An Alternate Track

[Haven City Train Yard]

“Did you really need to do a gender reveal here of all places?” Gregory asked Andrew as he watched Connie come into the station. He stood with Twilight, Ember, Spike, Cozy, and Raven in her human form. He had Cozy and Spike on either shoulder and was holding Raven’s hand.

“Well, Connie is a future godmother, plus I have something to make the gender reveal more interesting that requires Connie,” Andrew explained.

“I’ve never liked gender reveal parties, to be honest,” Gregory said. “Just tell the people you want to know and get it over with. Don’t make it some sort of big to-do.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Andrew asked.

“Yeah Gregory, where's the fun?” Pinkie asked as she popped out of nowhere.

Gregory sighed and looked at his favorite pink pony. With his free hand, he began scratching her behind the ears. “Some things shouldn’t be made into a party, Ponkey-tonk,” he said.

Not too far away from the station, the yard had pink and blue decorations from streamers to balloons. Rainbow was chatting with some of her other friends by a table sampling some cupcakes. “Yeah, Andy says he has a little something to make the reveal awesome,” she explained to Fluttershy.

“Oh, well that’s good,” Fluttershy said with a kind smile. She looked up at the trains coming in. Dinky was sitting beside her, leaning against the pegasus. “I’ve never heard of a gender reveal party before.”

“Neither did I, but I heard they were also common in the human world Sunset lives in,” Rainbow said.

Fluttershy giggled. “I wonder how Pinkie reacted when she learned about it?”

As the two chatted, Andrew watched from afar as Connie slowly left the station and headed into the yard. He watched Rainbow with an almost sad smile. Gregory noticed this immediately. “What’s wrong now?”

“Oh! Nothing, it's just…”

“Out with it,” Gregory said with a frown.

“We planned for our wedding after the birth, but after the wedding we are going to talk to Jason and well…I’m gonna miss seeing her like that.”

“You’re gonna ask for the punishment to be put back,” he stated.

“I know and I want to respect Rainbow’s choices but the more I think about it the more it makes me, well…what's the word? Uncomfortable? Worried?”

“Apprehensive,” Gregory said.

“Yeah, I think that's the one,” Andrew replied.

“You know the saying,” Gregory said. “Her body, her choice.”

“I know, but sometimes I feel like she doesn’t want to go back, is that wrong?”

“You can stop your bellyaching now,” a new voice said from behind them. The two turned and saw Jason and Chrysalis, the former of which was holding the toddler Suzie in his arms, walking towards them. “I may have been forced to undo those punishments, but I won’t be putting them back. In fact, aside from Discord getting his magic back and Celestia having her throne back, I’ve just lifted all of the punishments.”

This took both Andrew and Gregory by surprise. “Does that mean that Twilight has her magic back now too?” Gregory asked. He got his answer when Twilight squealed in delight and flew over to Gregory. “Whoa there, Twinkle Sprinkle. What’s got you in a tizzy?”

“M-My magic’s back!” she exclaimed.

Andrew just stared at Jason before uttering one word. “Why?”

“I think having humans around will be a reminder enough of the lessons they’ve learned,” Jason said. “Besides, with the threat of Grogar, we need everyone at full strength.”

“Agreed. Well in that case, me and Rainbow will consider it a wedding present from our dear changeling neighbors.”

Jason snorted, but nodded. “Sure, go with that.”

The party went on for a bit with creatures chatting until it was time for the big reveal. Andrew was holding a strange looking rock that was half pink and half blue. “Gather around, everyone. Here is a special item thanks to the Pie family Rock farm. I’ll throw this into Connie’s firebox, let her build up steam and soon the rock will change the color of her steam to what we’re having. Is everybody ready?”

Everyone took a step back as Andrew opened Connie’s firebox and threw in the rock. Everyone waited as Connie allowed herself to build up pressure. “Feels like a sneeze building up,” Connie said.

“Everyone ready in 3…2…1!”

Connie let off steam and suddenly, instead of white steam, pink Smoke billowed out from her smokestack and cylinders. “It’s a girl!” Pinkie shouted, and the crowd erupted into cheers.

Andrew got out and immediately got slammed by Rainbow Dash. “We’re going to have an awesome daughter!”

“Eeyup, she’ll be a real angel alright,” Andrew said, rubbing the belly of his pregnant fiancée.

Gregory strolled up. “Well, congrats, but I just heard from Jason your child is going to look like a human?”

“A human with wings,” Andrew said with pride.

“Okay, that’s pretty damn cool,” he said. “I wonder if she’ll have rainbow hair?”

“Only time will tell,” Andrew said. Suddenly there was a strange sound coming from nearby and everyone looked to see a strange glowing circle. It almost looked like a portal of some kind. “What is that!?”

“Oh shit…” Gregory said. “Time to evacuate, Everyone, back to the school now!”

“Don’t bother” a voice sounded. “There’s no need to…”

“That voice…it can’t be,” Andrew said.

“Get the fuck out here, you emaciated cuck!” Gregory snapped at the voice, moving to stand beside Twilight protectively.

From the portal a strange demonic creature strolled out. Its lower half looked like a centipede while its upper half, while demonic, had a few human characteristics. Howard smirked. “Hello everyone, did you miss me? Admit it, you missed me.”

“Apparently not enough to kill you,” Gregory scoffed. “What, did Grogar offer you a better dental plan? Because to be honest, you’ve looked better. No, scratch that, you were always an embarrassment to your gene pool.”

“Flattery will only get you far, Greg my boy, but if I were you I’d listen to what we’re about to say and do.”

“We?” Ember asked.

Suddenly there was a strange sound as everyone looked around to see three more demonic monsters on rooftops surrounding them. “Oh boy…” Andrew said.

“Twilight, you just got your magic back, how many can you teleport?” Gregory asked.

“Hold your fire, everyone,” one of the demons shouted.

“And miss a chance to nail you? Never!” Starlight shouted as she fired a beam only to miss.

“Scratch the teleportation idea…nobody move!” Gregory ordered.

“Wise decision,” Howard said. “If we wanted to destroy you we would’ve done so already. Now calm yourselves, Grogar knows nothing of our visit.”

Stacy snapped heavy tanks into existence and they took aim at each of the demons. “Stacy, no!” Gregory shouted. He then took a step forward, standing between Howard and Twilight. “You’re here to deliver a message, I’m assuming. What is it?”

“Oh, we’re here to deliver something, alright,” Howard said as he stretched his limbs behind him. “Prepare yourselves, everyone, for we are about to do something you'll never expect us to do.”

“Surrender?” Gregory asked with a smirk.

“Not going to let me make the punch? You guessed right,” he said as he suddenly pulled out a pair of handcuffs and slapped them on himself.

Gregory looked at them suspiciously, then back at him. “Someone get some real cuffs and put them in chains,” he ordered.

“Are you crazy!?” Ember asked. “Who are you two and what have you done with my mate and Gaia’s worst human monster?!”

Gregory turned to Ember. “Trust me on this,” he whispered so that only she could hear him. “My senses say they’re telling the truth, but my gut tells me they’re full of shit.”

As the four demon turned humans were being escorted through town many were not only giving them a wide berth but many were staring at them with either fear or disgust on their faces. Howard took some glances at the crowd. "You know it's strange," Howard said as he was dragged to the sheriff’s office. "I see all these creatures looking at me with fear and hate and it's… kind of comforting."

"You like that they’re afraid of you?" Gregory asked with a raised brow.

"Not entirely, but I guess I'm just grateful they even notice me at all. I wouldn't even mind if they'd tormented me or called me a monster."

"No you wouldn't," Jason said glaring at Howard. “Trust me.”

"No actually I would,” Howard said glaring back at Jason. “Anything is better than being nothing at all."

Gregory just scoffed and went to the town hall to inform the mayor.

A while later the four were taken and placed in a cell in the Haven City sheriff’s office. An impromptu meeting of the growing friend group met at the town hall meeting room to discuss this turn of events. Everyone was sitting at the council table aside from Gregory who was leaning against the wall near the window looking towards the sheriff’s office. “Has anyone tried questioning them on why they decided to surrender now of all times?” Stacy asked.

“They told me they left Grogar, saying he took them for granted and ignored their potential,” Jason said. “But I don’t believe them. That Clark dude didn’t even bring his pet.”

“Gregory, you said they were telling the truth?” Twilight asked.

Gregory, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, simply nodded. “My magic is telling me that they weren’t lying, but there was something off about it. Something I can’t pinpoint. It was like it was too perfect of a truth.”

“How can a truth be too perfect?” Andrew asked.

“Trust me, I’ve discussed this with Chrysalis, and she agrees with me,” he said, nodding to the humanoid looking changeling queen.

“Well I don't trust this situation either. For all we know they might snatch the bell before we can even try to drain them,” Andrew stated. “I’d say we keep them locked up for now then transfer them to Tartarus first chance we get.”

“No, we should get them out of this city,” the town’s mayor said with utter surety. “We’re just a frontier town. Send them to Canterlot. Their dungeons are secure.”

“No they’re not, three of them got out. Ask Gregory if you don't believe me,” Andrew said.

“It’s true,” Gregory said.

“Personally I think they should be drained of any power soon but quietly. Where is the Bewitching Bell anyway?” Starlight asked.

“Far away from here,” Gregory said, “and that’s where it’s going to stay.”

“Then how are we gonna take away their power?” Andrew asked. “All four of them are more dangerous than any villain combined.”

“Correct,” Gregory said. “I know I’ve said it when we were fighting Jason before, but there is one sure way to deal with them.”

Twilight perked up and looked at him before nodding. Andrew was confused. “Someone refresh my memory.” Gregory removed one of his pistols from his belt and cocked it to demonstrate his point without saying a word. Andrew looked at the gun in alarm. “You’re not gonna do what I assume you’re gonna do with that, right?” Gregory slowly turned to Andrew, a solemn but stern expression on his face. “Someone please tell me that gun isn’t built the same way as an American glock,” Andrew said. “I know they did horrible stuff but is execution really necessary?”

“They should get a trial at least,” someone said.

“Maybe another Tribunal, considering,” Stacy said.

Ember scowled. “Listen to yourselves. Do we really need to give them a trial after everything they did?? Death is honestly too good for them!”

“Tirek did some messed up stuff too, but that didn’t stop your daughter from trying to get him a chance to be a member of society,” Stacy said.

“Some creatures never change,” Ember growled.

“Gregory? Your thoughts?” Starlight asked.

“I don’t like the idea of executing them any more than anyone else in this room,” he said, “but even if they are repentant, that doesn’t excuse their crimes against the world.” He held up his pistol. “If this gun can permanently kill a timberwolf, then it can kill a magical creature with ease. However, this is a last resort.” He uncocked it and put it back in its holster after putting the safety on. “Whatever you decide, do it fast. Those demons won’t just be sitting on their asses. They may have once been your friends, but they stopped being human long ago and willingly became monsters to get petty revenge. Consider that when you talk about what to do with them.”

Andrew and Stacy looked at each other before nodding. The room was silent for a while before Twilight broke the silence. “Andrew? Does the EGR have any rolling stock meant for transporting prisoners?”

“We have cars made of magic proof steel I can arrange for but they won’t be here until tomorrow morning.”

“I believe a trial would be the best course of action,” Twilight said. “All in favor, say aye.” Many in the room raised one appendage and said so. “And those opposed?” A few less raised their appendages. Gregory made no move either way. “The ayes have it. They will remain under heavy guard and a prison train will take them to Canterlot for a trial. This should give us enough time to inform the other world leaders.”

An hour later, Gregory was in his apartment, quickly packing a bag full of spare clothes and toiletries. He had no solid proof that they were telling the truth, but he knew they weren’t. He was sure of that. He was alone for a while until the door to the apartment opened. Ember and Twilight both walked in to see what he was doing. “Going to Canterlot too?” Ember asked.

“Yeah, pretty much,” he said before he sighed. “Sending them to Canterlot is a stupid idea, but if you’re gonna do it anyway, I’m going to fly ahead and warn Luna to make things ready.”

“Gregory, she already knows that and is preparing accordingly and is also preparing a military escort for us as well,” Twilight said.

“Twilight,” Gregory said, turning to his marefriend, “I can easily defeat that military escort now. They wouldn’t stand a chance against those others if they decided to escape.”

“Yeah, but according to Andrew those prison cars he’s sending have special metal that practically cancels out any magic, even my own.”

“It won’t be enough,” Gregory said. “This is a stupid idea.” He grabbed both his pistols and put them on his belt, buttoning them in their holsters. “This is too important to be mishandled.”

“Alright, well at least maybe talk to them one more time before you do something,” Ember suggested.

“Not a chance in hell,” Gregory replied, turning to Twilight and Ember. “That could be the chance they’re waiting for. I can’t even promise I won’t execute that monster myself for mind raping Twilight!”

“Well, if you’re that concerned then at least check the sheriff’s office before you leave just to make sure.”

“I’m not going anywhere near them right now,” he said as he slung the bag over his shoulder and headed to the balcony to fly away. “I’ll see you all soon.”

As he flew over the town he looked down at the sheriff’s office and then he noticed something. Something black and fluidic was oozing out of an iron bar window. It slowly formed into a humanoid shape before running down the street without anyone else noticing. Gregory paused and watched it go. He extended a hand, and without any warning, a bolt of lightning launched out from his hand and struck the figure. The figure laid there for a second before looking up to see him. Then much to Gregory’s surprise, it shapeshifted into a small fighter plane and took off at a fast pace.

Quickly he pulled out his pistol and flew after it. It took less than ten seconds for him to get closer to it, aimed, and fired, being sure to not strike the center of the plane but instead aiming for the wing. The bullet tore through, and instead of pieces of gear flying out of the hole, blood began pouring from the wing. There was a screech of pain as the plane descended to the ground, transforming into a strange demonic-like creature which landed in the grassy plains just southeast of the town.

Gregory landed, holding his pistol up towards the demon. “Going somewhere?” he asked. The figure turned to reveal it was one of the group who had surrendered to their custody earlier. “And which nameless drone are you?” he asked.

“Oh hi, fancy meeting you here!” the figure said with his hands raised.

“You didn’t answer the question,” Gregory said with a growl. “Who are you?”

“Well, since you don’t recognize me from our past talks in Canterlot perhaps we should reacquaint. I am Benson.” Benson held his injured arm and winced.

“Ah, Tweedle Dumbass,” Gregory retorted, keeping his weapon trained on him. “You know, for someone who wants to surrender, you are doing a piss poor job at it.”

“Is it really a crime to enjoy the taste of freedom before I’m shipped away to somewhere brutal? You know last meals are the best you can have.”

“Okay, fuck this,” Gregory said as he took out his second pistol and aimed it at him. “You’re returning with me unless you want to die right here and now.”

Benson had a thoughtful expression. He looked up to the sky pondering this before responding. “How’s this for a reply? Beep Beep!” He suddenly dashed away with his legs forming a blur on the ground.

Gregory reacted immediately, firing two shots, one of which hit Benson in the leg and caused him to fall down hard. He walked up slowly to the fallen demon. “You’re not the road runner or a sheep,” he retorted. “Now then, try that again, and the next bullet goes through your skull.”

“Jesus, and I thought police committed the worst justice brutality,” Benson hissed. “But you? You’re something else.”

“I gave you a warning, you failed to listen, now stop stalling and-” He paused. “No…you are stalling.” He looked back at the town, then at the school before turning back to Benson. “What the fuck did you and your mindless drones do!?”

Benson looked up to him with a baffled expression.“Why, whatever do you mean, mister Graystone? I’m the only one who decided to play the game of jailbreak.”

“Cut the bullshit show accurate Cozy Glow act and tell me what’s going on or else your brains get splattered on the nice green grass,” Gregory growled, “and I’d hate to get my clothes dirty with your filth.”

Benson sighed. “Alright, I’ll tell you everything. In exchange for a few small favors.”

“You’re in no position to bargain,” Gregory said. “Stop stalling.”

“Alright, one small request in exchange for all my knowledge, don’t worry this won’t even last long.”

“Tell me now,” Gregory snapped, and from the sky above three bolts of lighting struck all around Benson. Sparks shot out from Gregory’s eyes, something that surprised the demon as he’d been told the electrical powers of the windigos should not have been unlocked in Gregory yet and they could seriously harm them.

“Alright I’ll talk! So much for easy negotiations,” Benson said. “You see Jack Frost, we’re a little pissed that you and a few others have evaded most of our plans and the boss no longer has the patience to put up with your meddling.”

“I don’t need a fucking play by play of how you’re gonna take your greatly anticipated villain revenge and blah, blah, blah,” Gregory snapped. “What did you do?!”

“Oh it’s nothing me and my cell mates have done...yet. Do you honestly think it’s us last four humans that want revenge on you? It’s not just Grogar either.”

“You’re stalling again,” Gregory replied. “Tell me now!”

“Okay, remember that other prisoner you have? The trotting dead psycho?”

“What about him?” Gregory asked with a frown.

“You honestly think he’s the only subject of necromancy?”

Gregory’s eyes widened. “What did you monsters do?” he growled.

“Don’t you remember the beginning of season nine? If Discord could bring Sombra back, what’s to stop our new master from reviving the dead citizens of a town that froze to death?” Benson asked with a sneer.

“Tell me what you did with them RIGHT NOW!” Gregory snapped.

“WE didn’t do much, but let's just say almost all of them have a similar motive. One of them is doing our dirty work right as we speak within your walls.”

“And that dirty work is?” Gregory asked

Benson grinned, then brought his hands together, making an exploding motion. “Boom.”

Gregory was seeing red now, but he managed to keep himself from blasting Benson away. “There are children in that school, you monster,” he snarled.

“No one is innocent in war. Besides this was never meant to happen. The past will rise again. Better than before.” With that, Benson leaped at Gregory, teeth bared and claws extended.

Gregory had no choice. He aimed, then fired directly at Benson’s head. The demon’s head snapped back, a burst of blood and brain matter exploded out from the back and he went down hard, crashing onto the grasslands.

Having no time to think, Gregory holstered his weapons, then shot into the air, heading back towards the school. He tried contacting Ember through their ring communications but she didn’t answer. He had little time to react to what he’d just done.

Meanwhile at Yggdrasil, a strange looking figure wearing a hooded cloak trotted up to the school with a wagon. Starlight was confused as the stranger strolled up. “We didn’t have any deliveries scheduled for tonight.”

“It’s a special donation delivery from the university of Vanhoover,” the figure said.

“Well leave it here. We’ll figure something out.”

Starlight then tried to look inside the wagon after she and the mysterious figure moved it. She then saw the figure running away. “Hey! Where are you going?!” Just as she was about to run after him she heard a sound coming from the wagon. It sounded like beeping.

She was about to open the curtain entrance when she felt a pair of arms around her body. She looked up and saw a minotaurs face. “Brace yourself! This could be bright!” Robbie said as he raised his hand to snap his fingers. A bright light surrounded them and when it vanished, they were all standing in a field far away from the town and the school.

In the air, Gregory noticed the bright light and thought it was too late, but when he saw the school still intact, he was relieved. However, his relief was short-lived as he saw the cart at the center of the school. Instantly, he began creating a shield of ice and wind around the cart, but just as he was about to attempt a second shield, a massive fireball erupted from the cart, sending even him flying back from the shockwave.

When he regained his flight ability, he stared in horror at the southern face of the school which was now either destroyed or on fire. Immediately, he created a blast of snow which he used to begin putting out the fires. Nearby, he saw a blue streak flying up into the clouds above. Soon, a heavy rain was pouring as Rainbow Dash joined Gregory. “Thanks, Dash!” Gregory said as he continued pouring his snow onto the fires.