Phantasm

Chapters

The Shadows Know.
The Shadows Hide
The Shadows Disperse(On Occasion.)
The Shadows Disturb Slumber
In Death, We Find Peace, And I Hate Peace.
In Death, We Find Answers, But Not The Ones We Need.
In Death We Learn, Our True Purpose.
In Life, We Find Ourselves.
A New Life, Is An Old Life Just The Same.
A New Life, And A New Shadow.
A New Life, Or A New Way Of Thinking.
A New Life, And Lessons Learned.
Amigos y Enemigos (Friends and Enemies.)
A New Life, And Answers To Old Questions.

The Shadows Know.

The boy fell to his knees face covered in blood and tears. "Drop the weapon!" He and his two victims were then surrounded by Detroit Policia. Their guns drawn all the boy could do was smile like a maniac but that face was the face of a clown. Inside his heart he knew what he had done did not get him what he desired. "Drop the weapon now!" The boy could barely find the strength to stop trembling and drop his gun. The Policia threw cuffs around his wrists and him into a Patrol Car. The boy was happy maybe just maybe he could find his Father on the other side.

He could feel a dark presence in the seat beside him. "You lied to me," He said through gritted teeth at the presence.

"I never said that I could bring back your Father,"

"You said and I quote, Upon the killing of two innocents by your hand you will find your Father."

"Yes I said you would find him nothing more."

"Quiet down back there!" The Policia shouted and the presence dispersed.

Moments later the boy was dragged out of the car and thrown into a dark cell. The cell had two beds but he was the only one inside. That same dark presence appeared as he sat on a bed. "Have you found him yet?" The presence laughed.

"Do not patronize me,"

"Fine be that way, after all you can't trust a human, to do a demon's job." With that the presence disapated once again.

The boy laid in the bed looking back on his life. Why had it turned this way, why had he even thought that one life let alone two would be worth his father's. He sighed and shut his eyes. A load banging jolted him awake, and he looked toward the barred door. "Come with me," The man open the door and stepped in. The boy sat up and stood to follow. "Cooperation makes this so much easier."

"What is your job?"

"I bring people to their visitors,"

"I have a visitor?" Anton was confused, he only had one friend but he was back home in Peru.

"Yeah, a Jerry Hernandez." The man sat the boy down at a window with a phone. Another man sat at the other side of the glass.

"Anton, why did you do this?"

"Would you believe the devil made me do it?"

"Anton, be serious."

"My Father,"

"Cress?"

"Yes, I heard from a reliable source."

"From?"

"The Devil,"

"If we want to make a convincing argument, you need to be honest with me."

"Jerry, I am serious."

"Fine, that's all I need to know, see you in three days." Jerry walked off leaving Anton alone and confused. The Guard led Anton back to his cell and left.

Anton did nothing for the three days but remember why he had taken the offer, his Father was a great man, he could remember the good times and that one day Father's Colleagues would come for him. That statement echoed throughout Anton's mind. The morning of the third day another guard knocked on his cell door. "Has it been three days already?"

"Shut up, and get up."

"Okay?" Anton stood and walked to the door as it opened. The guard dragged him into a room filled with people he didn't know. Anton was then set at a table next to Jerry.

"Anton Allegro, you are charged with the murder of Techno and Trance Bassboost, how do you plea?"

"Your honor We wish to plead Insanity." Jerry interrupted before Anton could answer.

"No Your Honor," Anton stood. "I wish to plead Guilty,"

"Anton what are you doing, are you crazy?"

"No, if I was then I would plead Insanity."

"Anton you do realize that you just, asked for the death penalty?"

"Yes I do,"

"Again We wish to plead Insanity." Jerry restated hoping that the judge would listen to him and not Anton,

"Shut up Jerry!" Anton growled.

"Order, Order!" The judge slammed his gavel over and over. "Anton are you sure you wish to plead Guilty?"

"Yes your honor, Mr. Hernandez only wishes for what he thinks is best."

"What I think is best will save your ass!"

"Mister Allegro, control your counsel or I will hold him in contempt."

"Jerry, please just shut the fuck up,"

"I can't let you throw your life away!"

"Like I threw away those two lives in the alley,"

"You weren't yourself,"

"Jerry shut the fuck up!"

"Your Honor, my client has confided in me that." Jerry pulled out a tape recorder.

"Would you believe the Devil made me do it?"

"That was totally taken out of context!"

"I'm trying to keep you alive!"

"ORDER!"

"Your Honor I wish to approach the bench."

"Bailiff?"

"Yes Your Honor." The Bailiff walked over and led Anton to the bench.

"Your Honor, Jerry just wants to keep me alive, friends since birth you see, but I can't live on with the guilt. I wish to ask for an immediate execution."

"Not many have the balls to man up for what they've done, I admire your tenacity,"

"One life is worth another but maybe mine is worth the two I've taken, I beg of you." Anton's eyes overflowed with tears as he begged for his death.

"You have touched my heart and it pains me to say, your plea for immediate execution is granted." The judge slammed his gavel.

"Thank you your honor," The Bailiff dragged the emotional wreck that was Anton into another dark room and strapped him to the steel table. Music was played to ease the nerves of the Executionee, but all he could think of was how he would finally be rid of his guilt. Anton sighed and shut his eyes as the needle pierced his skin and the cold embrace of death reached for him. Slowly the drugs flowed through his veins to his heart stopping it cold.

=================================================

The smell of butane tickled my nose and the intense heat made me open my eyes. OPEN MY EYES!!!, SMELL OF BUTANE!!! I saw small blue flames, SHIT, I'm in a crematorium. I kick out the door and slide out just as my eyebrows are singed off. My ass slams onto the cold concrete. The big door opens to a tall skinny guy, and all I could say was. "So Satan walks into a bar," The guy faints and falls face first on the ground. "Shit!" I scramble to his side and search for a pulse. It was faint but still there. "Thank whoever cares,"

"I care," I felt a dark presence, but it wasn't as dark as the one before. "Anton Allegro, Age 23, Height 6'2", Weight 185, hates being left out, and has hmn that's strange." The man had his nose deep in a file.

"Who are you?" This dark man seemed familiar but where had I met him before. "And what's strange?"

"Your first question is easy to answer, I am death,"

"You're one of Father's Colleagues,"

"Colleagues, one less thing to explain,"

"What are you doing here?"

"Well I did come to collect you but,"

"But what?"

"You aren't dead."

"Que?"

"Eternal youth doesn't pass on genetically, instead Immortality is granted."

"¿Que estas hablando?"

"I going to level with you, you are the son of the most wanted man in the Multiverse."

"Again I say Que?"

"Your Father is indeed alive in a sense,"

"Tell me where he is, por favor?" .

"He's in a land far away but right around the corner,"

"Es como hablar con una pared de ladrillo."

"I am not a brick wall, and your Father is right through here." The man walked to a closet door and opened it. "Since you're not dead I can't legally hire you, but technically you were never alive either, so I can help you without anyone on getting on my back," Death reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of bangles, and a pair of earrings. "Put these on,"

"What are they?" I ask putting them on.

"Phantasm Bands, and Aether Earrings, these will grant you safe passage,"

"Un poco llamativo."

"You're right, they are a bit flashy, but they get the job done." Death the second darkest presence I know chuckled. "Oh I had these made for your Father but since he's a bit aggravating, I'll give them to you." He pulled out a satchel and tossed it to me. Inside were, a suit like father used to wear, a pair of sunglasses, and an Ankh. I slipped the Ankh around my neck and put on the sunglasses. "You look good. The glasses will allow you to look into the souls of mortals and some immortals, the Ankh is a gift from Anubis it gives you a little boost, it's effects are different for everyone so I can't say for sure what it'll do,"

"Where exactly does this lead?" I peer into the expanse on the other side, it looked like the Amazon Rain forest.

"That is the Frozen Forest, a handy dandy Oasis in the middle of the Frozen North."

"Where is my Father now?"

"I'd say somewhere in Avalon, or maybe in Gryphon Territory, he could even be in the Badlands, I'm not sure."

"Why is he there?"

"Anubis, has informed me that your father is no longer in Egypt, and my other informants have told me of a man in a suit that abducted your father and brought him to the Verse that lays on the other side of this door."

"Anubis, is that another of your colleagues?"

"Yes, now through the door I have other souls to guide, and stay away from the Queen!" He patted my back and pushed me through the door and slammed it behind me. Who's the Queen?

I was surrounded by prying green eyes. My head started pounding, and I fell to my knees. "Crush, Kill, Destroy," An even darker almost obsessed with death grumbled deep within. Crush, Kill, Destroy, He laughed like a maniac and I found myself doing the same.

==================================

The creatures charged the boy as his very being was shrouded by nearby shadows, two creatures jumped in and were ripped apart limb by limb and were thrown out the shroud still clinging to life with looks of intense pain and terror. The boy's eyes were ones of intense conviction, the shroud dispersed to show not the boy but a ravenous pitch black panther.

Some of the creatures backed away in fear but the Panther took this opportunity to pounce. It swung it's paw at one's throat slashing it open and coating it's own face in green blood. The big cat was taken aback by the strangely colored ooze. It smelled the same, tasted the same, but did not look the same. The ground under his paws was set ablaze in green flames. The panther shot back as the flames followed. The Panther knew he couldn't get through and was forced into a corner.

"Enough of this!" A loud female voice boomed and the creatures backed away. As the flames died down a large black creature with a green mane slowly approached the cornered cat. "Don't be afraid, little one." The cat batted at the creature slashing her face. "I won't hurt you," She held out a hoof, and the cat slowly crept forward. The female wrapped her forelegs around the cat and pressed her lips to his muzzle. The shadows flow off of the Panther to reveal Anton locking lips with a black horse creature. The glasses revealed her soul to him, and that whoever she was she meant no harm, for the moment.

The Shadows Hide

What the hell am I kissing, and why do I like it so much? Whatever she was she definitely took charge, she opened her eyes and leaned back. "Hello there," She said with a smile, and that sexual tone. "Is this your true form?" True form, What the hell did she mean? "A little shy, no matter." She reared back and turned to stand on her hooves, at least I think those are hooves, they're full of holes. Her plot was directly in front of my face like she wanted me to stare at it. "Now that I have your attention," She started shaking it, and I was hypnotized by it, in half a second her back legs slammed into my stomach, snapping me out of my mesmerized state.

"No era justo allí," I try to apologize for something that she told me to do. She turned around and shoved her face in mine.

"Habla Ingles?"

"Yes, sorry It's just so,"

"Thank you for noticing, but what are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for my father."

"I don't think you'd find him here."

"I don't even know where here is."

"Equestria, The Frozen Forest."

"What is Equestria?"

"A place where the dominant species are Equine in nature."

"Todo un mundo de los caballos?"

"Yes a whole world full of Horses," She rolled her eyes and sighed. "Come with me, we have a lot of work to do."

"Que?"

"You are like us, a shape shifter, but you have a different air about you."

"Again I say, Que?"

"You do not just shift shape, you become the creature in a sense, you take on the instincts of the creature you shift into,"

"I can't shape shift,"

"Not on your own, at least not yet." She took that tone again, like she was egging me on.

"Let's say for a second I believe you, how will you help me?"

"Easy answer," She was set ablaze in green flames and as they died down she was an exact copy of me. I felt violated, SHE STOLE MAH FACE!!! How the Hell did she do that? She could see my WTF face, and read it like a book and changed back. "What ever you may think, I'm the only one you can trust. We wouldn't want this to happen again." She motioned to three dead bodies drenched in blood.

"I did that, you're lying, I couldn't."

"Would I lie to you, you're the only one I've talked to that actually talks back." She turned her head and seemed generally troubled, and yesterday I wouldn't care, but today, I feel strangely connected to her."The others just say Blegh, or Argh." I cup her head in my hand and look into her eyes.

"I'll stay on one condition, you teach me everything about this place,"

"Really?" A smile crossed her muzzle and her mood lightened. What was I doing, why am I so distracted by her? "You look tired, you can borrow my bed." She said in that bedroom tone, and I smiled that calm smile my father used to smile. One thing I learned from my father is to keep a straight face.

"Why not I could use the company, especially of one so beautiful as you."

"Flattery will get you everywhere with me."

(Somewhere in Ponyville.)

A somewhat neutral air looms over the houses. "He has to be here."

"Supay," Death stood on a rooftop. "Come to enjoy the night air, of Equestria?"

"If only that were the case, My old friend." The neutral presence manifested next to Death in a crouching position. He was covered in black flames and had piercing red eyes. "I'm searching for the boy."

"Which one, Dean, Tech, or Anton?" Supay only stared off into the distance unaffected by the question. "Anton it is then."

"He's had contact with Etravek, he knows where the traitor is."

"Etravek,"

"That name sound familiar to you, Death"

"Yes it does, one of the first wraiths I ever employed."

"He was one of your special operatives, as he was mine."

"He was only half Demon."

"Half is more than enough to enter my employ."

"All you need to do is die to be in mine."

"You really do have low standards. Do you know where Etranek is?"

"No but I do know where Anton is, but I'm sure he has more pressing matters to attend to."

"What matters could possibly be more pressing than fate of the Multiverse?"

"You know as well as I, the bond shared between Father and Son is powerful."

"What are you getting at?"

"Anton can't do anything but get himself killed at the moment, give him some time, I have a feeling that Etranek will have his work cut out for him."

"I respect you Death, but I still don't trust you."

"I know Supay,"

"You have one month, then We'll be back," Supay dissapated in a puff of black smoke. Leaving Death alone to bathe in the moonlight.

(The Hive.)

I feel a weight on top of me and open my eyes. I find her asleep laying on me and her forelegs around me. Why am I snuggling with a horse? Why am I loving every minute of it? She slowly opened her hunter green eyes and smiled showing small fangs. "Is it morning already?" She rolled off and layed next to me, and ran her hoof thingy up and down my chest. "You were great," Did we really? I mentally shuddered at the thought of having sex with a horse thing, I don't know what she is, and do I really care? "What's wrong Anton?"

"It's just I don't know your name, and waking up to a Beautiful nameless face makes me feel desconsiderado."

"You can call me Chrys," She whispered and nibbled at my ear. "Now that we're both awake let's get started with training," She crawled out of the bed and stretched her legs.

"Training?" I ask grabbing for my pants, and slowly slip them on,

"You need to be taught how to control your instincts."

"Y tú me vas a enseñar?"

"In a sense, you will have to learn with the foals."

"Won't they think I'm weird?"

"They'll warm up to you, you smell like me,"

"I smell like you?"

"Don't worry, it's just a little insurance, so they know you're mine." I can't believe it I've been tramp stamped. Yo soy una Puta. "Put your shirt on, and follow me." I did as she asked and searched the nightstand for the glasses and the Ankh. I had a feeling I'd need them. "You look nice," She led me through dark hallways lit by faint green fire. Why do I remember that fire? Why do I feel so uneasy? "Afraid of a little fire Scarecrow?"

"Not really, but,"

"But, you feel uneasy, it's perfectly normal considering what happened yesterday,"

"What happened yesterday?" I try to remember but all I see is green. "Why can't I remember."

"Calm down, Anton you'll remember in time." She stopped at a wall at the end of the hall. "We're here."

"What do you mean it's just a," The ground rumbled under my feet, and the wall sank into the floor. "Wall."

"It's just through here." She lit her crooked horn on fire, the crackling sound echoed throughout the cavern. "Here you and a select few will learn hone your skills and so on and so forth."

"Why only a select few?"

"You are mine, and I pamper what belongs to me." Did she really think I was her pet, but if what she said is true, I can't afford to let loose. I don't want any more blood on my hands. As she led me through the cavern, a new voice spoke to me,

"Kid don't dig yourself too deep, or you'll be buried alive. He seemed calmer than the one from before. "Believe me you don't want to let your guard down," The voice did make sense but I had no other way to learn. Chrys stopped suddenly and I slammed into her.

"Here we are,"The door opened to a large room and three baby creatures that were similar to her all black, green mane, green eyes, and legs full of holes. "These are Changelings, shape shifters, and from this day forward, they are in your charge, like you they have no knowledge of how to use their abilities, and it's better for you to learn with them, so you can form a bond and so they can develop personalities of their own."

"Así que son pizarras en blanco?"

"You could say that yes, we'll start by giving them names the two females and one male."

"¿Eres una bella mariposa?" One of the little fillies?, flew over. "Your name is Mari Posa," The colt?, was very violent for a baby. "Manevolo, Manny," The last one sat in the corner all alone and crying. "No llores, Niña." I picked her up in my arms and tickled her belly.

"No lloren hijo, No lloren chica,

Únicamente sonríe, de ahora en,

por lo tanto siempre,

recuerdan,

a escucharme,

y para mantener esperanzas,.

Don't cry son, Don't cry girl,

Only smiles, from now on,

so always,

remember,

to listen to me,

and to keep high hopes." The babies seemed to understand, and stopped struggling and sat in a line.

"You have quite the way with children." Chrys kept her usual bedroom tone. "Now why don't we get started? You all have a special ability, the ability to change shape. It's my job to teach you the basics and his to teach you application of technique." She sat on the ground cross legged before us. "The first, thing you must remember is focus," The children took the same pose, and I did as well. "Deep breaths, now picture a kitty cat, and focus on it." The Foals were set ablaze with green flames, and what sat where they were, were tabby cats. I closed my eyes and concentrated on a Black Brazilian Short hair. when I open them I'm lower to the ground and on all fours. I held up my arm to look at it and find it covered in fur and I had paws instead of hands.

"¿Qué mierda?!"

"Very good, now change back, it's the same process but focus on yourself." I watched as the harmless kittens caught on fire. GATOS DE FUEGO!! "Focus Anton! In the field you don't have time to soak in every detail," I snapped my eyes shut and opened them and I was back in my own body. The foals however, had grown and started hugging me. "They're warming up to you nicely, now not only do you have full body transformation, you have partial shifting." She held up her Right foreleg and from the elbow up was covered in that green blaze. In a flash the holes in her leg were filled and she grew fingers. MIERDA QUE TIENE LOS DEDOS! " Try it,"

"I would but I already have fingers."

"Try turning them to a hoof?" Mari spoke her first sentence, and her voice was a little squeaky. Her mane changed from scraggy to curly and gained another shade of lighter green.

"Yeah dude, try that." Manny who already gained hands and a spiked back mane gave me the rock on Devil horns.

"These are neat, they'll make gardening easier." Nina tied a black ribbon in her mane and put it in a long braid.

"You must be very powerful," Chrys leaned on a nearby boulder.

"What makes you say that?" I ask turning my fist into a hoof, without thinking.

"Not only did they develop personas, they learned to speak, and grew very rapidly."

"What did that accomplish?"

"We grow by feeding off emotion, we don't really take it we just filter it, we only take them when needed."

"Sounds promising, but what do you eat?"

"Mostly Nectar Ambrosia, and Mead."

"Is it time for lunch."

"Oh I nearly forgot," She got a demented smirk on her face.

The Shadows Disperse(On Occasion.)

Another somewhat dark presence is felt in the fog, but this time in Canterlot. The guards felt unnerved and tightened security at the gate and all other known entrances. "These foolish guards, while they cover all known entrances, they forgot the secret entrance." A large brown dog crept through the fog sniffing at the ground.

"Where is it." The dog circled the outer wall every so often hiding from a guard in a tree. A small flash in the corner of his eye caught his attention, He clawed his way up a tall tree and jumped onto a tower roof. "These guards are pure of heart, or at least the ones clad in gold." He saw a familiar muzzle in the castle window. The white unicorn stood staring at the stars. "Blueblood." The dog's eyes narrowed as he furrowed his brow. He sprang from the tower and through the window onto Blueblood pinning him to the ground, snarling and fangs dripping.

"Guards Help!" Blueblood screamed, but no one came.

"They can't hear you,"

"Who are you?"

"It's a shame,"

"What is?"

"You are,"

"You've scared the boy enough," A white Allicorn stood in the doorway. "Blueblood go now."

"Uh huh." The dog reared back and let the unicorn scramble to safety.

"Still,a buzzkill." He smiled and in a flash of light he stood.

"What are you doing here Anubis?"

"Something of mine was stolen, and I've tracked it back here."

"And you expect my nephew took it?"

"Of course not, he's not smart enough to find where I hid him, or smart enough to solve the puzzles,"

"Hid Him?" Celestia asked with an upward affliction.

"It's a long story, and I just want to find out who found the tomb, and solved the puzzles."

"You were always fascinated by puzzles, I still haven't solved the one you left me."

"Really, here's an easy one. If one has two halves of two what does one have?"

"Two."

"No three. If one has two halves of two, then one has two, one plus two is three."

"The god of judgement, has his ways."

"I need ways to test whoever sees me, and Blueblood has failed on many occasions, I'm afraid even Ammit, couldn't hold him down."

"How is Nepthys?"

"Mother has been uneasy of late."

"That's too bad, send her my condolences."

"You'll probably see her first." Anubis muttered to himself as he returned to his previous facade.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, smell you later," Anubis dived out the window and landed on top of Blueblood once again. "Boo," Blueblood screamed like a girl and ran out from under him and slammed a door behind him. "Hehehah, Wimp,"

==========

"This stuff is delicious, I can see why it's the Nectar of the Gods." I said between mouth fulls of the stuff that made ach of my taste buds orgasm.

"I'm glad you like it, now how about we go on a little field trip?"

"Road trip!" Manny flashed the rock on devil horns and his tongue hung out longer than Gene Simmons at a KISS concert. "Whoo!"

"Where are we going?"

"Who cares it's a, ROAD TRIP!!!"

"Outside, you can't change into something you've never seen before, and you can't make a convincing argument with just pictures." Convincing Argument, that's what Jerry said. "The Frozen Forest is full of creatures, most deadly some harmless. You four will be working together from this day forth, so I need you to fill your arsenals with as many creatures as possible. and adjust accordingly." Chrys got up from her seat and motioned for us to follow. Mari, Manny, and Nina had grown four heads high. "Wait, it just occurred to me, why don't you three try humans?"

"Won't they end up looking like me?"

"Not if I become a female," She reared back and green fire slowly crept up her legs and body, Her hoof things turned to dainty women's feet and long slender fingers. Her black fur became baby soft tanned skin, and her mane became long black hair, she easily had DD cup breasts. "Now, Mari, and Nina, copy this but make a few adjustments." Her bedroom tone fit more with this body, but I was still attracted to the other. Cuáles son yo pensando? Ella es un Caballo!

"Is it bad that I think she's hot?"

"No Manny, it's fine, now copy this but make it your own style,"

"A'ight, Stand back," He shut his eyes, and his face flattened, his black fur turned to a light shade of brown, and his spikey hair was set in cornrows. "Damn, that was awesome, but why don't I have threads like your's?"

"I can fix that," Mari looked around for something. "Ah ha," She found a large web and spun it into a spool. "I'll be right back," She ran off to do something, I had my suspicions that.

"Looks like we have a Fashionista on our hands." My thought were interrupted by my thoughts from Chrys' mouth.

"You read my mind,"

"I'm reading it right now." She wrapped her arms around me and pressed her lips to mine. After a few seconds of tongue tying she leaned back. "And you are very twisted, what was it Cuáles son yo pensando? Ella es un Caballo." She traced a circle on my chest. "Yet you still want me all to yourself."

"What can I say, tiene un cierto encanto."

"I'm glad you see it my way, dear."

"I'm back, and I hope this'll do for now." Mari held out a pair of camouflage cargo pants to Manny. "I didn't have much notice."

"Thanks Mari," Manny look them and slipped into them. "Perfect fit," Mari had a satchel like mine, she reached inside and pulled out a bikini top and bottom, and handed it to Nina who slipped it on with some help from Mari. I was surrounded by hermosas mujeres. It took all my power not to dive into the estrogen ocean that lied before me. Then it occurred to me. How did Mari know what women wear?

"They are learning from your pent up emotions."

"They're in my head?"

"Of course not, only I can do that. They just filter the radiation from the chemical reactions in your brain." These changelings are quite the espionage agents, maybe learning their ways will get me closer to those who know more about my father. "Well if we're ready I think it's time for a,"

"ROAD TRIP!!!"

"Yes Manuel, a road trip." Chrys rolled her eyes, and smiled. "Come on. and stay in your human forms, you'll need the extra advantage." She led us back through the cavern and shut the wall behind us. It was only now that I saw the scars over her left eye. They were like a cat's scratch.

"Where did you get those?"

"You gave them to me, it was wild last night," She leaned in and whispered. "And I like it wild."

"So do I," I put my arm around her shoulder. She laughed that laugh that said 'I'll be waiting, for tonight.'

==============

As we exit the complex I could hear the many different calls of birds, most noticeable was the Kookaburra, which made me wonder was this lush tropical paradise really in the north pole? "Let me show you something," Chrys interrupted my thoughts with my thoughts again.

"I find that very annoying."

"I know, that's why I do it," She smiled wide and made the creepiest sound I've ever heard. It made me shudder. "Come on," She led us through the brush hacking the branches with her nifty little sword hand. A cold gust of wind and snow, crashed into my face. As I cleared my eyes it was like the eye of a storm. A lush tropical oasis in the middle of a blizzard. "Nopony knows where we are, either that or they're too scared to even try." Nina just sat on the ground in a flower patch and sniffed at the beautiful plants. I slowly knelt down beside her and put my arm around her shoulders.

"¿Qué hay de malo?"

"It's just, these flowers they're so pretty, and I'm so,"

"What, Beauty is only skin deep Nina, it's what we do that makes us beautiful. We can fix the outside no problema, but it's hard to fix our souls, El hombre que es cursi,"

"Cheesy is just what I wanted to hear." Nina wrapped her arms around me and squeezed tight. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel awkward. I soon made that creepy weird-ass sound. What am I,a squeaky toy? Why the hell not? I turn my head slightly to find Chrys, stifling laughter. "Sorry, Anton," Nina backed off and we stood up. I could hear snow crunching in the distance.

"Did you hear that?"

"What?"

"I heard it, and it don't sound friendly."

"Get to cover," Chrys yelled. "We'll handle this, you aren't ready."

"I ain't going without a fight," Manny took the same Muay Thai stance, like that Bassboost kid did.

"Me neither," Mari took the same Taekwondo that that Trance girl took.

The ground shook beneath our feet as a large silhouette appeared over the horizon. It looks like a human but, I put on the shades, this thing isn't human, it's soul is pitch black. The Ankh around my neck started to glow a faint blue. "Fantasma,"

"Muerto," It uttered in a gravelly deadpan.

"¿cuál es su intención aquí?"

"no es bienvenida." The creature stepped out of the glare,

"Chupacabra,"

"Si, and eating you will cure me."

"Just try me, Perro." The creature's fur was bleached white from years in the snow and sun, and each of his spines were razor sharp, and colored black as were his claws.

Round One Fight!

Chupacabra battle theme

The dog fell onto all fours and lunged for me, I did the only thing that came to mind, bracing myself for impact I shifted my left leg and waited half a second and twirled out of the war path. "Ole!" He skidded around, kicking up dirt, and came around for another pass. "Nina throw me," Chupa leaped into the air, I fell on my back as my feet connect with his stomach and he was sent into the air. "Your Ribbon,"

"Here." She untied her hair and threw me the two foot long ribbon. I heard the cracking of branches and something hits me hard from the side. Chupa used me as a surfboard until I slammed into a boulder, I coughed up about a pint of blood, and felt Chupa's claws rip out of my side, I felt the life ebb and flow out of me, but I wouldn't die. The Ankh's faint glow turned blue, and I could feel my flesh restitching itself.

"No, it can't be possible, Muerto."

"I don't want to kill you Chupa, but if I have to." I spring into a handstand. "I can't really change that." I could feel a new power welling up inside me. I sprang to my feet and raised my fists.

Round Two Fight!

Chupacabra battle theme 2

This time I was the one to charge, he reared back and swiped. but I easily read his movements and parried by twisting in and slammed his gut with my palm, sending him skidding back. "That the best you got Perro!" He sprang up to his hind legs, and sprang forward. I could read him like a book each broad swipe was parried and gracefully slid past me. I felt one swift jab to my gut and was sent back a few feet. "You got smart," I couldn't help but laugh, but this laugh wasn't mine, it was my father's. The Phantasm Bangles started to glow the same blue as the Ankh, I could feel my muscles burning, and that sadistic grin crack my face. "Burn in Hell, Satan's Blast!" I jabbed with my right arm forward and a ball of blue flame shot from my fist, but for some reason I fired at the ground before his feet and fell to my knees. "I couldn't kill him." The familiar feeling of tears falling down my face, gripped me. "I can't kill anymore, I've hurt to many,"

Chupa just stood in awe that I could have survived the evisceration, as I was surrounded by Chrys and the kids. "Are you okay Anton?" Chrys laid me on my back, and looked over my ripped shirt and jacket. She ran her fingers around the scarred flesh which was a little tender, the same sharp pain shot through me when she touched it. In the corner of my eye I saw Chupa walking back into the snowstorm.

"Wait Perro," His ears perked up. "I'm sorry I couldn't help."

"No problema, I'm not sure what I'd do even if I was human again. All you need is whistle and I will come to your aid." With that Chupa walked off into the blizzard and my eyes felt very heavy.

The Shadows Disturb Slumber

I was surrounded by a thick fog. I slowly twist and stand, I couldn't see my own hand in front of my face. A familiar silhouette appeared, my father's. "I am disappointed," He said in his eerie deadpan. "Lives should be taken on accord Anton."

What do you expect me to do!?"

"What I do, make deals and honor your agreement."

"But,"

"Stop looking, I'm long gone Hijo," I open my eyes and find myself under the satin sheets and in Chrys' arms. She was fast asleep back in her real facade, with a smile on her face, until she opened her eyes and I saw they were full of something I had seen before at the Orphanage, yearning.

"Was that him?"

"Si, Hermosa," I sighed and ran my fingers through her gossamer mane.

"Why is he disappointed?"

"Because I was taught early on to only fight when something is on the line for all parties,"

"And you were the only one who had something to fight for."

"But that Techno guy, fought to protect, not for personal gain,why Tulio, why did you make me do it."

"What really happened?"

"Well,"

==============

Back at the Orphanage I wasn't the smartest, but I was durable, I would constantly sneak out and go exploring in the dark Peruvian alleyways at night. One night I was caught in the crossfire during a territory war. Bullet straight to the chest. I woke up days later in the Hospital, surrounded by dumbfounded doctors. "You shouldn't be alive, let alone awake." I remember thinking why are they speaking English?

"What happened?" I asked.

"Well you were killed, but your heart restarted just before we pronounced you dead. You lost a lot of blood but miraculously the bullet missed your heart by a hair and went clean through."

"¿Cómo llegué aquí?"

"He brought you." The doctor pointed to a tall man in the corner.

"Glad to see you're feeling better Kid," The man spoke like he was from Argentina. "Me llamo Tulio Etranek, and I wish to adopt you."

"You'll have to take that up with Ms. Teresa."

"Already taken care of hijo, after a few more days of rest we'll leave, I have some business to attend to."

Over the next ten years he taught me how to channel my inner strength outward, and on my twenty-first birthday he told me he knew where my father was and said that if I wanted him back in my life to do what he said. We went to America and saw the sights and stopped in Detroit.The crime capital of America, he said that if I could find two innocent souls in this city and take them he would bring me to my father.

==============

"But he lied." Chrys had pieced it together real quickly.

"At first I didn't want any part of it but two street thugs followed the two children into the alley and I decided to follow maybe, I could save those two from getting mugged. the boy was amazing he took on them both while the girl looked at me in fear, but she swallowed it and lunged into a kick, knocking me to the ground and I fired on accident. the thugs bolted and left me with a limp girl and an angry brother, I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger, the last thing I remember about that day was Tulio's voice in my head saying, I'll do it myself", standing up, and firing."

"That's terrible,"

"How are they?"

"They're worried, but Mari has made all of them new wardrobes for the journey to Canterlot. Your new clothes are in the closet, dress warm, we have a long day ahead of us in the snow.

"Well."

"You have to come, they'll kill me if I go alone,"

"You make a convincing argument, Hermosa. I'll get up," I reluctantly peeled back the satin sheets and sat up. I heard that squeak sound again, and noticed I was naked, and she was eyeing me, with that dreamy look in her eyes. "Not, now, maybe later,"

"Fine later, I'll hold you to it."

"I hope so." I strut to the closet in my birthday suit, and open the closet, and slip into the shirt, padded pants and long red trench coat that were inside. My eyes fell to a dust covered box about six feet long and three feet wide. "What's this,"

"Oh that old thing, I found that about two-hundred years ago," Two-hundred years, well I always had a thing for older women. "Never been able to open it, I don't even know what's inside, needs a key." I drag the case out and set it on the bed. I wiped the dust off, and I heard a click as it popped open. The Ankh glowed a faint purple as the box lid flipped over itself. The inside was lined with purple satin and A sword laid in the case like an instrument, why would this thing be so special? I grab the hilt and carefully lift the weapon. A note was on the underside,

If you find this handle with care, this is an early prototype for a Soul Wraith weapon, I call it the Buster-Scythe. If you had enough power to open the box then you can use this weapon to it's full extent, but it does in a sense have a mind of it's own and must grow accustomed to you, here is my gift to you tender soul is the shield to defend yourself against whatever may threaten you.

Rest in peace, Death.

"What, is it?" The hilt shot out, and the blade snapped into a angle, and another blade sprang out the other side.

"It's a new toy," I twirl it around like a baton, as I throw it into the air it collapses back into the sword and I catch it by the hilt again. "One I can't wait to play with." I Clicked on the belt that was in the case and turned to her. She still had that dreamy look in her eyes.

"It's amazing but you actually look sexier all covered up." She laughed still keeping the bedroom tone.

"Gracias," I smiled and took her hoof in hand and walked with her to the others.

"You're okay!" Nina shouted as she tackled me. Her long red hair still tied in a braid.

"You look great!" Mari was the second to hug me. "Red is totally your color."

"Well," I held out some extra room for Manny.

"I don't do hugs,"

"C'mon Manny," Mari and Nina begged.

"Fine," I welcomed the bro hug, and looked over everyone's gear. Manny wore a polar bear pelt jacket, and the same pants. Mari wore an intricate black jumpsuit, with gold trim. Nina wore a red sweater and blue jeans.

"Good, we're all warm and toasty now Vamanos," We had a mission, and set to embark.

=======(Frozen North Travel Theme.)=======

The driving snow pounded my shoulders Chrys and I took point while the kids stuck close behind, the glaciers jutted from the ground and from cliffs like fangs. Chills ran up and down my spine, I don't know if I was scared or just cold, could've been both. Suddenly I felt a familiar presence, whoever it was it was dark, way darker than Chupa's. I felt on edge I knew something was following me, but what? "Do you feel that?"

"Yes I don't know what it is but it's close."

"Hello there!" A dark laughter came from a nearby cave.

"Get out of my home!" Chupa's voice shouted.

"Let's go help Chupa,"

"I got this one," Manny cracked his knuckles,"

"You all got this. Make us proud. We've got your back."

"Really?"

"Let's go."

Chupa was thrown through the cave mouth, and a skinny man walked out. "The law of the jungle, survival of the fittest." The man laughed. Manny slid in front of him. "Another one, tell me you'll be better prey than that one."

"Just try me."

"The Hunt is on." The man reached for his sawed-off shotgun. "You shall decorate my wall.

Round One Fight!

Hunter Battle Theme.

Manny shot at him like a bullet from a gun, but the hunter parried each punch with the barrels of his gun. "Really try harder, have your friends join in." He kept a cold attitude, and seemed cock-sure of himself. Mari sprang up and heel dropped him but he easily dodged. Mari began unloading kick after kick. He parried each of those as well. Nina watched the whole thing with that questioning look on her face, until she had an idea. Nina jumped into a spin and as she landed a wave of snow cascaded over all three of them. Manny and Mari dug themselves out and walked over to us.

"Don't count him out just yet."

"I think I can take him."

"We didn't even hit him."

"You didn't know how to hit him."

"She's right,"

"The best prey is one who is smarter than the hunter." He dug his way out and loaded his gun. "Now, a beautiful one such as you shall decorate my bed."

"In your dreams Buck-shot!" She charged and swept her leg under him, he jumped to dodge she saw an opening and as he landed her heel had come full circle and clipped his gut. He staggered back, as she flipped over him landing in a handstand and wrapping her legs around his neck. She pulled him back and threw him into the air. He flipped mid-air and shot at her, she dodged with a cartwheel. and sprang to him and grabbed his arm. "Let's take it out for a spin." She twirled in the air and Hammer threw him through an Ice floe, and into the chilled water.

I ran over to where Chupa lay and thank god he's still breathing. "Chupa, wake up."

"You saved my life twice this week."

"We're amigos, Hermanos,"

"Don't think for a second that hunter is through."

"You have beaten the hunter," A familiar female voice echoed. "Now try your hand against me." a tall woman stood on a cliff bow drawn, In half a second she releases and an arrow sinks into my forehead. As I lose consciousness I fall forward.

In Death, We Find Peace, And I Hate Peace.

=======(Manny's POV)=======

Huntress Battle Theme

He hit the ground hard, that stupid bitch shot him when he wasn't looking. "You bitch!" My blood boiled, I felt stronger I was gonna KICK HER ASS! I jumped straight at her and swung, snapping an incoming arrow in half. Green fire engulfed my fist. "Hephaestan Forge!" My fist hit flush to her face and I heard the crack of her dislocating jaw as she flew backward. "That the best you got,"

"Not even close." The whistling of arrows filled the air. "Mariposa Multi-shot!" Hundreds of arrows rained down.

"Shield Of Sparta!" A giant disk of green fire appeared on my arm. The arrows bounced off and turned to butterflies on impact. "Razor Discus!" I found where she landed and threw the shield as she reached into her quiver and pulled her bowstring taught.

"Artemis' Arrow!" She let loose as the arrow was encased in light. It grazed the disk sending it of course while staying true to aim. It pinned my foot to the ground,

"Trojan Horse!" I shed my human exoskeleton. and return to my original form. I only had one option, Mind Games. If I could get in her head. "Theseus' Bow!" I once again took a human form and a black bow shot out of my wrist. "Shadow Arrow" I tugged on the bowstring and fire the black arrow at her shoulder. I let loose one after another, each aimed at joints. Each hit true, I set my sights and lined up the last shot for her head but a hand lowered my bow. It was Anton's.

"She isn't worth it, hijo."

"But she tried to kill you,"

"That's true but, you have nothing to lose now,"

"A fellow Immortal," She jumped down and shouldered her bow.

=======(Anton's POV.)=======

"I knew not your standing, with the gods." She apologized.

"You still didn't have the reason to shoot him." Chrys, shouted as she looked over my wound.

"Primal instinct, is hard to control."

"I know what you mean."

"I am sorry about your Werewolf friend."

"I'm sorry about your partner." Nina smiled.

"He was bound to become prey eventually, the law of the jungle in action. I must be on my way,"

"Is there any way I can contact you?"

"Blow this, and you shall have my bow." She reached into a pouch and pulled out a trumpet. "The call of the hunt is unanimous among all races." With that she bid Au Revoir and headed off into the blizzard as it picked up again.

He's hurt!" Mari shouted.

"He's probably been shot, do you have any more of that ambrosia stuff, just a little to heal his wounds." Chrys handed me a vial and I made my way to Chupa. He was losing blood and fading fast. I look for the wound and find his right arm is completely trashed. "Here it is." I open the vial and rubbed in a few drops, and poured the rest down his throat, The sweet nectar patched the hole in his arm and he slowly regained consciousness. "Hey bud, I think it's better if you stay with us."

"I agree, you've saved my life four times, twice today."

"We'll find a way to rid you of your curse,"

"Gracias Mi Amigo,"

"We don't need any more allies," Chrys pulled me away, and lowered her voice to a whisper. "They may complicate our plans."

"What exactly are our plans?" I peruse. "You haven't told me anything about them."

"Well I didn't tell you because," She scratched her head thinking of an excuse.

"Because what?"

"I knew you wouldn't approve."

"This mind link doesn't go both ways." She blushed and started scratching again.

"Well it does, you just haven't figured it out yet."

"Just tell me."

"There's a big wedding in Canterlot later this month, and I need to take the bride's place for a while."

"Why?"

"When we feed on emotions, love is very potent, it gives us incredible power, second only to rage. If I can take her place for a few days I can feed off his Overwhelming love for her, then I might be strong enough to be Queen of creatures that can talk back."

"So what you're saying is, you want me to let you prance around with another man?"

"Well, when you say it like that it makes me sound like a slut."

"Would you disapprove of me prancing around with another woman while you're off with this other man.

"What?" She seemed shocked.

"If I let you do this, would you let me do the same?"

"Well, this is awkward, isn't it?"

"You started this so answer the question,"

"Well yes I suppose, if you don't blow our cover."

"Which means?"

"You must stay in pony form, no hands, no feet, and no changing in front of them, if you blow our cover, I just hope you're an ass man."

"You drive a hard bargain but I accept. Might even make it better for when we get back together,"

"That's what I love about you, just when I think I've figured you out,"

"I show you just how wrong you are." I had gotten used to that Squeak sound but it still gave me chills.

"Shall we be on our way?" I ask holding out an elbow,

"Yes, to Canterlot.

=======(Journey To The Mountains.)=======

We set off for the mountain range that Chrys said Canterlot was in. We trudged through the snow for what seemed like hours until we found a small cave. "I know the North like the back of my hand this cave will lead directly into the mountain on which our destination lies, but it will take a few days." Chupa and I took point, so I could listen to his story. "You want to listen?"

"Of course."

"Well a long time ago I was in New Mexico, traveling salesman, I could sell ice to the Eskimos, but one night I heard something, and walked outside, Two Coyotes were fighting in my backyard. I was stupid and tried to break it up, they both bit me and ran off. At first I thought nothing of it, just a flesh wound right, wrong over the next few nights I felt more and more restless, until one night a man came knocking on my door. He said something about creatures resembling Chupacabras had been sighted in the area, and wondered if I saw anything. I remember it happening like something from the incredible Hulk. I became this and went on a rampage, then next thing I know I'm here in the North and under the care of a hermit horse, he told me that he found me buried under six feet of snow."

"That still doesn't explain why you tried to kill me."

"Chupacabra loosely translated means."

"Blood Sucker,"

"I figured if I could suck your blood maybe I could become human again, Comprende?"

"A little primitive but you had sound logic,"

"Well It's like Artie said, Primal Instinct is hard to control."

"That's true," I start to feel weary, and my head starts to spin.

"You need to rest," Chrys caught me. "You're not used to Equestria yet."

"I'm fine, just low blood sugar."

"Here," She held out some of that Ambrosia stuff. "This will help, but you have to sleep."

"Okay," I took it and swallowed, it tasted different almost sour, but still sweet. My eyelids felt heavy and my muscles relaxed.

"You'll feel better, in the morning." She laid me down and laid down next to me as I drifted to sleep.

==============

I was back in that fog again, my father still standing there. "Do you think, the world is a happy place." He asked. "Do you think you can save every life you come in contact with?" The fog slowly lifted. "No matter where you are there is always death, and destruction,"

"What do you mean?"

"In the entire multiverse, there is one constant, the end of days." He turned and walked to me. "Everything ends everyone dies, but you have this delusion that everyone can be saved. And you have the worst way of going about it."

"Let him find out on his own Al," Another tall man walked into my field of vision. He wore the same outfit I did but, Black. "I personally think he needs to do it his way, what's the worst that could happen."

"Lots of things, I don't want him to be in a coffin next time I see him."

"Don't worry Al, He's got me to protect him."

"That's what I'm worried about."

==============

The fog set in again thicker than before. The thicker it got my grasp on the vision loosened and I opened my eyes. The scene of me waking up in her arms played out once again. I shook her awake and she smiled. "Feel better?"

"Yeah,"

"Well that's good to hear," She helped me up and we dusted ourselves off. "Now I think we need to, change tactics."

"How so."

"During our stay in Canterlot we need to keep flawless cover."

"So you're saying we need to get used to being Caballos?"

"Yes,"

"Alright, so we're going for little Shetland ponies?" She nodded. I shut my eyes and focused on a Pony but it kept coming out to a Pegasus. I went with it, and opened my eyes and I'm lower to the ground and on all fours. my feet and hands now hooves. "How's this?" I tried to flap my wings, Chrys took the form of the target, a beautiful pink Pegasus Unicorn, my wings shot straight out.

"You like what you see?"

"Muy Bueno,"

"You don't look too bad yourself." she trotted over to me. "You know we have some time before they wake up,"

"You read my mind."

In Death, We Find Answers, But Not The Ones We Need.

It was difficult at first but I quickly got the hang of maneuvering in this new body, and apparently it showed. Chrys laid next to me on the cold cave floor, panting and a wide smile on her face. "You did great, for your first time."

"I don't know whether to take that as a compliment." I chuckle.

"You should, I haven't been run this ragged for thirty years." She propped herself on one foreleg. "It's strange that your scars. stay." She rubbed the tender spot on my side. I snapped my wing over her hoof.

"Please, be gentle."

"I'm always gentle, here have some of this." She pulled out some Mead and rolled it to me. "Without fingers." I thought for a second and tried something I saw in a movie. I grabbed the neck in my mouth and tilted back, I chugged the whole bottle as the sweet liquid turned tart. When I finished I set the bottle down, straight up. "You're good."

"I get that a lot."

"I bet you do, we better get moving." She helped me up and we went to find Chupa and the kids.

"Wake up, guys."

The others slowly got a feeling for their surroundings and woke up. Chupa led us deeper into the tunnels, as we walked in silence I could feel something was following us, but couldn't place it, or the fact that the Buster-scythe had disappeared and a picture of it appeared on my thigh, but I knew it was still by my side, waiting for the next chance to help. Death's letter was right it did have a mind of it's own, and it seems to like me. "I can tell there is quite a lot on your mind, Allegro, these ears aren't for show." Chupa broke the silence.

"I'm just thinking about my father,"

"And?"

"I've been having dreams about him, he's saying he's disappointed, but I saw another man who looked like me speak up. he seems dark and the strange feeling of restless spirits surrounds him."

"He may be an alter ego, trying to guide you along the right path,"

"Are you sure you're a salesman?"

"I'm pretty sure." He stopped mid stride and sniffed the air. "I smell something. It's alive but it has no soul."

"Autómata?"

"Could be but I can't say for sure without seeing it."

"Could it be a plant?" Nina asked.

"No Plants have very small souls but still souls, whatever this is it doesn't have one exactly."

"Exactly?"

"Well have you heard of Kachinas?"

"The spirits of nature."

"Yes, they each have a certain feel about them, but they never let themselves be seen for what they really are."

"So they can mask their souls."

"They may be, Kököles."

"We are in the mountains."

"What are Kököles?" Chrys asked, I guess some parts of my brain are still off-limits,

"The Zuni believe they are spirits that live in the mountains, much like Apu for the Mayans, The Zuni say that some are restless souls of the dead that have not passed on." I explain.

"Before I was bitten, I wouldn't have even considered the mystic mumbo jumbo that came from the mouths of chiefs, but my eyes have been opened so to speak."

"So we're talkin' 'bout ghosts?" Manny asked almost scared.

"Not exactly,"

"That's reassuring,"

"I don't understand Allegro,"

"What?"

"Why do you walk this path, with them."

"Well I'll answer with a question, what would you do if someone saved your life?"

"Not many have that kind of thinking."

"True, plus she's gorgeous,"

"Ella es un Caballo."

"Have you even looked at me?"

"I'm blind, my sight was stolen."

"I didn't know."

"No problema mi amigo," He stopped again and sniffed at the air. "Something's here, something big." He walked forward and that Death man sat on a outcropping, legs dangling and deep in thought. "He stinks of death."

"Muerto!" I shouted, as I took my previous form. which got his attention.

"Anton," He stood and hopped down. A ten story drop seemed like ten inches to him. "And you've found Juan."

"Do I know you?" Chupa seemed unimpressed.

"Why are we stopping?" Chys asked as she stepped through the opening.

"Queen Chrysalis," He easily saw through her disguise.

"Death, you can't touch me,"

"I can't kill you, though I wish I could. Immortality and eternal youth."

"What brings you here, Death?"

"I told you to stay away from her."

"Well it doesn't help your case, when you threw me on her doorstep." I reply nonchalant.

"You are every bit your father, he's annoying,"

"What did my father do to you?"

"He stole from me, he stole his own soul."

"Is it considered stealing if he ran away?"

"It is when he sold it." Death grumbled.

"Do I look like I care, I just want to find him,"

"When you find him you better tell me, or else,"

"Is that a challenge?" Something inside me wanted to fight him. "Bring it Bonehead."

"You would die in two seconds."

"Prove it," I felt like someone else entirely. "If I can last five seconds, I get one favor, if I lose consciousness, you get my soul." He took a moment to mull over my offer. "Well, I don't have all year,"

"You a make a tempting offer, but,"

"But you're too scared, to fight little old me," I laughed. "Death's afraid of losing to a human,"

"You have a deal, let's see if you fight like your father."

He disappeared and a bony elbow shot into my gut, and I flew through the air and slammed into a wall. That's one, I cringed barely clinging to consciousness. This pain shot through me like a bullet from a gun, about a liter of blood oozed from my mouth. I struggled to move but my body was too trashed. All I could do was wait for the clock to run out. I budged out of the wall and gravity did what it does best helping me land with an elephant's grace face first on the cold floor. At the two second mark my left lung collapsed under his sharp heel. I gathered the strength to push myself up at the three second mark. I could barely keep my eyes open. I could see the look of surprise on his face, through the reflection in the crystal. The Fourth second I felt cold, and weak, just one more second, my body gave out but I had to stay awake, for them, for me. After a total of five seconds, my eyes snapped shut, and my good lung stopped working.

Author's Note

A little look into the power of perseverance, and what happens if you piss off Death.

In Death We Learn, Our True Purpose.

==============

Chrys ran over to her unconscious lover and went to work, she quickly changed and tried to start his heart. "Don't die on me, you can't." She encased her hand in a green ooze and stabbed her hand through him. The gel entered his blood stream and his heart started again. His ribs snapped back together, and the hole stitched itself up. "Thank the gods," Anton's eyes opened to her ecstatic face.

"You, saved his life, you wouldn't do that for a pawn."

"He's not a pawn, he's the only thing I have in this world."

"What is the favor?" Death helped Anton to his feet.

"But I lost." Anton asked confused.

"After five seconds."

==============

Did I really last five seconds? How the hell did I do that I should be dead. "Is it possible to return Chupa to normal?"

"That depends on your definition of normal, if there is such a thing."

"You don't have to do that, I am fine with living like this."

"I don't need anything, and there is nothing I want."

"I'm impressed, everyone else asked for money, power, babes."

"I'd love to hear about the whole list of what you can give, but we have to be somewhere, so adios amigo." I shook off the current situation, and turned my back to Death. I placed my finger and thumb in my mouth and whistled. "Oy Vamanos!" Chrys wrapped my arm in a hug,

"Did you really just turn your back to Death?" Her bedroom tone was back and better than ever.

"You may have hope, yet." Death laughed and disappeared.

"Why does he hate you?"

"He doesn't hate me, we had a falling out about three hundred years ago,"

"Really, what's the dish?"

"Well think of it this way, how would you feel if you couldn't do what you were born to do?"

"I'd feel worthless."

"If you have Immortality you can't be killed by disease, or poison, eternal youth grants you to not die of old age or be killed, but you can die from what immortality prevents."

"If you have both you can't die," That gave me an idea. "Wait, Chupa, Juan sorry."

"It's fine,"

"If we could get you immortality, it might get you human again!"

"But how?" Nina caught up with us. Chrys and I shared glances and we didn't have to read each other's minds to know.

"Pure Ambrosia, would give him temporary Immortality, until I can find Death again."

"You're not going to!" Chrys caught on to my stupid idea

"I can't let you throw away, the only thing keeping you alive." Chupa refused to take my offer. "You can't, you wouldn't last a week without it, you're a punching bag, and Immortals have the highest rate of survival." He started walking again.

"Multar ser esa manera."

"I will be that way, but I will take that God Nectar. Eternal youth is overrated, you won't die from a gunshot,"

"But you can die from the lead poisoning." Chrys finished. "You know a lot, for a salesman,"

"It's best to know who you're selling to, If a picture paints a thousand words, a thousand words can move a nation, an old friend told me that."

"My father told me that before he disappeared twenty years ago."

"I knew you sounded familiar, like I met you before."

"You knew my father, how long ago was this?"

"We met about thirty years ago, he said he had several people after him and needed a place to lay low. At first I didn't want anything to do with him, but."

"A thousand words can move a nation, my father had quite the way with words."

"Yes he has." Chupa smiled that toothy smile sending chills down my spine.

"Here," Chrys held out a vial. "Drink this,"

"Thanks." Chupa popped the cork and threw it back. In a flash of light he turned into a young man about my age is a black shirt and blue jeans..His stare remained blank as did his expression. "That Figures." His tone was cold and heartless, as usual. "I still lack sight." He raised his hand and waved it around like he was directing a choir. "But I've grown to live without it." Without so much as a crouch or tensing his muscles he shot onto the top of the outcropping. He ran his hand across the cold crystal. "It's here," He vaulted over to another cliff. "Brace yourselves," The ground shook beneath our feet and we heard the thumping of a slow stride. "Leave now,"

"What's happening?!" I shouted.

"He's coming,"

"Who's coming?"

"An old friend."

"We're friends, that's news to me." A young boy about nineteen years old stood upside-down on the ceiling his shoulder length hair dangled in front of his face. "It's been years old man, do you even remember who I am, or do you need a reminder?"

"Stow your tongue, or have you forgotten who I am, Gregory"

"What'd you say to con these idiots into coming with you." The boy flipped around and landed next to me. "Or did they feel sorry for the poor blind puppy?" Something about this kid isn't right. "They're a joke, they can't even stand up straight." He laughed right in my face. "And you want to play hero, when you're dating the villain!" His laughing was annoying. "You never read comic books. the bad guy is always right under your nose, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, the good looking ones are always evil." He strolled over to Chrys. "The world will never know peace, none of them will. And do you know why?" I had it, my fist flew straight to his face but he didn't so much as budge. He raised his hand and grabbed mine and twisted. "That's why, emotions run wild, the only way for anything to know peace, is to remove what makes you you."

That little twerp was right, what makes us human kills us. Well I'm not gonna let this little punk tell me I can't live life thee way I want to. "Tough talk for a tiny twit."

Gregory Battle Theme

"Look at that, the little man wants to go another round." His voice came from behind. "Are you sure you want to do that?" His voice shouted from above. "You gotta admit, he's right." What the hell is going on?

"Where are you!?"

"Behind you," I whip around, to find him lighting a cigarette. "No up above." He pointed up to another one standing on the ceiling. "Or am I right beside you?" A hand was placed on my shoulder. Each one wore a smile. "Which one, which one?" His fist slammed into my stomach throwing me onto my back. I look around to find they're just standing there, not moving with blank stares. "Does it even matter,"

"What have you done to them," I flipped over still reeling from the blow.

"Your eyes can play tricks on you," He took another puff from his cigarette. "So can your ears," Another one grabbed my leg and threw me into the air. "Pain is only as real as you make it."

=======(Manny's POV)=======

"Why aren't they moving, guys please talk to me." I shook my sisters. This isn't making any sense.

"Really, they can't hear you." That dude facepalmed. "Don't even try."

"Who are you?"

"That depends on who you're asking."

"What's with the mind games?" I readied my bow, and loaded a shadow arrow. "Tell me now or I'm gonna shove this right down your throat."

"An empty promise, the only thing shoved down my throat, will be your soul." A fist flew into my face as I let loose the arrow. I skidded back several feet. "That didn't hurt." I regained my compsure and saw I hit him, a long slit grazed his cheek, and I could see I drew blood. "Nothing you can do can hurt me." He took a step and disappeared into a grenade punch snapping my leg. The pain shot through me like it was being fileted. "But Everything I do can hurt you."

=======(Nina's POV)=======

"Two can play mind games."

"Really?"

"I hold the same power of persuasion you do." I hope he'll let his guard down long enough. "Yes I do." There was another me, wait more than one me, more than one him. "I'm dreaming!"

"Very astute, I like to call it the daydream state."

"Where your imagination runs wild,"

"Yet you are still connected to the real world still letting me dish out incredible amounts of pain." This guy's a genius,

attacking us where we're most vulnerable. My thoughts were interrupted by his one two kick combo, I raised to block it with my right arm which took the brunt of his attacks. His shin snapped both my Radius and Ulna bones. My foot swung around and was planted into the side of his face. I slammed my other foot on top of his, and grabbed his neck.

"You're the first one to catch on, the others have died already."

"Not if I have anything to say about it." My muscles tensed as I threw him through a cave wall.

=======(Anton)=======

It was all I could do to stay awake, he's just too fast. He's been brushing off everything I threw at him, then I noticed his face, a small slash scar had appeared. He dropped to one knee clutching his stomach, and vomited blood. "Looks like I may need more than I thought." His smirk grew demonic grin. "Restriction level two, released," His muscles began to convulse as the air around us grew heavy. What the hell is restriction level two? I felt something move at my feet the wind was picking up. He's a wraith, one of death's poster boys, don't let him get to number three or we can all kiss our asses goodbye. Let me help you may not be as strong as he is but, maybe I'm smarter. The voice in my head gave me an idea. The Buster-scythe must've caught on and lent me it's power. It flipped out into scythe mode as I scanned for anything, Stalactites. I traced a circle above him in my head and threw it. Just before they fell around him I felt sharp pain run through my heart, and I fell back to reality.

=======(Mari.)=======

I was holding my own just fine, I had him on the ropes, but his second wind is blowing like a hurricane. "What happened to him," He had strength but I had a leg up on him, speed. I had to charge, My feet took me in circles around him each of my steps left fire in my wake. "Hephaestan Furnace!" His skin began to burn away as his screams echoed throughout the cave.

=======(Juan Delatore, Chupa)=======

I could smell the burning flesh, Gregory may not be able to feel it but, the pain is there. He threw Haymaker after Haymaker, but I could in a sense see through his attacks. He was slow his attention was divided, and his maneuvers were easy to counter. I spun and grabbed his arm, and twisted. I felt the pop of his shoulder dislocating, I knew it wasn't real but the sound was comforting. "The Mind is a powerful weapon," With a well placed chop I dislocated his elbow, and Soldier Threw him into the air. "Howling Hurricane!" My fingernails sharpened and I luanched myself into a spin right above him. I could smell the fear, and that only intensified my bloodlust. "Soul Rend!" My feet brushed up against the ceiling and I sprang down as my hand grabbed onto his very being.

"You can't," His voice was one of desperation.

"I can and I will." The illusion shattered as he collided with the cold ground. He laid there unconscious as I tore my hand from his chest. The others returned to reality, but Anton wasn't doing so good.

==============

"Don't even try, he's long gone," Gregory stood holding his stomach with his left hand and his eye with his right. "Nobody's home,"

"No he can't be gone," The Queen was frantic, Gregory was right. Anton's soul has been snuffed out. "I can heal him." She tried to heal the wounds that weren't there.

"That crap can't help, he has no physical wounds it's all in his head." Gregory taunted as he fell to one knee. "But you did a number on me." His breathing was labored, and he felt incredible pain. "I could actually feel those." He coughed. "I've done what I came to do," Gregory slowly faded away into the shadows. "Good luck finding me Papi,"

=======(Anton's OOB)=======

What was I watching, am I dead? Where is Death I need some answers, I can't die I don't want to. "Where the hell are you, you Bony Bastard!"

"Well, well, well." Death appeared next to me, that same stupid file in his hand.

"Put me back or you'll be in that well." I grabbed him by his cloak collar. "Do it know!"

"I can't," He grabbed my wrists. "You suffered tremendous mental trauma, if I put you back now, there's a good chance you'll go comatose."

"¿Te parece que le doy el culo de una rata?"

"Sorry there's no going back."

"Time to cash in that favor, make me one of those Wraiths."

"How do you know about wraiths."

"One of your lackeys just made me muerto, so just do it."

"Which one?" Death took a serious undertone.

"Gregory,"

"Gregory Delatore," He rumaged through his briefcase, and pulled out another file. "Here he is, he's a lot like you, his father went missing, years ago. Hates to lose, his imagination is his most powerful weapon. I enlisted him after his death, Detroit, Michigan June 12 2012. Same alley as Tech."

"He actually killed one?"

"Not directly, when your gun was fired the second time the bullet passed clean through, and tada Greg's dead." This news made me cringe, I killed three innocents that day. He could sense my guilt. "It wasn't your fault, it was Etranek's. It's the strangest thing I actually feel sorry for you." He shuddered. "From now on you answer to me, understood?" I nodded. "Good, this gets you one step closer to your father." He held out his hand. "Do we have a deal?"

"Deal," I took his hand and we shook on it. I was thrown back into my body, and I opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was Chrys's eyes overflowing with tears.

"No lloren hijo, No lloren chica,

Únicamente sonríe, de ahora en,

por lo tanto siempre,

recuerdan,

a escucharme,

y para mantener esperanzas,.

Don't cry son, Don't cry girl,

Only smiles, from now on,

so always,

remember,

to listen to me,

and to keep high hopes." Her eyes lit up and so did the kid's, Juan just stood there arms crossed with a smile on his face.

Author's Note

End of Shadows Arc.

In Life, We Find Ourselves.

"Thank the gods, I knew you weren't dead." Chrys laid on top of me and squeezed tight. I decided to string her along just for now. "But why didn't the ambrosia work?"

"It doesn't heal mental trauma, everything we just went through didn't happen." Nina interrupted.

"But it felt so real," Manny countered.

"Because you thought it was." Juan said as he helped me to my feet. "We were deadmen walking as soon as Death left. " I actually am, but now isn't the time for that.

"We need to keep moving." I had to get used to my body again, it was like being reborn.

"But you need to rest." Nina Started to argue but she saw the determination in my eyes and backed away.

"So shall we be off?" I smile and turn around and start walking. "Oy Vamanos!"

"You've fooled me again," Chrys walked next to me, happily keeping pace.

"It's my job," I chuckled but I didn't feel the same. "I'm starting to wonder."

"What do you mean?"

"Something feels off inside, like I actually died."

"You did," Juan saw right through my charade.

"How could you tell?"

"Even a blind man can see, that something's changed."

"Really, he looks fine to me." Manny questioned.

"Alright we'll set up camp here, I'll explain everything in a campfire story." Chrys slid her finger over her hand setting the

ground ablaze, in green as we sat down. "But first Juan I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Killing your son."

"He wasn't much of a son, of course I wasn't that much of a father."

"I know how he feels," I did the exact same thing. "But you can still make ammends."

"Maybe you're right Allegro,"

"I am," I took a deep breath. "About twenty years ago, my father vanished, leaving me in an orphanage. I was always cheating death, coming out of the most violent situations virtually unscathed. I only had one friend and that was my cousin Eli, he had a lucky streak too, the only survivor of the car crash that made him end up at the orphanage. Over the next five years we grew inseparable, best of friends, family. Then Tulio adopted me, I felt bad that I had to leave but Tulio told me that he had arranged for his adoption. Over the years Tulio taught me how to fight, how to fend for myself. One day I killed three innocent children, I felt so guilty I let the police catch me and be executed."

"By lethal injection." Juan interrupted. "It only made you tired."

"Yeah, I woke up an hour later in the crematorium, where I met Death, who thought I was dead."

"So he threw you in here so I could finish the job?" Chrys was impressed. "I'm flattered he thinks I'm that powerful."

"Actually he told me to steer clear of you,"

"Aw, that's so sweet of you to stay anyway." Nina was definately growing into a woman.

"Well, she didn't really give me a choice," My head turned to Chrys. "Did you?"

"No I guess I didn't." She shook her head and smiled. "Now tomorrow we'll be entering the city. first we need to make our guises flawless. Juan since you can't shapeshift like us you'll have to stay here."

"You want me to sit here with my thumbs up my ass?"

"No, the target, will need to be hidden, and while we infiltrate, you will situate, I.E. make her comfortable."

"And you think a heartless beast can comfort a horse."

"Oh don't beat yourself up, you're a valuable asset,"

"And you didn't want to bring him."

"What can I say, man's best friend has a certain charm."

"So about our target."

"She looks like this." She turned back into the pink one from before and her voice lost that buzzing. "The plan is to capture

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and take her place."

"My Love Song?"

"Yes I know her name sounds weird, but she has a special magic, much like ours but one fatal flaw. She can give love away, mostly because of her birthright. The crystal kingdom, it is said that they had the most powerful artifact, the crystal heart."

"What does the crystal heart do?" Nina seemed as interested as I was in this ancient mythology.

"It's said that the crystal heart channels emotion, if love and happiness are put through it the entire world of Equestria, feels

the same."

"Why don't we just go after this crystal heart?" I posed. "It seems like if we get the heart, you could be the most powerful in the world."

"If I could I would, but it disappeared about one thousand years ago, along with the entire kingdom."

"So we're going after the princess hoping to gain power, and then if the crystal kingdom appears we go affter the Corazon."

"Presicely."

"You've really thought out this world domination thing haven't you?"

"That's what seperates me from Discord, Sombra, and Nightmare Moon, they never had a plan B, Discord didn't even have a plan A." She was beside herself. "Plus I've taken the Elements of Harmony into account."

"Elements of Harmony?"

"The backbone of society, so to speak. Honesty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, Loyalty, and Magic. Each of these are in all of the ponies, but each one is prominant in one of six special cases, and only work when each is present, and each is adorned in the respective atrifact."

"So they're like, power rangers." I tried not to laugh at ponies in spandex.

"Sounds like it." Juan kept a straight face.

"So what's the plan?"

"The first phase, is infiltration and intelligence gathering. Nina and Manuel will sneak into the archives, i will relay your findings to the others via our telepathic link. Mari, you will follow the Princesses of the Sun and Night, I'll need everything you can get about their movements and ways of thinking. You dear, will infiltrate the royal guard, and keep the captain busy, learn everything you can. I'll need to know everything about him, "

"Is he the secondary target?"

"Yes, then on to the second phase, We will need to bait and switch, and bring her back here. Manuel and Nina you will then make your way into the Element Room. Then Anton will tell Armour about a threat on the city. causing him to erect a protective shield around the entire kindom oof Canterlot. Thus dividing his attention, then I will slowly syphon his energy therefore weakening the shield for phase three."

"And phase three?

"Full scale invasion." Her logic was sound and well backed.

"What were to happen if someone saw through the disguise." I asked as I took my Red Pegasus masque.

"I would personally see to it that they are dealt with."

"If one of us were to fail our tasks."

"I have full confidence, and I can walk you through the task using our link."

"If Armour doesn't believe me."

"You can convince him, you have a leg up on him, anything I find relevant will be sent to each of you."

"Well we have a big day ahead of us, so let's get some sleep."

"But first a refresher course, do not say everybody it's everypony, and in order to survive you must stay in one form, if they see you change you'll be taken to the Princess of the Sun and surely interigated. Her mind reading is by no means painless."

"If you're the Queen why do we even need to do this incognito crap?" Juan blinked his blind eyes.

"I'm not their Queen, that's why we need to do all this Incognito Crap."

"Don't get snappy with me Puta." His voice took on his signiature feral growl.

"Don't even think of letting her out of your sight." She huffed and the fire was out like a light. "Stupid dog," Chrys growled as she curled up next to me on the cold cave floor.

"Bitch!"

"Shut Up!" I shouted as I curled around her. "Both of you," Both of us soon fell asleep curled around each other's warm fuzzy bodies.

The dreams had become livid, my other self was sitting at a table with my father. I made my way to them. "So we're dead." My other self leaned back in his chair.

"Antonio you should have run."

"I couldn't!"

"What did you have to lose?"

"Mi Familia."

"Family," My father backed away. "Is something worth losing your life over?"

"I'd say so."

"What's next?"

"We'll see each other in person very soon. I hope you have made me proud by then."

"Well dramatics aside, you're dead and we've been drafted, but Death didn't give you a weapon. Makes you think don't it."

"The Scythe?"

"Not an option it wasn't yours and it's very picky about who it lets use it. It's useless to you, the box was just the first lock, the second lock only opens when the right key is there."

"So we are weaponless, and powerless?"

"Far from it," Father for once had a smile. "You'll find out later." The walls of the dream faded as my eyes opened and I felt Chrys' weight on my shoulders.

"Good morning," She was still the pink one, but I didn't care. "Did you sleep well?"

"Did you?"

"Of course," Her demeanor had changed, she was happy. "We better get moving." She lifted herself off of me and let me up. "Wouldn't want to be late." This new side of her was quite a refreshing change of pace, but I was still fond of the one I met before.

A New Life, Is An Old Life Just The Same.

The Caverns.

Juan stood at the edge of the ravine. "Knowing my luck he's down there." Juan took a moment to think. What what would Rico do? He calmed his nerves and breathed deep. His bones snapped and reformed as he once again took his canine appearance. "Now for the fun part." With another deep breath he let in the scents of the deep earthy caverns. The menagerie of dull perfumes, tickled his nose, when the familiar smell of his son shot through, but something was off, like it was mixed with another. "Someone else is down there with him." He took another sniff. "And they're hostile." Juan placed his front paws on the ledge. "One, two, three."

He sprang forward into the dark depths. Every few feet he dug his claws into the bedrock to slow his descent. As he fell deeper the putrid smell of decaying flesh overloaded his nose. "The smell of corpses should have disappeared by now, unless something's been killing recently." He couldn't track the number of corpses overran his sense of direction. He finally came to a halt on the cave floor, his eyes watering from the disgusting smell. He began to breath out of his mouth, and calmed himself. He listened for any sound that could give him an inkling of his surroundings. The dripping of water a few yards away caught his attention. "Water," The rattling of an air-shaft also caught his ear. "Air," His ears pricked at falling rocks. "Earth," A small crackling sounded about two-hundred yards away. "Fire, that's where they are."

Fireside

"I don't like this sneaking around." Gregory took a bite from a glowing ball.

"Like I care what you think." A young boy sat on an overturned crystal. "All that matters is what Etranek wants."

"Why am I even listening to a ten year old?"

"Because I have experience," The boy held out a small crystal. "You wouldn't want anything to happen to her, would you?"

"Jordan." A man appeared behind the boy and snatched the crystal from his hand. "Gregory has he been taken care of?"

"Yes,"

"Good I wouldn't want him to meddle, most likely he has become a Wraith, and it stands to reason he'll be looking for me."

"I don't see what making him stronger, accomplished."

"Upon their second death a Wraith is gone wholesale, no salvage."

"How can you guarantee, that we're stronger."

"He's dancing with the Devil, he's already made enemies for more powerful than I"

"Those things he was with."

"You saw their true intentions, and you know that they will fail." The man shifted his gaze down the tunnel. "We have company." His thick Brazilian accent faded into a dark demented one. "He is too strong for you stay back, I'll deal with him personally."

Juan's POV.

I began to hear them, three in total, Gregory, a young boy, and un Demonio. The stench had lessened and I could breath again. I skidded to a halt before a deserted fire ring. The ash was still warm, I sniffed at the ground. "Come out,"

"Hola mi Amigo." A dark throaty voice sounded from a few feet away.

"You are no Amigo of mine."

"Poor little puppy all alone."

"Your mind games have no power over me."

"Fine a good old fashioned fist-fight, then." He planted his foot two feet before his other one to gain balance.

"Come at me Ese."

Juan Vs Etranek.

Round One Fight!

His steps were erratic, his stance unfounded, but his power was a different story. His aura was intense, like the heat of the desert. "Don't think I'll take it easy on you on account you're blind."

"The very reason you shouldn't."

The light clack of his shoe hitting the cave floor sent him forward. He was fast but not fast enough, just as he swung I crouched and grabbed his arm, Using his momentum I threw him into the wall beside me. "I told you not to hold back." lept into the air, and caught onto an overhang. "Vicious Render!" My claws grew sharper.as I flew down aiming for his head.

"Shadow Claw," He named his attack nonchalantly, I was stopped mid air and the force of his dark aura constricted around my chest. "Restriction Level One Release." When he said that his grip grew tighter. My howls of pain echoed throughout the caverns. "Begone!" I was flung upward and crashed into the ceiling and bounced down, I tried to regain my composure but I was soon hit by a large force into another wall. "You're still alive, that's saying something." He taunted. "Anyone else would have died instantly." He slammed his heel into my back snapping a rib, My howls of pain must have fallen on friendly ears.

"Illusion Fist!" The Demon man was sent flying. "Illusion Fist!" I moved my head to watch as I saw Gregory bombarding him. "Delusion Fist!" I can see? "Restriction Level one release!" How can I see, I've been blind for five years.

"Shadow Claw!" A large hand flew from his hand at Gregory.

"Illusion Wall!" The hand was deflected into the ceiling.

"Insolent Whelp! Restriction Level Two Release," The Demon man's aura burned with intensity of an active volcano. "Shadow Blaze!"

"Restriction Level Two Release! Delusion Grasp!" A large vorpal hand threw Gregory into the air just as the ring of fire completed itself. "Illusion Double!" He burst down and fell right through the Demon man, then Gregory's fist connected twith his spine. "Illusion Fist!" The Demon man was sent flying up and he was embedded in the ceiling. "Way too easy," Gregory turned and waked over to me and helped me to my feet. "I'm happy I came to my senses in time."

"That makes two of us."

"We have to get out of here, he can't leave the caverns."

"If I could I would Hijo, but I'm a little on the broken side."

"Let me carry you Papi." Gregory lifted me up onto his back. "Once we get you out of here we can find a doctor."

A New Life, And A New Shadow.

Anton's POV

As the feeling subsided I opened my eyes, I saw through the tinted glass of the sunglasses. My neck was covered in black leather, that somehow breathed like silk. "What is this thing?" I asked as I was examined by Anubis.

"Remarkable,"

"The Armament Beetle, is created from Changeling hide, lending it the power to change based upon each situation."

"How did you manage?"

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"I would love to know how you solved that puzzle, but if you don't want to talk about it."

"Why does it feel like it's not even there?" I flapped my wings and I was soon off the ground. "I feel lighter."

"Long story short, it provides the protection of steel, while the mobility of spandex. And it all can go back into the beetle around your neck, at any time."

"I must take my leave," Anubis bowed and returned to his previous form before running off.

"I must leave as well, whenever you need it just say, Armament Engage." With that he was gone without a trace.

"I better be off, everything would fall apart without me." Don't flatter yourself, she can get any of her lackeys to do it. My other self seemed a little angry, I myself found it nice that she trusted me that much. At least someone hasn't changed. As I walked through the city I passed by more upturned noses and stuck up attitudes. I found a table at a small back street diner. A Unicorn Waitress trotted over pad and pen in her magic aura.

"What can I get fer ya this afternoon, sweetheart?" I had found several diners like this all over America, they have a nice staff, good food, and a general good feel.

"What do you have."

"Here's a menu," A laminated piece of paper flew over to me and I scanned it over, dandelion sandwich, salad, no meat.

"Just some orange juice."

"That's all, you look half starved to death, ya gotta eat something."

"I'm not that hungry, just thirsty."

"Are ya sure?" She was actually concerned for my well being.

"Yes,"

"Alright Orange juice, on the house." A glass of orange juice was poured and landed on the table. "The name's Flo."

"Thank you Flo."

"No problem." She smiled and trotted off to tend to other customers.

"I forgot to tell you," Death sat in a patio chair across from me. "You can't eat food, You can but it won't satisfy your hunger. Only these can." He held out a glowing ball. "This is a soul of a newly departed, you have to eat these to stay 'alive'."

"Un poco macabras."

"What do you expect?"

"Touche," I dropped the ball and it slid down my throat. It was a little sweet yet spicy. It left an undescribable aftertaste that made me shudder.

"You'll get used to it." He chuckled and left taking the chair with him. After a moment I felt fully restored, like a new man. I turned my head and saw about five ponies come to my table with dissatisfied looks.

"Can I help you?" I waited for an answer.

"Yeah, we can start with a name."

"My name is none of your concern."

"Ever think that ponies might get the wrong impression about your attitude?"

"What did you say?"

"As first impressions go, yours lacks finesse." I scanned for a hint of reaction. "What do you want?"

"Your necklace."

"I could take you with two hooves tied behind my back."

"Is that so?"

"You aren't worth it." I stood up and walked away." Look alive! I lowered my head to dodge a left hook.Six o'clock low!" I listened to my other self, and lifted my hind legs and buck one in the face. Three o'clock mid! My right wing blocked a buck from another and I swept it under him. Three down two to go. "You're not worth it."

"Stop there." I was surrounded by armored guards. You got me caught. I saved your ass!

"Stand down!" A white Unicorn shouted. "He was obviously defending himself, and he did a fine job. All of you failed the exam."

"Exam?"

"I am Shining Armour, Captain of the Guard, these were new recruits, and you passed even though you weren't being tested. The point of the exercise was to stop the criminal you stopped him not them."

"But he left without paying."

"His orange juice was on the house, and he showed restraint and a cool head, leaving before things escalated. and kept his head clear after things escalated."

"So they were fake criminals?"

"in a sense, all of you back to barracks," The other guards saluted and marched off. "You did good for a completely clueless Pegasus."

"Thanks, I think."

"What's your name?"

"Tony."

"Well Tony, would you like to be in the Guard? I can't just make you one but I can get you into the academy."

"Thanks,"

"No problem, what say we get a drink, might as well get a drink with a stranger, then wait for a friend who keeps blowing me off."

"Sounds like a plan." It was all falling into place ahead of schedule, but I'm not in the woods yet. He seems like a nice guy but like she said no friends just potential enemies.

A New Life, Or A New Way Of Thinking.

This isn't good not even two hours and our Ace in the hole already been dealt a bad hand, I need to rethink our strategy. The Queen had taken the new form of a creme Unicorn. I may have a contingency plan. "Manuel, there has been a change of plans, you'll be the one to grab her and keep her safe in the caverns."

"What's wrong with Juan?"

"I feel like a chew toy,"

"Nina that means you'll have to research alone."

"I'll be faster and more thorough, without the distraction."

That's one thing that went well today."

(Anton POV)

Shining Armour took me to a nice Cantina and we sat down and were served chilled alcahol. "You have some strange ways of testing your troops." I said asfter a sip of what tasted lik Dos Equis. I don't always drink with horses, but when I do We drink Dos Equis.

"You have to be vigilant, a true guardspony has to put the ponies first even off duty." He replied.

"They had horrible response times, poor detective work, not to mention their lack of squad tactics."

"You seem to know a lot for a civilian."

"I grew up around these types of situations."

"Really, Experience supersedes rank in my book, and you have no shortage of that."

"So tell me about yourself."

"Not much to tell, really."

"If you don't trust me just say so."

"Sorry about that."

"Well to break the ice I'll tell you about myself, I was an orphan until I was ten, I was adopted by a travelling Salespony who didn't have many friends. So I had to learn to defend myself, and so did he. the hardest tussle we were in was when we got on the bad side of a gang of griffins."

"They can be quite mean spirited." He can't really be buying that try selling ice to the Eskimos! "Well if you can hold your own against warriors of that caliber I'm sure you'll pass the tests with flying colors."

"What kind of tests are we talking about?"

"Quick thinking, staying calm under pressure, and reaction. already you've shown that you possess all of the above an then some."

(Gregory POV.)

My Father had just feel asleep when Jordan appeared in the hospital room. "What do you want?"

"He's not gonna like this, You're in trouble." The ten year old mocked. "I'm in trouble, cause of you. You had to play the hero now I'm stuck cleaning up your shit! When are you gonna wake up and smell the Water Lilies. Chivalry is dead, I'm dead, you're dead, it's only a matter of time."

"What Happened to you."

"I've been doing this for five years and no one's ever asked me. Five years ago I was at Giza with my parents. I got separated from my parents but I didn't care, I was busy exploring Sphinx guts. I found secret door and went inside. You know how they were supposed to booby trap the important places. That's how I got this." Jordan lifted the hair from in front of his right eye. "Or rather lost the real one. Poison dart right there. Fell over, slit my throat on a trip wire and down the pit fall. Or that's what she told me." He pulled out his glass eye. "You got those gloves I got the Eye of the Pyramid, and the Osiris Obelisk. I've been here too long." He tossed his eye into the air, and caught it. "Try not to get killed, buddy," He stood in the window. "At least let me knock you around first."

(Outside.)

Anubis was kicking back a little so to speak, just sniffing around looking for anything out of the ordinary. By his standards anyway. His nose picked up a scent very familiar. "Jordan." His mother's protege, he turned his head to the sky and saw Jordan landing from a three story drop.

"Hey Pup," Jordan was happy to see Anubis and scratched between his ears. "Have you been following me?" Jordan asked as Anubis couldn't resist the urge to shake his leg. Jordan turned his head to find two small birds staring at him.

"Hello young one, do you like this realm?" One spoke as it preened itself. "I love it here, so peaceful."

"You," Jordan was albeit surprised he had not seen either since they saved him.

"Of course what other birds can speak?"

"Parrots."

"Jordan Delphos, Age ten, five foot two, sandy blonde hair." Death appeared before him as a large condor speaking through a shut beak unlike the others.

"Who are you?"

"We've never been fully introduced, I am Death,"

"Why so late, I've been dead for five years."

"Well long story short, Mummies Curse, separated your soul from your body, I need both intact in order for you to help me."

"Your body was destroyed we were unable to mummify it, that meant building you a new one from scratch. It took two years. to make it and another six months to transfer it so you could be able to pass on." Isis explained.

"Sadly we missed our one chance to save your soul thus trapping you in the statue body, permanently"

"So seven years."

"Going on eight, and you still haven't killed your sentiment." Death cracked his long neck and unfurled his massive wingspan.

"I've fought plenty,"

"But Isis and Nepthys, tell me you never delivered a final blow."

"Why bother, I haven't found one that feels right for me, besides why kill one, that could be perfect for someone else."

"All those years on the job and you still haven't gotten over your fear of bloodshed?"

"You could say that, are there any near here that might be remotely interesting?"

"I think that there might be one around, somewhere in the desert."

"I'll take a look."

(Back at the Castle.)

Shining Armour and I had quite the time at the Cantina but there was someone watching me, he still is. "This is where you'll be staying while you train at the academy. Make yourself at home, and if you have any questions the rule book is in the top drawer in the nightstand."

"Thank you, I won't let you down."

"I'm not supposed to have favorites but, if you prove your worth I'm sure you'll rise up the ranks rather quickly."

"I'll send someone to give you a tour, Mess in a few hours."

"See you later then."

"Bye." He nodded and I locked the door behind him and shut the curtain before standing up into my human form.

"Uno menos, quedan dos. ¿Es realmente tan fácil?" All I could think of was how easy it was to fool him, then it occurred to me. My other self, what did he have to do with any of this? Why had he appeared only when I came here. And where is my Father, Death said something about him working off his debts. I brought my hand to my forehead as a tinge of pain shot over it. You aren't used to that new body of yours, besides he isn't the one you need to fool. "What do you mean?" You don't think, that you are his only friend, he's bound to know at least one Wraith, there's more than you think. "If that's true then we better step our game up," First thing's first we gotta get you a Sentiment, looks like we got another dream session with dear old dad.

A knocking on the door spurred me from my conversation with myself and I quickly returned to the Pony I was before. The door opened to Nina. "Hi Dad," She shook her head. "I'm sorry I don't know why I said that." She's grown up so much in the past few days, I'm proud of her. I do see them all as family, but I see most of myself in Nina. I want to raise her right. I mean look how I turned out.

"It's fine, just don't call me that in front of anybody other than us okay?"

"Okay, so I'm supposed to give you a tour, where should we start? Oh I know, the Archives. there's some stuff both of you would find interesting."

"Lead the way."

A New Life, And Lessons Learned.

I never thought I would be the Fatherly type but I'm sure taking it better than my father. No I can't tell myself that anymore, he was in over his head. Why hasn't he found me yet? I may not remember much about him but I know he cares. Nina was stopped at a door by two guards but they kindly let her through. Myself however, had been blocked. "It's okay guys he's with me." They seemed reluctant to let me pass but they did. After a few moments Nina sat at a table stacked high with books and scrolls. "So Dad, how are you taking this whole thing?" After a moment to make sure there were no witnesses I returned to my human form and set the coat in a bench.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Mother sends mixed signals. Like he's mine, but he can have any woman he wants, I don't mind sharing. And Feelings while pointless do indeed have merit. She's a Sentimentalist, someone who wants the luxury of emotion, without paying the price. And not to mention the off chance that you actually become friends with this Armour guy, could you even bring yourself to finish the job. I don't want to say it but I've had nightmares. What it must have felt like to pull that trigger, all that guilt, all the remorse you must feel dead inside."

"I am dead sweetheart." I cupped her chin in my hand.

"Oh you know what I mean, I don't know if I could go what you went through, and still be in one piece, well I might have been able to do it if I didn't have this conscious, I don't see why she puts all her faith in us. She keeps Manny and Mari around because of their fighting skills, She loves you, why am I here, you guys have the important jobs. I'm stuck in here organizing these dusty old books." She stood up and returned human. "I don't have anything that sets me apart, I mean how would you feel if your parents didn't love you?"

"No digan eso."

"Why it's true, Mother doesn't love anybody but you, and you never show any."

"I don't want you to grow up like I did. I killed three people and if Gregory hadn't I would've killed myself eventually. I don't want to get caught up in something over my head like my Father."

"What was he like?"

"I don't really remember much, after my mother died I had to learn pretty quick to fend for myself, with Father away on business for weeks at a time, and in Cartel territory no less. I spent years alone, hiding, running. I don't want to show you love and compassion until I know I can finish this, without hurting anyone again. I can't bear to see you go through the same pain I did."

"In a way she has." A voice I hadn't heard in a long time, came from around the corner. A few seconds later I saw my father for the first time in years. "Hijo, it's bittersweet to see you." He removed his coat and laid it next to mine, sporting a fanged grin and open arms said. "I haven't seen you for twenty years, can't I get a hug?" For some reason I was reluctant to hug my father but I gave in. "I've missed you Antonio, or should I call you Tony."

"How did you know?"

"You don't think I wouldn't know my own son?"

"What brought you here?"

"Well it's a long story, and it would bore you. Now I must meet my granddaughter."

"Hello Mister Allegro sir, I'm Nina."

"No need for the formalities, call me whatever you want dear."

"Okay,"

"Now what do you say about some family bonding?"

"You can't be serious." What he was asking, after twenty years, sounded like madness. He's asking us to drop everything just to go with him.

"I know I should have been straight with you from the start, but my life is just getting back on track, and it wouldn't be right without you. After some time together I'm sure you'll forgive me. I'm not asking as your father, I'd settle for just friends."

"He's telling the truth, he's sorry. He has to be, he still loves you."

"I wouldn't be risking my hide, with someone I couldn't trust,"

"What are we going to be doing?"

"An outbreak of Mothmen has turned up in Fillydelphia, there seems to be someone pulling the strings Death is unsure if it's a Wraith or a Sentiment, but whoever they are they need to be stopped, and I remember how much you used to love playing with bugs."

"What's a Sentiment anyway, I heard Dad talking about them with Redgrave."

"Well from what I gather, they are creatures driven by emotion, so strong that they live on beyond the grave. Each one has special powers, that upon killing them you gain them, this can only happen once per wraith the I'm aware." That's what he meant, if I get a Sentiment I'll become stronger and maybe strong enough to protect Nina, and Chrys. "So are you in or out?"

"We're in."

"Thank you, Tomorrow night, the three of us will board the last train out of Canterlot." He grabbed his coat.and looked at mine with a raised eyebrow. "I always saw you as more of a black coat. Wait a minute, feliz cumpleaños,"

"It's your birthday?"

"Esta Manana, I'll have a gift for you," Father sounded happy he needed this, I couldn't bear to tell him about the dreams. They would only worry him. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, I just wanted what's best, but what do I know about what's best?" He seems to feel the same way I do, maybe we can start over. After all this is a new life.

Amigos y Enemigos (Friends and Enemies.)

(Ponyville.)

A familiar face knocks on the door of Carousel Boutique. The door magically opens to a creme colored Unicorn. "Bonjour Mademoiselle Rarity." The tall man said as his Brazilian accent caught her attention.

"It's been awhile hasn't it. Monsieur Allegro, what can I do for you today?" She asked as he removed his hat and coat, and placed them on the rack in the corner. "A refitting, a new ensemble, possibly something for your special somepony I see that spring in your step."

"This is a major rush order." He quickly brushed the assumption aside after checking the room for witnesses.

"Anything within reason, in reasonable time." She responded unphased by the change in subject.

"I have a friend on the other side being fitted for pine pajamas as we speak,"

"So another one needs a suit,"

"When I knew him he was not much of a suit kind of man. Just a coat long tail, Nightmare Black, some emeralds stitched in the shoulders, a pair of pants, Nightmare Black, with an emerald flame pattern on the lower pant legs, and he will need a pair of shoes, emerald green, black laces."

"When do you need these done?" She asked as she finished writing down the order.

"I will return with him tomorrow before we head straight for Fillydelphia, in the evening."

"Talk about a rushed order, I'll see what I can do."

"You seem stressed." He spoke softly as he ran his hand through her matted mane.

"Have you ever doubted yourself, bitten off more than you can chew, getting caught up in business."

"That is exactly why I am here before you."

"What do you do to cope how do you know you can keep those deals?"

"I don't know what you would do, but I find it relaxing to stroll through the park, pressing flowers,Gambling with things less important, playing with animals." He leaned down and picked up the cat that was clawing at his leg. "How many times do you have to be told, scratching posts are there for a reason." He pet the cat and she began to purr. "Now go play somewhere else, I need to talk with Rarity." He put the cat down and to Rarity's amazement she walked off without any biting or scratching. "The point stands that I hold many secrets. Like the real meaning of the Marcelo family name. How to get through Tartarus unscathed, but my personal favorite the way to please a woman of any race or species."

"Any species?" She asked a little interested in his ridiculous claim, but at the very least she would have a new piece of juicy gossip for her friends..

"I have been many places, met many women, made many friends, I've made more than my share of mistakes. I don't expect you to understand what I've gone through, I need to start fresh. Start making better choices, making the right deals."

"Would you like gold laced or regular?

"Gold for what I have in mind he is going to need it."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Do you remember Gelus?"

"How could I forget, but how did you know?"

"I came to you as an enemy of your friend, I knew of Gelus, though he left out the minor details such as I was guarding the weapon from Wraiths, or that a Marcelo was among them, though the latter I am sure he was somewhat unaware. My former Employer told me parts of the plan. That a more powerful enemy, summons a more powerful ally. Though at the time it sounded cryptic, now it all makes sense." He paused for a moment to look at Rarity who seemed fascinated by his ramblings, while she was hard at work on his order. "I am sorry if I'm distracting you."

"You two are one in the same, kind, caring, and sweet, I can tell that she likes you quite a lot, but treat it as meaningless gossip, I wouldn't read too much into it, she's not the one to go very fast, in relationship or anything. It took her three months just to come by the shop, now you can't tell we didn't grow up together."

"I think I will take my leave, I will be back tomorrow to pick it up, if it isn't too much trouble."

"No trouble at all, I'll even have it gift-wrapped for you."

"Just use my measurements."

(Canterlot Guard Academy.)

The food was a little dry, not near as good as what I would make for myself when I was young. One Pegasus kept looking at me. He seemed a little too suspicious of me. After a few moments he sat across from me. His silver fur sparkled in the light. it would be quite romantic if either of us were the opposite sex. "My name is Blackhawk," His voice sounded of Russian or German origin. "What is yours?"

"Redgrave." I adopted my so called alter ego's name.

"I get it, mess with you and the last thing they see is red. You come from warrior family no?"

"No."

"Then why are you here, you don't sign up for something you cannot finish. I am here because of family, I wish to protect those I care about, I can tell you feel that same way."

"What makes you think that,"

"You are not here for the money, that pendant you wear it is family heirloom, you are here because if you do not you risk losing the ones you love."

"Am I that transparent?"

"You also dyed your mane recently."

"You can tell?"

"Even though I am night guard, I still have to be in top shape at all times. I heard you are prodigy, like you have eyes in back of your head. You would make good night guard, but I would try restyling mane, you look like pussycat." He stood and spread his wings. Which strangely were skin and bone bat wings under those feathers. "I will see you in morning?"

"Aye."

"Good I look forward to working with you Comrade."

"Thank you for your time."

"Is no problem." He walked off to his post leaving me alone to think. All this trying not to make friends is making me too many. I have to try to sleep I'll need it. Full training starts tomorrow and then I leave for this Fillydelphia place.

My dreams had an absence of my father and I found myself talking with Redgrave."What are you doing?

"What would you do?"

"I would do the exact same thing! But I got caught. I'm not you, I never was. You could call me a guardian angel, but that would be a blatant lie. I could be a personal demon, but then I'd be you. I am Redgrave I'm an Assassin nothing more nothing less."

"How are you even here?"

"I'm here because the Hellspawn wanted you to stay in line he wanted them dead, he knew that you were gullible, anything for to see my papi again but that little light in the tunnel he couldn't bring back your father, in truth he was already back, those two had to be sent home in body bags because of one thing, a more powerful enemy, summons a more powerful ally. You had a contract, one that needed to be fulfilled. He didn't do it, I did. I killed them, it was all me, anyone and everyone is a target. She wants this gushy love shit. Meaning she won't kill anybody. She's not a cold blooded killer like me, not like that kid's family thinks you are."

"You put me through that, you ruined my life, you caused my death,"

"Yes I did, but you had every part in it it was your idea to follow, your idea to listen. I'm your only shot at getting any shred of decency back. I know how he works, you want to kill him I'm all for it, but you can't do jack shit in your current condition."

"He's right you know." Gregory stepped in to my thoughts. "It took me years to get strong enough just to get out from under his thumb, and I thank you for that, if you hadn't shot the seal, he would have killed us both."

"How did you get here?"

"I'm just a figment of your imagination, it's how I work. For years I would work around loopholes, manipulate people. anything that got me closer to finding out anything. One thing led to another and after I got my degree in sociology. I found whole new opportunities. But those were blackened by the one thing he held, my mother."

"Just when you need a psychiatrist."

"My point is even with my extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the human mind that he is almost impossible to crack."

"What should I do, I have to learn how to be one of these Wraith things, get close to this Shining Armour guy, and find a way to get past all this guilt in a few days? Yo no creo que puedo hacer!"

"You got me."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

A New Life, And Answers To Old Questions.

We stood at the mouth of the cave each in a Pony form. Mari was a beige Pegasus, Manny was a plain Pony with blue fur, Nina was a pink Unicorn. Strewn mining carts laid around covered in dust and dirt. "It looks like these haven't been used in ages." I flapped my wings and the dust scattered into the air.

"You're right," Chrys waved her hoof in the air and coughed. "It's been deserted for centuries, many have tried to collect the thousands of gems inside, but their attempts proved fruitless, at the cost of their own lives. The Princess of the Sun, Celestia declared it unsafe and closed it."

"What was to stop them from coming back?" Juan found a round pebble and tossed it down a ravine. He listened closely, nothing. He looked disheartened after a full minute of silence.

"Well unlike Human society, these ponies actually have respect for one another, but to keep Gryphons, Dragons, and Zebras from disobeying Pony Law, a camouflage spell was placed over it, after so many years the legends of fame and fortune died down and most forgot about the caverns."

"Why didn't you?" My head whipped back around as the small pebble made a large thud. Juan looked down into the black and just whistled.

"How many you think fell down?" Nina and Manny looked down with him.

"I don't know, and I don't want to find out." He shook his head and smiled. "Go'on you got the world to take over, I gotta feeling that Gregory's still down here."

"Are you sure, you'll be okay alone?"

"I'm the Lone Wolf type, can't travel with the pack all the time." He shrugged his shoulders. "Meet back up here in a few days?"

"Wait," Chrys held out a small worm. "Take this,"

"What's this?" The worm sprang to life as it grew six legs.

"Ear-wig, A small creature I bred especially for inception purposes. Place it in your ear and you'll be able to hear whatever I need to tell you."

"Inception, huh." He took a moment to ponder if he should put the bug in his ear. "Will it interfere with my senses?"

"It shouldn't, it might even help when you see Gregory." He shrugged his shoulders again and let it crawl in his ear.

"Feels just like a Bluetooth."

"Inception?" Manny asked.

"Inception, is a form of hypnotism," Chrys said. "It's like taking an idea you have and putting it in someone else's head."

"Like what we do but with ideas rather than emotion." Mari said. "Strong and Stupid type."

"Hey take that back."

"Fine you're not Strong."

"Thanks,"

"What?"

"Wait a minute." Mari held out her hoof.

"Hey," Manny had just figured it out.

"See what I mean?" She rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry, Manny,"

"Thank you,"

"Now the plan,"

"Manny and I will sneak into the archives," Nina replied. "Anything we learn will be reported to you."

"I tail the two big ones, learn everything I can, it's one thing to fool the beau, but it's hard to fool the family." Mari said with a smile.

"I get into the guard, learn the security protocols and become friends with the captain, anything I know you'll know."

"Downplay the friend part, wouldn't be wise to fraternize too long with the enemy."

"Alright, Just an act, we Spaniards are known for our way with words."

"Good, I'll contact each of you for the switch, it should be sometime tomorrow evening." Chrys smiled and we left through the cave mouth to the warm sun. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust. I heard birds chirping and the gentle breeze shook the leaves. "The Gala will be sometime this week, a little fuzzy on the details. Stay away at all costs do you understand?"

"Why?"

"I've heard that there will be hundreds of ponies in attendance, including the Six Element Holders."

"And your point is?"

"Unless your guise is flawless one of them could spot that small thing that makes you incomplete. Like the Holder of Generosity is very nit picky she can spot a loose thread a mile away. And pay close attention to the Holder of Laughter, if you so much as breath her way she'll be all over you in a second."

"I'm sure you're over exaggerating."

"No I'm not, beware the Holders of Harmony, those glasses should be able to show you who they are." I had completely forgotten about the glasses, I reach back for them and somehow pull them out of my ear. I slide them over my eyes, through the blue tint I could see the small glowing balls laying in their chests. Grey for Chrys, and White for the rest. "The Holders of Harmony should have a certain energy that differs from others."

"Okay what do I need to look for?"

"Well you need to stay away from the Holder of Magic, I've heard she lives in a library and is very nosy,"

"Any names, appearances, even whatever this is?" I point at the image of the scythe on my flank would be the technical term.

"My spies have left out some crucial details on the Six as individuals, no names, no family, not even a Cutie Mark, just personalities. They could be anywhere so keep your guard up Twenty Four Seven."

"That gives me a lot to go on." I felt gypped. "Why don't I attend the Gala, gather some info on the Holders of Harmony, and get you some well needed intelligence. If it takes a little fraternizing to get the job done so be it."

"That could work, but it's invitation only, even for guards."

"Come on this is me we're talking about," Saying that made her just shake her head and smile.

"Fine, but if I catch you trying anything, with them." She shoved her face in mine, her horn tip hit the scar from the arrow. An intense pain shot through my head. My hoof shot up to push her away. "I'm sorry," She wrapped a foreleg around me and massaged the sore spot. "Feel better?"

"Si, I'm fine. no problema," I winced as she lowered her foreleg and ran over the other scar. "So I better get going."

"Good Luck," Nina and Manny yelled.

"Gracias mi Amigos."

"Don't forget, he's not your friend."

"Enemigo, no friends just potential enemies."

"Right," Chrys nodded. After a few not so heartfelt goodbyes, we parted ways. The city was full of ponies of different kinds, and colors. Many of them too stuck up to notice a commoner like me. I walked by a window washer who looked strangely out of place. A country bumpkin in the big city. The Scaffolding he was on gave way, in a split second I darted forward and the whole two-hundred pounds of him slammed into my back.

"Oh god that hurt."

"Thanks a million sir," He quickly hopped off of my back and held out his hoof.

"No problem." I took it and rose back up.

"The Name's Hayseed," Hayseed, weird name but this is a weird place. "What's yours?"

"My friends call me Tony,"

"Well what brings ya here Tony?"

"Well I'm looking for a job."

"Well a pretty strong stallion like you could have any number of jobs here, anythin' specific?"

"I was looking for something along the lines of law enforcement."

"Well," He took a moment to think, obviously the gears in his head were a bit rusty. "I'd say you'd find work that way," He motioned to the east. "The Royal Guard is taking in applications, or if you prefer speed over power the Wonderbolts are takin' in new recruits too."

"Wonderbolts?"

"They're the quick response team, comprised of nothing but Pegsasi, but they're mostly trick flyers, and to boot each one gets a free ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala." Not quite the plan, but I may have to try these Wonderbolts. "And some are even buddy buddy with the Princesses." Up close and personal with the Princesses, a free ticket, quick response. "Either way you'll get a good job and good pay, and new friends."

"Thanks Hayseed, I've got a lot to think about."

"Why don't we talk some more over lunch, it's the least I could do, I coulda ended up in the hospital."

"You don't have to, besides I'm not hungry. Rain-check."

"I'll hold ya to it." He shook my hoof and went to clear the rubble, good guy.

"What should I do?

"While I would prefer you enter the guard, staying with the original plan, this opportunity could prove most beneficial," Wouldn't hurt to try but it's up to you.

"Why not Both?" Nina Interrupted. "It says here that the Wonderbolts work closely with the Pegasus Corps. You may have a shot to get in both."

"That may work, but in all confidence it's up to you." I found a tree in a park and sat in the shade.

"What to do." My stomach rumbled. "Maybe I should have taken him up on that offer." A dog was sniffing around the street. It looked familiar, it was like I met him before. I moved my head a little. and his ears perked up. He stared at me with his head cocked. "Come here little guy." He leaned forward and bared his teeth. His growls grew louder as he lunged for me. My left wing shot up in defense, I felt the thud and fell onto my back. "Calm down perro,"

"Who are you, and what have you done with him?" A almost dark voice resonated from him.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me, you reek of him," He nosed away my wing and jumped onto my chest. "It has to be here,"

"Get off me!" My left hind leg slammed into his gut sending him sprawling. "I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Tell me where he is, or else!" He snapped sending drool into the air.

"Or else what, you'll give me mange?"

"Tell me where he is!"

"Who?"

"Fredrico Allegro Cresstopher." In a flash of light he had transformed into a tall man with a jackal head. He picked me up by my neck and slammed me into the tree trunk.

"What do you want with him?"

"He belongs to me, now where is he!?"

"I don't know where my father is."

"Your father?" He let go and let me fall to the ground. "I seriously doubt that, Horse boy." He crossed his arms and his beady eyes felt like they were staring into my very soul. "So he re-gifted. I gave your father that ability, but it was gone when I retrieved him." He took a moment to look over my choice of disguise.

"What are you?"

"I am Anubis,"

"Egyptian god of Judgement?"

"The one and the same, what do you say about a test. If you pass, I let you go."

"And if I don't?"

"You help me find your father."

"What do you have in mind?"

"What is the quickest way from point A to B?"

"A riddle, and a poor one at that," He stared at me unconvinced I had the answer. "A curved line." He stepped back obviously I had given the correct answer. "On a globe there is no straight lines only curves. Please tell me that wasn't the real test."

"You possess, cunning and intellect, very well the true test begins, I will be testing your ability to adapt."

"Anubis," Death appeared and placed his hand on his shoulder. "How is you Mother."

"The one known only as Death, is he one of yours?"

"Yes he is, and I know you're here for him."

"Yes I am, I want to find who took him,"

"You want to judge him."

"In a sense,"

"We agreed that we would not take ownership."

"I know but you left him with me, he was my responsibility."

"It's alright, he's earning his freedom as we speak." Anubis raised an eyebrow. "You found him."

"Yes, and I ask you return, you can trust me."

"Of course I can Nameless One, but I do not wish to return, just yet."

"This place is quite the paradise, Poseidon would be proud." It was both humbling and confusing to see the most powerful beings act like normal people.

"Indeed,"

"Excuse me for interrupting but ¿Por qué estás aquí?"

"I have a gift, from your girlfriend." He rolled he eyes at the word girlfriend. "She wants me to give you this." He reached into his cloak and pulled out a black scarab. "It's your weapon," I took the small artifact and looked over it. "It is inactive at the moment." The Ankh, the earrings, and the Phantasm bands started to glow. "I took precautions, so she wouldn't use it without my permission, and without the proper wielder."

"But you said that."

"Originally it was going to be used by your father but I found that the lock had been stolen." A lock just like he said. "

"All of the pieces must be present to solve the puzzle, you can guess but you'll never know for sure."

"Something you taught me old friend." Death patted his back.

"Considering you used my key."

"I've been keeping it safe looking for the one who could use it."

"So it rules that out as a possible explanation."

"How does it work?" I found a hole about the size of the Ankh and placed it inside. The eye holes were the shape of the earrings. Each Band split into three and I slipped each piece in a hole at the base. It's eyes glowed blood red.as it sprang to life. It crawled up my arm and perched between my wings. I turned my head and watched as it stretched it's own wings. "What is it?"

"It's an Egyptian Armor Beetle, an automaton constructed by myself and reluctantly her."

"Do you mean the Insect Queen?" Anubis knelt down to get a closer look at the Beetle.

"Yes,"

"You two left on a sour note if I recall correctly."

"Life is a harsh mistress." Death sighed. "The Armor Beetle will obey whoever it deems worthy and it has chosen you." A warm feeling sank into my body. as a cold embrace wrapped around me. "Don't panic, it is an Armor Beetle." I shut my eyes and waited for the process to end.