//-------------------------------------------------------// Spirit animal (Rewrite) -by Ghost56- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// New world, Same rumors //-------------------------------------------------------// New world, Same rumors I sit in a chair on my porch, looking at the stars above. I couldn't help but look on with a smile. The night will always be my favorite time of day. As the stars were as beautiful as ever I couldn't help but notice the overwhelming sense of loneliness. The amount of times I have been rejected by a girl is just out of this world. Sure I wasn't fit and on the fluffy side of fat but other than that there is nothing else I can think of. I just sighed and stood and headed back inside to go to sleep. That was when a voice for as long as I could remember put its two cents in. "Maybe if you weren't such an ugly bastard you might have a chance. But guess we are just unlucky." He was someone I knew very well and that was myself. I honestly don't know why I do that to myself but I stopped to question it for a while. I headed to my room and crawled into bed but that was when I noticed the night sky zoom past like the scene from the moon knight tv show. That was when my bed lifted from the ground and suddenly dropped. This knocked the fuck out of me and for a while, I was out. But my home was no longer where I knew it was and I could help but think if that was bad. One year later That happened a year ago and I couldn't help but think about the loved ones that miss me. The life I once lived, my job, my friends, family. Would they look for me? Would they stop after a year? Maybe I wouldn't blame them if they did as for as long as I am gone there is always time to search but why search for something you didn't care about? I looked into the opening where the town lay. That was when my only friend here walked from behind me and I wished she didn't "Hey Zecora, you ready to go." She had her cloak on and the hood down as she looked at me wearing a similar cloak. Mine was more black and I held a skull ski mask that looked a lot like a certain soldier in one game I played a lot. Nodding her head I put on the ski mask and lift my hood turning to the town. "Why wear the mask, if you don't mind I ask?" I turned to face her as she also had her hood on. "Remember the first time we met? I mean my face took you a while to get used to." She seemed to look down at that and remember the time I stumbled onto her home. At first, I thought I was saved but that was until Zecora came out swinging a spear trying to kill me. I use my lance to counter a lance is just a Native American spear. This went on for a better half of an hour just trying not to die and trying to talk to her. But she then said that I had one of the ugliest faces she had seen and that just hurt not going to lie. She remained quiet as she too remembers the time we met. Knowing that she knew why I was wearing the mask, I started walking toward the town. I was expecting there to be ponies walking back and forth to different stores, but no it was a ghost town. Walking further into the town I spotted a building that looked a lot like a gingerbread house. Looking down I saw ponies' hoof prints on the ground. They were recent as they all seemed rushed as they headed back into their homes. Was there a threat? If so, where is it? It is just too quiet. That was when I realized that we were the ones they were hiding from, we were the big bad people from the evergreen forest. I felt eyes on me from the gingerbread bread house. Still looking down I put my fingerless gloved hand on the floor and moved it along. Turning my head to the window of the building I saw seven heads peeking out and looking at me. They quickly ducked down and seemed to hide from my gaze. This made me roll my eyes as they are hiding from two new people. Bet they have rumor's about his being savage that killing for no reason. Or that there are evil magic users that brainwash innocents. I have heard these before, well I haven't but my ancestors have. Standing and turning to Zecora and she removed her hood showed her mohawk and stripes. Got to say she does look cute if she does try and impale you with a spear. "I believe we overstayed our welcome, do you?" I asked as she looked around seeing no one. She nodded, looking sad that the ponies seemed to fear us. I on the other hand could care less as I have been feared by many and enjoyed it. No one to bother me or my loved ones and plenty of time to just be alone. But that was back then now I am honestly glad I found Zecora's place otherwise I would still be stealing apples from that apple farm. "Indeed our time draws near, I only wonder why they hide in fear." I nodded my hood and mask-covered face looking at her with the same question. But we just headed back to the forest. The first day I was here this forest used to scare me, but now it seems more like home than the world around me. Just replace the Timberwolves with a regular one. The manticore with any kind of bear would be my home in a nutshell. "Well zecora I expected to be run out of town for the way I looked but being feared is a lot better I guess." she looked at me and turned back knowing that yes I am different but just like her. Sure I am Navajo but that is not a good enough reason to fear me. Or maybe it is the skull ski mask and the fact I am known as, and I quote. "The Ghost of the EverfreForestst." That may have to do with the fact when one of the farmers that worked at the apple farm asked who or what I was. I replied with "Ghost" and ran off into the forest losing him and getting away with food. On the trail, I look aZecorara and decided to say goodbye this time as I normally don't do that. " Goodbye, zecora I will see you tomorrow when I get out of bed eventually," I say knowing that I sleep all day and stay up all night, but today was an exception as it was finally going into a town that ended up being empty. "Thank you my friend for seeing this trip to the end." She nodded her head and I went off the trail following my own as my home is way off from where she is going. Taking out a specially made war club, it was as normal as it could get but made from metal and sharpened. It looked like a one-handed front curved machete with a metal ball at the end which also had a spike. A deadly weapon for sure as it is called a war club, only I had requested it to be metal and sharpened. Seeing a skull scratched on the side of a tree. This means I am on the right trail and that there are only a few more minutes till I am home. Five more skulls and finally I was home, still have no idea how it got here. But I am glad that it is here with me and the mass amounts of food I had stocked up. Heading inside I just put all I had on my way and ate something then went to bed as I was already getting tired. I wish I could stay up and watch the night sky but I am dead tired so to sleep I go. Waking the next day I looked at the time and noticed it was 1:00 pm. Guess I was really tired if I slept for that long. I got up and got ready, putting on my steel-toe boots. Getting my weapons and cloak on same with the skull ski mask as I would not be caught dead without this thing off. Now that I think about it, why don't I just sleep with it on? "Cus that is stupid and who would find you out here?" The familiar voice said that I also seem to forget that it was there. Heading out only ate a snack as I headed to Zecora's place as I just wanted to see how she was doing. Arriving I saw something I didn't want to. Her door was wide open and I could hear a struggle inside. Drawing my war club I rushed inside only to see Zecora not moving a muscle and one pony trying to fly. The key word on the trying as she crashed left and right breaking all kinds of vases and bottles hanging from the roof. That was when I noticed that smallest pony on Zecora's ear trying to wrestle it or something. I stepped in and took her off the ear by holding her by the shirt. Lifting her she turned to see the skull ski mask staring at her. She looked on in fear and yelled with all her might. "It's the Ghost of the Everfree forest!!" The rainbow main mare crashed, landed, and turned to see me and she took a battle stance. That was when the others joined to see me holding their friend. "Let go of apple jack!!" The purple one said with her horn being flaccid than any right it should. Looking at the rest of them I noticed that each one had something wrong. I could care less about what they did wrong. All I wanted to know is why they are here and why they are "fighting" my friend. "First answer my question. Why are you here and why are you attacking my friend?" They looked at me with glares and it did nothing. That was when the orange mar in my hand started to run through her mouth. "We are here cus y'all took my sister and cursed us!!" That was enough to get me mad and pulling her to my face I began to go off on them. "Now that is not true. We came to your town looking for things to buy. And all of you decided to hide from people that are different but harmless. Now, something bad happens and you blame the two that have done nothing to you." The orange mare looked on in fear until she thought of what I did. "you're the scoundrel that steeling form ma farm!!" That seems to put the glares back on the faces of the ponies. Then the orange pony little sister walked through the door and everything seemed to straighten out. She was able to explain everything that had happened to them. Heading to the town we headed to what I noticed was a spa. Zecora doing her thing wiped up a curing bath for the blue joke flower. All the while the ponies looked at me with fear. All buApplejackck she looked at me with hate and I could care less. "I am going back home. I will see you, Zecora, tomorrow." As I said that apple jack jumped in my way and started me down. "You ain't going nowhere until you pay for them apples." I sighed and just decided to tell her something. "I was thrown into this world with no way to go home. To make it worst most of the food I cooked where I lived drew in the worst of the worst in that forest." Her glare seemed to fall as she continued to look at my mask-covered face. "So I need to find a food I could eat that doesn't draw in bloodthirsty animals. So sorry I was too headstrong on me not getting my throat ripped out by a Timberwolf." Her look turn into sorrow and the room fell silent as the others looked at me. Heading home I left the town all the ponies looking at me with fear. Being feared means that I am alone. //-------------------------------------------------------// Too similar //-------------------------------------------------------// Too similar I lean on the wall of the train. Thinking of the week that had passed by. Of course trying to be on good terms with the ponies was not easy. Especially when you tell them to call you Ghost and keep your name a secret. Honestly the only reason why I did that was mainly because I don’t trust any of them. My mind wanders to the monsters in this world, and some of the ones in mine. My people believed in some monster that seemed like nonsense in their own world. But here the impossible is very possible, magic is used like technology in my world. But I have to say the monsters back home are 12 times scarier than the ones here. There is the skinwalker, the wendigo, the floating head and lots that even other people across the world believe in. That was when I was tapped on the shoulder by a purple hand. “Ghost are you okay? You have been quiet for a while.” Twilight said as she came up to my chest. I wasn’t tall by any means but I am lucky to get as tall as I am considering how short my mother and father are. But I was only 5 foot 6 and twilight was only up to my chest. Have I gotten taller or are they shorter than normal humans? I noticed that she was staring at me waiting for an answer from me. “I'm fine Twilight, just lost in my own thoughts.” I say as she grew a smile from my reply. “What were you thinking about?” She asked, standing to the right of me. “Just how magic is so normal here, and the monsters here as well.” I say looking straight ahead at the moving desert out the window. “How there are monsters in my word, but most did not believe in them. Mainly because magic in my world is a work of fiction.” I say and turn to face twilight. Only to see her with a pen and notepad writing down what I had just said. I couldn’t help but smile under my skull ski mask. “What else is there in your world Ghost?” She asked, looking at me with stars in her eyes. This went on for a while as I told her all the things in my world. Of course some were just too similar like my people and the buffalo here. From what I have heard they are like native American but I need to see it to believe it. Of course I did tell twilight or anyone this. Already have shit tons of questions dont want more. The day went by pretty fast and before I knew it, it was dark. Honestly time moves differently here and I can't figure out why. "Everypony I believe it is time for us to get some rest." Twilight said using her magic to get into pajamas. "Agreed twilight." Applejack said going to the bathroom to change. Heading to bed as well, normally is that I sleep all day and stay up all night. But the six mares here came to my house to ask for protection. Seeing a pay day I decided why not. Of course this was in the early morning so I am beyond tired. After seeming that all the girls where in pajamas I walked to my bed they left for me. "Uh, Ghost you know it's more comfy if you sleep with the mask off right?" I heard applejack say and I laid my weapons down. "Yeah silly. Let's see that sleepy face of yours." Pinkie said hopping to me with a wide smile. Her hand reached for the mask and I acted fast. My hand shot up quick enough to catch hers. She stopped and looked at me with ' I'm sorry' look. "The mask stays on understood." Using my big brother voice she nodded her head and zoomed back to her bed. Shaking under the blanket pinkie dud not want to be seen by me. Fhe other turned to me and twilight spoke. "That wasn't nice Ghost." I simply rolled my eyes and claimed into bed. Closing my eyes I slept as peacefully as it could get, hoping that this was just one bad dream. But all I saw was darkness as usual due to the fact I don't dream anymore. But recently I felt something or someone calling out to me. Like there is someone trying so hard to get into my nonexistent dream. This has been going on for a while now but I just ignore it. Suddenly I was awoken by the train cart being shacking wildly. Standing I got my bow and lance I headed outside. Telling the six to stay inside as this could get messy. Taking a look around the cart I saw something I just could believe. The very buffalo I refused to believe where running along side the train. Not only that but the had Navajo attire. Male with only pants and moccasins the one female with a top and that same as the males. I was too stunned at what I was seeing I didn't even notice rainbow dash chance after the female. Only when I snapped out of it was when the took the finally cart of the train. Drawing an arrow to fire at the buffalo I aimed a shot ready to let loose. That was until an owl landed on my shoulder. This was strange as a owl all the way put here is unheard of. That was until I looked into the eyes. Normally an owl's eyes are just black like any other predator of the forest. But this one held a soul and that soul I knew without a doubt was my grand father. Lowering my bow and arrow I let them going. "Ghost! What in tarnation was that!?" Applejack yelled to me form the cart. "Those buffalo are too much like my people. It would be shameful if I brought harm to them." I say not knowing the type of question hell I unleashed upon myself. “Wait, you mean the buffalo here are like your people? Living in the desert and wanting ponies off their land?” Twilight asked this time Applejack must have heard her as she came walking to me. "Well similar or not we peacefully resolve all the disputes between us and the buffalo.” Peacefully? Really well the ponies are different to some degrees as well humans would just kill the buffalo and move in regardless. “Well, the best course of action is to head to applepalooza and find out where the buffalo are.” The four that remained on the train agreed and as soon as we made it to the town I regretted the decision. The first pony there was just annoying and I was not having it. My god dose this gut not shut the ever lasting fuck up. The only part I had caught was the part about the buffalo all of sudden wanting their apple orchard gone. ”Hold that thought apple fucker.” I say and applejack looked at me with confusion and discus. Her cousin looked at me with a glare and he stomped to me and stood in front of me. “What you say freak.” He said trying to be scary but I have faced grown men trying to kill me. I stood emotionless. “I said, you most likely put this apple orchard on land that doesn't belong to you.” His face looked shocked at what I said. This led to my getting to know the sheriff of the town. After several minutes of yelling and throwing punches I decided that I fully agree with the buffalo. But that would be seen as they all have a chance to change things and to not make the same mistake humans made. After waiting and doing nothing I saw them fight the chief of the buffalo clan and the sheriff of the town. Of course that was after the show pinkie and spike put on so there was that. Hearing the word of both I knew I had to do something as the chief threat to the town and the apple farm. Walking to the both of them pushing each other head to head. Guess cus they have arms and legs they are still pretty much animals. “Enough you two.” I say as I grip them both by the back of their necks. This had the effect I wanted as they could do nothing but walk with me as I moved to the sheriff's office. “What in tarnation do you think you are doing boy!?” The sheriff yelled as I made him sit down. “What kind of pony are you? And why do you wield the weapons of a buffalo?” Getting serious I make sure no one can get inside and no one can see inside. Taking off the mask I began to speak. “We stay here until we agree on something to do. If not I either help the buffalo or the ponies. I will decide if there is no middle ground understood?” I turned to face them as their faces looked at me with fear and confusion. But the one that confused me the most was that the buffalo chief bowed to me. “What are you doing?” I asked as he stood and told me something I had expected since I had seen them. “You are the great kind that had taught my ancestors how to live in the desert. And I will follow anything you say, Great one.” I was stunned at this but I saw it as a way to settle this in peace. “Sheriff make a path through the apple orchard and allow them to have some of the apples. In return the chief will help you in battles you need. Deal?” After he had thought about it he extended his hand and the chief took it. "Chief make peace with the ponies there is no need for blood shed." Putting back on my mask I headed outside and walked to the train. “Ghost, what do you tell them?” Twilight asked right behind me. “I made peace, after all I don’t want to see my people suffer.” Getting on the train I lay down on one of the bed. Not caring about the weapons I them fall asleep as I know that the buffalo will keep his word. //-------------------------------------------------------// The beginning of insane chaos //-------------------------------------------------------// The beginning of insane chaos I look on at the everfree forest ahead of me, drinking a soda I sigh. "Well I am bored as fuck right now." And as soon as I said that a letter from the sun princess herself appeared in front of me. Landing on a small desk right next to the window I was staring at. Oh yeah I meant her during the grand galloping gala. I was invited to my dismay after I went into the town to eat steak. Trying to cook it here will bring shit tons of timber wolves and manticore. And I have no traps set up for any of them back then but now I have plenty, hopefully enough. Days before. 'Where can I find somewhere to eat?' I asked myself in my head and as usual I answered. 'How in the fuck should I know we barely come here.' I rolled my eyes at myself as I always am just a massive ass hat. 'Hey don't blame us, blame the amount of bullshit we went through back at home.' Again I couldn't help but agree with that as it was a hell hole town I called home would have made anyone there into an ass hat. Suddenly I could smell steak and not thinking I rushed to the smell. But once I made it there I then realized I went from one end of the town to the other. "How did I smell that from all the way on the other side of the town?" I asked myself this not knowing I would get an answer. A griffin came out of the bar and looked at me. "You, you going to stand there all day or get inside and order something?" A griffin who looked to be in his forties or maybe older. I decided to just head inside and look around, what I saw was many anthro animals. Well animals that eat meat such as lions and wolves, coyotes and that was something I was not expecting. But then again new world new rules so I just walk in looking for somewhere to sit. The only place was the bar and a tall chair, the old griffin walked behind the bar counter. Taking a seat I looked to the griffin and from then on out I ate like there was no tomorrow. While also trying to keep the mask on, this did raise a few eyebrows but they never asked. After an hour there and a lighter wallet, I left with a bartender waving goodbye. "Ghost, what are you doing in ponyville?" I turn to see twilight with rarity and what seems like fabrics in rarities hands. "Just here to eat, and before you ask yes I need to eat meat to survive. Otherwise I become to weak to stand or fight." Her look she gave me told me she understood but she was uncomfortable. Well I overstayed my welcome and I turned to walk away that was until I took several steps away. "Ghost wait, Princess celestia would like to invite you to the grand galloping gala." I stopped and looked back at her with confusion, not like she could see it. "Well I would love to but I don't have anything nice to wear." I said which was true but I also didn't want to go. I fucking hate large parties and I hate them more when everyone as their nose so far up their ass. But little did I know that was a one way ticket to being measured in so many places. "I can make you a suit and one that could complaint your face." I looked at her not knowing what to do. So I just nodded and followed them to rarity's place. It looked like one of those carnival rides I could never figure out the name of. But it's the one with horses and it goes in circles well whatever the name of it is I could care less. That was when I realized that she was using all kinds of colors that just do not look good on me. "Maybe an orange color with a cyan blue." She says and she seems to nod no and move on to the next set of colors. I then spoke up just wanting to have a plain suit. "Rarity can I just have a black suit with a red tie?" I asked and she turned to me and gave me a critical eye. Looking over the black and then the red she thought about. "Darling may I ask why you want those colors in particular?" She looked at me getting the black and red fabric. "Well my mothers favorite color is black. And red matches it nicely." She looked at me clearly in shock at my comment. She then rushed to wherever she went to make the suit and she then came back asking. "Anything else for the suit like any design?" I thought about what I wanted for the suit and all I wanted was something simple. I then realized she didn't make a mask for the suit so I decided to ask for one as a new one to add to the collection. "Can you make a skull mask for the suit, but make the skull only the bottom of my face and red with the rest black." She looked at me and rolled her eyes. "Well, darling if I am going to do that I am going to have to measure your face." She said looking at me like I was supposed to do something first. "Alright then measure my face." I say now getting what she wanted but said that to make sure I was right. "Well I am going to have to measure your face without the mask." I stopped standing where she had told me to stand to face her. "No" I say, not wanting to show my face. "Darling what do you have to lose and besides I will keep it between us." She said but I didn't waver. Although I did move the mask only up to my noise. My eyes were covered by me doing this so I didn't see her shocked expression. With the feeling of the measuring tape around my chin, cheek and nose. Then I felt her hand on my cheek with the feeling on her thumb feel my skin. "What are you doing?" I soon said that she backed away and said something that still shakes me to the core. "You're human?!" I quickly put the mask down and got on my jacket and anything I had on me. walking out of the building I heard twilight call out to me but I just walked. Walked all the way to the forest and back home. After spending a few days in the forest and just staying home. I even cooked some meat as I would not want to take a chance at the town again. But of course the six ponies knew where I lived and on that day they saw what I was capable of. Twilight POV "Twilight I swear to celestia he is human." Rarity said from behind me, and I could hear the other start to speak. "Rarity you are starting to sound like lira." Rainbow dash said flying above the group. "Well rainbow the human legends are fun to read about. But from what we know about Ghost he does have similar traits to a human." I say looking forward and down at the Legends of Humans book. The warriors of the Navajo humans best fit for Ghost after all, his weapons looked so similar to the ones depicted by the book. Looking up I saw we were getting closer to his house. My eyes grew with excitement at the many answers I will get for the many questions I have. That quickly went away with the site of the many remains of the timberwolves on his front lawns. "So why are you here and what do you want?" The familiar voice of Ghost rang out from the porch of the house. Turning my eyes to the voice I saw his face. The small eyes, nose and short hair confirmed what Rarity had said before. This was a human. Chaz Cooley POV The six mares in front of me looked at me with fear. Well five out of six of them did, Rainbow dash looked at me like I was some kind of comic book hero. "So you know what I look like and you all have questions no doubt." I say twilight, nodding her head and conjuring up the infamous notepad and ben. "How did you get here, in the everfree forest that is?" Twilight asked her pen to write down anything and everything I said. "It happened during the night, right when I was going to sleep I saw the night sky move faster than any right it should have." They looked at me with curious looks and I continued with the sound of pen writing like there was no tomorrow. "Stars zoomed past, making white lines throughout the sky. Suddenly my bed rose from where it lay and without warning the bed dropped with me on top and I found myself here after being knocked out." They looked at me like a bunch of kids at story time during kindergarten. Twilight after writing what I had spoken about she asked another question. "How long have you been here?" I looked over to the bedroom door down the hall. That was my room and on the other side of the house was my grandfather's room. But my room held tally marks for how long I have been here. I knew how much they added up to and I did not like the answer. "One year and two weeks, that is how long I have been here." their eyes widened and twilight looked at me with the most shock. "You've been here for a year, sugarcube?" Applejack said with disbelief in her voice. I nodded, not saying a word and scratching the stubble on my face. Man, I wish I could grow a beard. Suddenly a rainbow dash jumped up and said. "That makes it even cooler than before." This made me chuckle and smile with teeth. That got the attention of all them but the one who acted was fluttershy. "You have canines, does that mean you eat meat?" She asked, getting a little too close to my face. Her chest met mine and that was when she backed up with a blush. "Oh my gosh, sorry." She said behind her head and hands. "Its okay, yes I have canines and yes I need to eat meat to live. Otherwise I would too weak to stand making me a meal for the timber wolves." Rainbow dash then laughed at that statement and pointed out the masses of timber wolves bodies outside. Then pinkie hopped to me with the biggest smile on her face and asked. "When's your birthday?" I looked at her dead in the eyes and said as calmly as I could be. "No." she then began to pout and then said. "Oh why not." This went on for several minutes until she then had the bright idea to try and find something with my birthday on it. Stopping her by putting my arms around her she then grew a devilish smile. That was when I realized the game was rigged from the start. turning with my arms around her shoulders she then put her arms around me and hugged me. "Yeah Pinkie! Damn it, not again let go!" I say but my words when on deaf ears as her grip seem to get titier. "No, not until you tell me your birthday!" She said with the most happy written face I could ever see on a pony. Not seeing any other way out of this I did what I could do. "Distraction!!" I say using one of my arms to boop her snoot and this seems to work as she went cross eyed and let me go. I take several steps away from pinkie only to see her staring into space with the biggest blush on her face. I wondered why she was like that until she then zoomed out the door without saying a word. "Did I do something wrong?" I asked the others all looking at me in shock. "You do realize that booping a ponies nose means affection right?" Twilight asked me. Not was now my turn to be staring out to space as I realize the big fuck up I did. After that I led them home as it was getting dark and a few more days later the gran galloping gala was here. It was nothing to write home for all it was as I suspected just stuck up ponies with their noses so far up their asses I swear they could be inside out at this point. With the suit, red tie, and red skull mask that covered the bottom of my face. I felt dapper as fuck not going to lie. Hell I fucking love the suit. I really need to thank rarity for the suit. Maybe I could help her with her crystal hunting thing she does. Walking around I got away from all the hateful looks the ponies were giving me. That was when I stumbled on the sun princess herself celestia. "You know, for someone who holds this whole thing in her castle. I would expect for her to at least watch over it." I say walking to her without a care in the world. She looked at me and her eyes looked on in surprise. "So my star student was right. You are a human, the only question is why are you here?" Her gaze turned stone cold and I for one am finally glad to see something familiar. "Ha don't worry at all princess I am not here to innovate or anything like that all I want is to go home." Her look only changed a little and even then I doubt that anyone would notice. I only noticed it mainly because she is several feet taller than me. And she had a goddess-like figure that I admit I was staring at. 'Don't even think about it, you had a snowball chance in hell back home. What makes things different here? The familiar voice rang out in my head and I just ignored him and continued to talk. "Well, princess," I said. "Would you know anyone who can send me home?" She took a few steps, stopped and turned, looking at me intently. "I could," she replied. "I could get you home, but only when you have proven yourself trustworthy." She turned again and took several paces away from me. I suddenly had the feeling there was a caveat to this trust. When I didn't immediately follow she stopped once more and faced me. Her gaze was almost withering. "I can send you home," she explained, "but you must prove that you are honorable enough to keep a promise." "What promise?' I asked. "You must swear an oath. First, never to tell anyone about this place. Second, never to return yourself," she said. That got me mad. "I don't believe this SHIT! I never wanted to be here in the first place! I have been here for a year now and you're going to put conditions on helping me? I've already helped you and then some! Doesn't that prove anything?" I yelled, letting my anger build, It felt good to let my feelings go, yet behind it was something else, something I wasn't completely aware of in the moment. Princess Celestia let me vent for a moment, then asked a calm, clear and cold question. "How do I know you care for this land? How can I trust that you care enough for my ponies to not return with a human army behind you? How do I know that you will not tell anyone about this?" I abruptly stopped seeing the logic in her statements. "This is why you must prove you are trustworthy. This is why I want you to be a soldier for me. Once this is done then you may go home. I give you my promise." Her eyes softened, melting away some of my anger. "Do we have an understanding?" She reached out her hand to me. I didn't feel I had much choice so I took it. "Know this, your Highness," I said "If you go back on your word there will be hell to pay." She looked at me with a hard glare, though her voice remained calm and firm. "Is that a threat, human?" "I don't make threats, Princess," I replied, letting go of her hand. "I make promises." I turned and walked away, but as I did, I could have sworn I could see her mouth curl into the slightest of smiles. Present day Opening the letter I saw that it was a mission. The mission seemed simple: accompany the elements and make sure nothing happens to them. Then once at the castle protect them from someone called discord. "Don't know if he's able to send memes to my friends. But who ever he is I hope he not too fucking weird." //-------------------------------------------------------// When insanity meets chaos //-------------------------------------------------------// When insanity meets chaos The pile of the timber wolves bodies in the middle of my yard. Stones lined the edge of it and surrounded the pile. I have done this some many times and those times I have watched them all burn. Having already trenched the pile in gasoline and lighting a match and throwing it into the pile it instantly set on fire. Turning not worrying about the fire and knowing that it would be fine. Gathering my knives and tomahawks, putting them in a tactical vest made for my weapons. Finally I got one of my guns I hadn't used in years. A lever action rifle made by the Winchesters from back in the day. kept in fine condition, reloading a 30-30 I swung around and fired as quickly as I could. The bullet hit its mark, the mark being a on fire timber wolf trying to crawl its way out of the roaring fire. Stomping out the flames the escaped timber wolf left I then made my way to Ponyville. Dodging through the tree and running as fast as I could I was going to follow the orders given to me. Of course if the orders where something fucked up I would not fallow them. Seeing the end of the forest I still ran for the town seeing the weird state it was in. Pink clouds zoomed through the skies and rained what I could only guess was brown water or something chocolate. Heading for the train station I saw the six mares I had to protect. They seemed to see me as I ran to them through the town. Stopping and looking at them I then said what I needed to say. "I am here to protect you, and no is not an option." The six looked at me with confusion and then just looked at the train letting me know that they most likely didn't care. The train ride was awkward when you sat next to the pony and you accidentally showed them affection. Pinkie was quiet and she had a blush on her face, I had one too but I would be caught dead blushing. But the silence was deafening and I just needed to break the ice and well what the hell do I got to lose. "January 5th, that is the day of my birth." '''The day of my birth?'' What are we some kind of a royal knight or some shit?' The voice of my own head and doubts rang in my ears. That distracted me from seeing the mass of pink shoot right at me and hold me in a death grip. I came to call the grip the pinkie pie bone crusher, it is only a matter of time before that name becomes too true. Using all my might I tried to break free not thinking about the rise and increase in my muscles. I broke free to my surprise and all the others including pinkie. "Aww, but I want to hug you." She said in a sing-song voice. Looking at her I at least needed to do this for her as I did embarrass her in my own home. Walking to her I wrapped my arms around her and then hugged her gently. And she stood there not knowing what to do. Then finally letting go and sitting back down I saw her stand there like a statue. The train ride was filled with giggles and the girls looking to me and back to pinkie with whispers and hushed voices. Getting out and see the city of Canterlot in all its whit and and more white. Fucking hell do these ponies know that there are more colors on the fucking color while!? "Chaz, are you coming princess celestia will not wait forever." Twilight said while running to the castle. I followed with my strength rising once again. And this time I noticed it as I passed the six and it took me a while to realize that well I was getting stronger and it was not normal. I should be this strong even after a year in the forest. This was no doubt the work of something else, something I was sure didn't exist. 'Dude, are you alone in there?' I asked the voice of my own doubts. 'Yeah I think there is something here and it seems like a bear?' I heard the voice say as he seemed to search through my head. How I knew that I will never know myself as I just headed to the castle with the ponies behind me. There the main six ran to the princess from a hall of the castle, the walls lined with widows depicting events of what I could only assume were the past or gods or heroes. But one caught my eye and I could see the strangest depiction of a missed matched creature. It had looked like a four year old for a make your own animal project as the limbs were all different animals. And the head was also matched with horns and even its teeth were missing. That was when I realized that it wasn't a widow I was looking at and the head looked too detailed. It seemed to notice that I caught on and it turned to me and winked at me with a smile. Quickly going for a tomahawk I took my eyes off the widow and that might have given it enough time to get out of there. As when I looked back it was back to normal and the details I saw were now simple and very little. "Ghost, you will accompany my little ponies understood." I herd celestias voice and I looked to her giving a nod. Following the six mares to the outside I knew that there was something wrong. That was when rainbow dash flew trying to fly above the grass maze. "Rainbow dash wait!" I yelled to her but it was alright too late for that. As she fell to the grown landing hard and she and I noticed that she no longer had wings "My wings!" She screamed and at that moment the wings on fluttershy's back disappeared as well. After that the horns on top of twilight and rarities heads vanished. Both of the aforementioned unicorns panicked and the focus shifted to the maze. That was when the missed matched creature showed itself to all of us. A cackle we all heard and in a flash of light it rose from a crouched state. "You should have seen the looks on your faces. Well most of your faces, the ghost of the everfree shows no emotion right?" The creature looked at me and smiled knowing that I was a stone wall of emotions. "Give us owner wings and horns back!" Twilight demanded of the creature and that was when I tried to throw my tomahawk at it. That was when in mid air it turned into a balloon and fell beardly doing anything and making me question my own sanity. "Oh, what's wrong little ghost can throw a little ax?" The creature said to me with my blood boiling at how it was one of the only things I had back home. He was talking to the ponies and focused on me. I took my change as well. If you are not fighting dirty you are not fighting at all. Leaping at the creature I latched myself on its back and began to punch letting the spirit of the brown bear fuel my rage. This gave me strength and made what would have been only a few seconds of fighting to two minutes of punches and Elbows to the face, back, and chest. But it did not last long as a portal opened and I was flung through it with the creature shouting in rage. Going through the portal I landed hard against a tree. The trees nearly snapped in half and my body was no better as I felt ribs break. Honestly surprised that I am not dead and even more that I got up trying to get back through the portal. But it had closed and the voice rang out all around me. "Of course a human acts with violence and does want to play my game. But that is why your kind is my favorite to watch." I looked around finally feeling the pain of the broken rip. This was a bad time as the creature continued to talk. "Now entertain me Human!" That was when timberwolves and something new emerged from the grown. Its entire body was made up of wood and had a figure of a human. "That is why I love to see the human nature and how chaotic it is." More humanoid tree people rose from the ground. "Show me why celestia fears you so much!" I looked at several tree based enemies. I had no way of setting them on fire but my face grew a smile, a smile of my own insanity. I have faced many horror's in this very forest. I have looked death in the eyes and I embrace it with open arms. The very voice of my doubts and insincerities had so many things in common. But the one we love the most is the thrill of the fight, the pain of the broken ribs and the taste of my own blood. 'This is all we wanted!!! Let's show them we fear the Cooley Family!!!.' I ran full speed at one of the timberwolves. Drawing out my blue steel combat knife and plunged it straight through the wooden skull of the timber wolf. At that moment all hell broke loose, timber wolves leaped toward me and the tree monster charged me with what I could only assume were sharpened weapons made of wood. Don't know if they are effective but I am not taking any chances. Stepping to avoid the wooden weapon I was then attacked from behind. Timber wolf had jumped on my back and sinked its splinter like teeth into flesh. Blood rushed out of my shoulder and the timber pulled at the chuck it held. Still standing I then slammed the timber wolf into a tree resulting in a deafening crunch. But the timber wolf did not loosen its grip, rather it tried to rip off my flesh. I was not going to let that happen as I have a home to see, brothers to protect and more importantly make him proud. Using the steel blue knife in my hand I stabbed it into the head of the timber wolf making it go limp. Blood gushed through the holes left by the wolf. Not making it better that there was more fuckers ready to fight and or kill. 'Are you afraid? What is there to fear!? Use the pain and fight. Just like he taught us.' I clenched my fist in rage and looked at the several tree people gathering to me. I stared back at their soulless eyes and started to laugh at what I saw. "You think this scares me? No I haven't felt more ALIVE!!!" I yelled my fears and doubts smiling alongside with me. This is the one thing we can agree on. It is the only connection that makes us, us. The thrill of the fight that is why we are the same person that is what makes me a Cooley. Rushing in I then used my damaged arm to weld a tomahawk. It hurt like hell making me slower but I was taught to not show emotion and to continue to fight. Blood rushed through my hand holding the tomahawk and that blocked an ax swing from a tree person. My arm screamed in pain and I clenched my teeth and tears ran down my face. But the will to live and the thrill of the fight will keep me going and it will continue to do so. Suddenly a sharp pain shot from my gut and I looked down to see a wooden blade plunged into my gut. Lucky for me I had some metal in my vet for armor as most in not all of the ponies weapons are just swords. Haven't found anything to defect or do anything for magic except for magic. Using the blue steel blade I plunged it into the head of the wooden person fell to pieces. And the wooden sword then fell out of my gut. The stab was not that deep but it still bled and not to mention that there were still several more of them. Thinking about what I could do as there were too many of them. 'We fight until we drop, that is what he taught us' I saw or was that, nevermind that if we continue to fight I will surely die. Then I felt the primal rage of the brown bear. Then before I could do anything to stop it a spirit of the bear formed around my forearms. And against my will I then rushed all of them ripping them apart and making scraps. But this did not go without a consequence, several times I was cut and stabbed. My blood painted the forest and so did the remains of the tree people, but by the time I had claimed down my body screamed to be relieved of this pain. My vision blurred and I could barely stand on my own two feet. Walking to where I tough where the town was, my legs cried out for me to stop. But if I was to rest I would either die due to blood loss or to all the monsters here. That was when lady luck decided to smile at me. And a familiar voice came out from my left. But it was muffled and blurry when I turned to face her. "Ghost! My friend, do not worry for this is not the end!" I fell face first and I fell asleep hoping that I was not dead and if I was then what's wrong with that //-------------------------------------------------------// embrace insanity //-------------------------------------------------------// embrace insanity My heart beat was slow and my breathe heavy. I was dying slowly and bleeding over zecora shoulder painting her cloak in a dark red. My vision faded in and out I could see the cold darkness of death and each time I wanted to embrace it. Be held by its cold touch and finally end. But each and every time I was going rest I was quickly shaken awake by zecora. Her voice then rang out but I could not understand a word she said. I couldn't even focus on them as my mind wandered to events in my life. FLASHBACK I lay there bleeding from my mouth as another kick was delivered to my gut. I keep my hands up as I was taught to do. But that did nothing to protect my legs and gut from the three bullies above me. That was when they all stopped and the ringing in my ears stopped and I heard one of them say "Oh Fuck!" and began to run. I took the chance to look and I saw the three running in the opposite direction. Then turn to see my older brother standing there looking toward the three running like cowards. He then turned to me and then crouched down to me and then said with a straight face. "You little pussy." PRESIDENT DAY I was jolted from my memory and back to the real word as I was laid down on a bed. My bed was still spilling all over the place and that raised a question. How the fuck I am still alive? I was not expecting to get an answer but the voice of my doubts gave me one. "She patched up most of the owner 's wounds and stopped some of the bleeding. And we have been here for hours, we have just been passing out. Oh and one more thing she has been feeding us this weird potion that heals us slowly but it tastes like shit so when she feeds us again do what I do. Think of the texture and not the taste, and try not to lose your lunch." At that moment zecora then popped up in my eye site and the aforementioned potion in her hands. She lifted my head as I could not do it myself and the bottle was put up to my lips. The potion was then poured down my throat and the taste was absolute shit. At first I tried to spit it back up. But I could feel the cuts and stabs closing by themselves. Forcing myself I then began to drink, not thinking about the taste and wanting to get back up on my feet. "Zecora?... Thank you...." I say weakly as my eyes were growing dreary and I fell asleep coming close and I couldn't help but fall for it. Sleeping deeply my mind went back to my family and friends. But as I did my doubts reminded me of the time they showed me how little they cared. My younger brother not listening, and several older brothers are treating me like a personal butler. Or they treated me like a dog keeping me in a room until it was time to eat or if they needed a mess they made me clean. It does not help that a friend of his was a military's cook who thought he could be all high and mighty just because he was in the military. When he hasn't seen a fight in his entire time being in the military. But that was little when compared to my brother Roy. He would get mad over the smallest shit. Oh I missed one plate that was being used and was put in the sink after I was done? Well that calls for being thrown in the kitchen and forced to do all the dishes again. Or the fact I didn't feel lie a brother rather I felt like garbage. I felt like I was worth the time of day let alone the very dust and trash I cleaned up. These were all factors to pushing me to the edge and wanting to just put a bullet through my head. The only person I held dear was my mother and a few of my brothers. "That is what family did to us. Nevermind their own problems, let's treat the middle child like shit and act like everything's fine." The voice rang out in anger and I couldn't help but agree. But there was always something to live for, to protect my little brothers even if I have to die to do it. "That is something you and I can agree on." Sure I was not all there mentally but I knew my purpose and I was not going to stop. I would move heaven and earth to get back and protect my younger brothers. Not caring on what my body said and how I felt like I wanted to sleep no matter how much I wanted it as well. But Zecora then came to my side helping me stand and trying to lay me back down on the bed. "Zecora please I have a job to do.” I say like a ghost with no emotion and staring out to the door in front of me. She looked at me with a worried look for what I could see in the corner of my eye. She then helped me up to my feet and began to walk to the front door of her home. Continuing this until I had enough strength to walk on my own I we where already at the edge of the forest. That was when all of a sudden the sun dipped down to the mountains and the moon raised and we were plunged into darkness. "Well that is not normal." Zecora looked just as confused as I did and she then asked. "My friend the world seems to be in disarray, what has happened to the night and day?" I didn't have an answer but I couldn't just say nothing as well she is a friend. " I don't truly know but it has to do with someone named discord." She looked at me with shock but she did not ask anymore questions so we continued to walk to the town. The very ground we walked on was like a chest broad both blue and purple. That was when I saw the main six with rainbow dash missing. That was not the only thing I noticed as I saw four of the five ponies gray and seeming to lose their color. I rushed to them as they floated form the ground glowing with a bright white light. But after that they fell to the ground with twilight on the hands and knees looking around in confusion. I was close enough to hear what they were saying I was confused on what they said. "Mine's working, there must be something wrong with yours." Applejack said as she pointed to twilight. Was that a lie? Why would applejack lie isn't she the element of honesty? "I hate the elements of harmony." Pinkie then said as I was more confused than before as she is the cheerful one and she hated the elements. That was when fluttershy threw her element to the ground and said garbage while doing it. As soon as she did rarity then snatched the element and said. "Mine!" I looked on to see Spike set down the element he had and ran away. But not before he was tripped by fluttershy. I stopped paying attention after that as a familiar voice called out to them. "Bravo ponies bravo, harmony in equestria is officially dead. Discord rules celestia drools." I ran to the twilight side with zecora behind me. As I stepped to the twilight side my blue steel combat knife drew as well as my tomahawk. But discord had already run away and the other left left hurtful words for twilight. I then put away my weapons and looked to twilight saying something I honestly would never say to anyone else. "Twilight we got your back. Find out what is wrong with the others and I go for discord." She looked at me with shock but she put her head down in defeat. "Twilight what are you doing?" I asked as her color then faded away and a tear ran down her face. "Come on twilight you're the element of friendship and as far as I know that is the most powerful thing in this world." Her head shot up in anger looking at me. "WHAT DO YOU KNOW OF FRIENDSHIP!" She yelled in my face, her eyes watery. "You try and avoid us like we are some kind of wild animal. You don't know friendship." She then backed up and said something I am all used to. "This is your fault if you were here to guard us we might have a chance. But no you were busy fighting, that is why you and so USELESS!" She stomped off to her home and I was an unmoving statue. Zecora seemed to notice my stillness and tried to speak to me. But I was in my head thinking and rage building. Different universe same fucking treatment. They are not your friends, hell you the fuck needs friends. All we need is to fight. That seems to be all we are good for so we minus well do what we are good at. "Zecora go back home, I am not asking.” I say following the soapy trail left behind by discord. My spirit animal feeding on my very own rage and turning it into strength. Strength to fight, strength to push forward, strength to push down my emotions. I found discord sitting on a throne and I did not wait for him to speak as I jumped higher than any normal man had any right to. And landing a right hook straight to the face of the mismatched kid drawing. But this did nothing as he just seemed to turn to rubber and I bounced off his face and fell squarely on my back. And discord began to cackle like a mad man that I knew he was. "Was that your great plan, punch the god of chaos?" He continued to cackle as I gathered my thoughts and stood looking at this so-called god. "If you're a god then I am the richest human here." He then looked at me in confusion so I started to talk shit to this so-called god. "You play with all this power like a fucken child. That is not a god nor is it chaos it is a fuck tantrum." He looked at me with anger and I knew I had what I wanted. If I want to fight him I need to show him how insane I am and for that I need him to get in my head. "There we can show him what we can do!" As my doubts said that discord seemed to be noticed and maybe hear the voice and a smile grew on his face. "So there is something wrong with you. I truly thought that harmony had did something to you." He paused, placing his lion hand on the top of my head and I felt myself drifting to sleep. But I smiled and said to him, "Welcome to the madhouse." As soon as my eyes closed several images of buildings on fire. And the horrors of the world but this did nothing to discord as he saw these very things before. Then I began to think of the very monster my people believed in and the fear of the strike. This seems to do as I felt fear in discord. I then began to show what humans not in war do to each other. And that seem to do as murder abuse and all the horrors o that humans can do made discord sick to the stomach. He let my head go and he looked at me with fear and then did something I was somewhat expecting. He backed me several feet away from him but before I did I saw the six mares normal and using the elements. But began to charge what I could assume was a magic blast. Landing hard, bones broke and I could only move my right arm. Not taking any chances I pulled out my tomahawk and threw it at the chaos god. He did not have time to catch or do anything to stop it but it did not stab him rather it had just bonked him on his head. That was when he pointed at me and a magic laser went through my chest. I began to lose blood but before I blacked out I saw discord turned to stone. "CHAZ!!" I faintly heard the six mares. My eyes closed hoping this time I would die. "You and me both but knowing your luck. Talk to you when you wake." //-------------------------------------------------------// well, still here //-------------------------------------------------------// well, still here I felt like hammered shit and I could only rest on the ground not moving. Wait I was still on the ground well that fucking sells it. I died and this is where I lay for the rest of my dead life HOURS PASS "Man, fuck this I am getting up." Sitting up I open my eyes and take in my surroundings. Looking around I was in a forest fog up to my head. The trees were the only thing I could see at my current state of sitting. I stood taking a look at myself only to notice that I had everything on me at my time of 'Death'. Not sure how the after life works but I am sure you don't take anything you own with you. Then again different worlds have different rules so up could mean down or something else. I then swiftly slapped myself silly as the amount of bullshit I was talking about was starting to worry me. "You know I can watch that all day." I turn to see a figure of shadows come out of the tree line and smile at me. He has no face and only dark blue eyes but I knew he was smiling as I could always tell. "How is it going tall dark and hurtful?" I say to my doubts and with him in sight I knew this was not the after life. "So you know where we are? Cuz this is not a memory nor is it a dream." I ask while turning to look at the familiar trees around the two us. Stepping to the tree I noticed something about them. They were a cross between the tree from the everfree forest and the trees back home. "Don't know really, but from the recent discovery I suspect we are not alone." As soon as he said a bear roar could be heard all around us. In a rush we both went back to back with my weapons drawn and ready for anything. My doubts were also ready, his hands turned to sharp claws. Honestly I need to give him a name. "I think I beefier Onyx. After the solid black stone." I agreed and Onyx and I looked around us ready for the spirit to show itself. "You think it is friendly? Or is it here to try and get out." I had a feeling that it was not happy after all we are bonded and I assume it was asleep in our own world. But here magic is being handed out like fucking Halloween candy so it might want answers. Before Onyx could even answer, the very spirit animal itself attacked. Leaping out of the bushes like the predator that it was. It bore its fangs and chomped at me intending to kill by ripping out my throat. Luckily I was not alone as a solid black claw knocked back the spirit bear. But it did little to stop the anger of the bear and standing I ready to fight a bear. Conjuring a desert eagle in my hand I then fired seven rounds at the bear. They all hit but it did next to nothing as the bear seemed to get angrier and stronger. "Take this you over groaned fur ball!" Two black blades cut and slashed at the bear. And the same result happened, fighting was not the way to do this. That was when I got an idea but it would be very risky and could end up in a coma if I get knocked out here. "That's not how it works!! Or hope so!" I heard Onyx say as he kept up the battle with that bear. "Then you know the plan and the risk!?" I yelled back as the bear broke one blade but the other took its place. "Yes and it is fucking stupid! But it's the only plan we have." With that a black portal appeared next to me and then above the bear. Jumping through and taking the bear for a ride by wrapping my arms around its neck. Hanging on you dear life I then tried to calm it down by hugging the shit out of it. To my shock and aw it fucking worked and the large bear quickly turned into a cub. "Aw its fucking adorable!" Onyx looked on in shock and I just smiled at him. "So all it needed was to connect with us." "You and I both know that you were shitting your pants. And that it was a dumb ass idea." Onyx said as he returned to what he looked like. That was when the forest around us disappeared and we felt someone else here with us. The cub then turned back to a full grown bear and stood alongside with us. Both me and Onyx once again took each other's backs ready to fight whoever is here. "Hold there broken mind, we do not attend to harm thee." A female voice we all heard and we all were confused until we remembered what kind of world we were in. "Broken mind? You don't attend to harm but you sure are not kind." Onyx said as a figure appeared and the first thing I saw was the horn and wings. I knew it was not celestia as she doesnt talk like that but who else could this be? I wonder and when I saw her fully my question was still not answered as I had no fucking clue who this was. So treat her with the hospitality that I treat anyone who decided to trespass in my head and my house. Aiming a lever action rifle to her that was a signal for Onyx to ready for fight if needed. "Who the fuck are you and why are you in my head!?" I yell while telling my spirit animal to not attack until it is needed. She looked on in shock and I knew she could hear or at least since the connection we all have. If only she knew how broken we are but that is something that will remain buried. "A broken mind should not be able to work so well with each other." She said looking at me and Onyx. "Well we had time to realize that with each other we are useless." I closed my eyes trying to close my heart to what twilight said. Onyx noticed and he helped something he normally doesn't do. He usually let the negative emotion fuel his power. But I guess thanks to him the pain hurts a little less but it still hurts no matter how hard I try to ignore it. "A part of your mind made entirely out of pain. My sister must know about this." With that she then disappeared and I felt myself waking up. The bear turned back into a cub and jumped into my arms and I couldn't help but hug it. But I couldn't stay here much longer. I then opened a door I kept secret from the intruder. "Hey, would you mind if you keep Hot Pocket company?" I ask the person behind the door knowing he would not say no. "Hell yeah I would love that little guy." Letting the cub run to the man I then closed the door and let them have their fun. "Hot Pocket? Really you named your own spirit animal that." Onyx said looking at me as we had mere moments to talk. "Its one of my favorite foods and Hot Pocket doesn't seem to mind." As I said that my real eyes opened and I noticed the amount of 'get well soon cards' and flowers. My body did not want to move mainly due to the masses amount of pain I was currently feeling. But I could move my head as much as I can and to what I could see it was mid day from what I could see from the widow. I could hear people or ponies outside talking, from what I could make out it was the six mares outside. They were arguing with someone outside and they seemed to be losing. Using the since of the bear I amplified my hearing. "Sorry Ms. Sparkle but the princesses ordered for no one to enter unless she allows it." I rolled my eyes at this and decided to do something. Honestly this was going to be funny and hurt but fuck it. pushing around the bandage to feel where the hole was. To my surprise it was healed over which could be magic or I was out for a while. But it left a noticeable scar where the magic bolt hit. Bracing myself for pain I pushed down on the scar and screaming while also raising my heart beat. The six mares burst through the doors looking at me with fear. "Good to see you all, oh and since your here can you get me something to drink?" As I said, Pinkie was the first to jump to my side. Her arms wrapped around me and the hug that came forth was not the bone crusher. Rather her main was down and straight and what I noticed was something else. She was a darker pink that was not normal and I could help but hug back. But that was when a swift pinch came from the pink mare and I flitched from the sudden pain. "That makes me worry, you meanie." She said while looking at me with tears in her eyes. I then hug her back hoping that I don't get too attached. But that was when I felt several more arms around me and looking I saw the other girls hugging me and pinkie. "Ok Ok, That's enough I not all that big on feelings anyways." Say that all the girls stopped hugging and backed up to take a look at me. I then saw the one pony who reminded me and Onyx that the same result in a different world. "Twilight, why are you here?" I said with no emotion and as cold as a ghost. The question seemed to confuse twilight but my cold demeanor did not waver. Her eyes widened and she seemed to remember what she said before I risked my life. "Chaz I know what I said and I am sorry." She looked at me with regret and I still looked on as a ghost. But it did not last long as the guards ushered everyone but me outside. Closing the doors the two guards remained inside. "Stay where you are." One on the left said while giving me a glare. But the one on the right seemed to be new and was trying everything in his will power not to look at me. He was a unicorn and was white with a blue man like the others. Finally his eyes landed on me and my scared arms out for them to see. "Before you ask, I am not going to talk about my scars." He looked at me and opened his mouth to speak while also raising a figure. But he closed his mouth and put his figure down and asked something else. "Sir is it true you jumped in and started punching discord?" There were stars in his eyes and I couldn't help but smile. "Yes, and I have a blast doing it too." I looked around and saw my clothes neatly placed on a table top. I am going to assume that was rarities doing. Getting up I walked to the clothes only for the older looking guard stepped in my way and glared at me. "And what do you think your doing?" He continued to look at me like I was a prisoner of this hospital. I looked at him with the same glare. But he did not waver to me and I did the same as I take no shit from anyone. That was when I laughed as I cannot take these ponies serious even if they are my height. He was confused when I walked past him and put on my clothes. Luckily I had my underwear so all I needed was my shirt and pants. "I am under orders to not let you out of this room. And to make sure you don't hurt anypony." He started as I walked past him and sat down and faced him with a deadpan look. "You know there is a thine line between loyalty and slavery. The only difference is if you question your orders." He gave me a look like I was crazy and then he spoke. "I am not slave, I am a royal guard." He said with a first to his armored chest. It was adorable as he seemed so sure of it. Sighing I then said to him with a look of death and emotionless. "If she told you to kill an innocent person would you?" He looked at me with a shocked look. I stared at him with a blank face and sweat ran down his face. "No celestia would never order that!" He flat out screamed at me but I did not flinch and he stormed out the room. The younger guard looked at me and then questioned me. "Why would you ask something like that?" The question was short and I could answer. "Because, this world is nothing more but another earth." He looked confused but he did not press me for more so I guess he didn't care or I scared him. Shortly after that he got up and left without saying a word. Checking my pockets for my phone I turned it on and plugged in my ears phones and began to listen to music. I know that tomorrow I will have to answer counting on what that night pony said. "This is going to be hell." Playing the music I closed my eyes and just relaxed I fucking needed it. //-------------------------------------------------------// A past best forgotten //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note The events of this chapter talk about what happened in my life. Rest assured as these events are exaggerated and my brother is fine. This chapter as talks about suicide so you have been worried A past best forgotten I awoke from my nap on the couch to hear birds chirping and animals in the forest. Wherever the skinwalker was, it was no longer here. Getting up and ready for the day but what I saw will always haunt me. How did it know about my past? Better yet how the hell did he know about him. How he was the most important part of my life. Either he did his homework or he has been watching me for a while now. If it is the latter then I need to get out of here. I am not ready to take on such a threat. "I say we take the fight to the ugly fuckers doorstep." "Oh what a great idea and get killed. Remember we Have a Job to do." Onyx knew what I meant by that and he hated that we were resorting to this. After all she hates humans to her core and several times wanted to lock us up just for breathing. The only reason why we are not locked is because we still have use to her and the protection of her greatest weapons. Honestly I think that she only looks at them as a means to an end. I had to deal with her problems before she could. Not surprised as all monarchs would take the change to sit on their ass and do nothing. But what choice do we have as this threat could very much mean the death of many innocent lives. I doubt that she would listen to me but if I were to get real help without putting my friends in danger I would take that chance. "I can't stop you from doing this. But all I want is for us to be better." I knew this is what he wanted and he did not dismiss that I called them my friends. Putting on my steel toe boots and gathering several weapons not only the ones made to kill the skinwalker. I also had one of my old friends give me the sks rifle and it was useful for hunting. If I ever get back home I need to buy that man several cigars and maybe some alcohol. Walking to the town I was on edge the entire time as the forest that I learned to never fear. Finally I had something that could very much strike fear into me. But being brave is not without fear but instead to act with fear deep in your heart. Finally seeing the town in front and the everfree forest behind me I knew that I needed to act fast. Running through the town not paying attention to the ponies around me. Even as pinkie pie ran next to saying something I b lined to the twilight's tree house as she had a connection with the princess. After catching my breath at the front door I knocked, making sure to stand tall and the sks was secure on my back. The door swung open and the purple dragon himself looked back at me. "Oh, what's up Chaz?" Spike asked as he had a fork with a pancake on it. I guess I showed up a little too early as he both seemed tired and ready for the day. But stepping in as he stepped to the side I explained what I was doing here. "I am here to see twilight and it needs to be private, if you wouldn't mind." Spike shook his head and headed into what I assumed was the kitchen. Having only been in a couple of houses in this town and even then it was only a sugar cube corner. Having a look around the books all in the wall themselves I saw several books of history, fantasy, and legends. That was when twilight entered the room and she looked at me with a smile. "Hi Chaz, what brings you here?" She asked while straightening out her main dress. "I need to see celestia it is important as I found 'something' in the forest." I say as my mind went back to that night. The most restless night of my life. Even when I fell asleep I couldn't help but feel unsafe and would awake in a cold sweat. Twilight looked at me with confusion, no doubt confused on why I needed celestia. "You want to see celestia?" Before she continued I cut her off. "Want is a string word. I need to see her as I found a monster in the forest that could risk several lives." Her face went pale as she looked at my face. I hardly joke and barely joke around these ponies as my sense of humor would make the ponies question my mental health. That was when twilight did something I was not expecting but hey if I can get celestias attention. "I am coming with you and I want to know everything." Lightning her horn she then summoned or teleported a book bag, notebook, and pen. She then gripped my hand and began to pull me through the door and I couldn't help but plush at this. Onyx didn't say a word as we are just human and this is just something we never got. "Spike!! I am going to take Chaz to celestia!" She yelled as she gently pushed me through the door. "Don't eat too much ice cream!" She closed the door behind her and we went to the train station. "Thanks twilight, And I will tell you when we have privacy to speak." She turned around to me and looked confused on the matter. But she continued to the train station and talked about life and what she was doing. When she had asked me about my family and why I wanted to get back so badly. I answered without telling too much of what happened in my life and why I am the way that I am. And I sure as hell did not tell her about Onyx as she would most likely lock me away in a mental institute. When the train arrived I decided to tell her more when we know there is no one listening. The cart we got was empty mainly due to it being the last. Having already put my backpack and weapon away I sat down. Twilight sat next to me with the question on her mind like always. "Why do you want to see celestia? Though you did care much for her rule?" She asked, seeming to think over what the reason might be. I chose to tell her the truth. "I saw something in the forest. Something I thought only to be a myth in my world." Her eyes widen and she pulled out a notepad and pen to write down the new information. "What is it?" "The skinwalker." I say with fear creeping up my spine as I know what this thing does. "Is it dangerous?" She asked, seeming no to notice my fear. "It is and I cannot let it roam as it is not a wild animal." The sound of a pen writing stopped. I felt her eyes on me as I continued to look forward. "What does that mean?" She asked, her voice shaking. "It means to was once human. Lost to dark magics and further due to them taking a life." I say knowing how these things are made. Witch doctors once trained to help save lives. Turn to monsters just to get more power, but power has a price. "So that's why you want to stop it. It will harm others if not stopped." She stated correctly as my hands shook. "But you can kill it right Chaz?" She asked with a little hit of fear in her voice. "Yes but not alone. That is why I need to see celestia. I do not want to drag you or the others into this." She seemed shocked when I turned to face her. "Which is why I ask for you to stay out of it. I cannot lose anyone else." I say with pain in my voice as memory of that fucking day showed up. "Okay I understand, but what do you mean anyone else?" I froze as I knew this question would be asked. 'Do we tell her?' I asked Onyx. 'It will help and I trust her.' Onyx said, now with the go ahead I tell her about that day. EARTH. YEAR: 2019 January 16. "Yeah it will help you relax, Elon." I say to my older brother as he looks at his phone. His friends wanted to hang out and he was unsure. "Don't know Chaz, they have been acting pretty weird." Again he said as I just laughed it off. "Look Elon, you have been working nonstop. You need this okay." He sighed and agreed to have them come and pick him up. It only took a few minutes till they arrived. "What good homie?" Elon asked while half hugging one of his friends. I was on the porch and saw what had happened. But all I heard from the friend was. "Not you homie." Then I saw Elon back up in pain as I saw a knife in his gut. Seeing this I ran too him and punched the fucker in the face. That was when the other son of bitch came out with a knife and tried to stab me. But my brother, having enough strength, held him back. I tried to help but the first guy got back up and fought me. "You should have stayed out of this bitch." He said knife in hand and ready to get rid of a witness. But Elon taught me everything. But slashed at me and I stepped back. He then lunged at me ready to stab. It hit but only to draw blood as it stepped to the side and pulled a blade of my own. Watching is arm and hand I moved out of the way of all of his strikes. But when He decided to fight dirt was when he finally landed a hit on. Suddenly dirt was in my eyes and seconds later I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder. "Chaz, RUN!" I Heard Elon say and he delivered a right hook to his so-called friend. My eyes cleared and I saw that the knife was still in my shoulder. My assailant looked at me with fear as I did not cry out in pain. "What the fuck is wrong with you two?" I was going to answer but he hightailed it in fear and that was when I gripped at it in pain. Turning to help Elon I saw something I could never forget. My brother's body is still on the ground and the murder standing over it. "ELON!!!!" I yelled fear and rage taking over. The pain in my shoulder was no longer my concern. The man you hurt my brother did not see this coming and looked at me right as I tackled him to the ground. Once on top of him I delivered punch after punch. Hearing teeth fall out and my very fingers crack as my knuckles are worn with blood. "I'LL KILL YOU!! YOU BASTARDS!!!" On that day onyx came to be as one thought was keeping him back. Standing I raised a foot and began kicking the shit out of the murder and finally he stopped moving. Satisfied with my work I rushed to Elon hoping he was still alive. "Elon please, don't go, you can." I say fearing the worst to come. His eyes opened and he looked bloodied and worn. "Stop it... you got to let go... you gotta protect your own family." He said his voice was weak and could barely be heard. "No please. I need you. I can do it alone." I say knowing that without him I would be lost. "You are strong... I couldn't... be... more... proud...of... you......." His body went limp and I held him in my arms. "Elon?" I asked knowing that he was gone. But I just wished he was still there. That he would live through this and we could continue being brothers. But no he was gone and I lost the only person who made me feel like I had purpose in life. PRESENT DAY After telling Twilight what I have been through she was quiet. No doubt she had tears in her eyes. But I could help but think that I should have killed that fucker right then and there. Sure he could speak properly or eat solid food. But that fucker devsered a lot worst then what I did to him. Suddenly arms wrapped around me and I almost did something I would regret. But I noticed it was twilight and I relaxed. "I'm so sorry Chaz, I never knew." My head was on her chest and I just felt done with the world. After all, why continue? Why bother going through hoops for a princess? This was all pointless and I would have saved a lot of time by simply putting a bullet in my head. I shook those thoughts away as I did not want to relive those days. After the hug I put on my skull mask and looked up as the train came to a stop. "I got a job to do." Twilight seemed to be taken aback by the change of my attitude. But it's normal for me as now is not the time for that. Walking through the city the higher snow ponies looked at me in disgust. I did not mind what the hell do they know as they shove their noses far up their asses. Reaching the gate of the castle I was stopped by the guards. "We are under orders to make sure the human is not dangerous." One of them said while the other went to check my bag. They took away my weapons including my knives. But not all of them as I still had several hidden. After that they let us through where we went to the throne room. "Chaz, are you sure you want to do this alone?" Twilight asked while leading me to her. "Yes, as I need to do this by myself." She looked back at me and seemed to consider something but dismissed it. The throne room doors swung open and I stepped in. "State your business Human." The cold and harsh voice of celestia rang out throughout the hall. The doors closed behind me and it was just me and her. Sure there were guards but they seemed to fidget and sweat. "I need a team to hunt down a monster." Celestia raised an eyebrow and asked. "And what kind of monster is that?" I took a sign I hoped she would believe. "The skinwalker, a monster that could rip anyone in half." Her eyes rolled as this seemed to be like any other monster. "But this one can convert any of your ponies into undead husks that will follow him." Her eyes went from disbelief to hatred. "I will give you a team and find and kill this vermin!" She stood as she said this hate in her eyes. I nodded and walked back to the doors and exited. Not looking back but wanting to get my shit back. THIRD POV THRONE ROOM. "Twilight, I would like to talk with you." With Twilight steps into the throne room her mentor stood. Walking to her, Celestia wanted to know one thing. "The human seemed different. Has he told you something?" Twilight did not want to tell what Chaz had told her. But this was her mentor , which is the worst thing that could happen. "He shared his pain, and he trust me more than the others." Celestia's eyes widen and she knew she could used this to her advantage. "Twilight I want you to do something for me as a test." Twilight's eyes light up at the change of a test. "I want you to try and make the human stay here." Twilight's eyes seem to dim as she was confused at the so called test. "Celestia, why do you want him to stay? Didn't you promise him a way back home?" That was when Celestia's smile fell and she seemed bitter. "I was not planning on sending him back. In fact I took some time to reinforce the portal shields." Twilight's eyes widened at what celestia was saying. And now she has to choose on what to do. CHAZ POV. I waited in front of the gate of the castle wondering what taking her so long. Then again twilight seems to be close to the princesses. Honestly makes me question if I could trust her. If I could trust anyone here in that fact. At that moment Twilight and a quad of pony guards behind her. "So are you the quad I will be working with." I asked the first pony that approached me. She seems to size me up and seems to wonder why the ponies fear me. "So this is the Ghost of the everfree? Thought you would be taller?" She said with a smirk with the others laughing. "Laugh it up we have a job to do." I say while walking to the train readying myself for the mission ahead. //-------------------------------------------------------// The Hunt begins //-------------------------------------------------------// The Hunt begins I stepped out to the outside world and took a deep breath. I had made my case with Celestia and she was hesitant at first. But after I had told her what I saw and how it put her ponies in danger. I only asked that she keep anyone out of the forest and let me go in and kill it. After all, I have the only weapon to even leave a mark and the knowledge to know to burn the body. Stepping out of the throne room Twilight was called in before we could leave. Most likely to report to me and how I am not a threat. Or maybe just a report on her friendship lessons. "Here's one for the books. 'People you trust can hurt you the most."Onyx said and I couldn't help but think back to when I told Twilight why I am the way I am. Should I have told her that? After all, she is a student of the ruler who hates humans like they are a plague. Well, we are but then again I just want to live a quiet life and die of old age if I make it that far. Guard ponies walked passed me and they gave me a passing glance and continued their walk. My skull mask covered the bottom of my face. The scar on the back of my head itched and I could not help but scratch at it. Removing the hood my hair was still slicked back to where it was not in my face. Onyx words kept repeating in my head as I looked outside to the morning sun. "Trust can be broken with one action and can never be repaired," I said to myself as I put on my hood and the pain from the memory of the scar faded. The throne room door opened and Twilight stepped out looking at me with a smile that seemed off. "Twilight you good?" I asked as she usually does not smile at me and that was a first. "Huh, yeah everything is fine Chaz, let's head to the train." She said almost panicked like she wanted to get as far away from here as possible. That was strange but I have bigger things to worry about and innocent lives are at risk if I do not do anything. Walking to the train not much was said between me and Twilight almost like she was thinking something over. Stepping onto the train I then sat down and let my mind wander. I thought back to the time when I could just go to work and that was all I could worry about. Well that and taxes, I guess that's a plus now that I think more about it. But without my remaining family to see no amount of good that comes from this place can ever replace that. My body felt tired as I barely got any sleep. That was due to the threat of the skinwalker and what it does to my people and children. Onyx took a flamethrower to the train of thought and then processed to vacuum. Letting my eyes close I saw Twilight look at me and then write something down in a book but I was too tired to care. Letting sleep take me I just wanted this to be a way for me to wake back in my room still in Gallup but I knew that was a low chance. "Eyes up fat ass." The voice of Onyx rang out next to me and not wanting to be kicked I opened my eyes. The same forest was all around the both of us and I could feel like a spirit animal somewhere. That was when I felt a tug on my pant leg and looking down I found him. The little cub seems to miss me and I could not but help lift him and treat him like he was my own. "Great we are getting attached." That was when we felt the familiar presents of the night princess. "Chaz, are you truly doing this alone?" The voice of Luna rang out of my head. I knew she wanted to talk about that and what I was planning. "Yes, Luna I will do this alone. I went over all the options. This is the one with the least amount of death ." I said that knowing I might meet my end. But then again at least my life would be doing something useful. "You speak as if your life has little value," Luna said, appearing in front of the three of us. "Well if it is anything like the time I aimed a pistol at Nightmare Moon then yes." Her eyes widen at that and she asked with a raised voice. "You know of Nightmare Moon!?" Instead of answering her I instead played a memory of that night. SEVERAL WEEKS INTO THE FIRST YEAR. I raised an axe over my head and brought it down on a log. The sound rang out through the empty land where my home lay. Letting the split log fall I went for another log as the moonlight shined overhead. That was when I saw my watch and the time was 6:25 am and a sign of the sun. I had already made connections with the 'people' that lived here after saving one from a timber wolf pack. But that had resulted in a scream and the one running off with two more trying to kick the everlasting shit out of me. Looking at the large pile of wood I saw enough to last a few home weeks for cooking. Having a seat on the porch I looked at a large number of bare traps lying all about. I looked up at the night sky looking at all the beautiful stars I could never see in Gallup and only a small portion of my grandfather's land. That was when my eyes landed on the moon and I noticed a huge detail gone. The large unicorn that was made of the craters was gone and that put me into high gear. Walking inside I then got my steel blue knife and my desert eagle and waited for something. "Something wrong. Someone is here just outside the bear trap area." Onyx said as I stepped out and my eyes scanned the area. That was when I saw something as I looked in the shadows and it stared back. It seems to not know I saw it and that seems to catch it by surprise. Aiming I fired right where it was but it passed right through it like it was smoke. Two pairs of eyes then looked at me and they spoke in a female voice. "You can see me in my shadow walk?" The smoke said as it took shape and the 7-foot mare with black fur stood. Her armor hid her figure but it was an eye-catcher. "EW for fuck shake stop! We do not have a chance. Oh and PONY!" Onyx nearly screamed his head off as he then appeared next to me. I see him but no one else can until the faithful day when she turned to look Onyx in the eyes. "Another shadow such as myself how interesting." Onyx's eyes widen then he turned to her and she smile wickedly and with seduction. Both Onyx and I looked at her with dumbfounded looks and she busted out laughing. "Oh, you humans are always fun. Especially the violent ones." Her smile had gotten more unsettling as I aimed my desert eagle. "You take one step and I blow your brains and let the timber wolfs feast," I say blankly as I have no remorse for killing ever since that day. I have never done it but after would being a cop was easy butting down scum. of course, that led to many calling me a psycho and my early retirement. "Oh, this one is by far the most violent yet, right after the silver golem." She said making me raise an eyebrow. That was when she seem to feel something and went off to it. But not before saying and leaving me with something. That was a moon-shaped sickle that was razor sharp. "I will come back to see what you both can do! Do not disappoint!" She yelled while turning back to smoke and disappearing into the trees. Memory end I turned to Luna and she in turn looked at me with a blush. "What?" I asked as she looked away and whispered. "You found us attractive?" My face redded at the question as I was caught off guard. But I knew why she had asked that. It was because it was a memory and all the thoughts were there. "Wait I didn't mean that- I mean yeah you are bu- no wait." words could not come out and I felt my heart ready to explode. That was when Onyx stepped in and stopped what was happening. "Alright, that's enough from you." He said while pushing me to the side. He then faced Luna his dark blue eyes staring at her. "Look Luna yes it is true but we do not have a chance. Another thing is that we are far too damaged to deserve love or need it." That was when she looked pitiful at us and wanted to say something but we were jolted awake. My weapons were on my back and ready to go. But I needed to wait for the guards to arrive so they can keep anyone out. Looking out the window and to the sky, I saw dozen of chariots flying to and from Canterlot. So at least the guards will be here. Stepping out to the open I looked to Twilight to my right. "Twilight thank you for hearing about my problems. I.." I wanted to say thank you but I all said was goodbye. I walked away heading to the Everfree forest to deal with a monster. One that could trick you into its cave. One that can only be killed with the metal found in my homeland. One that knows me and knows that I am deeply afraid. But that has never stopped me before. So bring it on I am ready how about you? Onyx may be another self that will never see the bright side. But we do know when to stop trying to look for it. Having already had my weapons I B lined up to the forest not wanting to say goodbye to the girls. But having Twilight help with the meeting she may already know. But she seemed detracted by something else. The guards that stood at the edge of the forest look at me and let me pass. Heading deeper into the forest the growing sense of dread. "This will be our end but I am alright with that." I agreed with that as my life will either be wasted by dying alone. Or it would be put to use by sacrificing myself to save another. That is what I would do for my younger brother and that is what I will do for those who do not deserve death. After all, we have the only weapon to kill this thing and we will b put this thing down in the dirt. "After all we have a job to do." But we have to keep this in mind we still have a home to get back to. I was so lost in thought that I did not notice the surroundings of the forest and that was a sign I was close. Taking the assault rifle and taking aim and that was when I noticed the stench of death all around me. Almost throwing my guts up right then and there my eyes landed on the ground. That was when I saw the large number of animal bodies that line the ground. All missing a part of their body and each seemed to have been eaten but only the stomach. "So you finally show Little Cub." A voice that sounded raspy and nails on a chock broad. I turned to see a deer standing on its hind legs and staring right at me. This was it this was the beginning of the hunt. Not taking chance I opened fire only for it to move too fast for me to react. I had already emptied half the mag and the rifle was taken out of my hands and I was kicked flat on my ass. The animal corpses did not help with the landing. "This is no fun, I like the hunts to be more classic." It said and for a while it was silent. That was until the splitting sound of metal bending and the movement of bushes all around me. The sun was going down and it was getting darker, too dark to where I had to use a flashlight. Pulling out my desert eagle I fired out of fear until the mag was empty. After seven loud cracks from the Deagle, a metallic thud hit the floor in front of me. I looked down to see my most powerful weapon twisted into the unconscious. This will surely be my final stand in this cured forest. //-------------------------------------------------------// When Nightmares rise //-------------------------------------------------------// When Nightmares rise After weeks in the hospital the guards had been dispatched and I was allowed to leave. Walking out I saw something that surprised me. The ponies everywhere were wearing costumes and going door to door and getting candy. Well glad to see that ponies have Halloween or a version on it. Walking to the forest I pass through the town and the ponies of course back away in fear. Can't blame them, they're princesses makes me out to be a blood thirsty human who only think of the fight. I do but I only fight when I have to or if someone pisses me the fuck off and discord was prime example of that. Reaching the edge of the town I took a breath wanting to just sleep in my house. Suddenly I was hit with a water balloon and a familiar laugh rang out for the sky. I look to see the rainbow mare herself, Rainbow Dash. She was in a costume that looked like one of the Wonderbolts she would not stop talking about and trying to get me to like. "Of course, I should have expected this." Rainbow dash then landed in front of me and I heard four hooves steps behind me. I knew I had to get out of here. I did not want to talk with twilight for any reason. Not going to turn around I just walked past the rainbow with her looking confused. She then stopped me from moving forward and began to speak. "Where you going Chaz? Come on its Nightmare Night." Pushing against my chubby belly I was forced to step back and face the others. Twilight was in some kind of wizard costume, honestly it almost made me laugh. But she just had to speak to me. "Chaz, please I want to apologize." Before she could I stopped her and decided to give some wisdom from a certain god of war. "Twilight stop. I know it didn't mean anything, But being sorry about it will not help." She looked at me surprised and remained silent letting me continue. " Be better, okay?" She nodded as I was done with what I was saying. "Alright what's next?" As I said that another water balloon was dropped on my head. And the laughs of all the ponies around me rang out. But I couldn't help but smile as this was the closest to what I had to friends and this was nice. But suddenly a gasped came from the pink menace herself. "Is that a smile CHAZIE!?" My eyes widened and I realized that I had no mask on. The one night where it is normal and I didn't have a mask. 'That seems about right, considering the dumbass that we are' Before I could do anything the pinkie pie bone crusher was around me. My ribs and lungs felt like they were going to explode. "Pinkie... Please- Can't breathe...'' I say as the vision from my eyes was becoming black. That was when I was released and air filled my lungs. And my feet hit the ground, I didn't even notice that I was off it. That was when I was pulled unexpectedly by pinkie to some gathering for this holiday. Being confused I quickly pulled out the metal skull mask that only covers the bottom part of my face. That was when I realized I was being carried bridal style by pinkie herself. "Hey, put me down pinkie." She giggled and did what I had asked, letting me stand and then put on my skull mask. I had only catched the last part of that speech but who was on stage surprised me. It was Zecora and she looked great in her costume almost.... 'DO NOT Finish that sentence.' Onyx said with a sharp pain in my head and all around my body. Twilight seemed to notice but it was Spike who said something. "Chaz you good?" I looked at him only to start laughing as he was dressed as a dragon. He seemed confused and looked at me like I was insane. "I'm Good spike, don't worry about me." Following the group to some place that had a statue of someone called nightmare moon. It honestly only about the history on why they collect candy. That was then zecora used some of her witchcraft and created yellow mist constructs. The nightmare moon seemed familiar to me but I could not put my finger on it. As the yellow mist disappeared the children and pinkie all screamed and dash to the statue. Looking to the children and pinkie poor out the candy. I chuckled to myself as I look at them panic at the statue. That was when a gust of wind hit me and the group and I knew something was up. My first clue was the look on zecora's face as the wind picked up and all of us looked around. Then the clouds surrounded the moon making a tunnel from the clouds and a blinding light shined through. And what had emerged from the light was a chariot pulled by batpony? "What the fuck is going on?" The charoite stayed in the air and pinkie yelled something but I couldn't hear her as the wind was too powerful. Looking up I saw something or someone or the charoite then began to move to the town. Not really knowing what it is I decided to just walk as this could be just a higher up and not a threat. "Dumbass last words anyone has said." Seeing in the distance I saw the group of children run along with pinkie. Twilight was alongside me and we both saw the charoite hovering over the town before a figure landed in the middle of town. It was a hooded figure standing at least six feet tall, hell of a lot taller than the four foot ponies all around them. That was when she took off her hood and it was surprising at first to the very princess that was in my mind. But then again knowing who she might be related to I know this will not be pleasant. Walking to her I was going to ask about the whole mind invasion, that was until I saw the rest of the ponies bowing to her. Not one for all licking the dirt they walk on, I continued toward her. She saw me and her expression said it all. She was only here to talk about what I do not know. "CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE!" That was all I heard before I covered my ears and fell to my knees in pain. But this did little to help as my ears hurt. Pulling out my phone and ears phones I began to listen to music and her voice was drowned out. The ringing was still there but at least I could hear her without my ears bleeding. Standing she seem to just continues walking as well I doubt she cared. In the middle of her speech I yelled to her to get her attention. "Hey, you don't have to yell to get your point across. And please Calm! The! Fuck! Down!" I yell losing my cool and she seems taken aback by my outburst. The ponies looked at me like I had ground a second head. The princess was not amused by this and she yelled back. "HOW DARE THE SPEAK TO ME IN THIS MANNER! BOW HEATHEN!" I heard clearly as my music made it barrable as she gave me a death glare. But I bow to no one and I sure as hell will not take any shit from anyone. "I bow to no one and maybe you should take my advice and FUCKING CALM DOWN!!" She looked even more pissed than before and I could help but smile. She then stomped to me and got into my face and that was when I said what everyone wanted. "Look around you if you really want something to say then don't go making everyone's ears bleed." She then looked around and saw all the ponies look at her in fear or not looking at her at all. Her face said it all and as she continued to look around only to see the ponies look away in fear. She then continued with her demands that this holiday be changed. Allowing her to see her methods were only making it worse and she had then walked away still acting high and mighty like all royals act. The rest of the ponies looked at me with shock and several stood to look at me in awe. "The human has saved us from the nightmare moon!" The mayor said that I just noticed she was dressed as a clown. That was when I was lifted from behind me and was praised like some kind of hero. Not wanting to fall on my ass I quickly moved out of the way. Also not wanting to be praised and several ponies doing that was something I do not like. Running away and wearing the night princess seems to be the best option. But after the run I felt tired, and just wanted to rest to reflect on several things. Heading out of the town and toward the everfree forest and letting the princess do her thing. If not then twilight and the others will deal with it. Walking in the forest my knife is drawn and ready for use for any timber assholes. But it was quiet enough for the bugs of the forest to be as loud as they could be. "This is new, stay on guard we do not want to die here. After all we have a job to do." My knife held close to me. The darkness of the night had always invited me like an old friend. That is the same here as the cold air filled my lungs and I could barely see what was in front of me. Using a small flashlight I walked to where I knew my home was. It did not take long for me to find my home and it was as lonely as it could get. Having all the traps not set I was ready for anything. That was when I realized the crickets that could be heard from miles away were silent and all there was was the wind of the night. I knew there was something but what, a timberwolf? No, it would have attacked as soon as I stopped listening. That also goes for manticores as they only go for ponies and seem to attack when they stop. That was when I noticed a figure on my porch standing there like there was nothing wrong in the world they are in right now. My small flashlight could barely shine to see who or what this thing was. And that was when I heard it speak. "Hey, Chaz, long time no see right brother." That voice I knew as it was the only one that made sure I mattered. But he has been dead ever since I was 15 and to hear him here and now? It was impossible let alone crazy to think that he could still be alive after what I saw. From what I could make out from where I was I saw him alive and well like that day never happened, but that can't be can it? "I think we finally gone insane." Onyx said knowing who this was on porch and what happened on that day. Suddenly I heard bone crack and fresh tire and looking to where he was I saw that his arms where long and skinny. And his legs were snapped back like the hind legs of an animal. As I looked on I saw its face as my brothers were torn away and I saw a disfigured native American. Just as I feared when I heard that one native American folklore was here I knew that the worst of the worst had to be here. The Skinwalker was on my doorstep and it was either here to torment me or to kill me. I guessed it was the first as it smiled and then ran away from my house and then disappeared into the darkness of the forest. Taking a while to make sure it was gone as this place was no longer save neither is the town if that thing is that close. Hearing the crickets once more I ran in side locking and closing every widow. Taking a seat on the couch I had my hunting shotgun ready and a special made tomahawk. Made to strike the killing blow to a skinwalker, a useful tool from my grandparents. Not falling asleep I passed out with the sun rising and with that my body gave in to sleep. I stand corrected Now hell has truly began. Onyx said what I was thinking as I got my well needed rest. //-------------------------------------------------------// One man standing (unfinished) //-------------------------------------------------------// One man standing (unfinished) I ran as fast as I could but the night sky made it all that harder. A movement of the bushes to my left. Aiming and firing my Deagale three rounds were used. The flash of the Deagale lit the area and I saw it if only for a split second. Aiming at my right I fired again. But I missed it as it was dead in front of me. My flashlight was not doing anything for me it only seem to be a hindrance. Aiming I fired the last round in the mage and it hit its mark. I would be booming with joy if it had done something. But no the very skinwalker remains there unmoving and acting as if a bullet did just hit his chest. My flashlight could only get his chest as he towered over me. But I don't think I want to see his face as I fear what I might see in its eyes. I know the stories and they pale in comparison to the real thing. I am honestly beginning to doubt that the tomahawk would even kill this thing. After all the weapons I had brought with are meant to hurt it so I can get in close and strike the finishing blow. But now, I know I was never ready to take on this threat and I will die in vein trying to stop it. "I thought I told you I like to hunt the classic way." That was when is boney hands or rather claws shot out so fast I didn't notice until it was too late. My flashlight was broken just like that and a burning pain ran through my right hand the one holding my Deagle. I was left in the dark and I knew this was how I was going to die. "Now run, Little Cub." His voice said to the right of my right in my ear. Not wanting to die I ran as fast as I could.