//-------------------------------------------------------// Love and Tolerance -by Arjen- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 1: Dare to be a Brony //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 1: Dare to be a Brony The winter’s reprieve was dispelled momentarily as the suns fixated glance melted away the cold and damp on that January afternoon. Thomas was sitting in the living room watching sports highlights as he kicked up his feet on the ottoman, taking off his shoes by rubbing the heel of his other foot against the heel of the leather foot. He sighed contently as he watched the games highlights, while he slowly ate leftover food from last night’s supper. His parents were out on a cruise so he had the house to himself. He glanced around the empty room, where eerie silence was almost calming to him as he glances at the food he was consuming. He was real fortunate that he had the weekend off, so was able to watch some movies he rented from the video store. He sighed to himself again and clicked off the television in boredom. He groaned silently as he went to his room and plopped on his large bed. Thomas stared at the ceiling for the longest time; the images that hung on the cream color ceiling seemed to entice his interest as he began to think about High School. It wasn't even five minutes when he heard the knock on the door. He groaned to himself as he sat up on the edge of his bed and made his way to the door. As he opened the door, he smiled a little to see his Aunt Flora and his Cousin Mike. "I am sorry to bother you," She began, "Would you mind watching over Michael for me, I need to run out of town on a important business call," Thomas couldn't help but smile as he looked at Michael and his disheveled hair. Although Thomas was younger than Mike was, none of that mattered since they practically got along like brothers. Thomas nodded as he opened the door for Mike to come in. Aunt Flora smiled gratefully and left the house, leaving only foot prints in the snow... once Thomas closed the door he was surprised by a tackle-hug. "OH TOMMY! IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" he yelled laughing. He smiled and hugged him more. He missed his little cousin like heck. Even though they were cousins it didn't stop him from calling him his little brother sometimes. he chuckled one more time then let go, ruffling Tom's hair and sat down. "How you doing little buddy?" he asked. Thomas chuckled to himself as he sat up on the floor, leaning into the hug as he gently rubbed Mikes back. "I am very good. How has Mike been doing? Have you been staying out of trouble I presume?" He gently got up from the floor and walked to the kitchen, his bare feet hitting the lament flooring came to a silent shock as he slowly opened the fridge and pulled out two sodas to drink. He grinned from ear to ear as he sat down on the chair and flipped on the television, but turned down the volume. Mike smiled and sat down on the couch. "oh I'm doing just fine" he answered, smiling softly "and yes of course I have so you presume correct." he chuckled as he grabbed one of the sodas and nodded. "Thank you" he said to him as he opened the cap slowly, carefully so the soda would fizz all over the place and sniffed the bottle cap then took a swig of the soda, he then looked up at his 'brother'. "Good year" he winked at Tom and chuckled softly. Thomas turned his head toward the television, as he flipped through the channels, the remote landed on the Hub channel. It was not until his batteries died. “Ugh! Great, now I have to look for new batteries,” He soon got up from his chair. As he entered the kitchen, he could hear the next television theme song playing. Mike smiled big as the show came on. He really liked the series, but he watched it secretly because he thought everyone thought it was a girl’s show and thought it was for girls only. he frowned in a fake way and groaned "ugh....My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.....the worse T.V. show ever...since I've never saw the series I guess I should watch it to see how girly it really is" he said to himself regretting every word he said but he only did it to sound manly then kicked back, watching a new episode of the series. Thomas sighed to himself. “None of these batteries work!” He continued to rummage through the drawers as the episode played. With every minute passing he was becoming more irritable. He groaned to himself as he tried to talk over the show in hopes of being louder than the show. "You know, I don't believe in the fandom, quite frankly I don't even believe in the ponies. I mean seriously how naive can you be to fall for this crap?" he said. "Ponies, Pah, what kind of shit is this?" he continued to rummage through the drawers but reluctantly came back and sat on the chair. Mike moved his eyes away from where Tom was and acted innocent for a moment then went back to watching the show, grinning. Thomas sighed to himself and sat through the show unamused. He groaned and clicked off the television when the show had ended. He scoffed and got up to stretch. That was the worst half hour I have EVER spent. How people can watch that show, I mean seriously! Mike turned the TV back on when he noticed the last part when the show ended. It was commercial for a bronies convention, and it was not too far away from where they lived! Mikes eyes widened "oh my freaking gosh....." he got up and danced a little with excitement and grabbed his brother "TOM! TOM! TOM! LOOK! LOOK! LOOK!" he pointed to the screen, acting like 4 year old. "THEIR HAVING AN MLP CONVE---!!" he stopped and his eyes widened....he let the cat out of the bag. Thomas He blinked for a few moments, then stared at Mike wide eyed. He could not believe what just happened as he smirked slightly with a playful glare. "What is this? Do I spot a pony lover amongst my midst?" he chuckled softly as he glanced at the commercial, then at Mike, "Seriously?" Thomas asked. Mike gulped and took a long step back, holding his ear out "Oh, would you look at that! Aunt Flora's calling! I'd better sally forth on my way" he said before making a run for it but tripped over his suitcase and it spilled out filled to the brim with My Little Pony toys he had been hoarding. he looked down and his eyes widened "oh, crap" he whispered as he grabbed the toys and tired to put them back into the bag "you saw nothing!" he yelled as he kept trying to cram them back into their spots without hurting the paint or the hair. Thomas stared wide eyed at the suitcase then at Mike...as he put a hand gently on his shoulder, trying to hold back a laughter. He got up and step around the suitcase as he went into his room. He rummaged through his desk drawers for something, as he sat down at his desk and looked in each compartment Mike blinked and watched Tom, wondering what he was up to. Thomas smiled as he appeared before Mike gently kneeling down to his cousin and handed him a small envelope. He grinned as he knew that his birthday was coming up, but wasn't sure how to even explain the present. Tom knew that deep down Mike was a Brony. I mean, who else names their cat Celestia? He knew for a while that this "Brony" convention was coming up and knew that'd he'd be the only one who would be willing to take him since his parents didn't believe in the Brony garbage. Mike looked down at the small envelope then up at Tom, he wondered what it was. Was it money? Nah, that wasn't like Tommy. A birthday card, perhaps; nope, it still didn't sound like Tom. in suspense and impatience he quickly opened the envelope and looked inside. Thomas sat down silently as he watched him open his birthday card. he grinned at the anticipation, but also felt unusually warm, as his face blustered into a deep red blush. Mikes eyes widened and he looked at the tickets to the Brony convention. He looked at Tom and blinked "But...how did you...?" he was truly shocked but was about to erupt with happiness. “Well, when I was looking up high lights of a game, I noticed the ad on television for Bronycon. I knew that'd be something you were interested in. I mean....who can explain your ringtone as the theme song? Mike chuckled softly and nodded "Guess, I can't argue with you there," he smiled big and hugged his little brother "This is like...the best birthday present I've ever had" he told him, smiling bigger. Thomas grinned and looked at his watch, eyes widen. “We better get ourselves cleaned up, we wouldn't want to be late for Bronycon. Mikes eyes widened as well "Oh my gosh your right, should you take the shower first or should I?" he asked. Thomas shook his head. “No, No you go ahead. I have to check the oil in the car,” Mike nodded and walked to the bathroom to get ready but before he did it he poked his head out "See you in a few minutes" he smiled then closed the door. Thomas Brae He grinned to himself, knowing he made the choice, but then groaned to himself as realized that he would be in a giant room full of male pony lovers talking about a show that was intended for little girls. He shuddered at the thought of a thirty-five year old man 'clopping' to one of them. Mike soon came out in his clothing he always wore. He wore his black shirt, blue coat, blue jeans, red on the top and white on the bottom tennis shoes and his red and white baseball cap. "Well, I'm here" he said to Tom with a small smile. "How’s the car doing?" he asked. Thomas glanced up as he smiled. “Car is running just fine; we should be there in no time. He glanced at the clock then at Mike. Let's get going, we don't wanna be late for the convention. I hear that Lauren Faust will be holding a contest for a new voice actor in the show,” Mike nodded and smiled softly, heading toward the door. //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 2: The Challenge //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 2: The Challenge Rainbow Dash groaned as she franticly tried to get the young filly’s under control. This was not her idea of fun. She zipped around the house, nearly knocking over a vase. ‎"Scoot, put that do-, Sweetie please put.... UGHH!" Rainbow Dash said in an infuriated tone. She was babysitting the Cutie Mark Crusaders for she thought it was an easy task, but she soon realized (like Flutter shy) that it was indeed an incredibly hard task. She looked at Flutter Shy and cleared her throat, indicating that she needed help. Scoots paid no mind to the Rainbow manned pony, she was too busy fooling around with the other crusaders. She was laughing, giggling, and having just a general good time. Flutter Shy cleared her throat easily and called out in her usual quiet and small voice, "girls?” The girls looked to each other, then dropped what they were doing to turn and face Flutter shy with the most angelic of grins. Scoots spoke up first from among them. "Yes, Flutter Shy?" Flutter Shy looked at Rainbow Dash's opened mouth and grinned. She liked to see Rainbow dash like this; It made her feel superior. It was even more fun to her when Rainbow asked. "How did you do that?" Flutter shy grinned even more broadly then ever and said simply "long story." Rainbow shrugged and sat on the couch upbeat. She had been chasing these three energy filled fillies all day only to find out that Flutter shy, the quietest and calm pony of all, could simply sit them all down calmly with one small word. "Now girls, I need you to listen to Rainbow Dash now, she is another pony right?" The three nodded their heads with Sweetie belle speaking up next. "Got it, we'll be good for her!" She grinned to the other two and then they both looked back to Dash and Shy. Flutter shy Grinned happily and said. "Now, it's time for you all to go to bed. The three bravest fillies I know need the most sleep after all." Rainbow Dash snorted and said quietly in a challenging tone. "Not as brave as me I bet." Scoots immediately spoke up in protest. "Nuh-uh! We crusaders could go in the Everfree for days and still be okay! Just watch!" The two others looked to Scoots as if she was crazy, but then, as the thought settled, the agreed. "Yeah!" Rainbow Dash Rainbow smiled, she liked a good challenge. "Very well!" she said "We will all go to the Everfree forest. Whoever can go in further is the bravest one." Flutter shy looked at them all as if they were crazy. "But Girls... you can't possibly want to go-" "Now, now Flutter Shy, they have to listen to me too right?" Rainbow interrupted. Rainbow Dash looked the Crusaders in the eyes grinning for she thought that this challenge was going to be easy as pie. ‎"She's only one pony, we're a team!" Sweetie put in. "We'll outlast 'er!" Applebloom added. "Challenge accepted!" Scootaloo finally said. The three took a step forward and kept their chests held high. "Alright," Rainbow Dash held out a hoof as Flutter Shy gave up. She knew that nopony in all of Equestria could convince Rainbow Dash to step out of a competition. The three Crusaders held out their hooves and all three shook at once with Dash. "You're on!" Scoots said, a large grin on her face. Then Scoots looked to the other two crusaders. "We might even get our cutie marks!" //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 3: Everfree Forest //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 3: Everfree Forest Rainbow Dash Fluttershy gulped loudly as she saw the entrance to the forest. She had bad experiences in this forest: Hydras, a petrifying beast, and many more freaky creatures, but Rainbow Dash had almost no fear as she trotted easily into the Dark Abyss that stood before them. "Come on Flutter Shy, what are you so scared of?" Rainbow asked as the small Pink manned pony replied, "Everything in there." Rainbow rolled her eyes for she grew tired of this kind of thing. She had absolutely no patients for Flutter Shy's fears. She simply grabbed her mane and pulled her into the forest. The three small fillies checked to make sure that they each had their cloaks on before speeding off into the dark shadows of the forest. They were eager to get as deep into it as possible and start building shelter to prove their bravery. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and Flutter Shy were halfway through the thick blanket of trees and shadows when all of a sudden, a familiar noise rang in the distance, as a familiar voice echoed through the forest: “Beware you filly three for you are now in the Everfree. Turn back while you still can, or your fate will soon be destined in another land!” There was a loud trio of screams heard coming from the direction of the sound. Then the screams were heard getting farther and farther off into the distance. The voices called out "FLUTTERSHY!" "RAINBOW DASH!" "ANYPONY!" Then, as they grew farther and farther off, they grew unintelligible due to the distance. Rainbow Dash seemed to spring into action immediately; she jumped into the air at a blinding speed and rocketed toward the scene. Flutter Shy, also acting upon instinct, ran through the thicket of trees and cobwebs knowing the trail (for it was her back yard) by heart. The ponies arrive to the scene and opened their mouths at what they saw. A giant Snake about eight meters long was chasing the three down the trail. Rainbow quickly looked to Flutter Shy wondering if her animal tricks would work. Flutter Shy, seemed to read Rainbow's mind. She simply sighed and shook her head. Rainbow Dash instantly flew to the scene kicking the snake in the nose. The snake grew furious and swung its tail. But Rainbow Dash was too quick, too agile to fall for suck a lazily thrown attack. She ducked, avoiding the tail by inches and sprang back up to kick the snake in the mid section. The snake instantly knew that it wouldn't win in this fight so it screeched into the misty night air and slithered into the cool Misty darkness. The three fillies made their way out of a hollowed out tree that they had found and looked up to Dash in awe. Immediately, Scootaloo yelled out, "That was so COOL! You're awesome Rainbow Dash!" Applebloom shook her head. "Yah could'a gotten us killed!" Sweetie, not paying attention to that, was looking up at the large stone gate standing before them all. "Uh... guys?" Sweetie called over her shoulder. "Do you see this?" Rainbow Dash, instantly stopped smiling and talking with the energetic Scootaloo and looked at Sweetie. She signaled for everyone to be quiet and looked up with a questioning look on her face. At this time, Flutter Shy came into the scene. "Oh thank Celestia you ponies are alright. I think we should go home, and have a nice warm b-" She instantly stopped her talking. The swarm of cheerful air that usually sprang from Flutter Shy's being suddenly vanished. Right there was a big stone "O" that stood in the middle of the clearing. "What do you think this is Flutter Shy?" Rainbow asked, Flutter Shy had a look of terror on her face. "I-... I heard about these things... But I thought they were just old pony tales..." "So you do know what this is?" Rainbow asked confused. Flutter Shy nodded nervously and looked at the three fillies. "It's a portal to a new universe,” Scoots eyes brightened with excitement. ‎"A new universe? like... in the Doctor Whooves series, right? Where he travels around in that TARDIS?" "Exactly!" Sweetie responded. "Cool! Let's see what's on the other side!" Scootaloo responded. The two other fillies nodded in agreement and followed the leader towards it. Rainbow was about to protest, but to her surprise, Flutter Shy put a hoof on her shoulder, "best not to interrupt their curiosity. Besides, in every pony tale, there always was another portal back to the universe you were in nearby." Rainbow Dash was stunned, she even wanted to see what was on the other side too, but she expected to have to stop everypony. "Well then." Rainbow added, "Might as well get this over with." She entered the portal and felt herself get pulled into space and twirled as if she were a strand of thread into the other dimension. //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 4: World Collison //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 4: World Collison Scoots was the first to find her way through the portal, coming through with a head over hooves tumble. When she finally regained her bearings, she saw that she was in a small clearing. "The others are more than likely right behind me." She thought. So she decided to head off in the direction of which she thought best to: North. After a few seconds of crawling through the brush, she found herself on a road. She thought it a strange looking road as it was patterned with lines. She placed a cautious hoof onto it, then, determining that it was safe enough to walk on, moved into the middle and looked around. Thomas drove defensibly, as he squealed his tires around the tight corners. He was never this reckless when he was driving, but as determined he was to get to Bronycon, he needed something to take his mind off the idea, that many male pedophiles would be there, talking about their favorite ponies. He groaned as he reached over to his glove compartment and pulled out antacid tablets. He quickly popped them in his mouth, and reach down to pick a song from his ipod, it wasn't until a few moments when he noticed an orange pony with a purple mane standing in the middle of the road. OH SWEET JESUS!!!! *he sharply turned his wheel to the right to avoid hitting the animal A loud squeal emitted from Scoots as she dropped down to her stomach and covered her head with her hooves, her body shaking from fear for her life. She had only seen such contraptions such as these a couple times, at that time the other crusaders made their way through the tree line to see what could possibly be the cause of such a commotion. Rainbow Dash Sprang from the tree line to see Scootaloo on the road huddled in a ball. She looked over and saw a large metal contraption to her right. She ran over to the Petrified pony and instantly asked: "Are you okay?" Mike sat back in his seat and chuckled "this is gonna be GREAT!" he smiled big and looked at Tom. "Do you think you'll have fun too?" he asked. He was pumped to get to the convention, he knew he was gonna have a lot of fun; he had only hoped his cousin would have fun as well and became a Brony too. Mikes eyes widened as he saw the orange pony with a brightly colored purple mane. "OH CRAPOLA!!!" he screamed as Tom did a sharp right that almost tipped the car over. Scoots fluttered her wings a bit, the shook her legs out. "Y-yea... I...I think so..." She opened her eyes slowly to look up the cyan pony standing before her, and then looked past her to the thing that had almost taken her life. "What... what is that?" Rainbow shrugged. "I don't know" She looked back at the contraption and walked towards it. She peered into the window very slightly so nothing could see her until her eyes widened and she ran back to Scootaloo. "The portal worked!" she panted, "We are in a different universe." Thomas skidded to a halt squealing the tires. He stepped on the breaks so hard that his skull hit the steering wheel and flung his head back onto the head rest. He groaned as he quickly sat in his seat a little dizzy from the accident as he tried to regain composure. He blinked a few times as he tried turning his neck, but winced in pain as a sharp stabbing motion fled throughout his body. “Oh, No! No, No, No! Not My Car!!!!! He groaned as he unbuckled his seat belt, but as he did so, the air bag popped out if its socket. "You have got to be kidding me!!!" The Rainbow manned pony looked back at the contraption with worried eyes. She saw two creatures in there, and she hoped they were okay. "I'm going to go help them. Rainbow slowly walked toward the vehicle. She was the most loyal pony after all. She walked right to the door, and opened it. She peered inside and saw the two figures. "Hello." She said quietly. "Uhh, Are you two okay?" Sweetie and Applebloom came over to help Scoots up off the road, checking her over to make sure that she wasn't hurt. After that was confirmed, they headed over to see what Dash was up to. Mike's head hit the window hard then he fell back onto the seat. The impact not only broke the window but it almost made Mike have a hairline fracture and it knocked him out. He was going to be fine, nothing damaged but his forehead was bleeding badly. Rainbow, noticing the two were unconscious, sighed and pulled one body out of the mangled vehicle. "Come on." she said through her teeth. "Grab him and pull him to the grass" Thomas he groaned as he turned his head toward Rainbow Dash, "Sorry Officer, we weren't speeding, we were just......driving really, really fast! He laid his head back on the seat Oh Man, my head! *he groaned, as he felt himself being dragged through the grass. "Oh Man, now we did it!" Rainbow dragged the two into the grass by Flutter Shy, as she immediately began to treat the two with pre-packed bandages she brought from her cottage. As soon as the two were cleaned up, they waited for them to awaken. “Oh my......” Flutter Shy sighed unhappily, “these two certainly got banged up......” ‎"I know." Rainbow said unhappily. Even though she didn't know the two, she felt bad and hoped they recovered soon. Thomas groaned, as he squint his eyes, the pain from the wreck was excruciating and he tried sitting up. The trio of crusaders whisper worriedly among themselves. They finally made their way over and Scoots asked "Are they going to be alright?" ‎"I think so-" Rainbow was about to say, but then she noticed the taller one moving Flutter Shy ‎put a hoof on the taller one “Lie still... you hit your head very hard......,” She said quietly. Thomas was about to get up, but gently laid back down as he groaned again, trying to blink away the terrible migraine “uh, Mike...?” ‎"Shh, you almost died there. Don’t talk, you need to rest." Rainbow said concerned for the taller man. She walked over to the shorter boy and touched his face gently. Mike was still knocked out from the crash. Scoots eyes widened and she cursed under her breath even though she was told not to by all the older ponies. "Died? I... I'd feel so bad... " Rainbow sighed as she realized that their condition was critical. She turned around to the other ponies. "Should we take them... to somewhere?" she asked Flutter Shy. "I guess so." she replied looking nervously at the two figures before her. Thomas groaned as he tried to sit up again, rubbing the back of his head as he slowly began to regain consciousness “Mike.... I think we hit our heads harder than we thought.” Flutter Shy Yelped and hid behind Rainbow as she saw this movement. Rainbow looked back and sighed. "Hey, my name is Rainbow Dash. I am here to help. Where do you guys live? We need to take you back there now." Rainbow said looking at the now upright figure. Thomas rubbed his head again, “hey Mike? I think we're dead...I see a blue figure with wings.....” Rainbow stood puzzled. "Dead?" she repeated. "She nudged the man's shoulder and made him look her directly to the eyes, "Hey listen buddy. We just saved your lives from that.... thing over there. You gonna thank us or what?" Rainbow was furious now and was talking from her heart. Scoots let out a long sigh of relief. "You're alive! I was so worried!" Tom slowly opened his eyes as the blurred reality became more visible, slowly his eyes widened. Mike groaned and held his head "ugggghhhh........what happened...?" Rainbow Dash ran to the shorter figure. "Ahh good, you both are awake now, excellent." She hoped for a better result this time for she didn't like the taller one's first impression. "My name is Rainbow Dash. Who are you guys?" Thomas blinked as he wiped his eyes free from blood and mucus, as he was instantly hit with the sense of a severe pain. Mike blinked a few times, looking up at a rainbow manned pony, his eyes widened when he noticed who it was. he gulped silently and his eyes widened even bigger "R...Rainbow....d...Dash...?" Rainbow Dash rushed back to the taller man's side, but Flutter Shy beat her to it. "Now, now." she said in a soothing and relaxing tone, "you need to get back to your home." Rainbow Dash Rainbow heard her name said and ran hurriedly to the smaller man. "Yep, that's me. Why, you heard of me from a different universe?" Thomas groaned again as he blinked and looked at the three young filly's. he blinked numerous times wetting his eyes, then shifted shifted his eyes to his car that seemed to be perfectly fine OH NO MY CAR!!!!!!!!!!!! Dad is going to have a fit!!! Mike slowly tried to sit up but winced in pain "am....am I dreaming?" Rainbow sighed as she wanted the two to realize this was real. She instantly picked up the shorter figure and started to trot away from the vehicle. Flutter Shy also picked up the taller man and followed. Rainbow Dash followed the skid marks to a small house and guessed this was it. Thomas blinked as he felt himself being carried. He gently touched the yellow pony's coat. Flutter Shy smiled and looked back at the curious man. "I am glad to see you like my coat. See, most other ponies don't like it because it smells like other animals, but I seem to think its fine.. She said quietly. She trotted into a house and plopped the immobile figure onto the table and ran around the house looking for medical supplies. Mike blinked a few times then looked up at Flutter Shy. He gulped slightly....if they were real he was going to make a fan boy scream. "You....you wouldn't happen to b...Be Flutter Shy....would you....?" he asked slightly weak from the wreck. Flutter Shy turned and grinned happily. "Oh, yes… I am. How have you two heard of us?" She said now realizing that they could Identify Rainbow Dash and Her too. The fillies followed behind them inspecting the two with great curiosity. Never before had they seen a figure like this! They just whispered among themselves, giggling sometimes as well. Thomas groaned as he plopped on the table “you're lucky that this house is abandoned,” He mumbled. Mike was about to make a fanboy scream but it came out as squeak when he tried to sit up again a good dose of pain shot though his body. Flutter Shy hurriedly ran to the smaller man's figure, "Oh you poor, poor baby. I will fix you, just keep still." she said in a surprisingly soothing and relaxing tone as she pulled out some painkillers and bandages from her bag. Rainbow Dash came in and went to the taller figure. She noticed he was less hurt and began asking questions like: "who are you," and "what are you," and more interesting things like that. Mike nodded softly and lay back down, trying his best to ignore the pain and just relax. Thomas squinted an eye as he re-positioned himself, another burst of pain in his skull shot through his body as he squeaked, “I am....um.......he gulped I....uh.....he glanced at Mike. “Pssst! Mike, what do I do? I am being interrogated by a flying dog!” Dashie looked insulted at his sentence. "Hey!" she yelled, "I already told you my name is Rainbow Dash and I am a PONY!" At the last word she slammed a hoof on the table. Mike laid there with his eyes closed, relaxing while Flutter Shy's soft and soothing voice talked to him. She almost sounded like his mother when he was injured and had to get patched up when he was younger. He jumped a little and looked at Dash, eyes widened. Rainbow looked at Michael cautiously. "Sorry, did I startle you?" “Okay! okay! Don't kill me!!! he stuttered and groaned as he looked at the cyan Pegasus. “My name is Tom, and that over at that table yonder, is my brother Mike. We are human, and we were on our way to bronycon....an um..... He gulped a fetish festival for......males to talk about a little girls television show... called: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic...” Rainbow Dash looked interested at the mention of ponies. "So, that's where you heard of us?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. “Am I as awesome and cool on the show as I am now?" she gloated striking a pose. Thomas he chuckled a bit, the feeling of laughter alleviated the symptoms of his migraine actually I never seen the show....” Rainbow smiled as she knew he was lying. "Oh?" she said smiling. "Then how do you know our names? Thomas shifted his eyes “because Mike just told you a few minutes ago.” Rainbow looked at Michael and trotted over. "So you are the mighty one who knows us." Rainbow said happily. She bent down and hugged him gently so no pain occurred. "This is so awesome!!! We’re famous!!!" she said with a smile of glee on her face. Her eyes seemed to twinkle like Rarity’s diamonds she held her hooves to her face and made puckered her lips, making her "fishy" face. Mike smiled a bit and nodded and giggled "I don't know why but I had the feeling you were real..." he told them, smiling bigger. Rainbow looked stunned. She didn’t know what to say. She wanted to pick Michael up and swing him around and hug him dead, but she knew that was going to break him... she simply leaned down and gave a quick kiss and blushed. She trotted away happily humming a tune. Thomas ooked at her awkwardly as he blinked a few times ............Um.........he groaned as he tried to stand up, but he quickly fell back on to the table feeling dizzy. Mike's face blushed instantly and he smiled a little, slightly love struck.....did Rainbow Dash just kiss him?! "Oh my god Rainbow Dash just kissed me...AND HUGGED ME!" he thought to himself....he had a crush on Dash ever since the show first started, and NOW in the living flesh she kissed him! Thomas sat back on the table still dizzy, and lay back down while Flutter Shy carefully bandage him up "There you go, sweetie all better..." she said shyly as she looked down at her hooves and hid her face behind her pink mane. Rainbow Dash seemed to fly above Thomas as she carefully gave him the stare down. Her brightly colored mane forelock, inches away from his face, as she gently pressed her snout against his, peering to the depths of his soul with a purple iris. Thomas couldn't help but stare back; his eyes widened as he held in his breath…Don't blink he thought. They can smell fear Mike was still love struck, he couldn’t help but stare at Rainbow, admiring her colorful mane. Thomas Brae ‎*Rainbow continued to stare him down as she dug deeper into his soul, her forehead pressed firmly against Toms. She squinted her eyes as she gritted her teeth. Tom could smell her breath which was nothing like he had smelled before; it was... was neither sweet, nor sour....it was in fact bland. she stared at him and pushed him on to the table gently. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?! YOU ALMOST RAN OVER Scoot Aloo with your....you....your......metal thingy!!!!" Suddenly Pinkie Pie trots in admiring all the beautiful things She giggles then sees Flutter Shy, Rainbow and the Cutie Mark Crusaders "Hey Guys!" She giggled out in a hyper tone. I was bored and followed you into the Forest! So watcha doin?" Thomas immediately shot up from the bench and clonked heads with Rainbow Dash “OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!” they said in unison ... “Oh-Oh my...I hope you two are o...okay..." Fluttershy said sheepishly. Tom rubbed his forehead and glanced at the pink pony, not another one! Mike snapped out of his fixated stare then looked at Pinkie Pie and gasped "PINKIE PIE TOO!?" ‎Pinkie Pie quickly glanced “Who said my name?!" Who are these things!?" trots over to both of them "Hey they look kind of funny!" runs around them giggling and humming to a tone of music. Thomas groaned as Rainbow Dash glides over to her “Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow questioned How did you...where did you....Ugh, never mind!” Flutter Shy looked at Pinkie Pie and smiled “...Hello, Pinkie Pie....” "Helloooooooooo!" screamed Pinkie Pie, running and making silly noises, "So! Watch'a up to fellas?" Thomas winced as he face palmed, only to get another painful shot throughout his body Rainbow settled to the ground and folded in her wings Well you see, Pinkie, we were just questioning this....thing and finding out where we are and why he almost ran over Scoots. Pinkie takes a long gasp, "What!? Is she ok!? She glared, “were you trying to HURT Scootaloo!?" She bounces over to Scootaloo asking her questions "Skeewtahlew!" Her voice trailed off. Thomas rubbed his head and sighed, “I must have hit my head harder than I thought,” Mike blinked for a few seconds “sometimes I swear that pony is on drugs...either that or a sugar high,” he thought to himself. //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 5: The Lost Crusaders //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 5: The Lost Crusaders Thomas grumbled to himself and rolled off the table trying not to be noticed as he tries to sneak out of the house “....Um....I....I am sorry to bother you....but um....please stay here......if that's alright with you...." Flutter Shy said, quietly. *Rainbow Dash glanced up and flew straight in front of him, landing knee high* "Whoa, whoa whoa! Where do you think ~YOUR~ going?" Tom rubbed his arm, “Um....No where...? Rainbow snorted, “that’s RIGHT! Now march yourself in to that living room and lay back down......”in a brief moment, there was flashing red and blue lights as the police sirens could be easily distinguished "COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mike jumped and fell off the table "WHAT THE--?!" he looked around frantically then looked out the window a little. "Why are there cops here?! We didn't do anything!” Pinkie Pie was immediately amused with the bright colors, She slowly trotted to the police car, she didn’t mind the noise Pinkie stares at the lights in awe, not moving a muscle. Rainbow Dash face hoofed and pushed Pinkie to the floor “What are you DOING?!” She hissed. "WE KNOW YOUR IN THERE COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP AND WE WILL NOT HAVE TO USE BRUTE FORCE,” Pinkie Pie immediately snaps out of it as she hears police dogs barking and siren wailing. "I-I’m s-sc-scared" Pinkie managed to choke out Mike wanted to take out his collapsible samurai sword but he didn't want to hurt the cop or that would make things worse. He flash stepped, quickly grabbing Pinkie and ran back inside within a blink of an eye. Thomas hunkered down. "JUST AMINUET OFFICER!" he called from inside the house. He looked around. Flutter Shy hid behind Rainbow. “O....oh my....it’s so....loud!” Pinkie was shocked when she was picked up. again, she didn't move as Mike put her down she slowly managed to say "Wh-whats going on?" Voice accelerating "And who are they!? They don't have the right to do that! Pinkie blabbered. Thomas looked around, Rainbow; I need you and Flutter Shy to play dead. Mike, follow my lead. We need to make it seem like we are bringing out giant stuffed animals. Rainbow opened her mouth in protest* WHAT?!!!!!!!!!! Mike petted Pinkie’s cotton mane softly. "Shhh... calm down, we'll get out of this" he then blinked "you want us to do what?” Pinkie was calmed down as he pet her soft mane she felt comfortable with the humans and stayed quiet for a while listening...‎"YOU HAVE THIRTY SECONDS! YOU ARE TRESPASSING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY!" Tom looked around once more If we do anything else, how on earth will we explain a flying cyan horse, a pink, sugar high horse, and a....um....flutter shy's ears drooped “please don't say it...” Mike finished his sentence "a very nice, sweet and caring pony?" "Yes!" He said quietly "TEN SECONDS" The policemen called. Mike cracked his knuckles and picked up Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, "alright girls, you know what to do." he whispered to them. "Let’s do this thing!" Pinkie squirmed a bit "What? What are we doing?!" The pony said confusingly Thomas got up and picked up Rainbow "Hey, what the?!" “SHHH!” Thomas hissed. He wrapped his arm under her belly and hoisted her under his arm, holding her, like an eight pound toy dog. Thomas walked out of the house, as the officers lowered their weapons at the sight. Pie Pinkie tried not to squirm and giggle at the police “They looked funny” Mike shushed Pinkie then smiled softly, nodding to them. "Just playing with our stuffed My Little Ponies right Tommy?" Thomas face blushed even more. “Ah, just trying some ventriloquism. Why yes, Pinkie Pie, they do look funny,” the officer's mouths dropped open "Let me GO!" Rainbow Dash kicked free and flew high into the clouds. “Uh..............DONT LET THAT KITE GET AWAY!” Mike's eyes widened and with one quick movement Mike threw a string around Dash's tail and grabbed it like a kite "I got it! I got it!" Rainbow looked down at Mike, “HEY!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Toms face flustered a deep red as the police officers burst out laughing "That's pretty good! Looks like there is no harm here, we saw your car in the middle of the road and thought something bad was happening, we will be on our way" *the police office laughed again, "Bronies" As soon as the police left Pinkie exploded into laughter. Mike sighed as he set down Pinkie, cracking his neck. “That was too close” ‎"Hahaha! I couldn't hold it in! Did you see when...?” Her voice trailed off again. Rainbow Dash glided to the ground, “Hey! What gives?!” she demanded. Flutter Shy looked to the ground and kept quiet "....That was....scary" Pinkie Pie stops laughing and notices... the fillies missing. "Hey where are the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" Pinkie questioned. Thomas he looked around, noticing hoof prints going back into the forest “Oh, No!” Mike's eyes widened "oh crap..." Tom ran to follow the hoof prints “Not good, not good, not good,” Pinkie quickly gallops and follows along Thomas while Rainbow takes to the skies once more and hovers over the forest. “I DON'T SEE THEM!” Flutter Shy, bites her lip as tears begin to fill her eyes, “What if....what if....a monster ate them?” Mike shook his head "impossible, I've been in the forest dozens of times, there's no monsters so there's nothing to worry about" he told Fluttershy as he petted her mane. She smiled and rubbed her soft head against his leg “o...o....okay..... “Rainbow continued to soar through the sky* I SEE THEM!!!! Pinkie gallops over to Flutter Shy, "Fluttershy, its ok!” she smiled and hummed the “No Fear Song” Mike pet her some more then looked up at Dash "WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED AT?!" he asked, calling back to her. Rainbow pointed a hoof “It looks like their headed for the Skate Park!” Pinkie Pie interrupted, “What’s that? Is it dangerous? Well hurry! Let’s go!” she gallops in Rainbows direction, “we’ll take my car,” Thomas said opening the hatch-back to his vehicle. Fluttershy gently glided in, and curled up in some blankets, her pink mane flowed over her face as she knelt down. Pinkie stood in front of car “Uh, what is that?” she asked in her usual bubbly tone. Pinkie Pie licked the hood of the car. “Bleh, it tastes funny!” Mike shook his head and got in the car "as long as they’re not in the way of other people skating and riding their bikes they should be fine" he muttered. “It's a car. It runs on gas and goes VROOOOOOOOOOOOOM, and of course it tastes funny, it’s not edible,” “Hmm Okay! She hesitantly climbed into the back of the car and nestled next down to Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie couldn’t help but hum a happy tune, but in her mind she was thinking: I am not sure about this.Thomas buckles his seat belt and pushed the airbag back into its spot “Get...IN.....THERE!!” Mike grabbed the hilt of his katana and with one swift hit with the butt end of the sword the airbag was pushed back in. Thomas started up the car, looked both ways and followed the Cyan Rainbow pony through the sky "Mike, you may not be worried about the filly's, but I am. What if other kids see them....how will they react?! Mike thought about it and his eyes widen "crap, I never thought of that, STEP ON IT!" Pinkie Pie felt the car accelerate, she loved the speed of how fast it was going. Pinkie stuck her head out the window "HEY THIS IS GOOD!" She said with wind blowing in her face. Thomas he squealed his tired as black skid marks appeared on the pavement. He gritted his teeth as he went up and down hills. Mike grabbed Pinkie, holding her but also letting her stay in the same spot she was in, he just didn't want her to fall out. Tom slowed down at a stop sign as he glanced in the rear view mirror when he noticed the cop car behind him. "Oh, great!" Mike looked behind him and sighed, he held up his right hand which was just fake skin and under it was a robotic arm toward the cop. his original arm was cut off a long time ago and was replaced by a robotic limb. His hand illuminated as an orange florescent light emitted from his palm. Thomas continued to watch the police officers as they stared at the light. While the police officers were distracted, Thomas accelerated, squealing his tires while the orange residue seemed to dissipate from the air, rendering the police officers dazed and confused. Pinkie Pie Giggled. “Hey is that them? Pinkie tries to get a closer look but slips on the cars smooth finish. Mike gasped and grabbed Pinkie Pie's hoof. Pinkie gasps for breath for that 'mini heart attack moment' "Thank you for saving me!!!!" Mike smiled softly "hey, no problem,” he sighed as he focused on driving. Fluttershy lay curled up shaking in the hatch back. Thomas sniffs the air as the faint aroma of flowers and cotton candy fill the car, “alright, who farted?” He chuckled. Pinkie continues scouting for the lost fillies, when she perked her ears to Thomas’ voice. "All I smell is cotton candy!" Pinkie replies as her stomach growled. He smiled softly, but was secretly worried for the fillies, hoping that they have been able to fit into society. //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 6: Exposure //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 6: Exposure Thomas groaned to himself as he kept following at the cyan pony. He glanced in the rear view mirror as he witnessed as sight that made his heart melt. In the back of the car, where Fluttershy was keeping quiet, she was curled up into the blanket, he had sprawled out earlier, and in that mesh of blanket, Fluttershy had neatly nestled into a small pocket as she cuddled a stuffed bunny rabbit. She hummed softly as Pinkie Pie came to rest beside her. He smiled as he glanced at Mike, whom he would have either fallen asleep, or was too concerned to say anything else. Thomas gently flipped on the radio, when he felt a hand on his own as he glanced at Mike, he knew that it was best not to disturb the peace that the ponies had given them inside that car. Mike sighed softly and looked at Tom, he was worried for the younger ponies "Tom...." he whispered, “do you think those little ponies will be ok?" he asked as he gently petted Fluttershy's light pink mane while she was slept. Tom glanced up at the cyan pony that was flapping her wings gently over head, and gave a small smile. “I am sure they will, but we have to hurry; you know how kids are when they see someone that is different from them…especially at a skate park,” Thomas sighed as he thrummed his fingers against the steering wheel gently as he did so, he didn't realized that Rainbow Dash was standing in the middle of the road, he screeched to a halt as the stuffed rabbit went flying in and smacked Thomas in the back of the head while Pinkie Pie jerked awake “CUPCAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” She yelled a little disorientated. Mike’s eyes widened as he noticed that Dash was in the middle of the road. He grabbed the two ponies and held them close to him as they swerved around Dash. He held on to something and got ready to brace for impact. Thomas just barely missed Dash by a hairline, as he skidding into the ditch, totaling the car; he slammed his hands on the steering wheel. “Oh, come on!” he groaned. Mike looked around; it seemed that no one was hurt. "Is everyone alright?" he asked just to be safe. Thomas got out of the car and opened the back hatch as Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie slowly stepped out. He groaned as he looked at the smashed hood of his vehicle. He then looked at Rainbow Dash and gritted his teeth. "What gives?!" the cyan pony demanded, "This is the second time you almost hit a pony, can you not see where you are going?!" Mike poked his head out from the wreck and with the help of Pinky and Fluttershy he got pulled out. He sat down and sighed "looks like we're going to have to walk." Thomas looked at Mike. “Are you Crazy?! We're in the outskirts of the city. Do you have any idea what people will think?” Rainbow thought for a second and smiled. "Hey." she said smiling still. "We are ponies right? Who said anything about walking?" Mike looked at the ponies and grinned; looking at Tom "I think I might have an idea...." he looked at Dash.”Do you think you can support my weight?" he asked Rainbow looked at her wings and fluttered them twice. Then she looked back. "These babies have never let me down. They won't let me down with one of you on my back. Hop on." Thomas took a step back, as he blinked. He never rode a horse before; however riding a pony would look absolutely ridiculous. "Oh, No, no, no!" he groaned, “No way am I riding a pony. I am a hundred and fifty five pounds, I couldn't possibly...." Mike nodded and hopped on to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow looked at Fluttershy and Fluttershy nodded. Fluttershy then sprinted at Tommy and forced him onto her back and took off into the air with Rainbow Dash. She looked back at pinkie that was still staring at the car and said, "Meet us here in about ten minutes" Toms eyes widened. “Are you CRAZY?! We can't leave Pinkie Pie alone in the middle of the road!” Rainbow Dash Rainbow looked back at Tom. "Trust me; she will stare at that car for hours if she needs to." She looked at Pinkie as she still was staring at the metallic wreckage. "Let's go." Thomas held on to Fluttershy and closed his eyes. "Not happening, not happening, not happening,” He chanted. Mike held onto Dash tightly but not too tight. Deep inside, Mike could feel himself explode with excitement. 'I'M RIDING ON RAINBOW DASH! I'M RIDING ON RAINBOW DASH!!” He squealed mentally. Rainbow looked back at Michael who was smiling broadly Ear to ear. "Enjoying yourself? Bet you never rode a Pegasus before. Just hold on." Rainbow Dash said as she and Fluttershy sped toward the area where the three crusaders have ran off too. Thomas looked down where he saw an older boy push Scoots Grounded Pegasi down. “There, I see them!” Mike nodded softly, grinning back at her. "No, I haven't, this is the first time I ever rode a---WAHAHAHAHA!!!" he got cut off and got jerked backwards as Dash sped toward the skate park. Rainbow Dash grew furious when she saw what was going on. she instantly dove at a blinding speed with Michael still on her back towards the spot. Nothing could stop the blinding Fury that enraged her now. She slammed into the ground landing on her hooves facing the boy who dare pushed Scootaloo with a look of aroused fury. "Well well, well, care to explain yourselves?" she said. Scoots quickly managed to regain her composure in front of her idol, shaking her head and brushing herself off. "I could have taken them." She muttered to herself. Mike swayed around his eyes swirling, he shook his head and giggled excitedly but quietly "that....was....AWESOME!!!!" Thomas dismounted before Fluttershy landed on the ground. He looked at the boy who was taller than Scoots as he gave a haughty smirk. "Well, well, well, who brought the Gaylord’s to town?” the bully asked. Rainbow Dash stepped toward the two boys sheltering the crusaders from view. "WELL?" She said again in an infuriated tone. Mike growled and leaned in, scowling at the boy "WHO YOU CALLIN' GAYLORDS?!" The crusaders looked around Dash's sides to try and get a better view of what was going to happen, looking at each other as the boy grew offended so quickly. Rainbow Dash looked back at Mike and realized they were being insulted. She looked back at the two boys grinning. She stood up on her hind legs and kicked the two over. She then stood a hoof on each of the boys chest and called for Fluttershy. Fluttershy then came over with some bandages she had left over and she tied their hands behind their backs. Rainbow flipped them facing up again and looked quizzically into their eyes. "So, why were you pushing these three around?" Mike was enjoying this, seeing Dash in action that is. Not only that but he had a front row seat too boot! This had to be the best really early birthday present ever. The boy looked directly into her eyes. “Why are they intruding in my domain? Their weaklings and no one should dare enter the great and powerful Scooter's lair without my approval!” Rainbow Dash put a little more pressure on the two as she said. "Your? For your information, this is a public skate park. You two should really learn to share. She then turned back to the giggling crusaders as she asked. "You girls okay?" The girls quickly nodded their heads and smiled. "Yeah, we're fine, just a bit dirty." Scoots said as she looked over the other two crusaders. "Right girls," "Right!" The other two responded. Thomas stood there quietly watching boy cut bully loose from their handcuffs with his switchblade. His eyes widened as the boy scrambled to his feet and silently raise his blade to Rainbow while her back was turned. Thomas let out a silent gasp as Fluttershy’s eyes widened in horror. Thomas growled as he ran and tackled the boy to the ground, knocking the switchblade out of his hand. He put a knee on the bully’s chest and punched Scooter in the face. The other boys tried to pull off Thomas. Mikes eyes widen as he runs past Rainbow, and helps Tom fend off his attackers. While they were defending themselves, Rainbow Dash gasped and laid on her side as if she had died. She ordered the Crusaders to do the same. Thomas didn’t see the man drive up in his Firebird. "THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!" The man screeched. "Daddy!" one of the female gang members called. Marble, Scooter, Ashley! What the fuck happened to you?! "They beat us up!" The man stormed over to Tom and Mike and grabbed them by the collar of the shirt. "I hope you have a good lawyer, because I will see you in court; and your ugly ass dogs!" Rainbow Dash Rainbow saw this and stepped in. "Hey listen, before you beat up someone else’s son, I think you should know what really happened." Rainbow said interrupting briefly. "First off, your "kids" seem to think this park is a prison where they can beat up any pony that enters." She indicated the three beaten and visibly abused fillies. "And Second off, I think we taught your kids a valuable lesson." At these words she shot a deadly look at the two boys who were still on the ground in freight, “and lastly. We aren't dogs. We just happen to be ponies,” Mike struggled against the man's grip "let us go!" he then looked at Dash and smiled softly, nodding "you tell 'em Dashie! You tell 'em!” Dashie smiled and respected the cheering from Michael. It in fact was the only thing that kept her standing in front of this man. that and the fact he called her and her friends "Ugly Ass Dogs" “So Buddy, you gonna think twice or what?" at these words she decided to fly up a little bit and go face to face with the man almost knocking him over. The man snorted. "Call of your mutts, or I will call them off for you!" ‎He glanced at the oncoming police car as he put down Thomas and waved his hands. The police car stopped as the officers stepped out. "Mind telling me what the hell is going on here?" The first police officer asked. "Looks like an assault and battery to me" The second officer reported. Mike gulped and struggled, more not the cops again! "Let me go!" he yelled again, growling. He looked over to Dash, hoping that she would help. Rainbow Dash looked back to the cops. She didn't like these guys too much. She sighed and pretended to be a kite again. But this time, she made it look like the three on the bullies have abused it. She grinned and pretended to be attached to a string in Mike's hand as she plummeted to the ground pretending to be deformed be fists and abuse. She hit the tree and fell to the ground with a loud "THUD" Rainbow Dash looked to Michael in pain quickly trying to mouth the words "I'm your kite" to him hoping he would go along. Mike looked at the man and pretended to cry, winking to the 'abused kite'. "Look at what your kids did to my favorite kite!" he whined, pointing to Dash. "My deceased grandmother who was very dear to my heart got that for me! She’s the only thing I have left of her!" he cried. Of course he wasn't lying; his grandmother did pass and did give him a Rainbow Dash kite, only his real one was safe and sound back at home. The cops glanced over at Mike as looked at the man questionably. He straightened his belt, and looked at the man who held Mike. "I suggest you put him down," he threatened, putting a hand over his taser . The second officer looked at Tom, and then chuckled. Your that kid who does the ventriloquist act. Do you mind telling me what happened here?” "I will tell you what happened! These punks beat up my kids and I want the locked away!" The officer side-stepped Thomas as he faced the man. "Sir, have you been drinking? This young boy has been working very hard on ventriloquism and you just want to throw that away?" The man pursed his lips in protest. Rainbow tried to smile for she was glad that Mike picked up on her plan, but she had hit the ground hard and broke a rib. She tried to look up but then a shear pain flew through her body. She simply laid limp and still hoping for the best. The young black haired boy tried to grab Dash from having more damage but she was three feet away and the man still had a tight grip on the scruff of Mike's neck. He kept crying hard in a fake way but he also felt bad for Dash taking this much pain. The man grew furious and punched the police officer. Thomas' eyes grew wide as he looked to Mike as if to say "ooooh shit!" The police officer wrestled the man to the ground and put handcuffs on him. The police officer that wasn't punched looked at the boys who were beaten up, and glanced at Thomas. "Can you take these kids home, we got a take him down to the precinct," Thomas grinned,"Of course, officer!" Rainbow, hearing all this, couldn't suppress a grin. She known her plan had thrown off the Man's plan and gotten the officers on the right side. She was just glad that her sacrifice was to good cause. Once Mike fell from the man's grip and tumbled to the ground he watched the man punch the cop then the fight between them. When it was over he slowly walked over to Dash to see what the damages were. "You alright Dash?" he asked quietly. Rainbow heard footsteps and she looked up to see what she hoped was Michael. She winced as she fluttered he wings uncomfortably. Her ribs bruised the from the fall, as she tried to stand, but yelped in pain as she slumped to the ground, groaning. Thomas petted Fluttershy gently as he took a look at her face. Thankfully no bruises were left on her body. Thomas glanced up, and looked at the squad car pull away. He looked at the kids that huddled in a corner. "Get in the car," Thomas said to the kids. "They reluctantly got up and headed towards the fire bird.”You will pay for this, ass holes!" They spat. Thomas smirked as he rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, just you wait. That's going to be you sitting in the back of the squad car" He mocked. Mike smiled softly, petting her slightly mangled and dirty rainbow mane. "I'll fix ya up" he told her as he moved his right hand over her slightly broken bones, slowly healing them with his robotic arm that was covered in fake skin. The gang stared at the Rainbow Pony wide eyed. "Hey! That's not a kite, nor is it a dog!!" The kids quickly took out their cell phones and began snapping pictures of Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Rainbow tried to respond but all that came from her was a low pitched moan. She cleared her throat and said less than clearly. "I think... I broke a rib." she winced surprised at how much effort it took for her to talk. She looked up at Mike and smiled. Rainbow Dash enjoyed Mike's company. She really liked how he talked to her; how he was gentle when he healed her, and how he liked the same things she liked. She just held onto the grin as he worked. "Th-Thank you." she managed to croak. Thomas sighed. "Alright, let’s get you punks home!" he said closing the car door behind them. He looked at Mike. “are you coming?" He asked him and Fluttershy. Mike looked at the boys and held up his robotic hand, the phones made a low pitched noise then they suddenly went high, sparks flew everywhere and finally their cellphones blew up, it didn't hurt their hands but black smoke hit their faces as the phones blew up. he smirked and went back to healing Dash "Don't worry, Dash. I'll fix you," he told her in a soothing voice as he put his hand over her broken rib cage. He then smiled when she thanked him "don't thank me I thank you for coming into my life" he told her, whispering. "Try not to talk, I'll have you fixed up in no time" he whispered to her. Mike looked up at Tom and shook his head "I'm gonna stay here with Dash, we'll catch up with you later" he answered. Thomas nodded. "Fluttershy, come with me please," he said softly. Thomas glanced at Mike. "Take care of her for me" Rainbow felt good as new by the time Mike finished. She got up and slowly began to walk, soon as she re-gained her balance, she turned to Mike and squeezed him in a full out hug, kissing him on the cheek as she did so. Mike nodded to Tom then gasped as Dash kissed and hugged him. He smiled big and hugged her back. Thomas shook his head as he started the car, and drove off. Rainbow didn't want to hide her feelings from Mike any more as she felt her heart race, her cyan blushed a deep red. "Uhh, Thanks" she said with a big grin on her face. Mike smiled and chuckled, blushing a little as well "You’re very welcome" Rainbow Dash looked back at the car shrinking in the distance. "Hop on; we'll need to catch up to them." At this, she didn't wait for mike and just ran at his feet causing him to fall onto her back as she took off. Mike smiled and nodded but then made a yelp when she tipped him over onto her back "WAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" he screamed as he landed onto her back, he gasped and leaned forward, holding onto Dash tightly as they took off. Thomas glanced in the rear view mirror as he saw the cyan pony fly through the air with Mike on her back. He smiled as he saw Fluttershy glide beside them. "Turn here!" The boy said quietly. Thomas turned into a drive way as the punks got out of the car. He tossedScooter his dad’s keys. "Just be thankful," he said and walked toward Mike. Rainbow Dash landed softly next to Tom and let Mike off. "Now what?" she asked every pony. Mike hopped off Dash and just looked at the others. Thomas looked around. Where is Scoot Aloo? Rainbow Dash Rainbow pointed to Scoot's direction. Thomas sighed a breath relief as he walked over to her. I think now, we need to get the heck out of here, before we land in even more trouble. Mike nodded "agreed" Thomas walked away from the house as he sighed softly; he looked up at the ponies, then at Mike. “This better than BroNYcon?” Mike grinned and nodded "MUCH better" Rainbow Dash looked up at Mike and Thomas as if she remembered something. ‎"I saw an abandoned barn over there." Fluttershy pointed in a directiom and sure enough, a big red and brown barn stood in the middle of the open field. Thomas winced slightly from a drop of water hitting him on the forehead, looked up and frowned as more drops of rain hit him and the others. it was starting to rain. Thomas glanced at Fluttershy, and then walked beside her, draping his coat over her fur so she didn't get wet. "we don't need you to get a cold" he smiled as he looked back at the house. He could tell the curtains had been moved and that they were being watched. He quickly walked over to Scoots. "You have got to be careful around here. Humans aren't very friendly like Mike and I. I am glad that we got out of that mess before we got into anymore......" he stopped as he looked around. "Uh, Mike, I think we're in over our heads now," He said pointing to a News Chopper. Rainbow looked up and saw. She instantly dropped to the ground and grazed the grass. She motioned for the rest of the ponies to do so. Rainbow Dash ‎"This might make the news for odd colored ponies, but much rather that then flying magical talking ponies making the news." Rainbow reasoned. Pinkie pie seemed to come out of nowhere and started to graze the grass too. Fluttershy reluctantly came out from under tom's coat and started to graze too. Mike's eyes widened "crap....I thought I destroyed those kid's phones!" he looked at everyone "I would take you all somewhere away from this place using my flash step but… I can only take one" he then looked down at Dash and grinned, he knew what they were up to, but Mike had to hide her wings. Thinking fast he took off his coat and put it over her back to hide her wings Rainbow Dash nodded thanks slightly but tried to move like an earth pony. She continued to do lazy tasks with the other ponies as the helicopter continued to circle. "Destroy the camera on the helicopter" Rainbow whispered to Mike. Thomas sighed as his eyes widened. "Oh, no!" He glanced at the house where he dropped the kids off, and noticed the blinds had been shut. The older ponies continued to graze until the Helicopter, finding barely anything suspicious, left the area. "Oh sweet Celestia that was close," Rainbow said as she gave the jacket back to mike. Mike was ready to destroy the helicopter's camera but then it flew off. Mike smiled and took his coat, putting it back but then tapped the top of his head, his eyes widened "MY HAT!" he looked around in one spot and started to freak out, "Where’d my hat go?!" Thomas blinked as he looked at the hat drift into the wind. "There it goes!"Mike gasped and made a run for it. Rainbow saw this as an opportunity to help. She flew at full speed snatching the hat and returned it to Michael smiling. "Got, -et." she said through her teeth. Mike smiled and hugged Dash, putting his hat back on. "Thanks, Dashie" Rainbow smiled widely and replied in a hearty tone. "No problemo." She then looked into the woods trying to spot a clearing. She finally found one deep in the forest and pitched a tent with a little help from Fluttershy and stepped back to admire her work ‎"Well, not the best.... tent?" she said looking at the picture that came on the box as it looked nothing like what she just did. Mike looked at the box then the tent "hmmmm...." Rainbow jokingly shoved Mike on the shoulder. "Oh shut up, you." she said smiling as she started to take down the tent to re-do it. Fluttershy sighed and started a fire by the time Rainbow finally pitched the tent. "Umm, we packed hay to sleep on, you guys want some?" Fluttershy asked the two boys as she smiled kindly. Mike he chuckled a bit when Rainbow Dash shoved him in the shoulder "Just helping," he smiled softly, looking at Fluttershy and nodded, "yes please." he said to her in a kind voice. Fluttershy smiled, she liked helping people, she especially liked it when they responded nicely to her when she asked if they want something. She then looked to Tom after handing Michael a bag o hay an asked. "And you good sir?" Fluttershy said smiling. Thomas glanced up at Fluttershy. "Hmm, oh, no thanks; I will stay to keep watch." Fluttershy reluctantly took the hay back as she entered the tent. Rainbow Dash claimed a bed that took up half the tent. Fluttershy share with the three crusaders and left a spot opened for Michael to sleep. Rainbow liked to have her personal space thus the large room. Rainbow glanced at Tom and decided that she would also take her position in keeping watch over the camp so that Thomas could get some decent sleep. Thomas remained outside as he listened to Mike and the ponies talk. He sighed to himself and looked up at the stars. He knew that somewhere in the thick blanket of a diluted illusion, the ponies were being missed back home. The question was: why did they come to our world, and how will we get them back? Mike talked to Dash for a little then soon fell asleep, curled up in the bag of hay and was sleeping like a baby. Rainbow went outside of the tent and sat next to Tom. "Beautiful isn't it?" she said admiring the sky. She Looked up at the bright white dots glowing against the dark and gloominess of the night sky. Thomas couldn't help but glance at her, briefly, then back up at the sky. "I am sorry," He mumbled softly. "I was wrong to disbelieve that you actually existed" He sighed and looked to the sky, drawing in the sky with his finger, pointing out the little dipper. Thomas glanced to his right and noticed that he was once again alone as Rainbow headed back into the tent. Fluttershy was still thinking about Tom and had brought a blanket over to him. "Umm, do you want this?" she asked offering him the blanket smiling. Mike scooted over a little, feeling Dash's warmth from her he sighed in comfort and fell into a deep sleep. "Night Dashie....." he whispered before drifting off. ‎"Night," Dashie replied as she too had fallen asleep. Fluttershy wrapped the blanket around Tom and smiled. It looked like he wanted warmth and some pony to talk to. So she sat down and tried to strike up a conversation. "So, um Tom... Do you like animals?" she tried for this was always how she started a conversation. Thomas smiled as he looked up at Fluttershy, and was grateful that he had some company while he kept watch. "Yes," he said softly. Fluttershy's eyes twinkled. "Oh lovely." she said smiling "What kind of animals are your favorite. I like bunnies." Thomas scooted closer next to her, and smiled. "Horses and Wolves," He said simply, starting a fire, in the fire pit. Fluttershy was interested every bit learning about wolves. Of course she knew all about horses, but never had she heard of a wolf before. Thomas struck the match as the round metal tin illuminated with a bright orange and red hue. The flames flickered slowly as he got down to gently blow oxygen into the fire. He then got up, and covered Fluttershy with the blanket he was wearing as he snuggled close to her to keep warm. "Wolves a very interesting, and very majestic," he said slowly. ‎"Ooh, they certainly do sound that way." she responded as she cuddled closely to Tom keeping warm. Thomas smiled as he gently looks at the stars. "Yet, humans claim they are dominant race. They believe they can play God.... and take the life of an innocent animal" Fluttershy cringed at these words and simply said. "oh" as she looked at the dirt. She didn't like the thought of an animal taking the life of annother animal. She wished they could al just get along. Thomas sighed and gulped and glanced at the sky, as he gasped. "Oh look, a shooting star!" He pointed with his index finger. "Go ahead and make a wish,” Flutterhy looked up just to see the shooting star. She smiled as she picked what wish to make. She closed her eyes and quietly wished in her head. "I wish I could stay here forever,” Thomas shifted his weight, as he reached his hand around Fluttershy to cuddle her softly. He quickly pulled his hand away, as he blushed brightly. "Sorry," He said with a slight glance of guilt. He sighed as he watched the stars, as he snorted softly. "Lovely night out tonight," He said. Fluttershy blushed. She now had a secret thing for Tom like how Rainbow had one for mike. She decided to say this now. "Hey tom, I have to tell you something. Don't tell any pony though okay?" Tom glanced at her slightly, shifting his weight as he smiled. He gulped as he listened eagerly to her soft voice. He smiled a bit, and then looked at the fire, yet keeping an ear open for her. "Sure, what's on your mind?" She blushed. She looked at the tongues of the flames and said. "I kind of think that .... I have a crush on you." she almost ran away but instead, she looked up at Tom with her eyes twinkling and smiling. Tom’s throat grew a large lump in it as he looked at her with tender eyes. He looked away and sighed softly, as he tried his best not to answer her. The truth was, he really didn't feel the same for her...she was a ~pony~; nevertheless a cartoon. It was awkward, and yet almost intimidating. He understood Mikes and Rainbow's companionship because they practically grew up with each other, but Thomas and Fluttershy. How could he? He was into sports and video games, not frou-frou girly stuff. Granted, he thought that she was adorable, but he really didn't see himself spending the rest of his life with her. What would his friends say when they saw him with this… pony? How would they react when they found out he was dating a ~animal~? He sighed to himself and just looked at her. "I won't tell," he said. Fluttershy smiled as she heard him say this. She hugged him tightly and started to head toward the tent. "Goodnight," She called to him smiling. ‎"Sleep well," He said as he glanced at another shooting star. He closed his eyes and made a silent wish...a wish that would last him the life time. //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 7: Corrupted Chaos //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 7: Corrupted Chaos Princess Celestia sat in the Throne room and sighed. “I am bored... I wonder how Twilight and her friends are doing...” She muttered. As she said this, a letter appeared before the Princess. "Dear Princess Celestia, I am displeased to inform you, that we have an urgent matter on our hooves. It seems that Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and as well as Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo has mysteriously disappeared. I looked around the town, and haven't seen them around for the last couple of days. I asked Apple Jack, and she says she hasn't heard or seen her sister in quite a while. I am getting really worried, and I am determined to find them. I will be venturing into the Everfree Forest; sincerely your faithful student. Twilight Sparkle" Princess frowned as she scanned over the scroll in her hooves. “Oh no... The Everfree forest is where the... That means they could have...” Fear filled her heart as she called for her royal subjects. “Guards, Take me to the Everfree forest!” "Yes, princess," they replied Simultaneously. Apple Jack sat under her favorite tree chewing on the stem of a piece of wheat. “I wonder how Twilight is doing searching for them,” She sighed. Twilight galloped with Spike on her back, stopping for only a brief moment to catch her breath. “Apple Jack, thank goodness I found you!” she huffed, “has Apple Bloom come back yet?” “No and ah'm worried that little filly shouldn't be out for so long,” she said spitting out the wheat stem. Twilight groaned as she began to pace “What in all of Equestria could have caused them to run off like that? It's not like Apple Bloom to just run away, same with Scoots and Sweetie Belle,” “ Ah don't know Twi......but I'm gonna find ‘em and Ah don't care how long it takes,” Thomas Brae ‎she groaned as she glanced around. “I am surprised Rarity hasn't picked up on Sweetie Belle's absence,” “That mare doesn't pay enough attention to Sweetie Belle to notice this,” she said, spitting out an apple seed. “HELLO TWILIGHT AND APPLEJACK,” She called as she landed and got out of the chariot. “I got your letter... Have you found the girls?” “No,” Apple Jack said as he got up to greet the princess. “We haven't Princess. I was just about to venture into the Everfree Forest,” Twilight admitted. “Well... we can go together... Apple Jack, Do you want to come?” “Yes ah would. My sister is en there. That is if ya don't mind,” She said walking over to the chariot. “Great, Hop in...” Celestia said. Twilight began to protest, “But your majesty, who is going to watch over Equestria?” “I already discussed this with Luna and stressed how important it was that tend this matter... She will watch over Equestria until I return,” the mare smiled at the young student. “Thank you princess,” Apple Jack said kindly tipping her hat out of respect. Twilight smiled reluctantly, and steps into the chariot. “Thank you, Princess.” “Guards, Hurry to the EverFree Forest!” Celestia commanded. Twilight stood beside the Princess as she shook her head, looking down at the ground “I hope they are okay,” “I’m sure they are... They are responsible mares...” Celestia reassured. Twilight sighed as she looked down, her eyes widen as she noticed a trail of hoof prints “Look!” she exclaimed. Celestia turns her head and stares at the hoof prints in the mud. “Guards, Set us down!” she commanded. Princess Celestia ‎ slowly descends we look to see where the foot prints lead. Twilight pointed her hooves to a trail that lead to a mysterious portal. “what is that?” “Oh mah,” Apple Jack gasped. “This ain’t lookin’ to pretty,” “That was what I was afraid of...” Celestia groaned. “Ah'm comin Apple Bloom,” Apple Jack said as she ran towards the portal at full speed. Celestia’s eyes widened with horror as she watched Apple Jack run past her. “No, Wait!” It was too late for Apple Jack as she burst through the portal and into the human realm. “NO!” Celestia gasped as she watched Apple Jack’s tail disappear into thin air. “Twilight, we have to go after her... She doesn’t know where that portal leads.” Twilight looked at the Princess. “What is that?” “It’s a portal...to the Human world that was built long ago by Discord. He thought that if he brought humans here, he could enslave them for consumption later on,” She explained. Twilight gasped as she realized what she meant. “Eat humans?” she asked. “Yes, Twilight, he eats humans,” Apple Jack ‎appeared on the other side and looked around confused, “H-hello?” Apple Jack took a step back to see a hunter loading a dead deer on to his truck. “Umm, who are you?” She asked politely “APPLEJACK NO,” She cried as the hunter walked toward the pony. He suddenly lunges at Apple Jack. “Whoa there, partner,” she grunted. As Apple Jack dodged the man’s assaults, Twilight pointed her horn at the hunter. She closed her eyes and focused on a spell, but nothing seemed to work. Celestia grew worried as Apple Jack soon began to grow tired. Twilight looked at Celestia who shook her head. “Your magic does not work in this realm because there is no such thing as magic to humans. It’s all based off of logic and fallacies,” she was cut off as Twilight charged head on towards the hunter, as he grabbed a knife in his hand. “Twilight, get away from him!” She called. Apple Jack Apple Bucked the man in the groin as he fell to the ground holding his crotch. “Run, that’s all that we can do!” Celestia called. She looked at the man who got up and reach for his gun. She gasped as she quickly loaded the two ponies on her back and flew high above cloud barrier flapping her wings with powerful strokes. Twilight looked at the man and cringed in horror. “Man those things are ugly,” she muttered. Celestia looked back at the two ponies as she smiled softly. “We can’t be too quick to judge, Twilight. Sure they are different, but then again so is every other pony you meet,” she said thoughtfully, “you could say that those humans live in this alternate universe... the portal leads here... somehow one opened... but stay away from them... they are extremely dangerous.” “Are all of them are dangerous?” Twilight asked. “Most of them... The younger ones that are only a few years old aren’t...” Twilight gulped as she looked at the ground then at Apple Jack. “You alright, AJ, you’ve been awfully quiet,” “Yeah, Ah’m jus’ worried fer Apple Bloom,” she sighed as she looked down, noticing smoke in the middle of a clearing; she gritted her teeth as she pointed her hoof. “Look, there is a fire down there!” “Oh no,” Celestia gasped as she flew closer to make sure that none of her friends were caught in the fire. She sighed relief as she saw the fire was well contained in a metal pit. Twilight slowly dismounted as she trots around the fire pit, noticing a human had fallen asleep on a nearby stump* “ugh, I think this one’s dead...” “No......look it's breathing,” Apple Jack said poking Thomas. “ We should probably pull him away from the fire,” Celestia said, as she kicked dirt on the flames. the human stirred a little bit as he slowly opened his eyes, and blinked “Good evening Officer, He said with a small yawn, “Sorry, I dosed off for a bit..." Apple Jack stared at Thomas with a tilted head and confused expression. “Who is he talking to?” She asked the two ponies. Apple Jack walked closer to Thomas as she bent her heald down low. “Excuse me but are ya talking to us?” Thomas blinked away his fatigue as Twilight stared at him and tilted her head. “Uh...is he going to be okay?” she asked. Thomas yawned again as his blurred vision came into full view “Oh My,” he backed away, bumping into the tent; he hoped Mike didn't wake up. “He seems scared,” Apple Jack whispered, “Are you alright?” “Who are you, Human?” Celestia demanded Thomas took out his wallet and threw it at their feet “Take my money” he whined, “just don’t hurt me.” “We don't want your money,” Apple Jack snorted as she kicked the wallet back to Thomas, “We just want some answers,” Twilight interrupted. Thomas sat up and brushed the dirt off his wallet, as he stuck it back in his back pocket. “What do you want to know?” He asked rather suspiciously. The fluorescent mare stepped forward as her multicolored mane seemed to move in a rhythmic wavy motion. “All we want to know is if you have seen our friends Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, along with three little fillies,” Thomas sighed as he got up off the ground and looked inside the tent window: Mike was asleep with Dash; curled up next to her. He was safe and warm next to his crush; he was afraid to tell her he loved her and had a crush on her. “She’s in there,” Thomas said as he stepped away from the window. Celestia peered inside and smiled, but frowned when she saw Rainbow Dash cuddled next to the human. Even though she knew humans were dangerous, she sensed much good in Mike. Apple Jack paced a little bit before she caught the glance of Twilight and sat down in the dirt. “Is there any pony else here other than Rainbow?” she asked. Thomas walked over to the ponies and struck a match against a flint rock, starting a small fire inside the metal pit. The leaves began to smolder as the flame erupted from the embers like a phoenix rising from the ash. “Yeah,” Thomas said blowing on the flame, “Fluttershy is.” Even in the dark haze of the camp ground, Celestia’s eyes seemed to light up with delight, as a smiled reached her lips. “Really, that’s great! I assume she is with Rainbow Dash?” Thomas looked up briefly from what he was doing as he smiled and nodded. “Yeah, she turned in a while ago,” Apple Jack lowered her ears as she got up to pace again. Twilight shook her head and sat on the ground. “But…where is Apple Bloom, then?” Celestia smiled and put a hoof on Apple Jack’s shoulder. “We will find them,” she assured. Thomas sighed. “I haven't seen her or Scoots for quite awhile,” he opened the tent and went inside, pushing Mike awake, “Hey! Wake up! The aliens are here, they want their ponies back,” Apple Jack perked her ears and narrowed her eyes a bit. “We ain’t aliens,” she muttered. Princess Celestia put a hand on Apple Jack’s shoulder and ushered her silence. “What about Sweetiebelle?” she asked. Thomas’s face grew sullen as his heart dropped. “I haven’t seen them; they were supposed to be with us the whole time,” Apple Jack looked up with a hopeful expression. “Wait, so you did see them here?” Mike opened his eyes slowly and yawned, stretching. "What’s all the hubbub?" he questioned groggily as he got up and stretched more . Thomas sighed in relief, “Good. Mike, I think it’s time for you to return Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to their Mother Ship,” Mike frowned "take her back....? but...." he was shocked to hear about this.....he didn't want her to leave. Apple Jack stamped her hoof irritated. Listen, we may actually need your help. Thomas turned to face the country pony as he leaned his weight against a tree and looked at his feet in thought as he glanced at the equines through the dim light of the fire; the orange glow gave their faces an eerie appeal. “Apple Jack is right. We need help finding three little fillies,” Celestia explained. “You see from what we know lot's of humans here, they try to hurt us pony folk. but you are actually kind enough to talk to us and could help us as Celestia said not only find them but, could stop the other humans from hurting them,” Apple Jack added. Pinkie Pie's head pops out of the corner. "I’m here too!" She shouted. Apple Jack gasped as she ran over to hug her. “Pinkie, you’re alright!” Mike rubbed his eyes and sighed softly covering his mouth with another yawn. ‎"Mhm," She jumped around, “I didn’t know you guys were here,” She gasped inhaling a large quantity of air, “then that must mean…..PARTY!!!” Princess Celestia chuckled softly. “Well sort of Pinkie, we are actually going on a searching party. We just arrived... ourselves not too long ago.” “Usually we would look for them, but this is a whole different world and we don't know what else could be out there other than humans,” Apple Jack said. Princess Celestia nodded and looked at Thomas, her concerned eyes glowing in the fire. Apple Jack stopped pacing as Pinkie Pie sat in unusual silence for a long time. Her eyes widened as she seemed oblivious to the situation at hand. "Well this isn’t so not bad. While I was looking I had fun with the humans! They really admired me! They looked at me like they've never seen a pink pony before!" She said jumping around. Thomas rubbed his arm as he sighed softly, “Humans are the dominate species that can talk in our realm. We have to be careful because the government is well....Corrupt. They find a non-existent species, and they take them and do horrible things to try to recreate that species that could help us fight in war...our government takes peace and happiness and turns it into corrupt chaos,” Thomas flinched as he looked down at his feet ashamed of what the human world has come to. Twilight stood there her, eyes widen as she looked up to Celestia Is that true, princess?” she asked. Pinkie listened closely, "Uh, what does this mean?" Princess Celestia stared at Pinkie blankly and opened her mouth to speak. “Yes... Unfortunately,” she said simply. “It means....We need to find those fillies, and FAST!” Apple Jack cut in. Thomas looked at Pinkie Pie sternly. “If government officials find you wandering by yourself, then you will automatically be claimed by the government as an escaped test experiment,” Pinkie looked shocked “Well good thing that didn't happen to me while I was looking for you!” Mike was still groggy about this whole situation, he yawned again and looked at the ponies. "First of all.....what's going on? And second...." he blinked a few times in a sleepy way, yawning again. "What’s going on...?" Pinkie Pie shifted her eyes to Mike with a grin on her face, “FINALLY YOUR AWAKE SLEEPY HEAD!” she yelled as she got on her back hooves and started jumping around and dancing with Mike. Mike's eyes snapped open then looked at Pinkie picking him up and danced and jumped with him. He was very confused and freaked out from getting woken up that quick. ‎"Ahahaha! It’s ok!" She squealed, "I still don’t know what’s going on though..." ‎"you and me both" he agreed with Pinkie, petting her bright pink mane and just watching. He looked back at the tent, seeing Dash still asleep inside. He smiled softly, he wanted Dash to sleep. She was sleeping so peacefully. Thomas cleared his throat, as he glanced at Celestia, and Twilight. He rubbed his eyes, hoping he was still dreaming. He looked at Mike and smiled when he saw he was awake. "Ah, good, you’re up." Mike looked at Tom and smiled softly "yes indeed, mind briefing me on what's going on?" he asked Tom sighed. "This horse here, is looking for the three Fillies,” Mike nodded "I'm guessing it was the ones that got in trouble yesterday?" ‎"Yes, those are the ones" Thomas nodded. *wilight spoke up as she stepped forward, "I am sorry if they were any trouble, but right now, they could be anywhere, and with them being so young, they could easily get hurt" Mike nodded "we have no time to lose," “You have any idea where they could be,” Twilight asked hopefully. Thomas smiled as he thrust a small vial into Mike’s hands. "Try this. Its five hour energy" he looked at the small vial, shrugged and drank it. He winced at the flavor then swallowed it. "ugh...that stuff tastes nasty" he groaned and stuck his tongue in and out to get the bad flavor off his tongue. Thomas Brae Thomas chuckled as he turned his attention to the ponies. “Will you stay here with Rainbow Dash?” he asked Pinkie. ‎"Of course," The pony says peeking where Rainbow was sleeping, "I mean, I’ll be quiet," The pony says lowering her voice. Thomas smiled as he closed up the tent gently. He slapped his forehead as he walked beside Mike, Princess Celestia, and Fluttershy. He hoped the fillies were alright, and hadn't gone too far. He smiled down at Fluttershy, his heart racing a bit but kept his head on high alert. Mike looked back at the tent, frowning slightly and followed. Thomas sighed, “Don't worry Mike. Just like Rainbow Dash said: "Pinkie will watch the car all night if she has too," *he grumbled and muttered "But whose going to save them if they are captured?" Pinkie's ears perked up "Ah! I can save myself! They will be so scared of me! Listen!" Pinkie tries to grrr or roar but turns out a 'Squee'... "I’m a monster!" she giggled. Thomas chuckled at Pinkies failed attempted as he packed his back pack. “Just take care of Fluttershy," Mike nodded and sighed softly "let's go find those fillies" Thomas smiled a bit as he walked beside Mike. He looked at the ground, then at Princess Celestia trying not to catch her gaze. “We need to find them before anything bad happens,” Celestia muttered. Thomas looked up at the horse’s mane and sighed. "This is our fault," “How so?” Celestia asked. We should have been more cautious and should have kept an eye on them,” Princess Celestia stopped and held out a hoof. “Wait, you were with them? You saw that they were safe?” Mike nodded "yeah we did,” ‎"We lost track of them when we were setting up the tent,” Tom added. “At least we know they were safe at one point,” she mumbled to herself. Thomas glanced at Mike, then he widened his eyes as he soon grew fearful. "Oh, No," Thomas pointed to the truck that looked like a military vehicle. He tilted his head as he watched the truck drive by; he quickly went behind Celestia as he walked beside Mike, whispering in his ear. "Government Officials," “We have to find them, before they do,” she whispered. Thomas Brae He glanced at Celestia, and then at the trucks moving one by one into the forest. "I don't think they’re after the Fillies," he said. He glanced at the white mare. "Where did you come from, anyways? How did you get here?" “There is a portal that connects our world with yours,” She replied. Thomas, eyes widened so far, they nearly popped out of his head. "Oh, nom" He glanced at Mike. "They’re going to destroy Equestria!” //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 8: War of Peace //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 8: War of Peace Mike looked at Tom, "Do you think they came...." Mike was cut off and Celestia answered the rest, "I thought so....that's the same place Dash and the others went...." his eyes widened as he realized what had just been said, "WHAT?!" ‎"Don't you get it?! Discovering a new world like ours will give humans the capability to thrive in a rich climate by wiping out a current species. It’s like a kid in a candy store," ‎"Multiple kids that is...." he looked at Tom, "this isn't good," Thomas gulped. “We need to split up. Princess Celestia I need you to go back to you realm, and make sure you rally up the ponies and inform them of what is happening. Mike and I will go back to camp and get the other ponies and look for the Fillies,” “Okay. Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash... Let’s go. I will need you girls to help gather forces,” Thomas glanced at Mike. "Let's go, we're at war here!" Thomas, we will need your help to find Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie will be with you for help. Find them then have Fluttershy take you to the portal. Keep to the shadows; we don’t need any pony knowing about this,” Celestia commanded. Mike nodded and ran back to camp as fast as he could using his flash Thomas turned to the Princess as he nodded. "We will, we promise," He turned to Mike as he ran as fast as he could. Thomas ran to the tent. "GUYS, WAKE UP! We have a major problem on our hands!!" Mike, Go get Rainbow, I will wake up Fluttershy!” Mike nodded and kneeled down next to Dash, gently shaking her to wake her up "Dash, Dash we've got a problem,” Rainbow Dash woke up with her shining crimson eyes looking up to see Michael. "Hey Mike, What's wrong?" She said. At first she thought it was something little, but then she noticed the scared and serious look on his face. He was all sweaty from running and no pony else was in the tent. Well, pinkie pie was still staring at her. But she didn't really help anything. She looked toward Michael for an answer. He was a little scared to explain but explained anyway "man found Equestria, if we don't stop them they will wipe out all of the ponies in that world,” Rainbow Dash almost broke into tears. She wasn't one to cry, but hearing her love say this to her was making it twice as heavy on her heart. "But, I thought we were safe here. Forever." she said wiping tears from her cheeks with a hoof. 'Well, what are we waiting for?" she asked and she scooped him up and took off into the sky holding onto him with her legs for she didn't want anything interrupting the smooth flapping of her wings. It would take away speed. And speed is exactly what they needed. She finally spotted an orange glint in the distance and took off at full speed toward it. Thomas looked around as he quickly followed them, keeping his eye on Mike and Rainbow. He shook his head and sighed. "This can't be good!" Mike leaned down to create less wind resistance as they took off. he looked down and tried to figure out where the truck that he and Thomas saw was. "Where do you think it is, Dash?" he asked as he looked at her. ‎"There," Rainbow said as she watched the humans loading cages into the back. She sped toward the truck having to put a hoof onto Mike's lap so he didn't fly off. She landed by the truck in the bushes observing the scene in stealth. Thomas ran beside them, and knelt down. "I am going to create a diversion, to get a better look at what's going on. You stay here, and make sure Fluttershy doesn't follow me," Mike unsheathed his sword and grinned "can I pick them off one by one while they’re distracted?" At these words, A rustle behind Tom suddenly stopped and headed toward Rainbow and Mike, When Fluttershy came out of the bushes. She instantly hid next to Rainbow and Mike and looked at Michael with his sword. She actually didn't protest for these humans have actually kidnapped the three fillies. She nodded kindly and looked away. Rainbow Dash put her snout to Mike's pocket and pulled out his USMC combat knife and looked him in the eyes. She took off into a tree and stood over two humans that were chatting away and smoking. Mike grinned and hid in the shadows with Dash, waiting for Tom to distract them. Rainbow leaned forward in the branch in a striking position, she never killed anything before. But this time she had no choice. She waited for the diversion with knife in mouth. She said through her teeth. "I got these two. You go get those guys over there," She pointed to two guys also smoking and chatting. Thomas walked over casually to the men as the stopped talking. "What are you doing over here? Aren't you supposed to be loading up those varmints into the truck? Get back to work!" With a powerful bunt the other guy kicked Tom in the butt and pointed to the portal. He grumbled as he looked to the trees and put his hand to his throat as if to say: "Don't do anything, you will get yourselves hurt or killed," Mike nodded and within a blink of an eye 2 men that were smoking and chatting were instantly killed and disappeared. Thomas put on a work uniform and picked up a crate, little did he know was that he carrying the crate with the fillies in them. Rainbow Dash Rainbow landed by the two men and slit ones throat easily, as the other realized what was going on, Dashie already sent the knife spinning with a toss of her head. The knife hit home at the man's heart as he felt the warm flow of blood seep through his clothes. Rainbow looked astonished at the two dead men she had just created and smiled. They deserved it, that's for sure. But she did feel sorry for them. She pulled the knife out of the man and cleaned it on the grass. Thomas gasped as the men looked at the Cyan Assassin Pony. He glanced over at a government official that was nodding and talking to his supervisor. He knew what was happening: They were talking about running tests on Rainbow to train her for an elite Military Squadron. He groaned and took a look at Scoot Aloo who was in the crate he was hold and sighed. He took a deep breath and made a run for it. Scoots looked around inside the crate, trying to find a way out as best as she could, but all her efforts were in vain. Rainbow Dash Rainbow took the sigh as a "Target over here" She felt something was out of place in the small clearing. She turned around and she now saw the other two coming toward her holding giant Rifles loaded with Tranquilizer Darts. She jumped into the air over them dodging the darts and stabbed one in the chest. As he fell over, Rainbow felt a surge of pain in her flank; she ignored it and cut the last man's throat easily with the razor sharp combat knife. Now with the Battlefield clear, she looked to her flank to see what was bothering her so much. She gasped as she saw a Giant Tranquilizer dart in her hind leg, right where her cutie mark was. She ripped it out and cluttered clumsily toward Michael. "Mike, I'm hit... I'll be out for-" but she already passed out in his arms. Mike flicked the blood off his sword and sheathed it, then walked over to the crate; he closed his eyes and took in a breath then let it out. Opening his eyes quickly he unsheathed his blade and slashed the crate the Scoots was in then stopped after a few cuts and slashes. He stopped and sheathed his sword, turned around and walked away from it; the wooden box instantly fell into pieces. Mike's eyes widened as he saw Dash fell into his arms "crap..." he hugged her gently then looked around "hang on Dashie, I'll get you out of here." he whispered as he flash stepped back toward Tom's house, he figured it was the only way to keep her safe so he did it. Dashie, having pulled out the tranquilizer just in time, was just imobilized. She could still talk with a strong lisp, but she could still hear and communicate. ‎"M-Michael..." she said softly. "I love you." Mike he looked at her and smiled, kissing her gently "I love you too....and don't you worry about your home, we'll take care of them." he whispered to her and he walked inside the house and laid her down on his bed. "When you get better make yourself at home, ok? I'll be back soon" Rainbow inclined her head. As soon as Michael left, she made constant efforts to stand up. But the chemicals that were injected into her kept her close to the floor. She tried one last time and finally stood up. She couldn't move much though. She had to wait until the symptoms left her system for her complete mobility to return. She looked around the house admiring all the pictures with Michael in them. She tripped over to a door that had the word "Mike" written on it in bold letters and went in. She was shocked to see little figurines of herself and her friends as she entered. She picked one up and smiled to herself. Fluttershy floated gently in the open window and gasped when she saw Rainbow Dash. “Are you okay,” she asked quietly. Rainbow Dash looked at her, and smiled faintly, "Yeah, some human shot me with a sleeping thingy, but I pulled it out." She knew everyone else had left to fight without her. And she couldn't let that happen. She noticed a strange metal box in the Father's room of the house. She looked at it cautiously and kicked it open. With one easy swing of the door, in the safe was revealed to be Large Semi Automatic Pistols, Huge bolt action sniper rifles, Shotguns and revolvers, knives for combat use, and a weird suit that seemed to look like a bush. Rainbow Dash never felt more thrilled in her life, she knew exactly how she was going to help, and she didn't have to move very far to do so. She quickly whipped on the suit and Ran out the door selecting a large Sniper rifle from the gun safe along with some ammunition. She set up the Rifle on a tree and scoped in on the scene. Meanwhile Mike was compromised by the portal that leads to Equestria and started fighting off the men that were attacking him. He got his guard thrown off and got shot in the shoulder, he hit the ground with a thud and the sword clattered to the ground. They grabbed him and they tied his hands behind his back with a plastic zip tie then dragged him to the boss. The boss looked down at the boy and lift his chin with his hand "who gave you the right to get in our business, boy?" he growled softly. Mike only scowled at him and spit in his face, causing one of the men hit him in the face with one of their rifles. Mike grunted and hit the ground. "give him a good beating till he talks...." the boss grabbed Mike by the hair pulling him up hard.”I'll be back and I hope you will be ready to answer some questions" he threw him down then walked away, leaving him to get beat up. Rainbow Dash grinned and pulled the trigger once, picking off a man who was in the front so everyone would notice. The bullet hit home right between the man's forehead zipping a clean hole right through it. Rainbow smiled as she watched the men drop their guns and start looking around for where the shot came from. She re-adjusted the sights on the scope and aimed again, She picked a target who had decided to go over to Michael and try to hit him. But the shot hit his right eye before he could do anything about it. By this time, the men all knew that whoever this sniper was, she had talent, and she was defending the prisoner. Mike was kicked and beat with the butt ends of their guns, getting welts, bruises even a few small cuts. The man that was in front grabbed the boy's sword and walked over to him, calling the men off. "How about if kill you with your sword? That sounds very honorable doesn't it?" he laughed and all the other men laughed. Mike coughed up blood after they stopped he growled softly at the man and spoke weakly "go to hell..." the man suddenly kicked him in the head hard, almost losing a tooth. Suddenly the man got shot and fell to the ground. Mike looked at the man that got shot and smirked; help was already on the way. Another man got hit then another. The black haired boy couldn't help but hum and sing weakly 'another one bites the dust' as they got shot waiting to sing it for the ones that got shot. “Another one bite the dust.....another one bites the dust....and another one gone and another one gone...another bites the dust, hey! Hey! I'm gonna get you too another one bite the dust! " Rainbow Dash kept up the shooting, she only missed two out of thirteen shots which was pretty Phenomenal considering she barely ever shot a rifle. She decided to have some fun and pulled out the scoped crossbow. She aimed it's Crosshairs just to the edge of the leader's collar Right as he was raising the sword. The bolt soared through mike's bindings cutting him free and also forcing the leader to drop the sword for he was suddenly pinned to a tree by a 1.5 foot long Arrow that just skimmed his shoulder. Rainbow kept up the fire until all the men knew they were hopeless. They basically were all just awaiting their Quick deaths. All they could do was watch as one by one; the force of men was wiped out. Only the leader stood, the sword laid by Mike's side. Mike rubbed his wrists and grabbed his sword, looking around. He wondered which of the ponies did that, but had a good feeling that he knew who it was. Rainbow Dash Flew to the scene with the Shining black Rifle over her shoulder. She walked over to the leader and kicked his stomach. "How DARE YOU TOUCH MY MICHAEL!!!" she said with nothing but pure anger in her eyes. She stepped back as she handed Mike the sword. "Make sure it's slow as yours would have been." She said evilly grinning. Mike smiled and hugged Dash tightly, ignoring his gunshot wound and smiled "good to see you up and about Dashie, that had to be the fastest recovery I've seen" he chuckled softly and looked at his sword and grinned, cutting the side of the man's neck a little, blood was seeping through the wound. Rainbow noticed the wound and thought that she hit him. But she remembered that the hole would have been able to fit a "coca cola" can in it if it were from the sniper rifle. She took a bandage and put some painkilling salve on it and began to treat his wound. He knelt down and winces a bit as she treated his wound. "ow...ow...ow..." he cringed in pain as she painkilling salve on him but then sighed and relaxed, ”Thanks Dash" "No problem." She replied. "Hey, anyone does anything bad to you again ever; raise two of your fingers like this." She made a motion with her hoof showing what it would look like, well, she didn't have fingers, but Mike knew what she meant. She re-loaded the rifle and looked up at mike. "Were these yours?" She said pulling out a 375 Magnum, a 12 gauge double barreled sawed off shotgun, and her trusty sniper rifle that she decided was her weapon of choice. Mike nodded then looked at the guns blinking "were you in my stash of guns?" he asked, he was also a little shocked that she could handle a rifle so good. Rainbow Dash she grinned and slung the rifle. "Yeah, and I like this one." she said as she heard a series of thuds. She saw the Princess and Twilight with the others. Thomas had made his way into the portal, but when he did he gasped to see Equestria, looked like a post-apocalyptic fissure erupted. He gasped when saw the ponies shackled to each other around the neck like slaves. His eyes widened as he stealth fully ran through Ponyville. The first stop he made was to Sweet Apple Acres. He groaned when he saw that the apple trees were bare and the land had turned rancid. He groaned when he saw Granny Smith lying in a pool of blood near the barn doors. His eyes grew soft as he scanned the area; a bullet was placed into the elder Apple. He looked around and saw men riding on a carriage with a whip in their hand. Big Mac was pulling the carriage that held the pony prisoners. Mike grinned as he saw the others "let's end this girls.." he raised his sword up "FOR EQUESTRIA!" Rainbow Dash took up a position in a cloud and looked down at all the slaved ponies. She tried to gun down every single Human she saw. But then, she saw Rarity getting pulled out of her shop, Rainbow instantly swung the barrel over as it clicked. No ammo! She thought in her head, she slung the rifle and flew down armed with only a knife. She slit the man's throat easily and freed Rarity. Rarity was too blinded by what was going on to worry about the blood on her coat so she ran back into her shop and locked the door. Rainbow looked to Michael and fought beside him. Mike, having been a expert in the swordsmen arts blocked all the bullets that the men were firing then deflected them back, hitting them in the hands so they had no choice but to fight with their bare hands and defended Rainbow while she defended him. Rainbow Dash watched as the land she loved became a battlefield. Ponies were getting back up and killing left and right. Rainbow took a second to look but one second was just enough. A bullet whizzed in and took a chunk off her flank. She collapsed to the ground and got back up. She was limping but still fighting. It was only when some human directed his gun toward pinkie when she realized something. She let her rage take over her body, Her actions were no longer her own, She killed 5 men in one easy stroke and sprinted for Pinkie, She tackled the man and sent his gun flying, She on purpose stabbed him in non-lethal spots so he would bleed to an agonizing slow death. She looked back at the battlefield as things slowly started to ease down. Mike gasped as he saw a gun getting pointed at Dash "NOOOOO!!" he flash stepped toward her and jumped in the way, blocking the blow with his sword and deflecting it with his blade, hitting it back right into the man's forehead. He looked back at Rainbow with worry in his eyes "are you alright?" Thomas could not believe what was going on, what the world was coming too. He groaned as he looked all over Equestria. The land was nothing more than a battle field. Unicorns used their magic against the Navy; the Pegasus used their aerial maneuvers against the Air Force. And the Earth Ponies used the Army. He groaned as he ran to find Princess Celestia. Rainbow Dash Rainbow looked stunned, she saw Mike and said. "Thanks to you I'm fine... hey, you got any more ammo, I'm running low!" She said as she pulled the trigger again picking the windshield of a helicopter that was chasing three Pegasus. The helicopter spun for the pilot's blood stained body had slumped over the Control stick and spun it out. Mike handed her a few more clips of ammo then his eyes widened as the helicopter was almost about to crash on a two fillies "I'll be right back" he told her before disappearing and flash stepped into a jump, slashing and cutting the helicopter into a fine dust then he swung his sword around in a fan like way, blowing the dust out of sight. he then landed in a crouching position on the ground and slowly got up, looking around then looked down at the fillies "are you alright?" he questioned they all nodded and he told them to get into a safe and out of sight spot and hurry. They did what they were told and ran away to safety. Rainbow Dash slapped a clip in and sniped a few more targets. She suddenly noticed that an enemy was aiming a gun to Fluttershy. She scoped on to the enemy, but Fluttershy had already kicked his shin and apologized sweetly before kicking his head knocking him out cold. Mike back, blocking and cutting bullets easy. He looked around and sighed "it feels like there's no end to this" he muttered as he watched the war happening. Rainbow sighed for she was tired of taking lives of living creatures, She dropped her rifle and went on to dis-arming everyone including the ponies, She signaled for her friends to do the same. "COME ON!" she said as she pulled a pitchfork out of Applejack's hooves Mike looked at her as she did this wondered what she was up to he followed her "Dash? What are you doing? If you disarm everyone we'll lose and take use prisoner or even kill us!" Rainbow Dash looked at Mike concerned and sighed, there was no other option but to fight, she wanted to stop the fighting. She looked up at all the bloodshed and picked her knife back up. She threw it easily landing in the chest of a man who was shooting his gun at the mayor Mare. She then looked and widened her eyes at what she saw; a bullet was headed straight for the back part of Mike's head. She jumped into the way letting the bullet strike her in her hind leg. She fell to the ground with a dull thud and pulled out the 44. Magnum. She snapped onto 6 targets discharging the bullets as she carefully aimed down the sights. Mike looked over to Rainbow and ran to her fast, standing over her protectively and defending her 'I won't let anything happen to you....' he said to her in his mind. "...they'll have to get past my blade and kill me in order to get you...and I won't allow any of this..." he whispered as he kept cutting and slashing the bullets. Rainbow Dash looked to her left and saw it: Thomas fighting off two men at once. She aimed the revolver at the men, but the gun simply clicked. All she could do was telling Mike what was happening. "MIKE!" she shouted. Thomas had taken a couple blows to the head, but that wasn't going to stop him from fighting for what he believed in. He watched in horror as many of the Military went after the Pegasai and Unicorns. He shook his head and kept fighting. "So this is what our government does to foreign species," He muttered. He ducked under a nearby tree and shot at the Militia. By now, Ponyville had turned into an all out war zone. The barren trees marked the overpowering domination that man was actually winning the war. He groaned as he ducked under the tree and headed toward Rainbow Dash. He threw her some ammo as he took cover. "Hate is detected!" He called. "Do you have any sort of friendship cannon?" Rainbow Dash thought for a second, and a spell came to mind. She knew her friend Twilight has used this kind of spell before on them all when Discord came to the land. She yelled back: "Get Twilight, Tell her what you just said!" But Twilight was already right next to the two, hitting men in the heads with levitating books. Mike looked to the side and his eyes widened scoot was getting backed cornered, “....oh no,” He got up quickly and ran to where scoots was, trying to flash step but for some reason he couldn't flash step "what the hell!?" he growled and tried to keep running as fast as he could. Mike saw one of the men kicking her down and aiming the gun to her chest. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" he screamed as he was just two feet away, the trigger was pulled and the shot hit Scoots in the chest. He slammed on his breaks and looked at the filly....lying there....dead.... "no...." he looked down, the brim of his hat covering his eyes with a dark shadow, he looked up at the men, his eyes a golden color, he was pissed now....he knew what he was going to do to them they came so far to protect those innocent fillies, and one of them died at the hands of two men! He sheathed his sword and put his left leg in front of his right leg, wind rose around him, Mike unsheathed his sword and ran at the two men, the blow was blocked by one of the men with a gun. They both looked at Mike and laughed. suddenly when the air was displaced by the power and impact of the first blocked blow, shattering the air around the opponents and drawing the opponents in. the second blow used the pent up force from the first to accelerate the blow, thus hitting them with a more powerful hit the second time around. Sending the two men flying and the half of their bodies slashed in 2. He slung the sword downward and blood sprayed onto the ground, he sheathed it and ran to the filly, kneeling down beside her, hugging her and crying. "Come on...wake up....Scoots, come on....wake up...." he whispered. //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 9: Friendship ~is~ Magic //-------------------------------------------------------// Part 9: Friendship ~is~ Magic Rainbow knelt down beside the orange body in distraught with tears in her eyes. She knew the filly her whole life, and now she was killed by two cruel men. She fell on top of the body and shook it violently. Sweetie Belle and Apple bloom came over to see what happened. Rainbow scooted to the side to let them see. Tears streamed down the pony's cheeks, as they realized the small pony wasn’t coming back. The ponies all stopped fighting to look over--Every single one. The unicorns all lit their horns. The pegasai all rose to the air, and the Earth ponies all began to sing. Mike hugged Dash and cried as well....it was rough for him...he gripped his fists and slowly got up, walking toward the princess slowly. "Princess.... I have a request..." he told her before lifting up his hat, showing his face that was soaked with tears but he kept a straight face and tried to be strong. "End the war...." he spoke to her.”I don't care how you do it....just stop the war.....I've had enough....if there's more of this there won't be any more ponies, pegasai or unicorns in the world...." he fell to his knees and his head dropped.....he felt like a failure....like....he lost the battle anyway.... Thomas slowly walked in beside Mike and Rainbow, with a large lump in his throat. He could not udder the words, but he knew that something deep down was pinching his heart. He took deep shallow breaths as his heart grew heavy, and his eyes were clouded with tears. He would have comforted Mike and Rainbow, but he had his hands full. He shook his head, as his lip quivered and tears ran down his cheeks. Lying in his arms was the lifeless body of Fluttershy. Her eyes closed, and her bright pink mane drenched in blood as several bullet wounds penetrated her yellow fur. He couldn't begin to begin to express the high amount of sorrow as he slowly laid her soft body next to the young lifeless Filly. "Bury them together," he said. "It's the least we can do. After all, this is our war.” Princess Celestia had already disarmed everything from the battlefield as she walked down the aisle. She saw the two bodies and choked back some tears. "This is our doing. We brought this upon ourselves with this Brutality. This is unacceptable." Rainbow burst into full blown sob as she watched Sweetie Belle close Scootaloo's empty lifeless eyes. The eyes that always had thirst for adventure were now empty and hungering life. Pinkie Pie was completely still. Never has she experienced the death of a filly and a close friend; particularly because Fluttershy was the nicest pony to have ever lived. Scootaloo was simply too young to have left this world. The singing of earth ponies was growing louder now, the unicorn's horns glowing brightly as the mane six suddenly turned to a five. Twilight came down bearing Fluttershy's Element of harmony and put it around Fluttershy’s neck. These deaths would never be forgotten as they were the best of friends. The blood was cleaned off by the magic of the Unicorns. The flying Pegasai kept flying slowly in a circle. The five elemental bearers came down all wearing their elements. Rainbow was still crying, but she also was crying from the pain that came from her leg. She was being helped up by Applejack who was also crying for the loss of Granny Smith. Thomas looked at the young filly, as his lip quivered once more. He glanced at the Princess, as he tried to be a stronger person. He had no idea what her intentions were, but he knew that they were pure. He slowly picked up Fluttershy and carried her next to Princess Celestia. He put his head on top of the kind pony's mane and stroked it gently as he watched the men retreat from the land. Within minutes, the once thriving ecosystem of Equestria, now lay in the barren and sullen land of desolation… a land that once held carefree lives, vanquished by the forces only man and their desire to consume. No words could be brought to mind in the hour of devastation. Like parasites plaguing a field, nothing remained as ponies grieved over the crimson blood of the fallen allies. Rainbow Dash, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom dragged behind Scootaloo's body on his scooter. Behind that, Big Macintosh keeping a straight face, though he was intensely having his insides turned inside out from sadness, was carrying Granny Smith's body. Behind that, was the lifeless body of Miss Cheerilee, Derpy Hooves, and even Spike the baby Dragon. Mike looked over to Dash and walked over to her, hugging her tightly to comfort her "Dashie......I know this is hard for all of us....but we'll get though this..." he kissed her cheek and took out a clean rag from his pocket, wiping away the tears off Rainbow's tear soaked face. "I promise it'll be all ok..." he whispered to her, hugging her again tightly. Thomas looked at the land, then at the Princess. "Your Majesty," he began weakly. He looked down at Fluttershy sleeping peacefully in his arms, as he pulled back her mane and kissed her forehead. The soft fur against his lips and the bitter taste of blood didn't bother him as he looked up the white mare. "If I may make a request: I would like to spend my days living on this land as a pony elping restore it back to its blossoming essence. After all, as a man, I must undo what the rise of man has done unjustifiably," he said with passionate eyes. "I know I cannot bring back Fluttershy, but let me be the one to restore the Mane six for I hold the Element of Compassion," Rainbow Dash wasn't really crying from sadness, though she was extremely sorrowful for the losses. She was mostly crying from the bullet still lodged in her leg, the bullet found its way into her bone and it shattered there like glass. She remained in the air and only landed in a sitting position. She closed her eyes and prayed to Celestia to do some form of magic to help this. She knew it wouldn't do anything, but she still tried. Mike noticed Rainbow's leg and frowned he looked at her and kissed her forehead "Dash....this is going to hurt a little....but I'm going to heal your wound." he whispered to her as he put his right hand over her injured leg. using the powers from the robotic arm under the fake flesh of his arm a aura surrounded his hand and he slowly made back and forth movements with his hand taking the bullet out slowly but tried to not make it painful for her. Rainbow Dash gave quick thanks and looked up at the bodies. She noticed Pinkie Pie leaned over the two bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Buried in rubble, the two ponies’ hooves were reaching out to each other. Pinkie could not at all hold back tears, she was a delicate creature, but this was too much for her. She pulled the two's hooves together and closed Mrs. Cake's open frightened eyes. Mr. Cake let out a groan and opened his eyes. Pinkie was still crying for he was going to die soon. Mr. Cake said in a low voice, "Pinkie, Take care of the shop, and carry on our business. Don’t let us down." Pinkie nodded and cried more as Mr. Cake put both hooves on Mrs. Cake's non moving ones. He eventually stopped and slowly passed his spirit to the heavens. ‎"I'm not done....yet..." Mike trailed off as his hand did the rest of healing Rainbow's wound and watched Mr. and Mrs. Cake pass away. He sniffled and wiped away a few tears, sighing softly then looked at Dash "well.....how's your leg?" he asked, trying to move to a different subject. Thomas sighed as he continued to bury Fluttershy and Scootaloo. He looked at them one last time before covering their bodies with dirt. His lump grew so heavy that his knees buckled from under him as he jumped in the hole and quietly caressed Fluttershy. He hugged her tightly as he bawled so hard that he could hardly breathe. He lifted her body up to his eye level and shook her. "WAKE UP!!" he screamed. "WAKE UP!!" He knew she wasn't going to wake up—Ever. He continued to cry as he held Scootaloo and Fluttershy in his arms, hoping that they would hear his prayers. After a long while he slowly laid them next to each other, and walked away from the open hole. He walked past Mike as he felt to the ground and just cried, curling into the fetal position. Mike frowned, once he finished healing Rainbow he walked over to his brother and hugged Tom tightly, rubbing his back and pulling him in close to him. "shhhhhhh......" he told him in a soothing tone. "shhhhh..." Thomas he looked up to his brother with tears stained eyes as he tried to push the image of Fluttershy out of his mind. "I did a terrible thing," He sobbed. "That night when we were camping in the woods and I was keeping watch, a shooting star fell after Fluttershy went to bed," He sniffled. "I wished she would disappear!" He cried harder now, he was crying so hard that he actually vomited. Mike's eyes widened "oh my gosh....little bro...I'm so sorry..." he didn't know what to say after that...all he could do was just to hug him and comfort him. Thomas shook his head and looked down at his blood-drenched hands. The yellow fur from the pony's coat still lingered on his skin as his head spun in circles. Mike kept hugging his Tom and sighed, rubbing his back gently. "It’ll be ok little bro....I promise" Rarity came down to the tomb and sighed. She held a banner bearing all the cutie marks of the ponies that died. Including Scootaloo's new one as the crowd all burst into song of Sorrow. Thomas quickly looked up, hoping to meet the eyes of the Princess. In a muffled tone, he managed to utter tangible sentence. "Please Celestia, do not let these ponies grieve in vain. Let me become one of you to restore the land back to youthful estate," Thomas pleaded as he glanced at Rainbow Dash who had burst into a sorrowful song. “Every pony here will ,miss you; Your souls are laid to rest. Just rest in peace my friends. It’s for the very best. We all fought bravely but fighting itself was wrong. We faced the consequences fiercely, which is why we sing this song,” Mike hugged his little brother one last time and kneeled down next to Rainbow and hugged her, sighing softly, still crying but not too much. Rainbow Dash continued to sing as the remaining ponies joined in the chorus. “Listen here from heaven, where nothing can go Rotten. We mean it completely when we say that your souls will never be forgotten. ” Once the singing stopped, Princess Celestia walked over to Tom's crying form and whispered for him to follow her. She had a smile on her face for she always liked to give a cheerful air around other living creatures. She walked slowly toward her castle also saying for Michael to follow behind. Rainbow Dash wondered what was going to happen, so Princess Celestia allowed her to follow up behind. Mike nodded and got up, following Celestia, thinking the same thing as Dash. Thomas looked towards Mike and followed the Princess's orders. He wiped the dirt of off his clothes and trailed behind; wondering what would happen. The princess stopped at a small house and looked at the two Humans with a forced a smile. She looked to Thomas and said. "I think the ponies would love it if you became residents to ponyville, however there is a problem." Mike tilted his head "what's that?" ‎"You two can't stay here as humans eating a pony's Diet." She said her horn glowing. A big flash appeared and it all died down. Thomas could feel the surge of an unseen power grow inside of him. He could feel his insides twist and turn to match the organs of an earth pony. His hair receded in the back of his head as his ears went from flat to pointed. He felt himself shrinking; his hands began to merge together as he soon realized they had turned into hooves. His pale skin was turning a light yellow as fur began to grow. His nose extended as well as his jaws and teeth. After the process of transformation, he shook his head, and felt his mane. The princess then turned to Michael and there was a bright flash again. Mike gulped and cringed....he didn't feel anything till he was turned pony. He blinked and looked at himself, he looked up at the princess then tried to walk but fell down. "Ouch...." looks like he needed work on how to walk like a pony. Thomas blinked as he looked over at Mike, and then the Princess. "Mike....," he began. "You don't have to live with me here. You have your whole life ahead of you, and I don't want you spending it as a horse. Just think about what Aunt Flora would say if you went missing..." Mike frowned "but Tommy....." he spoke "I wanna stay here...what about Dash....?" Thomas eyes softened as he looked at Dash. he had completely forgotten about her. He sighed, and looked away trying his best to hold his ground. "You maybe older than I am, but I am the ones who brought pain and despair to this land; without the Mane six, corruption will be ensued and the balance of harmony will be disrupted. Do you have any idea what that means?" Mike thought a moment then shook his head, shrugging "no...not really..." Thomas sighed and looked at the Princess. "It means, that when I wished upon the star, I accidentally brought the pain and despair to the land, and in doing so, I am the reason why Fluttershy is dead," Rainbow Dash was about to cry, But Thomas' explanation was legit enough. She sat there waiting for the two to figure something out; she hoped that they would stay together, but that Chance was hanging by a thread. Mike frowned "I still wanna stay..." Thomas sighed and then looked at the Princess, then at Mike. "If it's alright with her, I'd be more than happy to live with you here," Mike nodded and looked at the princess. Rainbow Dash Rainbow hearing these words looked up as hope filled her heart. Thomas smiled a bit, and looked at the Princess. The princess smiled warmly. "It is just fine with me. Any pony should be able to stay here." She said in an exhausted tone. "Plus, I don't think I was going to be able to change him back until tomorrow. Changing a life form takes up a lot of energy." She said this with a smile. Mike turned to Dash and grinned. Thomas smiled and nodded and looked at Mike then slowly headed back into the forest. "I need to be alone for a bit," Mike nodded and ran to Dash. He was so happy right now; he wrapped his hoofs around her and hugged her tightly. Dashie was crying like mad. She jumped up with excitement and hugged Michael tightly. She looked at Tom and said in a rapid tone. "Oh thank you, thank you, and thank you!" The princess smiled and said goodbyes. She was tired from all the extra extraordinary Magic she had performed. She left the three in the little room preparing all the ponies to see the new residents. Thomas wandered to the depths of the Everfree forest and looked at the portal that now lay dormant. He sighed to himself as he looked at the tire tracks that lead from the forest into the now destroyed portal. He sighed to himself and shook his head, thinking about what has happened over the course of a couple days. He sat down in the dirt, and cried. Mike kissed Dash lovingly and hugged her tightly. He was crying tears of joy as he hugged her "I love you Dashie" he whispered as he held her close to him and didn't break the hug. Meanwhile in the Everfree Forest, a familiar feeling hoof touched Tom on his shoulder. "Tom, is that you?" A soft and gentle voice said kindly. Thomas knew that voice as his ears perked up in surprise. "Who's there?" He asked confused. He knew the voice, but couldn't make out the connection. Fluttershy was gone, how could she be talking to him. He shook his head as he shrugged off the feeling--or at least tried too. ‎"You’re silly. It's me." At that moment, a dim figure of Fluttershy appeared in front of Thomas. She had been completely cleaned of blood and wounds. She had in fact looked more beautiful than she ever had. She smiled warmly to Thomas' crying figure. He turned his head towards the figure as his eyes widened. "No, it can't be! You’re supposed to be..." He stopped and thought for a moment. "Dead," Fluttershy looked down at the ground. She held up her hoof sadly showing that it was in fact transparent. She looked back up at Tom and said. "I am. But my Soul rests with my element; as long as it's not destroyed. I can keep in contact with the mortal world. I can see, feel, and hear like a normal pony, but I am Still Transparent for I do not belong in the mortal world,” Thomas sighed as he walked over to her, and hung his head low to the ground. "Your body will decay, but your soul will not," he muttered. He looked up at her and smiled a bit. "You never really how much you love something until it is really gone," he said in a quiet response, "and I lost you," Fluttershy blushed. She always had a thing for Thomas. But seeing him now was the most emotional thing that touched her big warm heart. She embraced Tom in a nice hug for she still could be seen, felt, and heard. She started to sing a gentle song. Thomas smiled as tears fell from his eyes as they seemed to spill from his eyes, emotions ran through his veins. He stepped back and admired her beauty through clouded eyed. He could help but cry when he saw her figure, as he looked down and tried to bury his sorrow. As the tear hit the soil below Fluttershy's hooves, she looked down. Suddenly her form Levitated into the air. She had no expression on her face as her body ascended into the air with Pink butterflies that resembled her cutie mark surrounded her translucent body and covered her in a tight niche cocoon. She opened her eyes as a bright light exploded from her sockets covering the land in a layer of vibrant fluorescent filled the darkened void. Thomas covered his eyes with a hoof, as the light slowly began to dim. Standing before him, was a rejuvenated Fluttershy. Her yellow fur was crisp and clean, as he pink mane flowed over her face effortlessly as she draped her flowing mane over her face and blushed, digging a little hole in the dirt sheepishly. Thomas gasped as he ran beside her. He smiled as he looked at her pink flowing mane. He couldn't believe it: He had actually done something that saved her life. Rainbow Dash She looked where his Hoof pointed. She flew down to the grave and landed. She walked over to the two fillies as they gasped greatly. Every pony she passed wondered what happened. She brought the two fillies to Scootaloo's Grave stone. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom walked over and burst into tears. Upon their grievances, a burst of orange light flashed from the ground as her body raised from the ground and she opened her eyes as a white flash blanketed the area. Thomas gasped as he ran over to Scootaloo. "Are you alright, how do you feel?" Scootaloo blinked a few times, gasping for breath, eyes wide, pupils small. "I...I... I'm...." she began. He knelt down, gently nuzzling her. He took a step back as he tilted his head. "Give her some room!" he called. Rainbow Dash and Michael were just walking by when they saw the two ponies. Rainbow saw Fluttershy wave to her and she gasped loudly. "How in... what the?" She said before fainting to the ground. Scoots slowly regained the air that had been lost from her lungs slowly, the rate of her breathing calming, her eyes going back to their normal size. "I'm...alive..." Thomas took a step back as he looked back at Rainbow Dash. "Quick, where are the others!" he asked. Mike blinked and looked down to Dash then up at the resurrecting fillies. His eyes widened and he picked up Dash "IT'S THE ZOMBIE PONY APOCALYPSE! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" he screamed and ran away. Rainbow Woke up, She didn't remember why she fainted, she looked back up to see Fluttershy and Scootaloo Breathing and alive. She gasped again and Sprinted for the two in a tight hug. "I'll get the others, they have to see this!" She said hurriedly before flying off into the distance smiling completely in glee. She stopped to see Mike while flying and explained it to him before fetching the mane six. Mike sighed in relief "oh ok...that makes me feel better" The other four girls came behind Rainbow Dash and saw Fluttershy. All of their reactions were that of if someone had suddenly put a weight in the bottom Jaws. Rarity Fainted of course. Twilight Smiled and hugged Fluttershy with Applejack as the only one that remained dead was Granny Smith. She out lived her youth, and it was time for her to rest in peace. Thomas couldn't help but squeal with joy as he hugged Fluttershy gracefully. Mike gave Dash a hug and smiled "well, in the end it looks like this was gonna be a happy ending after all," Rainbow Dash smiled and walked him to her cloud. She said goodbye as she flew into her cozy little cottage knowing the rest of the town was happy. Mike smiled and looked around as they were on the cloud and chuckled "just like walking on air huh, Dashie?” ‎"yeah. You'll get used to it. Being a Pegasus is the coolest thing, want to come in?" She opened the door to the house that was on the cloud. Mike nodded and trotted in, looking around. "I like your house Dash..." he smiled a little kept looking. ‎"Thanks!" she said showing him around. She had a lot of Wonderbolt pictures for she clearly loved the Wonderbolts. She didn't even dare show him her messy room for she never cleaned it. "I'm guessing you like these guys huh?" he asked looking at the pictures, crossing his arms behind his back but he then remembered he wasn't a human anymore, he face hoofed himself and looked back at Dash, smiling a little. Rainbow Dash blushed as he looked at her pictures. She had some with her posing at the Wonderbolt's shows and with her friends. She had one of her sonic rainboom at the "Young Flyer's Competition." She walked over to her window and looked down at the ponies that were reuniting in celebration. Thomas hugged Fluttershy one more time as he slowly backed away from her, as he smiled and blushed brightly, his silver hair pulled back so that he can see his full complexion. He got down on one knee as he smiled up to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, these past few days have been nothing but chaos, and to me, losing you was the worst thing that could have happened, and I never want that to happen ever again," he smiled up at her his face burning with a bright red. "Fluttershy, will you marry me?" He asked. The mare looked at Thomas as she moved her mane out of her face and smiled while blushing. “Yes,” she said. The End.