Second Chance at Life

I do not own MLP:FIM or Dark Souls. I do own my oc.

The Ghost in the Woods

By the Darkstalker, what the hell is going on?! First I’m miraculously transported to an unknown land and now I find it’s populated by talking animals?!

The man ran for awhile before exhaustion caught up to him, forcing him to lean against a tree to catch his breath. His thoughts went wild with theories and guesses on how he could have traveled to such a strange place.

Why aren’t I dead? Igniting the first bonfire should have destroyed me like it did Gwyn. Or am I really dead and this is some sort of absurd afterlife? No, if that were true, I would have met others here.

Recovered, he stood back up and huffed in confusion.

Well, I think before I look for answers, I should ignite that bonfire back at the ruins. Now that I have supplies I shouldn’t have any trouble crossing that gap.

Retrieving the lantern from his satchel he continued forward into the woods, searching for the path he had traveled on before. By the time he had found it and navigated back to the ruins, the sun was already beginning to cast its warm glow. Tossing his opened satchel on the ground, he raised his hands and imposed his will on the black mist as it poured out and took shape. The mist darkened and solidified into the items he stole from the farm. Working with experienced hands he quickly blended the two components to create a crude bridge.

Tying one end of the bridge to two trees, he brought out his Dragonslayer Greatbow and tied an end to the arrow, and fired across the gap. The arrow quickly crossed the gap to the castle, and punched through the stone around the entrance. Doing the same with the other side, he slowly walked out on his bridge and tested it. Satisfied at his work, he strolled across and headed onward to ignite the bonfire.

Stretching out his hand, the flame roared to life, casting the room in a flickering light. He sat down and brought out one of the fruits from his satchel. Taking a large bite out if it the stared into the flame as he chewed; his mind attempting to sort out just what is going on.

Damn it, why didn’t I die? Why couldn’t I simply join my family in the afterlife? I’m so weary of this…*sigh* enough of that. Right now I need to think. Alright, Instead of dying when I ignited the kiln’s flame I was somehow transported to a strange world, where instead of humans there are talking horses. While there is a bonfire here, it seems to be disconnected to my world, so I am apparently stuck here.

He reached for more of the juicy fruit when he ate up the first one.

As far as I can tell, there should be no reason that the two worlds should be connected at all. They have nothing in common as from what I see. Granted, I haven’t really explored much of this land since I’ve only been here for a day I think.

A small pile of cores sat beside him unnoticed as he continued devouring the delicious fruit.

But talking horses the dominant species? I find it hard to believe, even after seeing it with mine own eyes. While I have seen animals that speak before, they were scarce. Yet beyond that farm I saw a community of what I would assume would be more of their kind. I wonder though, if they are the only sentient animals? Are other animals able to speak or understand speech?

He grasped for more of the fruit, but stopped. Looking towards the bag, his eyes were drawn to the pile of cores that sat next to it, nearly as tall as him while sitting down. His eyebrows rose in mild surprise.

I ate that much already? Yet, my stomach is still not satisfied. He thought as his stomach let out a slightly loud grumble.
Hmm. Perhaps I shall risk hunting for some more filling food if I am to have any hope of silencing my stomach. Perhaps an elk or deer. This place is abundant in wildlife so I doubt I should have to look far.

Standing up, the man called forth his bow from the satchel and headed out into the forest, licking his lips at the meal to come.
……………..

“Ah tell yah Twilight, it was some sort of spirit! Big Mac, Apple Bloom and I could see through it, and it headed off towards the Everfree forest when it noticed us.”

After the startling event that happened on the farm, Applejack headed to Ponyville as soon as dawn broke to speak to

Twilight and try to make sense of what she saw. Needless to say, Twilight was very interested in what she had to say.

“That is rather strange Applejack. And you said it walked on two legs?” A quill and parchment floated beside her encased in a purple aura, documenting everything they talked about.

“Yep, took off like a startled rabbit once Winona went after it. Never thought a ghost would be afraid of a dog.”

“Hmm, I don’t think it was a ghost, but I intend to find out. Spike, do we have any books on supernatural creatures of Equestria?”

Spike, who was listening intently to their conversation, wandered over to a section of the library and began to scan their titles.

“Hmm, we have Windigo’s and other winter spirits, Ponies of the Paranormal, and urp-BELCH!!”

Green flame erupted from Spikes mouth and a sealed scroll appeared thought the flame and dropped into his claws.

“Twilight, you’ve got a message.”

A purple aura engulfed the scroll as twilight brought it before her. She read

My Faithful Student Twilight,

Since the Elements of Harmony were used on Nightmare Moon, I have not sensed her presence for awhile and believe her to be gone. Though she is no more, the recent activity in the forest has caused me some worry. I have sensed some unusual magic lurking at the Moon Castle Ruins but do not believe it is anything to that requires action. It is most likely a dragon showing its skills. Should anything else happen that is out of the ordinary, do let me know.

Princess Celestia

“What’s it say Twilight?”

“The Princess says she senses some faint magic in the castle ruins but she doesn’t believe it is anything to be concerned about, at least not yet.”

“Yeah, but what about now that there are ghosts runnin’ around?”

“I don’t know Applejack. I’ll write her about the ghost you saw. I’ll let you know when I get a response.”

“Alright sugah cube. Now, if ya’ll excuse me, I have a mess in the barn to take care of. Apparently, that darn ghost has a taste for apples.”
…………….

“I’m telling you guys, it was a ghost! I saw through it and everything!”

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sat in their clubhouse as Apple Bloom told the others of what she saw last night. Both were fascinated at how she described the strange creature.

“It was tall, taller even that Big Mac, the biggest pony I know! It walked on two legs I think, and it hooves were broken! When Winona went after it, it looked like it glided above the ground, then it went through the fence and headed for the Everfree forest.”

The other two crusaders sat there, mouths hanging open in awe. It was Scootaloo who snapped out of their surprise first.

“That settles it! This has to be a sign that this is how we can get our cutie marks! You said it went into the Everfree forest right? Then that’s where we’ll go!”

Sweetie Belle looked a surprised and a little afraid. “B-but Scootaloo, the forest is a big place. How can we hope to find it?”

“Hmm, well, ghosts usually haunt places right? The only place I can know of is the ruins. It has to be there!”

Applebloom began to share in Sweetie Belle’s hesitation. “Scootaloo, we’ve never been that far in before. We won’t know where to go, and what if we get lost? We’ll never be able to find our way back!”

Scootaloo brought her hoof to her chin and thought for a moment. “Well… what if we ask Zecora for help? She knows her way around the woods and she likes us too. That should work right?”

The other two ponies still looked hesitant to go through with the plan. They would be going farther into the forest that they ever had before. Scootaloo could see they still needed a little encouragement.

“C’mon fillies, we can do it! This could be our one chance to get our marks. This is something no one has ever done before. It’s practically guaranteed that we’ll get’em!”

The other two ponies nodded their heads; and Scootaloo pumped her hoof in success. All three put their hooves together and said-

“Cutie Mark Crusaders, Ghost Hunters! YAAAAYYY!!!!”

……………..
The man had been hunting for hours now, all the while seeing no large prey. It was getting agitated. He didn’t remember hunting being this hard before. Then again, he never hunted in armor before. Heavy, loud, clanking armor….

He shook his head as he facepalmed. Stupid, stupid! No wonder I haven’t found anything. They heard me coming a mile away! *sigh* Guess I should hurry and change. I might still have enough daylight for-

Before he finished his thought, he heard a snapping of branches somewhere above him. He paused, and slowly looked up. A strange creature was looking down on him, licking its beak. It was a little smaller than himself, with the head of a chicken and the body of some kind of lizard.

Judging by the look on its face, it must think me its next meal. If it weren’t for that, I would check to see if it could talk at all. Eh, why not?

“Ho there creature! You’re not seeking to make a snack of me aye?”

The creature jumped down and looked amused at what he said before lunging at him with its beak. He side stepped it easily, and instead of clamping down on him, the creature bit down on a tree branch snapping it cleanly in half.

Ok then. It’s sentient and knows I am but still seeks to make a meal out of me. So be it then, I shall do the same.

“You’re no deer, creature, but you’ll make a good enough meal I think.” The man said as he drew his silver sword and readied his shield.

The creature turned and with a squawk, charged at him again. He quickly raised his shield and blocked the blow, which stunned it, unaccustomed with charging head first into a metal guard. He took this opportunity to strike, arching his blade over his head and swinging it down, cutting a deep gash into its chest. It squealed in pain and jumped back, but not before reaching out with its talons and tearing through his armor and drawing blood. He grunted in pain but shrugged it off. He’d dealt with far worse. As the creature landed it stared at him intently, his sixth sense warning him something is going to happen. He raised his shield in front of his face just before the beasts eyes glowed and cast forth rays of magic against him. Strangely enough, he felt nothing.

Odd. I would think with that coverage it would do some damage.

He lowered his shield once the glowing ceased and readied himself again, only to be distracted by loud cracking noises behind him. Turning his head he saw a family of rabbits staring past him, only they were no longer flesh and fur, they were turned to stone! Cracks had formed on the larger ones and chunks had fallen of the smaller ones.

What the-

“OOMMPPFF!!”

Distracted, the man didn’t see the creature as it turned and whipped its long thick tail at him, knocking him into a tree, and throwing his mask of in the process. His head was bowed down, unconscious. The beast casually strolled towards him and bent forward to stare at him eye-to-eye. Its eyes began to glow, preparing to unleash its petrifying gaze again. The only thing that stopped it was the sight of the smirk on the humans face and the glint of his sliver sword in the sunlight.
……………

Rarity sat in her studio, thread and needle flying through the air as she worked her magic, both figuratively and literally. Orders had been coming in nonstop for alterations, repairs and brand new outfits for the rich and famous mares and stallions that would be attending the Grand Galloping Gala next month.

“Sweetie Belle, could you hand me the green thread? Sweetie Belle?”

Rarity looked up from her current task and looked around for her little sister. She stepped out from the studio and into her living room and called out again. Shrugging, she headed back to get the green thread herself when there was a knock at the door. Using her magic, she opened it and Fluttershy walked in.

“H-hello Rarity. Are you ready for our trip to the spa?”

“Goodness, is it that day already!? I’ve been so busy I completely forgot about it!”

“It’s ok Rarity, we can go next week.”

“Nonsense Fluttershy. Just let me get ready and we’ll be off for a nice relaxing time. Celestia knows I need it.”

After a moment, both were off to the spa. They chatted about various things on the way, from Rarities business to Fluttershy’s animals. As they turned a corner, they saw Twilight and Applejack standing outside the library in a heated discussion. Curious, they decided to see what was going on.

“Hello Dears! Oh my, what seems to be the problem? Applejack, you look like you’re about ready to buck somepony. Did something happen?”

“Rarity! Maybe you can talk some sense into Twilight. I told her that Applebloom and the others were seen headn’ into the Everfree forest and she says I shouldn’t worry.”

“Well, Applejack, they have gone in before and they know not to wander too far in. They probably went to say hi to Zecora.”

“Any other day I would agree with ya, but with that thing ah saw last night…”

“What thing do you speak of Applejack?”

“Applejack told me that last night that she saw some sort ghost come from her barn and fled to the Everfree forest when they saw it.”

“Ah didn’t just see it, Ah saw through it! And I’m afraid that the crusaders might have gone after it.”

Now Rarity began to mimic Applejacks worry. While the CMC know not to go too deep into the forest, their insatiable need for getting their cutie marks might drive them to go deeper than they should. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie came out from behind Twilight and started asking questions.

”Ooh a ghostie?! Was it Green?! Was it slimy?! *gasp* Did it try eating any of you?!”

While everyone was trying to calm the energetic pony down, a rainbow blur shot down from the sky and landed before the group, raising a small cloud of dirt as it landed. It was Rainbow Dash, and she looked a little confused.

“Hey everyone. Applejack, Rarity, do you know if the crusaders went into the forest today? Cause I saw Scootaloo bookin’ it out of there and headed here. She looked afraid of something.”

Looking behind Rainbow, everyone could see a cloud of dirt in the distance, coming at them with incredible speed. It reached them in a matter of moments and stopped a few feet before the group. They saw a panting Scootaloo who shakily got off her scooter and managed to say one word.

“G-G-G-Ghost!”
……………..

The man walked through the woods with a small smile on his lips dragging the carcass of the creature behind him. The kill had been quick and easy. He was surprised at how cocky the creature got once it thought he was unconscious. As soon as it got close, it was a simple matter of thrusting his blade up through the bottom of its head. It managed to let out a small squawk of surprise before it fell over dead. Now he was headed back to the ruins, focused on enjoying his upcoming meal, though his meal was intent on getting caught on every branch and root that he came across. Grumbling as it got hung up again, he turned around to see just what it was he had to deal with and was suddenly plowed into from behind, causing him to stumble forward.

Turning to see what hit him, he saw three small horses with odd coat and mane colors. They were too busy rubbing their heads in pain to notice him at first. It was the one with the red mane that saw him. Its reaction raised his brow a little in curiosity. Its eyes grew wide and its mouth hung open and nudged the one with the purple mane. It too followed suit and soon all three were gawking at him, making him feel uneasy. None of them noticed what came out of the woods until a loud snarl drew their attention. Behind the horses was a pack of those wooden wolves.

So this is what caused these horses to run into me eh?

The man saw at the head of the pack a familiar face, so to speak. Their leader had scorch marks over its body and when it noticed him, backed away slightly.

No doubt about it. This must be the pack that attacked me last night.

He stared at them and how they looked at the tiny horses that were now cowering at his feet. He had seen that look many times before.

The look of desperation. How many times have I seen that in the eyes of the hollows back in Lordran?

Their eyes were wide with hunger and maws drooling to be so close to food yet unable to feast. It looked like they hadn’t eaten in awhile. Heaving a sigh, he grabbed the tail of his would be meal and gave a sharp tug, snapping the branches it was caught on and drawing the attention of the wolves. He slowly stepped around the horses while dragging the body and with a heave, tossed it over to the hungry beings. It landed with a loud *whump* in front of them. The leader stared at it and then to the man. He merely nodded and stepped back to the horses. The leader gave a soft growl and looked at the wolves on either side of it. They grabbed their meal and dragged it back into the forest, leaving the man and the horses alone. He turned and looked down to them. Now they cowered from him. To show he meant no harm, he knelt down and slowly stretched out his hand to them. The one with the purple mane snapped out of its frighted state and kicked at him, knocking his hand away.

“RUN!!!!”

It shouted and took off. He looked to the other two and saw them on the ground, unconscious. Apparently he scared them so much they passed out. He let out a *humph* of disappointment. He couldn’t in good conscience leave them there, so he gathered them in his arms and headed back to the ruins.

Next Chapter, the mane six meet the Dark Lord, and what happens? Battle of course! Like always, please review and let me know what you think so far.
P.S. Sorry for the delay. Had a little trouble on deciding how to write this.