest to keep them from bleeding.

“Long story, and it might be better if you didn’t ask,” Book said as Light took off his mask, allowing a puddle of blood to flow out of it.

“Alicorn, do you know how to sow?” Black Shield ask Light as he ran to take water to clean his hooves and the wounds.

“Yeah, stuffed animals are my specialty. But Book always had some doctor whom he kept secret handle it.”

Book coughed more as he tried to speak. “Royal physician in Canterlot, and probably won’t help me now.”

“Now it’s ponies that you’ll be sewing, follow my lead.” Black Shield opened a drawer that was filled with medical needles. “We must face the fatal one before I can move to the others.”

Light took a few deep breaths as he was handed a needle. As he tried to get mentally ready he started to think of the pony responsible. “When I get back to Ponyville, I’m going to kill Mephist!”

Flash’s eyes widened as he realized that Light’s protective nature was kicking in. Even Shy was a bit scared to hear her god-father talk like that, even worse say something like as horrifying as to wish death to someone.

Light glanced to the others, making him realize what he said. “I’m sorry. I’m… I just get… mad whenever the ponies I care about get hurt by some…” Light had to stop talking to keep calm.

Flash patted his friend’s back. “It’s ok.” He reached him, before whispering in his ear. “You don’t want to know what I would do to anyone that would want to even think of hurting one hair on my daughters’ mane.”

“What did you say?” Black shield’s eyes grew as he heard the name of Mephist, “Never mind, take the needle and sew around the wound in the chest, take slow steps and on every part of the rope, sew it three times.”

Light nodded. “Like fixing a torn toy, but more… fleshy.” Light carefully tried to follow his instructions, feeling worse as Book was wincing in pain with every stitch.

After Light finished to sew the wound, Black Shield took a towel and gave it to Book, “Open the mouth,” Book did as he was commanded to, “It seems you got lucky, no broken bones, whoever tried to kill you just moved them from their places.” Black Shield took Book’s left leg and he pushed it back to its place, making Book scream under the towel. After a few minutes, Shield did it again to Book’s right rib and his left arm.

As the towel was removed Book was trying to keep a strong face. “Would you believe me if I said I’ve been in worse condition than this before,” Book asked, gritting his teeth at the pain. “My armor was made to protect from slashing weapons. Surprise just managed to change into animals that could get around it.”

“Now you must sleep,” Black shield told Book as he wrapped the wounds with leaves, “And now, will you tell me what you know about Mephist?

Book raised an eyebrow. “What’s that name to you?”

“The bastard robbed me from everything I love,” Black shield said in anger as he walked away from the table, and he looked at the picture.

Book could tell from his eyes that he was telling the truth. “He’s after Starlight’s soul and is supporting a mad changeling who wants to destroy the nation I’m sworn to protect. He’s currently manipulating the changeling and… my youngest brother.”

“Well, it’s too late to speak, you must sleep.” Black Shield told Book, “Tomorrow I will explain everything. But if he’s manipulating them, then you have no choice but to do what you must.” Black Shield turned to Flash Truth and Light Heart, “He will live, for now, nice finally to meet Fox’s father.” Black Shield took a hoof to shake.

Flash shook Black’s hove. “F.. For the longest time I think you were just her imaginary friend.” He explained.

“If only it was true,” Black shield smiled, “Trust me, I am real.”

Flash was using his Truth-power to make sure that everything was fine, and that he wasn’t a danger to his daughters. “So…” Flash turned to Book and then started to sing a lullaby to him.

Book didn’t want to rest, but his body was fighting against him as he slowly passed out. As Light was sewing up the smaller wounds he sighed a bit. “You never did like painkillers, did you Book?”

“Pain what?” Black asked confused.

“That was his line.” Light said with a grin. “So… who’s the green pony that Book… tried to warn me about.” Light was holding back his tears as he thought about what he could have done to prevent Book from getting hurt in the first place.

“That is Doctor Mephist, the god of the shadows and the soul dealer.” Black shield’s legs trembled when the name of the demon was out of his mouth, “I will explain everything tomorrow morning. Now you just need to finish the last stitches. Can you do it alone?”

Light nodded as he finished them. This was always the nightmare that he had when Book first said that he wanted to be this hero. Light had to accept that Book was hurt because he was alone and nopony believed him when he needed them. Tears ran down Light’s face as he finished. “I’m so sorry Book. I swear that I’ll do everything in my power to fix this.” Light whispered.

Flash patted Light on the back. “You should also take some rest.” He told his friend. “Let’s try to get some sleep at my place, then the first thing in the morning, we can go see how your brother is doing.” He said, finding the place more crowded, and with less room for guests to sleep.

Light nodded, and followed Flash to his home, each of them having one of his daughters on their backs.

“What they have done?” Black Shield watched the ponies leave his cave, “Why did they make a deal with the devil?”

Fuze and Trixie cuddled in the living room’s couch, reading a book about magic tricks as the fire wormed them together. The two looked at each other as the book was forgotten by them and it was thrown aside, and they were scooting closer to one and other, both of their heads tilting on the side before they started to close their eyes for the kiss. The sound of knocking stopped their feelings from being revealed, and Fuze went to open the door to see a blue cop earth pony.

“Is Miss Lulamoon here?” The cop asked.

“Yes,” Fuze answered, “Is there any problem officer?” Trixie heard her name and she walked up towards Fuze, as the cop came in.

“Miss LulaMoon, three days ago you came to our station saying that somepony burned your wagon. Is that correct?” The officer asked.

“Yes,” Trixie answered, “Did you find something?” Trixie asked with a hopeful smile.

“Yes,” The cop answered, and Trixie kissed Fuze on the cheek in happiness of the news, the cop took a paper from his bag and he handed it over to Trixie, “We found a clue in the scene, does this paper look familiar to you?”

“Yes,” Trixie answered, “It looks like the horn writing of Starlight, why?”

“Well, we have a suspicion that the one who wrote it was the one who burned the wagon.” Trixie could not believe her ears, Starlight burned her wagon, her house. Trixie cried on Fuze’s shoulder.

“Do you know why would Miss Glimmer does it?” The officer asked trying to understand.

“I don’t know,” Trixie admitted in defeat. “She’s been one of my best friends here.”

Fuze could tell how upset she was. He knew that trying to talk down about Starlight would only make her feel worse. He felt a little silly when he remembered what Light told him. Sometimes the only thing you can do is fix the problem and move on.

Fuze hugged Trixie. “Don’t worry. I can make you a new cart. I am pretty good at building stuff.”

“Thanks, it does help,” Trixie smiled as she cleaned her tears, “But why would she do such a thing, she couldn’t get jealous, couldn’t she?”

Fuze shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe I could talk to her? Maybe a magic spell went wrong and she was scared to tell you.”

“Thank you,” Trixie hugged Fuze, “Yeah, it must be that.”

Fuze smiled a bit, but a part of him was curious about why this would happen. This was before Dr. Mephist came into town, and it didn’t make sense. He did want to keep Trixie’s respect, so he knew that he’d have to keep his emotions in check. He grabbed his raincoat as he walked towards Twilight’s castle.

“Psst..” Fuze heard a voice calling to him, and he turned around to see a shadow calling to him, with a familiar face, “Romeo come here!”

Fuze quickly darted over to him, trying not to be seen. “What’s going on?”

“I heard what happened to the poor whatever her name is, and I came to give you great news!” Mephist smiled as he went out of the Shadows, revealing the alicorn amulet that he wore.

Fuze backed up in fear. “Dude! What are you doing with that thing? Trixie went crazy when she wore that thing!”

“The creator cannot be corrupted by his mind,” Mephist smirked as he moved around Fuze, “And this is mine. Created by my cold hands.”

Fuze felt a little cautious as he questioned him. “So, what’s your good news?”

“Starlight didn’t burn the wagon, it was me!” Mephist smiled to a shocked Fuze.

Fuze’s eyes widened at this. He gritted his teeth as he shoved Mephist against the wall. “Why would you do that?!?”

“To frame Starlight and make her friends abandoned her. Keep up a small pony.” Mephist said, grinning from ear to ear.

“Dude! Do you know what my brother would say about this? He’d say that we’d have to find the truth, not frame them up for a crime they didn’t commit! If Trixie finds out then I’ll be the criminal!” Fuze barked at the green pony.

“I will answer you later,” Mephist reassured the panicked pegasus, “But first tell your Juliet that Starlight was full of jealous and she burned down the wagon. Boom! Problem solved.”

Fuze felt concerned about this. “Why do you want me to lie to her?”

“You are not the smart one are you?” Mephist raised an eyebrow, “Just do as I say!” Fuze started to get suspicious over the lizard pony, thinking that his brother was right.

“What if I say no?” Fuze asked.

“Do you know what happened to poor Juliet, she died,” Mephist told Fuze, “And the soul of your Juliette is in my hands.”

Fuze’s heart jumped as he threatened him. His wings flared up as he raised a hoof at him. “If you lay one hoof on her I’ll tear you apart with my bare hooves!”

“I don’t have to,” Mephist smiled like he was prepared to tell a joke that only he would understand, “You never asked me why I created this amulet, so why do you think I created it?”

“So you could fake the power of an alicorn. Trust me when I say that I’ll rain down the wrath on my family on you.” Fuze grumbled.

“Read a book, I am a god. Why I would need this power of lesser beings? This amulet is a soul trap, once you put your neck around it, your soul bowed to my will. If I want I could now take her soul, with the snap of my fingers.”

Fuze’s hoof was shaking as he was trying to resist the urge to fight this pony. “So, Book was right, you played me for a fool.”

“Oh no, no,” Mephist put a cold hand on Fuze, “You are a fool, and for me, you were a tool! A key to Starlight’s destruction, and for Mephist’s return.”

Fuze bit his lip, knowing what he had done. “Fine, I’ll lie to her, but if you try to hurt Trixie in any way… No power will keep me from killing you and your partners. Unlike Book, I’d cross that line.”

“You are adorable when you are angry,” Mephist smiled as kicked Fuze’s shadow out to the rain.

Faze was shocked as he felt his own body getting kicked. As he got back on his hooves he saw that the doctor was now gone. Fuze’s heart was aching as he knew that he wasn’t a hero, he was a slave to a demon. All he could do was scream out in rage at the night sky.

Black shield cut log after log with his axe as he started to get old visions, with every log he smashed, he remembered the war against Sombra, looking right and left, he saw his soldiers dying, with the other log, it was the battle vs the changelings, and he saw his mother tried to kill him, forcing him to cut her head with the axe, and the final log, showing his wife killing herself in front of his eyes.

“I can’t imagine what he did to you.” Black turned around to see a bandaged Book weakly leaning against the door.

“What do you mean?” Black shield asked, “What do you mean by ‘he’?”

“I’ve learned to read a pony by their eyes. Your photos showed a happier pony in your youth. Your eyes scream that you have had everything taken from you. My only hint was you reacting to a name, Dr. Mephist.” Book replied, limping his way over.

“It wasn’t taken, it was robbed by the devil,” Black Shield explained to Book as he put the axe next to the chopped logs. “I was at your age, the youngest General at Celestia’s army, earth pony nonetheless. There was no battle I lost, until the war against her sister. Her captain and his men circled, and massacre my men, leaving only me. Before the bat could finish, a reptile pony appeared, he took me from the battle, and he told me that he would give me the strength of thousands of manticores to defeat the bats of Nightmare Moon, I was foolish enough to agree, but when we shook our hooves he told me that 30 years later he would come to claim my soul, and he disappeared, returning me to the area with the monstrous strength.”

“So, he came back for your soul and you didn’t want to pay. Just like Starlight.” Book mused.

“No, I agreed for my soul, 30 years have passed, and I had a wife in Calyps, and a son, I told her about it and she understood. One day he came to claim my soul and I was ready to go. I waited till my son went to bed, and I waited that night, but instead of my soul, he took something else. He took my son!”

Book started thinking about this. “This is why he wants Trixie to die. He wants to make her suffer.” He thought to himself.

“As I heard my son choking by the monster cold claws, I ran to fight him, and he told me that he claimed my soul, for a father’s soul, is inside his child!” Tears fell from Black shield’s eyes as he remembered that night, “Calpys could not handle it, and the demon took her as a new deal. I heard him in our room telling me that because of me, her son is dead, but he would bring her to him.”

Book lowered his head. “And instead he brought her to him, didn’t he?”

“In some way yes. He brought her to him in the afterlife before cursing me to live forever, keeping me away from them!” Black shield turned his face to Book, “If you know what’s good for your family you must keep away from Mephist!”

“He’s after a friend of mine, Starlight Glimmer. From what little I can gather he’s manipulating a halfling to start a war and is trying to trick my brother into killing Trixie. I’ve got to stop him.” Book said as he slowly tried standing up straight.

“No,” Black Shield told Book, “He’s not for war, he wants to return to his power.”

“Then I’ll beat the tar out of him and stick him in Tartarus. He is a master of shadow magic. I studied a bit myself when I started on my quest to be a hero. I can use the light against him. Shadow magic doesn’t work well in the light.”

“You must be insane,” Black shield smiled, “But if you’re going after a god, you will need help. Do you know who are you fighting against?”

“A villain. Probably as powerful as Teric or Discord. Every villain has a weakness, all I need to do is find his.” Book explained as he tried walking to his armor.

“Not him, you are fighting against a god,” Black told him, “Mephist is the son of Grogar and the god of the shadows, after his betrayal, Grogar cast a curse on him to live in the form of a mortal until 1,000,000 souls would be under his will. We need more help than you think against him.”

“Then I’ll help.” They both turned around to see Light with Flash and the kids behind him. “I don’t know what it means to be an alicorn. Whether it means I’m a prince or a god or just some crazy pony. The one thing I do know is that he tricked our brother, and is out for the rest of Ponyville. I’ll throw everything I’ve got against him.”

Book gave a weak chuckle. “That’s how our family rolls. We’re too stubborn to back down.”

“And we are family too!” Fast said triumphantly.

“Is Ponyville still standing?” Black Shield asked, “I had a brother who lived there once, his name Silver Sterling, he is probably dead by now.”

“My grandfather. He passed away about a year ago.” Book said somberly. “He was tougher than nails though. He raised a good son, my dad.”

Pain started to fill Black’s body, the pain of loss returned to his bones as he heard that his little brother died as well, “When the curse will be broken, I will tell him about the stallion you became,” Black smiled and he hugged both Light and Book, “I wish Moon and Calpys were alive to see it.”

Book smiled a bit as he started putting on his gear. Book knew that it hurt to wear the stuff, but the job was more important. “Now for our first problem, I’m a fugitive. I know that I could sneak my way around town, but I need ponies who can talk around. Flash, Light, you two are my best options.”

“Because we’re not criminals?” Light asked.

“Nope, because you’re autistic. Light, you hold a strong standing as a nice, timid guy who’s good with kids. They are more cautious because they are afraid of making you upset. Mephist would have an extremely hard time trying to soil your name. Flash, you’re going to be close to Kirouac and Surprise. Use your pacifist attitude and your calm deminer to keep close to them and keep them at peace.” Book explained.

“Just talk to them and make sure that war doesn’t start? I can do that… maybe.” Flash said nervously.

“What do you ask me to do?” Black shield asked Book as he took his axe.

“We’ll work in the shadows, sowing doubt on the rumors he’s spreading and trying to protect Starlight and Trixie.” Book explained. “Your intel is of the utmost importance.”

“Then we have to do it soon, tonight will be the last day that he could release himself, if he would take the soul, it would be at Nightmare night.”

“That doesn’t leave us with much time,” Book said seriously.

“What about us?” FastFox asked as her sister stood next to her.

“You stay here!” Black shield ordered the young girls, “He will kill you if he sees you.”

“Wrong. Light made it clear that they were going with him to Ponyville. Light, take them to dad and have them go with him to Dodge Junction for his family to get together. You know that he does that every year and always invites whatever family is willing to come.” Book said.

“That is a bad idea, and we must decide now,” Black Shield turned to Book, “Where is this Star Glimmer?”

“Starlight is in Ponyville. She lives with Princess Twilight. Whom I just learned hates me.” Book said, mumbling at the end.

“There is another Princess?” Shield raised his eyebrow, “Then Mephist would kill her first after he will return to be a god. We must leave now.”

Light turned to Flash. “We need to leave the girls here. Have them stay with your mom for tonight. I’ll make it up when this is all over.”

Flash cringed at the idea. “First of all, you’ve never met my mom. Her name is BloodCrusher. Enough said there. And second, what will I say to anybody who asks? I told the how town that I was taking them to ponyville for nightmare night!”

“Yeah! We’ll feel bad if we get left behind.” Shy said.

Light smiled as she said that. “They’re not feeling good. That’s a good excuse.”

Both of the girls lowered their ears, and each hugged the other.

“Very well, take them and meet us here, then we will leave to Ponyville before the sun will set down.” Black Shield took a shield out of his closet and he threw it to Book.

Light nodded. “I’m sorry girls. I wish we could have had fun as we planned. I promise that I’ll make it up tenfold.”

The girls sniffled a bit. “Really?” Shy asked.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Light vowed. “Now you know that I’m coming back.”

The girls both hugged Light tightly, not wanting to lose him.

“Very well, but about your brother,” Blach shield turned to Book and Light, “If Mephist has him then he will not listen to reason. He must die.”

Book lowered his head. “I can’t kill Fuze… I can’t even kill. It’s… my morals.”

“I am sorry Book,” Black shield put a hoof on his grand-nephew shoulder, “I wish there was another way, but Mephist’s words are too powerful than you think, if he controlling him, then the boy is doomed.”

“I’ll do it.” Light said, earning gasps from the others. “I only… raged once, and that leveled a part of the forest over a fight with some timberwolves. I can kill Mephist.”

Flash looked worried at Light as he pulled his daughters close to him.

A few tears ran down Light’s face as he turned to the girls. “I’m… I’m sorry that you need to see me like this, but as long as that pony lives my family will never be safe… You’ll never be safe. I… I pray that you’ll never have to make the choice that I must make.”

Flash nodded, as his girls hugged and snuggled his legs.

“Mephist is mine, boy!” Black Shield told Light, and his appearance grew with red flames in his brown eye, “I believe that you could kill him, but he took too much from me. I will kill the devil. Give this old stallion this last wish.” Black shield asked as his terrifying appearance shrunk.

Book was still against the idea of killing his younger brother. “What if we can disable him? I’ve beaten hundreds of goons to a hospital, why can’t I do that to Fuze?”

“Very well,” Black Shield nodded, “But if he would break free, or try to do anything that would put others in danger, you know what you have to do.”

Book nodded, praying that it doesn’t come to this. “We’ll also have to deal with Surprise. He’s found ways around my armor. I’ve landed a few hits on him, but he’s probably back on his hooves by now.”

“That I would leave to you boy,” Black Shield turned to Light, “A halfling will not be a match to an alicorn.” Black Shield took a sword from his closet and gave it to Light, “This was belonged to my son, Moon, use it to kill him.”

“I was born a unicorn, and I stick at magic. I’m only a half-decent flyer because of my fear of heights. I do have one thing going for me though,” Light said as he grabbed the blade. “Some Earth pony muscle.”

“Then keep the fight on the ground, boy. If he goes up, you keep the shields up, if he goes left, blast him, and if he goes right, blast him.”

Light nodded as he let his horn glow. In a flash of light he was found wearing a set of medieval armor. “I got this thing for a costume for Nightmare Night. Good to know that the hand me downs are good for something.”

“Boys this night will be remembered as the worst night of your life, I will not lie, but this night will save more than you think, no just ponies, or changelings, this is the fight of Equestria.”

Book nodded. “The world is now in our hooves. I always said that my life is forfeit to my job. Let’s face the darkness head-on.”

“Alicorn, are you ready to take life, I will not ask you to kill if you not ready.”

Light took a deep breath as he looked at the sword. “I need to protect the ponies I love, and if this is the only way to do it… I will.” Light gave a soft chuckle to hide his tears. “It’s funny, I was so ready to take my own life, and now I need to take somebody else’s. What will the kids think of me after this is over?”

Black Shield put a hoof on Light and he smiled, “You remind me of him so much. Do not think too much in the fight, just feel the fight, that’s the best advice my father told me.”

Flash placed a hoof on Light’s back as well. “I’m a pacifist, but I guess it’s ponies like you and your brother that allow me to be that. I trust you, and this will never change my trust in you. Remember why you are still living.”

Light nodded as he took a deep breath. “I don’t live for myself, but everybody else. To help others is the greatest reason to live.”

Book nodded as he pulled on his mask. “Well then, let our enemies tremble before us, we stand in their way now.”