Hunter/Prey

Chapters

Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 1
Chapter 7
Chapter 25 (Unedited)

Chapter 2

The sun slowly setting behind the castle.
A maiden with flowing golden hair standing on the ivory tower.
A crystal orb floating in darkness holding the scene.
Long claws reaching out grasping the orb.
A pair of sickly glowing yellow eyes staring out from the blackness.

Hunter’s eyes shot open, the dream still fresh in his mind. Rolling out of bed, he flinched for a moment when his bare feet touched the stone floor. “I’ve been here a week, you’d think I’d learn by now.” He said to himself, as he quickly made his way over to the dresser for some socks. Pulling out a pair, he sat down on the bed then collapsed backwards onto it. “The bed is pretty comfortable, maybe I should just stay here today…” He said thinking aloud.

Rising from the bed once more, Hunter quickly put on some clothing and his shoes then exited the room. Hunter glanced at the two guards that were stationed next to the door; the solar guard’s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the human; the lunar guard, however, simply gave the human a small respectful nod as way of greeting. Ignoring the solar guard; Hunter returned the lunar guard’s greeting before setting off to find something to eat.

As Hunter rounded the corner he found himself standing in front of a large griffon. “Ah, Hunter, lad, I was just coming to see if you had awoke yet.” The griffon said, having to look up to look the human in the eyes.

“Ambassador Kruger,” Hunter answered politely. “Am I really that special that the ambassador to the Griffon Kingdom feels that he must come see me the moment I awake?”

“Hunter, lad; remember that you are the only one of your kind here. You’re a representative of your kind here in this shiny pony land just as much as I am to mine.”

“Well… I guess that is true; I never thought about it that way. Thank you Ambassador.” Hunter said with a small bow. The two of them stood still not saying anything for a long moment until they simultaneously started to laugh.

“Come on, lad.” The griffon said as he slowly calmed himself down. “Let’s go get something to eat. I believe I have come across something that you’ll enjoy.”

“Bacon? How did you get bacon?” Hunter asked staring at his plate. He quickly picked up a strip and shoved it in his mouth. “Ooh bacon; I have missed you.” He said as he chewed, waving another piece around in the air.

Kruger tried to stifle a laugh as he watched the human’s antics. “You know, lad,” the griffon said with a smile, “you should come back with me to the Kingdom. You’d probably like it there more than this here pony land.”

“Didn’t you say that you home is up in the mountains, and that you need to be able to fly go get there?” Hunter asked, still focused on the bacon strips in front of him. “You do know that humans are about as earthbound as they come, right?”

“Maybe we can find a griffon to act as your chauffeur and carry you around in a fancy carriage.” Kruger said with a chuckle.

“You volunteering?” the human asked with a smile, biting into another piece of bacon.

The griffon chucked, “You know, lad, we’re a lot alike.”

“Yeah, if you discount the wings, and the beak, and the talons, and the ability to be in the same room as the princesses for more than five minutes; yeah we’re the same.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s kinda true, lad.” Kruger said scratching his chin. “But what’s this about not being able to stand near the princess?”

“Yeah, when I get to close to them I get this weird headache, like staring at bad florescent bulb.”

“A what?”

“Really? Again? You know that the lights in this room are florescent bulbs, right?”

“Alright lad, you got me lad.”

“You know what they say; fool me once shame of you, fool me five times…”

Kruger smiled, “That being said; how are you holding up, lad?”

“I don’t know man…” Hunter said shaking his head. “It’s just… a lot to take in; stuck in a new world, filled with mythical creatures, magic, and talking ungulates.”

“Maybe you’re thinking about this too hard, lad.” The griffon said sympathetically. “You’re under a lot of stress, lad; I think you’ve been spending too much time in the archives. You should just spend the day relaxing, or doing something you enjoy not wasting away under all those book; if you really are stuck here, you do have the rest of your life to learn this world’s history.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right… maybe I go look at the gardens or something today; I never really got a chance to see them.”

Hunter walked through the royal gardens, taking his time to take in his surroundings; he could tell that there were dozens of small animals that lived there, but they all seemed to avoid him. Huh, I thought that they would be more acclimatized then that. Hunter said to himself; maybe it’s because they’ve never seen a human before. The human let out a small chuckle as a trio of squirrels that had spotted him fled, abandoning the nuts they had been fighting over the moment before.

“We see that you have finally decided to leave the archives.” A voice coming from behind Hunter said. The human turned to find Princess Luna standing there. Giving her a small bow, Hunter greeted the alicorn, but made sure to keep track on how close she was to him. “Good morning, Princess Luna.”

“And good morning to you;” Luna answered, “However we insist… please, just call me Luna. It is my fault that you are here and informality is the least we can offer you.”

“Fair enough, Prin… Luna.”Hunter said with a small smile. “And yeah, Ambassador Kruger was the one that finally convinced me that I should take a day to relax.”

“I wonder why you listen to an old griffon and not a princess.” Luna teased as she sat down on one of the benches. “But, please be honest; is it because you blame me for bringing you here?”
Sitting down on a bench several feet away, Hunter sighed. “No, Luna, I don’t blame you; it was an accident, you didn’t mean for this to happen. You are no more at fault then the butterfly that stared the tsunami.”

Luna gave the human a blank stare. “Butterfly?”

Hunter dropped his face into his hands. “And I just realized that that analogy doesn’t work on this world. What it means is that we can’t always see the outcome of every action; something small, like a butterfly flapping its wings, can cause a major change, such as a massive storm.”

“I’m still not sure I understand what the point you’re trying to make is; pegasi control the weather, not butterflies.”

“Yeah, on this world, where pegasi exist; back on my world the weather is…” Hunter trailed off in an attempt to find the right words. “The weather just happens; it just is. It’s not controlled, or made, or anything like that; it’s just… exists.”

“You mean the weather on your planet works the same as the weather in the Everfree Forest?”

“The Everfree Forest?” Hunter gave Luna a confused look. “I’m sorry, but I’m still a little rusty on my Equestrian geography; what exactly is the Everfree Forest?”

“The Everfree Forest is an unnatural place; filled with wild and strange magic. All manner of beast and aberrations call it home. It is said that plants grow, the weather moves, and animal live without any external aid.”

Hunter chuckled. “Yeah, does sound like home.”

“Are you saying that your world is nothing more than a chaos filled nightmare?”

“Umm… no, that’s not what I’m trying to say at all…” Hunter shook his head, the paused for several moments trying to figure out how to phase what he wanted to say. “Alright, so you have concepts of both harmony and chaos, correct?” He finally asked, looking up at the alicorn. Luna merely nodded and allowed the human to continue. “And you hold these two states as separate, correct? You either have harmony or you have chaos.”

“Yes, but I fail to see what your point is.”

“The point is back on my world it doesn’t work that way… we don’t have harmony or chaos we have both. Harmony gives us life, but chaos allows us to grow; one folds into the other than back to the first, like a mobius strip.”

“That… that seems impossible, chaos and harmony cannot co-exist.” Luna said defiantly.

“Maybe I’m just not really good at explaining this…” Hunter said and lowered his head momentarily. “I guess what I’m really trying to say; is that in my world things just are, thing happen and we have to deal with the consequences.”

Luna was about to respond when she noticed a servant walking towards them. “I’m sorry Hunter, but it appears that royal duties are calling. Perhaps we can finish this conversation another time.”

“Of course, Princess;” Hunter said, bowing. “I’ll be around.”

Hunter watched as the Princess walked away. Remaining on the bench, the human stared at the palm of his hand for several long moments; lost deep in thought. Slowly he curled his fingers into a first; “But how can you be friends with something that it is literally painful to be around?” He shook his head, then rolled so he was lying down on the bench staring up at the sky. He stared up at the clouds as they hung in the sky for several minutes until he realized that they were perfectly still. “What’s the point of watching the clouds drift by if someone has to push them?” He asked himself as he slowly rose to his feet.

Wandering through the castle gardens once more, it wasn’t long until Hunter came across a statue filled area. For the most part, he found nothing but statues of ponies; some names, like Starswirl the Bearded or Clover the Clever, but most either were unnamed or had named he didn’t recognize. As he made his way through he began to see a larger variety of creatures; first several griffons, then a pair minotaurs, a gargoyle, and finally a tall mismatched creature. “Huh, they even have chimeras here. This place gets stranger by the minute.” The human said to himself, then noticed the name engraved on the base.

“Discord, eh? Well, he does look it.”

Leaving the strange statue behind, Hunter continued on his way through the castle grounds until he came across a large hedge. Hedge wall? He asked himself as he looked up towards the top of it. Why would there be a hedge wall here? Unless… he turned his attention further down the hedge and his suspicion paid off when he noticed an opening. Not a hedge wall, it’s a hedge maze. He thought as he walked over to the opening. Why not, I got time.

Hunter sauntered through the maze, though lost in thought his left hand idly ran over the hedge as he moved along. Haven’t done anything like this since I was a kid; he thought to himself, running through the corn mazes that everyone seemed to have. As Hunter rounded another corner, he felt himself collide with something. Looking down to see what he had hit, he found a Pegasus lying on the ground in front of him. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to knock you over.” He said as he crouched down to help the Pegasus. “I wasn’t really paying attention to where-”

The Pegasus looked up, saw Hunter crouched over her, and screamed. “AAAAH! MONSTER!” She yelled launching herself into the air. “THERE’S A MONSTER IN THE MAZE!” She flew off, screaming as she went.

“Wait! I…” Hunter yelled after her as she disappeared from his sight. “That’s not going to end well.”

Chapter 3

Shining Armour was going over the list of new recruit assignments when the door to his office flew open. “Captain Armour!” A guard yelled as he came through ht door. “Captain Armour, sir! There is a monster loose on the palace grounds!”

Shining Armour’s eyes went wide for a moment, but he quickly managed to recompose himself. “Where is this monster, private?” He asked, getting out of his chair and quickly moving towards the door.

“Reports suggest that it is either an ogre or troll, but we have yet to get verification.” The private answered as he followed Shining Amour down the hall. “A pegasus mare reports that she was exploring the hedge maze when the creature in question suddenly appeared and attempted to abduct her; she was able to escape since the creature seems to be incapable of flight.”

“At least there is that.” Shining Armour said with a small smile.

“A unit has been placed at the entrance, and another one at the exit.” The private continued. “So far it hasn’t engaged either unit, so we can assume that it is still within the maze. We are just waiting for you to arrive before sending a unit in to flush the creature out.”

Hunter continued on his way through the labyrinth unsure of what to make of his recent encounter. “Well; either she calls the guards, or someone in charge, and they realize that it was me and the whole thing blows over, or...” he tailed off as it dawned on him how bad it could get. “They have no idea that it’s me and they send the metal clad, spell throwing, wigged, four-legged juggernauts after me. I should probably just surrender if they go with door number two.”

As he rounded another corner, hand still on the hedge wall, Hunter could make out the sound of hooves coming towards him. Looking up, the human could make out several figures flying over the maze in a circle pattern. When one of them yelled and pointed in his direction the others began to move closer. Shaking his head, Hunter stopped walking and let his arms drop to his side. Here they come. He thought as he braced himself.

The first of the pegasi turned and dove, its speed dramatically increased as it approached the ground. At the last moment it pulled out of the dive; now flying only a few feet off the ground it collided with Hunter. The impact knocked the human backwards, causing him to stumble, but not to fall. The second pegasi came in a bit slower, but very low; the pegasus connected with Hunter’s leg, just below the knee. Thrown completely off his footing, Hunter fell forwards, landing on his hands. As he struggled to stand, a third pegasus attacked, this one struck him in the shoulder, knocking Hunter backwards and onto the ground.

From his prone position Hunter could see the pegasi circling around for a second pass. Rolling over, he managed to get to his knees before he was surrounded by a dozen ponies all wearing the armour of the solar guard. Hunter slowly raised his hands, “I surrend-” He managed to get out before something hard connected with the back of his head and everything turned black.

Arriving at the hedger maze, Shining Armour found the guards pulling something out of it. Pushing his way through the growing crowd, Shining found a pair of solar guards dragging a tall creature out of the maze. The guard saluted when the noticed Shining Armour standing there. “Captain Armour, sir;” one of them said, “We’ve captured the monster.”

“You’ve done nothing of the sort.” A voice said from behind Shining Armour. The white unicorn turned to face the speaker to find a group of night guards standing there.

“Shrouded Armour, why are you here?” Shining Armour demanded the leader of the night guards, a dark grey unicorn with a deep blue mane and red eyes. “What is the captain of the lunar guard doing here?”

“We heard that a monster was loose in the maze, so here we are.” Shrouded Armour said as he moved closer to the creature in question. He looked over the creature, then turned to Shining Armour. “So, do you even know what you have here?”

“It is the monster that attacked a pegasus in the hedge maze.” Shining said with a proud smile.

“No,” Shrouded said shaking his head, “what you have here is a human; Hunter to be precise.”
Shining Armour stared at his counterpart blankly. “Wait... he’s the human that the princess...”

“Yes.” Shrouded said sternly. “You assaulted a personal guest of the princesses.”

“I did nothing of the sort!”

“Then explain why he’s unconscious.”

“He was like this when I go here.”

“Then you allowed the stallions under your command to enter the maze, and assault a guest of the palace.”

“But I-”

“I don’t want to hear it, captain.” Shrouded interrupted, pointing a hoof at Shining. “Ever since the disaster that was your wedding the solar guard have been desperate to regain some of the respect and trust they have lost.”

“Now listen here-”

“No. You listen; if you’re lucky he’ll understand that this was all just a misunderstanding and won’t complain to the Princess. Meanwhile, do your job and get your stallions in line.” Shrouded turned to face the small group of night guards. “You two;” he pointed a pair of unicorns. “Take the human up to his room and place him in the bed. And you;” He pointed at a pegasus, “go find the doctor, and bring her to the human’s room. The rest of you; set about dispersing the crowd, let them know everything is taken care of.”
The lunar guard quickly saluted and set about their respective tasks. Shrouded Armour shot Shining Armour a disappointed look before following the unicorns and Hunter towards the palace.

With low groan, Hunter slowly opened his eyes, discovering that he was no longer in the gardens but in a bed. Turning his head, he could make out an odd green and white blob off to the side. As he’s eyes focused a green unicorn wearing a white lab coat walked over to the bed. “You’re awake, that’s good.” The unicorn said with a pleasant smile.

“Dr. Triage, right?” Hunter asked weakly.

“You remember me? That’s good, what else do you remember?” The unicorn asked.

“Umm... I was walking through the gardens, went into the maze when I bumped into a pegasus. She saw me, panicked, and flew away. Then... guards, and then waking up here.”

“One of the solar guards bucked you in the head. Fortunately there seems to be only some swelling and no major damage. How do you feel?”

“Like someone hit me in the head with a sledgehammer. Twice.”

“Well, that can be expected. Now, let’s try getting you back on your feet.” The doctor said as she pulled the blanket away.

Hunter nodded, and slowly sat up in the bed; feeling no ill effects, he carefully swung is legs over the side, and let his feet touch the floor. “Why are the floors always cold?” He said aloud as he flinched when his bare feet touched the stone. Dr. Triage gave him a blank stare, causing Hunter to shake his head. “Right, hooves, never mind. Can you at least bring me my shoes?” The human asked. Triage nodded, and used her magic to levitate the requested items over to the human. Hunter gave a quick “thanks”, then set about securing them to his feet.

Once the task was complete, Hunter stood up from the bed. Once on his feet, he remained still for several moments fearing that he may fall over at any moment. “Well, looking good so far.” Triage said as she looked the human over. “Seems like you haven’t lost you sense of balance; try walking around for a bit.”

Hunter nodded and began to slowly walk around the room. “I guess I feel alright; at least I feel like I can move around without falling over.” He said as he pace increased to that of a normal walk.

“Alright, looks like everything is fine;” Dr. Triage said as she tried to keep track of Hunter, “even though we don’t really have any real baseline for you.”

“That... is a really good point. Maybe once we both get some free time I can come by your office and you can take some notes of me when I’m healthy.”

“It would make things easier if you ever got hurt again. Alright, once I’m back at my office I’ll see about arranging a time.”

A group of cloaked figures stood in the shadows of the caves that ran deep under the city.

“So, did you all see that today?” One asked in a deep voice.

“We did; there seems to be some tension between the day and night.” A raspy voice replied.

“This ‘human’ thing is turning out to be more beneficial than we thought it would be.” A third stated in a melodic voice.

“If we can make this ‘Hunter’ a point of contention between the sisters, it means they will not be focusing on us.” A voice barely above a whisper said.

“Here’s the plain;” the first one spoke again, “we must make the night embrace this stranger, while the day reject him. Be warned however; we cannot have him leave the city, either by choice or by force. Make sure your agents make him suspicious to the day, but not actually guilty of anything. As long as there is no actual misdeed, the day cannot cast him out.”

“What about the griffon?” The raspy voice asked. “He has extended an invitation to the human to come live with them.”

“Leave the griffon alone for now.” The first answered. “The human views the griffon as an ally, or even as an equal. The Kingdom would simply send a replacement, an unknown, something we cannot have. Furthermore, with the lost of the only one the human views as a true ally, we do not know how it will react.”

“Then how do we stop the human from leaving the city with the griffon?” the melodic voice asked.

“By giving him a reason to stay.”

“And what would that be?” the whisper spoke.

“The moon; we know she is trying to get close to the human, we simply push the two of them together and see if they stick.”

Humans: a tall bipedal, tailless creature that lacks fur, and the only significant amount of hair is located on their head. Significant amount debate has been put forth on how they walk with only two legs and no tail. When this question was put to a human the only reply that was given was: “How do you walk on four?”

Unlike most species in Equestira, Humans do not seem to have a single defining trait (i.e. dragons and greed, griffon and aggressiveness, ponies and harmony) instead they display all traits to varying degree based on the situation and the individual. Addendum: they only trait that seems to be common across all humans is curiosity. When an unopened box is places in front of a human it will eventually try to figure out what is inside it, inevitably opening the box.

Human do not have any magic to speak of; they cannot cast spells, they cannot fly, nor do they have the enhanced traits shown by the earth ponies. Nor do they have cutie marks or a unique ‘special talent’; instead they are gifted with intellect and adaptability. Given an adequate amount of time, any human can learn to perform any task or skill they are physically able of performing. Furthermore, should they be physically incapable of performing a task they will adapt their tools, environment, or other outlying factors in order to complete the task.

When dealing with a human remember the following tips: 1) Always assume that the human either knows about, or will quickly learn about, any subject that you happen to be conversing. 2) When presented with a challenge or an obstacle a human will not only overcome it, but will turn it to their advantage. 3) Never confront a human when they are threatened or frighten; this will only escalate the situation. 4) Finally, a human’s goals are typically self-centered; and they are not above lying to achieve them.

The safest way of deal with a human is to follow the following principle: A human will tell one truth, one lie and one uncertainty.

Celestia lowered the ancient book she was reading; although it confirmed her suspicions about humans not being trustworthy, it didn’t give her any useful tips on how to deal with one. As she sat looking out her window over the landscape, her mind drifted back to the events of the day.

Although the human had frightened a young pegasus mare, he didn’t harm her or even mean to scare her. Her guards had over reacted when they heard about a monster and attacked the human without waiting for orders, or investigating the situation. The night guard almost instantly sided with the human, Captain Shrouded Armour even publicly scolding Shining Armour over the incident. Celestia found herself in a position she had not been in for over a millennia; the sun princesses was unsure of what the best course of action to take was.

Chapter 4

Luna paced around her room muttering to herself, the incident in the hedge maze still fresh in her mind. “Why does nothing ever work out the way it should!?” She demanded. “Why can’t anything ever be simple?”

“I take it that you are referring to the human?” A melodic voice came from behind Luna. The blue alicorn turned to face the speaker and found a dark blue unicorn standing there. “Oh, Stargazer,” the princess said, “thou… you had startled us… me… confound this new dialect.”

“You are improving though, at least this time you didn’t use the royal canterlot voice.”Stargazer said with a sympathetic smile. “But you are referring to the human, correct?”

“Yes, Stargazer, we are;” Luna nodded, “it seems that every time we make progress in befriending him something happens to undo the work we have done.”

“Well, if it is alright to ask, what have you talked with him about?”

“We spoke about humans in general, and about his world; in return we told him about ponies and our world.”

“But you didn’t speak about him or yourself?” Stargazer asked, he melodic voice soothing the upset princess.

“N… no, should I have?” Luna replied while hanging her head.

“Maybe, you see in order to make friends you must get to know that pony, or in this case, human on a personal level. Find an interest that you have in common then start a conversation on that topic.”

“We do not know any of Hunter’s interests.”

“Well… it just so happens that a few days ago he asked for a book of constellations and star charts. Since then, he has spent most nights looking up at the stars.”

“Are you saying that he has an interest in astronomy?”

“That would be a safe assumption, princess.”

“Huzzah! Then tonight we shall find him and spend it talking with him about the stars!”

“The whole night, princess? Are you sure that’s wise?”

“Of course it is! This plan is so simple that it cannot possibly be doomed to fail!”

“What would you suggest I do?” Celestia asked staring out her window over the castle gardens. “He hasn’t done anything wrong, but the mere sight of him caused a panic.”

“My recommendation would be to publicly recognize him.” A white earth pony with a raspy voice answered. “He has yet to leave the castle grounds, and nopony, other than the staff, know about his presence here, let alone know what he looks like. As long as ponies don’t know about him, incidents like the hedge maze will continue to happen.”

“That is… reasonable. I suppose there is some benefit to not having everypony panic at the mere sight of him.” Celestia admitted. “Ask him to attend court tomorrow, and we will officially welcome him into Equstria. And thank you Valiant Heart, that will be all.”

“Of course, princess; I’ll see to it immediately.” The white pony bowed and exited the room. Celestia turned away from the window and levitated the ancient book towards her. The pages filled themselves to where she had left off. But what does it mean; ‘one truth, one lie and one uncertainty’? Celestia asked herself. Do they tell the truth? Do they lie? Do they give three answers for every question they are asked? “And what do they mean by ‘uncertainty’?” She asked aloud. “The stories aren’t any help; they go from humans are kind to humans will hunt down and kill all of ponykind. This book is absolutely no help!” Celestia flung the book across the room. “No, I need to get answers directly from the source.”

After Valiant Heart left he calmly made his way through the castle to Hunter’s quarters only to find Shining Armour standing in front of the door. “Captain Armour, I didn’t expect to find you here.” Valiant Heart commented. “What brings you all the way up here?”

“I heard that Hunter had woken, and…” Shining Armour trailed off.

“You wanted to apologize for the way your subordinates acted?” Valiant offered.

Shining lowered his head. “Yes. I know that he’s likely to accept it, but I’m still having trouble facing him.”

“Are you sure it’s Hunter you can’t face, or yourself?” Valiant asked. “In order to apologize you have to admit that a group of guards under your command acted... rashly; it could be that you have having more trouble accepting what happened than the human is.”

Shining Armour exhaled slowly then knocked on the door. A simple “Come in.” was spoken from the other side, and Shining pushed the door open. Entering the room, Shining found the human sitting on the floor, the table in front him was covered in books and papers; Hunter seemed to be busy writing something, “Captain Shining Armour, something you need?” The human asked, barely glancing up from his work.

“Yes; I was wondering if I could talk to you about the incident in the gardens.” Shining said moving so that he stood across the table from Hunter.

Hunter lowered the quill, and looked up at Shining Armour. “Alright; talk.”

“About those stallions under my command... did you hear about what happened on my wedding day?”

“I have.”

“Since then most of the guard have been a little on edge, so when they heard about a monster in the gardens...”
“Look, Shining, I don’t care about what happened in the gardens.” Hunter said as a friendly smile came over his face. “A lot happened to your country recently, I get that the guards are on edge. If a pony ended up back on Earth, and startled civilians there, I’m fairly certain the police would handle it the same way your guards did. As for me, they didn’t do any real damage, so there’s no point in holding any kind of grudge.”

Shining Armour stared at Hunter blankly; the unicorn suspected that the human would forgive, but he never imagined that Hunter would brush it off like it never happened. “You’re just letting it all go, just like that?”

“I don’t really know what you were expecting me to do.” Hunter gave a small shrug. “I’m apparently stuck in a new world; one that’s filled with things out of all my people’s myths and legends. I have far too much to see, and do before my time is up to be hung up over some misunderstanding. So, there you have it, Captain, apology accepted.”

“Thank you, Hunter.” Shining Armour said with a bow. “I will leave you to your work then.”

“You’re welcome. Oh, and you can send in that other pony who was at the door.”

“How did-?”

“I have good hearing; and whoever told you that hooves on stone flooring was quiet... lied.”

Shining smiled, gave his head a small shake and exited the room. Valiant Heart, who had remained in the doorway for the conversation gave Shining a respectful salute, then entered Hunter’s room. “Hunter, sir, I’ve been sent with a message from Princess Celestia.”

“I don’t think we’ve met.” Hunter said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studded the white earth pony; his mane was a deep purple, and his cutie mark was that of a gold shield with a heard embossed on it. “You are?”

“Sorry, sir; the name is Valiant Heart.” Valiant said with a smart salute.

Hunter shook his head; “Don’t salute me, and don’t call me ‘sir’; I’m fairly certain I’ve done nothing to deserve either.”

“Sorry, sir; won’t happen again.”

Hunter let out a quite sigh, “You said you had a message from the princess?”

“Yes, she request that you attend court tomorrow; you are to arrive at ten in the morning.”

“Alright, I’ll be there.”

Three pegasi laughed as they made their way down the street. “I can’t believe he didn’t even try to fight back!” One laughed.

“I know!” The second added. “It’s like he saw us, realized how tough we were and just gave up!”

“Yeah, but then old Shrouded had to go ruin our moment of glory.” The third complained.

“Just because he’s the captain of lunar guard he thinks he can tell us off.”

“Not just us; did you see the way he treated the Captain?”

“Hello gentlecolts, how are you today?” A voice no louder than a whisper addressed the three guards.

“Who’s there?” They demanded as the turned to face the speaker. “Oh, it’s you.” One of them said when a cloaked figure came into view. “We did what you wanted, but he didn’t even try to fight back.”

“I know.” The figure replied. “How it reacted, however, is irrelevant. You have completed the task we have set out for you; this is yours.” A sac landed in front of the three pegasi with the distinct sound of jingling coins. The pegasi looked down at the coins then back up towards the figure only to find that it was gone. “As thing progress we may call upon you again.” The voice said from the shadows.

Standing on the balcony, Hunter watched as the sun slowly dropped over the horizon. Today was eventful. He thought to himself as he reflected on the day’s events. I know I told Shining I’d let it go, but something’s not right; why would the guards, ponies who know who I am, attack on sight. Maybe I’m over thinking this; maybe it was just a misunderstanding. Exhaling slowly, Hunter tried to put any lingering thoughts out of his mind.

The sky grew darker as any remaining rays from the sun faded. As the moon began to slowly rise over the horizon, someone knocked on Hunter’s door. Taking one last quick glance at the moon, Hunter walked over and opened the door to reveal a tall, dark blue pony with both wings and a horn. “Luna? What brings you here?” Hunter asked then quickly added “Sorry, that didn’t really sound the way I meant it to.”

“It is alright, we have taken no office.” Luna said warmly. “Stargazer has told us about your interest in the night sky, and we... no, I was wondering if you would be interested in joining me in gazing upon the stars tonight?”

“Alright.”

“Excellent, follow me!” Luna exclaimed then rushed down the hallway, leaving Hunter standing there. The human blinked in confusion a few times then looked down at the lunar guard who was stationed there. The stallion gave a synthetic shrug and pointed in the direction Luna had left in. Hunter sighed, pulled the door shut and set off down the hall.

After several minutes, Hunter finally closed in on Luna; the blue alicorn was waiting for him in front of a large door. Giving Hunter a friendly smile, Luna used her magic to push the door open. Stepping through Hunter found himself standing on a large terrace. “Luna where... what is this place? Hunter ask in amazement as he tried to take everything in. The terrace was darker than the gardens, as if shielded from the castle lights. Hunter could make out a small pool that seemed to glow in the moonlight; off to the side was a vine covered gazebo; several flowed beds could be seen and the whole area was covered in a lush grass.

“I come here when I wish to gaze upon my sky. I enchanted this place so that the lights from the city below do not interfere with the light from the stars.” Luna explained as she moved deeper into the terrace. As Hunter followed the large door gently closed. His focus changed from what was around him to what was above him when Hunter looked up and saw the stars. “This is so much better than standing on my balcony...” he commented.

“I am glad that you enjoy my night sky.” Luna said with a smile as she moved closer to the human. However, her smiled faded as she saw Hunter’s face change from amazement to that of pain. “Hunter, is something the matter?” She asked extending a hoof toward the human. To her surprise, the human moved away, trying to get distance between himself and the alicorn. Luna tried to take a step forwards but halted when he suddenly yelled at her.

“Stop! Just... Just stay there...” Hunter commanded. “Just stay back.”

Confusion spread across Luna’s face. “Have I done something wrong?”

“No it’s... it’s not what you’ve done... it’s what you are.” Hunter said his face twisted in pained concentration.

“What we are? Are you saying you have a problem with ponies?”

“No, it alicorns.” Hunter tried to explain as his fingers began to twitch uncontrollably. “I can’t be near alicorns. They make... pain, like my head is in a vice.”

Luna stared at the human for several moments then hung her head. “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be... it’s... not your fault.” Hunter said as he tried to fight through the pain. “I should leave.”

Luna watched in silence as the human staggered towards the door; her inner conflict slowly rising. She wished to help Hunter, but she also knew that if got any closer to him it would only make things worse. Hunter opened the door with an audible groan and stumbled out into the hall. As the door swung closed, Luna could see Hunter using the wall to brace himself as he traveled down the hallway.

Chapter 5

Celestia pushed the door to Luna’s terrace open and stepped through. The white alicorn moved gracefully trough the small garden until she found Luna sitting on the grass staring into the small pool with a dejected look. “Sister, whatever is the matter? I thought you were going to spend the night with Hunter.”

Luna ran her hoof through the water. “I don’t think that we can be friends with the human.”

“Why?” Celestia asked as confusion spread across her face. “According to Stargazer you couldn’t contain your excitement when she told you that Hunter was interested in the stars. What happened?”

“We harmed him.” Luna said as tears started to fill her eyes.

“What do you mean by ‘harmed him’, sister? Did you strike him, or use your magic on him?” Celestia moved next to her sister and sat down next to her.

“It is nothing like that, sister.” Luna moved so the head was no resting on Celestia’s shoulder. “It’s just that we... us... alicorns are poisonous to humans. Our very presence harms them. When I stood next to him he was struck by an almost unbearable amount of pain; he could barely speak or move. Tell me sister; how can any creature befriend something that causes them such agony?”

Celestia place her wing over Luna. “I am unsure, my dear little sister; but I do know that the magic of friendship is powerful, and if it is meant to exist it will find a way.”

Stargazer hurried through the cave network her thoughts completely focused on the conversation she had just overheard. She rounded the last corner and skidded to a halt a moment before running into one of her accomplices. “We... have a problem,” She stammered out between breaths. “It’s the human; he’s not behaving the way we want him to.”

“Explain.” The deep voice from Stargazer’s accomplice nearly echoed through the room.

“He’s not befriending the moon.”

“Is he chasing the sun?”

“No, he’s not; he may now try to avoid both altogether.”

“Why would he do such a thing?”

“It’s their magic; it’s seems to be toxic to the human. If he gets too close to either the sun or the moon he may die.”

“We’ll have to find a way to remedy the situation, lest we are forced to change our plans once more.” The deep voiced one raised a white furred forelimb and pointed towards the exit. “Now, go keep an eye on the human; I doubt the night would be so easily dissuaded.”

Prince Blueblood stared across the table his jaw hanging open, unbelieving what his father had just said. “Are you sure father? The princesses are as popular now as they have ever been, if not more so.”

“Popularity has nothing to do with it, boy.” Blueblood’s father, Royal Blood, scolded. “They are letting the kingdom fall to pieces. The discord incident, then the disaster that was Princess Cadence’s wedding, not to mention that she married some low born guard and not one someone from one of the noble houses.”

“However true all that may be, father, we are not ready to move against the princesses yet. We need more time to prepare. Furthermore, the human complicates things; we have no idea how he’ll react.”

“Then it is your job to win him over, boy. Getting an unknown like that in our corner or at least out of the way would be very beneficial. I don’t care how you do it, bribe him, promise him wealth and power, your sister’s hoof in marriage; I don’t care even if you have to offer him your own hoof, just get him on our side!”

“Y-yes, father, I’ll talk to him after the ceremony tomorrow.”

Shining Armour sat next to his wife, his foreleg wrapped around her. “Are you going to be there tomorrow?” Shining asked. “At the ceremony that Celestia want to hold to welcome the human.”

“Yes, I’ll be there.” Cadence answered as she nuzzled her husband. “From everything I heard, both from you and my aunts, this Hunter seems like a decent pony... human... did you ever find out how he referrers to his own kind?” Shining shook his head in response. A determined look came across Cadence’s face. “Very well, tomorrow I will ask him. Oh, and I should ask him all about his culture's courtship and marriage rituals. Are they the same as ours? Are the different? I’m really looking forwards to this now.”

“Only you would get this excited talking about love, my love.” Shining said with a smile.

“Well, I am the Princess of Love, and it is my duty to spread it where ever I go; and I can hardly do that if I don’t understand it, now can I?”

“No, no my dear, you certainly cannot.”

Shrouded Armour pushed the doors to the castle smithy open; the dark furred unicorn could feel the heat from the forge as he entered. The ringing of metal striking metal filled his ears as Shrouded made his way through the smithy to find the forge master. He passed by the last furnace, he found a steel grey earth pony. “Fire Forged; I need you to make something.” Shrouded Armour said as way form greeting.

“And hello to you too Captain Shrouded Armour. What brings you down to my forge?” Fire Forged asked with a smile.
Shrouded Armour produced a book and flipped through it until he found the page he was looking for. “I want you to make this.”

Fire Forged studied the page for several minutes before looking back up at Shrouded. “You want me to build this? Are you sure? What will the princesses say?”

“Don’t worry about the princesses, I’ll handle them. There is more; I don’t want it made from steel.”

“If you don’t want it made from steel, does that mean you want it forged from...?”

“Yes. Yes I do.”

“Alright, it will take several days though.”

“That’s fine, just let me know when it’s done.” Shrouded Armour told the forge master. Fire Forged took the book and headed off to find the material he would need, leaving the captain of the night guard alone.

Valiant Heart quickly read through yet another book before tossing into a pile with a dozen others. “Another dead end!” He exclaimed as his frustration built. “Why do none of these books have the answers I need!”

Valiant stared at the pile of books he had amassed. Not one of them contained any story or legend about humans interacting with alicorns. “There is several on unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies, but none about alicorns, and all take place before the founding of Equestira.” Valiant thought aloud, then paused as revelation dawned on him. “Of course! Alicorns weren’t a part of pony society until AFTER Equestria was founded, so they would never have had a chance to interact with a human!”

The raspy voiced unicorn began to pace back and forth. “But what do I do about it now? If there is nothing to go on from the past... wait, is it alicorns themselves that are the problem or is it the amount of magic they have. He did say that there is no magic in the world he’s from; and the princess had to do something to him too keep him from being killed by the ambient magic in the atmosphere. If it is just the quantity of magic that is causing the problem...”

Leaving the book scattered around, Valiant Heart exited the archives mumbling to himself as a plan slowly formed in his head.

Hunter sat on the balcony that was attached to his room, his back against the railing; the day’s events raced through his head. The pain in his head had faded as he moved away from Luna, but he still felt conflicted about how he handled the situation. At the time he felt an uncontrollable need to put distance between him and the blue alicorn; however now he was unsure if simply walking out on her was the right thing to do. A sense of dread slowly crept over him as he realized that he was supposed to appear in the court session the next day for his official royal welcome to Equestria. It does seem to be proximity based, though; maybe it will be alright. He said to himself. The hall is pretty big; if there is enough distance between us it shouldn’t be a problem. And hopefully I’ll be seeing that pony doc soon, and maybe we’ll get to the bottom of this whole thing.

Still sitting on the balcony, his thoughts eventually slowed and he drifted off to sleep.

Sickly yellow eyes staring out from the darkness.
Long clawed hands wrapped around steel bars.
A cage set behind a dark throne.
A maiden with flowing golden hair all inside an ivory tower.
The sun slowly setting.

Hunter slowly woke as the morning sun filled his eyes. “And still with the strange dreams.” He muttered to himself as he slowly stood and stretched. Looking around he realized that he was standing on the balcony. Working out the stiffness in his joints he prepared himself for the day.

The grand hall will filled with ponies; Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood at the far end, looking over the crowd from their thrones. Along the wall to their right a large group of ministers and noble born ponies were standing; on the other side of the hall were members of the military and prominent business owners. At the back of the hall a large crowd of common ponies who had caught word of what was happening and managed to get into the palace before the gallery filled. In the center off the hall stood the lone human; Hunter.

From his position next to the minsters and the nobility ambassador to the Griffon Kingdom; Kruger watched as Hunter spoke with the princesses. The griffon was forced to admit to himself that the human was doing far better than he expected; everything from the way that Hunter stood, to how he moved his hands, to the tone of his voice showed that he had a fair amount of self confidence. Yet, his voice remained nothing but respectful as he addresses the rulers of Equestria; not once did he speak down to them, however by the same token, neither did he address them as if he was one of their subjects; although he used their titles and honorifics, he spoke to the princesses as if they were equals.

As the conversation between the princesses and Hunter came to a close, the human gave a sweeping bow. “It would be an honour, privilege and pleasure to not only stay within your fine country, your majesties, but also within your palace.”

“Then we welcome you to our kingdom, Hunter, first human visitor from Earth.” Celestia spike with a regal tone in her voice.

“Welcome to Equestria, Hunter.” Luna added, her voice sounding slightly less confident than her sisters.

The next hour became a blur for Hunter has he was quickly introduced to dignitaries, nobleponies, ministers, representatives, reporters and guests. By the end of it, Hunter could barely remember the names of all the ponies he had met, and matching them to faces seemed impossible. The crowd eventually began to disperse; the photographers took a few last minute shots before they too left. Finding himself free of the giant pony mob, Hunter exhaled slowly as he sunk into a chair.

“So lad, seems that you were quite the attraction.” Ambassador Kruger said as he walked up to the human. “Was your first ‘official’ day in this her pony land everything you expected it to be.”

Hunter shook his head and gave a small chuckle. “No, Ambassador, it was not. For one thing I didn’t expect the turnout to be so... large.”

“Well, that’s them ponies for you;” Kruger smiled, “Once they got wind of you, they couldn’t just keep away.”

“Makes sense, if a unicorn showed up back home people would come out in droves to see the thing.”

“Well, hang in there lad; it’s probably only going to get busier for you from here. Now that the princesses have made your presence known to the world a lot of creatures are going to take an interest in you. I’d hate to tell you this, lad, but there might come a time when you are going to have to make a choice; and it’s not going to be one that I would want to have to make.”

“Great.” Hunter said as he closed his eyes and his head flopped backwards so it was resting on the wall. “As if this wasn’t complicated enough; ‘oh, by the way, before you get too comfortable here, you might be forced to move to a new land, is that ok with you?’”

“Relax, lad. It might not be that bad; you might not be force to make that choice at all.”

“Yeah, probably; there’s no sense on worrying about something like that now.” Hunter’s eyes opened to face the griffon once more. “Deal with that when the time comes.”

“Good lad.” Kruger said and used a talon to pat the human on the back. “Keep your beak sharp, and your eyes keen, and you can make it through anything. I got to get back to it, but best of luck to ya.”

“Thanks man; that was actually kinda helpful.” Hunter said smiling.

The griffon laughed as he walked off, leaving the human alone. Hunter stood, taking a quickly look around himself as he tried to figure out what he should do next. However, his thoughts were interrupted when a voice called out to him. Turning to get a look at the speaker, Hunter found himself looking at a white unicorn with a blond mane, was wearing a suit and had an eight pointed star that was gold and silver. “You’re... Prince Blueblood, right?” Hunter asked as he studied the unicorn in front of him.

“That is correct.” Blueblood replied. “I supposed that it is as much of an honour for you to meet me as it is for me to greet the first human in Equestria.”

And that title is never going away now. Hunter said to himself. “So, prince, is there something you needed?”

“I was just curious about what you intend on doing her in Canterlot. If you are going to stay here, eventually you will need to align yourself with one of the noble houses. It is just a tradition, of course, but in order to live or do business here in this city, you need to be associated with one of them.”

“And I take it that you are taking the time to tell me that being the personal guest of both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna is not enough; and, for my benefit, you are offering me an invitation to ‘associate’ with your house?”

“You are as clever as they say you are. Yes, this is an informal and unofficial invitation to become an associate with my house. Just think, the first human allied with the Royal Bloodline family, the prestige for such a thing would be unmatched.”

Hunter remained silent for several moments as he slowly thought about what Blue Blood told him. “Sorry, you highness.” He final spoke, “For now, I feel it is probably best that I refuse all invitations; at least until I get better acquainted with this city and those in it.”

“Fair enough, but remember my offer still stands.” Blue Blood said before he gave a small bow and left.

“And what offer is that?” Shrouded Armour asked as he approached the human.

Hunter shook his head. “Probably nothing that important; something about wanting me to join his house or something like that.”

“Ah, so they’ve started already.” Shrouded said with a small sigh.

“What’s this now?” Hunter asked becoming more and more confused at what all the ponies around him were talking about.

“Well, he’s probably told you that you need to ‘associate’ with one of the families to like and work here, right?”

“Yeah.”

“While it’s not an actual legal requirement, it’s something the nobility came up with. Think of it as a way for them to show off just how important they are; they uses the list of businesses and associated names in their little games as they attempt to get more power over the other families. Of course, the princesses stop them from acquiring too much power by declaring certain things off limits to them; such as weather control and the various utilities.”

“So, why do they do it then? What about the guard, do they associate with one of the houses or are they considered a separate entity? And what does any of this have to do with me?”

“Wealth, power, bragging rights, or maybe boredom; I really don’t know why they do what they do. As for the guards, although there are those that were born or previously associated with one of the houses, upon entering their ranks, a guardspony must swear an oath to protect and serve Equestria and the Princesses before serving any house. If a pony is caught placing house interests before Equestian interests it can become a very serious scandal, and can reflect poorly on that pony’s house.”

“And me?”

“Not only are you new, and the first-slash-only human here, by being a guest of the Princesses it makes you important; you’re that brass horseshoe that everypony is going to try and grab; they’re not going to stop until you pick.”

“So, what am I supposed to do? I have no interest in being some trophy for some random pony family.”

“You might want to considered looking at one of the small houses; such as House Lulamoon, they’re an older, well established, family but rarely get involved in the day to day politics and games the rest of the houses play. If not them maybe Twilight Hall is more your thing; fairly small family, but are up and coming, and have yet to show any real political ambition.”

“Lulamoon, Twilight Hall? If you hadn’t just told me that the guards are supposed to be politically neutral, I would think that you were playing favorites.” Hunter grinned.

“No, nothing like that.” Shrouded waved one of his hooves dismissively. “We Night Guard are completely neutral in the area of house politics, regardless of any... coincidental naming of them.”

“If you say so.”

“I do.”

“But is that really it? Join some house, or leave the capital and still get chased down by all these families just so I can be some kind of trophy?”

“Well, if you can get yourself a neutral position like ambassador...”

“I don’t see how that would work, since I can’t even talk to the people back home, let alone be considered an ambassador.”

“Your other options are to join a different nation...”

“And have the same problem there that I’m having here?”

“Or to join the Royal Family. But, that is implausible; only one pony has ever joined the royal family; and if it is that hard for a pony to join, it would be next to impossible for a non-pony to join.”

“You are no help at all.” Hunter deadpanned. The two of them silently stared at each other for several minutes before they both started to laugh. “Anyway, you must have had some reason to come find me other than to give me hopeless advice.”

“It might not be as impossible as I made it out to be just next to impossible; and yes, I’ve received word from Dr. Triage, she’s ready to see you.”

“Well, maybe this will make one of my problems go away.”

Several hours later, Hunter found himself sitting, exhausted, in Dr. Triage’s office. The green unicorn doctor had run every scan she could think of, and ran ever test possible, plus one or two more that she had just invented, on the human; as well as drawing more blood than Hunter was comfortable loosing. “So, doc, after all that; did you actually find anything?” Hunter asked.

“Well, we have to wait for your blood work to be done, but... no, I couldn’t find anything physically wrong with you.” Triage said, her head hanging slightly. “Whatever is causing the headaches that you are experiencing is not rooted in a physical cause. More likely, since you are a non-magic creature that has been forcibly injected into magic rich world, your body is having a hard time adapting. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to go about treating this.”

“So, what do I do?” Hunter asked, concern coming through in his voice. “Avoid the princesses forever and hope that it doesn’t get any worse?”

“I don’t think it will come to that. I’ve talked to Princess Celestia and she assured me that she would send for somepony that specializes in magical problems; with any luck, this pony should be able to figure out what the problem is and help you fix it.”

“I guess that’s something. When is this specialist supposed to arrive?”

“My understanding is that they do not live in Canterlot, so they should be here within the next few days. For your convenience, the Princess will be arranging it so that they will be meeting you at the palace.”

“Well, thanks doc, take care.” Hunter thanked Triage as he stood and moved towards the office door.

“Take care of yourself as well.” Triage said, then as an afterthought added; “Oh. I’ll let you know when the test on your blood is done. I’m curious to see what they’ll say.”

Hunter left the doctor to her work and exited her office. Slowly making his way down the hall, Hunter could feel his exhaustion was starting to overpower him. “Alright, just get back to your room and you can sleep until that specialist pony arrives.” He told himself, trying to gather strength to make the rest of the trip.

“If you are feeling that unwell, I could have somepony assist you.” A strong, yet kind voice spoke up.

Hunter lifted his head, and found Celestia standing several feet away from him. “Princess Celestia; sorry, I didn’t know you were standing there.”

“It is quite alright, Hunter.” Celestia replied. “I was hoping to speak with you; I understand that you’ve had quite the eventful day, but my sister and I was hoping that you would be willing to join us for dinner.”

Hunter hesitated for a moment before answering. “Although it sounds nice, I’m not sure if it’s really a good idea.”

“Do not worry; we are arranging the dining area so that you do not need to worry about your health.”

“Then... that seems alright.”

Tears started to form in both Shining Armour and Shrouded Armour eyes as they laughed; while Princess Cadence let out a small giggle, Princess Celestia smiled, but managed to suppressed her laughed, Luna on the other hand stared wide eyed and mouth open. Hunter, at the far end of the table, and a safe distance away from the three alicorns continued his story between bouts of laughter; “...and he had no idea it was there. He walked around for over an hour with that thing on his head.”

“Oh, that must have been quite the sight.” Celestia said from her end of the table. “I can’t believe that he never noticed. Was he never told it was there?”

“No, no one ever said anything; I’m still amazed that he never realized that it was there.”

“It is truly a marvel how such a thing could go unnoticed upon one’s head.” Luna finally spoke, her expression changing into a soft smile. “It brings back memories of our own youth, does it not, sister?”

“Yes it does sister.” Celestia answered. “Like the time we both tried to switch the others shampoo with hair dye; and the disaster it turned out to be?”

“Of course I remember; over half the courtiers began to paint stripes on themselves.”

“Aunties, I can’t believe the two of you would do something like that.” Cadence said with her mouth hanging open.

“Well, we were both quiet young at the time.” Celestia said in way of explanation.

The conversation, stories and laughter continued on though the evening; eventually, however, it began to fade. Princess Cadence and Shining Armour were the first to bid the other ‘goodnight’ before leaving for their own room. Shrouded Armour was the next to leave, saying something about keeping the new recruits in line. After a few more minutes had passed, Princess Celestia declared that is was now time for her to retire for the day, and left Luna alone with Hunter.

“Princess... Luna, I just want to thank you.” Hunter said as he rose from his chair.

“Thank us? For what?” Luna asked, tilting her head on a slight angle.

“For this, tonight. Tonight was the first time I felt that I could somehow fit in with your kind; not just live amongst them, but actually live with them. If that makes any sense.” Hunter explained. “So, thank you.” Hunter gave a small bow and left the dining room intent on finding his bed.

As Hunter slowly made his way down the last hall to his room, he was surprised to find that there were no guards standing outside the door. Deciding that he was too tried think about why they weren’t there or to do anything about it, he pushed the door open and entered the room. As the door closed, a figure wrapped in dark clothing slowly slunk around the corner. Its sickly yellow eyes narrowed as it stared at the door the human had just went through.

Chapter 6

A figure wrapped in dark clothing slowly crept through the palace halls. As it rounded the corner it spotted the human. Ducking into a shadow, the figure watched as the human passed and entered his room. Waiting in the shadow for several minutes, then cautiously crept out of the shadow and across the hall; it pressed an ear against the door. Hearing only faint breathing form the other side, the figure pushed the door open. Taking a quick look around, the figure didn’t see anything moving; it slipped into the room pushing the door closed behind it.

Moving silently through the room, the cloaked figure made its way over to the bed. Its sickly yellow eyes studded the sleeping human. It raised a limb and gently poked the human causing him to shift slightly, but remained asleep. Moving away from the bed, the clothing wrapped entity began to search through the room.
One of the first things it came across was a stack of papers on the small table. Carefully lifting one of the papers, the figure read over the scratchy writing that covered the page. But no help came, and the wolves devoured the boy. The next day a group of villagers went out to the pasture, but couldn’t find the boy; instead they found bones littered around the blood-soaked grass…

Deciding that it was best not to continue reading, the figure replaced the page and resumed its search of the room. It searched through every drawer, closet and wardrobe it could find, always taking the time to replace any removed item, so that it would leave no trace that it was here. Eventually, it came across a locked drawer within a large wardrobe; its eyes narrowed as it used its magic to pick the lock. With a faint click, the lock came undone, and the drawer slid open. Inside the drawer the figure found a number of strange metal cylinders, each one appeared to be made of brass and sealed with a piece of lead. An evil grin came across its face as it face as it lifted one of the cylinders from the drawer and placed it in one of his pockets. Closing and re-locking the drawer, the figure slipped out of the room and back into the shadows.

The morning had started off fairly well, for Hunter; it was he had peacefully through the night without any strange or disturbing dream in over a week. Electing to eat breakfast in his room, he sat on the floor in front of the small table; he bit into an apple as he looked over what he’d written so far. Pulling out a fresh sheet, he lifted a pen but his train of thought was interrupted when a knock came from the door. With a quiet sigh, Hunter placed the pen down and walked over to the door. Pulling the door open he found Stargazer waiting for him on the other side. “Oh, Stargazer; what brings you around so early?” Hunter asked stepping aside to let the unicorn into the room.

“And good morning to you too;” Stargazer said with a touch of sarcasm in her voice and entered the room. “I never would have thought that the first human would be so grumpy before he got his breakfast.”

“It’s so nice that we’re close enough that you can address the very important me with sarcasm.” Hunter replied as a small smile came to his face. “You would think that even an aide to a princess would still have to treat rare and exotic dignitaries such as myself with some respect.”

“Well, you would have thought wrong.”

Hunter smiled at the comment as he walked back over to the table. “All that aside, it is still strange for anyone to track me down before breakfast.” He said emphasizing his point by biting into the apple that was still in his hand. “What?” He asked seeing the questioning look that Stargazer was giving him. “You shouldn’t skip breakfast; it’s the most important meal of the day.”

“Breakfast aside; you still have quite the day in front of you.”

“Wait, what do you mean?” Hunter asked between bites.

“Several prominent ponies have asked to speak with you, probably with the goal of convincing you to join their house.”

“Hey, if I were to leave Canterlot and go somewhere else do you think I’d be able to avoid all this?”

“Unlikely, it seems that the majority of them view you as some sort of trump card; get the human to join your house and instant prestige. On top of that, they do not restrict themselves from doing business solely in Canterlot; even if you left they would still track you down. So, leaving probably wouldn’t help, unless you moved into the Everfree.”

“I can do that;” Hunter said with a smirk, but quickly softened his expression, “but yeah, I see your point.”

“Furthermore, you’ve been invited to the Grand Galloping Gala.” Stargazer said as she used her telekinesis to produce a gold ticket and floated it over to the human. Hunter picked the ticket out of the air, looking it over. “So, you’re going to need some formal attire; we’ve managed to find a tailor that should be able to make you a suit. So, hurry up, we’ve got a lot to do.” The unicorn turned and walked back out into the hallway.

“I need a suit?” Hunter asked the empty space that was now in front of him. “Wait, what’s a ‘galloping gala’? Hey! Wait up!” He called after the unicorn as he chased after her.

“I know you have reservations about getting involved with our family;” Blue Blood explained to Hunter, “But the Royal Bloodline Family is the best choice you can make; we are the only house outside the Royal Sister that are permitted to us the honourifics ‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’. We are perhaps the wealthiest and most influential of all the houses.”

Hunter shook his head. “Sorry Prince, but I’m just not ready to make any commitment just yet.” The human replied. “I’m sure your family is as wealthy and influential as you say it is, but it’s only been a day; other families are also petitioning me to join them. This is not a decision that I’m going to make arbitrarily.”

“I understand that. You are new to Equestria, unfamiliar with our customs, some might even say ignorant; but not the Royal Bloodline Family, we see your potential. With us your future is nearly limitless; and just so we’re clear I’m not taking about you becoming some associate, I’m talking about making you a full family member.”

Hunter raised an eyebrow at this statement. “You want me, a human, to join your family?”

“I… would not put it that way.” Blueblood admitted. Hunter’s eyes narrowed as he studied the unicorn, but allowed him to continue. “I understand your skepticism; if you become and associate the House gains the benefit of your name, but you get nothing in return. However, by offering to make you an official part of our family we get the prestige of your name and you get all the benefits of being a full family member; it is a win-win scenario for both of us.”

“I’ll keep that in mind while I make my decision.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear it.” The unicorn said with a smile. “Oh, and one quick piece of advice; the Royal Bloodline Family does not take rejection well.”

“I see; then let me give you a piece of advice in return;” Hunter said, moving so that he was now looming over the unicorn, and his voice taking a cold tone. “Humans do not take kindly to threats.”

Blue Blood’s eyes widened as he stared up at Hunter; the unicorn felt his legs weaken and a desperate need to get away. “Y-yes, I’ll definitely remember that.” Blue Blood stammered. “Now, it was… pleasant to speak with you again, but I really need to be going.” The unicorn backed away from the human, before slowly turning and with as much restraint and composure he could muster Blue Blood walked out of the room.

“I can’t believe that worked.” Hunter said to himself as he sat back down. “Maybe I should start with the scary next time.”

“That probably won’t work.” Stargazer called out to Hunter as she entered. “Although I’ve never seen Blue Blood that scared before; well maybe that time at last year’s Gala.”

Hunter gave Stargazer a quizzical look. “Last year? I think I heard about that; something about all the animals from the gardens got into the ballroom; caused a panic.”

“That did happen; it’s not what I was referring too. Last year there was a unicorn that was quiet infatuated with him; after she realized that he wasn’t quite the noble prince she thought his would be…”

Hunter chuckled as he envisioned a mare telling Blue Blood off. “I wish I could have seen that.”

“Me too, I wasn’t there when it happened; Princess Luna didn’t go to the Gala last year. Scared princes aside, you still have other nobleponies to meet. We’ll be going to the house of this next one; House Lulamoon has asked to speak with you as well.”

“Shrouded works fast.” Hunter smirked. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Sitting in a large opulently decorated room, Hunter studied the mare across from him; she was a unicorn with a golden yellow coat, her mane was gold as well but seemed to have an almost unnatural shine to it. Finally, her cutie mark was that of a wand surrounded by several stars. “Thank you for agreeing to meeting with me, Sir Hunter.” She said with a confident yet refined voice.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Prestidigitation.” Hunter replied. “But it’s just Hunter, I’m not a lord or knight or anything like that.”

“Is it safe to assume that you are aware why I asked to speak with you?”

“I do have some suspicions; this is about the same thing the other families want, me joining their house.”

“Then your suspicion would be correct. This is indeed about asking you to join House Lulamoon, but not necessarily in the manner you think.”

Hunter’s eyes narrowed, “So, you asked me here just to tell me that you’re not interested in me joining?” He asked, unsure of where the conversation was going. “The last time I had a conversation like this, the pony in question was all but begging me to join their house.”

“That is what makes the great House Lulamoon so different. We see things for the long term; for now you are new, exotic, and it is that quality that the other families find desirable. However, over time that quality will fade, and you will lose that which makes you desirable. If House Lulamoon where to consider making you an associate we would need to see some benefit aside from you just being what you are.”

“A very practical train of thought, Lady Prestidigitation; after the way ponies that I talked with before I would have assumed that the various families would simply fight over me based solely on some immediate gain.”

“Which now brings us to the crux of the matter; House Lulamoon has a long and rich tradition with the magical arts. We are forever seeking ways to increase our knowledge and power; that is our true goal not the petty political or financial ambitions the other houses seem focused on. Now, do you see any way that you becoming an associate with House Lulamoon will help us achieve our long term goals?”

Hunter sat silent for several second, mulling the question over in his head. Eventually he looked directly at the unicorn and spoke. “No.”

Prestidigitation blinked in disbelief. “I’m sorry, but did you say ‘no’?”

“I did.” Hunter explained. “The thing you need to understand, Lady Prestidigitation, is that I am a human; and as such I cannot use magic. I cannot fly or manipulate the weather like a pegasi, not do I have the strength or the connection to the earth that earth ponies have. So, the answer to your question Lady Prestidigitation is: no, even though it would be nice to be a part of a house that would see me for who I am, I cannot see a way that I would be beneficial to House Lulamoon for the long term.”

“I am surprised at your answer,” Prestidigitation admitted, “I was expecting you make some claim about the greatness of humans, and all the benefits would bring if you were permitted to join my house. Instead, you state that we would gain nothing for our long term goals; making it appear that you would actually be detriment to House Lulamoon.”

“Not really; humans built their world on science and technology, not magic. On some outside chance maybe some of that might apply to something, but it seems doubtful.”

“I feel that I must confess my reason for my shock at your answer; since its founding House Lulamoon has had close ties to the Princess. Similarly to how the Royal Bloodline Family traces it heritage back to Princess Celestia, we trace ours back to Princess Luna.”

“I fail to see how that would be the cause of your surprise, Lady Prestidigitation.”

“Given the rumors about your… interest in Princess Luna, our assumption was that you would seek to join in order to further those goals.”

“Interest? What goals?” Hunter blinked. “Wait, what rumors?”

“The rumors… the ones about how you are interested in the Princess of the Night… romantically.”

“Romantic interest in Luna?”Hunter said more like a statement then a question. “You should not trust in all the rumors you hear, Lady Prestidigitation; I have no romantic attraction to the Princess.”

“Oh, I see, she’ll be so disappointed.”

“Are their rumors about Princess Luna having romantic interest in me?” Hunter asked flatly.

“Are you saying that you have no idea how our beloved Princess of the Night feels about you?”

Hunter sighed, “I think that any feeling that Luna might have for me are based solely in friendship, not any sort of romantic involvement.”

“You do not think that romance can bloom from friendship?”

“Do I think that is it possible for love to grow out of friendship? Yes. Do I think that it will happen to me and the Princess? No.”

“I do appreciate your honesty, Sir Hunter. I do appreciate that even if it was to your own detriment.” Lady Prestidigitation with a smile, as the small clock on the mantle began to chime. “Unfortunately it appears that our time has come for our conversation to end.”

Hunter stood and gave a small bow to the unicorn. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Prestidigitation; I enjoyed our conversation. Maybe we can speak again sometime.” The human then turned and walked towards the exit, meeting up with Stargazer before the two of them exited the room.

Prestidigitation watched to ensure that both Hunter and Stargazer were gone before call her subordinates into the room. “Foresight, your prediction was appears to be incorrect; the human has no magic, no power to speak of; and Match Maker, you assured me that he would be longing for the Princess.” Prestidigitation said sternly as she pointed a hoof at them. “Now explain to me what happened?”

“My vision was very clear, my lady.” Foresight explained in an attempt to reduce him mistress’ wraith. “I see him, standing amongst destruction and death; wielding the power of thunder and fire to strike down those that stand against him. This vision has not faded, and it will come to pass.”

“My prediction remains the same as well, Lady Prestidigitation.” Match Maker chimed in. “The outsider will fall for the mare in the moon, and from their love an age of fear shall reign.”

“Your sight has failed you both!” Prestidigitation yelled. “How can a being with no magic possibly wield power over thunder or fire? And how can love between two being that are nothing but honest, humble, respectful and kind bring about devastation? Both of you be gone! I shall hear no more tainted visions!”

Match Maker and Foresight both bowed, the hurried out of the room. No, I refuse to believe that if the human falls for the Princess of… Prestidigitation’s train of thought trialed off as revelation stuck her. “Match Maker said ‘mare in the moon’, which doesn’t refer to Princess Luna but to… oh, no.” With panic setting in, Prestidigitation race out of the room.

Hunter was unimpressed and slightly annoyed at the situation he had found himself in. Although at the time he was not completely sure of what to expect when Stargazer to him that they would be going to a tailor to get a custom suit fashioned, he did know that standing like a mannequin for almost an hour while some pony shoved pins into his skin was not it. “Are you sure that this is the only tailor in the country that can stitch me up a suit?” Hunter winced as the tailor jabbed him with yet another pin. “It’s like he’s trying to get me to bleed.”

“Relax; he knows what he’s doing. Besides he’s the only tailor in Canterlot that has made clothing for a biped before. Granted it was for a minotaur, but he still knows what he’s doing.” Stargazer explained. “And remember; coming here was your choice, remember?”

“I remember that you gave me a choice between talking with yet another family and getting a suit made for this gala thing, not standing around getting pins shoved into my skin.”

“Oh calm down, you sound like a foal. I’m sure that it will be over in no time.”

“That’s what you said an hour ago…”

Stargazer rolled her eyes. “I don’t understand how you can go from having such a polite and refined conversation with somepony, then barely an hour later stand there and whine like a little foal.”

“It’s a human thing; you wouldn’t understand.”

Before Stargazer could respond, the bell above the door rang as an earth pony with a blue-gray coat and mane entered the small shop. Looking past Hunter the tailor pony greeted the new arrival. “Hoity Toity, welcome, I’ll be with you in a moment.” The tailor said.

“Do not rush yourself, Quick Stitch.” Hoity Toity told the tailor pony. “I heard the rumor that you were fashioning a suit for out human guest. I am glad to see that the rumor was correct.” The earth pony turned his attention up towards the human. “You unquestionably must be Hunter, the human who has come to visit our fair country.”

“I am indeed that person.” Hunter said not moving from the position that Quick Stitch had place him in. “I’m Hunter, it’s a pleasure to meet you… um, Hoity Toity was it?”

“Indeed it is. So, tell me; what do you think of our fair city?”

“I haven’t had a chance to see much of it yet; I’ve spent most of my time here in the palace, but I have liked what I’ve seen so far. What surprised me was how familiar it feels to the cities back home; businesses and homes, people moving along crowed streets all living out their lives. It’s strangely comforting to see that.”

“I’m finished.” Quick Stitch spoke up. “It will take a bit of time to assemble everything; I’ll send word once it’s ready for a second fitting.”

“Thank you, Quick Stitch. I’ll leave you to your work then.” Hunter said handing over the half finished suit to the pony.

“Although I would relish the chance to continue our conversation, I do have some pressing business with Quick Stitch.” Hoity Toity said. “Until we meet again.”

“Until then.” Hunter answered with a small bow before exiting the tailor’s shop.

Once back on the street, Hunter turned towards Stargazer. “I’ve met with Blue Blood and Lady Prestidigitation, and what, three other families, talked with the tailor about getting a suit made, what’s next on the agenda?”

“Well, next you have a lunch with Princess Luna; then later you have meeting with Widget and Gearbox, who represent the Canterlot University. I believe they wished to speak to you about human technology and seeing if they can integrate any knowledge you have into their research.”

“The university, eh? That might be interesting.” Hunter said, then realized what else Stargazer had told him. “Lunch with Luna? When… Stargazer, why do I get the feeling that you’re trying to set me up with the princess?”

“Set you up with the princess? W-whatever gave you that idea?” Stargazer stammered. “I’m not trying to get the two of you involved or anything like that.”

“Whatever you say…” Hunter said rolling his eyes. “Just remember what I told Prestidigitation; I’m not interested in the princess that way.”

Princess Luna was making her way through the castle towards the kitchens when someone called out to her. “Auntie Luna, what you still doing here?” Princes Cadence asked as she rounded the corner. “If you don’t leave now, you’re going to be late.”

“Late? Whatever shall we be late for?” Luna asked staring at Cadence in confusion.

“For your lunch with Hunter, remember?” Cadence explained. “Now, hurry up and get to the dining all before it’s too late.” Without waiting for a reply, Cadence grabbed Luna and dragged her towards the dining hall.

“Stop! Desist!” Luna yelled. “We demand that you release us at one!”

“Sorry Auntie, but I can’t. As the princess of love it is my duty to ensure that you are there; the fate of two hearts hangs in the balance.”

Luna’s horn flashed as she used her magic to push Cadence off of her. “What are you talking about, dear niece? Whose heart lies in the balance?”

“Why, both yours and Hunter’s; who else?” Cadence said bluntly before she began to blush slightly as a look of joy came over her face. “I think it’s so romantic; the timid princess and the stranger form a distant land. Both feeling lonely and scared at the new world they find themselves in. Finding the friendship and comfort in each other that they cannot find elsewhere; and then that friendship blooms into something beautiful, love. It’s such a wonderful story, like something from a dream.”

Luna stood there in shock, neither speaking nor moving as she tried to process what her niece had just told her. Sensing and opportunity, Cadence grabbed Luna once more and dragged the blue alicorn the rest of the way to the dining hall. As the two of them passed through the doorway, Cadence could see Hunter, who was being pushed forwards by Stargazer, enter the hall as well. “Excellent; now that you are both here, you can enjoy a lovely lunch together.” Cadence said as she exited the room, gesturing for Stargazer to follow.

“I’m sorry if I’m late, Princess.” Hunter began, “The unfortunate truth is that I became so preoccupied with what I was doing that our lunch together had slipped my mind.”

“It is quite alright, Sir Hunter.” Luna responded as she took her seat. “I must confess that I, too, had forgotten about agreeing to this.”

Hunter moved to the table and carefully chose a seat, one that was not so far as to appear rude, but no so close that the alicorn’s presence would overwhelm him. “Then it is fortunate that both Stargazer and Princess Cadence reminded us of it then.” Hunter smiled. “Otherwise, we both might have ended up looking foolish.”

“It is indeed; looking like a foal is not something that I wish to be preserved as.” Luna said with a straight face that she managed to hold for several seconds before breaking out into a smile. “Although the amount of enthusiasm that our… my niece used in getting me here was quite overwhelming. It is as if she thought there was something more than just a meal with a friend.”

“Yeah, that is kinda strange. Reminds me of something I heard earlier today; apparently there are rumors about us being… romantically attracted to each other.”

“What preposterousness; it has only been a short time since my return from my imprisonment, and I have no desire to seek out any romantic liaison with anypony. I value our friendship as it stands now.”

“Oh, I agree, Princess. Having only just arrived in this country a week ago I’m still trying to adjust to my new life here. I doubt that I would have time for some kind of romantic relationship. Besides since it was your spell that is keeping me from being killed by the ambient magic in the air, a romantic relationship between us would be…umm, inappropriate?”

“Y-yes we would not want ponies thinking that we were involved in something inappropriate. Besides, give everything else, such as station, lifespan, even species; such a thing would be impossible for us to be romantically involved.”

“I agree, c-completely impossible…”

“Yes…”

“So… umm, did you know that there is only one tailor in this city with any knowledge on how to make clothing for a biped, and on top of that, he’s determined to shove as many pins in as many people as he can?”

“Excellent; my plan is coming together.”Cadence said with an evil smile.

“Umm, Princess, what plan would that be?” Stargazer asked.

“The one where I get auntie Luna to fall in love and get married and I do not go to their wedding.” Cadence said then turned to see Stargazer standing there with a shocked expression on her face. “You weren’t actually supposed to hear that… so just forget I said anything.”

“Princess, is this about Princess Luna not being there at your wedding?”

“N-no; whatever would give you that idea?”

“You are aware that the reason Princess Luna wasn’t at your wedding was because you neglected to give her an invitation, right?”

Cadence said nothing, instead she just stared blankly at Stargazer.

Deep in a cave, a group of being with slickly yellow eyes stared at a small tube made of brass and topped with lead. Each one looked over the item, as they conversed in their strange, raspy and distorted voices. “What is it?”

“We do not know.”

“The stranger, the human, he had it.”

“Was hidden, locked away.”

“What does it do?”

“Is it magic?”

“How do you open it?”

“Can you eat it?”

“We need the human.”

“Yes; the human, he knows!”

“We must have him!”

“He will not come…”

“We will not give him a choice.”

Chapter 8

Twilight and Hunter exited the hall containing the Elements; the unicorn and the human were locked in a debate over what they had just discovered. “You had a negative reaction to the Elements; what else could it mean?” Twilight asked.

“It can mean anything; that’s the point.” Hunter replied.

“But you have the same reaction when you’re near the Princesses; and Celestia once wielded all six, and Luna was purified by them.”

“You’re forgetting it happens when I’m near your sister-in-law, and she’s never touched them; and you are a current bearer of one of the Elements and I’m standing next to you without problem.”

“I could just be that I’m only one of the bearers, the Princesses were affected by all six.”

“That still doesn’t explain Princess Cadence. No, I think we’re missing something; there’s got to be something that both alicorns and the Elements have in common, something they have that other ponies don’t.”

As Twilight thought over what Hunter had said one of the solar guards approached them. “Miss Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia has as sent for you.” The guard informed them.

Twilight looked at Hunter, who gave the unicorn a friendly smile “You should go.” Hunter told her. “If the Princess is asking for you now it’s probably important.”

“Are you sure?” Twilight asked. “It seems like we’re so close to a breakthrough.”

“I’m sure.” Hunter reassured Twilight.

Twilight nodded, turned and left with the guard. Hunter remained in the hall, his thought turned back to the conversation he had with Twilight. Replaying it over and over in his mind, he came to the same conclusion every time; there was something he was missing. Hunter started down the hall once more this time heading towards the archives.

Luna pushed opened the door to the royal archives only to be met by a frantic grey earth pony. “Princess Luna! Thank goodness you’re here!” He exclaimed upon spotting the alicorn. “It’s the human; you have to do something about him!”

“Calm yourself, Hunter has used the archives before so what has you so distressed?” Luna asked as she attempted to calm the pony in front of her.

“It’s different this time. Before he would pick something and read it and put it back; now he’s ransacking the archive, trying to find something specific.”

“Do not worry; I shall deal with this situation.” Luna reassured the stallion. The alicorn moved passed the earth pony as she ventured deeper into the archives. As she approached the section pertaining to early Equestrian history, she could make out the sound of Hunter’s voice as well as the shuffling of papers. As she neared the last set of shelves, the sounds stopped only to be replaced by Hunter calling out to her. “Hello Princess. What brings you here?” Hunter asked.

“A distressed pony.” Luna answered as she stepped past the last shelf to see Hunter standing there with books, papers and scrolls littering the floor around him. “The archivist was panicking, believing that you were about to destroy a good portion of the material that is kept here.”

“Not deliberately.” Hunter replied as he pulled yet another book off a shelf. “It’s just… the answer has to be here somewhere; I just can’t find it.”

“If I may ask; the answer to what?”

“To us, to this.” He answered, pointing at his head. “I was in the hall where the Elements are stored, and I reacted to them; the same way I react to you. There has to be some connection between the Elements and alicorns that isn’t present in any other pony. I just can’t find it.”

“Just how long have you been looking?”

“I don’t know; probably not that long yet.” Hunter shrugged. “Let’s see… after Twilight and I left the hall she was summoned by Celestia, and I came straight here, so maybe an hour, two at the most.”

“It has been over six hours since my sister spoke with Twilight Sparkle.”

“Oh… well, if I didn’t find anything by now…” He muttered as he let the book fall from his hand. He stared at the pile for several seconds, the lifted his head to look directly at Luna. “Hey, Luna; where do alicorns come from? The only thing I get from these books it that one day you and your sister just kinda appeared. It the same with the Elements; all it said was that at some point during Discord’s reign, you found them.”

“I’m sorry, I cannot tell you that.” Luna said, hanging her head slightly. “In the past things were far different than they are now. Fearing that if somepony, or even some other being, with evil intent had that knowledge it could be used against us. To keep it safe, Celestia erased it from history. Even now it is considered a crime to seek this knowledge out.”

“A crime to understand your own history? That’s insane.”

“Insanity or not, it is what it is.”

“But-”

“Please, do not press this issue; nor raise it with my sister. Just forget about your current path of inquiry, and focus on something else. I’m… I’m begging you; I do not want to see anything happen to you.”

“Alright Luna; I’ll let it go.”

Luna smiled and stepped forwards, which only caused Hunter to step back. “I’m sorry, I forgot.” Luna said sheepishly. “It just that I was so relieved to hear you say that…”

“It’s alright; I’d probably feel the same if out places were switched.”

“Come, you have been down here so long you have missed dinner.” Luna turned and started off back towards the exit. Hunter looked down at the pile of books, and then back up in the direction that Luna had walked off in. He thought over his situation for only a moment before he went after the alicorn.

“Hey, wait… what happened to Twilight anyways? I thought she would be the one to track me down.” Hunter asked.

“Unfortunately Twilight Sparkle, the remaining Elements as well as Captain Shining Armour and Princess Cadence have all been called away on urgent business.”

“Oh, I was hoping to speak with Twilight again, but if it’s that important I can’t really do anything about it.”

As they entered the dining hall they were greeted by one of the servants. “Princess Luna, Sir Hunter, what brings you here at this hour?” the yellow furred mare asked then quickly added. “N-not that you can’t or anything.”

“We were hoping to get something to eat.” Luna explained. “Is the chef available?”

“Unfortunately, he’s not here at the moment, highness; but we can summon him if you want.”

“Nah, don’t bother; I’ll just make something myself.” Hunter said moving towards one of the doors. “Kitchen’s through here right?”

Having finished the last court session for the day, Celestia left the grand hall and headed towards her chambers. As the alicorn passed the dining hall, she could hear several voices inside speaking in a hurried tone. Opening the door to take a quick look inside Celestia saw a group of ponies gathered around the door that lead into the kitchen. Venturing into the dining hall, the princess approached the crowd the scent of something unfamiliar wafted into her nose. “My little ponies, what is all this commotion about?” Celestia asked the group.

“P-princess Celestia,” one of the ponies stammered, causing the group to turn and bow to her, “it’s your sister, Princess Luna, and the human.”

“What about them?”

“They’ve taken over the kitchen.”

“You see,” a second pony quickly chimed in, “earlier, they came into the dining hall looking for some food. However, when they were informed that the chef was not available, Hunter said that he would prepare something himself. Since then, they’ve commandeered two of the chef apprentices and one dishwasher.”

“But why are you all gathered around the door?”

“Truthfully, your majesty, we’re all curious. Hunter, he’s having them make... something, but none of us have any idea what it could be.”

“He’s said the names,” the first pony said, “but it's things we’ve never heard of.”

With her curiosity peeked and the strange but appetising smell assaulting her nostrils, Celestia stepped forwards. “I think I will investigate this directly.” she said. The gathered ponies moved aside to let the alircorn pass. As Celestia entered the kitchen, Hunter was giving some final instructions to the three ponies he had recruited to help him.

“Looks like everything’s done.” Hunter said as he took some of whatever he had made and placed it on a plate. “You three take the rest and share it with our audience.”

“And is there any for me?” Celestia asked.

Hunter and the three ponies froze when they heard Celestia’s voice. Luna, however, jumped up and raced over to her sister. “Sister, you must try these!” she said as she carried the plate over to Celestia. “Hunter has made us something from his world.”

Without warning, Luna used her telekinesis to grab one of the items that Hunter had made and floated it into Celestia’s mouth. Hunter, using the time that Luna had giving him, managed to recompose himself. “Careful, those can be spicy.” Hunter warned.

Celestia carefully chewed the item that now occupied her mouth, as an approving smile came to her face. “This is quite delectable.” she said as she swallowed. “Tell me, what are they called?”

“That was a samosa, the green ones are pakora, yellow is the dhokla and it kheer in the pot.” Hunter explained. “Try some of everything and see what you like; oh and don’t worry, there’s no meat in anything, it’s all pony friendly.”

Celestia looked over the rest of the food while the three other ponies that had been helping Hunter carried it out to the dining hall. Encouraged by the princesses, the collection of ponies who had watched Hunter make the food began to help themselves to what was laid out. Celestia, Luna, and eventually Hunter, all exited the kitchen and joined the ponies gathered around the table. The moment Hunter sat down at the table; he was assailed by dozens of questions regarding the food. Doing the best he could; Hunter tried to explain the basics of ethic and regional based cooking.
Eventually, all of the food was eaten and the ponies began to head out; returning to their homes or their rooms in the palace. Hunter waited until he was alone with the two princesses until he decided to retire of the night. “Goodnight Princesses.” He said with a small bow.

“Do not worry;” Luna replied, “I shall endeavor to make this night a good one indeed.”

Celestia let out a small giggle, while Hunter merely smiled and gave the two alicorns a small wave as he left the hall and began the long trek back to his room.

Lying down in his bed, Hunter slowly drifted off to sleep. A moment later, Hunter found himself standing near the edge of a familiar cliff that was covered by cherry trees. Taking a moment to get his bearings, the human set off. As he approached the cliff’s edge, Hunter found a familiar alicorn waiting for him. “I see you’ve decided to visit my dreams once again.” Hunter said giving the pony a friendly smile.

“At first, I wanted to say I was merely curious about you and your world; however that... is not the case.” Nightmare Moon said, he voice getting sheepish at the end.

“Are you saying you want to be my friend?”

The alicorn gave no verbal response; instead she nodded her head hanging low, unable to look the human in the eye. “I have to admit that I am surprised;” Hunter said, “The stories that are told about you don’t make you out to be the friend having type. But, humans are usually taught not to believe everything they hear.”

“So does that mean you’re willing to be my friend?”

“Let’s find out together.”

Luna walked across the dreamscape; as the Princess of Night it was her duty to watch out for her subjects while they slept. As she traveled, the alicorn came across a strange place within the dream realm; it only took her a moment to realize what it was. It was the dreams of Hunter, the only human within Equestria. Luna paused as she looked over the space that lay before her; the human’s dreams had both an air of familiarity about them, yet at the same time seemed completely alien. Luna stood motionless for several moments as she debated on what to do next. Every time she had been here in the past, the alicorn had always decided to turn back.

“No, this time I’m going to do it.” Luna told herself. “I will see what a human dreams about.”

With her mind made up, Luna pressed forwards and left the familiar surroundings of pony dreams and entered that of a human’s. As she went deeper and deeper into the dream, Luna was surprised at how peaceful it was. “It seems that at least his sleeping mind is calmer that his waking one.” Luna said aloud to no one. “All these cherry trees; I wonder if they’re somehow important to him.”

Pressing on, Luna found herself nearing the edge of a cliff; and head she could see two figures. One was Hunter, and the other was a dark furred alicorn. “Is he dreaming about me?” Luna asked herself. As she got closer still, Luna started to make out details of the dream alicorn. Luna froze in fear as she recognised the very worst of herself standing there; the dream alicorn was without any doubt Nightmare Moon.

Still in shock, and completely unsure of what to do, Luna watched on in fear as Hunter held what seemed to be a pleasant conversation with her alter ego. Still too far away to make out any words, Luna watched on as Nightmare Moon turned her head away from Hunter, only to turn it back when he placed a hand on her neck, then draw her into an embrace. Luna’s eyes widened as her heart sunk, unable to watch any more she turned and fled back to the waking world.
Bolting out of her bed, Luna raced across the hall to a large door with the emblem of the sun on it. Without stopping to knock, Luna burst through the doors and dove into her sister’s bed. “Luna? Is that you?” A confused Celestia asked. “What has happened to make you so upset?”

“I was performing my duty as Princess of the Night, and I happened to come across Hunter’s dream.” Luna said her voice shaky and uneven and a sorrowful look was spread across her face. “And I found him, in a grove of cherry trees, watching the sunset with me.”

“Hunter dreaming about a romantic rendezvous with you is what has you so upset?” Celestia asked. “Is that the problem sister? Are you afraid that the human has feeling for you that you do not have for him?”

“I-I don’t know, sister; he’s... nice, he never treated me as anything less than a friend; he’s never once judged me by my past as Nightmare Moon; but it wasn’t me he was with;” Luna said as tears begun to fill her eyes. “It was her. What if he likes her more than me? What if I like him enough to become her once more?”

“Shhh... calm yourself, dear sister.” Celestia said reassuringly as she wrapped her wing around the younger alicorn. “Remember, dreams can have many meanings; and you were not in one that belonged to a pony. It is possible that the differences between our two races even extended to the land of dreams.”

“Maybe you are right, sister; but why would he dream of her?”

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Hunter asked seeing Nightmare Moon’s eyes fill with tears, he reached out and placed his hand on the mare’s neck. “I thought that you would be happy.”

“I am;” Nightmare Moon explained, “It just... I never would have thought that there would be sompony that would want to be my friend.”

“Selene...” Hunter said softly as he pulled the alicorn into an embrace.

Nightmare Moon didn’t move for several seconds, she focused on the genuine kindness the human had showed her; and on how it seemed to be reflected in the warmth of his arms. “Why did you call me Selene?” The alicorn finally brought herself to ask.

“Oh, that, it’s just that I’m not going to call you Nightmare Moon.” Hunter answered, as he released the alicorn. “So I got to thinking, and remembered one that seemed fitting from human mythology.”

Nightmare Moon thought over what Hunter had just told her. “Hmmm... well, alright. If you think that it’s a fitting name, from now on I shall be known as Selene.” she paused for a moment, then held out her hoof towards Hunter. “I mean; my name is Selene, it’s nice to meet you.”

Hunter smiled as he took her hoof in his hand. “I’m Hunter; it’s nice to meet you too. I do have one question; you and Luna, are you two separate beings or two parts of the same being? The books talk about how Luna became Nightmare Moon, but she’s in the real world and you’re here.”

“You see...” Selene trailed off as her eyes went wide. “You have to wake up!” she told him suddenly in a panicked voice.

“What?” Hunter gave Selene a confused look.

“You need to wake up, something is happening to your actual body!” Selene told him, then reared up and brought her hooves down on Hunter, shoving him to the ground. The moment Hunter stuck the earth, his actual eyes shot open and he was back in his bed. Standing over him was a strange creature with sickly yellow eyes and sharp pointed teeth.

The creature raised a claw; Hunter’s eyes went wide as he quickly realized the situation he was in. The human rolled away from the creature as it brought its claw down, tearing through the mattress where Hunter had been only a moment ago. Hunter quickly got to his feet, his eye narrowed as he studded his assailant; it was a bipedal dog creature, its grey fur was matted and filled with dirt. Hunter jumped to the side as the creature lunged forwards at him. “What do you want?” Hunter demanded.

“We want hairless monkey to tell us how copper tubes work.” The creature demanded.

Realizing what the thing in front of him wanted to know, Hunter’s response was a simple “No.”

“Too bad, we not give monkey thing a choice!” The creature barked, and then lunged at Hunter a second time. Hunter’s breath escaped him as the dog-creature connected with him. Recovering quickly Hunter formed his hand into his fist and lashed out at the creature. The dog faltered and Hunter moved backwards towards the door. Hunter noticed movement in the corner of his eye when a second dog-creature came out of the shadows swinging one of its claws. Hunter ducked and the claw tore into the wall, Hunter shot back with a quick punch to its kidney causing it to yelp in pain. Taking the advantage, Hunter grabbed the creature and smashed its head against the wall. The first creature closed in and brought its claws down on Hunter, the human jumped to the side dodging one claw but not the other. Hunter let out cry of pain as the claw dug into his flesh, causing the creature to laugh.

Getting to his feet, Hunter launched himself forwards tackling the dog-creature to the floor. Holding the dog down, Hunter began to rain blows down on the creature. After he landed the fifth blow, the creature squirmed out of his grasp. The dog leaned forwards and bit down on Hunter’s arm, the human gritted his teeth, and used his other hand grab the creature’s lower jaw. Hunter pulled on the creature’s jaw and wrenched his arm free.

The second creature managed to clear its head from the blow it had taken, it leaped across the room. As it neared Hunter, the human’s good arm lashed out and grabbed the creature and pulled it out of the air. Standing up again, Hunter kicked the first creature in the ribs several times. Stepping over the now battered creature, Hunter walked over to the other one. Reaching down, Hunter grabbed it by its scruff and pulled it back onto its feet. The creature swung one of its claws in an upwards arc, ripping through Hunter’s clothing and cutting open his chest. Summoning all of his strength, Hunter smashed the creature’s heads through the small table and into the floor. He looked down at the two beaten creatures then began to stumble his way towards the door. He managed to get four steps when something heavy struck him in the back of his head, causing the world to fade from his eyes.

It was mid-morning when Luna final woke, as she slowly rose from the bed, she realized that she was still in her sister’s room. She quietly pushed the bedroom door open, and peeked out into the hallway; seeing that it was empty, the alicorn hurried across the hall into her own room. As Luna got herself ready for the day, she reflected on her conversation with her sister. Maybe Celestia is right, she told herself, humans are different than ponies physically, so their dreams could be different too. I guess I could just ask him about human dreams in general; that would give me some answers without letting him know that I saw his dream... or maybe I should just tell him the truth.

Her mind set, Luna exited her room and head towards the dining hall; seeing that Hunter wasn’t there she called over one of the servants. “Excuse me, do you know where Hunter is?” she asked.

“Sorry, Princess, but I haven’t seen him.” The servant answered. “It is possible that Shrouded Armour took him down to the training hall again.”

Luna thanked the servant before exiting the dining hall. As Luna made her way towards the training hall, she found that curiosity had begun to permeate her thoughts and her pace quickened slightly. Having heard the story about Hunter somehow throwing a pegasus across the training hall. Although she was skeptical, Luna was wanted to see if the story had any truth to it at all. Approaching the training hall shouts paired with the sound of hooves striking stone and steel echoed through the hall. Stepping through the doorway, Luna scanned the room but didn’t see Hunter anywhere. “Captain Armour;” Luna called out when she spotted Shrouded Armour drilling several recruits. “Have you seen Hunter yet this morning?”

“No, Princess I haven’t.” Shrouded replied as he saluted Luna. “Perhaps he is in the archives with his face buried in some old book.”

“Thank you Captain, I-” Luna’s reply was cut off when alarm bells began to ring throughout the castle. Shrouded Armour began yelling orders at everypony in the room as one of the doors burst open and a guard came running into the room.

“Captain Shrouded!” The pony gasped for breath but still managed a quick salute, then realized that Luna was standing there. “Princess Luna!”

“Report solider!” Shrouded barked at the guard.

“There’s been an attack; looks like diamond dogs, in Hunter’s quarters, and the human is missing.” The guard managed to get out between heavy breaths. Luna’s eyes went wide when she heard this; her horn began to glow as she suddenly teleported herself along with Shrouded Armour from the training hall up to the guest wing to the palace.

Appearing outside of Hunter’s room, Shrouded Armour was forced to take a moment to recompose himself from the shock of the sudden teleport. Making his way towards the room, with Luna following him, the guard ponies at the door allowed them to pass. They found the inside of the room a complete mess, furniture broken, papers scattered everywhere and blood on the floor. Luna let out a barely audible gasp as Shrouded turned his attention to one of the ponies in the room.

“Sergeant, can you fill us in?” Shrouded asked.

“Yes, sir;” the stallion answered, “one of the maids came by to clean this room as she always did and found it like this. Judging by the claw marks and the tooth we pulled out of the floor, looks like at least two diamond dogs managed to gain entry and assaulted Hunter.”

“Looks like he put up a fight.” Shrouded commented.

“Yes, sir; judging by the debris and the blood it would appear that way.”

“A fight like this would have been loud; why didn’t anypony hear it? And how did a group of diamond dogs get his far into the castle without anyone noticing them?”

“I’m not sure, sir; there are traces of some kind of strange magic, but we haven’t been able to identify it yet, and we haven’t been able to piece together how they got in, or managed to take the human back out.”

“Are you saying he was kidnapped, sergeant?” Luna asked.

“It would appear that way, Princess.”

“What time do you think this happened at?” Shrouded asked.

“Probably some point late last night; maybe around midnight, but we can’t put a definitive timeline together yet.”

“That would explain why nopony saw him since he retired last night.” Luna commented.

“Princess, Captain, can either of you think of a reason that these diamond dog would risk breaking into the castle to kidnap Hunter?” the sergeant asked.

Shrouded shook his head, but Luna’s face twisted in shock. “Everypony out!” she commanded, realising what the diamond dogs could have been after.

“But Princess we-”

“Your Princess has giving you a command; I suggest you carry it out!” Luna shouted using the royal canterlot voice. Ponies began to rush out of the room. “Shrouded Amour;” Luna said using her normal voice once more. “Please fetch our sister at once.”

Shrouded bowed and exited the room, leaving Luna alone. The alicorn went over to one of the wardrobes and used her telekinesis to pull the doors open. Rumaging through the draws, Luna failed to locate the small locked box she was looking for. Beginning to panic, Luna began to search through the room in its entirety. After several frantic minutes of searching by Luna, Celestia entered the room.

The white alicorn placed her hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “Luna, I understand that you are upset about Hunter being kidnapped, but this is not how to go about helping him.” Celestia said trying to calm Luna down.

“It’s not that, sister.” Luna answered; worry still strong in her voice. “The box, the one that Hunter had us make when he first got here, I can’t find it.”

Celestia’s eyes widened in horror; “What about...” she trailed off, not being able to bring herself to ask.

“I don’t know, I’ve been too afraid to look yet.” Luna replied knowing what Celestia wanted to ask her about.

The two alicorns walked over to an untouched dresser. Luna’s horn glowed as a hidden lid on the dresser opened. Peering inside, they saw the item in question was still there; a long tube that flared at one end; and had a strange mechanism about a quarter of the way from the wide end. Breathing a quick sigh of relief, Luna quickly closed the secret compartment.

“Do you think that this is what they were after?” Celestia asked.

“With the way Hunter talked about what it was, probably.” Luna answered.

“And with Shining Armour, his stallions and the Elements all in the Crystal Kingdom, the dogs figured that this was an opportunity they couldn’t pass.”

“What do we do, sister?”

“I don’t know, sister; I don’t know.”

Chapter 9

Both Celestia and Luna listened intently at the report that Shrouded Armour was giving them regarding Hunter’s disappearance. As the guard captain went on it only lead to more questions such as; how did the diamond dogs get into and out of the castle, why did they kidnap Hunter, and how did they get access to magic. “...and Dr. Triage did confirm that the amount of blood we found would not have come from a life threatening injury.” Shrouded continued as he read over the report. “Finally, giving the strength of the residual magic used to teleport the assailants away we estimate that the spell carried them at least one hundred kilometers away.”

“That is a very large area, Captain.” Celestia said as she tried to visualize the distance Shrouded Armour was talking about. “Is that even possible? The amount of power required to do something like that would be immense.”

“The amount of power required for such a feat would strain even the most gifted of unicorns.” Luna added. “Are you saying that the diamond dogs have gained that much power?”

“I am saying that we must be open to the possibility of something like that.” Shrouded explained. “Several search parties have been dispatched, but without knowing the direction that they fled in the chances of finding Hunter at this point are slim.”

“Thank you Captain Shrouded Armour that will be all.” Celestia dismissed the lunar guard captain. Shrouded bowed to the two princesses and exited the room.

“What should we do now sister?” Luna asked.

“We wait.” Celestia answered. “Unless... no, I will not ask that of you.”

“Ask me what?”

“One way to communicate with somepony without knowing their location or having a previously established link is your ability to dream walk. Given the subject of Hunter’s last dream I was unsure if you would be willing to re-enter them.”

“I’m sorry sister but I do not think I can do that, not after what I saw last time.” Luna informed her sister, hanging her head slightly as she did. “I... I just can’t; I’m too afraid of what I might find.”

Celestia wrapped one of her forelegs around Luna comfortingly. “It’s alright sister.” she said soothingly. “I won’t ask you to something that makes you so uncomfortable.”

“This is intolerable!” Lady Prestidigitation yelled at her two advisors. “How could no one have predicted this? The human vanishes from the middle of the castle, rumors of diamond dogs not only getting past the guards but also wielding magic? How could this have happened?”

“My prediction of the human and the mare in the moon still holds.” Match Maker said. “This could be the catalyst event that pushes Princess Luna into becoming Nightmare Moon once more.”

“That gives me a sense of both relief and terror. We still have time to prevent the princess from falling back into darkness. We must be watchful and ensure that Princess Luna’s feelings for this human do no grow. What about you Foresight, has your vision changed?”

“It has, but only for the worst.” Foresight said. “I still see him wielding the power of fire and thunder but now he striking down all around him regardless if they are friend or foe. I also see a dark void, an emptiness where something very important to him once was. He is filled with a rage so terrifying that even the sun pales in comparison to it.”

“That is a frightening thing to consider, and it has placed us in a difficult position.” Prestidigitation said as she scratched her shin with her hoof. “Should your first vision come to pass, then the human and the mare in the moon shall overthrow Celestia and rule all of Equestria in a reign of terror. However, should he loose her, either literally or metaphorically, he will vent his anger on the entire kingdom. It would appear that the only way to avoid either scenario would be to give the human something else to focus on. Yes, the best solution is to have the human fall in love with somepony else before he and the princess fall for each other.”

“What if that does not work?”

“There is always a more... permanent solution we could undertake.”

“This is a complete disaster!” Royal Blood yelled as he brought his hooves down, slamming them into the table. “All you had to do was to get that human to say yes, one small three letter word, and you couldn’t even do that could you? No, you couldn’t. Now all of the plans that were hinged on the human joining are now all for nothing!”

“Is it really that bad father?” Blue Blood asked. “Is not having that thing as a part of our family that terrible?”
“You idiot! I didn’t want him as a part of my family! I wanted to use him. Don’t you know anything about your own family history?”

“Family history? The story that you used to tell me when I was a colt, the one about our ancestors hiding something of immense power in a vault that no pony can open that’s true?”

“Yes that story is true. Your great-grandfather found the location of the vault, all we needed was the human to open it. Now, with him gone all of our plans are worthless. All because you couldn’t get the human to say ‘yes’.”

“But father-”

“But nothing! None of the other families were offering him anything! Lulamoon rejected him, Twilight Hall has never approached him, and the University has barely shown an interest. So the failure is yours and it is now up to you to make it right.”

“Yes, father.”

“Why would they take Hunter?” Stargazer asked. “What could the diamond dogs possibly have to gain by such an act? Do they really think that the princesses will let this go unchallenged?”

“Maybe they feel that what they get out of kidnapping the human outweighs the risk,” Valiant Heart answered, “or maybe they want the princesses to do something about it.”

“You’re suggesting that the human is bait to draw the sun and the moon out of the palace?” a hooded figure with a deep voice asked.

“It is possible; the only other explanation is that the human has something the nopony knows about.”

“And what would that something be?” a figure with a quiet voice whispered.

“I don’t know, that’s the point.”

“There was that rumor,” Stargazer said, “the one about the human having something with him when he first arrived. Something that could change Equestria forever.”

“That is exactly what we wanted from him.” the deep voice one said. “We wanted the sun to see the human as a threat. The plan was to use the human do destabilize the sun and the moon. Since the kidnapping the human has become a unifying force between them.”

“What do you suggest we do?”

“We will turn the human into their common enemy. Faced with both the sun and the moon the human will have no choice but to turn him into their enemy. Then when they have all but destroyed each other we step in and become the heroes of the day.”

Kruger stared at the paper that was his report to the Griffon Kingdom. Gathering his thoughts the griffon put the quill to the page.

It now appears that a pack of diamond dogs have managed to break into the castle and kidnap the human. At this time it is unclear how the diamond dogs managed to breach the castle’s security but the prevailing theory is that they have somehow acquired magic. Furthermore it is also unclear why the diamond dogs would gain by taking the human. There are, of course, the usual abundance of rumor and theories regarding this matter. The most common on is in regards to the human having or knowing something that can change Equestira forever.

It is my recommendation that patrols on or near the Equestrian Border be instructed to watch for the human. Should the human be discovered we should render any aid we can give before he is either returned to Canterlot or into the Griffon Kingdom. It would also be prudent to note that when deciding on what to do with the human we should take into consideration any request he makes. His strength and relative size could, and most likely will, prove to be a danger should he become angered. (See my last report on a confrontation between the human and a pegasus guard.) Fortunately, his mindset is quite similar to that of a griffon’s; several times I have found myself thinking that humans are to griffons like earth ponies are to pegasi. Finally I recommended caution when deploying troops towards the Equestrian Border; seeing as this is an unprecedented event it is difficult to predict what limits the princess’ actions.

Kruger, Ambassador to Equestria

“... and that’s everything that’s happened since you’ve left, sir.” Private Swiftstrike informed Shining Armour.
Shining Armour blinked is amazement. “How is that even possible?” he asked. “Has anything been done about it?”

“Shrouded Armour has sent out search parties, but it is doubtful that they will turn up anything useful. In the meantime Princess Celestia would like you to reorganise the guards and the patrol routes. She has also requested an increase in the number of recruits being trained both for the Solar and the Lunar Guard.”

“Are things really that bad that the Princess actually wants to increase the guard?”

“Ponies are nervous right now, sir. Diamond dogs wielding magic have kidnapped a guest from the royal suites. I’m sure the increase is just precautionary.”

“I suppose that it was only a matter of time before this happened.” Shining sighed. “With Nightmare Moon’s return, Discord’s escape, the changeling invasion, Sobra’s return and finally this; it finally all adding up.”

“The moon doesn’t seem as bright as it normally does, sister.” Celestia noted as the moon climbed over the horizon. “Is everything alright?”

“It’s nothing sister,” Luna sighed, “I guess the whole thing with Hunter still is bothering me.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure that everything will work out.” Celestia moved next to Luna and draped a wing around her sister.

“I’m going to try it, I’m going to walk in his dreams again.” Luna said he voice filling with confidence.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to do something that you’re uncomfortable with.”

“It will be fine, sister, I can do this. I want to do this.”

“Alright if that is how you feel about it, just be careful. I don’t want to see anything happen to you.”

Luna walked through the dreamscape as she searched for Hunter. Hours passed as the alicorn when from dream to dream. As dawn approached Luna arrived at a grove of cherry trees sitting on the top of a cliff. With a sigh of relief Luna stepped into the grove. “Hunter? It is Luna.” She called out. “If you can hear me please answer.”

“He cannot hear you, but I can.” a female voice called out from behind Luna.

The princess spun around, only to come face to face with the thing she feared. “Nightmare Moon!” Luna gasped. “Why are you here? What have you done with Hunter?”

“Don’t worry I’m not going to do anything bad to him.” Selene answered. “Follow me.”

Selene turned and headed deeper into the grove. Luna hesitated for a moment before following the other alicorn. “Before we get there, I should tell you something.” Selene informed Luna. “Whatever they want from Hunter, he hasn’t given it to them yet. So they’ve started to torture him. The Hunter you find might not be the one you lost.”

As Luna entered the clearing she saw Hunter standing there staring out over the cliff. Hearing the alicorn’s approach Hunter turned to face her. The human’s eyes went wide as a look of relief came to his face only to be replaced with a look of terror. “Selene it’s back! Your spell’s worn off, I can see Luna again!” Hunter yelled as he moved away from Luna and towards Selene.

The black furred alicorn placed a wing around Hunter’s shoulders. “Calm yourself. This is no phantom sent to haunt your dreams.” Selene told him. “This is the real Luna.”

“The real Luna? How... how is Luna here?” Hunter asked as he tried to focus.

“She’s like me, remember?” Selene told him. “We both have the power to visit another’s dream. That is how she’s here. She’s come to save you.”

“You can save me? I’m being held...” Hunter trailed off as he suddenly got a moment of clarity. “No you can’t! You have to stay away. If you try to rescue me they’ll kill...” He trailed off again as he suddenly fade from in front of the two alicorns. A moment later the scenery around them started to fad as well.

“He’s waking up!” Selene blurted out. “I don’t know why he doesn’t want you to save him, but her;” Selene’s horn glowed as images quickly shot into Luna’s mind. “This is what he remembers about where we are. I don’t know how much longer he can hold out. You have to find him and save him!”

“Why are you doing this?” Luna asked.

“Because... because I care about him.” Selene said then, along with the rest of the world, vanished from Luna’s eyes.

Luna suddenly found herself in her own room where she had started the search hours ago. Taking a moment to ensure that she was awake and in her own room, the princess rushed out of the room. Luna raced across the hall and into her sister’s room. “Tia! Tia! I found him!” Luna shouted as she burst through the door.

“Found who, sister?” Celestia asked blinking in confusion over Luna’s entrance.

“Hunter! I found where he had been taken to!”

“Slow down, Luna; start from the beginning and tell me what happened.”

Luna spent the next several minutes explaining everything to Celestia. From the hours of searching, to finding Hunter, even her confrontation with Nightmare Moon. “As he woke, Nightmare Moon showed me where they had taken him.” Luna concluded.

“Are you sure we can trust Nightmare Moon’s information?” Celestia found herself being forced to ask.

“I think so, sister.” Luna stated. “Hunter appeared to trust her in the dreamrealm, and her concern for him did appear genuine.”

“Even so, the place she showed you is two days of continuous flying away. It would take a normal pegasus twice or three times that.”

“Then I shall my Lunar Guard and we shall depart immediately.”

“Are you sure that is a wise idea? The griffons might misinterpret you actions as the first move in a war against them.”

“If we attempt the rescue, the griffons might think we are planning a war with them. If we let the actions of these diamond dogs go unchallenged, the other nations will think that we are unable to protect our own borders and go to war with us.”

“Point taken, sister. Very well, assemble your guard and save the human.”

“Lady Prestidigitation, we are out of time! Princess Luna has begun planning a rescue mission.” Foresight informed Lady Prestidigitation.

“I wish that it would not have come to this,” Prestidigitation said solemnly, “but I can no longer see any alternative. If Princess Luna rescue’s the human his feelings for her will become unbreakable. Inform the others, we must eliminate this threat before it takes root.”

“The princess cannot be allowed to rescue him before we do. Send out every agent you can. I want them to capture the human and bring him before me. I will not allow this opportunity to get away, not when we are this close to opening the vault and claiming the power within it.” Royal Blood all but yelled at his son.

Emergency Missive
The Princesses have managed to find the human.
Location would appear to be near the Griffon-Equestria border.
Ponies are sending rescue force.
Advice patrols in the area to observe, but not to intervene.
Kruger, Ambassador to Equestria.

“This is an opportunity that we cannot pass.” the cloaked figure with a deep voice said. “We will eliminate the moon, and place the blame on the human.”

“Hearing that the human killed his would be rescuer will send the sun into a blind rage.” the whispering one added.

“Once that happens it will not be difficult for us to seize control.”

Chapter 10

From her position on a hill, Luna studded a cave entrance in the valley below. The cave appeared to be unguarded but the Alicorn suspected that it wasn’t the case. As a plan formed in her mind the sound of something approaching drew her attention. As Luna turned, Shrouded Armour stepped out of the undergrowth. “How are the preparations proceeding, Captain?” Luna asked.

“We’ve made camp and the scouts have started their patrol, Princess.” Shrouded Armour answered.

“How long until we are ready to strike?”

“Not until after sunset at least; we pushed hard to get here and now everypony is exhausted.”

“But it is only mid morning!”

“It can’t be helped; we flew as fast as we could to get here.”

“We don’t have time to wait; it’s been four days since he was taken.”

“I understand, Princess. I know that you’re worried about Hunter and what they are doing to him but he is strong and he will be fine.”

“I hope so, Captain, I hope so.”

The last rays from the sun faded as Shrouded Armour and the Lunar Guard moved into position near the three entrances to the cave network they had found. Shrouded counted the seconds down silently, when he hit zero he sent the signal out and charged into the cave.

Angry growls echoed off the cave walls as the diamond dogs met the pony’s sudden intrusion. Shrouded Armour’s horn glowed as an amorphous shadowy blob formed around him and his fellow Guard. The dogs threw their spears at the invading ponies only to have them strike then get pulled into the shadow. One of the dogs charged forwards but quickly found itself caught in the shadow. Howling in rage it struggled in vain against the shadow as it was pulled in.

A second dog jumped over the shadow and landed on one of the guards. The Pegasus let out of shout of pain as the dog’s claws dug into his back. A part of the shadow rose and lashed out at the dog knocking it to the ground before it was engulfed in the shadow. The final dog turned to flee down a tunnel but was caught when the shadow shot out and grabbed him.

“Excellent work.” Luna states as she walked up behind the guards. “Now let us press onward and finish what we came here to do.”

The guards nodded and moved deeper into the tunnel with Luna following them. As the group rounded a sharp bend they entered into an area that widened. Finding steel bars closing off several alcoves the guards looked them over in curiosity. “What is this?” one of the guards asked. “They look like prison cells.”

“They are.” Luna answered. “Diamond dogs are know to kidnap other beings and force them into slavery. What is troubling is that they are empty.”

“How can the dogs not having slaves be troubling?”

“Because it means that something has happened to them.” Shrouded interjected. “Look closely; the locks are undamaged and the bars are unbent and accounted for. There was no escape, they were taken somewhere.”

Luna and Shrouded exchanged a grave look before the captain moved deeper into the tunnel. Once past the cages Shrouded entered a part where the cave split into several different directions. He studied each path for several moments before he picked the one that was furthest on the left. “This one.” he said pointing at it. The remaining guards and Luna started moving towards the tunnel when an explosion and screams could be heard coming from the tunnel on the far right. “Or that one...”

Without breaking stride Luna turned and rushed down towards the source of the sound. Shrouded blinked in surprise then chased after Luna, shouting at the other guards to follow. As they pressed further down the tunnel smoke started to slowly drift in and the screams changed into angry shouts. Rounding the last corner they entered onto a scene of mass chaos. Everywhere ponies were fighting diamond dogs, bucking and striking their would-be slavers, while the dogs used their crude weapons and claws against the ponies. A loud screech was heard as a griffon tackled a dog who was about to stab a young filly. At the far end of the cave Luna spotted Hunter as he fought against a large diamond dog that was covered in strange markings and wielding a staff. Everywhere around them the cave was cracked, threatening to collapse in on itself. Fire clung to anything that would burn, wood from the mine carts, makeshift bedding and clothing, even the fur of the deceased.

Wasting no time Luna entered the fray, her horn glowing as she fired off spell after spell against the diamond dogs. Following his princess, Shrouded summoned the amorphous shadow before entering the battle as well. The two pegasi guards looked at each other then took to the air; performing hit and run strikes against any foe they could find. Luna formed a translucent shield above her as a group of diamond dogs threw their spears at the alicorn. As the bounced harmlessly away, the shadowy blob that was summoned by Shrouded lashed out, grabbing the dogs and dragged them into its dark mass.

Luna unleashed another salvo of beams as she tried to make her way closer to Hunter. The ground beneath her shifted as a dog erupted from it. It swung its claw in and upwards arc, aiming to rip into the alicorn’s neck. Luna dodged to the side, but not completely as the claw dug into her shoulder instead. Luna let out a cry of pain and staggered backwards a few steps. His attention drawn by Luna’s shout, Shrouded Armour used his telekinesis to launch a second diamond dog into the one that had attacked Luna.

Ignoring the pain in her shoulder, Luna refocused on Hunter. The human’s back was turned towards Luna, but she could see that he was holding the dog upright with one of his hands. The diamond dog looked up at Hunter with fear, begging the human for something. Hunter’s reply was quick but inaudible due to the noise of the battle. The human said something then drove the crude blade that was in his other hand into the diamond dog. The two stayed liked that for a moment before Hunter released his grip and the dog crumpled to the floor.

Seeing this, the diamond dogs around Hunter began to falter as the human turned his attention onto them. The closest ones scrambled backwards as they desperately tried to put distance between themselves and Hunter. Seeing the panic in their pack mates, other diamond dogs began to panic and flee as well. Simultaneously, sensing a change in their foe’s resolve the ponies pressed harder as they continued their assault on the diamond dogs.

“Hunter!” Luna yelled, her voice rising over the noise of the battle.

Hunter turned his attention away from the dogs and towards Luna. He opened his mouth to speak when a second explosion tore through the cavern. Luna dropped to the ground, her horn glowing as she covered her had with her forehooves and raised a force field around herself and several nearby ponies. The alicorn strained to keep the shield in place as a ball of fire washed over it. As the fire dissipated, the cavern was left eerily silent.

Dropping the shield as she stood, Luna quickly survived the area around her; Shrouded Armour and the other Lunar Guard had survived the explosion, however two appeared to be severely burned. The majority of the imprisoned ponies had also made it through, but several of them lay unmoving on the ground. The remains of diamond dogs lay spread across the cavern floor, their fur smoldering from the fire.

“Hunter! Are you alright?” Luna called out when she couldn’t see the human. A groan from a newly opened chasm drew the alicorn’s attention. Looking past the chaos, Luna could barely make out a pair of hands clutching to the stone floor. A moment later, Hunter’s head appeared above the chasm’s edge. He looked directly at Luna. “Run.” he told her as the ground he was holding onto gave way and he disappeared. Luna jumped into the air, and dove to the chasm’s edge. “Hunter!” she yelled as she peered down into the hole only seeing an empty black expance beneath her.

“No!” Luna shouted in frustration before jumping into the air again. As she approached the chasm, Luna suddenly felt something pulling her back towards the cavern.

“Princess Luna!” Shrouded Armour shouted, his horn glowing as he used his telekinesis to pull Luna away from the abyss. “We need to leave!”

“We cannot leave! We haven’t finished what we have come here to do!” Luna shouted as she used her magic to break free of Shrouded’s telekinetic grasp.

“You’ll never be able to fly through something that narrow! There is no way to get to him before this place collapses in on itself.” Shrouded informed her. As if to emphasize his point, a third explosion could be heard emanating from somewhere deeper in the tunnels. “Luna, I’m sorry but it’s unlikely that he survived the fall. We need to focus on the ponies we can save!”

Luna stared at the chasm for a few more second before turning towards the others. “You are correct. Quickly, let us escape before we become entombed.”

The ground shook as yet another explosion could be heard. Cracks ran up the walls and across the ceiling, dust then small stones began to fall; then with a loud rumble the ceiling started to collapse. The slave ponies broke into a gallop as they fled the hall. The voices of the Lunar Guard could be heard over the noise as they tried to lead the captives to safety. Using their magic, Luna and Shrouded Armour formed a shield above the fleeing ponies. The group ran back towards the exit, dodge falling rocks as they went.

As Luna rounded the last corner a small pegasi filly tripped and fell in front of her. Without slowing Luna scooped up the small filly with her magic and carried her as she kept running. Seeing the exit ahead, Luna put on one last burst of speed as the ceiling between her and the exit began to give way. Summoning all the magic she could, a blinding flash filled the tunnel as Luna teleported herself and the others out of the cave and to the safety of the small valley.

As the teleport ended, Luna exhaled then collapsed to the grass. “Princess Luna!” Shrouded Armour yelled as he rushed over to the fallen princess. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, Captain.” Luna said weakly. “I am slightly fatigued after using such a large volume of magic. Once I have recovered we shall take these ponies to Canterlot so that they can be reunited with their families.”

“Very well, Princess; I shall instruct the Guard to break camp and bring the chariots.” Shrouded saluted and departed.
The small filly that Luna had carried out of the cave cautiously walked over to the alicorn then sat down so that she was resting on her hind legs alone. Using her front hooves, the filly performed a series of odd gestures. Luna gave the filly a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry child, but I do not understand.”

The filly remained silent for a moment before producing a small object and held it out to Luna. The alicorn lifted it with her magic and brought it close for study; it appeared to be a small doll woven out of hay in the shape that was distinctly human. “How did you come by this?” Luna asked. The filly said nothing, but gave another series of gestures in reply. Luna’s face grew stern, “Well, are you going to answer?” she demanded. The filly gave Luna a helpless look and another series of gestures.

Luna could feel the anger rising inside her when a voice called out to her. “Your highness, the poor filly cannot speak. Please don’t be angry with her.” a female griffon said as she moved up next to the filly.

Luna’s mouth hung open for a moment before she managed to recompose herself. “I am terribly sorry, child. Can thou ever forgive us our anger?” she asked lowering her head in shame. The filly remained still for several seconds then smiled warmly at the princess. “Thank you, child;” Luna smiled at the filly, “your forgiveness fills our heart. However, my question still remains; how did you come by this?”

“It was given to her, by the human.” the griffon replied for the filly. “He made several of them and gave them out to the young fillies and colts. I think he called them worry dolls.”

“Worry doll?” Luna asked, turning the item over as she studied it.

“He said that the doll does the worrying for the owner so that they can sleep at night without fear.” the griffon explained.

“I thought that the dogs had been torturing him. When did he have time to make these?”

“It is a long story, troubling story Princess. Are you sure you want to hear it?”

Luna thought it over for a few moments before answering. “It is not something that I want to hear, but something that I need to hear.” she stated.

“Very well, several days ago...”

Chapter 11

Several days ago I was at the mercy of the pack beta; he was trying to decide how to deal with my most recent... “outburst” when one of the raiding groups returned. One of them was carrying a strange creature that I didn’t recognise at the time but would later learn was a human. The dogs bound his forelimbs and attached them to a chain they had hanging from the ceiling. Dangling there with his hind legs barely touching the ground one of the dogs struck the human, waking him.

As the human tried to regain his bearing the pack alpha entered the room. Without wasting any time, the alpha grabbed the human’s chin and held a strange metal tube in front of the human. “Tell us what this is!” the alpha demanded.

The human said nothing, he just stared into the eyes of the alpha. The pack leader grew angry, and maybe a little annoyed, at this and struck the human. “Monkey will tell us what it knows about metal tube!” The alpha yelled at him.
The human looked at the alpha with a surprising amount of defiance in his eyes. “No.” he simply stated. The human grunted in pain as the alpha's whip cracked through the air.

“Talk money! Tell us about the tubes!” the alpha demanded yet again.

“No.” the human replied and was stuck by the whip a second time.

“We do this until monkey tells us what we want!”

This went on for hours. When they got tired of the whips they beat him. When they got tired of beating him they tried knives and claws. As they were about to move onto fire, the tribe’s shaman arrived. The shaman said something to the alpha, who only nodded in reply. The other dogs that had been torturing the human backed off as the shaman approached.

With the shaman standing directly in front of him, the human smirked and said something that I couldn’t hear. The shaman smiled and raised his staff; a strange stick with green smoke that rolled out of the top piece. The shaman held it in front of the human front several seconds. The human’s eyes rolled back as he slipped into unconsciousness. The shaman smiled and he and the other dogs left the room.

I had seen the shaman use this ability on others before. The victim experiences a series of nightmares where they are forced to watch as their hopes are destroyed in front of them. Typically by the time the victim wakes they are completely broken. I watched as the human thrashed about in his sleep for a while before becoming still, giving up like those before him.

The following day I was woken by the enraged shouting of the pack’s shaman. “How? How do you resist the dreams?” He demanded.

“My dreams may be terrifying, but they are just that, dreams.” He replied.

The shaman growled in frustration as he and the alpha argued over what to do. After several minutes they seemed to agree on a plan. They unhooked the human and unshackled me and took the both of us to the cells where we were thrown into the same one. The human groaned as he lifted himself off the floor and into a seated position that I would have assumed to be uncomfortable, but apparently wasn’t for him. From his position he studded the cell until his eyes landed on me. He studied me for several moments before he finally curled up in the corner. Unsure of what to make of him, I carefully walked over to him.

“Don’t bother.” He told me as I reached him.

“W-what?” I stammered, confused at what he was talking about.

“Don’t bother talking to me. Don’t try to be my friend. Just leave me alone, it's better for everyone that way.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Those things had me racked up for hours, mess with my dreams then toss me in here with you. Why do you think that is?”

I thought it over but was unable to come up with the answer he wanted.

“They want us to be friends so when they start torturing you in front of me, I’ll give them what they want. The best thing for you to do is to just stay away from me; before one of those freaks decides to turn you into a rug.”

I was shocked; here was some creature that was clearly in pain, reduced to nothing more than scabs and scar tissue, and his first concern was for me. I didn’t say a thing; I just stared at him for the longest time while he just sat there curled in the corner. Eventually I decided to leave him alone and get some rest on the other side of the cell.

We stayed like that for some time. How long exactly I have no idea. It turns out that when you’re in a cave underground and can’t see the sun or the moon it gets pretty hard to keep track of time. I must have drifted off because the next thing I knew I opened my eyes and saw the human standing over me.

He looked at me for a moment before he spoke. “I am very sorry.” he whispered. I gave him a confused look then I noticed a group of diamond dogs headed in our direction.

“Say that again!” the human roared as he kicked me. I gasped and sputtered, trying to make sense of the situation when he kicked me again. “I said; say it again!” he shouted and delivered a third kick.

By this time the altercation between us had drawn the attention of the ponies in the other cells and of the diamond dogs. The dogs raced to the door to our cell shouting at us to stop and threatening us if we didn’t. “Get up! Get up you damn pigeon!” He yelled.

One of the dogs managed to get the cell door open and two more jumped through tackling the human to the ground. The human tried to struggle against them but he was quickly overpowered. As they dragged him off the shaman and the alpha looked through the bars at me. An angry look came to the alpha’s eyes as he turned to face the shaman. “You said we could use the griffon to control the monkey!” he yelled, pointing a claw at the shaman. “You said monkey would want to save the griffon, but monkey attack griffon himself. How we get the monkey to talk now?”

The shaman waved a claw dismissively. “Do not worry, he will tell us what we want to know.” the shaman informed him and walked towards the exit. “We still have other ways of making him talk.”

The alpha let out a growl in frustration then stalked off after the shaman. As the dogs left the cell area a pony from one of the other cells called out to me. “Hey! Are you alright? What was that all about?”

“I’m alright.” I called back to the pony. “He didn’t hit me that hard.”

“But why did he do it? What made him attack you?”

“It might sound strange but I think it was to keep me safe from the dogs.”

“How is that keeping you safe?”

“He told me last night and this morning the dogs confirmed it. They planned on using me to get to him. By attacking me it shows them that I cannot be used as leverage against him.”

The pony just looked at me, saying noting.

“He seems to understand what these mutts are thinking,” I continued, “and I’m not yet sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.”

“How can it be a good thing? If he thinks like the dogs won’t it just be a matter of time until he joins them?”

“It depends on how long he can hold out.”

An angry growl cut off out conversation as a group of diamond dogs re-entered the cell area. “Ponies not here for talking. Ponies here for work!” one of them said as he opened the door to the pony’s cell and pointed down one of the tunnels. “Now, ponies go to work!”

The ponies slowly shuffled out of the cell as they were lead off by one of the dogs. The other turned and looked into my cell. “Get up griffon! You work too!” He barked and prodded me with his spear. I stood with a small groan, and followed the ponies down the tunnel. Once we reached the tunnel’s end the dogs forced us to start mining for their gems. We worked for several long, grueling hours, until every one of us had collapsed from exhaustion. The dogs finally relented and returned us to our cells.

As they pushed us into our cells the alpha and the shaman entered the room dragging the human behind them. The alpha unceremoniously tossed the human into the cell with a group of ponies. The shaman walked over and looked down at the human. “Tomorrow when we come back here, I’m going to ask you again and if you say no I’ll have one of your new cellmates killed regardless of whether or not you like them.”

The human groaned and spat at the shaman in response.

“Well, we’ll see how you feel after everyone here hates you for getting their friends and family killed.” the shaman laughed and he and the alpha left the room.

The ponies gave each other a quick glance as they looked nervously at the human. The human slowly rolled into a seated position next to the wall, similar to the one he had taken when we were in the same cell. No one did anything for the longest time until one of the foals spoke up. “Are they really going to... to kill us?” the child asked his father.

The stallion placed a hoof around the colt. “Don’t worry, nothing bad is going to happen.” he said, trying to comfort the colt. The other ponies turned to their families, nervously embracing each other as they tried not to think about what was going to happen. The ponies slowly spread out into small groups leaving the human alone. The human grabbed a sizable quantity of discarded straw and hay before making his way to the back corner of the cell.

I watched as the human twisted and wove the strands together. As he worked the straw began to take shape into a crude figure that looked similar to himself. Once it was finished he set it down and begun work on another. When he finished that one, he started to work on yet another. By now the human had attracted the attention of the other ponies in the cell. The ponies whispered to each other trying to figure out what the human was doing. Eventually one filly gathered enough courage together and walked over to the human.

“Excuse me sir, but everypony was wondering what you were doing.” the filly said politely.

The human smiled gently at the filly. “I am making a worry doll.” he informed her.

“Worry doll?” the filly asked, leaning closer to get a better look.

The human held up the one he had just finished making. “I know they don’t look that great, seeing how I had to use straw and not tread, but they still work.”

“What does it do?” the filly inquired.

“You take it and before you go to sleep you tell it what you’re worrying about. Then it does all of your worrying for you. That way you can get some sleep without any worries or nightmares.” he explained as he held out one of the doll.

The filly looked at the doll for several seconds before she grabbed and hurried back towards her parents. A moment later the other fillies and colts slowly came forwards and asked for worry dolls of their own. The human seemed happy to oblige them and it wasn’t long until every one of them had their own little straw doll. When each one collected their prize they quickly returned to their parents, all but one. I could see the human looking the small pegasus filly over. “Is there something wrong with the doll?” he asked.

The pegasus shook her head.

“Are you going to go rejoin the others?”

The filly shook her head again.

“What about your parents?”

A sad look came to the filly face as she slowly sat on her hind legs. Using her forelimbs the filly performed a strange series of gestures and motions. The human remained silent, studying the filly’s movements.

“Wait,” a mare called out, “you have to understand that filly can’t... speak?” She trailed off as the human performed his own series of gestures, some of them mirrored what the filly did and others were widely different.

Seeing this, the filly’s eyes lit up as she quickly went into another long series of gestures.

“Can... are they actually talking to each other?” a mare quietly asked.

“It does look like it.” a stallion answered.

The ponies watched the two of them for a while before they turned to their families and settle in for the night. I watched the human and the filly for a while but eventually my exhaustion caught up with me and I fell asleep as well.

I woke the next day as the alpha and the shaman led a group of dogs into the room. Positioning themselves outside the cell the human was in the shaman called to him. “So are you going to tell us what we want?” the shaman asked.

“No.” the human answered defiantly.

“Pity.” the shaman said then gestured towards the cell.

The cell door was opened and the alpha entered. All of the ponies quickly scurried back hoping not to be the one chosen. The small mute filly moved in front of the alpha and stuck her tongue out and tried to buck him. The alpha jumped back, avoiding the kick, then quickly moved in again grabbing the filly. Only to find himself lifted off the ground and thrown across the cell by the human. A look of relief came to the ponies faces as they thought that the human had save the young filly. That look quickly turned to horror when the human snatched up the filly and squeezed the life out of her himself.

The human let the lifeless body of the filly drop to the ground as he turned to face the shaman. The shaman found himself taking an involuntary step backwards as a look that could only be described as pure malevolence came to the human’s face. The human lunged forwards at the shaman but was grabbed and dragged to the ground by the other guards. “Strap him to the rack!” the shaman roared. “I will teach him to make a fool of me!”

The guards dragged the human off as he struggled in vain against them. The alpha quickly got back on his feet and hurried out of the cell before any of the ponies could get to him. As the cell door closed the ponies turned towards the now dead filly. They looked at each other, each with an expression of shock and confusion over the human’s actions. These expressions quickly changed to amazement when the filly suddenly sat up.

“But how? Didn’t the human... you know, kill you?” a stallion asked.

The filly merely shook her head and produced a key from under her wing.

I let out a small chuckle. “Clever monkey.” I said softly then turned towards the filly. “How about we use that key and get outta here?” I asked the filly.

The filly shook her head and performed a series of gestures.

“You want to save the monkey?” I guessed.

She nodded.

“Well, I guess I do owe him for the other day... alright, let’s find us a monkey then get outta here.”

Several minutes later we had release all of the prisoners. It didn’t take long before the guards found us and chaos broke loose. We fought our way into the central chamber where we found the human was already fighting both the alpha and the shaman. As I moved closer to help him he drove that blade into the alpha’s gut then turned and attacked the shaman before the alpha had even hit the ground. A moment later is when you and your forces arrived Princess; and you know what happened from there.

Chapter 12

As the griffon concluded her story Luna hung her head. “I had no idea.” the alicorn lamented. “I had heard that there were diamond dogs in the area but I had no idea it was so bad. If we had known...”

“It’s alright, Princess.” the griffon said. “We’re out now and that’s all that really matters.”

“I still feel that if we had known sooner than this would never have happened. All those fillies and colts put through this...”

“Look at it this way; their leadership is dead, the pack is scattered, their den is destroyed and not one pony was killed.”

“But we did lose some...one. We lost Hunter.”

“If it wasn’t for him I doubt that any of us would have gotten out unscathed.”

“And we should remember him for that. Although there is still something I don’t understand; what caused the explosions?”

The griffon paused thinking the question over. “I’m not sure.” she confessed. “I thought it was something you did, but if it wasn’t you then who was it?”

The pegasus filly gestured and pointed at the worry doll that she was holding. Luna studied the filly’s actions as she performed them again. “Are you saying that Hunter caused the explosions?” Luna asked. The pegasus nodded adamantly, pointing at the doll again. “But how?” Luna enquired. The filly merely shrugged.

“Princess Luna!” Shrouded Armour called out, preventing the alicorn from pressing the issue. “Everypony has been loaded into the chariots and we are ready to return to Canterlot.”

“Very well, we shall depart at one.” Luna informed the group then turned to the griffon. “You may return to Canterlot with us. Once there I’m certain that Ambassador Kruger will arrange transport back to the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Thank you, Princess.” The griffon said with a polite bow.

The sound of shifting rocks accompanied by a faint groan drew Luna’s attention back towards the cave entrance. From inside a bipedal figure slowly limped its way out from the darkness and into the light. “Hunter!” Luna exclaimed seeing the human. “I thought that the fall...”

“Don’t worry about it; it takes more than a little fall like that to kill me.” Hunter said smiling as he made his way over to the princess. “I’m just glad that I managed to climb back out before you all took off. I’m unbelievably happy to see you, Luna.” Hunter moved forwards and wrapped his arms around her in a gentle embrace.

Luna found herself wanting to return the hug in the moment before she realized who it was that had their arms around her. Light flared from Luna’s horn as Hunter was covered in a translucent blue aura. The human was violently launched backwards. Several branches snapped under the impact as Hunter flew through the underbrush.

“Protect the Princess!” Shrouded yelled, placing himself between Luna and Hunter. The remainder of the Lunar Guard quickly took up a defensive stance around Luna.

Pushing several branches aside Hunter stepped out of the trees. “Luna, what are you doing?” the human asked. “It’s me.”

“No, you are not.” Luna’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t know who or what you are but you are not Hunter.”

“Are you sure that he’s not the human?” the griffon asked. “It does look like him.”

“I’m telling you the truth; I am Hunter. You have to believe me.” the human pleaded as he held his arms out to the side.

Shrouded studied Hunter’s movements very carefully; he had seen Hunter take this stance before. Hmm... definitely a non-aggressive stance. Shrouded said to himself. Arms apart exposing torso, fingers open with palms facing... away? Shrouded looked over the human a second time; the palms on his hands were not facing forwards. “Just come with us peacefully and we can get this all worked out.” Shrouded attempted to reason with the human.

Hunter slowly moved forwards. “See, no reason we can’t be reasonable here.” he said, brining his hands back down to his sides. Taking a few more cautious steps towards Luna he moved one of his hands behind his back. In a blur of motion Hunter raced forwards drawing a cruel looking knife as he sidestepped Shrouded Armour and closed on Luna. A dark beam struck Hunter as he thrust the blade forwards intent on impaling the princess. Hunter quickly recovered from the blow, but it had done its work; his attack was pushed far enough to the side to miss connecting with Luna.

A blue aura wrapped around Hunter’s hands binding them together. “Seize him!” Luna yelled. Two more auras appeared further restricting the human’s movements, one around his legs and the other around his upper body and arms. Letting out a low growl Hunter struggled against the spells that were binding him. Twisting his body in an attempt to free himself Hunter fell to the ground. His low growl grew louder and more pronounced as he rolled around on the ground. The sound of something heavy striking flesh filled the air and the human went limp. “Quit struggling and take a nap.” Shrouded said, standing over the now unconscious human. “You three; tie him up and put him in the back of the...” Shrouded trailed off as Hunter’s face began to twist and warp, changing into something else. His hair shortened and his skin grew black and orange striped fur, his teeth grew and his face became distinctively feline.

“What is it?” one of the guards asked.

“A rather substantial problem.” Luna answered. “Bind it securely; we are taking it back to Canterlot with us.”

“Take the prisoner to the dungeons and lock it into one of the cells.” Luna instructed as she stepped off the carriage after it touched down in front of the castle. “Captain, please inform my sister on what has occurred.”

The Lunar Guard saluted and carried the captive away. Shrouded Armour meanwhile gave Luna a confused look. “Are you sure, Princess?” he asked. “Wouldn’t you rather do that yourself?”

“No, it is quite alright Captain; I am certain that you shall do an adequate job of it.” Luna explained. “Also, please ensure that the ponies that we rescued are well taken care of and returned to their families.”

“Of course, Princess.” Shrouded saluted.

“Good. Now, the events of this week have left me rather exhausted. For now I shall retire to my private quarters.” Luna said before she disappeared in a flash of silver light.

Shrouded followed the Lunar Guard into the castle. He paused in the doorway as he searched for Celestia. “Captain Shrouded Armour.” a regal voice called out, drawing the unicorn’s attention. “You have returned. Tell me, how did you fair? Did you manage to rescue Hunter?” Celestia asked.

“Unfortunately Princess, we were unable to get to him in time.” Shrouded explained. “It is a rather long tale; if you have the time I can explain what happened.”

Celestia nodded and led Shrouded Armour into the castle as he started his story. Shrouded told her everything he knew; from finding the caves to the story the griffon had told them to Hunter’s ultimate fate when he fell into the chasm.

“That is quite the tale, Captain.” Celestia commented as Shrouded concluded his story. “How has my sister handled this?”

“Not well.” Shrouded answered. “At the time, Princess Luna managed to put on a strong front and lead us to safety; but now that we have returned to Canterlot I suspect that the loss of the human is hitting her quite hard.”

“I see.” Celestia raised a hoof to her chin as she thought over the situation. “You attend to the ponies that were rescued, Captain. I shall speak with my sister and attempt to raise her spirit.”

Shrouded Armour saluted Celestia and returned to the others who were busy trying to sort out the rescued ponies. Celestia lingered for a moment before she started her long journey up towards her sister’s chambers. Thoughts of her sister’s well-being filled Celestia’s mind causing her to slow down. Fear over what Luna might do in her grief plagued Celestia’s mind as she approached the large door that led into Luna’s room. Celestia hesitated one final time in front of the large door before she raised a hoof and knocked. “Luna, it’s me; can I come in?” Celestia called out.

“Luna are you in there?” she called out again when there wasn’t an answer. Celestia pushed the large door open. “Luna I’m coming in.” she announced as she stepped through the door. Taking a quick look around the spacious room, Celestia could find no trace of her sister. Where could she be? Celestia asked herself, trying to figure out where to look next. “Of course!” she said aloud when the answer dawned on her. Celestia quickly exited the room and made her way through the castle until she reached a large terrace with a pool of water in its center. However, the terrace was void of any ponies.

“She’s not here either?” Celestia thought aloud. “Where would she have gone?”

Celestia thought over all the possible places that Luna could have gone, but ended up dismissing them one by one. If she really is as upset as Shrouded Armour implied, the alicon thought, she could have gone to his chambers instead.

Luna flipped through the stack of papers as she laid on Hunter’s bed. As the blue alicorn thought it over, Luna realized that she was unsure what it was that brought her here. It wasn’t for the small collection of stories that she now flipped through; never having seen them before nor had Hunter talked about them in any way. For a brief moment she thought it was guilt; it was her fault that Hunter had been taken from his world and placed in hers, therefore by extension it was her fault that he had been captured by the diamond dogs and subsequently died in their cave. Luna dismissed this idea quickly, remembering that not only had Hunter forgiven her they had become friends despite the brief time they had known each other.

Realizing this, Luna couldn’t decide whether she felt sorrow because of his death or anger because his life was cut short, having been violently taken away from him. Luna knew that Hunter was mortal, and like her other mortal friend he was going to die eventually but she had hoped it wouldn’t be for several decades to come. This line of thought caused a new series of questions to form in Luna's mind. Most notably how exactly she felt about Hunter. She knew that she viewed him as a friend but the possibility that she thought of the human differently than her other friends slowly crept into her mind. Looking back to when she had learned that Hunter enjoyed the night sky Luna realized just how overjoyed she was. She had always enjoyed his company and when she was with Hunter she wanted to be near him in some way; several times she tried to, or wanted to, hug the human. But, that’s just how friends act, isn’t it? she asked herself. Yes, friends help and comfort each other when they are hurt or sad and Hunter was hurting when I wanted to hug him, so therefore he is a friend and nothing more.

Nodding to herself, Luna was content with the conclusion she had come to. Taking a long slow breath, Luna tried to calm herself using the same method as he sister and niece. He was correct after all; with the spell I had cast, plus the difference in our station, lifespan and species would have made it impossible for us to be anything more than friends. Luna said to herself thinking back on the surprise lunch that Cadence and Stargazer had tricked her and Hunter into. Wait... Hunter only asked about the spell and I was the one that said everything else. I was the one that said that beings from different species couldn’t be in a relationship. The alicorn’s eyes widened at this revelation. “The confusion has been doubled!” she yelled, throwing her forehooves into the air.

“Luna, are you alright?” Celestia asked, hearing Luna’s shout as she entered the room. “Whatever has you so worked up, sister?”

“It’s Hunter.” Luna confessed. “I cannot seem to decide what I feel... or rather, what I felt for him; and now that he is gone I am afraid that I will never get an answer.”

Celestia walked over to the bed and sat down next to her sister. “It may be hard but it is not impossible for you to figure this out. Tell me what you think of Hunter.”

“Well... he is kind, intelligent and understanding. He has never blamed me for the accident that brought him to Equestria and never once looked down on me for my actions that got me banished. He treated me with respect; not the kind of a subject would give a ruler but something different. He could make me smile and make me laugh. I felt relaxed... comfortable around him.”

“It sounds like he was your friend, Luna.” Celestia said as she wrapped a wing around her sister. “And I know that he thought of you that way. Unless you’re trying to say you had... stronger feelings for the human.”

“He once asked me whether or not it would be appropriate for us to have a romantic relationship.”

“And what did you say?”

Luna looked down at the floor, trying to hide her face from her sister. “I did something I regret; not only did I imply that it was inappropriate, I told him that it was impossible. I said that two beings as different as we were could not ever be involved in such a manner. I told him that he could never be with someone of a different species.”

“How did he respond?”

“At the time he agreed, but now I think he was hurt and possibly disappointed. It now seems that he was only agreeing with me to hide what he felt.”

“Are you sure about what he could have felt?”

“No, I guess I can’t. However it was after this that he dreamt of Nightmare Moon; a version of me that ignored what I said was impossible. She seemed to defy all the problems that I experienced with Hunter.”

“We can idealize others in our dreams. It is possible that Hunter merely dreamed up a version of an alicorn that didn’t give him pain.”

“That is the worst part, sister. It wasn’t some dream phantom, it was the real thing. It was the real Nightmare Moon. Remember how she gave me the location where the diamond dogs took Hunter?”

Celestia nodded.

“She did it after Hunter woke up.”

“After he woke? Are you suggesting that the Nightmare Moon in his dream was the real one?”

“I think so, even if I don’t want to believe it. I know she is evil and you were right to stop her, but she did help me find Hunter. Her concern for him seemed to be genuine.”

“This... this raises even more questions. How could Nightmare Moon still exist after Twilight and the other used the Elements of Harmony on her? Where is she now? Why was she concerned for Hunter? What is she planning?”

“I don’t know sister. With the creature that took on Hunter’s appearance and attacked me, this whole situation has gotten drastically out of hoof. I was only trying to figure out how I felt about Hunter and now I have to contend with shapeshifters, assassins and my evil half.”

“It does seem unfair Luna. Things never seem to work out easy for you, and I wish I could change that." Celestia gave Luna a reassuring hug, furthering her attempt to comfort her sister. "I do, however, have a question for you that relates to our original topic; when you saw Hunter in the dreamscape with his arm around Nightmare Moon you burst into my room. At the time you were very upset, was it because you saw Nightmare Moon again or because you saw her with Hunter?”

“I... I don’t know.”

“Lady Prestidigitation, the human has fallen.” Foresight said as he bowed.

“Then our assassin succeeded?” The unicorn noble asked.

“No, my lady, he did not. The human fell to the diamond dogs in battle.”

“Regardless of how, the deed is done and Equestria is safe once more.”

“There is a problem, my lady. Equestria may not be as safe as we would have hoped. Apparently after the human fell, a shapeshifter took his form and tried to assassinate Princess Luna. If our prophesies refer to that creature and not the human we may have made a terrible mistake.”

“We must tread very carefully until this is sorted out. Have our agents put all other activities on hold and focus on information gathering. We must know what is about to happen regarding the human and this shapeshifter.”

“As you command, my lady.”

“What do you mean they failed?!” Royal Blood yelled.

“When our agents finally managed to locate the cave, the human had already fallen.” Blue Blood explained. “There was nothing they could do.”

“Did any of them think to investigate the cave after the Princess left? No, they didn’t. They all just gave up and slunk back here.”

“What do you want them to do, father? The cave collapsed; there was nothing they could do.”

“Don’t give me that! Send them back out! Have them search for another cave. Have them search all the caves. Have them dig up the mountain! Just find the human and bring him back here!”

“What if he’s really...”

“I don’t care if he’s dead! Just do what I say!”

Although the rescue attempt freed over a dozen ponies and one griffon, the main objective was a failure. Hunter, the human, was lost. Reportedly (by the griffon survivor) he fell into a chasm after defeating both the diamond dog alpha and shaman in battle. His sacrifice allowed the other to escape from the dogs prior to the cave network collapsing.

It is my recommendation that patrols in the area are order to search for any diamond dogs that may have escape the cave in.

Olivia, the griffon survivor, will be return to the capital with the messenger who is delivering this message. She will be available should you have and questions regarding the incident.

Kruger, Ambassador to Equestria

“The assassin failed, the moon is still alive.” a hooded figure said in a voice no louder than a whisper. “He was captured and brought back to the castle for questioning. Furthermore, the rescue attempt for the human failed. He is dead.”

“Then we adjust our plan.” Another hooded figure spoke in a deep voice. “If the human is dead then the moon will be distracted, as will the sun. We will use this to our advantage. They will hold a ceremony for the human, and it will be a trap.”

“So, we do nothing until then?”

“No. We need everypony involved distracted and exhausted. They have already captured one shapeshifter assassin; we will make them look for others. Start spreading rumors and false evidence about a second changling invasion.”

“What if they don’t believe the rumors?”

“Then we will just have to find a changling to give them.”

Chapter 13

“Sorry Captain.” Private Swiftstrike apologised. “We’ve managed to locate the families of all the victims except for the mute pegasus filly.”

Looking past Swiftstrike, Shrouded could see the small filly sitting off to the side playing with the straw doll that Hunter had given her. “Do we know where they are?” Shrouded asked, phrasing the question in a way to get him the information he wanted but without saying the actual words.

“Unfortunately, we do. According to the others they were also victims of the diamond dogs, however before we got there...” Swiftstrike trailed off.

“It’s alright, soldier, I understand.”

“Yes sir. A Miss Redtape from the Equestrian Foal Service Agency will be coming here to arrange foster care for the filly.”

“Very well, once she arrives bring her here immediately.”

“Sir!” Private Swiftstrike saluted and exited the room leaving Shrouded alone with the small filly.
Ignoring the pegasus, Shrouded turned his attention to his paperwork. As he moved on to yet another set of forms when a small hoof appeared in front of him; raising his head Shrouded found himself looking at the filly. Sitting on the desk, the filly performed a series of gestures with her forelegs. Seeing the confused look on Shrouded’s face, the filly performed the actions a second time.

“Umm... you want something... to... rub your belly?” Shrouded guessed.

A look of annoyance came to the filly’s face.

“I’m guessing that wasn’t what you wanted.”

The filly nodded then performed the actions a third time, making sure to perform them slow enough for the unicorn to follow.

“You want... something... to... clean your fur? You want to take a bath!” Shrouded said triumphantly.

The filly shook her head.

“No? I was sure I had it that time.” he said, as the filly performed the actions again.

“You want a teddy bear? You want a new toy? You want to go ballroom dancing? A parasprite has eaten the changeling queen?”

The filly’s eyes went wide in complete astonishment spread across her face. She remained frozen in place for several moments before her stomach emitted a low growl.

“Oh, you’re hungry. Why didn’t you just say so?”

The filly facehoofed as Shrouded turned his attention to his desk’s bottom drawer. “I think I have something in here.”

The sound of the door opening drew the filly’s attention but went unnoticed by Shrouded Armour. “Captain Armour, sir!” Swiftstrike called out as he entered the room. Shrouded’s head jerked upwards when he heard his name called out, still holding a warped chocolate bar in his mouth. The unicorn and the pegasus guard stared at each other blankly while the filly grabbed the bar and scampered of to the far side of the room.

“Captain Armour, Miss Redtape is here.” Swiftstrike said, recovering from the shock.

“Umm... yes, right. Show her in Private.” Shrouded replied.

Moving out of the doorway, Swiftstrike allowed a smartly dressed earth pony mare into the room. “Good afternoon, Captain Armour.” she said with a friendly smile. “I’m here about the young filly that you rescued.”

“Yes, of course. It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Redtape; please come in.” Shrouded greeted the mare. “Is there anything I can get you; something to drink or some food?”

Making her way across the office, Redtape sat in the chair across from Shrouded Armour. “No thank you Captain, I’m quite alright. As I said before, I am here regarding the filly that you rescued, a...” she trailed off seeing the blank spot on her form. “There seems to be a mistake, the name wasn’t filled in.”

“Oh, yes, that was my fault.” Shrouded explained. “You see, when we found her nopony I talked to knew what her name was, since she cannot tell me herself, I just left the form blank.”

“Why didn’t you just ask the filly?”

“I did but sine she’s mute I didn’t get an answer.”

“According to her file she understands Equestrian Sign.”

“Equestrian Sign?”

“When you asked her a question did she respond with a strange series of gestures?”

“Umm... maybe?”

“That’s Equestrian Sign, it’s a visual language that the mute and deaf use to talk.” Redtape explained before standing and walking over to the filly. “Hello there. I’m Redtape, what’s your name?” she asked.

The filly performed several gestures that Redtape studied intensely. “Your name is... Quiet Breeze?” the mare asked to which the filly nodded before performing another, somewhat rude, gesture directed at the unicorn captain. “Now, now, that is no way for a filly to act.” Redtape scolded Quiet Breeze, who hung her head in shame. “This may seem a little overwhelming, but we are going to have to figure out where you’re going to live.”

Quiet Breeze gave Redtape an odd look paired with a small gesture.

“Wouldn’t she just be placed in a home here in Canterlot?” Shrouded Armour asked.

“Normally, yes but this is anything but a normal situation.” Redtape explained. “Since we haven’t found any of her relatives, and she was found near the Equestrian border and not a city or town gives us more... wiggle room to find the best place for her.”

“I’m assuming that you have a place in mind.”

“I do. Foster homes in Canterlot and the other large cities are all fairly full and given her disability they probably would not be a good match. I’m thinking the best place for her would be Ponyville.”

“Ponyville has a foster home?”

“It does; it’s small and the caretaker is not only dedicated she also understands Equestrian Sign. Ponyville itself is a quiet, friendly town. I think she’ll do well there.”

“It does sound that way.”

Redtape turned her attention towards Quiet Breeze. “Does Ponyville sound nice to you?” she asked.

Taking a moment to think it over, Quiet Breeze smiled and nodded.

“Excellent, now we just need to finish up the paperwork and we’ll be done.” Redtape said with a smile before she pulled out another stack of forms. With a quiet sigh, Shrouded lifted the quill and set about filling in the required forms.

“And... done.” Shrouded Armour announced as he finished signing the last one. “I hope you don’t take this the wrong way Miss Redtape, but you’re not exactly what I thought you would be.”

“I get that a lot.” Redtape chuckled and smiled. “Everypony hears my name and thinks I’m some no-nonsense mare out to cram bureaucracy down everypony’s throat. And I hope that you don’t take this the wrong way, Captain but you’re not exactly what I thought you’d be either.”

“Let me guess; you thought I was going to be a handsome young stallion that had just married an alicorn princess and save the city from a changeling invasion? Yeah, I get that a lot; but thankfully not for much longer.”

“Oh?”

“Well, since the return of the Crystal Kingdom and Princess Cadence being crowned their ruler, Shining Armour has been spending less time here in Canterlot. By the end of this week he should be officially transferred to his new role as Captain of the Crystal Pony Guard.”

“Good for him.”

“It’s not as much as a promotion as it is a lateral shift. At least the two of us won’t be mistaken for each other now.”

“Well that is until one of the princesses finds another pony with the name Armour to promote to Captain.” Redtape teased as she gathered her things then turned towards Quiet Breeze. “Are you ready to go see your new home?”

Tucking the small doll under her wing, Quiet Breeze calmly trotted over to Redtape and gave the mare a friendly smile. “We should be off; it was a pleasure to meet you Captain.” Redtape said, then gave the filly a gentle nudge. “Say goodbye to the Captain.”

Quiet Breeze gave Shrouded Armour a small wave before she followed Redtape out of the office. “From here we will be going through the city and to the train station.” Redtape explained as they walked. “From there it is only a quick ride to Ponyville.”

As they rounded the last corner Quiet Breeze collided with another pony, which knocked the filly prone. Looking up Quiet Breeze found herself in front of Princess Luna. “Oh, we are so sorry!” Luna exclaimed, realizing what she did. “Are you unharmed?”

Quickly getting back on her hooves Quiet Breeze smiled at Luna, showing the princess she was alright.

“Princess Luna!” Redtape gasped. “I’m so sorry! I should have been paying more attention.”

“No, do not trouble yourself, the fault was ours.” Luna said apologetically. “We were lost in our own thoughts and were not paying attention to where we were going.”

Quiet Breeze performed a quick series of signs, causing Luna to sigh. “I’m afraid I still don’t understand.” the alicorn confessed.

“She wants to know if you’re worried about... I’m not sure what the last word is.” Radtape said, translating the filly actions for the princess. “I think it’s... monkey? No, not monkey but something like a monkey?”

Taking a moment to think over how to get her point across, Quiet Breeze retrieved the doll that she had placed under her wing and showed it to Luna. It only took the princess a moment to realize what she was looking at; the worry doll that Hunter had given the filly.

“Yes, I was thinking about Hunter.” Luna confessed.

“Hunter, your majesty?” Redtape asked. “As in the human that was here?”

“Yes, unfortunately during the rescue attempt he... fell.” Luna said, trying to phrase it as to not upset the young pegasus. Quiet Breeze made a small gesture which caused Redtape to raise an eyebrow. “Down a hole?” she asked.

“Down a chasm so deep that you would be unable to see the bottom of.” Luna elaborated.

“I see.” Redtape nodded as she inferred what the princess was trying to tell her.

Taking a small step forwards, Quiet Breeze held out the doll and motioned for Luna to take it.

“Are you sure?” the princess asked.

With a small nod, Quiet Breeze held the doll out once more and allowed Luna to take the doll with her magic. The filly smiled and performed another set of gestures.

“She says that when she was worried it helped her, and now that you’re worried it will help you.” Redtape translated for the princess.

“Thank you.” Luna said as she carefully tucked the doll into her regalia, hiding it from sight.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Princess Luna; unfortunately we must be on our way or else we will miss our train to Ponyville.”

“Please, do not allow me to delay you.” Luna said, stepping out of the way and letting the two ponies continue on. “Perhaps we shall meet again in the future!” she quickly added, calling after the filly.

“Fire Forged, are you in here?” Shrouded Armour called out as he entered the castle’s forge.

A steel gray earth pony carrying a long package came forwards. “Ah, Captain. I suspect you’re here for the item you had commissioned, correct?” the gray stallion asked.

“I am.” Shrouded Armour replied.

Setting the package on a nearby table, Fire Forged removed the cover, allowing Shrouded Armour to see its contents. “This is beautiful work.” Shrouded commented as he lifted the sword from the case.

“One of my best pieces, even if I do say so myself.” Fire Forged boasted. “Forged in cold fire and made of starstone, there isn’t a blade in all of Equestria that is its equal; save one, that is.”

Shrouded Armour pulled the blade from its sheath and gave it a few practice swings. “It’s surprisingly well balanced, considering its length and weight.”

“All according to the plans you gave me; after all it wasn’t really designed to be wielded by ponies.”

“True, but it looks like now it’s not going to be wielded at all.”

Author's Note

Quick shout out to Semicolon for becoming the official pre-reader/editor as of this chapter.

Chapter 14

With a low groan, Hunter opened his eyes and found himself in complete darkness. He closed his eyes then reopened them in the hope that it would make a difference but found that it did not. Trying to remain as still as possible, he slowly flexed his extremities. Starting with his toes, he worked his way up his legs then switched over to his fingers and arms. Confident that nothing was broken, Hunter slowly ran his hands over himself, searching for any signs of blood. Pain shot through him as his fingers contacted his ribcage. Pressing on through the pain, Hunter continued to search for any open wounds. Although he didn’t find any, he did find several places that stung when he touched them.

Hopefully only bruised, and not broken. Hunter said to himself. Right, time to get out of here.

As he shifted, he realized that he was lying on top of something large and furry. I guess I can’t say you’ve never done something for me. he addressed the diamond dog in his mind with a fair amount of sarcasm.

As he slowly got to his feet, Hunter kept one of his hands above his head in case the ceiling was lower than he was tall. Finding that he could stand at his full height without striking his head, Hunter carefully took a step forwards, then a second and a third. Feeling confident enough to travel forwards, he managed to make it another four steps before his foot caught on something causing the human to stumble and fall forwards.

Instead of striking the ground like he expected, Hunter found himself lying on top of something softer than the stone that made up the cave. Feeling around in the darkness it only took Hunter a moment to figure out what he was on top of; it was one of the diamond dogs that he had killed shortly before falling into the chasm.

Maybe, hopefully the thing still has something useful on it. Hunter thought as he began to search the diamond dog. After a quick search of the dog revealed nothing, Hunter moved on to the cave floor adjacent to the body. He let out a low sigh as he finished his search and came up empty. The human slowly stood and inched his way over until his left hand came in contact with a wall. Keeping his left hand on the wall and holding his right hand in front of himself, Hunter carefully started down the pitch black tunnel.

As Hunter made his way down the dark, seemingly endless tunnel, he could feel the fatigue building in his legs. The pain from his injuries began to grow and hunger and thirst began to set in. His steps became shorter and shorter as he tried to press on. He managed to make it another three steps before he felt his legs finally give out from under him; only to realize a moment later that it wasn’t his legs that gave out, it was the floor.

Falling down the dark hole that had appeared underneath him and desperate to stop himself, Hunter’s arms flailed about as he tried to grab hold of something. All the air was forced out of his lungs as he struck bottom, however this ordeal was not over yet. Instead of landing on a level surface, Hunter found himself on an incline, which he began to roll and slide down. Unable to see where he was going or what was ahead of him, Hunter couldn’t react in time to protect himself from the rocks and stalagmites he collided into.

Eventually the incline leveled out and Hunter rolled across the ground until he struck something very large and hard. Acting more on instinct than anything else, the human tried to push himself up on to his knees. The pain from his new injures paired with his old ones proved to be too much however, and he immediately collapsed. Blood from several now open wounds soaked the ground and began to pool around the large crystal. A dim light began to shine from the inside of the crystal as Hunter lost consciousness.

“Hey! Are you alright? You alive?” a female voice called out.

Hunter opened his eyes and found a woman with golden hair standing over him. With a small groan, Hunter tried to stand only to be held in place by the woman. “Try to remain still, let the healers do their work.” she told him.

Looking down, Hunter could see another pair of hands, these ones enveloped in a faint blue light, hovering above his chest. “What happened?” Hunter managed to say, his voice croaking under the stress.

“You don’t remember?” the woman asked. Hunter shook his head. “It was one of those demons.” she continued. “It managed to get a lucky shot in before the barriers could be erected. Took out the bridge you were standing on, you fell and now you’re here. At least it was your own roof that you broke.”

“I have a roof?” Hunter muttered.

“At least we know that his sense of humor is still intact.” the man who was tending to Hunter’s injuries said. The glow from his hand extended over Hunter, enveloping him. His fatigue faded and the pain disappeared as Hunter’s injuries quickly healed.

“Now that you’re all better, go grab your armour.” the woman told him.

“Armour?” Hunter asked as he got to his feet.

“Yeah, armour; you know, the stuff that keeps you protected from pointy things.” the woman teased. “The stuff that’s on the stand behind you.”

“Oh, right.”

“How hard did you hit your head? Seriously though, you got to hurry; we need to join the others at the mid-gate.”

As Hunter reached the armour rack a blinding light filled his vision. Squeezing his eyes shut, Hunter tried to clear his vision. Opening is eyes, Hunter found himself alone; the other two humans had disappeared. Furthermore, the building he was in was nothing more than an ancient ruin lit only by a small glowing crystal that sat in the corner; however the armour on the rack still looked pristine. Hunter looked at his tattered, torn and bloodstained clothing then at the armour. Might as well. He said to himself as he began to pull the armour off the rack.

As Hunter donned the armour, he was surprised at how natural it felt, almost as if he had done it a thousand times before. As he fastened the straps to the chest-piece, he found that it fit remarkably well, giving the illusion that it was made specifically for him. With quick and practiced hands, Hunter donned the remaining pieces of armour, the leggings and heavy boots with shin guards; pauldrons; arm guards and gauntlets. Pulling on the near ankle length coat, Hunter smirked. “I look more like I belong in an anime than a history book.” he thought aloud. “Then again, I am in a land of multi-coloured talking horses, so I guess it fits.”

He fastened the empty weapon belt and sheaths into place, Hunter then grabbed the small glowing gem and stepped out of the destroyed building. As he nearly lost his balance as his foot contacted something round and smooth, causing it to roll from under him. Holding his light source closer to the ground, his eyes went wide in shock when he saw what he was standing on. Bone, human bones, littered the entire street. Hunter struggled to fight off the sudden panic and revulsion that threatened to overpower him.

Taking deep slow breaths, Hunter steeled himself against what was laying around him. Taking care to not step on any more bones, the human pressed onwards through the ancient city. The remains of those that lay spread throughout the streets and buildings all appeared to have died in some kind of horrifyingly violent manner. Most appeared to have been cut down, or dismembered but several showed the tell tale signs of having been eaten, and others still just seemed to be missing pieces without any explanation.

Making his way down the once cobblestone street, Hunter came across a new group of bones. Trying to make his way around them, he noticed that this particular skeleton looked different from the others. Its arms and fingers bones seemed disproportionately long, while its legs looked stunted and ended in strange claw-like feet. Hunter turned the skull over revealing a mouth containing dozens of needle like teeth. “Should have seen that coming.” Hunter said as he let the skull slip out of his fingers and fall to the ground.

Moving deeper into the city, Hunter came across more and more of the demonic looking skeletons. This looks more and more like something out of a work of fiction. Hunter said to himself. Armour not from any historical culture, crazy looking skeletons; maybe I’m dreaming.

Taking a chance, Hunter called out. “Selene, are you there?” he shouted. “I know you can visit dreams, so if you’re out there I could really use the help!”

His voice echoed through the underground city several times until it faded away into nothing. As the city grew silent, Hunter hung his head. So much for that idea. he sighed, shook his head and pressed on.

As he entered into a large intersection, Hunter found himself standing in front of a large ring of bones. Human and demon remains piled one on top another, as if still locked in their bloody conflict. What drew his attention was what lay in the center of the ring; separate from the rest of the bodies lay a skeleton of a large pony, with wings and a horn.
“Whose side were you on, I wonder.” Hunter said aloud, looking over the dead alicorn. “Although you being here would explain why knowledge of alicorn origins was forbidden.”

Keeping his distance from the dead pony, Hunter finished crossing the intersection and continued down the street. As he went, a large half-destroyed gate house was illuminated by the small crystal Hunter was carrying. The gem suddenly pulsed and emitted a blinding flash; when Hunter’s eyes cleared he found himself standing over a giant freshly killed multi-armed demon.

“How did you know that would work?” a woman’s voice to his left asked over the sounds of battle that were now filling the air.
Hunter turned and saw the same golden haired woman from earlier standing there. Seeing that she was wearing the same style of armour that he was made Hunter feel slightly more comfortable, regardless of how out of place it seemed to him.
“I didn’t.” Hunter found himself saying. “I mean, it stood to reason that if it could cut through anything, it should be able to cut through the thing’s hide.”

A loud explosion shook the city, drawing Hunter’s attention towards the large castle that stood above them.

“The King!” the woman shouted as she turned to race down the street.

“Wait, just let me grab-”

“There’s no time! Come on!” she yelled and took off down the street.

Another flash filled his eyes, causing Hunter to stumble for a moment. When his vision cleared he found himself back in the dark, destroyed city. Taking a second to gather his bearings, Hunter found that he was still in front of the gatehouse, but now there was a skeleton of a giant demon laying there. Sticking out of the monster’s skull was a strangely pristine blade embedded into the bone. Walking over to it, Hunter placed a foot on the skull, gripped the hilt and wrenched it out of the bone. Hunter marveled at the craftsmanship of the dagger when he was struck by a strange notion. He carefully slid the dagger into a sheath that hung off his left side. Finding that the weapon fit the sheath perfectly, Hunter smiled. So that’s how it works. he said to himself. Collect the set to find out more. Find the whole set and get out of the crazy underground city.

Setting off down the dark city once more, feeling invigorated now that he had a definitive plan; a strange, long shot plan, but a plan none-the-less. He made his way through the ancient battle damaged streets, and up toward the semi-destroyed castle that hung over the now buried city.

Approaching the castle’s outer gate, Hunter found that the number of bodies was increasing, indicating that the battle escalated as it neared the large stone building. To his surprise, as Hunter made way to the portcullis, he found two more alicorn bodies mixed in with the human and demon remains. What happened here? Hunter asked himself. Why are there alicorns here? None of this makes any sense!

Shoving any questions he had out of his mind, Hunter carefully ducked under the bent portcullis and entered the castle’s courtyard. Looking around, he found even more devastation here than on the other side of the gates. A blinding light filled his eyes once again, and the sound of battle filled the air.

“Come on!” the golden haired woman yelled at Hunter as he tried to get his eyes to focus. “We need to get to the King!”

Hunter looked around him, the portcullis was still closed but was straining under the force that the demons were using against it. As it bent slightly upwards, several of the dog sized demons scurried underneath it and rushed forwards. Hunter threw the axe that was in his hand at one of the charging demons then turned to follow the golden haired woman into the castle proper when a bright light filled his vision. As it cleared, Hunter found himself back in the dark city, surrounded by the dead. Making his way over to where he remembered throwing the axe, Hunter searched the area and quickly found it. Like the dagger before, not only was this weapon still in pristine condition, Hunter found the loop on his belt where it hung from. One the axe was secure, Hunter move across the courtyard and to the large castle doors. With a long slow breath, he prepared himself for the inevitable scene of destruction that he knew would be on the other side, before pushing one of the doors open.

As the light from the small gem spilled into the hall, Hunter found it completely empty. There were no bodies, no skeletons, no indications that a battle took place at all. “Ok... this is new.” Hunter said as he entered the empty room.
After walking through the battle field of a city, the strangely bare room put Hunter on edge. Something about there not being any signs of what he saw outside was unnerving.

“Welcome.” a voice called out when Hunter reached the center of the room. Hunter turned on the spot as he scanned the room.

“Who’s there?” Hunter called out.

“The the person whose memories you’ve been watching.” a man said as he stepped into the light.

“Your memories?” Hunter asked, studying the human in front of him. “But you look...”

“Like you?” the other Hunter smiled. “It’s the problem with the spell; because you experience what I did, you see yourself in the role. So, when you see me, your brain sees you.”

“I guess that makes sense, but what happens now?”

“You ended up here sooner than your other half, so now we wait.”

“My other half?”

“The other being that shares your mind.”

“What other being?”

“He is referring to me.” a female voice said from the darkness.

Hunter turned to face the newcomer to find a black furred alicorn standing there. Hunter’s eyes went wide in surprise. “S...Selene?”

Author's Note

Is everyone all good and properly confused yet?

Chapter 15

“Selene? What?” Hunter blurted out in surprise. “You... my... and the... what?... no, what? dreams? In my head? What?”

“I know that this must be fairly confusing for you...” Selene began.

“You think?” Hunter interrupted.

“BUT if you would let me explain, I’m sure we can get this sorted out.” Selene continued. “It is true, I do exist in your mind; and I have since the moment you arrived in Equestria.”

“How?” Hunter asked, still unsure of what he was being told.

“Luna and I were two separate entities locked in the same body. When I was in control I was Nightmare Moon, a being fueled by jealousy and sorrow. When the Elements of Harmony were used on me by Twilight Sparkle and the others, I was pushed back into the deepest parts of Luna’s mind; where I was trapped, unable to do anything except watch as Luna lived out her new life free of me.”

“What does any of that have to do with me?”

“When Luna accidentally brought you here I saw my chance. In order to keep you alive she needed to infuse a small portion of her magic into you. I just made sure that I was sent along with it. At the time, my plan was to take control of your body, overthrow Celestia and bring about the eternal night.”

Hunter raised an eyebrow at what he had just been told. “What changed?”

“I couldn’t do it.”

“Do what?”

“Take over your body.” Selene confessed. “I couldn’t do it; you have an amazing amount of willpower for a creature with no inherent magic. Even though I had managed to enter your mind, I found myself trapped there just like I was with Luna. I struggled now and then, but ultimately I couldn’t take control of you.”

“Then those strange dreams?”

“Were an effect of the memory spell you are now in.” the memory being said. “The spell was designed to send these memories into your dreams.”

“However, since I was a part of your mind,” Selene continued, “the spell didn’t work the way it was intended. Whenever I struggled to gain control, it left you receptive enough to receive the memories, but not enough to make sense of them.”

“So then, the headaches I would get whenever I got near one of the other alicorns or the Elements, was you?” Hunter asked.

“No, that wasn’t me.” Selene answered.

“If it wasn’t you, what was causing them?”

“Truth.” Memory Hunter said.

“Truth?” Hunter asked, the moment before a blinding light filled his eyes.

When his eyes focused again, Hunter found that he was still in the same room but several new beings where there as well. A large man holding what was left of a sword that was made from a dark metal stood next to a woman wielding a blade that shone like the sun. On either side of them was an alicorn, the first was a light blue colour whose mane and tail looked like rolling clouds; the second was a deep brown and its tail and mane appeared to be twisting, leaf filled vines. In front of them stood a demon, twice as tall as the man, each of its four arms ended in a series of long sharp claws.

“Caelum, Terra, why are you doing this?” the demon asked with a small smile, showing off is maw full of needle-like teeth. “Why are you fighting me? We should be working together.”

“We will no longer be a part of your madness, Chernabog.” Caulum, the blue alicorn said, his eyes narrowing.

“Madness? What madness?” the demon asked. “Are you referring to my plan to bring peace and harmony to this world?”

“Harmony?!” Terra, the vine cover one shouted. “The only thing you are after is death!”

“Don’t you see; death is harmony.” Chernabog smiled. “With everyone united in death, this land will have harmonious peace at last. So why do you resist? This is the very purpose you are meant to fulfill, the purpose your blood demands, the purpose I created you for.”

“You may have been the one that created us, you may have even given us a purpose,” Caelum said, as he and the other three slowly spread out to surround the demon, “but that purpose is not yours!”

“We are meant to bring about harmony,” Terra added, “but harmony is not the silence of death, it is the sound of everyone’s voice singing as one!”

“So you choose these insects over your creator! You will pay for your insolence!” Chernabog roared. The demon lunged forwards, bringing its claws down in an attempt to rend the blue alicorn in two. In a blur of motion, the man dashed forwards and intercepted the attack with his broken sword. The woman quickly followed suit, bringing her sword in a low arc, striking at the demon. Chernabog jumped back, avoiding the weapon then roared in rage.

“Keep him busy!” the female alicorn yelled. “We’ll try to use the Elements on him.”

The next few moments were a blur for Hunter, as he was barely able to keep track of what was happening in front of him. The two humans assaulted the demon with blinding speed, their perfectly coordinated assault kept the demon on the defensive, but no matter how well timed, or precise their attack they could not land a solid blow on the demon. As the deadly dance of sword and claws carried on, Hunter finally noticed a strange glow had begun to fill the room.

Six gem stone floated in front of the two alicorns, each one glowing from some internal light. As their faces twisted in concentration, the two alicorns sent the gems forwards, so that they surrounded Chernabog. With a brilliant, multi-coloured flash, the gems shot out some kind of energy at the demon. The beams twisted together, forming into a rainbow before striking Chernabog.

“Damn you!” Chernabog howled in rage as his body began to turn into stone. “You think this is over? Think again! I curse you, traitors! May your bodies and those of your descendants forever bring pain and madness to all humans! I exhale all of my hatred for you, human! May the air of this land be forever poisonous to you!” With that, the demon Chernabog was turned to stone.

There was another flash of light, and Hunter found himself somewhere new. He was standing in a dimly lit cave, looking at a massive metal door.

“Will this work?” Caelum asked, his voice drawing Hunter’s attention to the same group of four that he had been watching just a moment ago.

“It should.” the man said, as a look of pain came over his face. “His curse will be the perfect key. The door will only respond to human blood, and since his curse is forcing my people to leave this land, his prison shall remain shut.”

“We have also made arrangements,” the woman added, “should one day a human return to this world, so that they know of this place and to never open the door.”

“I am saddened to see you leave.” Caelum said. “But I am glad to have met both of you; Vir, Mulier, my friends.”

The image slowly faded away, and Hunter found that he was once more inside the ancient castle with the memory image and Selene. “So, that’s it then?” Hunter asked. “That’s what happened here?”

“Yes.” the memory image replied.

“Then why are we still here? Why haven’t we woken from this... place yet?”

“Because you still have one more journey to undertake.”

“Father!” Blueblood called out as he entered the small study.

Royal Blood sighed, and turned to face his son. “What is it?”

“I’ve found the way to open the vault!”

“You found the human?”

“Umm, no; what I found out that we don’t need him to open it.”

“What are you blabbering about?” Royal Blood said sternly, his eyes narrowing.

“We only need his blood, not him.” Blueblood explained.

“I know that!” Royal Blood yelled. “But we don’t have his blood now, do we?”

“Before he was captured, a doctor took several blood samples from him; samples that I have managed to acquire.” Blueblood said, levitating several small vials that were filled with a red liquid.

“Congratulations son, you are not completely useless.”

Chapter 16

“Another journey?” Hunter asked.

“You have learned the truth of yourself,” the memory being informed them, “now you must learn the truth about her.”
Hunter turned and found Selene still standing there. When he turned back to ask the phantom what he meant, Hunter found that it was gone. “So... that happened.” Hunter muttered.

Selene slowly moved forwards until she was standing next to the human. “Are you alright?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Hunter sighed, “it’s just a lot to take in. I mean, just a few days ago my biggest problem was dealing with pony politics, now I’m the victim of some ancient curse and the key to keeping some demon locked away.”

“It’s not like anything really changed,” Selene said, gently nuzzling Hunter, “that is what you were from the moment you arrived here; the only difference is now you know.”

Hunter wrapped an arm around Selene’s neck, returning the affection the dark furred alicorn was showing him. “Wait...” Hunter said as he realized what he was doing. “How is it that I can touch you but not the others?”

“What do you mean?” Selene asked, pulling away from Hunter.

“I mean I basically just hugged you,” Hunter explained, “and my head doesn’t hurt. If I tried this with Luna I’d probably pass out from the pain.”

“Maybe it’s because I don’t have a physical form.”

“I’m not sure I follow.”

“Remember that technically I’m just a part of your mind, so there is nothing for the curse to affect.”

“I guess that makes sense, but it also means that we’re still inside the memory spell.”

“And that is where we shall remain until you figure out how to get us out of it.”

“Me? Why do I ...” Hunter sighed, “doesn’t matter, let’s just get this over with.”

Selene giggled softly as she followed the human as he exited the castle.

“Let’s hope that all roads lead to Rome.” Hunter said, looking past the gatehouse that led out of the city where several tunnels branched off.

“What does roaming have to do with it?” Selene asked.

“What? No, it’s a metaphor.” Hunter explained. “It means that no matter what path you take you end up in the same place. Hopefully it applies to our situation.”

“Indeed,” Selene nodded, “however the only way to know is to start walking.”

“Guess you’re right.” Hunter smiled, picking a tunnel at random and heading down it as Selene quickly followed behind. After his fourth step, Hunter let out a quiet sigh.

“What’s wrong?” Selene asked.

“It’s nothing,” Hunter answered, “I was just hoping that there would be one of those blinding flashes and we’d suddenly be teleported to our destination.”

“What?” Selene giggled.

“It happened last time.” Hunter said with a straight face.

Selene stared at the human, who kept the deadpan expression for several seconds before bursting out in laughter. Selene continued to stare at him for a moment longer, before she began laughing as well. They carried on for several moments before they managed to calm down. “I needed that.” Hunter said, while trying compose himself. “We probably should start walking.”

As he took his next step down the dark tunnel a blinding light filled his eyes. “Now it’s just screwing with me.” Hunter muttered as he tried to get his eyes to adjust. When his vision cleared, Hunter found himself standing on a small hill overlooking a tranquil valley.

As Hunter took in the view, movement through the valley caught his attention. A large group of ponies pulling carts and wagons entered the valley. After a moment, they parked the wagons in a circle and started unloading them. Bringing out lumber and tools, half of the ponies began to construct crude shelters, while others set about clearing and tilling the ground. “What is... when is this?” Hunter asked aloud.

“My guess would be during the founding of Equestria.” Selene said, slowly walking up beside Hunter. “Probably just after the windigo incident.”

“Founding of Equestria? What would we need to see here?” Hunter asked. As he watched the ponies in the valley, time suddenly sped up as if he was watching a video on fast forward. A week passed in under a minute, then a second and then a third. The crude shelters evolved into true houses, barns were erected, fields were plowed and seeds sown, the crops sprouting under the attention of the ponies. Every morning and evening, unicorns would gather on mass in the middle of the town to raise and lower the sun and moon.

After a month passed, time in the valley slowed back down to a normal pace. Two new ponies entered the town, ponies with both wings and horns. Hunter immediately recognised the pair as Caelum and Terra, the alicorns that defeated the demon Chernabog. The two alicorns were greeted with suspicion at first, but were soon accepted into the community. Time began to flow at an accelerated pace once more, months passing by in a matter of moments. It wasn’t long until a third alicorn appeared in the town. The small filly with a dull white coat and pink mane followed the two older alicorns where ever they went. Time sped up even more, allowing a few years to pass in under a minute. When time slowed down again, Hunter could see the white alicorn had grown, and two new fillies had joined the family. One had a deep blue coat and mane, while the other was a dark purple.

“Twins?” Hunter wondered out loud. “Can ponies have twins?”

Several more years passed by in moments, as Hunter watched the young alicorn grow. One day, the white alicorn joined the group of unicorns who were about to raise the sun. Their horns glowed, and the sun started its slow journey upwards into the sky. The light crept across the valley floor until it touched the group of ponies in the town’s center; the sun’s speed violently increased reaching its midmorning point moments after dawn. A flash of light drew Hunter’s attention back down to the village. The alicorn was floating off the ground, her fur was now pure white and her mane had changed from the simple pink to an ethereal rainbow, her previously empty flank now had a golden sun emblazoned on it.

The unicorns desperately struggled to regain control of the sun. At the same time, Terra carefully made her way through the crowd until she was standing next to the filly. The elder alicorn placed a gentle hoof on the younger one, bringing the filly out of her trance. The sun immediately slowed back down to its normal pace. The glow emanating from the unicorn’s horns faded as they released their grasp on the sun. Several of them collapsed, while others stared at the filly in awe. It wasn’t long until the ponies started talking to one another in an attempt to figure out what had just happened. Eventually a consensus seemed to be reached as they all turned their attention to the filly. The unicorns began to debate what this revelation could mean. Time fast-forwarded once again, each day the filly would join the unicorns in raising and lowering the sun, and as her skill and control grew fewer and fewer unicorns gathered with her.

Although now only a small handful of unicorns working with the alicorn were needed to move the sun, the same was not true for the moon. Each night dozens of unicorns gathered in order to set the moon on its course. The idea that if one alicorn could help or even control the sun by herself, then a second alicorn may be able to do the same with the moon began to spread through the village.

As night approached and the unicorns gathered to raise the moon, the twin alicorn fillies joined them in the center of town. Along with the unicorns, the fillies’ horns lit up and a moment later the moon began to rise up over the horizon. Just like the previous alicorn and the sun, there was a bright flash as magical energy surged through the twins, and the moon rocketed up into the sky. As Terra and Caelum calmed the two fillies down, the gathered unicorns began talking with one another.

Once everything calmed down, Hunter had a chance to see the changes that the fillies had gone through. Although they both now had an ethereal mane and tale that looked like the night sky full of stars, that is where the similarity ended; the first was now a deep blue and had a crescent moon for her cutie mark, while the other was completely black and had a gibbous moon on her flank.

Angry shouts drew Hunter’s attention away from the alicorn’s appearance and back to the village as a whole. The human watched as the gathered unicorns where shouting and pointing accusingly at the twins, who where now hiding behind their parents, then back up to the moon. Hunter looked toward where the unicorns where pointing and found a half moon shining brightly in the sky.

“I don’t get it.” Hunter confessed. “Why are they all panicking over a half moon?”

“Didn’t you notice?” Selene asked quietly. “As days and months turned into years, you never noticed the moon?”
“I’m pretty sure it was there.” Hunter shrugged. “I don’t think I noticed anything strange about it.”

“It was always full.”

“Always full?” Hunter asked his confusion clear on his face. “But the Equestrian moon has phases, doesn’t it?”

“It does now.” Selene said cryptically.

Closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose, Hunter let out a soft sigh. “Fine, be no help then.” he muttered.
“Oh, look time is speeding up again!” Selene announced. “And the ponies have gotten over fear of the alicorn twins and are actually enjoying a moon that has phases. How nice.”

Hunter slowly opened his eyes and found that the ponies had indeed accepted the now changing moon, even if they still spent their nights inside. “You think that ponies’ spending their nights inside is nice?” Hunter asked, a little confused given what he knew about Selene’s past.

“At one time I would be consumed by anger and jealousy,” Selene admitted, “but not anymore.”

“Really?”

“Well, I might be a little annoyed over the whole thing.” Selene said with a smile.

Hunter stared at Selene blankly for a few seconds before his lips turned upward into a smile and he started laughing. “And I thought you didn’t have a sense of humor.” he said as he slowly calmed down.

Time continued onwards as more years rolled by. Everything in the valley fell into a routine, each day passing much like the one before until the region was struck by a small tremor and dark smoke began to billow out of a nearby mountain.

“This is the day Caelum and Terra die.” Hunter said as he let out a low sigh.

“How can you be so sure?” Selene asked.

“This is Equestria’s Pompeii; the mountain is going to explode.”

Selene’s eyes went wide, and she found herself unable to say anything; instead she stared at the human with her mouth agape. The ground shook again, and the volcano erupted. The top quarter of the mountain was launched in a million different directions as it exploded. Giant columns of ash billowed out and churned across the sky, blacking out the sun. Lava bubbled over the volcano’s lip and began to pour down the mountain side, burning or burying everything it came across. Ponies screamed in fear as they ran blindly through the streets in a desperate attempt to flee to safety.

Light suddenly broke through the ash cloud as Caelum led a small group of pegasi into the sky, they raced back and forth clearing the ash away. At the same time, Terra and a dozen unicorns casted a magic spell in unison causing a massive force field to appear, redirecting the flow of lava away from the village. Groups of earth ponies loaded the young, the sick and infirm, and the elderly onto wagons, pulling them out of town and away from the devastation. The three alicorn fillies screamed and fought against a group of ponies who were loading them into a wagon. The trio continued to protest as the wagon carried them away from their parents. A few moments later, the wagons climbed the hill opposite of volcano. Keeping to the high ground it disappeared into the distance.

The efforts put in by the ponies down in the valley begun to pay off when the ground shook again and a second volcano erupted, which was quickly followed by a third. As more ash flew into the sky it quickly undid all the work the pegasi had accomplished. Now caught in the toxic clouds, pegasi began to fall to the earth one by one as their bodies gave out on them. As more lava poured down from the mountains and struck the force field, the unicorns began to waver under the added stress put on them, and one after another they collapsed. A dozen or more wagons were now trapped inside the town, each one filled with ponies who now had nowhere to run.

Finding it unbearable to watch the scene below any longer, Hunter turned his back on the valley and closed his eyes tight in a desperate attempt to block out the tragedy he was being forced to witness. Hunter clamped his hands over his ears, attempting to mute the screams that rose from the valley.

“No more.” Hunter said, trying to will the scene away.

A monstrous roar echoed in his ears, drawing the human’s attention reluctantly back towards the valley. Rising out of one of the volcanoes was a giant serpentine creature with forward swept horns, three pairs of wings and cover in black scales that glistened as the reflected the light from the lava below. It circled the valley, seemingly reveling in the destruction that engulfed the valley. Flashes of multicoloured light filled the sky as the surviving unicorns fired bolts of magic at the flying creature.

Two forms rose up out of the devastation; the ash covered alicorns flew towards the monster with their horns glowing as they summoned the Elements to them. Just as they had done when confronting Chernabog, the alicorns used their magic to send out the elements so that they surrounded the massive flying creature. One by one each of the elements began to glow; when the last one was radiating its light they fired bolts of magical energy, engulfing the beast in a brilliant multi-coloured orb.

As the light faded away a large stone statue fell to the earth, landing in a pool of lava where it sat for a moment before slowly slinking below the surface. The alicorns horns glowed once more as the launched the Elements towards the horizon, before they too fell to the earth below, the volcanic ash and heat had done its damage. Hunter closed his eyes once more, unable to watch but still knowing what their ultimate fate would be.

A gentle breeze blew past the human, and when he opened his eyes again Hunter found that he was no longer standing over a valley surrounded by volcanoes but standing on a castle’s battlements. In the courtyard below him, Hunter saw a trio of alicorns faced off against a strange creature with a long serpent body and mismatched limbs. The strange creature laughed as it raised its arms, the deep blue and the black alicorns were both levitated off the ground then sent flying towards each other. A massive explosion occurred when the two alicons collided, the light was so intense that it blinded Hunter, the shockwave forced the air out of his lungs.

Hunter dropped down to his knees, desperately gasping for breath but otherwise unhurt. Swarms of angry screeching birds took to the air, and drew Hunter’s attention to them and the other changes to the landscape. As he slowly pushed himself back up onto his feet, he could feel the wind swirling around him, blowing his hair in every direction. The clouds began to churn and swell, changing from a pure white to a menacing gray. Lightning flashed between them, quickly followed by massive thunderclaps. Even the trees, which once stood tall and strong, were now twisted and scarred. In the courtyard below where the two alicorns had collided, was a single alicorn laying on the ground. She had black fur and a crescent moon for her cutie mark. The white alicorn with a sun on her flank quickly rushed over to her sister.

“That is how I was born.” Selene said as she hung her head. “That is how Nightmare Moon came into being.”

“Nightmare Moon, yes.” Hunter said, raising Selene’s head so he could look her in the eye. “But not you.”

“How can you say that!” Selene demanded, before turning away from Hunter. “You saw what happened.”

“Then we saw two different things!” Hunter said sternly. He reached out and turned Selene so that she was once again facing him. “What I saw was the tragic story of two sisters.” he said, his face and tone of voice softening. “Sisters who were shunned, their abilities ignored by those around them. Sisters who lost their parents at a young age in a tragedy that no one could foresee. Sisters who barely managed survive an attack from giant monster that could turn peaceful mountains into raging volcanoes. Sisters who shared a very special connection, and at the end, that connection was used against them. Changing what would have been two lives filled with joy into one life of sorrow and misery.”

“You’re talking about Celestia and Luna’s lives, aren’t you?” Selene asked, her voice containing a trace amount of sadness. “Those are the sisters you are referring to, not me.”

“I’m referring to Luna and you.” Hunter said, pointing at Selene with the tip of his finger touching her forehead. “I once said that to me you were not Nightmare Moon, when what I should have said was you are not Nightmare Moon.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because Nightmare Moon is nothing more than a combination of you and Luna, your desires brought fore and corrupted by fear and insecurity, and probably whatever magic that thing did to you.”

Selene said nothing; she just stood there with tears starting to fill her eyes. Hunter wrapped his arms around the alicorn’s neck, brining her into a caring embrace. Closing her eyes, Selene buried her face into his shoulder. A faint glow from her cutie mark caught Hunter’s attention.

“It’s ok.” Hunter said as he raised Selene’s head off of his shoulder and indicated towards her cutie mark. Turning to see what was on her flank, Selene found that cutie mark had changed from a crescent moon to a gibbous moon. “You are who you always were, the twin sister of Luna, the younger sister of Celestia, alicorn of the moon and night sky, and my friend.”

“You think of me as your friend, even after all this?” Selene asked. “Even after learning what I am and what I was planning to do to you?”

“Granted, making friends with a being that isn’t more that a voice in my head would raise some serious questions about my mental stability back home, here it just seems to work.” Hunter said with a small laugh. “But yes, despite everything that has happened to me, and everything that you planned to do, I still consider you to be my friend.”

Joy spread across Selene’s face as she suddenly wrapped her forelegs and wings around the human. “Thank you. I was so worried that you would reject me.” Selene confessed. “That you would try to lock me away in the back of your mind, but you accept me for who I am, mistakes and all.”

“It’s what friends do.” Hunter said as he returned the embrace. “Even when everything... starts to fade out?”

Selene looked over Hunter’s shoulder and saw that the world around them was slowly fading away. “Do not worry, the spell has ended and your mind is returning to your body.” she informed him. “When next you dream we shall speak, but until then I will watch over you.”

The world slowly faded away into darkness, the last thing Hunter felt was the warmth of Selene’s embrace.

With an audible gasp, Hunter woke, his eyes shooting wide open. He remained motionless for several moments as he tried to regain control of his breathing. Eventually his desperate need for air subsided, he was able to take in is surroundings. He was in deep cave or underground tunnel, lying next to a large geode. The only source of light was a small crystal that way on the ground next to him. As he checked himself over, he found that not only was he still wearing the armour, but he also had the axe and dagger he had found in the world the spell had created.

“I am never going to get use to this whole magic thing.” he muttered before grabbing the crystal and pushing himself up onto his feet. “Time to start walking... again.”

Chapter 17

Looking through the cell bars, Shrouded Armour studied the strange part-tiger-part-human creature. Questions raced through the unicorn’s mind, questions that the creature had thus far refused to answer. Having used all of his usual interrogation tricks, Shrouded found himself at a loss. He had begun to toy with the idea of doing something a bit more drastic, but he was unsure how the princesses would feel about such actions.

“Something the matter, captain?” a melodic voice called out, interrupting Shrouded’s train of thought.

“No, Stargazer, everything is fine.” Shrouded said without turning to face the newcomer. “Why are you down here anyway?”

“Just bringing our esteemed guest his food.” Stargazer replied in an over emphasized and sarcastic tone. She brought forward the wooden plate and bowl she was holding onto with her magic. “Only the finest in day old bread and tepid water.”
Stargazer carefully levitated the items through a small opening in the bars and into the cell. “Enjoy.” she said with a smirk before she turned and left.

“I’ll be back after you’re done eating,” Shrouded said, his eyes narrowing. “When I do, you’ll wish that you had talked when you had the chance.” Turning to leave, Shrouded hoped that he came across intimidating, and that the creature wouldn’t call his bluff.

Luna slowly turned the small straw doll over in her hooves. The mute pegasus filly, Quiet Breeze, had told her that the doll helped ease her fears when she was held captive by the diamond dogs. The night princess found herself amazed at how a small amount of woven straw could accomplish such a task. No enchantments, no magic; just the filly’s belief in what the human had told her. Luna was about to dismiss the whole idea as nonsense or superstition but something stopped her. She turned the doll over again, this time finding the idea of letting something else do all of her worrying for her a little appealing. The alicorn smiled as she recalled the griffon’s story and what Hunter had done. Using nothing more than hoofful of straw, he had given them the courage needed to face their captors. She tucked the doll away and made her way towards the dungeons.

As she rounded the last turn, Luna found Shrouded Armour standing outside the heavy door that lead into the dungeon. Shrouded was busy pacing back and forth, mumbling to himself, on occasion he would look at the door but he would quickly shake his head and go back to pacing.

“Is something the matter, captain?” the alicorn asked, seeing the clearly distressed unicorn.

“Princess Luna!” Shrouded saluted, quickly coming to attention. “No, not really; it’s just that I may have made a rather... bold statement to the prisoner and now I’m not sure how to follow up on it.”

“What statement did you make?” Luna inquired.

“I may have implied that his noncooperation would be met with some kind of punishment...” Shrouded confessed. “But now I’m not really sure what to do. If I go in there and don’t do anything to it, the prisoner will see me as weak or a liar and refuse to deal with me. On the other hoof, if I go in there and follow through on what I said, what kind of pony does that make me? Is it right to use violence and torture if it means stopping a group bent on murder?”

“There was a time when we would be willing to extract the required information at any price.” Luna said sympathetically. “Over time, as peace began to rule over Equestria such actions became less necessary, disfavored and eventually abandoned for other means. The use of force to coerce cooperation is a difficult subject. At what point are the ends no longer justify the means to reach them. Tell me, captain, why did you make such a claim?”

“I’m... I’m not sure, your highness. Maybe it was out of frustration from its continued silence. It could have been desperation, I’ve exhausted every trick I know and nothing to show for it. Or maybe it was anger, angry at it for using my friend’s face as a mask to kill the pony I swore to protect.”

“I see.” Luna said, raising a hoof to her chin and mulled the situation over. “I am assuming that you do not wish to use such methods but are unable to find any other way of retrieving the information you require.”

“Correct, Princess; when I confront it, it just laughs at my attempts. It’s already in the most unpleasant cell we have. I’ve cut its food down to old bread and water, and only once a day. Other than actually starving it or trying to beat or torture the answers out of it, I’m at a loss. I know how the others see me; the stern captain that doesn’t take anything from anypony, but the idea of actually torturing that creature, even if it is to protect somepony does not sit right with me.”

“Perhaps then, the solution is to have a different pony speak with the creature.”

“Are you sure about that, princess? Wouldn’t it just weaken my position?”

“Not if the second pony gave credence to your claim.” Luna explained. “If they suggest that you are preparing some... nefarious method of extracting the information and the only way of escaping such a fate is to reveal what it knows, prior to your return.”

“Are you sure that will work?”

“It may. The creature might believe itself strong enough to withstand it, or it may believe that we are bluffing. On the other hoof, it may not believe such things. It would all depend on the pony delivering the message.”

“What pony would that be?”

“Myself.”

“You, princess? Forgive me, but that sounds like a terrible idea.”

“Oh? I would have thought that a princess telling the creature that her captain of the guard is preparing something sinister would add validity to the claim.”

“I suppose that it makes a certain kind of sense.”

“And if it fails, we may be forced to utilize a more direct method of questioning. However, all that we can do is make the attempt.” Luna steeled herself and entered the dungeon.

The alicorn projected an air of confidence as she made her way pass the first few empty cells before reaching the sole occupied cell. Peering through the bars, Luna studied the strange creature. “Why?” Luna demanded. “Why did you try to kill me? What are you after? What are you?”

The creature laughed. “You don’t know who I am? You don’t know what I am?” It wrapped its strange hands around the bars. Its face twisted and warped until it was a perfect mirror of Hunter’s. “Ask him. He knows. It is why he stays away. Why he hides. He knows what will happen if he comes to face me.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed as she began to channel magic into her horn. “Do not toy with me, monster.” she threatened. “I am in no mood for your games. If you will not tell me what I want to know, I will have the captain extract it by force.”

“The pony princess cares for the human.” the creature mocked her. “If I had known that, I would have done more than just hug you, princess.”

The alicorn’s horn flashed as Luna discharged her magic, launching the creature into the far wall of its cell. “I warned you about trying to play me.”

“Hit a sore spot, did I princess?” the creature laughed as it stood back up. “You have feelings for the human, don’t you? You want him to hold you; to caress you. But he can’t. Or he won’t.”

“It appears that you still haven’t learned your lesson.” Luna said as she changed magic into her horn.

“Room full of ponies and you are the one he avoids. That sounds like fear to me.”

Luna launched the creature into the far wall for a second time. “I will not stand here and listen your lies!” she yelled, stomping on the ground. “You arguments will not sway my opinion of Hunter.”

“But they should, Princess. After all, it is his fault that we are after you.”

“Explain.” Luna demanded, her voice taking on a dangerous tone.

“You are the target; but he, he is the prize.”

“Prize? I don’t understand.”

“We all know about the human. We all know the stories about them. Not your stories, our stories; and everything from rakshasa to manticore, hydra to changling will be chasing him. He calls himself the hunter, but in truth, in this world, he is the prey.”

Chapter 18

Blood smiled as he looked over the massive sealed door. “At last, all that power is almost mine. Just a few more moments then everything I ever wanted shall be mine.” the unicorn laughed in triumph as he poured the large vial of blood onto the pedestal that stood before the door. The blood seeped into several grooves as the gems that adorned it began to glow. With a loud groan the heavy bars that spanned across the doorway slowly pulled back and the ancient door swung open. Inside the ancient vault stood a large stone statue, Royal Blood blinked twice in confusion before walking up to it. He poked the statue with his hoof, only to have it crack then crumble to pieces.

“What is this?!” Royal Blood roared. “I was promised the power to change the world, and all I get is some useless pile of rubble?” he turned around, eyes narrowing as he scanned the ponies that had accompanied him. When they landed on Blueblood, Royal Blood pointed his hoof accusingly. “You! This is all your fault! I never should have listened to your idea about using the human’s blood you got from the hospital. Now all of the plans that the family has worked so hard for, that I have worked so hard for, are ruined and it is all your fault!”

“Father, please, I didn’t think that this would happen.” Blueblood pleaded.

“No, you didn’t.” Royal Blood shouted while giving Bloodblood a hard poke. “You never think! That has always been your problem!”

“Father, please...”

“Do not call me that, you incompetent fool! You are a disgrace to your name and you are no son of mine!”
Blueblood turned to slink away when something from inside the vault caught his eye. Looking past his still irate father, he watched as a dark shape rose from the remains of the statue. Blueblood’s eyes went wide with fear as he raised a trembling hoof, pointing at the shape. Desperately trying to speak, Blueblood’s mouth opened and closed several times, but no sound came out.

“What are you gawking at now, boy?” Royal Blood sneered and turned to look behind him.
A pair of burning red eyes formed in the shadow a moment before the specter shot forwards.

“Foresight! Can you hear me? Are you alright?” Lady Prestidigitation pleaded as she gently shook the unicorn stallion that way lying on the floor.

Foresight slowly opened his eyes and looked up at the mare. “My lady.” the stallion groaned, his face still pale.

“What happened?” Prestidigitation asked. “One moment we were conversing about the future of Equestria and the next you were lying on the floor, screaming.”

“I had... a vision, my lady.”

“A vision of what?” the mare asked nervously.

“Death.”

“Did you feel that?” a hooded pony asked her voice barely above a whisper.

“I did.” a second hooded pony replied.

“What do you think it was?” the first one asked.

The second pony’s eyes idly wandered around the cave as he thought the question over. “Something that should have remained buried.” he finally said after several long moments of silence.

“You mean...?”

“Yes. “

“What do we do?”

“What we must. All of our other plans will be postponed. Our intentions for the sun and the moon, for Equestria and even recovering the secrets the human took with him will be put on hold until this threat is dealt with.”

“What about the changelings? We’ve already sent a group of them into the city.”

“They are on their own; for if we do not act it will be the entire world that shall suffer.”

Luna exited the prison, to find Shrouded Armour waiting for her.

“How did you fair, Princess?” Shrouded asked. “Did you learn anything?”

“I am... unsure.” Luna replied. “It calls itself a rakshasa, and that it seems more concerned with mocking me than for its own wellbeing. Otherwise, I have failed to make any progress.”

“So we’re back to regrettable consequences?”

“It would appear that way.” Luna sighed. “Tonight the rakshasa shall find no rest, no solace, while it dreams.”

“Princess?”

“I was once called Nightmare for a reason.”

“Are you sure you want to do this? Shouldn’t I be the one to do this?” Shrouded asked, shocked at what Luna was suggesting. “That was the plan, wasn’t it?”

“Do not worry yourself, captain.” Luna said, placing a hoof on Shrouded’s shoulder. “I will not have any of my subject bear the weight of a burden that I am not willing to carry myself.”

“Princess.” Shrouded bowed, ashamed that he had gotten his princess into this situation but he was also secretly relieved that she was willing to handle the situation.

Luna started walking towards the exit. “Now, we must prepare for what...” she trailed off as she slowed to a stop. “Did you sense that, captain?”

“No, Princess, I didn’t sense anything.” Shrouded answered. “Is something wrong?”

“Perhaps. I must find my sister. You are to ensure that no being of any kind interacts with the prisoner. It is to remain in complete isolation until you hear from me personally.” she instructed, then rushed off.

It didn’t take long for Luna to find her sister, as Celestia held court every day at the same time. Luna walked pass the various nobles who had gathered in hopes that they would get a chance to petition Celestia.

“I am sorry for the interruption, sister,” Luna began as she reached the front of the line, “but something has come to my attention that I need to speak to you about.”

“Very well, sister.” Celestia nodded, then turned towards the gathered nobles. “Court will be in recess until I return.” She announced, then followed Luna into a small side room.

“Did you feel it, sister?” Luna asked once the door was secure.

“I did.” Celestia confirmed.

“What was it?”

“I am unsure.” the white alicorn confessed. “Ancient magic, from before our time; possibly from the time before Discord ruled Equestria.”

“If it is truly magic that old, how are we going to contend with it?” Luna asked. “All of the knowledge from that era is gone. Some destroyed during Discord’s reign of terror, the rest was lost during the time I was Nightmare Moon.”

“Although I am loathed to admit it, I fear that the quickest way to get the information that we need is to ask him.”
Luna’s jaw dropped hearing what her sister had just implied. “You cannot be serious! You would place the future of our kingdom, our subjects, into the claws of that monster!”

“We are dealing with very old, very dark magic. If I knew any other way I would take it.”

“Even if we were to release him, it is unlikely that he would help just because we ask it.”

“I never said that we would be the ones asking.” Celestia smirked.

“If not us, then who?”

“I will send him to Twilight Sparkle and the other Elements. With luck they will be able to convince him of the importance of the magic of friendship.”

“Are you sure about this, sister?” Luna asked. “This is Discord we are talking about.”

“Do not worry, sister.” Celestia said with a smile. “I have the perfect pony in mind.”

“Who?”

“Captain Armour!” Swiftstrike yelled as he burst into Shrouded’s office. “Captain Shrouded Armour, sir!”
The dark furred unicorn looked over the top of the large book he was skimming through. “What is it this time, private?” he sighed.

“Sir, we found... sir, are you reading?” Swiftstrike asked.

“Am I not allowed to read, private?”

“No, I mean... umm I... what are you reading, sir?”

“It’s a book on ancient races.” Shrouded explained. “Ones that predate the founding of Equestria.”

“Why?” Swiftstrike asked, then quickly added “Sir.”

“Thanks to Princess Luna we have learned what the creature calls itself.” Shrouded informed the private.

“I have been reading some of the old stories on them.”

“And?”

“And what I found is very troubling; of the hoofful of stories that I have read there is a very common theme. These rakshasas enjoy eating the flesh of other sapient races, humans especially.”

“So it attacked the Princess because it wanted to eat her? Or was it after Hunter?”

“Both, probably.”

“That is rather disturbing.”

“Indeed.” Shrouded nodded. “Wait, what did you want to tell me when you came flying through my door.”

“Oh, right. I almost forgot.” Swiftstrike said, scratching the back of his neck with a hoof. “We caught a changeling trying to infiltrate the palace. They are bringing it to the cells now.”

“I see. Please inform Princess Celestia of this development. I will make my way to the cells.”
Swiftstrike saluted and flew off. Shrouded shook his head in disbelief. Changelings? Again? He thought to himself. First magic using diamond dogs, a rakshasa, a creature that no pony has seen in over a millennium show up, then the entire Royal Bloodline family disappears, and now a changeling has been found in the palace. What is going on?

Hunter slowly made his way through the labyrinthine tunnel network with only a faintly glowing crystal as a light source. As he turned yet another corner, Hunter was growing convinced that he was now hopelessly lost. In front of the human was the same large geode that he has woken up beneath. I’ve tried always left, I’ve tried always right, and I always end up where I began. Hunter sighed, leaning back against the cave wall. Can’t go forwards, can’t go backwards, can’t go up, can’t go down. Can’t go anywhere, except around and around.

Hunter’s back slowly slid down the wall until he was sitting on the tunnel floor. He stared at the small glowing crystal for a moment, then tucked it into one of the coat pockets. Now in complete darkness, Hunter closed his eyes and eventually drifted off to sleep.

A moment later, Hunter found himself standing in the familiar grove of cherry trees that made up his dreamscape. He wandered through the trees for a few minutes until he arrived at the cliff edge. Making his way over to the cliff, Hunter sat down and stared out over the horizon. As the sun slowly dipped under the horizon, Hunter heard light hoofsteps enter the small clearing as they walked up beside him.

“Hello Selene.” Hunter greeted the black alicorn without turning.

“Hello Hunter.” Selene replied as she sat down next to the human. “Asleep already?” she teased. “And I was hoping that you humans could last longer.”

“Shut up.” Hunter said, laughing at the double entendre. “You’re not the one that has been walking around in circles for the last... indeterminate time period.”

“But watching you walk around in circles is exhausting.” Selene smiled and poked the human with a hoof. “Besides, it’s your own fault that you never went straight.”

“Straight, I get... wait, what?”

“That ‘hand-on-the-wall’ trick you use. It’s the same one that you used back in the palace maze, correct?”

“Yeah, what about it?” Hunter asked, giving the alicorn a confused look.

“It helps you navigate the maze by giving you a fixed point to orient yourself. However, it only works if there is only one ‘correct’ or ‘proper’ path through the maze; a fixed beginning with a fixed ending. These tunnels do not have one correct path through them, but many. The exits to the surface are nether beginning or ending, but both.”

“So, what are you trying to suggest?”

“Walk in a straight line, and turn only when you must.”

“That... might just work. Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Because you are just a foolish mortal human, while I am a wise immortal alicorn.”

“You’re forgetting something.” Hunter said with a sly smile.

“Am I?”

“Yes. You are also my comfy pillow.” Hunter teased as he leaned on her, resting his head between her shoulder and neck.
“I am an all powerful being that controls the moon and the night sky, not your pillow.” Selene protested, but didn’t dislodge Hunter from his position.

“Pillows do not get to complain about their pillowness.”

“I AM NOT A PILLOW!” Selene shouted and jumped to her hooves, causing Hunter to fall to the ground.

“Aw, I gots a cranky pillow.” Hunter said dejectedly, rolling onto his back.

“What part of ‘not a pillow’ didn’t you understand?” Selene asked, moving so that she was standing over Hunter. “Why do you want to use me as a pillow anyway?”

Hunter looked up, into Selene’s eyes and shrugged. “I don’t know. Seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“It seemed like a good idea at the time?”

“Well, you know, you were right there, all soft and fuzzy.”

“Fuzzy?”

“I’m sorry; do you prefer ‘fluffy’?” Hunter teased.

Selene didn’t reply, instead electing to stare at the human incredulously.

“Puffy?”

“Stop. Just... just stop.” Selene groaned.

“Fine, fine.” Hunter said as he stood. “If the velutinous alicorn wants me to stop, I’ll stop.”

“What are you, some kind of walking thesaurus?” Selene ribbed Hunter.

“I’ll have you know that my mother is very proud of my vocabulary.” the human retorted.

Selene opened her mouth to taunt Hunter once more when a blast of cold air rushed past them. The small grove, which normally was a warm spring evening, was now a freezing winter night. Taking a moment to collect himself, Hunter looked around at the now stripped trees.

“What the hell was that?” Hunter asked, then realized that he could see his own breath in the cold air.

“I’m not sure.” Selene answered.

“I should wake up, something is wrong.”

“Agreed.” Selene reared up, and brought her forehoovesd down on Hunter. The moment she made contact, the human woke and found himself in the dark tunnel once more.

Slowly pushing himself up to his feet, Hunter removed the small glowing gem from his pocket. He looked down each possible direction of travel attempting to determine which way he should go. “That way.” he said to himself, pointing down the tunnel to his left.

Following Selene’s advice, Hunter followed the tunnel, only turning when absolutely necessary. As he made his way further and further through the massive maze, the human felt like he was actually making progress for the first time; only to have that feeling ripped away when the ground beneath him gave out yet again.

Hunter rolled and tumbled down the newly formed incline, his recently found armour protecting him from the scrapes and impacts as he went. The direction of the incline changed suddenly changed, as Hunter found himself launched into the air. The impromptu flight was short lived, as the human collided with the far wall less than a second later. With nothing beneath him, Hunter began to fall once more. A dull thud echoed through the cavern as Hunter’s body impacted the ground from his short fall.

“Its official, this world hates me.” Hunter groaned as he pushed himself up onto his hands and knees. Grabbing the glowing crystal, Hunter was about to stand when something reflecting the light caught his eye. Moving across the tunnel floor on his hands and knees, he found the corner of a metal box poking out of the dirt. With his curiosity overpowering his common sense, Hunter dug into the earth with his bare hands.

Several painful minutes later, Hunter had uncovered a steel footlocker. Lifting the lid, the first thing he saw was a letter sitting on top of a pile of items he never expected to see since coming to Equstria. Opening the letter, and bringing the glowing gem near, Hunter began to read.

To the Otherworld Hunter That Walks Through Me,

You are strong, you are brave, but you are without teeth, without a pack. I give you your teeth; take them and follow your nature. I give you the symbol of your pack; take it and follow your nature. Though you were not born within me, you are still my child. I bestow upon you my love and my blessing and all I ask in return is that you follow your nature. Follow your nature and hunt down that which threatens to consume all in darkness.

Ungula, The Mother Of All

Hunter stared at the note for several moments before he finally gave up on trying to figure out who this ‘Ungula’ person was. “It’s phrased as if I should know who this is.” Hunter muttered. “But I don’t remember a single being with that name.” he shook his head, folded the note and carefully placed it in one of his pockets.

With the note secured, Hunter focused on the remaining items within the footlocker. The first things he pulled out ware a military tactical vest, along with a few additional pouches. Looking over the vest, Hunter was surprised to find that it did not contain any of the symbols or patterns of his former world; instead the dark colour and silver detailing matched that of the armour he had found and currently wearing. Sliding his coat off and the vest on, he was unsurprised to find that it fit over the armour’s chest plate with no trouble. Someone’s got big plans for me. Hunter thought as he strapped on the other pouches before pulling the long coat back on. It’s a good thing or a very bad thing.

Turning his attention back to the footlocker, Hunter removed the next item; a Browning Hi-Power pistol. He checked the pistol and its clip before securing it in the cross-draw holster that was attached to his vest. The next firearm was a Colt C8 carbine, which he gave a quick look over then laid it on the ground next to him. The final weapon was a C15 Long Range Sniper Rifle. Hunter stared at the rifle in disbelief for several moments before he slung it over his back. I don’t know what’s more terrifying. Hunter thought as he loaded his various pockets and pouches with the clips and magazines that had accompanied the various guns. The idea that some...thing managed to get a hold of a rather large amount of military gear, or the notion that even in a place as peaceful as Equestria I am going to have to use them.

Hunter lifted the only remaining item out of the locker, a dark leather hair tie with simple steel rivets and lacing that ended with three small silver beads. “Someone likes black and silver.” Hunter commented, despite the fact that there was no one around to hear him. With a small shrug, Hunter pulled his long hair back and secured it in place using the tie.

Gripping the carbine, Hunter rose to his feet. He rolled his shoulders, moving his arms and torso in an attempt to familiarize himself with the weight and placement of his new weapons. He pocketed the glowing gem, flicked on the C8’s barrel mounted flashlight and started down the long dark tunnels once more.

After walking for some time, Hunter noticed that the winding tunnel began to straighten and take on a more uniformed appearance before it ended in a carved archway. Hunter paused for a moment, looking over the archway. No point in turning back now. He thought and stepped through.

As his foot touched the smooth floor, braziers along the walls ignited. The room was covered with reliefs that were carved into the wall; each one depicting scenes of carnage and destruction. In the center of one of the wall was a large and terrifyingly familiar door. “It can’t be...” Hunter muttered in astonishment. The human raced across the room, his fear driving him forwards. Arriving at the pedestal that stood in front of the doorway, Hunter felt his blood run cold as he realized the terrible truth; the massive vault doors from the vision he was shown, the ones meant to kept Chernabog’s statue sealed away forever, was open.

“Why... how did they open this?” he asked a loud.

So gripped in terror by this, Hunter didn’t hear the group of creatures that were approaching him until one of them screeched and pounced. Hunter turned just in time to see an equine body collide with his.

Pony? Was the only though Hunter had as his body struck the hard floor.

The creature opened its mouth to reveal a set of needle like fangs where its teeth should be. It bit down on the human’s shoulder but was unable to pierce his armour. With a grunt, Hunter forced the strange pony off of him, brought the C8 to bear and pulled the trigger, firing more bullets then he actually intended.

As Hunter stood, a second pony-creature raced forwards, shrieking. Before he had a chance to react, the pony-creature reared up and a lashed out at Hunter with a clawed limb. Pain shot through the side of his face as the claw tore into his skin; the force of the blow caused him to stagger back a few steps. Hunter gritted his teeth, and aimed the carbine at his latest assailant. Squeezing the trigger, Hunter found that he had more control over the weapon this time, but it still wasn’t as much as he would have liked.

Spotting two more pony-creatures moving towards him, Hunter didn’t bother to wait for them to act. He raised the Colt C8, aimed and squeezed the trigger, letting loose a hail of bullets. As the two creatures fell in a pool of their own blood, Hunter released the trigger and lowered the gun. “I really hope that’s the last of them.” he muttered.

Hunter scanned the rest of the room, looking for any more of the creatures that had attacked him. Instead of finding more ‘shriekers’ , the name Hunter a given to the pony-creatures, he found a unicorn with white fur and a blond mane at tail, trembling in the corner. Blueblood? Hunter though as he hurried over to the cowering pony.

Reaching the unicorn, Hunter let the carbine slip to the floor as he knelt down. “Blueblood, you alright? Can you hear me?” Hunter asked.

Blueblood slowly opened his eyes and saw Hunter kneeling over him. “Hunter? You’re alive?” Blueblood blurted out.

“Yeah, I’m alive.” Hunter answered. “It will take more than falling down some hole to stop me.”

“I thought... everypony thought you were dead. If I had known... maybe this would never have happened.”

“What wouldn’t have happened? What are you doing here?”

“My father was obsessed with finding some ancient power that your ancestors hid. After years of searching he finally found this place, only to realize that he didn’t have the key. Then you arrive.”

“So that’s why you were so insistent on me joining your house. Your father needed me to open the vault.”

“Yes, but before I could convince you...” Blueblood trailed off.

“The diamond dogs captured me.” Hunter concluded.

“When we heard that you had died, my father became furious. He said that I had destroyed all of the work he had put into unlocking this place. He said that if it wasn’t for my inability to get you to agree to join our house, we would be the most powerful family in all of Equestria. So to make up for my failure, I came up with a plan. I had heard that you had given Dr. Triage several blood samples to work with, and since human blood was the key to open the vault, I stole it.”

“You stole my blood? Why?”

“I have always been a bit of a screw up, and my father was always fond of reminding me. Before you arrived, I was supposed to woo Princess Cadence, which I failed to do. Then at the Great Galloping Gala, I thought that the Lady Rarity was just some commoner after my family’s wealth or title, so I did everything I could to dissuade her. Later, when I learned that she was an Element of Harmony, and a personal friend of the Princesses...

“So when I figured out how to open the vault without a living human, it was the first time in my life my father had something nice to say about me. Even then, my father could still make a compliment sound like an insult. All I wanted was for my father to be proud of me. To smile and stand tall when people said my name. I just wanted him to act like a father should, and now he never will.”

“What are you talking about, Blueblood? What happened here?”

“When we opened the vault, all we found was some ancient statue which fell to pieces the moment my father touched it. He was furious, of course, saying that if we had you and not just a couple vial of your blood we would actually have something to show for the effort. Then a dark cloud rose from what was left of the statue. It flew forwards, and engulfed my father, changing him, twisting him into something horrible. The cloud spread out, and began to change the others. Every servant, every employee that had followed us down here changed into those shrieking horrors.”

“What about you? Why didn’t it affect you?”

“The thing that had taken control of my father said it was my reward. For being the pony that freed it, I was to change last.” Bluebood grimaced as pain shot through his body. “It’s starting. Please, you have to do something. You have to help me. I don’t want to turn into one of those things.”

“I’m sorry, I-I don’t know how.”

“Kill me.”

“What?”

“Kill me.” Blueblood said adamantly. “I’d rather die now, as myself, then turn into one of those things.”

“Are... are you sure?”

Blueblood slammed his eyes shut, trying to ignore the pain. “Yes. Please, just do it quickly.”

“Alight, Blueblood, if that is what you really want.” Hunter relented, then drew the Beretta from its holster.
Blueblood reached out and placed a hoof on Hunter’s leg. “Just promise me that you’ll fix my mistake.”

Hunter took Blueblood’s hoof in his hand. “Don’t worry, I will make things right. I swear it.” Hunter said, aimed, closed his eyes and pulled the trigger.

Chapter 19

Hunter aimed, closed his eyes, squeezed the trigger before he was knocked to the ground as something collided with him. Caught off guard, Hunter found himself pinned underneath another one of the shriekers. The monster let out an ear piercing howl, and began to snap at the human’s face; meanwhile, using his free hand, Hunter desperately tried to hold the monster back. Managing to bring a foot up to the shrieker’s torso, Hunter pushed with all of his strength, forcing the creature off of him. Both beast and man scrambled to get back to their feet. The shrieker was quicker, and lunged towards the human only to collapse as a loud bang echoed through the cavern.

Hunter slowly stood and made his way over to the fallen monster. Looking it over for a moment, Hunter brought the gun up and fired a second round into the shrieker. Just to make sure. Hunter told himself. I wonder how many ponies Bloodblood’s old man...Blueblood!

Quickly turning his attention back to the ailing unicorn, Hunter found the pony lying in a pool of his own blood. “Blueblood? You alive?” Hunter called out as he approached the unicorn. Hearing the human’s voice, Blueblood opened his eyes and looked up. As human and pony locked eyes, Hunter stopped in his tracks and brought the pistol up.

“Wait...” Blueblood managed to croak. “I’m not... I think... I didn’t change.”

“Not from where I’m standing.” Hunter countered.

“What are you talking about? I didn’t change. I’m not like them!”

“Yes you are, your eyes, your teeth; exactly the same as theirs. The only difference is that you still have a horn. Well, most of your horn.”

“Of course I have a horn! I’m a unicorn, fool! Why wouldn’t I have a... what do you mean by ‘most of my horn’?” Bloodblood asked as he reached up to feel his horn, only to have his eyes go wide in shock when he found that half of it was missing. “What did you do?” Blueblood yelled. “You kill over a dozen unicorns with that thing and you only hit the end of my horn! Then what use are you?”

Hunter’s eyes narrowed. “They were unicorns? Are you sure? None of them had horns.”

“What are you talking about? Just about everpony that was here was a unicorn.”

“Look again.” Hunter said, gesturing to one of the corpses.

Blueblood turned his head just enough to look at one of the corpses without losing sight of the human. He recognised the mare, or what was once a mare, as one of his second cousins; the once pompous pony now lay dead on the ground with a pair of holes in her chest. If Blueblood hadn’t known that this particular creature was once a unicorn, he wouldn’t have guessed it now. It wasn’t the claws or jagged maw that caught the Prince’s attention; it was the clear lack of a horn. The horn wasn’t broken or cut off, but appeared to have never been there to begin with. “I... I don’t understand...” Blueblood stammered. “They... they should have... why don’t they have horns?!”

Pushing himself up onto his hooves, Blueblood wandered from body to body. “How is this possible, a unicorn can’t live without their horn, so how can they... how am I still alive?”

Slowly lowering the pistol, Hunter gave Blueblood a confused look. “I’m not really sure what you’re getting at here Bluey.”

“Of course you wouldn’t understand.” Blueblood snapped as he turned to face the human. “You never had a horn, you couldn’t comprehend how bad losing it is.”

“Then inform me.”

“In... inform you? You know what, I will; just so you can see how ignorant you truly are. A unicorn’s horn is more than a bone that sticks out of our heads. It’s an organ, like our brain or heart, but probably more important than both. Without it we cannot control the magic that flows through our bodies, it would build up within us and eventually we would be destroyed by massive build up within our own bodies.”

“So it’s like the opposite of what happened to me.”

“Now it’s my turn to say I don’t understand.” Blueblood said, blinking in confusion.

“It turns out that humans can’t internalize magic energy the way you ponies can.” Hunter said dismissively as he started looking around the cave, taking his eyes off Blueblood for the first time since the conversation started. “The Princess said that it builds up on the outside of our bodies until it... crushes... I think that’s the word she used, us.”

“Then why hasn’t that happened yet?” Blueblood asked. “Or does it just take an extended amount of time?”

“Hmmm? Oh, the Princess did something or other to stop it from happening.” Hunter explained, as he made his way over to the broken statue.

“‘The Princess did something or other’ to you? You don’t even know what she did?”

“Of course I do. She... how did she describe it... oh, yeah; she took a tiny amount of her own magic power and placed it in me.” Hunter explained, as he idly shifted through Chernabog’s former prison.

“And that worked?”

“I think so; I’m still alive, right?” Hunter chuckled. “It’s strange to think that magic can be so dangerous without anyone using it. Let it build up on the outside and you get crushed. Let it build up on the inside and you get exploded.”

“I don’t know what’s worse; your imagery or your use of language.”

“Lose the ability to regulate the magic in your body and die.” Hunter muttered, ignoring Blueblood. “But Blue over there lost his horn and didn’t die. Those things lost their horns and didn’t die. Wait... Blue only lost part of his horn so he lived, that means...”

Hunter exited the ancient vault and walked over to one of the dead shriekers. Kneeling down, the human pulled out his knife and began to cut into the creature’s flesh. Blood dripped from the incision, and then increased in volume as Hunter peeled the flesh back from the former pony’s skull.

“W-what are you doing?” Blueblood stammered, quickly turning away from the scene.

“I’m skinning this thing, what does it look like I’m doing?” Hunter replied. “I have an idea on why they turned and why you didn’t, but I need to see its skull to be certain.”

Still turned away from the human and his grim task, Blueblood focused on controlling his growing nausea. A grunt from Hunter and the sound of tearing flesh drew Blueblood’s attention. Don’t look. The prince told himself, refusing to turn and closing his eyes for good measure. If you see it then it’s happening. If it’s happening, then all this is real. And you want none of this to be real. It’s just some horrid dream. Any moment now I’ll wake up in my luxurious bed and everything will be fine.

“Hey Blue, I need you to come look at something.” Hunter called out, breaking Blueblood’s line of thought.

“What is it you wanted...” Blueblood trailed off when he saw what was now in front of him. The skin and muscle from the creature’s skull had been peeled away to the point where one of its eyes had fallen out of its socket. Although Hunter’s hands were stained in the creature’s blood, to Blueblood the human seemed completely unfazed by the idea that he had just mutilated something that used to be a pony. In that moment all of his fatigue, pain, fear and disgust came crashing down on Blueblood at once. The unicorn prince let out a single “Nope.” before collapsing to the ground.

“Yes Princes, I’m ready to use my magic for good instead of evil.” Discord said, taking a sweeping bow. “Most of the time.” he added under his breath.

“Congratulations on your success, ponies.” Celestia addressed the elements of harmony with a warm smile. “I definitely feel a big change in Discord.”

The solar princes then leaned down so she could whisper in her student’s ear. “I’ll leave the Elements of Harmony with you, Twilight, just in case.”

Twilight nodded in agreement, before moving to stand next to her friend. “You were right when you said that Fluttershy would be the one to find a way to reform Discord. By treating Discord as a friend she got him to realize that friendship was actually important to him; and something that once he had, he didn’t want to lose.”

“Go on, say it.” Fluttershy said while giving Discord a small poke.

The draconicus let out a small groan before relenting. “A-alright; friendship is magic.” he quickly blurted out.
The yellow pegasus reached up and took hold of Discord’s paw with her hoof. “See; he can be a real sweetheart once you get to know him.”

The others quickly averted their eyes, looking in every direction except at Fluttershy.

“As wonderful as this is,” Celestia began in an attempt to move past the rather awkward situation, “we must return to Canterlot.”

As if on cue, a chariot pulled by two guards landed. Saying their farewells, and exchanging promises to visit, Celestia quickly ushered Discord up onto the chariot. A moment later, the chariot was airborne and on its way.
It was ten minutes into the flight when Discord finally turned to speak with Celestia. “So, what’s the real reason you released me?”

“I felt that you had been imprisoned long enough,” Celestia answered, “and I knew that Twilight, and more importantly, Fluttershy could show you the importance of friendship.”

“Oh, come now, Celestia.” Discord retorted. “I know that you know that I know you better than that. Why now? Why not last year or next year or next century?”

“Very well, I shall tell you, but I urge you to be patient. This will be a rather long story and I rather that you didn’t interrupt me. It all started when...”

Shrouded Armour peered through the steel bars that separated him from the changeling prisoner. The changeling returned the favor by sitting in the center of the cell and peered back out. The two continued to stare at each other for several long minutes, neither guard nor prisoner willing to speak first. In the end, the silence proved to be too much for Shrouded Armour. “What were you after? Why did you come here? What do you want?” Shrouded snapped.

The changeling remained silent; instead it simply continued to stare at Shrouded.

“Well... Say something!” Shrouded shouted, only to be met with the same silent response.

“Say anything! One word, a chirp, something!” Shrouded demanded. “Anything to show that you understand what I’m saying!”

The captive changeling once again gave no response except the continual blank stare.

I am really bad at this. Shrouded Armour said to himself, hanging his head for a moment before the turned and exited the dungeon.

“As you know, several of our seers have had visions of a great darkness approaching our great land.” Lady Prestidigitation began as she addressed the gathered members of House Lulamoon. “Whatever this vision means, whatever this darkness entails, we will be ready for it. Once long ago, we failed Equestria. We failed our princess. We will not do so again! All of you know what is expected of you, and what you are to do. Now go, fulfill your duty. Make your house proud. Make Equestria proud!”

The gathered ponies all rushed off in different directions, each with a clear goal in mind.

“A moving, if not short, speech my lady.” Foresight said as he approached the unicorn matriarch.

“Sometimes long speeches are unnecessary.” Prestidigitation replied. “All that truly matters is that you remind ponies what they must do, and the reason behind it.”

“I never would have thought of that, but then again I am not one for giving grand speeches.” Foresight smiled. “However, this new plan of yours; it contradicts every previous decision we made.”

“I know.”

“Then what made you change your mind?”

“The visions; I finally saw the pattern in them.”

“Pattern?”

“Every time we tried to move against the human the vision became worse. I realized that should he fall into darkness, it will be because we pushed him into it.”

“But he did fall; he died at the hands of the diamond dogs.”

“And now if this evil has been truly unleashed, I fear that we may have lost our greatest ally.” Prestidigitation paused for a moment in contemplation. “Find my daughter and bring her home. I think she is finally ready for my final lesson.”

“Are you all set then?” Kruger asked the female griffon.

“Yes Ambassador, I’m ready.” Olivia answered. “I’ve put off my return trip long enough. I really should be getting back to the Kingdom.”

“I understand.” Kruger sighed. “With you leaving and the human... well, I guess I just liked the idea of not being the only meat eater around here.”

“Maybe you could get some of the higher ups send you some fledglings, you know, some young griffons just out of school, fresh and eager to learn about the world. You can call them your assistants.” Olivia teased.

“I really don’t think that...”

“Oh, and then you can give them a numerical rank.”

“I don’t think that that would be appropriate.”

“Probably not, but it’s what I would do.”

“Yes, and that’s why I’m the highly respected ambassador to the Kingdom and you are not.”

“I guess that’s true. This... this might seem like an odd question; but do you really think the human is dead?” Olivia asked.

“Where did that come from?” Kruger replied. “Given the reports that both Princess Luna and yourself gave, it is very unlikely that he could have survived.”

“But he could have, right? I mean, no one actually saw his body.”

“What’s brought this on? Why are you asking this now?”

“I... I don’t know.” Olivia confessed. “It’s just I’ve been thinking about what happened in the caves. What I saw him endure. It just seems so strange that someone that could go through all that, someone with that much strength, that much will, could die so easily.”

“I know,” Kruger said as he placed a talon on Olivia’s shoulder, “but even the greatest of us can be brought down by something small. Hunter, he saved you and all the other captives from a place you had thought to be inescapable. He brought down both the alpha and the shaman by himself, and did so without any of you being killed; and then he died because he was standing in the wrong place at the wrong time. Something like that may seem impossible, but it did happen and we must learn to accept it.”

“I understand. I just can’t shake this strange feeling, like we’re all missing something.”

“Are you sure about this?” a cloaked figure asked in a whispered voice. “That place was locked away, hidden for a reason.”

“We don’t have a choice.” A second cloaked figure replied. “If what we suspect actually happened, then we need to know.”

“Then what if it is? If it has really escaped, what do you plan on doing?”

“He was sealed away before, he can be imprisoned again.”

“How do you plan on doing that?” the first one asked. “Sky and Land died fighting Cataclysm, not mention that they had both the humans and the Elements to help them. We have neither.”

“No, but the elements still exist, there are still alicorns and as for the humans... we may not need them.”

“What do you mean?”

“Remember, the story says that it was an army of humans that held the beast at bay until Sky and Land could use the Elements on it. Equestria has its own army, should the worst come to pass, they shall perform their duty.”

“And where does that leave us?”

“Nowhere, we shall simply set things in motion then fade away.”

“Give up everything we’ve worked for?”

“I never said that.”

“You know it’s not wise for anypony to sit around and do nothing all day,” Stargazer commented, “even if that pony is a princess.”

“I have not been sitting around idle as you have suggested.” Luna countered, then lifted the stack of papers off of her desk. “I have been attempting to finish this work.”

Stargazer moved closer to the desk and looked over the papers that Luna was working on. They were covered in scratchy writing and ink spots, work clearly done by someone unfamiliar with using a quill and ink fountain. “Princess are these...” the unicorn asked.

“Yes.” Luna answered. “This is what Hunter was working on before he…” she trailed off momentarily as she fought back her sadness, “they appear to be a collection of fables, most likely ones that he was told as a child. I have been transcribing them, as well as correcting his spelling. My goal is to have them compiled in a book, a token to remember him by, to remember that he was here.”

“Are you sure that you should be doing this?” Stargazer asked. “I mean, I can see the loss is still quite heavy on your mind. Would it not be better to put this off until you have had time to grieve.”

“I cannot think of any other way to occupy my time.” Luna confessed. “If I focus on this task, I do not have the opportunity to think of how he died; or of how I failed him.”

“Princess, I knew Hunter. I knew that he thought of you as a friend; and I also know that he would not have blamed you for what happened.”

“Both you and my sister have told me this. While I recognise that at the time, catching him would have been impossible, it does not change how I feel.”

“I understand Princess. We feel how we feel despite any reason for it.”

The doors to the room flew open as Discord came floating in. “Ah, Luna, just the mare I was looking for.” Discord smiled. “You know I’ve been looking for your for quite some time. You’d think they give visitors a map.”

“Discord; what is the meaning of this intrusion?” Luna demanded.

“Oh, nothing much; I just happen to have a proposition for you. One I think you’ll want to hear.”

“Very well, speak; but make it quick.”

“So much for polite conversation.” Discord frowned. “This conversation is meant only for us, outsiders will have to leave.”

Luna looked over at Stargazer, who now had Discord’s disembodied hands attempting to shoo her off. “That will be all, Stargazer. Thank you for speaking with me. Should the opportunity arise, we shall continue our conversation.”

“If you are certain, Princess.” Stargazer said, shooting Luna a worried look before exiting the room.

“We are now alone, say what you came here to say.”

“Very well, if you’re going to be like that about it.” Discord relented. “I know all about your little human friend and I was thinking, what with me being newly reformed and all, I could use my powers to reunite the two of you, how does that sound?”

“It sounds preposterous.” Luna replied. “Even you cannot bring back the dead.”

“I never said anything about bringing the dead back to life, now did I?”

“Then it is your intention to lay me low, to end my life? You have grown even more foolish that I would have dared imagine.”

“I said nothing about killing you either, Princess.”

“Then what are you saying?” Luna asked, her eyes narrowing.

“I’m saying that your human friend is still alive.” Discord told her with a broad smile. “I can sense him; he’s got some strange chaotic energy in him, even by my standards. Its quite odd that you can’t sense him, or is it that you never bothered to look?”

“Hunter is alive?” Luna asked quietly, not sure if she really wanted an answer.

“Yes, he is alive, and if you want I can send you to him.”

“Hunter is alive.” Luna repeated, still unsure if she believed what Discord was telling here was the truth.

“So, Princess, do you want me to reunite the two of you?”

Sitting on the ground with his back against the cavern wall, Hunter overlooked his work. Before him was what was left of the creature he had been working on. The remains were spread out on the floor, in a puddle of blood and other fluids. Each piece having been looked over, poked, prodded, cut and whatever other forms of crud scrutiny that the human could come up with before he moved onto the next one. With every passing piece, Hunter felt his hope dwindle a little, whatever secret he had hoped to glean had slipped through his fingers.

“Maybe I should have paid more attention in Biology class...” Hunter muttered to himself. “Not that it would matter, ponies and magic and everything.”

He lifted the creatures’ skull off the ground and slowly turned it over in his hands, carefully scanned the surface. As he turned the skull towards its forehead, the human found what he was looking for. There was a small ridge with a series of shallow grooves running up it, giving the appearance that its horn had been pushed down so it laid flat against the creature’s skull. Hunter glanced over at the still unconscious Blueblood, then back down at the skull.”Why is it that Blue is still a pony, well mostly pony, and you turned into... this?” he asked the skull. “I was right that you still had your horn, so that’s probably got something to do with it.”

He sat there, idly turning the skull as his mind slowly cycled through every possible answer he could come up with. His frustration rose as he moved from one preposterous explanation to the next. Finally, his confusion and anger getting the better of him, Hunter threw the skull across the cave. “Why can’t I figure this out?” Hunter asked aloud. “It’s like I’m back wandering through... those... tunnels...” he trailed off as revelation slowly creeped over him.
Hunter started to laugh, imagining Selene scolding him. Foolish mortal, always looking at what you don’t know instead of what you do know.

“Maybe I don’t need to figure this out.” Hunter told himself. “I know the how, and for now that’s going to have to be enough.”

Chapter 20

Hunter made his way across the cavern floor until he stood over the unconscious Blueblood. “Hey Blue, wake up.” the human said as he gently nudged the pony with his foot. Getting only a mumbled response out of the unicorn, Hunter gave Blueblood a second nudge. “Come on, get up.” he demanded, only to have Blueblood mutter incoherently and roll over. Hunter let out a faint groan and rolled his eyes before giving the unicorn a hard shove paired with a loud shout; “Wake up!”

“The artichokes are attacking!” Blueblood blurted out as he bolted upright.

“That’s...nice.” Hunter said, unsure if he really wanted to know what the prince was dreaming about. “Back to the real world, you know the way out of these caves, right?”

“The way out?”

“Yes, the way out. You know the opposite of the way in.”

“I know what the way out is!” Blueblood snapped. “Sorry, I’m just... it’s just been a long day.”

“No worries. I get it, feels like I’ve been walking for days.”

“That’s probably because you have been walking for days.”

“What.”

“It’s been nearly a week since Princess Luna saw you fall down the chasm.”

“No... that can’t be right.”

“It is. It took the guards four days to fly from the diamond dog caves back to Canterlot. At which point you were declared missing and presumed dead. That night is when I had the idea of using your blood sample to open the vault. Then a day to get ready and one to travel, and here we are.”

“Still, a week; I should be dead.” Hunter muttered under his breath.

“Did you say something?” Blueblood asked.

“It’s nothing; just get us out of here.”

“Worry not, even in my weakened state I can get us back to the castle.” Blueblood said with false bravado. “Even with only half of a horn any member of the Bloodline family could teleport themselves back home.”

“Teleport?”

“Yes, teleport; how else do you think we managed to travel nearly the full breadth of Equestria in a single day.”

“You sure you can do this?” Hunter asked. “I mean, I did just shoot your horn and before that you were being mutated by some evil curse.”

“If there is one thing that Prince Blueblood is good at, it is running home to his aunties.”

“I’m not sure that’s something to be-” Hunter managed to get out before a blinding light filled his eyes. “-bragging about.” He finished as the light slowly faded way. Looking around, Hunter instantly saw that he was no longer in the caves, but he was not in Canterlot Castle either. “Blueblood, where are we?”

“I.. I don’t know.” the unicorn replied. “We should have reappeared in the main hall of Canterlot Castle, but this... is not.”
Although Hunter and Blueblood found themselves standing in a castle’s grand hall, it was not the one that Blueblood had interned to take them to. All around them was ruins, an ancient castle that had succumbed to the passage of time. Large piece of the walls and roof were damaged, collapsed or otherwise missing. The cool forest breeze blew through the opening, causing Hunter pause momentarily as he took in the feel of the wind on his skin and the smell of the air.

Noticing that his new traveling companion had zoned out, Blueblood reached out and gently prodded the human with his clawed hoof. “Are you alright?” Blueblood asked, his voice filled with concern.

“Yeah, I just never thought I’d miss the wind.” Hunter replied. “So, you can still cast magic with most of your horn gone, kind of... where are we?”

“When a teleportation spell goes wrong, often the pony ends up in a similar place to where they intended to go; but I have no idea what this place is.” Blueblood shrugged. “It seems similar to the old castle of the two sisters, but there are several things that don’t add up.”

Scanning the room, Hunter and Blueblood hoped to find some clue to where they were. The large doors that led into the hall were barely attached to the frame. The hall itself was filled with old statues and tapestries, mostly in ruins. At the far end of the hall sat a trio of thrones, each backed by a relatively intact banner. The center tapestry was woven from gold thread and depicted a large sun, although the other were both made of a dark blue material the one on the left had an image of a gibbous moon and the right was of a crescent moon.

“We’re in the original palace of the royal sisters.” Hunter said quietly.

“Are you certain?” Blueblood asked. “There are three thrones after all.”

“Have you ever wondered why the moon has phases?” Hunter asked cryptically. “Come on; let’s see what we can find.” Hunter smiled as he headed deeper into the old castle.

“Phases? Wait what are you hoping to find?”

“Something to kill a demon.”

Blueblood chased after the human, not wanting to be left behind. The long hallway that greeted them was lined with torch sconces that resembled pony legs. Hunter paid them no mind, but Blueblood felt compelled to give on a closer look. Reaching out, Blueblood gave one a gentle push; finding that it moved the unicorn gave it a hard push. A click followed by the sound of grinding stone echoed down the hallway. Taking a quick look around, Blueblood attempted to find the source of the noise only to fail. He then looked up at Hunter, hoping that the human would have some explanation; Hunter merely shrugged then continued down the hall.

Taking his hoof off the sconce the sound on stone grinding against stone once again filled Blueblood’s ears. A sudden shout from Hunter drew Blueblood’s attention, as the stallion watched as the man got caught by a large section of the wall that was now rotating. Frozen in place, Blueblood watched in panic as the human disappeared. Recovering a several long seconds later, the unicorn pressed the sconce repeatedly, which only turned the rotating wall into an impromptu carrousel. Realizing what he had done, Blueblood released the sconce and watched as Hunter clung to the spinning wall.

As the wall slowed to a stop, Hunter staggered away from the wall and over to Blueblood. “Ok, new rule:” the human said, while trying to regain his sense of balance. “Don’t touch anything.”

Blueblood nodded and followed the human as he started down the hall once more. As he moved into step with the human, a shiver went down Blueblood’s spine. The pony stopped and did a quick scan of the area without finding anything amiss, he continued down the hall. A moment later, the shadows began to flicker and dance across the walls; Blueblood’s eyes darted back and forth as all his muscles tensed.

“Relax Blue.” Hunter said, sensing the pony’s anxiety. “Your little carrousel trick earlier must have frightened some of the locals.” The human pointed up at an opening in the roof, where a large flock of birds were flying over. The pony prince let out a nervous laugh as they continued down the hall, still taking the occasional glance around.

More concerned about watching his surroundings then what Hunter was doing, Blueblood almost collided with the human when he suddenly stopped. Looking past Hunter’s legs, Blueblood could see an old stairwell; the stairs running up had long since collapsed but the stairs leading down still existed. Hunter leaned over the rail, gazing down into the darkness below. He remained motionless for a long moment before he reached into a pocket and removed a small glowing gem. Hunter looked around, finding no other way to go he let the gem slip from his fingers and fall into the depth below.

Both the human and pony watched as the small glowing gem tumbled to the bottom of the stairwell. “Not that deep.” Hunter muttered as the gem came to a stop on the floor below them. There was a faint click as Hunter turned on the flashlight that was affixed to his firearm and started down the stairwell. The decent downwards went smoothly until Hunter’s foot touched the fifth stair. A faint click followed by sound of grinding gears filled the air, as the stairs pitched downwards effectively turning the stairwell into a massive slide; sending both human and pony tumbling towards the bottom.

Hunter let out a faint groan as he came to a stop at the bottom of the impromptu slide, which was followed by a significantly louder one as Blueblood landed on top of him. “Well, that could have been worse.” the pony said he slowly rose to his hooves. “Hunter?” he called out, looking around for the human. “Hunter, where did you go?”

“Blueblood.” Hunter’s voice called out from beneath the pony, causing the prince to look down and realise that he was standing on the human.

“What are you doing down there?” Blueblood asked.

“Enjoying the view.” Hunter replied sarcastically.

“Really? I would have thought-”

“Get off of me!”

“Sorry!” Blueblood blurted out as he quickly scrambled off the human.

Hunter sighed and pushed himself to his feet. “Yeah, this world hates me.” he muttered, brushing himself off. Taking a look around, Hunter tried to decide on which of the three corridors he should head down next.
“You have no idea which way to go, do you?” Blueblood commented.

“No, not really.” Hunter admitted.

“Then why are we wandering around this ruin?”

“I don’t know why you’re here, but like I said before; I’m looking for something that I can use against a demon.”

“How do you even know that something like that his here?” Blueblood asked.

“I don’t.” Hunter answered. “Call it a guess, or a hunch or gut instinct or blind shot in the dark, but I think that there is something here worthwhile.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Look around Blue, this place may be starting to crumble but the thrones, the statues, the tapestries, they are all still here.”

“So?”

“So it means that whoever lived here before didn’t move away, they abandoned this place.”

“You’re right,” Blueblood said brining a hoof to his chin as he thought about it, “but then, who did live here?”

“Do you remember what I asked you before; about why the moon has phases?”

“Yes, but what does that have to do...” Blueblood trailed off, his eyes going wide in revelation. “The tapestries, there were two that depicted the moon; one crescent, one gibbous.”

“What if once upon a time there were three princesses, one for the sun and two for the moon. Then, since there were two moon princesses, they shared moon duties; rotating the moon as they raised and lowered over weeks, giving this world its lunar phases. What if one day there was suddenly only two princesses, one of the sun and one of the moon, maybe they would keep the phases as a tribute to their lost sister?”

“So what happened to the third princess? Are you suggesting that she just disappeared?”

“Maybe; or maybe she was a casualty in the war against Discord. There are several large gaps in pony history, and this might just be one of them.”

“I suppose that does make sense.” Blueblood nodded. “If it’s true, I can’t imagine what Princess Celestia or Luna must think. For them to have lost a sister and nopony even knows about it.”

“Maybe they don’t think about it. If it did happen, it happened well over a millennia ago. Remember, we’re just speculating here.”

“Another hunch?” Blueblood asked with a small smirk on his face.

“Pretty much.”

“I thought so; and I think we should go that way.” Blueblood added while pointing down the hall to the left.

“Oh?”

“Call it a hunch.”

“Fair enough.” Hunter laughed as he reached down to retrieve the small glowing gem.

“Wait.” Blueblood blurted out as he took hold of Hunter’s hand before the human could return the gem to his pocket.

“Something wrong, Blue?”

“Are you really putting that away?”

“Yeah, I do have a flashlight at the end of the carbine, and I don’t have enough hands to use both.”

“Maybe... Maybe I should carry it then?” Blueblood asked nervously. “You know, just in case something happens; it is dark down here. What if your flashlight stops working, then what will you do?”

“Alright, Blue, you can carry it.” Hunter said as he placed the gem into Blueblood hoof. “Just be careful with it, I’ll want it back once we’re done here.”

Blueblood nodded and started down the hallway, only to immediately regret the decision to go first. As the pony passed through the archway from the stairwell to the hallway a large stone slab dropped down, sealing the hallway and cutting Blueblood off from Hunter and the stairway.

“Hunter!” Blueblood shouted as he pounded his hoof on the stone wall. “Hunter! Are you there? Can you hear me?”

“Blue! Listen!” Hunter called back, his voice barely penetrating the wall. “That hall has got to lead to somewhere. Keep going down it. I’ll try to find another way in.”

“You want me to what?” Blueblood yelled, but only received silence in response. “Hunter? Hunter!” He yelled again, but was only met with more silence. The unicorn turned away from the wall and focused his attention on the now menacing hallway. “Hunter will be at the other end.” Blueblood said to himself over and over as he held the glowing gem in one hoof and headed down the dark corridor.

Still holding the gem in his hoof, Blueblood’s uneasy three legged stride and general uneasiness were causing the hoof he was holding the gem with to slightly tremor. The light swayed, causing the shadows to bend and shift, his atypical hoofsteps echoed down the hallway, the returning sounds were reminiscent of some horrible lurching beast.

“Hunter will be at the other end.” Blueblood told himself once more as scenes from the ancient vault stated to race through his mind. He focused on moving forwards when a distant came echoing down the hall, causing Blueblood to instantly freeze in place.

“It’s nothing.” Blueblood said aloud, trying to reassure himself. “It’s probably just Hunter figuring out how to get into this hallway. He said that we would meet up, and that is what is going to happen.”

Trying his best to ignore the noises and moving shadows, Blueblood walked further and further down the corridor. As time slowly passed Blueblood began to question the length of the hallway. Turning to look back over his shoulder, the unicorn realized that he had only taken twenty steps into the hallway.

“I can do this.” Blueblood said as he started down the hall yet again. “I am a prince of the Equestrian Court. I am a member of the Bloodline family; a pony who traces his lineage back to Celestia herself. It’s just like before, only tricks of the light. Hunter will be at the end, and everything will be fine. I can do this.”

Keeping focused on moving forwards, Blueblood could feel his confidence grow with each step; they were no longer just words of encouragement, they were the truth, they were absolute facts. Blueblood knew to the very core of his being that he was going to be fine, he was going to make it out of this hallway and that the ghost that was staring at him from the end of the hallway was going to eat him alive.

Blueblood looked around himself in terror, desperate to figure a way out. With the door behind him still walled off, and no windows or other opening in the walls the only way to go was forwards. The specter stared at the unicorn, unmoving, unblinking, it did nothing but stare down the hallway. Trying his best not to look directly at the apparition, Blueblood soon came to the conclusion that he had only two options; one was to try to hide, maybe curl up into a small ball, and wait for somepony to rescue him, the other was to move forwards and face the ghost head on.

Summoning all the courage he had, Blueblood closed his eyes, screamed and charged the ghost. A moment later, the sound of hooves striking the stone floor was replaced by a loud thud as the unicorn collided with the wall. Blueblood slowly opened his eyes, fearful that the ghost was now standing over him with its maw open, ready to swallow him whole, only to find that the hallway was now empty.

Blueblood looked down the hall that he had just come from, and the up at the wall he had just run into. From his position on the floor the prince could see the sharp turn that the hallway made, one that he would have seen coming had he not closed his eyes.
“I must have just imagined it.” Blueblood reassured himself with a nervous laugh. “Yes, that’s it; I’ve just been through a rather traumatic experience in one dark place and now I’m in another. My mind is just playing tricks on me. Yes, just tricks of the mind, nothing more.”

Quickly getting to his hooves, Blueblood followed the hallway as it turned only to see another specter form. The ghost stared at the prince as it pointed an accusing hoof at him; the words ‘your fault’ appeared in a red liquid that seeped through the wall. Blueblood stared at the apparition before him for several moments trying to figure out what this ghost was accusing him of when he realized that he recognized the ghost pony’s face; it was one of the workers that his father had hired to excavate the ancient vault.

“N-No!” Blueblood stammered out. “That wasn’t my fault! I didn’t know!”

A second ghost joined the first and began to mouth the words ‘your fault’ over and over. Like the first, Blueblood instantly remembered seeing this pony at the vault as well. A moment later, a third then a fourth then dozens of ghost filled the hallway, each of their voices adding to the others until a deafening chant of ‘your fault’ echoed through the ruin.

“You were always a terrible son.” A voice that Blueblood instantly recognized rose above the hate filled chant. Looking up, the unicorn could see a new ghost, one that looked like his father, hovering in the air above him.

“If you were a good son you would have saved me.” the ghost of Royal Blood continued. “A good son would have pushed his father out of the way and allow himself to be stuck instead. You should be ashamed. Your cowardice had brought disgrace to the entire Bloodline heritage.”

“I didn’t want this to happen! I never intended for this to happen! I just wanted you to be proud of me, proud of your son!”

“Proud? How can I be proud of you? Everything you do ends in disaster. Even now you do nothing; letting some stranger to both our family and our world take the vengeance that you should be seeking!”

“Revenge? Why should I go about seeking revenge for? You just got through saying that this was my fault.”

“It may have been your fault, but it was the demon that struck the blow. You must fix your mistake and strike down the demon for what you allowed it to do.”

“What I allowed the demon to do?! This whole thing was your plan! I was merely going along with it!”

“And now you must take on the responsibility for it. You must seek vengeance against those that have hurt your family.”

“How? I can’t do anything against something like that!”

“And yet some magicless alien thinks it can.”

“I’ve seen him fight. I’ve seen his weapons. I’m nothing like him; I’m just a unicorn with half of a horn. What can I do?”

“Embrace it.” The ghost of Royal Blood said cryptically, which was then followed by the remaining ghost chanting “Embrace it.”

“Embrace what?” Blueblood asked, his eyes darting around nervously.

“The power inside you; can’t you feel it?” the ghost asked pointing a hoof at Blueblood’s broken horn. “The human may have interrupted the transformation but he didn’t remove the power behind it. It’s still there, waiting to be tapped, to be unleashed. Its power can be yours; all you have to do is embrace it.”

“Embrace it.” The ghost chorus chanted.

“Take the power that lays dormant within you. Take the power and seize vengeance on those that wronged you. Take the power and strike down all those that would stand in your way. Take the power and claim all that which others would have denied you. Take the power and embrace it.”

“Embrace it.”

“No! I’ve seen what that power does to ponies! I will have nothing to do with it!”

“Oh? Are you sure that you have nothing to do with it? You remember what the human said when he first saw you, don’t you? The look on his face? The terror in his eyes when he saw what you had turned into?”

“I... I remember.” Blueblood said, thinking back to when Hunter had first mention the physical changes he had undergone. The human’s eyes were filled dread as he peered over his weapon. Blueblood recalled the way Hunter had dispatched the other ponies that had fallen to the curse. The prince looked down at his hooves turned claws, he ran his tongue over new pointed teeth. Images of Hunter struggling with one of the changed ponies flooded his mind; the sight of them wrestling on the ground, the pony snapping at Hunter’s face and neck with its sharp teeth, and the sudden bang that ended the fight.

“I remember that he didn’t attack me when he could have.” Blueblood stated. “I remember how those that had this power thrust on them attacked Hunter with a feral madness; and I remember how easily Hunter struck down those very same ponies.”
“They were mindless, consumed by their ravenous hunger. If you were to embrace it-”

“Embrace it.” The ghost chorus chanted once more.

“...you would be greater than they were.” Royal Blood concluded. “All of their physical power, paired with your magical abilities; you would be unstoppable.”

“I don’t understand! Why do I need to be unstoppable? Why do I need all this power? What do you want from me?” Blueblood demanded.

“Pay more attention, fool!” Royal Blood shouted. “I want you to take this power, seize this opportunity and rise up, and bring glory to our name!”

“Make up your mind!” Blueblood yelled back. “You keep saying different things; revenge, power, glory, just make up your mind!”

“Of course a pony like you would fail to understand. They are all the same thing. Take your revenge against the demon, gain glory by doing so, then use that fame to seize power. Do this, and you will finally make your father proud of you!”

“But what about Hunter?” Blueblood asked. “He said he’d make things right. He promised that he would fix this.”

“You will not let some outsider take what should be yours. Take the power, get your revenge, make your father proud!”

“You keep saying that, saying that if I do this you’ll be proud of me. You have said it before, why should I believe you this time?”

“Why? Why you ask? Because this time you will actually be doing something worthy of praise. You will be behaving like a proper unicorn, a proper noble and a proper son!” Royal Blood moved next to Blueblood, wrapping a limb around the younger unicorn as he continued to speak. “That is what you want, right? You always wanted me to be proud of you? This is your big chance; all you need to do is take a little bit of revenge, then usurp a tiny little bit of power. That’s all. Nothing too big or too hard.”

“Is that really all it will take?” Blueblood asked hopefully.

“Yes, that really is all it will take.” Royal Blood answered with a smile.

“If that is really all I...n-no, I won’t do it.” Blueblood replied, shoving Royal Blood away. “It really won’t be all there is. It never ends with you; take a bit of revenge here, usurp some power there and then I’ll be doing it over and over, never stopping. All I wanted was to make you proud of me, but now I realize that was my mistake from the beginning.”

“What are you taking about boy?” Royal Blood demanded, anger filling his voice and eyes.

“I didn’t want you to be proud of me, I wanted you to be happy for me!”

“Happy? How can I be happy for a failure like you?”

“By not being so controlling. Let me live my life, not by treating me like some kind of pawn in whatever scheme you come up with. Why couldn’t you just let me be me? Isn’t that the point? Isn’t that enough?”

“It is enough.” a new voice echoed through the hallway. The ghosts of Royal Blood and all the other ponies vanished in an instant, leaving Blueblood alone in the dark.

“Who’s there?” the unicorn called out. “Who are you?”

“I am who I have always been.” the voice called back.

Blueblood turned to confront the voice, only to find himself standing in a hospital room looking at a unicorn mare with white fur and red mane laying in a bed. “Has it been so long that you don’t even recognise me?” the mare asked him.

“M-Mother...” Blueblood stammered out.

“Yes my son, my sweet prince. Come close and tell me all that has happened.”

“I tried, mother, I really tried.” Blueblood whimpered as he approached the bed. “I tried to make father proud, I tried to live up to your expectations.”

“And what has that gotten you so far, my son? Pain, sorrow and grief.” the mare reached out and placed a gentle hoof on Blueblood’s shoulder. “This was never the path I wanted for you.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Do you remember the day you got your cutie mark? You were so happy, so full of pride.”

“I... I remember. I had just stood up to those bullies and had just finished convincing them to stop.”

“And you did it without resorting to violence.”

“Yes... I remember thinking that if I could set an example for them, I could do it for everypony. I could be beacon for those that were lost, like a shining star in the night.”

“You ran home and told us what happened right away.”

“I remember my teachers being upset that I didn’t go to my afternoon lessons.”

“Yes, they were still happy that you got your cutie mark.”

“And then... then you got sick.”

“I told you to be good, listen to your father and follow your heart.” The mare’s head dropped slightly. “Somewhere along the line, you lost your way. You stopped making your own path, and blindly followed the one your father was making for you.”

“What am I to do?” Blueblood asked, only to have the scene fad away. “Wait! Come back! I don’t know what to do!” he called out to the darkness. “Please! I need your help!”

His mother reappeared, this time not in a bed but standing in front of him amongst the darkness. “You never needed my help.” she calmly explained. “You just needed to realize what your destiny was, what you were meant to do in this world, and pursue that dream with your whole being.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You are lost in the darkness. All you need to do is open your eyes to the possibility. Find your own path, be the pony that you wanted to be.”

“My own path?”

“You have a rare opportunity to, here and now, to become something greater than you had ever dreamed possible. Seize the opportunity when it calls, for the world does not give them often.” the mare said as she walked passed Blueblood.

“Why now? Where have you been all this time?” Blueblood asked without turning around.

“I have always been here.” the mare said.

Blueblood turned to face her once more, his eyes going wide with shock. In place of his mother, was a luminous being, seemingly made up a dozen different creatures each distinct yet occupying the same space simultaneously. Blueblood could make out ponies from all three tribes, buffalo and cows, goats and donkeys. The form stood there, enormous over him, yet the unicorn knew that it met him no harm.

“Go now, my child, and become the pony you were meant to be.” the figure said as she slowly faded away.

Blueblood remained motionless as he watched the figure fade. Around him, the darkness began to relent as light filled the hallway. The sound of stone grinding against stone filled the air, drawing Blueblood’s attention to the end of the hall; standing there, in the middle of the doorway, silhouetted by the warm light that poured through the opening, was Hunter.

“Hey Blue.” The human said with a smile. “I told you that I’d find a way in.”

Blueblood said nothing, merely smile and moved to rejoin the human.

Hunter pounded on the stone wall. “Blue! Listen!” he shouted. “That hall has got to lead to somewhere. Keep going down it. I’ll try to find another way in.”

Hunter stepped back from the wall and raised the carbine, intent on shooting through the wall. “Wait…” he said aloud, stopping himself, “this is a terrible idea.” He looked back over his shoulder at the other two hallways and shrugged. “Maybe I should try one of those first.”

With a quick glance between the two, Hunter picked one at random and started down the center hallway. The hall’s furnishings were nearly identical to those on the floor above, the walls lined with torch sconces resembling pony legs. Taking care not to touch any of them, Hunter made is way down the hall, mindful of where he placed his feet in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the stairway.

Although his progress was slow, he was making progress, until the ceiling opened up and a pony fell from the room above. In the moment before it hit the ground, there was a flash of green light so bright it blinded Hunter for several seconds.

As his eyes readjusted, Hunter found a unicorn mare laying in the rubble; her coat was white and she had a dark green mane and tail. “Hey, you ok?” the human asked as he crouched down beside her. The unicorn’s bright green eyes shot open as she let out a terrified scream.

“Easy, easy. I’m not going to hurt you.” Hunter said as calmly as he could.
The unicorn blinked a few times, then studied Hunter carefully. “Sorry, I just thought that you were some terrible monster about to eat me alive.”

“W-why would you think that?” the human asked, completely perplexed at the mare’s statement.

“Well, I did just fall through a trapdoor in an old abandoned castle; that’s usually where the monster are.” the mare answered sheepishly. “Wait… you’re that human. I thought you were dead.”

“I’ve been getting that a lot recently; you fall down one stupid mountain and everyone suddenly thinks you’re dead. Don’t try to look for him or anything. He’s dead. Fell down a mountain? Dead. No chance anyone could possibly survive. Lets all just go home and forget about him. If we get around to it, we’ll give him a nice service; because he is most assuredly dead. Why you ask? Because he fell down a mountain.” At this point Hunter stopped his rant, realizing that the mare was staring at him.

“Sorry.” Hunter apologised. “I didn’t really mean to go off like that, it… its been a long week.”

“It’s alright. I understand.”

“Thanks. Anyway, can you stand?”

“I think so.” the mare answered, as she carefully pushed herself up onto her hooves. “Yes, I can.”

“The stairs are back that way.” Hunter said, pointing in the way he had just come from. He stood and started down the hallway once more.

“Wait!” the unicorn called out.

Hunter turned and looked back at the pony. “Something wrong?” the human asked.

“Its just… why are you going that way?” she asked. “You said the stairs are in the opposite direction.”

“I did.” Hunter answered. “But I’m not trying to find my way out. I’m looking for someone.”

“Oh? You lost a friend somewhere in here?”

“...Yes, yes I did.”

“I’m going to help you!”

“Wait, what?”

“You know the way out, and it’s probably safer if we travel together. You never know when another part of the floor will open up beneath you.”

“True… alright, lets go.”

“Onwards!” the mare cheered.

“Hey, what’s your name anyway?” Hunter asked.

“Its…”

“Its?”

“Its Chrysa… I mean, its Crystal...line, Emeraldium Crystalline.”

“Emeraldium Crystalline?”

“Y-yes. That is my name.”

“Right… I’m just going to call you Emmy.” Hunter said as he started down the hallway again, with Emeraldium Crystalline following into step with him quickly. “So, why did you come to this castle?” the human asked.

“Why? I.. umm… was looking for… some… gem! Yes. I was looking for some gems, because that’s what I do. I look for gems.”
“Right… gem hunting.”

“What brings you here? I thought you would try to get back to Canterlot…”

“I… I have stuff I have to do first.” Hunter said hesitantly, catching yet another odd infection in the mare’s voice when she said ‘Canterlot’.

“Oh? What kind of stuff?”

“Human stuff.”

“Human stuff?”

“You really don’t want to know.” Hunter said with an evil smile.

“I think you’re right about that.” Emmy replied, not wanting to push her luck with the human.

The two of them reached the end of the hall, finding a broken staircase and a large hole in the wall. “Should have seen that coming.” Hunter muttered as he looked up through the hole to the outside. He turned his attention to his left, where he found a hallway that had sealed off. “Really should have seen that coming.”

“Something wrong?”

“No… yes.” Hunter said, tapping the stone wall. “I was hoping that this wouldn’t be here.”

“Oh.”

Hunter studied the wall, hoping to find some sort of trick to opening it. As he ran his fingers across the stone work, a loud rumbling sound came from inside the wall, and it slowly swung open. Inside the hall, Hunter could see Blueblood standing there, waiting for him.

“Hey Blue,” he said with smile, “I told you that I’d find a way in.”

Celestia pushed open the door to her sister’s room. “Really Discord, I wish you wouldn’t... what’s going on here?” Celestia asked, seeing the glare that Luna was giving the draconequus.

“Oh, Celestia! How wonderful!” Discord said cheerfully. “I was just about to tell Luna here what I told you during out nice chariot ride, but being reformed as I am, I felt it necessary to give her some good news first.”

“And what news would that be?”

“He claims that Hunter is still alive.” Luna informed her sister.

“Yes it’s true.” Discord admitted.

“Which part?” Celestia asked. “The one about you telling my sister, or the one about the human still being alive?”

“Well, both, actually.” Discord smiled. “You see, when I first heard that a human had managed to return to this wonderful land of ours I have to admit, I was nervous. Humans and draconequuses..es...es are not known for our mutual beneficial and harmonious relationships.”

“You don’t say.” Luna said with a rather heavy amount of sarcasm.

“Oh, but I DO say.” Discord replied. “The last time a human met with one of my family, he punched my grandfather so hard MY teeth came out crooked.”

“I fail to see what that has to do with...”

“This one right here.” Discord continued, opening his mouth wide enough to allow both princesses to sick their heads inside.

“Discord, if you would please get to the point you are trying to make?” Celestia asked.

“The point I was trying to make? What was that again?” Discord pondered as his legs paced back and forth without the rest of him. “Oh yes! I remember! Ever since the tooth punching incident, my father always told me to stay away from them. He even developed a way to keep track of them.”

“And you used that to track down Hunter?” Luna asked.

“Of course; that was before Celestia told me what happened to him. Turns out the two of you underestimated your human friend.”

“How so?”

“Humans are amazingly resilient creatures, dear princess. Stories of what they can endure can turn your stomach so violently that you may never be able to eat again. Actually, I think they can endure that too, so it’s not unimaginable that he could survive a little tumble down a mountain.”

“What you said earlier, about reuniting us with the human, where you being sincere?” Luna asked.

“Of course I was.” Discord replied. “As I said, I am a reformed draconequus. I would never think of doing anything wrong to anypony who is a good friend of my friend Fluttershy.”

“Very well Discord,” Luna said, “I will trust my sister and the Element Bearers. If Hunter is indeed alive, and you know where he is, I ask that you send me to him.”

“Sister wait!” Celestia called out, but was too late. Discord snapped his claw and Luna disappeared. “Discord! Why did you do that?” Celestia demanded.

“For several reasons, dear princess.” Discord said, his voice talking an ominous tone. “The dark presence that you felt, what happened to the humans, and the place where Hunter is now.”

“Discord,” Celestia said, her eyes narrowing, “explain.”

“Let me ask you something first, princess, how many sisters do you have?”

Author's Note

I just want to take the time to thank everyone that like and faved this story.
Thanks again to Semicolon for pre-reading this.

Semi unrelated note:

I have a new blog post talking about the fate of Quite Breeze, the mute pegasus filly that Luna rescued several chapters back. It can be found Here. It is unlikely, but it may contain spoilers; so fair warning.

Thanks to everyone once again,
Unlucky Reaver

Chapter 21

The blinding lights faded and the violent spinning motion slowed as Princess Luna suddenly found herself standing in a ruined castle. At first the lunar princess thought she was in the old castle, the one she and her sister used before her downfall into Nightmare Moon. As she was able to take in more of her surroundings, Luna found that she was someplace else, a place that was simultaneously both familiar and alien to her.

Two of the banners that hung on the wall behind the three thrones were instantly recognizable; her sister’s golden sun, and her silver crescent moon. The third banner, the one with a gibbous moon, was unknown to Luna. Questions and theories raced through the alicorn’s mind as she tried to figure out what this third banner represented.

Before Luna found any answers to her queries, a series of voices drifted up from the floor below her. Reexamining her surroundings, Luna found a large hole in the floor. Moving away from the thrones and towards the hole, the voices became clear and distinct.

“Is he always like that?” a white furred mare asked as she and a similarly coated, but disfigured, stallion walked below the large hole.

“He has gotten a little worse since I told him about the large demon that my father released.” the stallion replied. It took Luna a moment to recognize the voice, but there was no mistaking it; the voice belonged to her rather obnoxious nephew, Blueblood. “I think he feels responsible somehow. As if it is his duty to stop it.”

“Why would he think that?” the mare asked. “You did say that it was your father’s fault.”

“I don’t know; maybe it is because he’s finally found some kind of purpose.”

“Purpose?”

“Like he finally found something he wants to do.”

“I’m not sure I follow.”

“Well, since his arrival everything he’s done, every action, every decision, has been based on what he thinks others want. I believe that this is his first major decision that he’s been able to make without anyone asking him to.”

“He wants to fight some monster just because no one asked him to?”

“Yes. At least I think so. Well it’s that or he’s trying to impress the princess.”

“Really?”

“The two of you know that I am right here, don’t you?” a third voice called out, and a second later the speaker appeared. His unique appearance and bipedal stance made him instantly recognizable. As the human passed below the alicorn, he paused and scanned his surroundings for a moment before shaking his head and continuing down the hall.

“Are you actually suggesting that he is trying to impress that- I mean, Princess Celestia?” the mare asked.

“No, no, nothing like that.” Blueblood answered. “He want to impress aunt Luna.”

“Still right here.” Hunter announced.

“He has feelings for Princess Luna?” the mare asked, ignoring the human’s comment.

“Thats what ponies are saying.” Blueblood answered.

“Still here, slowly following you two down the hall.” Hunter announced.

“It gets even better,” Blueblood continued, “rumor has it that my dear aunt Luna has feelings for him as well.”

“That is very good to know.” the mare said, with an unusually large amount of interest in her voice.

“Sure, go on, tell the strange mare that we’ve just met everything, it’s not like there’s a demon that can turn people evil by looking at them we have to stop; and I’m totally not helping the situation.” Hunter muttered, then yelled out; “And why does my head hurt?!”

Seeing that this was her chance, Luna jumped down from the floor above. “Hello, Hunter.” the alicorn said with a smile. “It’s good to see-”

“Aunty Luna!” Blueblood called out and rushed towards the princess, and wrapped his forelegs around her. “You’ve come to save us! This is wonderful!”

“Y-yes, that is exactly why I am here.” Luna said, taking a moment to pry Blueblood off of her torso. “Although I was not expecting you to be here, nephew. You must tell me how you came to be here. Nopony knows what happened to your family since they left Canterlot on a secret venture.”

“It is a rather long, somewhat disturbing, and occasionally gruesome story. Filled with peril, wrought with danger, and brimming with heroism. A tale about a single unicorn braving the odds and overcoming the adversity that lay before him. An epic…” Blueblood trailed off and turned to face Hunter. “You can jump in at any time, before I make a complete fool of myself.”

“And interrupt such a fascinating tale?” Hunter replied. “I think not. It’s nice to see you again, Luna.”

“You as well.” Luna smiled, but her expression quickly dropped. “Although I must admit, when you fell I had thought you had met your demise.”

“Yeah, turns out it takes more than a little tumble to kill me.” Hunter chuckled and absently rubbed his side. “Even if I am a little worse for wear.”

“Indeed.” Luna nodded. “It seems that we have much to discuss.”

“And that’s when Hunter appeared. I was quite relieved to see him, although my appearance may have suffered from that encounter, he did manage to prevent me from turning into one of those things. As for how he found me, I will let Hunter tell that story himself.” Blueblood concluded his tale as he turned towards the human, only to find him asleep.

“Should we wake him?” the unicorn mare asked.

“No, I don’t think we should… I do believe I neglected to ask you your name.” Blueblood admitted. “I, as you have probably learned by now, am Prince Blueblood; and I can assume that you recognize my aunt, Princess Luna.”

“Oh, yes, of course. My name… umm, Emeraldium Crystal. It’s a… pleasure to meet you, your highnesses.” she said with a small bow.

“Rise, my little pony.” Luna said in a gentle voice. “I do not think we need to stand on protocol in this place.” she then turned to Blueblood. “I must ask, however, why you think we should let Hunter sleep?”

“It was something he said,” Blueblood answered, “I didn’t pay attention to it at the time, and he dismissed it as if it wasn’t important. I do get the impression that he has not slept, or eaten, or even drunk anything since he disappeared. Now that he’s finally been given a chance to rest, I think it would be best if we let him take it.”

“Yes, that is probably for the best.” Luna nodded then turned to look at Hunter. “Yes, definitely for the best. Although, no, nevermind, but do you think… no it’s silly; we should just wait for him to wake. Yes, that is what we shall do.”

“Aunty, if you want to use your dream walking abilities, you don’t have to worry about us.” Blueblood said. “I’m sure that Ms. Crystal and I shall be fine.”

“Thank you, nephew.” the alicorn said as she laid down on the floor.

A moment later, Luna found herself standing in a grove of cherry trees that overlooked a seaside cliff. Making her way forwards, Luna wondered why Hunter’s dreams always appeared the same; but quickly reasoned that it was something unique either to humans in general, or Hunter specifically. Maybe all humans dream up a place where they find a feeling of comfort, and it’s unique to each dreamer. Luna told herself. But, since I have no other humans to compare dreams, it may not be that important.

“I didn’t really want to say this in front of the others.” Hunter’s voice drifted through the trees. “But I’m scared.”

“Scared? Of what?” a female voice asked.

“Of what’s happening to me.” Hunter answered. “Days without food, water or sleep; humans are not build to do that. Three days. Three days should have been my limit. I’ve gone two, three times that by now. Something is happening to me and I don’t know what.”

“It’s alright. I’m sure everything will be fine.” the female voice said reassuringly. “Equestria is a land full of magic, the circumstances of your arrival were anything but ordinary, and we don’t know what is normal for a human in this word. Maybe you feed off the innate magic that surrounds everything, maybe you underwent some kind of metamorphosis and no longer require such things. What ever the reason, good or bad, I will help you discover the truth and be there when you face whatever happens next.”

Stepping past the last row of trees, an array of emotions quickly passed over her. Hunter was sitting at the cliff’s edge, his head resting on the dark furred alicorn that was beside him; the alicorn in return had one of her wings wrapped around the human.

“It can’t be…” Luna managed to sputter out, drawing the attention of the pair. “How? You? Why?”

“Luna…” Hunter said in a neutral tone as he slowly rose to his feet.

“How could you?!” Luna demanded. “Why her? Of all the mares you could dream about why her?”

“Luna, before you do anything, hear me out;” Hunter pleaded, trying to defuse the situation, “I know who she looks like, but this is not Nightmare Moon. This is my friend, her name is Selene.”

“That… that thing has deceived you!” Luna countered steadily advancing towards the pair, “She speaks kind words to you now, but she will turn them against you . That is what she does, fill your mind with lies, then in your weakest moment, she consumes you. She is evil, a force of darkness, bent on destroying everything.”

“No, that was Nightmare Moon, this is Selene. When you first got to this place, do you remember the throne room? Three thrones, three banners?” Hunter asked, as Luna entered arm’s reach.

“A hoax, something she must have prepared in advance.”

“In advance of what? This situation is so implausible that no one could have predicted it. The truth is much simpler, just give me the chance to tell it to you.”

“No.” Luna said, then started charging her horn.

Seeing that Hunter was unable to reason with Luna, Selene jumped to her hooves and began to charge her own spell. The moment before her spell was ready to use, her head was suddenly and forcefully turned towards the ground.

When the dust finally cleared from the spell’s impact, Selene found that Hunter’s hand around her skull, pushing it downwards. At the same time, his other hand was firmly clamped on Luna’s jaw, forcing her head up.

“Enough!” Hunter said sternly. “I have gone for days without food, or water, or sleep. I am not going to let the two of you ruin the first chance of rest I’ve managed to get. You are princesses and you are sisters, act like it.”

“I’m sorry.” Selene apologized. “I thought she was going to attack.”

“I was.” Luna confessed. “However, I am confused; what did you mean when you said we were sisters?”

“Alright, the two of you promise not to try and kill each other again,” Hunter paused, and the two mares nodded their heads and he release his grip on them, “good, now, where to start… I know; Luna, do you know why the moon has phases?”

Author's Note

Yes, I am back.

This chapter was probably the hardest to write so far, but after several months of writers block I finally got it to the point where I like it enough to publish. I am aware that I did mention that Quite Breeze might make a return this chapter, and as you have just read, she did not. Her return is still on my to-do list, but it will have to wait.

Finally, another shout out to Semicolon, my proofreader/editor guy; who, after months of my silence was ready, willing, and able to lend his time to this once again.

My hope is to get the next chapter out in a shorter time frame, but... no promises.

Happy reading

Unlucky Reaver

Chapter 22

“No, I don’t actually remember why I decided that.” Luna confessed. “And that doesn’t explain why you called us sisters.”

“That… actually makes this little less believable.” Hunter sighed as he sat down under a tree. “You might as well sit down, we’ve got a lot to cover.”

As Luna took a seat across from Hunter, Selene chose a spot next to the human. “I must ask, how are you sitting so close to an alicorn?” Luna asked. “For that matter, how were you able to take hold of me? Before it seemed impossible for us to share such proximity without you suffering from near debilitating levels of pain.”

“From what we’ve been able to figure out, it has something to do with being in the dreamscape… dreamrealm? world of dream? here. It seems that the thing causing my headaches only works while in the real word.”

“I am unsure how that would work.” Luna admitted.

“It has to do with your physical body, not your consciousness. When I fell asleep there was enough space between us so that I wouldn’t get any headaches. Now, I have to assume when you do this dream visit thing your mind leaves your body; therefore, no pain.”

“That is sound reasoning.”

“Oh, and we’ve figure out what’s causing the headaches.”

“You’re getting off track.” Selene said while gently poking Hunter with her hoof. “Start at the beginning and move forward from there.”

“That sounded far more cliché than you probably intended. I do understand what you were going for though.” Hunter chucked then turned back to Luna. “Right, sisters, ok. At some point after my daring escape from the diamond dogs, I came across an ancient magic stone-”

“He means he fell and landed next to it.” Selene teased the human.

“That showed me several visions of the past.” Hunter continued, trying his best to ignore the alicorn mare that was now gently prodding his ribs. “One of which was of how two little fillies got their cutie marks.”

“One of which?” Luna asked.

“Yeah, we’ll get to the others later.” Hunter answered. “The relevant one showed a pair of fillies joining a group of unicorns to raise the moon. Once the moon was fully raised, they all looked up to see that it was only half there.”

“Only half there?” Luna asked.

“Half moon, the first half moon.” Hunter answered. “Along with two fillies who had just earned their cutie marks; a crescent moon, and a gibbous moon.”

Luna studied the human carefully, she had never know Hunter to be untruthful, and she wanted to believe him, she had no memory of what he was talking about. Shifting her focus to the mare sitting next to the human, Luna was unsure of what to make of her. Her impression of this other mare always lead her back to Nightmare Moon, but something no longer sat right with that assessment. The strange mare’s cutie mark was of the gibbous moon, and not her own crecent one. Thinking back to when Hunter had been taken by the Diamond Dogs and she had entered his dreams in order to find him, Luna remember the concern that this other mare had for Hunter; the desperate look the mare had when she told Luna where the dog’s had taken him. Hunter’s voice drifted through her mind as Luna recalled a part of the scene she didn’t know she had heard. Hunter had called out a name, it wasn’t Luna’s or any pony that she was familiar with. Instead it belonged to the mare sitting next to Hunter; the mare who had protected him, the mare that he had placed his trust in. As the mare’s name echoed through Luna’s mind, a flood of memories came rushing in.

“I remember.”

“So, how are you?” Discord asked.

“Discord, you spin some tale that somehow both changes everything and nothing.” Celestia answered. “Not only did Luna have a twin sister, but you combined them into one being, which then became Nightmare Moon. Now you ask how I am? How do you think I should be?”

“You seem to be rather confused,” Discord replied, “and somewhat agitated. Both very proper responses in a situation such as this one.”

“Discord. Now is not the time for levity.” Celestia said sternly. “If you are capable of merging two beings into one, are you therefore capable of separating them?”

“I… I don’t know.” Discord confused. “My phenomenal cosmic power has always been used to mix things up, not straighten them out. I’m not even sure how I would go about doing such a thing.”

“Why am I not surprised.” Celestia sighed.

“Are you even sure you want to try?” Discord asked. “They have been one pony for a long time now, it might be better to leave her the way she is.”

“What exactly are you suggesting?”

“They are probably no longer two beings, instead they have completely merged.” Discord elaborated. “If that is the case, then trying to separate them will only do more damage. Besides, think how your precious little ponies will react when they find out that you have a second even more secret sister.”

“They will learn to accept her, just as they learned to accept Luna.”
“Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself? Discord asked. “Not only do you not know how to separate them, if they can be separated, or even if you should.”

“Then what exactly are you suggesting that I do?”

“Be patient for just a little while longer.” Discord smiled. “After all, when a human is involved, things are neither simple nor straight forward.”

“May I ask you something?” Emeraldium asked, turning towards Blueblood once Luna entered the dream realm. “The human, Hunter, you said he’s attracted to the princess?”

“Did I?” Blueblood answered. “I do recall telling you about the rumors about him and aunt Luna. They are just rumors though.”

“It does seem likely,” Emeraldium countered, “I saw the look on their faces when they first saw each other.”

“Even if there is some attraction there, they are unable to act on it.” Blueblood sighed. “It really a shame when you think about it.”

“So he is open to the idea of being involved with a mare then, correct?”

“I suppose, but why are you asking?” Blueblood queried, unsure if he liked the direction the conversation was taking.

“Why? Are you jealous?” she teased. “Don’t worry, when it comes to love the more the better.”

“J-jealous?” Blueblood stammered. “N-no, I am not jealous. I have seen many a mare chase after a stallion for their position or wealth.”

“Oh-ho, are you speaking from experience, young prince?”

“More than you could know.”

“The prince has a dark side, I like it.” Emeraldium smiled seductively.

“I’m… flattered? Where you not just talking about being interested in Hunter?”

“I also said the more love the better.”

“I do remember you saying something along that line, yes.” Blueblood nervously said, inching away from the mare.

“If he isn’t interested in pursuing the princess, what type of mare do you think he’ll go after?”

“I’m sorry, but what?” All the fear that was in Blueblood voice was replaced by utter confusion. “I don’t understand the question.”

“The human, do you think he’ll fall for somepony like me?”

“I… have no idea.”

“I just need some love…”

“Ummm, pardon?”

“I’m sta... so lonely. My job takes me all over and I never really get a chance to connect with somepony. I know the old stories about humans, how full of emotion they are. I just want… just need a little bit of that.”

“A little bit of that?” Blueblood asked. “Wait… there is something familiar about you.”

“F-familiar?” Emeraldium stammered. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Are you sure? Perhaps at one of Fancy Pants’ social gatherings?”

“I doubt that we have ever met before. I’ve only been to Canterlot once, and it wasn’t for a social gathering.” the mare replied.

“Oh, I could have sworn that we met. Your voice, it sounds very familiar.”

“My voice?”

“Yes, your voice. Your accent, and speech pattern… your coat and gems… did you attend the Great Galloping Gala?”

“No.”

“Then did you attend the Summer Sun Celebration?”

“Did you not hear me when I said it wasn’t for a social event?” she demanded.

“No, no, I’m going to figure this out…” Blueblood said, now ignoring what the mare had just said. “If it wasn’t at the Gala or the Sun Celebration or one of Fancy’s get togethers, then it must have been at the Nightmare Night Masquerade Ball!”

“Why are you still listing social events? I clearly said I never went to one.” the mare said as her annoyance began to build.

“Not the Ball? Then the Hearth’s Warming Eve pageant?” Blueblood asked again, seemingly oblivious to the mare’s irritation.

“Are you even listening?”

“Harts and Hooves day?”

“If you won’t listen, then I will make you listen.” she threatened, channeling magic into her horn, causing a brilliant green aura to appear.

“The Royal Wedding! The one between Princess Cadence and Shining Armour.”

The mare froze at the mention of the wedding, her eyes darted back and forth and her magic disappearing. “Wedding… I was never at…”

“I knew it!” Blueblood exclaimed. “You voice, your magic, it’s exactly the same as Queen… oh dear…”

Hunter woke with a jolt. In front of him was the mare he had just met, who was busy staring down Blueblood who had somehow wedge himself between the human and the wall.

“What?” Hunter groggily said as he tried to piece together what was going on.

“Hunter! You’re awake! That mare isn’t a mare!” Blueblood blurted out. “Quick, use your weapons and strike her down!”

“What?”

“I mean, she a mare, but she’s not a pony!” Blueblood explained, as he moved to ensure that the human was still between him and the mare. “Use your weapons! Use them before she devours us!”

“What are you going on about?” Hunter demanded as he tried to turn to face Blueblood.

“That pony is a changeling! Not just any changeling, she’s… she’s…”

“Queen Chrysalis.” Luna said as rose to her hooves. “I am surprised to find you here. Although after your defeat at Canterlot, I would be surprised to find you anywhere.”

“I’m surprised that you found me at all, princess.” Chrysalis taunted as a wave of green magic washed over her, abandoning her disguise in favor of her true form.

“Well that’s… different.” Hunter muttered, studying the changeling’s new form. Questions about what was now standing before him raced through his mind. Was she an insect with pony qualities? A pony with insect features? Neither? Both?

“I must ask, do we have to worry about any other changelings?” Luna asked, her voice breaking Hunter’s thought process. “You are the Queen of the Changelings after all.”

“Was the Queen of the Changelings.” Chrysalis corrected. “My failure during the invasion, and subsequent inability to feed my changelings led those that survived to… remove me from power.”

“So, this is the changeling that you told me about?” Hunter asked as he stood. “She’s odd looking, but not worth panicking over.”

“‘Odd looking’?” Chrysalis asked.

“You were just trying to eat him, you don’t get to complain about what he calls you.” Blueblood scolded Chrysalis from behind Hunter’s legs.

“Eat me?” Hunter asked. “Really? How does that work?”

“They leach all of your emotions away until the only thing that is left is a mindless shell.” Luna explained.

“That sounds unpleasant.” Hunter remarked. “Like having a lamprey biting into you.”

“Did you really just compare me to a leach?” Chrysalis demanded.

“You were planning on eating him,” Blueblood countered, “I think he gets to make what ever comparison he wants.”

“...fair enough.” Chrysalis relented.

“So, why me?” Hunter asked. “Not to sound mean or anything, but you could have grabbed Blue and been gone while Luna and I were off in dreamland.”

“I could have, but he was not who I was after.” Chrysalis answered. “My real target was you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I know the old stories, the ones that talk about how full of emotions humans are. If I had managed to subdue you and return to the hive with a human as my prisoner, my title, my crown, it would all be restored.”

“Why, though? Why would bringing me to your hive restore your position?”

“Because it is said that human emotions are far greater than that of a pony; that a human who loses control over their emotions are capable of far more than any pony. The stories say that a single human could feed a hive or weeks. Seeing you here, I am inclined to believe them.” Chrysalis said, licking her lips and smiling.

Unease washed over Hunter, as the expression on the changeling’s face twisted into a strange combination of hunger and lust. Hunter’s feet shifted as his hand slowly moved towards the c8 carbine he was carrying.

“I can sense it,” Chrysalis lustfully said as she moved towards the human, “everything you are feeling, your fear of me, the concern you have for your friends, the hesitation to attack, all topped off with just the slightest amount of anger. It is delicious. You are delic-”

Chrysalis was cut off as a blue bolt of magic energy struck her. Reeling from the impact, the changeling turned to face her attacker.

“You are just as careless as they said you are.” Luna said, her eyes narrowing as she challenged magic into her horn. “To focused on what is in front of you that you never see anything else. Now, surrender and I won’t harm you.”

“You speak a pretty big game, princess.” Chrysalis taunted. “But we both know who will win.”

“Yes, we do; and it shall not be you.”

“You forget that I once overpowered your dear sist-” Chrysalis was cut off by the sound of rubber striking flesh a moment before she collapsed to the ground.

“Huh.” Hunter muttered, looking over the unconscious changeling. “That really is the worst case of tunnel vision that I ever saw.”

Chapter 23

The suddenness of the throne room doors bursting open was almost enough to make Celestia’s legendary composure to falter. A murmur went through the crowd of ponies waiting to see the princess as a guard made his way towards the throne.

“I apologize for this interruption, Princess.” the guard said as he bowed before the throne. “Your sister has returned and wishes to speak with you immediately.”

Celestia took a quick glance at the line of ponies waiting to speak with her before answering. “I am glad that my sister has returned from her journey,” she said with a small smile, “but is she truly certain that she requires me at this moment?”

“I believe that she is, Princess.” the guard replied. “She was quite clear, as were Prince Blueblood and sir Hunter.”

A new wave of murmurs swept through the crowd, although it wasn’t widely spread many in attendance had heard the rumours regarding both Blueblood and Hunter. Most had initially believed that the two of them would never be found; Hunter was presumed killed during Luna’s failed rescue attempt and the Royal Bloodline family had completely disappeared.

“I can see that all of you understand the importance of this.” Celestia addressed the crowd. “This session shall recess until it's resolved. If anypony has a pressing issue, please speak to the steward to arrange a new appointment. Thank you for your understanding.”

With her piece said, Celestia stood and followed the guard out of the throne room. The princess followed her aid down through the castle until they reached the dungeon’s entrance. She glanced down at the guard, who simply pushed open the door to allow the princess to enter. The first voices that Celestia heard belonged to her sister and Shrouded Armour echo down the stone hallway. As she moved deeper into the dungeon, their voices slowly became clearer and Celestia began to understand what they were saying.

“... will not be fooled. Ensure that every member of the guard is informed of these instructions.”

“Of course, Princess. I will see to it personally.”

As the speakers came into Celestia’s view, she immediately froze; it was not the sight of Luna and Shrouded Armour placing an unconscious Chrysalis into a cell, nor was it of Hunter and the rakshasa prisoner locked in a staring match. It was the sight of her nephew; his fur matted, teeth changed into a vicious maw, it was the jagged stump that was once his horn.

“Blueblood?” Celestia questioned without actually meaning to. “What happened to you, dear nephew?”

“Aunty Celestia!” Blueblood happily called out as he made his way over to the princess. “You have no idea what I’ve had to endure the last few days!”

“I’m sure that you’ll tell me all about it.” Celestia smiled. “But first, I need to talk to my sister about our newest… guest.”

“Of course, we did manage to capture that evil Chrysalis” Blueblood boasted, his proud expression softened a moment later. “I mean, I helped… I was there… ok, it was aunty Luna and sir Hunter that did all the work.”

The human broke the staring contest with the rakshasa as his eyes twitched toward Blueblood when he heard the pony say his name. The rakshasa chucked, “Seems like you’re dinner after-” and was immediately cut off by Hunter’s fist connected with its jaw.

“Not today.” Hunter retorted, then started towards the exit. “I’ll be upstairs trying to sleep off the last week.”

Celestia watched as Hunter exited the dungeon without as much as a glance toward her. “Is he alright?” the princess asked.

“I am unsure.” Luna answered. “It seems that he has been through a great deal, and has yet to reveal the entirety of his adventure.”

“I see, you shall have to tell me all about it later.” Celestia replied before turning towards Chrysalis. “Once we ensure that she is secure.”

It took Hunter far longer to return to his room than he expected. It seemed that every member of the palace staff, Solar and Lunar guard wanted to speak with him. Although he understood where the ponies were coming from, Hunter secretly wished that they would leave him alone. The lack of sleep over the last week was starting to catch up with him again, and the short rest the he had gotten in the old castle had done little to help.

As he reached the halfway point to his destination, one of the Lunar guards took it upon herself to escort him back to his room. As they journeyed on, the human admired the mare’s dedication to her work, even if it was a little overbearing. Every time he paused the guard would look at him like he was about to disappear.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” the mare asked yet again.

“Yes, I’m fine.” Hunter found himself saying yet again. “Please…”

“Comet Dust.” the Lunar guard that was walking with him said.

“Comet Dust, I am exhausted. I’m sure once I’ve slept I’ll be willing to tell you and the others all about it, but until then…” he trailed off as he reached the door to his room.

“I understand. Go, get some rest. I shall remain on watch here.” Comet Dust said.

“Thanks, Comet Dust.” Hunter smiled as he entered and closed the door behind him. “Now to sleep for a month.”

Making his way over to the large bed, Hunter slowly removed the armour and weapons he had found. He place the carbine, rifle and ammunition into the same secret safe that his hunting rifle was stored in. Although he knew that this was generally seen as an unsafe practice, given that his ammo box was stolen, this was the best solution he could come up with. As he placed the pistol alongside the other firearms, he quickly changed his mind. Fear of the diamond dog ambush slowly crept into his mind. He lifted the pistol back out, then closed the safe. With deliberate care, and one of the curtain tiebacks, he managed to secure the pistol holster to the ornate headboard in a position that he felt was the best balance between safety, access and secrecy.

After placing the armour into a somewhat organized pile, he hung the belt with the dagger and axe off of the bedpost. Pausing for a moment, Hunter found himself wondering if his actions were verging on the paranoid side, but quickly decided that he did not care in this instance. He closed the curtains, turned off the lights and crawled onto the welcoming bed. As he laid back, it was not long until sleep overtook him, and he found himself in the land of his dreams once more.

“Do you ever think it strange that you dream of the same place over and over?” a friendly voice called out.

As the scenery around him came into focus, Hunter found himself standing atop a cliff covered in cherry trees that were in bloom, overlooking a vast ocean, the sun slowly setting in the distance. In the center of it all Hunter found a familiar dark furred alicorn standing before him.

“Some would say that dreaming of a place like this, where you meet a beautiful mare over and over would mean something.” Selene teased the human.

“Maybe,” Hunter said with a fake smile, “but of all the things weighing on my mind, the nature of my dreams is nowhere near the most pressing.”

“Oh? I would think that most ponies who dream of a princess in such an idyllic place would place that as the most pressing of their issues.”

“Human priorities…” Hunter softly said as his smile faded. Selene continued to talk, but Hunter didn’t hear her. Instead the human moved to the edge of the cliff, lost in thought, staring out over the endless sea.

It wasn’t long before Selene noticed that Hunter’s attention had drifted onto other things. In a bid to recapture the human’s attention, she moved forwards and gently nuzzled the human’s hand. His twitched at the unexpected contact, then moved it to rest on top of the mare’s head. For a moment Selene forgot what she was going to say, allowing herself to be lost to the sensation of the human gently running his fingers over her scalp.

“Are you feeling alright?” she finally asked. “You struck that rakshasa, barely said a word to the others and have taken to hiding weapons around your bed.”

Hunter said nothing for several seconds, slowly gathering his thoughts. “I was… fearless… unbreakable…” he said in a voice just above a whisper. “Through the caves, even when the dogs had me, where danger was all around, I knew what I head to do; to press on, to endure, to outlast… now, in the safety of the castle, I am jumping at shadows. I see danger lurking in every corner, and here, in a place where I should feel safe, but I do not.”

Selene rose and wrapped her forelegs and wings around the human in a caring embrace. “Everything will be fine.” she said, gently nuzzling his cheek. “In the ruins when you were scared that you were changing, I said I would be there for you. That promise has not changed; no matter what may trouble you I will help you through it. More so, the others Luna, Celestia, Blueblood, the servants and the guards are all here to help you.”

Hunter’s arms slowly moved around the alicorn, returning Selene’s embrace. “I know…” Hunter responded softly. “I’ve just never felt this afraid before. I don’t like it, I want it to go away.”

Selene slowly let go of the human before she walked to the edge of the cliff and sat. With one of her large wings, she patted the ground next to her, inviting Hunter to sit as well. Accepting the invitation, he followed the alicorn and sat beside her.

“I was afraid once.” Selene began. “I was afraid that the ponies that I ruled over did not like me the way they liked my sister. I was afraid that they shunned my night sky, and by extension, me. I let that fear grow into anger, then that anger into hatred. I lashed out and was punished for it. I returned, filled with even more hatred and was struck down by the Elements a second time. I waited silently in the depths of Luna’s mind, until your arrival, and I saw yet another chance to unleash my hatred. Finally when we were forced to confront each other you only looked at me with kindness. You became my first real friend. Later, when you discovered what I was planning to do to your body, you could have been angry or even hated me. Instead you chose friendship a second time.”

“I know what you are capable of.” she continued. “I saw what you did to those dogs, I saw what the weapons you now carry can do to a pony. I know that fear wants to make us lash out at those around us. Try to make us hurt those around us, in an effort to reclaim ourselves from fear. I have seen you act selflessly time and again. Even when you were at the mercy of the diamond dogs, you placed the wellbeing of others before yourself. That is who you truly are, never forget that. You did endure, you were not broken, you have outlasted. It is time to let the shadows of the past go.”

“What if… what if I can’t?” Hunter asked, his shaky voice barely rising over a whisper.

“You have faced fear in the past.” Selene answered. “You were strong enough to overcome it then; you are strong enough to overcome it now.”

Celestia listened patiently as Blueblood told his story; how he had stolen Hunter’s blood from the hospital, how his father used it to open the ancient vault, about the monster inside, the death of his family, how the human had saved him, teleporting to the abandoned castle, and finally about both Chrysalis and Luna’s appearance.

“We then returned here to Canterlot.” Blueblood concluded.

“That is quite the tale, nephew.” Celestia said. “Although I am saddened at the loss of your family, I am relieved that you are alive. Slightly scared perhaps, but alive.”

“Judging by your story, it was quite fortunate that Hunter only broke your horn and did not end your life.” Luna added. “Although I am unsure as to why.”

“Hunter had a theory about that, actually.” Blueblood stated. “He thinks that the transformation was focused on my horn, and that losing it meant that there was no anchor point for the spell.”

“Remarkable, for a being with no magic, and a very limited exposure to it, he certainly has a strong grasp of its theory.” Celestia commented.

“Perhaps he had some aid in understanding it.” Luna suggested.

“Meaning what, dear sister?”

“Nothing that needs to be discussed at the moment. Once Hunter awakens, perhaps, but not before.”

“I understand.” Celestia nodded. “In the interim, I shall make preparations for a grand council. I shall gather the heads off all the noble families, Princess Cadence, the Element Bearers, and any ambassador willing to come to Canterlot. We must ensure that everypony understands the gravity of this situation.”

“Are you sure that is wise?” Luna asked. “When Discord escaped, or when Chrysalis attacked…”

“We took precautions for Chrysalis, which did fail, and there was no warning before Discord escaped. It may not look like it now, but we have the advantage; with Chrysalis’ failed invasion we know where the weak points in our defenses are. With Blueblood’s survival we know of the enemy, and with his presumed death our enemy does not know we know of it.”

“What about Hunter? Or myself?” Blueblood asked. “I know he’s not technically a noble, and I no longer have a family; but I, and I’m sure he, would both want to contribute in some way.”

“Of course, nephew.” Celestia smiled. “Once he awakens, tell him what we intend on doing. The two of you will be attending this council as well.”

“If that is all then, there are other things to which I must attend.” Luna stated as she rose.

“Of course, sister.” Celestia said knowingly. “Treat them gently though, it is a new experience for them both.”

Blueblood looked at one princess then the other, unsure of what either of the last two statements were about, but quickly decided that if they wanted him to know they would simply tell him. His thought then shifted back to his lost family once more, and the implication that came with it. With his father’s death it meant that he was now head of the family, but with the rest of his family also dead the entirety of the Bloodline family was also gone. The idea of trying to save every business and deal his family was in charge of before he even had a chance to mourn the loss of his family was almost overwhelming to Blueblood.

No, Blueblood told himself, I will not let myself think this way. I promised my mother I would be a beacon for ponies around me, and I will live up to that promise.

“I must be parting as well, aunty.” Blueblood said. “I have just realized the disastrously large number of things I must attend to.”

“Of course, nephew.” Celestia replied. “And should you need help, do not be afraid to ask for it.”

As Luna made her way up to her chamber she suddenly found that she was not walking alone. Discord slowly lowered himself out of the ceiling until he floated alongside the princess. “So princess, did you find your missing stallion?” Discord teased.

“Actually, yes Discord, I did.” Luna replied as courteously as she could.

“Really? Perhaps I should go introduce myself.” Discord smirked. “You know, to be polite and everything.”

“I would ask you to refrain. Our guest has undergone quite the ordeal and is currently resting. Perhaps when he awakens, but not before.”

“Oh, very well. I can wait until he wakes up.”

“And do not go performing any actions that will wake him early!”

“Fine, fine.” Discord said while rolling only one of his eyes. “I will wait until the little sleepyhead wakes up.”

“Thank you.” Luna briefly bowed.

“Oh! I can’t wait!” Discord happily smiled as he started to float away. “A human, here in the castle! This is going to be so very very fun!”

Luna watched as Discord left, confused at his excitement; if she recalled correctly, mentioning the human was enough to give the draconequus pause. She quickly gave up on trying to discern the his motives, knowing that such actions only lead to headaches. Shaking her head, Luna turned and entered her room. With less care than she intended, Luna removed her regalia and troted over to her large bed. She considered bathing for a moment, but the day’s events weighed heavily on her. Deciding that she could simply bathe in the morning, she crawled onto the bed and under the covers.

Taking her time, Luna traveled across the dreamscape, hopping from dream to dream. Staying for a moment or two in a peaceful one, or quickly exiting the more erotic ones, Luna was pleased that nopony was having a nightmare. Her joy faded as she realized she had overlooked one important thing; she did not come across the dreams of the two that were most likely to have nightmares. Scanning the doors that appeared before her, Luna could not find the ones belonging to neither Blueblood nor Hunter.

Blueblood… may not yet be asleep. Luna reasoned with herself. I shall keep watch, and tomorrow ask him about his night.

She walked down the illusory hallway, looking at each door in turn. Luna knew that Hunter had said he was retiring for the night, so where were his dreams? She never had this much trouble finding a dreamer before, so what did this mean? Questions began to race through the alicorn’s mind; did something happen to prevent her from entering his dreams? Was the event with the diamond dogs too taxing and was now unable to sleep? Was this the result of confronting Chrysalis or a side effect of the visions he had mentioned?

Before she was able to work herself into a complete panic a door caught her eye. Her focus violently switched from her worry to this new door. It was larger than the others, black and covered in silver spots, reminiscent of the night sky, and a gibbous moon proudly stamped upon it. “So, even you dream… sister.” Luna thought aloud. “Perhaps this shall lead to some answers.”

Pushing open the door, Luna found herself in a familiar cherry orchard. Trotting between the rows of trees it wasn’t long before she found the mare and human she was looking for. The pair were laying on large blanket, Hunter on his back, Selene next to him with her head resting on his shoulder. As Luna approached, Selene lifted her head at the sound of Luna’s approach. “Am I interrupting something?” Luna teased.

“Only the best rest I’ve had in quite some time.” Selene countered.

“Oh?”

“I had forgotten what it was like to sleep next to somepony that genuinely cares for you.”

“Sleep next to?” Luna confusedly asked. “Is this not a dream? It seems indistinguishable from one.”

“Where else could two minds truly meet but in a dream.” Selene replied. “This place functions as a dream while not actually being one. While I occupy a portion of his brain, I do not occupy his mind. And this may be the only way any of us can interpret such a unique fusion.”

“I do not recall anything like this when you and I were joined.”

“When you and I joined we were a single being, a true blending of two beings. Perhaps a better wording would be that Hunter and I share a symbiotic relationship rather than a blending of consciousnesses.”

“You were, however, able to see things he saw.”

“True, sharing senses and sharing thoughts are two different things. Just like the waves breaking on the cliff makes it wet, or the blossoms float down and sink into the water, we are independent yet connected.”

“So the appearance of this place…”

“Like the images of all dreams, is a metaphor. I am the boundless ocean; centuries of memories rolling upon itself.”

“And he is the orchard; young, but potential in full bloom.”

“And the cliff edges is where the two meet.”

“Then do you only care for him because you inhabit his body?”

“Of course not!” the volume of Selene’s outburst caused Hunter to shift slightly in his sleep.

“Then why?”

“For the same reason you care for him; he was able to look past who we once were, the mistakes we made, he treated us with understanding and compassion. How could we do anything except find ourselves falling for him?”

When Hunter finally woke, the sun was already high in the sky. He stayed in the bed for several moments, staring up at the ceiling not moving. With a heavy sigh the human slowly pushed himself up and out of the bed. He flinched when his bare feet touched the cold stone floor, but chose to ignore the discomfort and pressed on. Moving at a slow trudge, Hunter eventually made his way across the room and into the private bathroom.

A moment or two later Hunter found himself standing under the shower, watching the water as it pooled around his feet before swirling down the drain; the once clear water now a near black sludge. His gaze shifted from the bottom of the shower to his own skin, examining the multitude of wounds that now covered his body.

The bruises and abrasions that he had gathered stumbling through the dark caves were nothing compared to the collections of wounds given to him by the diamond dogs. The whips were bad, but the knife was probably the worst. Each cut was made with terrifying precision, each deep enough to cause immense pain but shallow enough not to cause any real damage. Then came the nightmares that the shaman forced upon him; having to watch as people he cared about die around him, or ponies he considered friends flee, thinking he was some sort of monster. The worst one involved Luna. His body involuntarily shuddered at the memory before he was able to push it away.

He knew that other would applaud him for surviving such an ordeal, others would commend him on his bravery, still others would think that he was too stubborn or foolish to just give in to their demands. Looking back, he wondered just what it was that kept him going. Was it some hidden vestige of bravery he was able to draw out, or was he really just too stubborn to give in? Before he could find the answers he needed, the sound of hooves on tile flooring and the stammering of a panicked mare brought his attention back to the present.

“I-I didn’t mean… I mean I didn’t know… I didn’t see any…” the mare blurted out while trying desperately to backpedal out of the room.

“Stargazer.” Hunter sternly called out to the panicking mare. “Stop.”

While her body froze in place, Stargazer’s eyes darted about, desperately trying for find something to look at that wasn’t a naked human. The sound of the shower being turned off drew her gaze back towards the human, who now, thankfully, had a towel wrapped around his waist. The small cloth didn’t even reach his knees, but was enough to put an end to the awkwardness between them. As she followed him back into the large bedroom, Stargazer wondered why, if he needed so little to avoid a situation like this, would he wear so much more?

“I’m sorry.” Stargazer began. “Comet Dust let me in, then you didn’t answer me when I called out, I just wanted to see if you were alright… I didn’t think that… I never intended to walk in on you like that.”

“It's fine.” Hunter said, almost a little too quickly. “The damage is done. Whatever it was that you saw, you saw, and it cannot be unseen.”

Stargazer glanced over at the human, who was now busy putting on his pants. Her eyes drifted upwards to his still bare torso. As he turned back towards the drawer, she could make out the lash marks that criss-crossed his back. She could feel the bile build in her throat, her stomach turned as images of what he must have gone through now raced through her head.

“-gazer?” Hunter’s voice snapped the mare out of her thoughts.

“Do… do they hurt?” Stargazer found herself asking before she was aware of what she said.

“Do they hurt?” Hunter repeated.

“Your scars, do they hurt?”

“No.” Hunter answered the mare without looking at her. “The scars you see do not hurt.”

Stargazer slowly moved until she stood directly in front of him. “But they do, don’t they?” she asked, gently touching one of them with her hoof. “They go deeper than just your flesh, don’t they?”

Instead of answering, Hunter’s head lowered as he turned away from the unicorn.

“You have the same look on your face as Luna did when she first returned.” Stargazer told him as she moved back in front of him. “I have seen what wounds on one’s heart can do, if you let them fester they will poison you.”

“I… I don’t…” Hunter trailed off unsure of what he was trying to say.

“Strength comes in many forms, and it is not a weakness to ask for help when you need it.” Stargazer reared up on her hind legs and wrapped her front ones around the human’s chest. “I may not have the strength, or power, or centuries of experience that the princesses have, I may be just an attendant and a unicorn, but I am here for you.”

She felt the human’s arms wrap around her as he returned the embrace. “Thank you, Stargazer, that means a lot.” Hunter said softly. “Its nice to hear what I already know.”

“What was that?”

“I was asking why you came looking for me in the first place.” Hunter replied as pulled away from Stargazer, breaking their embrace.

“Oh, Princess Luna wanted me to check up on you. She said she would have come herself but...you know…”

“I know.”

“She also wanted you to know about the meeting that she and Princess Celestia called. They want every noble family, ambassador, and v.i.p there. So, naturally, you are expected to attend.”

“Fine, when is this grand meeting supposed to happen?”

“The last of the attendees will be arriving late this afternoon, and the meeting is scheduled for tomorrow morning.”

“That soon?”

“You have been asleep for quite some time.”

“Fair enough.” Hunter smirked, which was immediately followed by his stomach growling. “Do you mind letting me finish dressing?”

“Fine, but don’t take too long, you wouldn’t want to miss lunch.” Stargazer smirked as she exited the room. As the door closed behind her she noticed a tired looking Lunar guard still standing next to the door.

“Comet Dust? What are you still doing here?” Stargazer asked. “I thought you had already finished your shift.”

“I’m not on duty right now.” Comet Dust answered. “I wanted to talk with Hunter so I waited here, I guess I didn’t realize how long it takes a human to wake up.”

“What could you possibly want to know that you would stay awake for this long?”

“I just wanted to check up on him, see how he is doing.”

“I don’t know.” Stargazer confused. “He acts like it doesn’t bother him, but it does. Maybe he’s putting on a brave face so we don’t worry about him, or maybe it's because he doesn’t want to think about it himself. Whatever his reason he tries to hide it, he is still hurt and afraid.”

“Did he mention the guard at all?”

“No, I don’t think so. Why the sudden curiosity about him? I don’t remember the guards taking much interest in him before. If they had any of the curiosity you have now, that incident in the hedge maze might have been avoided.”

“I know, it’s… it's not curiosity, it’s guilt.” Comet Dust weekly admitted, her ears drooping. “I need to know if he blames the guard for what happened… if he blames me for what happened.”

“Why would he blame you?” Stargazer moved closer to the guard. “Did you do anything to him?”

“No… nothing like that. It’s what I didn’t do. The night he was captured, I was on duty. The primary duty of the guard is to keep the ponies of Equestria safe, to keep the ponies in the castle safe. We failed to do that. I failed to do that.”

“The ponies that were rescued don’t blame the guard for being imprisoned by the Diamond Dogs.” Stargazer softly said as she placed a comforting hoof on Comet Dust’s shoulder. “The Princesses don’t blame the guards for what they did. And I am sure Hunter does not blame anypony either.”

“How can you be sure?” Comet Dust asked, raising her head head to look at Stargazer.

“The fault of wicked things should not be placed upon those unable to stop it.” a male voice said, causing the two mares to turn back towards the room. Hunter, fully dressed in his newfound armour, let the door gently close behind him. Kneeling down so that he was the same height as the two mares. “Nothing will be accomplished if I go about casting blame on ponies.” he said, gently placing a hand on one of Comet Dust’s shoulders. “The guards who failed to stop the dogs have enough guilt on them without me actively reminding them of their failure. So, no, I do not blame the guards. I place the blame on the ones that came after me with malevolent intent.”

“Thank you.” Dust said. “It doesn’t really help, but it is nice to know.”

“Sometimes that all you can ask for.” Hunter smiled as he brought himself back to his full height.

“I’ll let the others know.” Comet Dust stated, turning to leave. “Again, thank you.”

Waiting until she felt that Comet Dust was out of earshot, Stargazer looked up at the human. “You said all those things about not blaming the guard, yet you are wearing armour.” she commented.

“I did, and I am.” Hunter replied.

“Why?” Stargazer asked.

“Placing blame upon them has nothing to do with how safe I feel.” Hunter explained. “Let’s go find some food, I feel like I haven’t eaten in weeks.”

“So, explain this to me again.” Hunter asked Stargazer as he looked around the ballroom.

“It’s simple, the princesses thought that it would be a good idea that they host a small gathering before the meeting tomorrow.” Stargazer explained.

“This is a small gathering?” Hunter questioned, noting the few dozen ponies that filled the ballroom.

“If you think this is big, wait until you see the Gala.” Stargazer teased. “And remember, you are here to socialize, so go socialize.”

With a small forced smile Hunter wandered through the crowd of ponies. Although there were a few ponies that he recognized from his brief time traveling around Canterlot, Hunter had no idea who the majority of these ponies were. As he wandered through the crowd of ponies only a few actually spoke to him; most just held whispered conversations about him as he passed, and those that did address him directly limited themselves to a brief greeting.

“Don’t worry about them, lad.” a friendly voice called out.

“Ambassador Kruger.” Hunter said with a smile, recognizing the griffon’s voice. “I was wondering if anyone was actually going to speak with me.”

“Just ignore them, lad.” Kruger shot a group of ponies a stern glance. “These Canterlot stalions be a jealous bunch.”

“Jealous? Of me?” Hunter questioned.

“Of course, how could they not be?” Kruger smiled. “You caused a breakout from of a diamond dog prison, disappear for days with everyone thinking that you are dead, only to reappear with a missing prince and a captured changeling queen.”

“Word gets around fast.” Hunter commented. “I wasn’t aware that it was common knowledge.”

“Word does indeed, lad. As did word of a certain princess’s feelings for a certain human.”

“Pay those words no heed, ambassador. There is nothing to them.”

“And then you go and say things like that. Some might think that you are just putting on a front when you say that.”

“And what do you think?” Hunter asked.

“I think that denying something automatically is never a good thing. Especially when dealing with matters of the heart.”

“That is good advice,” a mare’s voice spoke up, “and I should know since I am the Princess of Love.”

“Eavesdropping is not very princessy, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” Hunter scolded the young alicorn.

“Now, now, no need to get snippy.” Princess Cadence countered. “If you want to woo an alicorn princess, snippiness is not the way to go.”

“And neither is subtlety,” Hunter sighed, “I have no interest in seeking a romantic relationship with anyone here, princess or otherwise. Even if I was, she is not interested in me.”

“Wait… how do you know Luna isn’t interested in you?” Cadence asked.

“The same way you find out anything, by asking.” the human retorted.

“You spoke with Luna about this already?”

“Yes, and I believe the phrase that she used to describe any chance of a romantic relationship between us was ‘impossible’.”

“Really? She said that?” Cadence asked, stunned at what Hunter had just told her. “She said ‘impossible’?”

“Surprising what you can learn when you ask the source instead of relying on hearsay.” Hunter’s voice taking on an almost scolding tone.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think…”

“I’m sure you didn’t.” Hunter interrupted her. “Look, I am just not… the star-crossed lovers thing that everyone thinks is going to happen between me and Luna is just not going to happen.”

“I’m not sure I follow you there, lad.” Kruger interjected.

“Romantic feelings don’t just appear from nowhere.” Hunter explained. “It's about shared experiences, trust and friendship growing into more, something greater. How can such a thing happen between two people that barely spend time with each other.”

“I see your point,” Cadence relented, “I guess I was just caught up in the idea of it. Two beings strangers to the world, but find in each other something they could not find in anypony else. I never really put any thought into whether or not it was real. From now on I shall endeavor to put an end to these rumors when I hear them.”

“Thank you Princess.”

“And if you ever need help winning over that special somepony, let me know.” Cadence said with a sly smile and a wink, as she wandered off into the crowd.

“...That can’t be good.” Hunter sighed.

Hunter watched the young buffalo as she dodged and jinked around him while describing her involvement in the battle at Appaloosa; where her tribe intended to destroy the town by stampeding through it while the pony residents fended them off with apple pies. A small smile came to Hunter’s face as he envisioned the almost cartoonish tale. “...and with the revelation that pies are tasty, the war ended with an agreement that both sides are happy with.”

“Oh?” Hunter questioned.

“Yup, they cleared a path through the orchard for our stampede, and we get pies from them as we pass through.”

“I’m glad that it ended so… equitably between you.” Hunter said, unsure of what he made of the story.

“There was something I wanted to ask you about.”

“And that would be?”

“I heard that where you’re from there are buffalo, and not just buffalo but ponies and zebras as well.”

“There are…” Hunter hesitated for a moment, trying to figure out what to say. Whatever he said would lead to more questions, questions that would eventually lead to him talking about how humans had hunted the buffalo of his world to near extinction. “...similar species on my world, yes.”

“What are they like?” the young buffalo asked.

“I too am curious about our cousins from afar.” a zebra spoke up as she approached them. ”I apologize, but I could not help but to overhear your conversation. Introductions should be first however, I am Chausiku the ears and voice for my tribe.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you Chausiku.” Hunter gave a small bow. “I am called Hunter, and I am the extent of mine.”

“A tribe of one? Some view that as a blessing, others, a curse. Which is that you see?”

“It's a blessing, obviously.” a deep male voice spoke up, as a minotaur joined the discussion. “To be responsible to only yourself and your word, that is all that matters.“

“I’m sorry, but I… I disagree, Ambassador Efstathios.” a young deer now added his thoughts to the ever growing debate. “I think that to be without family or friends is a bad thing.”

“I agree with Prince Bramble,” the buffalo nodded in agreement with the deer, “I don’t think that I would want to be without my tribe.”

“Lonely or not, it is only in yourself you can truly depend.” Efstathios countered. “To place other before yourself is to go unfilled. To be reliant on others is to diminish yourself. Strive forwards and don’t let anyone hold you back.”

“That is a very grim way to view the world, ambassador.” Chausiku observed. “How far from that line of thought is acting without compassion for others? Not very, I fear.”

“You say grim, I say pragmatic.” the minotaur countered. “Family, tribe, friends, strangers, it does not matter. Above all, recognize that you are responsible to yourself first.”

“I… I think that… that you should be responsible to others.” Bramble managed to say. “I think that you should always place others before yourself. Not for any selfish reason, but because it is the right thing to do.”

“To always put others first is to lose who you are. You must have a sense of self in order to help others. Balance between oneself and one’s tribe is what is necessary.” Chausiku added. “Our opinions are reflective of our circumstance. What do you say, Hunter, the only one here of his kind?”

“I say… I say that I am far too tired for this level of philosophical debate.” Hunter answered, seizing an opportunity to escape. “I feel that I must retire for the evening, but please, feel free to continue this discussion in my absence.”

“Please wait.” Chausiku called out. “I realize that we have strayed from our initial inquiry, and apologise for any unease we have caused you.”

“It’s fine.” Hunter sighed, turning back to face the group. “It’s just something that would not make for good conversation.”

“Oh? Now even I’m curious.” Efstathios commented.

“It’s just, there is nothing to say.” Hunter tried to explain. “Minotaurs are relegated to the subject of myth and fantasy. What we call deer, and buffalo, and zebras are nothing more than animals, lacking any form of conscious thought. They lack any form of sapience that you and I have.”

“Wait… that's it?” the young buffalo asked, rather confused at the human’s explanation.

“I said it wasn’t going to be an interesting conversation.” Hunter countered.

“I not really sure what I was expecting, but I’m fairly sure it wasn’t that.” Efstathios commented.

“So let me get this straight; you were sent off to a long forgotten kingdom that had mysteriously disappeared over a thousand years ago only to reappear now, where you then fought the evil dictator of the place, who was some kind of smoke unicorn, who you defeated by throwing your assistant off of a balcony, while your brother threw his wife off of another balcony, where she and Spike collided in mid air, allowing Cadence to reactivate the magic rock which drove the aforementioned smoke pony out of the kingdom and set all of the imprisoned subjects free?”

“When you put it that way it sounds kinda silly.” Twilight Sparkle groaned as she rolled her eye. “I wouldn’t go mocking other pony’s ordeals, especially after what you went through.”

“I know,” Hunter hung his head, “I guess I’m just finding it hard to deal with.”

“I understand.” Twilight placed an understanding hoof on his hand. “When my friend Rarity was held by them, they did some terrible things to her. If you like, I can introduce you to her.”

Hunter didn’t respond immediately, electing to take his time to think over his answer. “I don’t see why not.”

Half an hour and one of the strangest introductions that Hunter ever had to go through, ever, he found himself sitting in the gardens with a white unicorn with her head and forelegs in his lap. Hunter’s hand slowly ran over the mare’s fur, simply relaxing with the company of another who had endured the same as he did. The mare flinched once or twice as the human’s fingers ran over scars hidden beneath her fur but didn’t allow it to interrupt her story.

“Once I was hitched to the wagon I thought I could simply talk my way out.” Rarity explained. “I was wrong. Instead of letting me go they brought out the whips, you can imaging what happened next. Needless to say, I elected to remain silent while I tried to think up a new plan.”

“And did you come up with one?” Hunter quietly asked.

“Did I come up with what?”

“A plan, did you come up with one?”

“I wouldn’t call it a ‘plan’, more of a ‘gamble’.”

“Oh?” Hunter’s hand stopped, his attention now completely on Rarity’s story.

“Well, while I was searching for gems I discovered several small pockets of mageninite throughout the cave. Normally I would never touch the stuff, seeing how dangerous it is, but I knew it was worth the risk.”

“Wait, you defeated them with magnets?”

“No silly, mageninite, not magnetite.” Rarity tittered. “I can understand the confusion, their name are quite similar. Magnetite is an ore with some magnetic properties. Mageninite, or pyra’s scale, is a gem that has a highly unstable magical core.”

“How unstable?”

“Extremely. Sometimes it can endure the most violent of impacts, other times it will break at the slightest touch.”

“How could a gem that breaks when you touch it help?”

“Oh no, dear, pyra’s scales don’t break, they explode.” she explained with a slight wave of her hoof.

“Explode?”

“Yes, quite spectacular too. Now, where was I? Oh, yes; once I realized that there were several deposits of mageninite spread throughout the cavern, I began to mark them so that those mongrels would dig them up. Normally, I’m sure that they would be extremely careful around it, but I put the second part of my plan into action; I began to whine.”

“You...whined?”

“Quite insistently, I might add. The risk was worth it, I had distracted them enough so that they accidently broke some of the crystals, starting a chain reaction. In the ensuing mayhem, I managed to escape and reunite with my friends, who had come to save me, and the lot of us made it back to the surface.”

“That’s… quite the tale.”

“Yes it is, isn’t it?”

“I do have one question; these pyra scales, do diamond dogs usually build their dens near them?”

“I have no idea,” Rarity confessed, “I suppose it’s likely. Diamond dogs covet rare gems, and a gem that explodes if improperly handled would be the rarest of them. Why do you ask?”

“Just trying to make sense of what happened.”

The pleasant morning that Lady Prestidigitation was having eroded away as she listened to the various politicians, ambassadors and nobles argue. Noon came and went without any progress being made with the collected delegates too focused on themselves or needless semantics. Each representative had their own list of reasons to not work together; the zebra were pacifists with no army or soldiers, the minotaur viewed it as Equestria’s problem and did not wish to get involved, the deer focused on their own traditions placed their own people first and did not want to send their warriors away, although the griffons did offer their help the asking price was far more than anyone was willing to pay, finally many of the Equestrian nobles spoke out against the idea of seeking any outside help since they had both the princesses and the Elements of Harmony.

“Tell me something, daughter,” Prestidigitation quietly asked the blue furred unicorn that was sitting beside her, “whose voice do you not hear?”

“I can barely tell who’s yelling, let alone who’s being quiet.” the young mare countered.

“Now, now, Trixie, think about this carefully. There are two beings in the room that have yet to speak.” Prestidigitation said, trying to give her daughter a hint.

Trixie scanned each of the delegates in turn, the hint her mother gave was more than enough to get her mind racing. They have yet to speak… somepony who isn’t part of this shouting match, wait… not pony, being; at least one of them is not a pony.

The mare’s eyes came to rest on Blueblood, the normally outspoken stallion was oddly quiet, despite his disfigurement the prince still held his head proudly. No, not pride, Trixie thought. More regal than simple pride. His eyes, however, did not have the same bearing to them; they were the eyes of somepony who was afraid, haunted by some vision he could not escape from.

“One is Blueblood.” Trixie quietly told her mother.

“Good, and the other?” the older mare inquired.

Trixie returned to her search, this time focusing on their eyes. As her gaze passed the princesses and approached the griffons, she had her first good look at the human. Despite his lack of fur and strange appearance, she found that he had an oddly handsome face with the exception of his eyes; the way they move, taking in every detail, seemingly scanning everyone here for any weakness. As they came to rest on Trixie, the mare found herself frozen in place.

In the deepest part of his eye, Trixie could see a painful yet dangerous glint; one that she had never seen but recognised immediately. They were the eyes of a creature not only familiar with violence, but death. The unicorn had heard the story about his disappearance and return from her mother, but wondered what could have happened in the intervening time to give any being such a look. She had heard stories about the dangerous predators of the Everfree and how their stare could lock a pony in place. Time dragged on, the human’s stare was unrelenting, Trixie wanted nothing more in that moment than to run, to dive under the table and hide, to do anything to break the human’s gaze. In the instant she felt she could take no more, the human’s eyes shifted again, moving onto the next pony.

“Just breath, daughter,” Prestidigitation whispered, while placing a comforting hoof on Trixie’s shoulder.

“How… how long…” Trixie quietly asked.

“A second, maybe two, but no more.”

“Only a second? That doesn’t seem possible.”

The sound of somepony clearing their throat stopped Prestidigitation from replying.

“Noble delegates, we have been at this for most of the day.” Princess Celestia addressed the room. “It will soon be time for me and my sister to perform our duties in lowering the sun and raising the moon. Please enjoy your evening, and we shall reconvene tomorrow at the same time.”

As the delegates mumbled in agreement, Trixie’s attention returned to the human. The human leaned back in his chair, a pensive look spread across his face. Now that his attention wasn’t on her, the human seemed different; no longer was he the beast about to attack, but a weary stallion carrying far too much weight.

“I don’t understand. He seemed so intimidating before.” Trixie mumbled.

“A titan is always the most terrifying just before you get stepped on.” Prestidigitation observed. “You have always been quite skilled at reading another pony. It was a key part of your performance, to read somepony then turn their skill against them.”

“Then, how did… why did, does he look so different now?” Trixie asked, still studying the human.

“Have you ever seen a pony in the midst of moral revelation?” The older mare asked, then continued on before the younger pony could answer. “Do you think he will place off of his hopes in the Princesses forming a working alliance here, or has he already begun to think of contingencies, alternate and secondary plans.”

“How do you know that? He could be thinking of anything.” Trixie countered. “Maybe he just doesn't like long pointless meetings.”

“Shall we test my hypothesis then? He is now leaving,” Prestidigitation gestured towards the departing human. “If I am correct he will head towards the dungeon, if I am mistaken he will head to the dining hall.”

“Why would he head towards the dungeons?” Trixie asked.

“Have you not heard the rumors about who is currently residing in them?”

“I have. Do you really ask her for help?”

“I believe he is the type to court any danger if it means getting an advantage.”

Trixie unsure of how to respond merely nodded and watched the human depart the room.

“Should you not follow him? It will be difficult to see where he goes if you cannot see him.” Prestidigitation observed.

Trixie lowered her head, blushed in embarrassment before recomposing herself and followed the human out of the room. To Trixie, the human did not seem to be in any rush to get to his destination; instead he elected to saunter through the halls, exchanging brief greetings with any pony he passed, and occasionally slowing or pausing as he became lost in thought. Despite this, his destination was quite clear to Trixie and it wasn’t the dining hall.

Chrysalis sat in her cell ruminating over the rather terrible direction her life had recently taken. Twice now she had been nearly atop the world to only let her hubris get in the way. First when she nearly conquered Equestria only to be ejected by the ponies she thought powerless, then again when she had found the human only to be rendered unconscious by him. Now she was locked in the Canterlot dungeons, awaiting whatever punishment the Princesses were cooking up for her.

The sound of someone approaching broke Chrysalis from her thoughts. Looking up, she found one of her former subjects standing outside her cell. The changeling before her had an odd shadowy aura around it, and the normally vibrant eyes were clouded and dulled. Unease swept over Chrysalis as the door to her cell swung open on its own and the drone’s aura swelled, twisting into some demonic form. There was a sudden flash from its horn, and Chrysalis found herself sprawled out on the floor with a massive wound in her side.

As the drone moved forwards, its horn charging a spell with the clear intention of finishing her off, something flew in from down the hall, striking the changeling. It spun on the spot, hissed at whoever threw the object before lunging.

The sound of two beings struggling quickly filled the air, pained groans, angry hisses and snarling growls paired with the sound of chitin striking flesh. Chrysalis considered exiting her cell, fearing it would only cause her to be caught up in the struggle. With her wound it wouldn’t take much for either combatant to overpower her. No, the changeling queen told herself, I’ll simply wait here, blast the victor with as much power I can manage and escape. With her plan firmly in mind, she waited for the fight to end.

It was only a moment before whoever was fighting the changeling let out a sound, a mix between a yell and a roar, which was followed by something heavy slamming into the ground. Barely a second afterwards, the sound of something striking changeling carapace repeatedly filled the queen’s ears. The last blow was accompanied by a loud crunch, a sound that struck Chrysalis with horrifying implications.

The first was that whatever was out there had overpowered and killed the drone, second that if they could beat a drone that could wound her she stood very little chance at beating it, finally that whoever it was, was not a pony. Quickly racking her brain, desperately trying to guess what was about to enter her cell. The sound, the violence, who she had seen, led Chrysalis to one quick answer; the human. As she charged her horn, Chrysalis did not notice a dark shadow move across the dungeon and open the door to the final prisoner.

The human stepped into view and Chrysalis fired her spell. In the moment before the spell hit a form struck the human, knocking him out of the spell’s path. Chrysalis watched in horror as the human rolled to his feet, and the rakshasa prisoner, its body nearly destroyed by the spell, lay bleeding to death. Having spent nearly all of her power in that single attack, she felt her knees weaken then give out entirely when the human turned his attention on her.

Instead of hitting the floor, Chrysalis found herself held in someone’s arms. “Oh no, don’t go dying on me now.” the human’s voice came from above her. “I need you alive.”

“Weak… out of magic.” Chrysalis managed to groan. “Wound too great... need to… feed.”

There was a long silence, and Chrysalis was certain the human would never agree to feed her. When they had first met, he had called her a leech, and no being would ever save another they viewed in such a negative light. She braced herself, preparing for the human to drop her and either leave her to bleed to death in this cell, or perhaps he would show some kind of barbaric mercy and kill her; but neither of those happened. Instead the human spoke, his voice calm, almost concerned. “Ok… how do I do that?” He asked.

Chrysalis blinked twice at the human’s response, but decided not to press her luck. “You think of… somebeing you care about… have interest in,” she explained, the world around her slowly turning black, “then you… you kiss… me.”

The world faded away from Chrysalis, sending her into a black void. So this is how I die. She said to herself. Alone, Queen without a hive. Held by the mythic human, a being that could restore my throne, is not enough to save me. Nothing left but to fade into the darkness…

A sudden surge of emotion rushed through Chrysalis’ body as the changeling queen felt her strength returning. The sensation of someone’s lips on her own was the first to fill her mind. She reach up with her forelimbs and wrapped them around the human in an attempt to strengthen the kiss and drink more of his energy down. Chrysalis could feel her magic returning, the wound on her side stitched itself together. She pressed harder into the kiss, wanting more, needing more of the human’s love. Then without warning, Chrysalis felt herself being pushed back as the human broke the kiss.

“Oh my...whoever you were thinking of is lucky.” Chrysalis smiled, raising a hoof to her lip, drunk on the love she had just pulled from the human. “Very lucky indeed.”

“If you say so.” the human dismissed her comment. “Look, just disguise yourself and follow me.”

“And where is it we’re going, exactly?”

“To get your throne back.”

Celestia could not believe the day she was having; yesterday it all seemed so easy to her, the social gathering the night before had go so well, it had filled her with the hope that they might actually be able to move forwards with their plans. Everyone there seemed to be getting along, despite the occasional difference in philosophy. By noon all of those hopes had been shattered; the attendees who seemed so open to discussion the night before had all fallen into old habits once more. The non-ponies held the view that it was not their problem, and her own subjects seemed dismissive about the level of threat Chernabog represents.

To her surprise, Hunter, Blueblood, nor Discord spoke at all during the meeting. The chaos god had refused to show himself, something Celestia was unsure if it was a blessing or a curse. For his part, Blueblood seemed to be waiting for the correct opportunity to speak, an opportunity that never came. Finally to Celestia, Hunter barely seemed present at the meeting, as if he was preoccupied with his own thoughts. Celestia had know that Hunter’s time with the diamond dogs had left more than just physical scars, but she would have never imaged he would have changed this much; for less than an hour after the meeting disbanded for the night Celestia found herself trying to stare down the human.

When Shrouded Armour had told Celestia about a disturbance in the dungeon, she had hoped that one of the prisoners was causing a minor stir; yelling or threatening the guards. When Shrouded told her that she was needed personally, Celestia grew worried. Entering the dungeon, Celestia realized the Shrouded Armour used the word ‘disturbance’ to prevent alarm in anypony that might overhear them. The rakshasa’s body was barely recognizable due to the extensive burns that covered its body. The changeling drone was even worse, green ichor oozed from the wounds in its broken carapace. The final, and perhaps most worrying thing, the cell that held Queen Chrysalis was empty.

Remembering what Blueblood had told her about his encounter with Chrysalis, it did not take Celestia long to figure out what the changeling queen was after. Traveling at a hurried pace, the alicorn made her way through the castle and up into the guest wing. Without breaking her stride, Celestia bypassed the guard and entered the human’s room to find him talking with a pony. A golden flash filled the room as Celestia unleashed her spell, breaking the changeling’s disguise. She was about to advance on the changeling, only to come to an immediate stop when the startled human spun on the spot and pointed one of his strange weapons at her. The weapon itself was not what gave the alicorn princess pause, it was the near murderous look in the human’s eyes.

After a few tense seconds Hunter lowered the weapon, allowing Celestia to let out her breath that she was unaware she was holding. “I apologize, Hunter.” Celestia calmly began. “Knowing of Chrysalis’ passed attempt on our kingdom, and my nephew’s report of her fascination with you, I feared the worst.”

“I… understand.” Hunter replied. “Had our position been reversed, I suppose I would have acted in a similar manner.”

“I do have to ask what you are planning.”

“It is quite simple, princess. Chernabog wants her dead, so much so he would break into the palace to kill her. Therefore she is a threat to him.” Hunter explained. “A threat I plan on exploiting.”

Chrysalis, who had taken to hiding behind the human, let out a surprised gasp. “You were really planning on using me like some kind of pawn?”

“Not so fun on the receiving end, is it?” Hunter countered. “I told you before what I thought of you, the only difference between then and now is you are of some use.”

“Oh, and what use would that be?” Celestia asked.

“I must admit my own curiosity.” Chrysalis added. “You do not seem the type to save me without some ulterior motive.”

“Chernabog is probably planning on using the changelings against everyone else.” Hunter answered. “Probably something he can only do if there isn’t a current queen. If Chrysalis returns to her hive, she’d most likely be able to retake control of it.”

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Celestia questioned. “What is to stop her from capturing and feeding off of you?”

“Not much.” Hunter smirked. “But it was once said that the greatest victories are not about destroying your enemy, but rallying them to your cause. You did it with Discord, I’m doing it with her.”

“And you, Chrysalis, I would like to know your thoughts of this.” Celestia asked the changeling while attempting to look around the human.

“It’s strange to think, when I first saw him I knew he would be the key to getting my throne back.” Chrysalis said, as she slowly moved from behind Hunter. “I just never would have imagined it would be like this. Human… Hunter, you saved my life twice today. First when that trator tried to end my life, then again when you allowed me to feed upon you.”

“You let her feed on you?!” Celestia exclaimed. “Do you have any idea how badly that could have ended for you?”

“Really not the time.” Hunter retorted.

“He knew the risks, and he still did so willingly.” Chrysalis said. “Even if his motivations for helping me were selfish, it is not something any being has ever done for me before. If it can happen once, I need to believe it can happen again. All I ever wanted was to feed my children, and if siding with the human is the key to doing that then I will side with the human.”

“I’m not sure I follow, how exactly will helping Hunter feed your children?” Celestia asked.

“Details for later.” Hunter answered. “We must first get to the other changelings.”

“You have an idea?”

“I have a notion, it will need time to grow. In the interim, I would ask that you, Luna and Blueblood build on what we started today. Make them realize the threat Chernabog represents. Get them ready for his attack. While you are doing that, Chrysalis and I will travel to the closest hive and attempt to sway them to our cause.”

“Very well, I will do ask you ask.”

“There is one last thing I would like to do before we depart.” Chrysalis said as she turned towards Hunter. The room was suddenly engulfed in light as green flames wrapped around the Chrysalis’ body. The blaze lasted only a few quick seconds before dissipating completely. Once their eyes readjusted, neither Celestia or Hunter could believe what was before them; standing where the Queen was now stood a human woman with bright green eyes, cerulean hair and clad similarly to Hunter.

“You know what a human woman looks like?” Hunter asked, dumbfounded at the transformation.

“It wasn’t hard to work out.” Chrysalis answered. “I know the old tales, legends about your kind, some of them have fairly accurate descriptions of your species. Comparing them to you it wasn’t that hard to figure out.”

“Really?”

“That, and I scanned your mind when I transformed.”

“Chrysalis, what is the meaning of this?” Celestia demanded.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Chrysalis smiled as she wrapped her arms around one of Hunter’s. “He’s my hero after all. Why shouldn’t I look like this?”

“I now regret saving you.” Hunter deadpanned.

“Oh hush,” Chrysalis teased. “We have a long way to go, and you’ll never get there with that kind of attitude.”

Celestia brought a hoof to her mouth to stifle a giggle, which only seemed to exasperate the human even more. “Are we really doing this?” Hunter asked with a slight groan.

“As fun as it is to tease the poor human, the two of you should probably depart.” Celestia said. “But understand this, while I believe that Hunter has not come to his decision quickly nor lightly, I still do not trust you. Should something happen to him before his return I shall blame you, Chrysalis.”

“I… understand.” Chrysalis responded. “We should be on our way; the closest hive is still quite a distance from here, and we cannot teleport directly into it.”

“So, we’re walking?” Hunter asked.

“I can get us close, but there will be some walking involved, yes.”

“I wish you both luck, then.” Celestia said, then focused on Hunter. “How ever this plays out, please ensure that you return.”

“Don’t worry, Princess.” Hunter smiled. “It will take more than a few bugs to end me.”

Before Celestia could say anything else, there was a green flash and both the human and Queen were gone.

“Sister? What has happened? Why are you here?” Luna asked as she entered the room.

“A great many things. Have you been told about what happened in the dungeons?” Celestia asked, to which Luna merely nodded. “It seems Hunter has take to the idea of reforming Chrysalis.”

“Foolish, but noble.” Luna said, letting a small smile creep onto her lips. “And somehow unsurprising.”

“How so?”

“Tis of little importance now. I shall merely check in on him the next time he rests. Until then, I shall retire to perform my duties as the guardian of dreams. In fact, I was thinking about taking our niece along, just for tonight.”

“Cadance may enjoy that. I doubt she’s had the chance to dreamwalk before.”

Cadence followed Luna through the hallway that made up the ever changing dreamscape. Stopping in front of a door with a gibbous moon on it Luna turned to her niece. “The pony you are about to meet...she is not who she first appears to be.”

“Oh?” Cadence’s intrigue was piqued. When her aunt had asked her for relationship advice for somepony, the alicorn of love naturally assumed that Luna was merely trying to deflect of of herself. Now she was standing in the middle of the dreamscape about to enter somepony’s dream.

“I must warn you, the place we are about to enter is no mere dream.” Luna explained. “Instead it is the place where the mind resides. A metaphoric representation of thought, sense and instinct. Stay close to me and do not wander, for if you do you may end up losing more than just the way back.”

As Cadance passed through the door, the first thing she was struck with was the smell of cherry blossoms.

Chapter 24

As the cherry trees opened into a clearing, Cadance found herself standing in front of a mare she would have never imagined encountering in her life; Nightmare Moon. Dread filled Cadance and had it not been for Luna wrapping a protective wing around her, she would have turned and fled.

“Calm yourself dear niece,” Luna’s gentle voice reassured the younger alicorn, “remember, she is not who she appears to be.”

“Come now, sister.” Selene spoke up. “You bring somepony for me to meet and you don’t even tell them what to expect?”

“I did try to warn her.” Luna countered.

“Not well enough it seems.” Selene retorted then turned her attention to Cadence. “So, little alicorn, you know who I am, correct?”

“Y-yes, you’re Nightmare Moon.” Candace stammered.

“That is what I once called myself, yes.” Selene answered. “I am no longer Nightmare Moon, I am a new pony with a new form and a new name. I now go by Selene.”

“But how… how can you exist?” Candace asked. “I thought you were just a pseudonym, an alter-ego.”

“That is not entirely true.” Luna explained. “When we were born, we were separate beings. At some point during the reign of Discord we were merged into one. The resulting effect was to give rise to the being known as Nightmare Moon.”

“Then after our return from the moon Twilight Sparkle used the Elements upon us and began to split us apart once more.” Selene added. “Luna exists out there in the physical world.”

“And Selene in here. A realm purely of the mind.”

“Whose mind?” Cadance asked. “This is not really how I pictured the inside of your mind, aunt Luna.”

“This is not the inside of my mind.” Luna corrected. “Although I am curious as to what you think the inside of my mind would look like.”

“And I am curious as to why you brought her here, Luna.” Selene commented.

“I brought her here so that she can help you win over Hunter.” Luna explained.

“Wait, what?” Selene and Cadance said simultaneously.

“Wait, what?” Hunter asked in confusion, not stopping as he walked further into the wastes.

“I asked if you found me attractive.” Chrysalis reiterated, as she attempted to keep up with the steady but unyielding pace.

“Why do you care?”

“A queen should always look her best.” Chrysalis answered as she stuck a pose in her human form. “So I ask again; am I attractive by human standards?”

“I guess, sure, you’re physically attractive.” Hunter dismissively said. “Happy?”

“I suppose that should have been the answer to expect.” Chrysalis replied.

“What were you expecting?”

“I’m… not certain.” Chrysalis sighed. “I was hoping for a more definitive answer.”

“Definitive how?”

“I was hoping to mimic the human you were thinking of when you kissed me.”

“Well, there was someone I was rather infatuated with back on Earth.” Hunter said as he slowed to a stop. “At some point my thoughts drifted away from her to someone else, someone that I least expected and someone you’ll accuse me lying about.”

Coming to a stop as well, Chrysalis pondered at what the human said. “You’re right.” The changeling queen said. “Had you just come out and said I was the one you were thinking of, I would have called you a liar. Tell me this, why were you thinking of me?”

“You were the one I was kissing. Every woman I’ve ever met would have been furious if I was thinking of someone else while kissing them.”

“That may be true among humans, but I did ask you to think of one you had an interest in before kissing me.”

“So how does that work anyway?”

“I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

“I was told that changelings feed on love.” Hunter clarified. “I have no idea how that works. I understand that you somehow siphon off energy from your victim and then convert that energy into the sustenance you need to live. I want to know how that works.”

“The simplest answer is magic.” Chrysalis explained, earning an annoyed huff from the human. “Every being in this world has some amount of magic in them. Changelings have the ability to use that as a food source, in much the same way that a leach sustains itself on blood.”

“If you survive on magic, why do you need to take it from others?” Hunter asked. “Could you not just draw it from the air around you?”

“No, it doesn’t work that way. Like how both blood and water are liquids, magic inside and outside of a living being are different.”

“Then what role does love play?”

“Magic, especially pony magic, swells in the presence of positive emotions, making it easier to consume. Changelings take on the appearance of a loved one in order to elicit these emotions.”

“That makes sense.” Hunter said as he started to walk again. “Come on, we should be able to make it there by sundown if we don’t get stopped.”

“You never answered my question. Why were you thinking of me?” Chrysalis asked, hurrying to catch up with the human.

“Didn’t I? No I guess I didn’t.” Hunter sighed. “About a second into the kiss your image filled my mind. I knew I would not be able to trick myself into thinking about someone else, I thought of why I was doing what I was doing. I needed you alive in order to draw the changelings into this conflict, but those thoughts quickly changed. I felt sorry for you.”

“You felt sorry for me? You're suggesting that I was saved by feeding off of your pitty?”

“Pity, sympathy, compassion, call it what you want; my point is it worked.”

“But why?”

“Why did I feel sorry for you? I don’t know.” Hunter shrugged. “Maybe I could emphasize with your position. Maybe I felt we had something in common. Maybe it’s just human nature to root for the underdog. Maybe I have a thing for the bad girl.”

The two walked in silence for several moments as Chrysalis mulled over the human’s words. “Given what the legends say about your kind, and what I could sense when we first met, maybe it's enough.”

“Maybe it is. The only thing I’ve learned about magical consistency is that it doesn’t exist.”

“That’s a rather interesting way to look at it.”

“Every time I’ve dealt with magic its behaved differently.”

“Or its behaving exactly how it's supposed to and you don’t understand it.”

Instead of replying, Hunter softly sighed as he rolled his eyes.

“So, you like bad girls?” Chrysalis smirked.

“You want me to help her win over Hunter?” Cadance asked. “I thought he wasn’t looking for a special somepony.”

“There is a difference between not actively looking for a partner and refusing the advances of one that seeks you out.” Luna answered.

“Are you sure this is the best time to be thinking of romance?” Selene asked. “You know what he’s planning on doing, what he is doing.”

“It is because of that now is the best time to act, for there may not be time later.” Luna answered. “Besides, I have seen the way the two of you are together.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that some things are inevitable, I just want to speed them along.”

“My hive!” Chrysalis gasped as she spotted black smoke rising out of the large mesa that was supposed to be their destination. The changeling queen rushed forwards, only to take three steps before being grabbed by Hunter.

“Wait!” Hunter called out as he pulled Chrysalis back towards himself. “You can’t just blindly rush in.”

“Are you blind?!” Chrysalis demanded, trying to pull herself out of his grasp. “My hive is in danger!”

“Running in without understanding what's going on isn’t going to work.”

“I cannot just leave them! They are my subjects!”

“Not anymore!”

“But… but…” Chrysalis stammered, giving one last vain attempt to pull free of the human before collapsing against him. “They are my children. I can't just leave them to die!”

“I understand, but if we rush in before we know what’s happening it will only make matters worse.” Hunter gently pushed Chrysalis back so he could look straight at her. “You were banished by them, we need to be smart about this. We need a plan.”

“We do not have time to plan! They are my children! We need to act now!” Channeling all of her strength, Chrysalis pulled herself free of the human. In a flash of green magic the changeling reverted to her natural form and took to the air.

Pain shot through her wings as she strained them but it took mere moments for Chrysalis to cover the distance. Landing hard, she quickly made her way over to the source of the smoke, only to find it was a massive pile of smoldering changeling corpses. Bile rose in Chrysalis's throat as she stared, unblinking, at the sight before her. The stench of burning flesh filled her nostrils as the smoke stung her eyes. Rage built in the changeling queen until she could not contain it. Letting out a terrifying scream, her magic surged, launching out in every direction.

“My, I never would have guessed that the queen of the changelings would have such a temper.” a mocking voice spoke out.

Chrysalis turned to face the speaker, finding a large unicorn whose features had been twisted into something monstrous; his hooves were now claws, his mouth was filled needle-like fangs, his horn curved slightly backwards, ending in a vicious looking point, finally a pair of bat-like wings made of swirling darkness rose from his back.

“Shame you weren't here earlier, it would have made things much easier.” the unicorn said. “I still got what I needed however.”

From the ground, dozens of changelings rose, each having undergone a similar change to the unicorn before Chrysalis. “My children, what have you done to them?” Chrysalis demanded.

“I’ve improved them.” the unicorn smiled. “I’ve made them stronger, faster, better. I took away that silly need to feed on love and replaced it with the ability to feed on blood and fear. No longer will they need to sneak around like thieves, but will take what they want when they want. In exchange they have agreed to serve me.”

“You twisted them into something perverse, no changeling would agree to that, let alone serve the one doing it.”

“Most didn’t, quite a few even tried to resist, but once the obstinate ones were… silenced, the rest fell in line.”

“You monster! You will pay for this barbarism!” Chrysalis screamed, charging her horn with magic. Focusing on the deadliest spell she knew, Chrysalis unleashed a torrent of green magic at the unicorn. Instead of dodging or putting up any form of defence, the unicorn stood there with an evil smile spreading across his face. In the moment before the spell struck him, a changeling jumped forwards and took the impact instead.

“Why...” Chrysalis stammered. “Why would he take the hit for you?”

“It is only natural for a subject to die for their king, is it not?” the unicorn asked, his shadow wings lifting him up into the air. One by one the changelings took to the air, following their new ruler, until only one remained. This final changeling advanced on Chrysalis with a dark hunger in his eyes.

“I leave you to the fate befitting a failed ruler and parent.” the unicorn chuckled before flying into the distance, the swarm following.

Chrysalis backpedaled in an attempt to put some distance between herself and her former subject, only to stumble and fall backwards into the pile of corpses. Her legs flailed in the air as she desperately tried to right herself, only to sink further into the pile. The drone let out an ominous chuckle as he slowly moved towards his former queen, launching beams of sickly green magic into the bodies around her.

“You don’t have to listen to him.” Chrysalis pleaded. “You don’t have to do this.”

“But I want to.” the changeling hissed.

“Has he truly twisted you so much that you would attack your queen? Your mother?”

“You were a terrible queen and an even worse mother.” the changeling sneered. “In spite of that you should be proud; your precious children have overcome your failures. Your children have surpassed the pathetic future you would have given them and will become the true rulers of this world.”

Dread filled Chrysalis as she watched the changeling charge his spell. Out of desperation, Chrysalis charged one of her own. Spell struck spell in a blinding flash, and the changeling drone was thrown backwards. Chrysalis, regaining her footing, rose from the corpse pile and advanced on her former subject. Standing over the fallen changeling, Chrysalis charged her horn once more, only to find she couldn’t finish her spell; the thought of deliberately harming her offspring, even one as corrupted as this one was, horrified her.

Taking advantage of Chrysalis’ hesitation, the drone shot up into the air. “Do you see now?” the drone demanded. “Love does nothing but make you weak, fear is the only true source of power.”

“If that is what you think, then you truly are a fool.” Chrysalis countered. “Fear is finite, what shall you do when it turns to anger and hatred?”

“What did you do when we ran out of love to eat? You invaded Canterlot, in an attempt to collect love by force. Think about it ‘mother’, we are just doing what you taught us and taking what we need.”

“That’s… that’s…” Chrysalis’ words failed her. Not possible. Is what she wanted to say, but couldn’t. The fear of her children starving was what prompted the attack on Canterlot. The fear that the ponies had of her children lead the changelings to victory. The love of two ponies snached that victory away. “...not…”

Chrysalis’ mind flashed back to the cold cell beneath Canterlot, as she lay dying on the floor; only to be saved by someone’s compassion, the same being she had planned on selfishly using. The same being that risked himself to save her, in order to take a greater risk and save everyone. “...what…”

Fear had made her act rashly, before the invasion of Canterlot, in the cells, and now, facing down her own offspring, fear had led to all of this. “...I wanted…”

The love that Shining Armour and Cadance shared was what allowed Chrysalis to overpower Celestia, the same love defeated her and her army. The love that Hunter had so willingly given her had brought her back from near death. “...to teach you.”

“What are you blathering on about?”

“You were right when you said I was a bad queen and mother.” Chrysalis sighed. “I have taught you the wrong lessons.”

“Having regrets now that your life is over?” the drone taunted. “How pathetic.”

“It is, isn’t it.” Chrysalis chuckled, then quickly cast another spell. Before he could react, the changeling found himself face down on the ground. Spitting dirt from his mouth, the drone jumped to his feet and launched a bolt of energy at the queen, only to have her easily deflect it. The drone fired several more bolts, only for Chrysalis to deflect each of them as well.Another flash of magic emanated from Chrysalis’ horn and the drone found himself pinned to the ground.

“It is only when we look back on life with regret do we see the path we should have taken.” Chrysalis explained as she slowly approached the trapped drone. “Fear is a powerful emotion, your new master was correct in that regard, but what he did not tell you is that power derived from fear is only temporary. Fear is, by design, meant to be defeated.”

“You’re wrong,” the drone spat, “we will taste the pony’s fear and we will win.”

“No, you won’t. Don’t you see, you are just repeating the same mistake. We were so confident in our victory over the ponies last time, our ejection from Canterlot was a complete surprise. You are doing the same thing as I did then, but you do not have to. I have found a new way, a better way.” Chrysalis released her magic, freeing the drone. “My child, come with me, let us explore this new path together.”

The drone immediately jumped to his hooves and charged his horn. “No! I will not be swayed by you! The failed queen who did nothing but lead our race to the brink of extinction. I will continue to follow this path, the path I chose for myself, and in the end I shall be victorious.”

“Changelings were never meant to be fueled by fear, it is not who we are. Please, there is still a chance to make the right choice.”

“I have made the right choice.”

“I implore you to reconsider.”

“I have grown tired your endless prattling, ‘mother’, so I shall do you the mercy of ending your life here and now.”

“Then do what you must.” Chrysalis said, and closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable.

Something wet and sticky splashed onto her face, and the sound of a distant echoing boom filled her ears. Opening her eyes, Chrysalis found herself staring, horrified, at the sight of her now dead former subject; a large chunk of its body had simply exploded outwards.

“This is ridiculous.” Selene groaned as Cadence slowly walked around her. “What are you even looking for?”

“Just seeing what I have to work with.” Cadence smiled.

“‘What you have to work with’?”

“Well, if you want to win a stallion over it should be with everything you have.”

“I don’t want to win him over.” Selene protested. “I don’t want to seduce him into become my lover. I like the relationship I have with him now.”

“Really? I don’t see what’s so great about it.”

“What?”

“Yeah, I mean it’s not a real relationship. You’re just along for whatever ride he takes you on; like an unwanted carriage passenger. You’re using him, and he’s just tolerating you until he figures out how to kick you out.”

Selene’s wing flared in anger as the light in the grove dimed. “You dare!” Selene roared. “You dare suggest that I am using him like some kind of parasite! That I would knowingly and willingly harm the only being that I have ever truly connected with? That his compassion and kindness towards me was nothing more than a front? That all the time we have spent together was meaningless. That the bond that we share is false? That the feelings I have…oh.”

Selene relaxed her wings, as the grove was once again filled with light. “Why?” Selene asked. “Why provoke me in such a way?”

“Sometime the hardest person to convince of our feelings is ourself.” Cadence answered. “Now comes the easy part; owning up to our feelings and telling the pony we love.”

“Buck.”

Chapter 1

Luna looked over her work; a large mirror sat in the center of a rune covered circle that she had carved into the ground. Around the perimeter of the circle, a dozen candles burned with a dark blue flame. Magic swirled around her horn, and flowed across the ground; as runes began to glow an image formed within the mirror. Pleased with her progress, the princess poured more magic into the spell, causing the image in the mirror to come into focus. The image on the glass showed a deep forest, filled with tall and old trees, a figure moved through the trees almost as if it was stalking something. Luna’s expression changed from joy to horror when she realized what the figure was doing. The image pulled back giving a wide view; a second from appeared on the glass, a large buck. The first figure lifted something, which the Night Princess recognized as a weapon, fear overtook her when she realized that the thing she was watching was some sort of predator.

Panicking Luna began to pump more magic into the spell, desperate to help the stag. The glass began to crack under the strain and the candle flames grew to five times their original size. The cracks on the mirror crew to the point where mirror could not withstand the stress and it shattered, sending pieces of glass in every direction. The spell then collapsed in on itself with a thunderous explosion; launching the blue alicorn backwards.

Recovering from the blast the lunar princess blinked trying to get her eyes to focus. Through the thick smoke, Luna could make out a strange silhouette; a tail bipedal creature stood where the mirror used to be. The creature looked around for a moment then fell to its knees before collapsing to the ground.

“What were we supposed to do, sister? We could not just leave it there; it was dying and it would have been our fault!”
Celestia looked at her sister, then towards the unconscious creature that was occupying the lunar princess’ bed, then back at her sister. The solar princess sighed, “I suppose you are right, little sister, but it was you yourself that told me that this creature is some kind of predator. I only worry about the safety of our subjects.”
“Do not worry dear sister, for if this creature does indeed become violent or threatening we have enough power to deal with it.”

“We do not understand; it has been three days why has the creature not awoken yet?”
The doctor shifted nervously. “You see Princess the problem is… we have no idea what we’re dealing with. This creature is like nothing we’ve seen before.” The doctor led the lunar princess over to the bed. “Physically its fine, we’ve managed to all of the wounds and lacerations it received when it… however, I suspect the problem lies within the creature’s mind.
“We tried to scan it mind and memories, but it is so alien to us the pony performing the procedure was so traumatized by what she experience she was forced to take a leave of absence. My guess is, now that its body is healed, the creature’s mind will begin to heal itself as well. However, I cannot say how long this process will take.

“Princess! Princess Luna! The creature! It’s awoken!” A small mare called out as she chased the princess of the night.
“Truly? Does our sister know of this?” Luna asked as she turned towards the room where the creature was kept.
“Yes, your majesty, she has asked you to be there when she meets with the creature.”

The guards opened the large doors and the two princesses entered the room. As they did, a dark green unicorn wearing a lab coat and a stethoscope walked up to them. “Highnesses,” She said with a bow, “The creature has indeed awoken.” she gestured towards the balcony; the creature stood there with its back to them as it stared out over the countryside. Even from across the room Luna could tell that the creature was tall; it stood at least as tall as herself, perhaps even as tall as her sister. It upper limbs ended in what Luna first thought were claws but now could see that they lacked any sharp ends; it had no fur or hair except for its mane which was a dark brown in colour and reached past its shoulders. It was wearing a shirt that covered its torso and the upper half of its forelimbs as well as pants and something that resembled slippers, but Luna couldn’t quite think of a name to call them.

“I have had a chance to speak with him,” the doctor continued, “He seems to be highly intelligent, and so far has managed to retain a calm demeanor, but I suspect that underneath he is confuses and possible scared.”

Celestia blinked in confusion, “Scared? Why would it be scared?”

“He, your majesty.” The doctor corrected, “The creature is definitely male. He’s confused because he woke in a strange place after passing out. He’s scared because he’s being forced to question what he held as reality.”

Luna looked over at the creature, “Why would it feel like its reality was threatened?” she asked without looking at the doctor.

“Its… strange, almost to the point of unbelievably,” the doctor said her voice was filled with uncertainty, “he says that unicorns are myths and is having a hard time coming to terms with being treated by one.”

A small smile came to Celestia’s face, “I suppose I could understand that; if I were to awaken and the first thing that I saw was a being I believed to be mythological I would have a hard time adjusting as well.”

“I suppose that if he learns that a princess can empathize with his position, he might be more willing to open up and actually converse.” The unicorn doctor said shaking her head. “However, it does get stranger; the creature… it calls itself a human.”

Both Celestia and Luna’s eyes widened at this. “Human? How is that possible?” Luna exclaimed. “Humans are supposed to be nothing more than a myth!”

“Now you understand the problems we’ve been having.” The doctor said. “It’s fairly confusing, as you can guess; a mythical patient being treated by mythical doctors.”

“Do you think that we could talk to him, doctor?” Celestia asked.

“I suppose that it’s alright.” The doctor answered. “Be cautious though, he’s still on edge.”

Celestia nodded, looked over at Luna briefly then walked towards the human. Celestia cleared her throat, gaining the attention of the creature. As it turned Luna felt her anxiety rise, its grey-blue eyes seemed to scan every part of her and her sister as if trying to judge of they were a threat. Luna studied it carefully, it seemed like all of its muscles had tensed and was ready to pounce forwards and attack at any moment.

As Celestia took a step forwards, the creature took a step back. The solar princess blinked a few times at this reaction before speaking in a calm voice. “My name is Celestia, I, along with my sister Luna,” she gestured towards her sister, “together we rule the kingdom of Equestria.”

The creature looked at them for a moment trying to piece together what it had just heard before taking a bow; one that was deep enough to be respectful, but not so deep it lost sight of them. “Greetings, majesties,” it said as it righted itself, “I am Hunter, and I believe I am from very far away.”
Celestia smiled at Hunter’s comment. “So I see, I was wondering if you’d be up to answering a few questions.”

“I suppose I could answer them, provided that you could answer some questions that I have.”
Celestia nodded, “Yes, I that does seem fair. Please sit, I have a feeling this may take some time.” She said, gesturing towards a chair. Hunter looked at it for a moment then slowly walked over and sat down, then wordlessly looked at the two princesses waiting for them to begin.

“For our first question;” Luna began, “we wish to know what manner of creature you are.”
“Animalia Chordata Synapsida Mammalia Primates Hominidea Hominini Homo H. sapiens; we call ourselves Human for short.” Hunter said with a smile, “Before you say anything else, yes the doctor unicorn did tell me that you… ummm… ponies?” He paused and looked at the princesses for conformation, “ponies think that humans are myths. I’m also assuming that she told you that I think… thought that unicorns, Pegasuses… pegasi, and whatever it is the two of you are, are myths as well.”

“The proper name for our species is Alicorn.”Celestia told him.

“Alicorn? I was going to say pegacorn or maybe unisus, but alicorn does sound much better then what I came up with.”

Luna stared at the human blankly, while Celestia suppressed a giggle. “Yes,” the solar princess agreed,
“Alicorn is a much better name the unisus.”

“Names aside,” Hunter said, “how did I get here? All I remember was this strange fog, then this buzzing noise, a lot of pain, and then waking up here.”

Luna hung her head and took a few nervous steps back. “It was our fault,” she explained while trying to avoid eye contact, “we were using a spell that allowed us to view into another world; when we saw you hunting the buck, we felt the need to intervene.”

“So you tried to save it, but you drew me into the world by mistake?” Hunter asked calmly. Luna nodded. “Yes, that was our intent; we did not wish to see him harmed by a carnivore.”

Hunter smile and raised two of his fingers. “Two things; first:” he said holding up his index finger, “humans are omnivorous not carnivorous. Second:” He held up two fingers, “humans are the only sapient creatures where I’m from, so if you did manage to get it here your conversation would be rather one sided.”

The two princesses looked at each other for a moment, then back at the human. “Are you saying that the only creatures capable of speech are humans?” Celestia found herself saying before she realized what she said.

“Yeah, back on my… world, I guess, humans are the only sapient creatures.” Hunter answered looking from one princess to the other; the two princesses stared at him blankly. “I’m guessing by your reaction that it’s different here?”

Luna was the first to regain her composure. “No, ponies are not the only sapient creatures in the world;” She explained, “Along with ponies there are the zebras, buffalo, griffons and dragons.”

“Wait,” Hunter interrupted, “I don’t know if I should be more surprised that there are dragons and griffons here or that there are buffalo and zebras. I guess it also explains how you knew what that stag was.”

“Are you saying that you are aware of what they are?”

“Yes… and no.” Hunter answered. “Griffons and dragons are myths in my world; their existence here is no more worrying than yours. It’s the existence of buffalos and zebras that worry me; they exist in my world.”

“I thought you said that humans were the only creatures on your world capable of speech.” Celestia said as her eyes narrowing as she stepped closer to the human.

Hunter raised his hands in defense, “Yeah, I did, but they don’t talk they’re just… animals, no more intelligent than a dog or a cow.”

“Cows are also capable of speech.” Celestia said talking a step forwards.

“What?!” Hunter exclaimed as he jumped out of his chair. “This world makes less and less sense. Does everything speak? What about dogs or cats or pigs or elephants, can they speak?”

“No, they can’t,” Celestia said not taking her eyes off the human, “you should calm down.”

“I am calm!” Hunter snapped, “I just found out that I lost in some fantasy land where half of the things I eat can yell at me! How would you like it if you woke up in a land of talking apples?”

“We understand your frustration,” Luna said diplomatically, “but we cannot have you shouting and scaring our guards.”

“Fine, whatever; just undo whatever it was that brought me here and send me back!”

Both Celestia and Luna lowered the heads slightly. “Unfortunately, we cannot do that.” The night princess explained, “As we have said; the spell that brought you here was meant for viewing into other worlds, not traveling to them.”

“The use a different one!”

“It is not that simple,” Luna shook her head, “the spell picked a world at random, and it’s unlikely that we’ll be able to your world again, and it is slightly more complicated than that.”

“Define ‘slightly’.” Hunter demanded as his features and voice took on an aggressive tone.

Celestia moved forwards to put herself between Luna and the human. “Is there magic in your world?”

“No.” Hunter replied, letting his impatience come through.

“That would explain it.”

“Explain what?”

“You see, Equestia… no, the whole world, is filled with magic.” Celestia explained, “It’s everywhere, on and in everything; it presses down on us, but the magic within our bodies prevent it from doing any harm. However, you are from a world without magic, when you arrived here you were almost crushed by its force. In order to save your life, my sister placed a small piece of her… essence within you. Should you return to your own world without removing this essence, it would expand outwards killing you from the inside.”

“And if you took it out of me before you sent me back, I would be crushed, right? So what, I’m stuck here for the rest of my life?” Hunter said before turning and walking out onto the balcony. He raised his left hand to his head, holding it as if he were in pain. “Stupid ponies; making my head hurt.” He muttered to himself.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other, unsure of what to make of the human’s sudden mood swing. “Are… are you feeling alright?” Celestia asked, her voice taking on a concerned tone.

“Yes… no, I don’t know.” Hunter’s face twisted trying to push the pain out of his head. “Just leave me alone for a while. I can’t think straight, need to think. You’re not helping.”

The human slumped down so that he was sitting on the balcony then drew his knees up to his chest and lowered his head. Leaving him alone, the two princesses exited the room, quickly followed by the doctor.
“Doctor, can you explain what just happened?” Celestia asked. “Things seemed to be going well, then…”

“I’m unsure.” The green unicorn answered. “He only became aggressive after you accused him of lying; his attitude worsened as you got closer to him. Then, when he went out on to the balcony, increasing the distance between you and him, he seemed to calm himself but was complaining of a headache.”

Luna nodded in agreement, “That is all true, but that does not explain why it happened.”

The doctor furrowed her brow. “I am unsure; however I would suspect that it a combination of mental, physical and emotional fatigue could be the cause. Also his physiology may be so alien to us that it is somehow reacting negatively to your presence.”

“Our presence?” Celestia asked.

“Seeing how his world lacks any magic, it is possible that the ambient magic that alicorns radiate subconsciously affects him in some way; or it could just be his nature, or his culture, or any number of things we don’t know or can’t understand.”

“So what are you suggesting?”

“Treat him fairly and with respect; it’s likely that he’ll be able to sense if you’re pandering or lying to him.”

“Treat him with respect? Is that all?”

“Yes, I believe so; after all, respect then can become trust and trust will grow into friendship.”

“That is indeed true, doctor.” Celestia said then thought to herself; But that is only if he proves to be trust worthy.

Chapter 7

Making his way across the university’s grounds, Hunter felt surprisingly at ease in his surroundings; Canterlot University was remarkably similar to the one he had attended back on Earth. He found himself maneuvering through dozens of ponies moved in every direction as they went about their way, most so focused on what they were doing they didn’t give Hunter a second look. Eventually, he arrived at one of the newer looking buildings; he glanced at the note that Stargazer had given him then up at the building’s name. Seeing that they matched he pulled the door open and entered.

Navigating his way through the halls, it took Hunter a few minutes to find the office he was looking for. He paused for a moment, readying himself for whatever was on the other side; Hunter reached out and knocked on the door. A female voice called out from the other side of the door, “Oh, by Celestia’s mane; if one of you set something on fire again…” the mare trailed off as she opened the door and saw Hunter standing there. “Oh, umm… sorry, I thought that you were somepony else.”

“It’s alright.” Hunter said as he looked down at the mare in front of him; she was a gray earth pony with a light blue mane and a bronze gear for a cutie mark.

Recovering from her shock, the mare gave the human a warm smile. “Yes, umm, I’m Professor Widget, but I’m guessing you already knew that; and you must be Hunter, the human who’s visiting our fair country, something you also probably already knew… right, so if you’ll come with me, we’ll get started.”

Widget led Hunter down several more halls until they reached a door with several warning signs on it. “Watch your step, try not to touch anything; things past this door can be dangerous, but you saw the signs and probably knew that already…” Widget said as she pushed the door open. Inside was a vast array of monitoring equipment, half build machines and piles of parts scattered around the room. “We use this room for testing any kind of machine one of our students invents. Most are based on magic, but some are powered by lightning, so please be careful.”

As Hunter followed the mare into the room, another pony emerged from behind one of the stacks of parts. “Widget, is that you?” The tan stallion asked, before he spotted Hunter standing there. “Ah, you must be Hunter, I’m Professor Gearbox; glad you could make it. Is it safe to assume to think you have an idea why we wanted to you?”

“Probably;” Hunter said with a small shrug as he glanced around the room. “Judging by everything around us, that were at the university, both yours and Professor Widget’s marks, and that have made mention of some of the technology humans have; you wish to ask me about it.”

“We do indeed.” Gearbox answered. “Now, this shouldn’t take too long.”

Hunter lost track of time as the conversation rolled on; the two ponies questioned the human about everything they could think of. They found that the answers that Hunter gave went against what they were expecting. Sometimes, the technology seemed remarkably similar to what ponies had, and other time it widely differed, and still other times he spoke about concepts that had never occurred to ponies. “The moon?” Widget said in surprise. “Humans actually managed to get to their moon?”

“Yeah, I mean it took a lot of work, and only about a dozen people have been up there, but they did it.” Hunter answered.
“That seems almost impossible to believe.” Gearbox added. “Ponies have nothing close to these ‘rockets’. It’s like something out of fiction.”

“Now that’s strange; magical ponies find human technological achievements similar to a story, while the technological human finds the land of pony magic similar. However, truthfully; I find your technology surprisingly…” Hunter trailed off as he tried to find the right word. “Anachronistic; you have complex digital technology for you sound and music production; your medical technology seems almost on par with what we have back on Earth; you have electrical lighting; yet your main form of long distance transportation is a steam powered train. Not to mention that you have a city in the sky, yet no mechanized flight.”

“Well, we do have balloons for non-pagasi flight, as well as carriages that are pulled by pegasi, and we have hang gliders.” Widget explained. “So it’s not like we don’t have any idea about flight for non-pegasi.”

Hunter closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I just don’t understand this world at all.” Hunter muttered. “As soon as I think I have a handle on this world someone goes and says something like that.”

“Did I say something wrong? I’m sorry if I made you upset.”

“No, it’s nothing you said; it’s just that sometimes I forget just how different Equestria is.”

“I guess that is true,” Gearbox commented, “from what you’ve said of human technology I suppose that a pony would have trouble adjusting to your world.”

“I think maybe we’ve taken enough of you time for today.” Widget added. “We’ve covered quite a bit, why don’t you head back to the palace, it will take some time for us to compile all of the notes we took.”

“Yes, that may be best for now;” Gearbox agreed. “And thank you for speaking with us for so long.”

“You're welcome, Professor.”

Having eaten a small dinner alone, and exhausted from the day’s events Hunter trudged his way up the castle stairway towards his room. I go from doing nothing, to completely exhausting myself in just two days. He thought to himself as he pushed the door open. Maybe tomorrow I’ll have less to do. Allowing the door to swing close behind him, Hunter managed to make it over to the bed before he collapsed on it.

Moments later Hunter found himself standing near a cliff edge, surrounded by cherry trees in full bloom. His had shot out and snatched a small group of pedals that were floating through the air. He rubbed the delicate pedals between his thumb and forefinger; This… how did I get here? Hunter asked himself; And just where is here? He lifted his head to look around. The first thing he noticed was the sun slowly disappearing over the western horizon. As the light slowly dimmed, he could make out a figure standing at the edge of the cliff, facing out over the water. As Hunter slowly approached, he was able to make out more details of the figure; she was a mare whose coat was pure black, had an ethereal mane that was reminiscent of the night sky, her wings and horn made her an alicorn. Her voice was melancholy, but held an unearthly beauty.

Ask not the sun why she sets

Why she shrouds her light away

Or why she hides her glowing gaze

When night turns to crimson gold to grey

For silent falls the guilty sun

As day to dark does turn

One simple truth she dare not speak

Her light can only blind and burn

No mercy for the guilty

Bring down their lying sun

Blood so silver black by night

Upon their faces pale white

Cruel moon, bring the end

The dawn will never rise again

As her song ended, the mare turned around, her glowing eyes studding Hunter. “Who… what are you, and how did you get here?” She demanded.

“I’m Hunter, a human.” He answered, eyes narrowing as he studded the alicorn in front of him. “All I know is that I was in my room, and now I’m here.”

The alicorn slowly circled the human. “Your body is still in your room;” she explained, “this is the realm of dreams.”

“This is a dream? It seems remarkably realistic.”

“It is indeed. Surely you have noticed something here that is different than in the waking world.”

Hunter studded the situation for a moment, looking for something that would back the alicorn’s statement. He looked at the trees, the sun, then finally, to the alicorn herself; which is when he realized how close she was standing to him. She was barely an arm’s distance away from Hunter, yet the human felt no pain like he did with Celestia and Luna. “Alright, say this is a dream; whose dream is it?”

“Yours.” The alicorn said, pointing her hoof at Hunter. “But it is strange that you would dream of me and it not be a frightening experience for you.”

“Why would it be frightening?”

“Because of whom we are; Nightmare Moon. We threatened to cover all of Equestria in our night, never to let the sun rise. We are the evil that all the ponies in the land fears; bent on consuming you flesh and your soul; the thing that will come for you in the dead of night, we are a thing spawned from nightmares.”

“Not from any of mine.” Hunter said, moving past Nightmare Moon to the edge of the cliff. He looked up at the stars that were beginning to fill the sky; he closed his eyes in concentration and the stars began to move and change position, rearranging themselves into different patterns.

“What have you done to my sky?” Nightmare Moon demanded.

“What? You’re the one that said this was my dream.” Hunter said with a small shrug. “I just changed it to one that I was more familiar with.” Hunter laid down on the grass looking up at the newly rearranged night sky. “When I was a kid, I would try to stay up as late as my parents would let me; I would lay out in our back yard and stare up at the night sky; that sky.”

“Are you saying that this is the night sky from your world?”

“I am; it might not be completely accurate, but if you want I can point out the constellations that I can remember.”
Nightmare Moon studded the human for several moments, but found no maliciousness in his words or actions. He had not reacted in fear, or anger, or even like royalty; he spoke to her like she was any average pony. “Why are you doing this?” She asked quietly, almost afraid of the answer he would give.

“I don’t know; maybe because this is a dream and I’m not sure if you’re actually the real Nightmare Moon.” Hunter answered. “Maybe it’s because I treat every pony the same, regardless of who they are. Or maybe it’s because I understand what it’s like to be alone, and I want to reach out to someone who understands.”

“But I don’t understand.” Nightmare Moon said as she sat down next to the prone human. “How are we the same? I was imprisoned here in the land of dreams, to live out eternity in solitude; where as you are surrounded by ponies, and although you can be separate, you are never truly alone.”

“That’s the problem; I’m surrounded by ponies, and an old griffon, but no humans. I am the only one of my kind here.” Hunter explained. “They try to make me feel welcome; like I belong amongst them, but it doesn’t always work. Eventually something reminds me that they are ponies and are different than humans. I’m surrounded by a sea of faces and they are all strangers. So, yes, I do know how it feels to be trapped in solitude.”

“Well, then it does appear that we might have one thing in common.” Nightmare Moon said as she lay down to get a better view of the stars above them. “Now, point out the constellations you were talking about.”

“Alright; that one over there, that Orion the Hunter…”

Hunter woke as the sun crept over the horizon; rolling out of the bed he flinched when his feet touched the cold floor. “Someday I’ll learn.” He sighed. As he slowly got ready for the day, his thoughts were more on the dream he had then of the day ahead of him. After taking twice as long as he normally did, Hunter eventually left his room. Making his way towards the kitchens, Hunter heard someone call out to him.

“Ah, there you are.” Shrouded Armour called out to him. “I’ve been looking for you; wait, are you just getting up now?”

“I’m not that late.” Hunter protested. “What would I even be late for anyways?”

“Nothing today.” Shrouded smirked. “However maybe you’d like to come down to the barracks, maybe we can show you a thing or two.”

“Thing or two about what?”

“I got to thinking; maybe politics isn’t for you, maybe we should find you a place not with them, but mostly it’s because I want to see what happens if I put a human into pony drills.”

“And if I think that sound like a bad idea?”

“Too bad, we’re not giving you a choice.”

“We? Who in this-” Hunter was interrupted when several ponies appeared, grabbed him and carried him off. “What the-? Hey let me go! Shrouded do something!”

A few moment later the group of ponies dropped Hunter onto the floor of the training hall. “Alright Shrouded, you had your fun; now call off your boys and let me go.”

Shrouded shook his head. “Not yet you can’t. Like I said, I want to run you through some drills to see what you can do.”
“Fine let’s get this over with.”

The drills and exercises that Shrouded tried to run Hunter through didn’t go well for the human. At first Hunter seemed incapable of finishing any of the drills; with each one that he attempted only ended in failure, the differences between human and pony bodies made them nearly impossible for him. It didn’t take long until other ponies took notice and watched the spectacle the human was making of himself. For a time, Hunter tried to ignore the other ponies; then he felt driven by their presence, thing to prove he could live up to their standards; finally he felt embarrassed as he failed time after time.

“Alright, since it seems that you can’t do anything else, let’s try kicking.” Shrouded said.

“Kicking?” Hunter asked, confused at what Shrouded wanted him to do. The unicorn led him over to the side of the room; here there were two large sacks in front of an area that had been marked out with measurement lines.

“Private Swiftstrike will demonstrate.” Shrouded explained, and a white pegasus stallion stepped up to one of the sacks. “All you have to do is kick the sack as far as you can.” Shrouded continued as Swiftstrike carried out the action. The pegasus turned and bucked the sack as hard as he could, sending it up into the air, landing several feet away. “Now you try.” Shrouded instructed, then quietly added; “don’t worry, Swiftstrike has never been that good of a bucker.”

Hunter walked over to the sack, and looked it over. After a moment, he sighed then kicked it as hard as he could. The sack merely rose a few inches off the ground before dropping back into the position it had started in. Shrouded Armour placed a hoof on his head in disbelief, while the others began to chuckle at Hunter’s expense. The human said nothing, staring at the sack for several moments in silence.

“Tell me, how much do these sacks weight in comparison to a pony?” He asked Swiftstrike.

“A quarter of their weight.” The pegasus answered.

“That much? You must be a mighty pony to kick something like that as far as you did.” Hunter said as he walked over to the pony, and held his hand out. “If you’d let me shake the hoof of the winner?”

Swiftstrike smiled and accepted Hunter offer and placed his hoof in the human's hand. A sly smile came across the human’s face a he gripped the pony’s hoof. Hunter’s footing suddenly changed as he twisted, bringing the pegasus over his shoulder, throwing the stallion down the range. Swiftstike let out a yelp of surprise as he found himself involuntarily flying through the air, only to come crashing down upon the sack he had kicked into the range only moments ago. The entire room was silent as every pony was trying to process what they had just witnessed. Hunter simply turned as walked passed Shrouded back to the center of the room. “We done?” Hunter asked, “’Cause I kinda want to go get something to eat.”
Shrouded Armour, and the other ponies in the room, stared at Hunter as he silently exited the room.

A flying chariot touched down in the center of the palace grounds. Exiting the palace, Princess Celestia walked over to the chariot to greet its occupant. A lone unicorn with purple fur and a purple mane hopped out of the chariot and raced over to the princess. “Princess Celestia!” the unicorn said joyfully as she nuzzled the alicorn. “It’s so good to see you; I came just like you asked.”

“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student, it’s wonderful to see you.” Celestia said. “I’m glad you could make it make it on such short notice.”

“Your letter said something about a pony having a strange reaction to magic, but didn’t mention anything specific.” Twilight said at the two ponies entered the palace. As Celestia passed through the door she waved a pony over. A moment later, Valiant Heart approached the two mares carrying a stack of notes. “There was a specific reason that I left out the details; some of them cannot be explained in a letter.” Celestia explained. “These are the notes that we’ve managed to gather, please take a moment to look them over.”

Valiant Heart passed the notes over to Twilight, who gave Celestia a confused look before taking them. Twilight read over the notes, her eyes growing wider as she went. “Princess, these notes...”

“They are accurate. Would you like to meet him?” Celestia asked with a smile.

“Yes! Yes yes yes yes!” Twilight gleefully shouted as she hopped around.

“Very well, let's go find him.” Celestia smiled as she led Twilight through the palace.

Twilight recognized the hallway that she and Celestia had entered as leading to the guest wing; after traveling down it a short way, Celestia finally stopped at one of the doors. The alicorn raised a hoof and knocked twice on the door, there was a moment of silence before a voice behind the door answered. “You can come in, Princess.” A male voice called out.

Celestia opened the door, and stepped in with Twilight quickly following. Once through the door, Twilight got her first look at the human; he was standing in the center of the room, arms hanging loosely at his sides. “Hello, Hunter.” Celestia greeted the human warmly, then pushed Twilight forwards. “I would like to introduce you to my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Hello Princess.” Hunter replied with a small bow to Celestia. “It’s nice to meet you Twilight Sparkle; wait, the Twilight Sparkle, as in Shining Armour’s little sister?”

“The very same.” Twilight said confidently as she moved closer to Hunter. The human didn’t seem to react to Twilight, instead he focus was on Celestia and the distance between them. “You know my brother?”

“I do; he’s told me about you. Don’t worry, it was mostly good.” Hunter answered, still focused on Celestia.

“I’m sorry, did I miss something?”

“Did you tell her?” Hunter asked, then turned to face Twilight. “It’s nothing bad; but for whatever reason whenever I stand near an alicorn I start getting headaches, and the longer I’m near one the worse it gets.”

“That would explain how you knew it was the Princess as the door.” Twilight deduced.

“It’s how I knew it was a princess, not which one.” Hunter explained. “I take the reason that you’re here is that you’re the magic expert that is supposed to help figure out what’s going on?”

“She is;” Celestia informed him. “And seeing how I’ll probably just be in the way here I’ll leave the two of you to it.” Both Hunter and Twilight gave Celestia a respectful bow as the alicorn turned and exited the room.

“Right, let’s get to it then.” Twilight said with a gleam in her eye; which, for some reason Hunter couldn’t place, caused a shiver to go down his spine.

“This is impossible!” Twilight shouted in frustration. “Why doesn’t anything work?!”

“Relax, Twilight. We’ve only been at this for a few hours.” Hunter tried to calm the unicorn. “Remember, we are dealing with something that no one has ever dealt with before.”

“But it doesn’t make any sense! Everything suggests that either all magic should be harmful to you, or none of it should. So why is it just the passive magic from alicorns affect you negatively?”

“I don’t know,” Hunter shrugged, “and I don’t think we’re going to find the answer today. We should take a break; nothing will be served by getting frustrated or upset.”

“You don’t understand; the princess asked me to find the answer. Me; not you, not any ponyelse, me; if I can’t come up with an answer what kind of student will I be? A failure that’s what I’ll be!”

“Twilight, calm down; the Princess doesn’t expect you to figure this out right away. She’s not expecting you to rub your hooves together and miraculously have the answer.”

“Are you saying that Princess Celestia expects me to fail?” Twilight asked, worried creeping into her eyes.

“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all.” Hunter said quickly, desperately trying to keep the unicorn from completely breaking down. “She expects you to be the intelligent, and rational mare that you are.”

“You really think that?”

“I know it; and I also know that sometimes you have to walk away from a puzzle before you can solve it. So how about we take a break; go raid the kitchen or something.”

“Yeah, alright; that does sound pretty good.” Twilight agreed as she calmed herself down.

Twilight led Hunter through a hall filled with stained glass windows. “Why haven’t I seen this room before?” Hunter asked. “I’ve spent almost every day for the last week here in the palace, and I’ve never been in here; is that odd?”

“Not as odd as you think;” Twilight answered; “This part of the palace isn’t used that often, so it’s understandable that you haven’t seen it.”

Hunter walked from one window to the next. “I get it; it’s a pictorial history of Equestria. Wait, is that you?” He asked pointing at one on the windows.

“Yeah, that me and my friends when we defeated Nightmare Moon; And that one;” The unicorn pointed at the next window. “Is us defeating Discord.”

“So that’s what they meant.” Hunter said moving further towards the back of the hall.

“That what who meant?” Twilight asked, confused.

“Oh, your brother and the princesses; they said something about you being an Element of Harmony, and are a hero, but they didn’t really go into details. For that matter, even everything I read was a little vague on what happened.”

“Vague? How so?”

“Well, this Discord guy, the chimera looking thing, both times the Elements were used on him he was turned to stone. Yet when Celestia used them on Nightmare Moon, she banished her sister to the moon; then when Nightmare managed to return and you used the Elements on her, Luna was somehow... ‘cleansed’, of Nightmare’s influence.”

“Well, the theory is that the Elements respond to the desire of the users. When they were used on Discord, both times we wanted to stop him from spreading chaos. However, when Celestia used them on Nightmare Moon, she didn’t want to risk hurting her sister, so she imprisoned her. Later, when my friends and I used them on her, we didn’t know about Luna, so our only goal was to stop Nightmare Moon. The Elements read this desire and saved Luna from Nightmare Moon’s influence.”

“So, just who or what was...” Hunter trailed off as he reached the end of the hall.

“Who was what?” Twilight asked as she moved closer to the human. Hunter gave no reply, instead he stared at the large ornate door that occupied the back wall.

“Twilight, what’s behind the door?” Hunter finally asked after several moment of silence.

“The vault containing the Elements of Harmony, why do you ask?”

“Because my head hurts...”

Author's Note

So, when I saw this I thought it was a good introduction on Luna becoming Nightmare Moon, and the song kinda stuck, so I figured why not have Nightmare Moon sing it as she looked over her past and her defeat.

I'm also thinking about trying to get some cover art for this story, but I'm not that great of an artist; so if anyone out there knows someone who is, or you are one and are willing help a fellow brony, send me a PM.

Chapter 25 (Unedited)

“What do you mean ‘he’s not here’?” Discord asked. “I was so looking forward to meeting him.”

“I’m beginning to have doubts that you actually want to meet him.” Luna said. “You’ve had several opportunities to and have let them all pass.”

“I’m sure I have no idea what you are talking about.” Discord countered. “Surely if I wanted to meet him before now, I simply would have.”

“Do you not recall the enthusiasm you showed just the other day?” Luna asked. “If I recall correctly, I had to stop you from bursting in on him while he slept.”

“Well, I didn’t want to wake him…”

“You would have met him at the ball, or at the meeting the following morning, had you bothered to show up for either of those.”

“Fancy gatherings aren’t really my style.”

“You could have come with me when you sent me to retrieve him from the cavern he was trapped in.”

“And get all of that dirt into my lovely scales, I think not.”

“Now you are just making excuses.”

“Excuses? Moi? I think not!”

“Good, because this is your chance, here he comes now.” Luna pointed at something behind Discord.

The draconequus let out a startled gasp as he broke into several pieces that quickly swarmed around Luna. Reassembling, Discord grabbed the alicorn, and held her up as a shield only to see that the hallway was empty.

“Discord, if you put me down right now, I will not tell anypony about your fear of humans.” Luna promised.

“Oh, yes, of course.” Discord sheepily set the alicorn down. “Remember, not a word, you promised.”

“Very well, not a word.” Luna confirmed. “I do have to ask why you are so afraid of him.”

“I’m not afraid of him,” Discord countered, earning an eye roll from Luna, “well, per say. I.. peeked.”

“You peeked?”

“Yes, peeked. I found a nice little window, and looked sideways through the edge and peeked through the veil; and what I saw actually frightened me.”

“Frighten you? The Lord of Chaos? I doubt that.”

“It's true; when I detected chaos in the human I thought I found a kindred spirit. A fellow who could understand and relate to this lonely draconequus. I sent you to him then peeked into his world and what scared me was not the level of chaos and arbitrary violence they inflicted on each other, it was the near universal ability to justify it.”

“Something is wrong.” Chrysalis announced as she led Hunter around the fifth corner.

“I’m not sure I follow.” Hunter responded. “Seems like a normal set of caves to me.”

“That’s the problem.”

“Then I definitely don’t follow.”

“A changeling hive is a living structure.” Chrysalis explained. “Very much like a changeling, it is constantly changing. Tunnels close and others open. It’s a natural defense system, a changeling with their natural empathic connection can navigate the hive but all other creatures get hopelessly lost.”

“But the tunnels here are all static, not one of them has changed.”

“I know, something must have happened.”

As the pair rounded the last corner, they entered a open chamber with a large dais in the center.

“My throne...where is my throne?” Chrysalis questioned as she circled the dais.

“Why would they take a throne?” Hunter asked as he stepped up onto the dais.

“It’s not the throne itself, but what it was made of.”

“And that would be?”
“It a mineral that negates all non-changeling magic around it. It’s meant to keep the hive safe from attack.”

“So… they took it with them?” Hunter asked as he picked up a loose stone.

“If they did, they didn’t do it in one piece.” Chrysalis answered. “Maybe they broke it into piece, but why? Why take it at all?”

“Well...if they are planning on attack a city full of ponies that can use magic, why not take the anti-magic rock with them?” Hunter asked, sliding the small stone into one of his pockets. “Why didn’t you do that?”

“Because it was my throne.” Chrysalis sighed. “It was meant to protect the hive, not be dragged off as some weapon. My children, you really have abandoned your ways…”

“We should get back to Canterlot.”

“Everything has gone so wrong… why… why, how did it end up like this?”

“It’s not over we can still stop this.”

“No, we can’t. They will attack Canterlot, using my old throne to negate the princess’s magic and overrun the city in minutes.”

“Not if we warn them first.”

“And how will that help?” Chrysalis demanded. “Only one of two outcome are possible now; either the ponies will kill all of my children, or my children will kill all of the ponies. Either way I will have lost them forever.”

“Chrysalis, I know it looks bleak, but there must be something we can do.”

The changeling thought about it for a moment before speaking. “There is.” she said, changing into her human form. “Let’s run away. Just you and me.”

“W-what?”

Chrysalis grabbed Hunter’s hand with both of hers. “Don’t you see? Let them destroy each other. We’re just outsiders to them anyways. You’ve seen the way they treat non-ponies, as freaks and monsters. We don’t need them. We can just… we can just leave.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Yes you can!”

“I thought you wanted to save your changelings.”

“I… can’t…”

“You can’t?”

“I know what you are thinking. You’re thinking that if you get back to Canterlot, you can sound the alarm, raise an army, save the day. I can’t… I won’t be a part of that.”

“What do you mean?”

“If I help you, I will be helping you kill my own offspring and I can’t be a part of that.”

“I understand.” Hunter said, lowering his gaze. “But I still have to try. I have to do something.”

“No, you don’t.” Chrysalis said, as her eyes flashed green and she drew Hunter into a powerful kiss.

“I know what he wanted me to do,” Blueblood sighed, “but I just don’t see how. The other’s don’t care or are overconfident.”

“I know,” Rarity said, “since we were lucky with Sombra and Chrysalis everypony has the same thought; we don’t have to worry, just wait for somepony to magic the villain away.”

“But from what Hunter told us, it took an entire army to even slow Chernabog down. How are we supposed do that?”

“I don’t know if having an army would even help.” Twilight sighed.

“Why not?” Rarity asked.

“Think about it; the tale we were told involved a well trained, well disciplined army that was willing to fight and die to protect their home. Where are we going to get troops like that? I don’t mean to disparage my brother, but the guard were defeated in minutes by the changelings.”

“I do hope that you are not suggesting that we simply sit back and wait for the inevitable.” Rarity commented.

“Yeah! If I’m going down, I’m going down swinging!” Rainbow chimed in.
“Ah, shucks, I ain’t one to back down from a fight.” Applejack added.

“Me too! Me too!” Pinkie Pie gleefully cheered.

“I’ll help, even though I probably won’t be much help.” Fluttershy softly added.

“That it!” Blueblood exclaimed.

“Umm what is?”

“You, us, this!”

“You feeling alright there, Blue?” Applejack queried.

“Yes, I’m fine.” Blueblood answered. “But don’t you see, we don’t need the nobles or the ambassadors! We just ask for ponies to help. We round them all up and go out there and fight. It won’t be much of an army, but it has to be better than nothing, right?”

“Why stop at just ponies?” Twilight added. “We can go to all of the different nations and appeal to their citizens as well. There must be some of them that would be willing to help.”

“Ok, so we split up and each one of us goes to a different nation for help. Then, with whatever support we can gather we meet back here in Canterlot.”

“No, not here. We’ll meet in Ponyville, then head into the Everfree Forest to rebuild and reoccupy the old castle.”

“This will work.” Blueblood smiled. “This is definitely going to work.”

Author's Note

This one might have been short and rough, but I'm trying to get some work done on it. Hopefully it won't be forever before I get the next chapter written, but given the pace I seem to be going at, it might be a while.