Chapter 12: Time in the Everfree

Frank POV

So… that was a mistake I really shouldn’t get my hopes up like that then again coming back covered in hydra blood and slime wasn’t the best idea. After Eris and Leah had their little freak out, I left and proceeded to clean off the grime off me thanks to a nearby waterfall as Eris snaps up some new clothes, soap bar, and towel as I went off and took a bath. But while I was taking a bath, I had the feeling of being watched as I looked around and saw nothing, but I did catch a strange smell down the line. I was going to check it but it was there that Eris called me to hurry up and eat dinner and decided to put it in the back burner as I finished my bath and got into my new clothes.

After having dinner (and let me say I never thought I would love the taste of hydra meat) I then decided to go to bed early as today’s ordeal had finally caught up with me and I was completely exhausted. Though what happened next was unexpected as both Eris and Leah decided to lay beside me as Eris held onto right arm and Leah laid her head over my chest much to my bewilderment. But at this point I was too tired to even question it as I laid back, but not before saying good night to girls and to Celestia and Luna and prayed that they are doing alright before closing my eyes.

Location: Everfree Forest

It was day 2 in the Everfree as me and girls were walking along a path passing through various trees and shrubs as Leah led the way with Eris behind her and me in the back with sword in hand. Leah had a hollow map that was projected from her left arm as Eris was looking at her surroundings. Now you might be wondering why we are walking through the forest and the answer is because Leah wanted to show us her home which happened to be her ship that had crashed here in Equestria.

“So how far are we from your ship Leah?” asked the female draconequus as Leah turns back to her.

“Not far, if we continue down this path, we should in about 10 minutes. Though I hope no one has stumbled upon it especially with what’s inside.” She said as me and Eris looked at her.

“What exactly is in your ship?” I asked as Leah had as sheepish look on her face mask.

“Well, my ship happens to have some crates of weapons and tech that I managed to salvage from my planet. Oh, look we’re here.” She answered as I went wide eyed, but before I could say anything she tells us that we finally arrived as me and Eris took sight of the ship before us.

I then flew off towards it as my inner fan boy was screaming with glee at the sight of a ship that looked exactly like the one from Star wars Knights of the old republic which I didn’t think was possible. I also noticed that some parts of the ship were badly damaged as pieces of the hull were either torn off or blasted off judging by the many blasts burns it has not to mention that its engines were also damaged as pieces of it were also gone. The cannons seem to be alright though the one of them seems to be missing its cannon on the right but if no one uses it then its fine.

I then set myself down as Eris and Leah approached me.

“What do you think?” asked the female protogen as I looked back at the ship and let out a whistle.

“Well… I can tell you this it won’t fly any more, but I admit I wasn’t expecting something out of Star Wars would exist here.” I say as both Eris and Leah looked at me funny.

“Star… Wars?” asked Eris as I sighed at this.

“It’s a movie trilogy back from my world, but that’s for another time. However, I am surprised that it’s not embedded into the ground.” I asked as Leah nodded at me.

“Even though the engines were totaled the thrusters were still operational as I was able to position the ship properly on the ground. Come I will show you both inside.” She responded as me and Eris followed her inside as I placed my sword into my backpack.

As we walked up the ramp and in the interior of the ship and let me say if you’re a fan of Star Wars you would have died a happy man to be inside as it looked like something you would see in the millennium falcon. Though more open spaced and could probably hold a whole platoon of soldiers judging by how much space there was, however, some parts of the wall had large holes and some monitors were badly damaged. But in the end, it was still livable, and I could tell Eris was just as amazed as I was as Leah led us to the cargo area where we were shown crates filled with various weapons. Ranging from blasters, cannons, explosives, as well as energy weapons like swords, axes, and lances as Eris had the idea of touching the energy blade with her finger only to regret as she nearly burns her finger before I snatched it away from her.

“One thing you should know about energy weapons is that they emit beams of plasma that are so hot that it can literally burn through anything.” I say to her before turning it off as Eris uses her magic to heal her burnt finger.

It was there that I noticed a strange liquid container in a shelf one had a greenish glow, the third had a purplish glow, the last on having a silver glow. Eris noticed what I was looking at as she floats over to the containers grabbing the greenish one with a raised eyebrow.

“What in the world are these?” she asked as Leah began to explain.

“What you have there is a medical serum called stim by injecting this liquid into the body of an injured relieves the pain while also repairing any damage inflicted upon them.” she responded as Eris points at the second container.

“That one is actually an energy core that my people used to power our machinery basically a crystal filled with energy that came crashing down from within a meteor.” She responded.

“Oh, I bet Twilight would like this. So, what about the last one?” asked Eris as Leah smiled at the container.

“Ah that… It’s one of my interventions called Bio Armor it’s a serum filled with nano bots that creates an unbreakable second skin once it enters into your body.” She answers as this surprised me.

“Kind of like my skin, right?” I asked to which she nods at me.

“Back home I was an engineer that worked to create new technology to help benefit the protogen’s sadly I was forced to destroy all records of my inventions during the civil war this container is the only source of the original formula. I kept this as a memento of the days before my home would be lost, but I believe this will suit you better Frank.” She says as she grabs onto the container as she hands it to me much to my bewilderment.

“Consider this my way of thanking you for doing what me and my people thought was impossible. I know this is sudden, but I wish to give this to you to show how grateful I am for what you have done despite what the leaders of your world believe, you are a true hero one that deserves to be rewarded.” She says as she gives out a smile.

A part of me wanted to say that it wasn’t unnecessary but seeing how grateful she was to me I decided to accept it without hesitation as I nodded at her before placing the container in my bag.

“Thank you I am sure this will help out a lot, but I do have 2 questions. First can any other species use this serum and second what’s the best way to transfer this stuff into someone’s body?” I asked as Leah answered.

“To answer your first question the nano bots are able to adapt which allows to the be compatible to one’s body. And second the best way to transfer it is by injecting it through one’s blood stream. I also like to mention that the container has enough to inject 4 individuals and if you like you could grant others ability to have tougher skin like you.” She said as me and Eris were surprised at this.

But just before I could say anything I was then hit with a strange scent that caught my attention as began I sniff the air as I had a serious expression on my face. From the corner of my eye I could tell the girls had noticed my shift in mood as I let out a slight growl that seemed to had made them a bit nervous.

“Frank are-…” I cut Eris off as I immediately ran out of the room and towards the exit. I don’t know why but something about that scent seemed unnatural and from what I have been through I am not willing to take any chances.

3rd POV

Location: Leah’s Ship/ front door

Frank was now outside of the ship as he looked around and saw nothing but grass land, bushes, and trees that surrounded the entire however after he took another whiff of the air, he knew that whatever was making that smell was close by as he pulled out his sword from his bag and got into a fighting stance as his golden eyes started to glow.

“WHO EVER YOU ARE THERE IS NO POINT IN HIDING, SO EITHER COME OUT OR I WILL DRAG YOU OUT FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE HIDING AT!!!”

He said in a demanding tone as it was at that point that Leah and Eris arrived wondering what had their human friend all riled up. Out from the bushes and behind the trees various figures began to approach the 3, but unlike the wildlife from the Everfree these beings were different they were anthro’s like the ponies, yet their bodies were more insects like with holes in certain areas with blue eyes, and insect like wings. The girls stood beside Frank as Eris snapped a long sword into her hands as Leah pressed a button on her cuff as pink energy blades formed from arms as they both got into a fighting stance. The creatures than stopped as they stood in front of the 3 who stood their ready for anything just then a much taller creature appeared as the smaller ones made a path for it as it makes it way towards the 3. This one had long green hair and tail, a female physic, a jagged horn, longer insect wings, and wore a dress that would mostly be used by a royal along with a small crown on its head and like the others had holes on various parts of her body as she stood before the 3 her green eyes with black slights staring towards Frank as he grew even more cautious.

Frank knew who this being was as well as the others behind here for they were a race of creatures known as changelings and standing was their leader queen Chrysalis.

[center]

Note: these are what the changelings will look like and big ups to the artist for this design.

“Note: out of all the images of Chrysalis I figured this would fit her best and very good design that artist the artist had made here.

“Are you the one called Frank?” Asked the queen as Frank had his blade ready in hand.

“Yes I am. Why do you ask?” asked Frank as the queen had a neutral expression on her face.

“One of my scouts had reported seeing a being residing here in the Everfree the very same being that defeated a black dragon and stopped the mad prince’s takeover in Canterlot. The reason for why me and my children are here is to seek audience with you Lord McCloud.” She said though her tone seems out of character for her at least in Franks perspective from what he remembered from the show. This only made Frank unedge for he was unsure just what Chrysalis was going to do.

“And for what reason would you want to seek me out?” he demanded as Chrysalis lowered her face her long hair obscuring her eyes as she clenched both of her hands which didn’t sit right with Frank believing a fight was going to break out, but what happened next was something that neither Eris or Frank would every expect as the queen proceeded to fall on her knees and bowed her head on ground much to Franks bewilderment.

“I beg you… please protect my children…” she said trying to hold back tears as she kept her head down.

“A necromancer is hunting for us after I refused to work for its master. The bastard has already killed many of my children and turned them into undead changelings. I only managed to escape with a hand full of my children out of the jade hive, but no matter where we go that thing is always on our tail.” She said in a scared tone as Eris raised an eyebrow at this as she crossed her arms.

“A likely story. How do we know that this isn’t a ruse in the hopes of draining the love out of frank here? Especially after what had happened during the Canterlot wedding, or have you forgotten about chrysy?” she said as the queen raised her head with a look of anger as she and the rest of her kin hiss at the chaos who stood their unamused.

“I do not lie when it comes to the safety of my children you miss matched abomination.” She said as she tries to calm down as she looks back to Frank with a sad expression.

“I understand if you don’t trust me, but please I a beg of you protect from the being that has already turned the others into undead slaves. And in return I will offer myself to you and only you.” She said in a trembling as tears were running down her eyes as her changelings had shocked expressions that their queen for even going as far as to offer herself to Frank. Leah was unsure at the current since she had never encountered the changelings or any information about them during her stay in the Everfree. Eris was on the defensive recalling of what she had learned about the changeling queen from fluttershy and how she manipulated everyone during the Canterlot wedding. Frank was reluctant to helping the queen but after seeing the look in her eyes and judging by the tone of her voice she sounded genially desperate and upon further inspection he noticed how the queens’ clothes were in tatters as well as the injuries her changelings had received after their escape from the hive.

But just before he could say anything he spots a beam of purple energy coming straight towards the queen as Frank quickly shields the queen with his body as the beam hits him straight in the chest. This startles everyone as the girls and the changelings nearly jumped at what had happened as the beam left a burning scorch mark on Franks chest, yet the human was not affected by this attack as he had a serious look on his face.

“Your majesty… you and your children get inside the ship and stay there. Leah, you keep them safe inside and Eris you get inside with her and form a protective barrier around the ship.

“Frank you’re not seriously believing this for all we know she could have-…” she was cut off as a changeling came charging towards them before being slashed by Frank’s sword as it hits the ground with its head severed from its body. However, this changeling was not like the other parts of its body seemed to be peeling off as one of its limbs and eyes were missing and as its belly had a large hole.

The sound of buzzing was made as Chrysalis and her changelings were now afraid as Leah directs them into her ship as Frank held his sword up.

“Eris…GO…NOW!!” he said as Eris gets inside the ship as the entire thing was then covered in a shield dome as a legion of undead changelings had arrived 15 in total as they stood in front of Frank with lifeless gazes as their jagged horns glowed with a purplish glow.

“Alright… Come get some.” Said Frank as the group of Changelings charged towards him with as the first lunges at him causing Frank to swing upwards as the first was cut into two before hitting the ground.

The second goes for his leg, but Frank was quick to react as he kicks the creature like the soccer ball hard its body exploding smearing the ground in body parts and gore. Two of them ignite their horns as they fire energy bolts at the human who tanks them as he charges towards him before slashing them both in a horizontal swing. One then latches onto his back and tries to bite him only for its decaying teeth to shatter as Frank pulls the creature off him before stomping the creature to the head killing it instantly before slashing another one in his right then another on his left. One ignites its horn as its body glows turning into a manticore then rushes towards Frank like a charging bull as the human stood still as he held his sword with both hands as the undead creature lunges at him. As the human charges forward and swung his sword not once, not twice, but 6 times as the undead manticore hits the ground in pieces leaving a blood-soaked Frank standing his blade also stained with the creature’s blood as Frank twirls it around before resting the blade over his right shoulder.

He then takes a glance at the bodies that laid on the ground with a look sadness at what they had become, but that soon turned into a look of bewilderment as the bodies began to decay in a faster rate before turning into dust. It was then that the remaining zombie changelings stood before him as Frank sighed at this knowing what was about to happen. But just before he could use his sword, he hears clapping along with a sinister laugh as a black portal appears behind the undead and a hooded figure exits from the portal clapping its boney hands while giving off a pale smile towards Frank.

The newcomer wore a black robe with a hood over its head, dark grey armor that looked worn out and dented, a skull over its left shoulder, and had a long scythe that hung on his back as its blade glowed with a sickly green aura.

“That was quite the show. But you really shouldn’t get involve into matters that don’t concern you.” Said the necromancer as Frank rolled his eyes at the mage.

“Judging by your outfit and the smell of decaying flesh you’re that necromancer that Chrysalis had told me about.” He responded as the necromancer chuckled at him.

“I see the Queen has told you about me and the reason why I am here. But allow me to introduce myself, my name is Night Shade, and I am here to punish a certain changeling queen for refusing my master’s generous offer. Now if you would kindly move aside and let me do my work, I will assure to you that you will away from this and not turn into an undead pawn like these idiots here. So, what do you say?” said Shade as he directs the last part towards the undead changelings before him as Frank was silent for the moment before lifting his blade off his shoulder and pointing it towards the necromancer.

“Sorry, but those individuals behind me are under my protection so if you want to get to them you will have to go through me first.” Said Frank as he got into a fighting stance as Shade laughs at the human’s bravery believing that he was out of his league.

“I can tell if your being brave or just stupid but know that I gave you the chance to walk away. And I will make you suffer for getting in my way but first… a little boost.” Said Shade as he lifted his hands up as orbs of green energy exit from the bodies of his undead pawn who proceed to disintegrate into nothing while the orbs shot toward the mage who absorbs them as his body begins to glow with a sickly green aura as he pulls out his scythe and begins to twirl it around a bit before holding the weapon with both hands

“Let the games begin!” yelled out Shade as he charges toward Frank who does the same as they both swung their weapons as the collide causing a loud *CLANK* to be made. Soon both were seen delivering various strikes up and down left and right yet with each strike their blades would collide.

*CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK*

Having enough of this Shade lights out his hand as he summons a group of crows toward the human as they swarm around him while pecking at him from all sides though they were unable to hurt him thanks to his tough skin it did distract him enough for the necromancer to charge forward and deliver a strong strike towards his chest knocking the human a few steps back before he manages to land on his feet. Shade looked surprised to see the human was still alive as his attack managed to slice through his shirt and not his flesh as Frank sighs at this before tearing it off and continuing the fight.

“Is that the best you could do?” asked Frank as Shade shakes out of his stupor before charging toward the human again as he swung his scythe again only for the human to simply sidestep the attack with ease. Shade tries again only to miss again as the human had a bored expression on his face as Shade proceeds to send a barrage of strikes from all directions yet each time Frank would sidestep each attack as the necromancer grew frustrated as he was unable to hit him.

“STOP MOVING!!!!”

As Shade misses again Frank delivers a swift right kick to the mages gut sending him back as Frank dashes behind the mage before kicking Shade up into the air with his left before dashing up above the mage as Frank delivers a powerful axe kick that sends Shade plummeting down to the ground hard. Frank sets himself down as he stares at the mage who was struggles to get back up using his scythe as a crutch as he looks back at Frank with an angry gaze while the human looked at him with a neutral expression.

“If you value your life, I suggest you leave now and never return. Tell your master that if he wants to the changelings, he will have to go through me. Instead of sending one of his lap dogs to fight his battles.” He said before turning away hoping that the mage would get the message and leave, sadly that wasn’t going to happen. Shade was beyond angry seeing the creature walk away from him as the words from the creature stung his pride as he then started to charge up one last spell one that the mage believe will destroy the creature once and for all as he slams the butt of his scythe on the ground.

“YOU ARE BENEATH ME!!!!” he yelled out as pillar of green energy shoots out from under him as his body began to change into a much more monstrous sight as his flesh and clothing had burned away and soon his body began to grow much larger as the mage became… this.

A giant skeleton dragon with large teeth, skeleton wings, and large boney horns that protrude from its head as its eyes glowed with the same sickly green aura as it charges toward the human who sighs and shakes his head at this before tossing his sword up into the air as he wines his right fist back as the monster grew closer and closer to him. And as the monster was now in front of him Frank then drives his fist forward as it hits the creature right in its face while letting out a loud battle cry.

“ORAAAA!!!!!!”

The attack stops the monster in its tracks while also shattering the left side of its head into pieces as it howls in pain as Frank’s catches his sword in hand before charging forward as he sent a barrage of sword strikes from all sides while also screaming out his battle cry multiple times.

“ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORA, ORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

The last one being a horizontal swing as the monster falls to the ground in pieces, however that last strike manages to cut down a few trees behind the monster much to Frank’s annoyance as the remains of the monster begin to turn into ash as it was blown away as a breeze comes by.

Unknown to Frank, the others who were hiding within Leah’s ship had witnessed the entire fight go down through one of the cameras outside of the ship. Both Eris and Leah were amazed at the battle that went down while Chrysalis stood there in shock and terror at the human’s physical power as she and her children were trembling with fear.

Frank POV

Once the battle was over, I then let out a breath of relief glad that the necromancer was gone. Though I had hoped that he would have just walked away, but after turning into a giant skeleton dragon I had no choice but to end the fight much to my displeasure. I don’t like killing, but when it comes to fighting monsters, I must put them down a lesson I had to learn the hard way back on earth. But just then a green orb of light appears before me as it shifts into the form of a ghostly human skull before being absorbed into my metal as a powerful sensation came over me as my veins glowed in a sickly green color as well as my eyes as I yelled out in agony.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!”

Once the sensation had faded I started to feel dizzy before falling onto my back as my vision began to go blurry as a set of voices began to call out to me all of them concerned before everything goes completely black.

Author's Note

this took a long time but i am glad to have finally posted it. Hope you like it and to finally have Chrysalis and her Changelings in the story.

Take care and i will see you in the next post.