Morality of a Necromancer

Chapters

Welcome to Equestria
Unexpected
A trip
Complications
Questions
A helping hoof
The Case
A Looming Shadow
Truths and Promises
The Shadow Strikes
Major Escalation
Breaking and Entering
The Ritual
Recovery
Trial and Error
If it ain't fixed, don't break it
Not As planned
Explanations
Interlude: Rise of chaos

Welcome to Equestria

Chapter 3: Welcome to Equestria

Sandova's mind simply stopped working for a moment. When he thought he could think straight again he spoke up.

"Hrzmgh"

Okay, smooth. Now try that again without having your brain suffering from dumb. Damnit! Even his thoughts kept sounding ridiculous. Again now, focus.

"What?"

Slightly better, at least it's comprehensible and it does get the message along.

"You heard me Sandova, I will have you stay in Equestria so you can better yourself. Anyone in the presence of the Elements of Harmony will eventually sort out their moral compass. Or in your case, rediscover it. You are a man of honor and duty, and with the help of Twilight and her friends you can lighten the stains on your soul, perhaps even cleanse them. Now Twilight, I think we should introduce our new friend to the other Elements."

Sandova quickly managed to gather his wits together now, and could not believe his good fortune. Not only would he live, but he also got to study this new world with the help of the personal pupil of a deity. The fact that she is trying to change his morality amused him though. He had fallen too far to be 'helped' by the adorable denizens of this plane. He decided to play along for the moment.

"Very well, your highness. It will be an honor."

Celestia's gaze bore into Sandova's eyes again.

"But if I discover that you are falling back into evil, you will suffer my wrath. Is that understood?"

Sandova paled under the goddess' glare, and averted his eyes.

"As crystal, your highness."

"Then let us be on our way."

Her horn flared, and Sandova felt himself disappearing alongside the deity and his newly appointed 'friends'.
~
Applejack was busy with the usual farm work when Celestia appeared in front of her, along with Twilight, Spike, Fluttershy and-

Halfway through bowing Applejack noticed Sandova, and she froze.

"Princess, what in tarnation is that?"

"He is a traveler from another world, who is in dire need of ponies showing him what the power of friendship can accomplish. He has experienced dreadful things and has not escaped unscathed, and I hope that you and your friends can show him that friendship is a force to be reckoned with."

Seemingly satisfied Applejack looked at Sandova again, and he couldn't help but smile mischievously.

"See anything you like? I know I can be considered handsome to humanoids but I had no idea that my charm extended to equines as well," he said with a wink.

Applejack flushed and started stammering, but looked offended after Sandova burst out laughing.

"Sorry, but after years of training my tongue as become quite sharp, and tends to act unbidden when I don't focus. My name is Sandova Asphyxious Mirell, and I humbly ask for your apology miss..." he said while doing his usual bow.

"Applejack, an' doncha worry pardner. Ah' can take ah joke from time ta time, 's long as ya don't make a habit of it."

Sandova smiled, maybe his 'punishment' wouldn't be so bad after all. He was quite capable of putting up with 'good guys', as long as their heads remained clear of their posterior, that is.

"Twilight, could you gather the other Elements while Sandova and Applejack get to know each other better?

Twilight nodded and took off, Spike following her. Celestia remained studying Sandova while Fluttershy hid behind the princess. Sandova and Applejack struck up a conversation, and Sandova noticed that while their personalities clashed they could get along nicely.

"So yer sayin' that most plants grow by themselves in yer world? What do farmers do then?"

"They plant the crops, encourage them to grow and harvest them when they are ready to be harvested. And while nature runs its course in our world, she still has her champions that help nourish and protect nature. These druids gain powerful nature magic in return for their services."

"Now that seems like a mighty fine deal."

"It is, nature's champions often need those powers. They often protect a single patch of nature like a glade or a lakefront, but some wander the world and do their job wherever they go. These adventuring druids often join up with other adventurers, as our world can be dangerous sometimes."

"If ya don't mind me askin', could ya tell me what the princess meant when she said that you need our help ta refind friendship?"

Sandova sighed and told a shortened version of the story he told Celestia, hoping Applejack took it well.

When he was done she looked uncomfortable, but she steeled herself and smiled at Sandova.

"Ya really had a sad life didn'cha? If the princess is okay with ya, how can ah not be? I 'l help ya pardner."

Sandova smiled as well, surprised at the quick acceptance of someone like him.

They turned around when they heard others approaching.

Before Sandova could turn around completely he was assailed by something pink and fluffy.

"HellomisteralienhowareyoudoingTwilighttoldmethatyoumightbescarybutalsothatyouareniceandthatIshouldnotbescaredofyoucanwebefriendspleaspleasPLEASE?"

Sandova dumbly looked at the pink fluff filled with energy before him. It should not be possible to say so much so quickly without running out of breath, yet this pony managed.

"Uhm, hello?"

Godsdamnit Sandova! This is the third time today, get your damn act together!

"Easy there Pinkie, he has just recovered from hitting his head. Can you cut him some slack?"

Sandova's heart went out to his lavender savior. Pinkie giggled and stepped back a bit so that Sanova could turn around. Standing before him were Twilight and Pinkie, together with a blue Pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and a white unicorn with a styled purple mane. Sandova bowed with his usual flourish.

"Good day to you, my name is Sandova Asphyxious Mirell, mage, scholar and unexpected planar traveler. It is a pleasure to meet you."

The white unicorn smiled at this.

"Ooh, a true gentlecolt. My name is Rarity, fashionista and owner of Carousel Boutique."

Sandova smiled, finally someone with class. This world kept getting more interesting with the minute, although its atmosphere bordered on the childlike.

"And my name is Rainbow Dash, best flier in Equestria and future Wonderbolt. You look funny by the way, did your oven explode or something?"

Sandova looked het her, not understanding what she ment by that.

"Darling, what happened to your clothes. Just awful, you absolutely need to stop by the Boutique soon. I can't stand to see a gentlecolt like you wearing such ruined attire."

Sandova looked at his robes and indeed, they were smudged with soot and singed at some places. His flight from Cerberus didn't help his getup either.

"My lady, I most humbly request your forgiveness. I had not realized the state of my attire, and I would not have come before a lady had I known my disheveled state. My travel here was met with some, difficulties, and I haven't yet found the chance to improve my appearance. now, you all probably wonder why your princess has requested your presence?"

The three ponies nodded, and Sandova told his story for the third time that day. As expected the ponies looked a bit uncomfortable now that they knew his backstory, what he didn't expect was getting hugged by Pinkie, followed by the other 5.

"Uh, thanks. What do I owe this sudden show of affection for?"

Pinkie giggled.

"You seemed sad after telling that story, and looked like you needed a hug. so i gave you one."

Sandova felt a lump in his throat, a lifetime of being scorned for who he was the sudden acceptance and affection were alien to him. He smiled, truly smiled that is, for the first time in years.

"Thanks girls, that means a lot to me."

After a while the group broke off from the hug, everyone except for Pinkie, that is.

"Uuh Pinkie?"

"Yes Sandy?"

"One: you can let go now. And two: Don't ever call me Sandy again, please."

"Aaaw, okay. You'll need a nickname though"

Sandova sighed. As interesting as this world might be, he would need some time to get used to the childlike innocence.

"I see you have some catching up to do, I will leave you to your business. I have a country to rule after all."

After saying goodbye to the princess everyone looked at Sandova, who looked at Twilight.

"Seems I have to stick to you guys for a while eh? Where will I be staying if I might ask?"

"You can stay at the library, I have an extra bed in the basement for such occasions."

"Very well, shall we go there? It will be nice to be able to sit down while I answer your questions, or do you have other plans?"

Pinkie started hopping up and down, one hoof raised in the air.

"Ooh me, I have an idea."

Sandova raised an eyebrow, while the others palmed- no hoofed their faces.

"We can hold his welcome party!"

Sandova grinned, a party in such an innocent world? While the mood will be alright Sandova could not help but silently lament the lack of a fine drink. Oh well, at least the food will be nice.
~
The party was nice, a bit overcrowded yes, but nice. Sandova really marveled at the kindness everyone treated him with. He could get used to this he thought, smiling to himself. On the way back he told the girls the real story of how he ended up in Equestria. They were shocked, of course, but also understood why he did it after he explained more about the six men he tricked. Most of them sacrificed dozens in their research on immortality, two were even close to succeeding. He couldn't let that happen, and did what he thought would solve the problem permanently.

It was getting late, and most of the townsfolk had left already, only the elements and the local bard, one DJ Pon3, remained. The music was strange to Sandova, but not unappealing. At least it was better then orcish music.

"Hey, ya seem troubled pardner. What's troubling ya?"

"How nice the party was, I can't seem to shake the feeling there's something missing."

Applejack looked confused, and Pinkie popped up out of nowhere and put her face so close to Sandova's he could count her eyelashes.

"What could be missing, what did I do wrong. Please donthatemethatwouldbeterribleandIwantustobefriendsand-"

"Easy there Pinkie."

Sandova pushed her lightly out of his face.

"In my world parties are usually accompanied with drinks, you know."

"We have drinks right here, you're even holding a glass of apple juice silly."

"I meant alcoholic drinks, but I don't think your world has alcohol on it."

"Ya mean humans drink alcohol? Ah told Twilight that you'd be okay with the cider. Well, better late than never. Could ya get the booze Pinkie?"

Pinkie nodded and ran off, while Rainbow looked furiously at Twilight.

"You mean I have been drinking juice all night while I could've been drinking cider? Thanks a lot Twilight."

"Hey, I thought it'd be safer if the party was non-alcoholic. You know how Pinkie gets when she's had too much, and I thought I'd spare Sandova that fate."

"I appreciate your concern, but we're all adults here. After all, what's an adult party without alcohol?"

Wow, that did not come out well. oh well, it's not like-

"If you want that kind of party I have to make another run."

Startled by Pinkies sudden reappearance Sandova momentarily forgot his slip-up, and to his relief no one else heard that, right? Wait, did Pinkie just-naw, he probably misheard that. Rainbow was flying in front of Pinkie at the moment, an eager look on her face.

"You got the booze?"

"All there rainbow."

"Wine too?"

"Of course Rarity, I wouldn't be so late if I hadn't made the detour through your wine cellar."

Sandova raised his eyebrows, surprised that the ponies were more mature then they let on.

"If everyone's got a glass I'd like to make a toast."

Even Twilight levitated a glass of some liquor in front of her. Sandova sniffed and his eyes widened. They have scotch? He now really wondered what he'd gotten himself into. Accepting a glass of apple cider from Applejack he looked at Twilight.

"To Sandova, may he discover the magic of friendship."

Sandova smiled again, there was the innocence he'd gotten used to.

"I can drink to that."

"Hit it Vinyl"

"Got it Pinkie."

~
"Owww my head, what happened last night."

He blinked and tried to rub his head, but something prevented his arm from moving. Weird, he decided look into that once his eyes got adjusted to the sun's glare. When that happened he tried to get a look of his surroundings, but found that something restrained him. He craned his neck and looked around the now slightly disheveled library.

Lying around the library were the ponies in various states of getting up with hangovers, except for Pinkie, who was currently lying beside him with her hooves wrapped around his upper body.

Sandova's eyes widened.

"Maybe this world isn't so innocent after all."

Author's Note

sorry if the end seems rushed, im literally writing on borrowed time since I have Internet troubles.
Hope I got the personalities right.
It was fun inmagining the awkwardness of waking up though.
Until tomorrow,
-Sandova

P.S Chapter's been updated.

Unexpected

Chapter 4: Unforeseen complications.

"Are you sure that this is a good idea Twilight?"

Sandova was looking at the anatomy skeleton in front of him.

"I mean, there is a reason most people consider this spell as evil. I am going to fill this pony's remains with negative energy, animating the bones. It will be a mindless slave until it is destroyed."

Twilight frowned and thought for a moment, before nodding her head.

"This pony donated his entire body to science after his death, having his remains used to help ponies achieve scientific accomplishments. And I think observing unknown magic qualifies as such. I am a bit disturbed by the 'mindless slave' part, though. Isn't there anything you can do about that?"

It was Sandova's turn to shake his head.

"I am not strong enough to create intelligent undead, nor would I do that even if I could. I know this world is very different from mine, but I highly doubt that this world's version of a carnivorous walking corpse would be any less evil than my world's."

Twilight nodded, looking slightly downcast. Sandova, however, smiled deviously.

"I do, however, know of a spell that grants sentience to otherwise mindless undead. I am not nearly strong enough to cast that spell, but I can try to learn it so that I can take care of the 'mindless slave' part later."

Twilight smiled and looked at the skeleton again. Sandova cracked his neck and wriggled his fingers.

"Then let's get this over with, did Rarity provide the gem?"

Twilight nodded and levitated a onyx gemstone out of one of her saddlebags. Sandova took it and examined it closely.

"I am no expert on gemstones, but isn't this one pretty expensive? The ones I usually need for small skeletons are much more, well, flawed. Not that I'm complaining, mind you."

Twilight looked at him questioningly.

"What do you mean? You need gemstones for certain spells?"

"Indeed, some spells require a focus of some sort, and most spells also need material components. I have learned to forgo the need of lesser components, but anything that's expensive holds too much power to simply pass by. I can emulate the cost of, say, a candle, but gems are far too powerful to simply emulate. You still didn't answer my question of how much this one will cost me. In my world I could eat like a nobleman for months with this gem. Hells, I could animate an hydra with this."

Twilight was already scribbling furiously on some poor piece of parchment, taking notes of what he just said. When he didn't continue she looked up to see Sandova looking at her with an arched eyebrow.

"Oh sorry, I guess I got a little distracted. To answer your question, gems are not that rare in Equestria. They are uncommon and valuable, yes, but not that valuable. Besides, Rarity would not even possess an inferior gem. You'll have to make do."

Sandova laughed and took the gem from Twilight, his eyes glistening with mischief.

"Make do? If I ever feel the need of raising an entire army of undead I know where I can go for supplies."

Still smiling he carefully put the gem in the skeletons empty eye socket, muttering while he did so. A surge of black energy rippled from his hands, and Twilight saw the onyx flare with an inner light before disintegrating. The skeleton moved its head jerkily before it simply stood still, as if awaiting orders. Sandova opened his mouth to speak when there was another surge, and the skeletons movement became much more liviely.

"That's not supposed to happen"

Sandova looked worriedly at his now dancing skeleton. He decided to try turning it for good measure and went to work. He muttered an incantation and gestured dramatically at the skeleton, which spared him barely a glance before continuing bouncing around, as if overjoyed.

Now extremely worried Sandova began casting Command Undead. This resulted in the skeleton shaking its head and looking at Sandova again. Sandova eyed the undead suspiciously, skeletons were supposed to be mindless yet before him stood one that resisted Command Undead. No mindless undead is able to resist that spell, and that could only mean-

"Twilight, stop it before it goes anywhere!"

Twilight looked worried at Sandova's outburst, but before she could act the skeleton bolted past her, through the door and into Ponyville. Leaving a confused unicorn and an extremely worried necromancer in its wake.

"This can't be good."
~
Applejack was busy setting up her stand when she heard screaming.

"It's terrible!"

"It's going to kill us all!"

"The horror, the horror!"

Applejack sighed and looked in the direction of the floret triplets, expecting to see the overreacting again. You can imagine her shock when she saw a skeleton running down the street.

"What in tarnation?"

"Applejack!"

She turned around to see Sandova sprinting down the street, followed by Twilight. They stopped for breath when they got to Applejack.

"Have you seen a walking skeleton pass by? It kinda, uuhm, escaped."

Applejack looked at them incuriously. It took a while before she could manage to voice her thoughts coherently.

"Y'all did WHAT?"

Twilight looked guilty while Sandova grinned, smiling almost challengingly at Applejack.

"You see, Twilight and I were discussing our different forms of magic when she asked for a demonstration. I told her that most of my spells either don't work in this world or are meant for harming. The only spell I could think of showing her was Animate Dead, so I told her about it. She asked me to show her the spell, I obliged and something went wrong, so here we are. Lovely weather by the way, don't you think?"

Applejack could only stare at the necromancer. Sandova was about to comment on it when the screaming started again.

"Well, if you're quite done playing flytrap, we have a skeleton to catch."
~
Following the skeleton was easy enough, they just had to follow the trail of panicked ponies it left behind. Catching it was another thing entirely, since it was both fast and strong. After a few failed attempts, Applejack finally managed to catch the skeleton with her lasso.

"'Ah got ya now, no more runnin' off ya hear."

The skeleton had other ideas, and simply continued running. Applejack yelped when she was dragged along by the skeleton. This gave Sandova the opening he was looking for, and he started casting another spell. Black tentacles erupted from the ground, groping for the skeleton. He then looked at Applejack, suppressing a snicker.

"You okay? I forgot to mention that I've mastered the art of enhancing my creations far above their original strength, and that I use that skill subconsciously whenever I animate something."

They looked at the skeleton again, except that it had apparently broken free of the tentacles and was nowhere to be found.

"Damnation! I forgot that earth ponies were physically the strongest ponies. Still, it's impressive that it could break free of Evard's Black Tantacles so easily. I wonder how strong it used to be?"

He looked at the mares only to find them looking at him disapprovingly. He smiled a guilty little smile and winked.

"Oh yeah, sorry. Anyone have any Ideas, 'cuz I've run out."

Twilight looked thoughtful and tired, but she had been running along with them for a while now. Sandova himself also felt tired, he wasn't used to prolonged physical activity. At least, not anymore.

"Maybe we can ask around at the place I got the skeleton in the first place, give some clues on who he was before he died."

Sandova sighed, he forgot they knew next to nothing about necromancy.

"How would that help? I mean, it's an animated corpse, it doesn't have memories of its life. Unless its possessed I don't seem-"

He stopped, thinking about what he said. Possession? But that's impossible, this world is too innocent to harbor spirits like that. Or is it? As his welcoming party showed this world wasn't nearly as innocent as he first thought it was. Maybe Twilight had a point.

"I'm sorry, I spoke too fast. Can you take us to the place you got the skeleton?"

Twilight arched an eyebrow at his sudden change of heart, but kept her thoughts to herself.

"Sure, it's not far from here."

But when they got back to the town center they were met by a mob of angry ponies.

"There he is!"

The mob moved over to Sandova, who became increasingly worried, and he's been worried ever since the skeleton escaped, so that's saying something.

The mob halted in front of them, one pony pointing an accusing hoof at Sandova.

"You come here saying the princess trusts you, you tell us you have only the best intentions. Now tell me, 'human', why is there some unholy abomination running through the street causing havoc? You may have fooled the princess, but you can't fool us."

The mob shouted various agreements to this. Sandova felt betrayed, this was Havndir all over again! Again he was judged on what he did, not why he did it. They didn't even want to understand! Fine, they want to see a monster, then a monster is what they're going to get! He smiled wickedly.

"Ah, it seems I have been found out. Now tell me, what did you plan on doing now? I am sure you can find the perfectly legal punishment for using magic that is beyond doubt evil. I mean, it wrecked homes, killed ponies and made your lives miserable. The fact that it had been requested by your favorite librarian doesn't matter, bacause I'm clearly controlling her mind."

He walked towards the mob and contemplated on using his fear aura, but after one look at the mob he decided they were scared enough, he laughed scornfully.

"Did you ever think that the princess would be stupid enough to be fooled by a mere mortal? Did you ever think you'd be even alive right now if I was what you believe me to be? I have razed a village before, I can do so now! If I was as evil as you believe, I would either be ruling this place or locked up for trying. Now don't get me wrong, I am a bad man, but I'm doing my best to redeem myself. It's time you showed some damned respect!"

The mob faltered, both ashamed and scared because of his words. Sandova merely scoffed and walked back to Twilight and applejack. They looked at him with a mixture of fear, sympathy and anger, especially anger.

"That's no way to treat other ponies Sandova! They might be wrong, but you could've been the better one and solved this in a nicer way."

Sandova scoffed again, not impressed by Twilight's words.

"Oh believe me, I was being nice. My tongue is a lot sharper than that. But I guess you're right. I owe you and the town an apology when this is over. But can we get back at catching the skeleton now? I'm still uncomfortable knowing there's a powerful undead construct with free will walking around that possesses enough power to resist me. I'd rather not have him do any actual harm, if I can help it."

The mares looked at each other before nodding.

"Ya have a point, but believe me that we're not done talking mister."

He rolled his eyes and looked at Twilight.

"Okay then, lead the way."

After a brisk walk they arrived at a small shop called Tests and Trials: science equipment.

"This is where I got the anatomy skeleton, maybe they know more about his origins."

As they walked inside they were greeted by the sight of a familiar skeleton. Next to it was an old grey unicorn mare with a judge's hammer as cutie mark. The group tensed, but looked confused when the skeleton merely stared at them with empty eyes. Sandova arched his eyebrow at the mare.

"Excuse me ma'am, but why aren't you scared of an animated skeleton? It's hardly common around here. At least, that's what I gathered from the angry lynch mob outside"

The mare merely smiled and gestured them to follow her, which they did.

"How can I be scared of my husband, dead or not it's still him, I can feel it."

Sandova arced an eyebrow and followed the mare to some stairs at the back of the shop. They ascended the stairs and entered a small living room. The grey mare motioned them to take a seat, which they did.

"Okay, who are you and what's the deal with the skeleton? Where I'm from they can only gain sentience with a annoyingly difficult spell, and it's limited at best."

"My name is Public Trial and this is my husband, Chemical Trial. Before he died his greatest ambition was the reanimation of a dead body, having read The monster of Frankenstallion a tad too much. He donated his body to science in the hope of having his body used to continue his studies, but no scientist would continue it. They regarded it, rightfully so, as unethical."

The skeleton seemed upset at this.

"I'm sorry dear, but you surely see that most ponies who would try such experiments live in padded rooms nowadays? I'm still glad your dream has been accomplished though, and for that I thank you sir."

Sandova, who was struggling to contain his laughter, nodded in response. He then looked at the skeleton with renewed interest.

"I finally see what happened here. After his death his spirit lingered to see if his last wish would be granted, and after it wasn't it possessed the skeleton, maybe hoping it would happen eventually. The fact that he'd been possessing the skeleton for a while, combined with residue energy from the overly expensive onyx I used he could take over the body when I reanimated it. Impressive, not many spirits have the willpower to do such a thing."

The skeleton nodded in acknowledgement, and Sandova smiled.

"But what's going to happen to Chemical Trial now?"

"Excellent question! I believe it's time for you to pass on my friend, you have lingered for far longer than healthy. Your wife is fine and your body will be used responsibly, please allow yourself to pass on. Believe me when I say it's for the best."

The skeleton nodded and looked at his still living wife one more time, then something vague separated itself. It briefly looked like an earth pony with a short mane and spectacles, his cutie mark a beaker filled with a bubbling liquid, before it vanished.

Sandova noticed that there was not a single dry eye in the room, excluding him of course. He stood up, flourished a bow at Public Trial and looked at Twilight once more.

"So, any other exciting ideas for today?"

Author's Note

Whew, finally past my writer's block. It took a while to figure out what went wrong, until i concluded I'd portrayed Sandova as a whiney misanthrope as well as veing too nice. He's too cahrming for that. Expect updates at random moments, 'cuz i need more inspiration for extra 'friendship' chapters before all hell breaks loose.

Enjoy it, y'all deserve it wfter waiting.

-Sandova

A trip

Chapter 5:

Moonless Night was reading a book when the taunting started, again.

"Hey Markless Flank, how's the book?"

He sighed and attempted to ignore them.

"Here we go again."

Three pegasi approached the still-reading unicorn, smug grins on their faces.

"What are you reading, something about getting your Talent Mark?"

"Naw, if he could get his mark from reading he would have it by now. I mean, he's got enough time to read, since no one is stupid enough to spend time with a freak."

Moonless Night merely cocked an eyebrow.

"Apparently there are, or doesn't talking count as spending time anymore?"

The three bullies stared dumbly at him, and he sighed again.

"Even sarcasm isn't fun with you guys, you're too stupid to even know when you're getting insulted. now before you try to hit me, Chalk Dust walked in the room two minutes ago. And judging from his expression you are not amusing him. Have fun after school."

The bullies turned around quickly, already stammering apologies when they saw the classroom was still empty. When they turned around to vent their anger on the offending pony they noticed the classroom was even emptier.

"Come one guys, we'll get him back later."

When the pegasi had left Moonless Night dispelled his shadow cloak, got up from his hiding spot and sat down at his desk again. Grabbing his book he chuckled at his work. While he was still a blank flank he have a knack for magic. And he was happy with that, since it often helps him stave of trouble, just like today.

"Good afternoon Night, I see you're early as usual."

Chalk Dust, the old grey unicorn teacher entered the classroom and sat behind his desk.

"Yeah, I finished the assignment early so I thought I'd read for a bit."

The old teacher sighed and shook his head, a faint smile on his lips.

"You know you could've used the time to socialize a bit, the assignment isn't due for two weeks," he said, knowing too well that Moonless Night disliked crowded places like the cafeteria.

"Oh well, at least you turn it in on time."

They spent the next five minutes in silence, Night reading his book again and Chalk Dust preparing today's history lesson. At last the bell chimed and the classroom was slowly filled with students. Class went as usual, which meant that Sky Scraper and his friends continued to bother Night when Chalk Dust wasn't looking.

Apparently they didn't appreciate being humiliated, even though no one was there to witness it. Night went on trying to ignore them, but couldn't help getting more and more agitated.

After class he stayed behind, making sure everyone else had left before packing his stuff and leave as well. It was Friday, which meant he could take his time getting home since his parents would be late as well. Friday afternoon meant that the streets would be overcrowded, and because Moonless Night lived just outside downtown Manehatten it would take a while to get home. It wasn't until he took his first shortcut when he realized he was being followed.

"Hey Blankie, thought you could play smart with us did you?"

Night turned around to see Sky Scraper and Quicksilver standing behind him, angry scowls on their muzzles. He stepped back only to find himself pinned by Star Scream, who had snuck up behind him. Sky Scraper smiled cruelly.

"Guess we'll have to teach you another lessen eh? Hold him tight, this might take a while."

Moonless Night frantically tried to use his magic against them, but a quick hoof broke his concentration, along with his nose. Sky Scraper continued beating him for a couple of minutes, then Star Scream dropped him and gave him a kick for good measure.

"So, ready to apologise?"

Night looked up at him with unconcealed hatred.

"I wish you'd just drop dead."

Behind them a sinister, raspy voice spoke up.

"Wish granted."
~
"Are you certain of this? What if it goes wrong, I am quite fond of my hands you know."

Twilight sighed at Sandova's persistent paranoia.

"Do you want to come with us to Manehatten or not?"

"Well yes, but why can't I just go as myself? It worked here, eventually."

"That's only because stranger things have happened here, and the fact that we vouched for you. Even then it took time before anypony really trusted you, or have you forgotten the Chemical Trial incident already?"

Sandova grimaced and looked at the skeleton standing in the corner. It was only two weeks ago since he reanimated it, and the town was not happy when the thing went off on its own. The fact that it was possessed didn't help him convincing the town it was harmless, more or less.

"You have a point, but how in nine hells are you going to manage turning me into a pony? No offence, but I don't think even you can pull that off."

Twilight frowned, but decided not to press that issue now, he was paranoid enough at the moment. She levitated a small amulet in front of her. It looked like a sun with the sickle of the moon engraved on it, and in the middle was a small diamond that glittered in the sunlight.

"This amulet was made by the princesses, it holds and amplifies one enchantment cast on the diamond. I cast the strongest transformation spell I know on it, believe me when I say it will work. Now put it on, the train leaves soon."

Sandova sighed, he knew when he was beaten. Usually that meant he'd try to escape as soon as the victor's guard was down, but he wasn't fighting, nor did Twilight let her guard down. He took the amulet and gave it a wary look before putting it on.

Nothing happened at first, and Sandova wondered if Twilight was wrong after all. Then he felt himself warping, his bones shifting and his muscles flowing to accommodate his new skeletal structure. When the flowing stopped there was a final flash and where there used to stand a skeptical human now stood a flabbergasted unicorn.

"See? I told you it'd work. You look fine, by the way."

Twilight must admit, Sandova was a handsome stallion. She'd never admit it out loud of course, but she couldn't help but feel a little attracted to him. His mane was the shame shoulder-length blond he had as a human, and his coat was light gray. He had a slim build, not very muscular but no excess fat either. His sharp features were also transferred to his pony form, and his horn identified him as an unicorn.

Sandova felt, different. Considering the fact that he had an entirely new body this wasn't surprising in the least, but still. He walked-no trotted towards the nearest mirror and looked at himself.

"Hmm, not bad. This spell captured my likeness pretty well, considering."

He noticed something off though, and it took him a moment to realize what it was.

"Twilight, what happened to my clothes?"

"Well, they didn't seem to like the transformation."

Sandova whirled around and saw what happened to his robes and underwear, what was left of it.

"Argh, Rarity's going to kill us if she finds out. You know how long it took her to get the designs right? Five hours Twilight, five hours of playing mannequin! I admit Rarity and I get along, but those were the most tedious hours of my stay here, and now I need to do it again."

Twilight laughed, shaking her head at Sandova's antics.

"Don't worry Sandova, I'm sure she doesn't need your measurements anymore. I know Rarity long enough to know she made at least half a dozen outfits for you in her spare time. It isn't often that she gets to design clothing for something else than a pony, you know?'

Twilight smiled mischievously at Sandova, who seemed immensely relieved at her words.

"Although she might want to take the measurements of your pony form."

Before Sandova could act out on his newfound panic the door to the library opened and the other girls stepped inside.

"My my Twilight, if I had known you had company I would have waited. I knew you'd find somepony special sooner or later. Come on, introduce us."

Sandova did his best to keep a straight face at Twilights heavy blushing. He didn't expect that none of the girls recognized him, and he was planning to make the most of it before Twilight found her voice again. He stepped forward and spoke in the most posh voice he could muster.

"It is not as you think milady, I am merely an acquaintance of miss Sparkle, come for a short visit. My name is Dawn Flash, a pleasure to meet you."

He took Rarity's hoof and kissed is ever so slightly, trying to act as gentlemanlike as possible. Rarity blushed and giggled.

"Oh, a true gentlecolt. My name is Rarity, and I assure you that the pleasure is all mine."

Sandova smiled slightly, trying to hide his amusement at his plan working. Twilight seemed to have caught up what he was doing and kept silent. The rest of the ponies were in various stages of understanding, except Pinkie, who winked at him.

"It is a shame you have to leave so early, lady Rarity. But rest assured, we will meet again."

Rarity looked a bit confused at this.

"Me, leaving? I don't understand what you mean."

"Rarity, we are supposed to catch the train to Manehattan, have you forgotten already. Sheesh, and I thought Pinkie got easily sidetracked."

Rainbow emphasized her point by rolling her eyes, a slight grin on her muzzle.

"Oh my, I am terribly sorry but my friends are right. I have to catch a train, we are supposed to show a friend the City of Manehattan. He really wanted to see the ancient magics exhibit at the museum. Where is Sandova anyway?"

She looked around the room, as if the tall human could be hiding somewhere in the corner. Only when she looked at Sandova again did she see his talent mark, a human skull wreathed in black flames.

"Oh you scoundrel. I should have known it was you, even with the accent you sounded familiar. I should know better by now, a handsome single gentlecolt suddenly appearing. What was I thinking?"

Sandova smirked while the rest of the girls laughed.

"Who sais I'm not?"

Rarity 'hmpf'd' and walked away, but she couldn't hide her blush from Sandova. Sandova just chuckled and went to his room to pack for the trip.
~
"Ah, the train station. Does that bring back memories."

Sandova grimaced at said memories. Twilight, who was behind him giggled.

"Yeah, you freaked out when you saw the train for the first time. I'm still surprised at the fact that your world is less developed then ours."

"At least we have a greater arsenal of magic at our disposal. I mean, you haven't even heard of necromancy before I came here."

Twilight frowned and shook her head.

"That's not true, but it is known as dark magic. While it isn't technically forbidden it is considered taboo. Most of the darker magics are intended to harm, and that is against the law. Besides, Equestria is a peaceful country, we have no need for dark or offensive magics here. Only the military and the royal guard know true offensive spells, and they only rarely deal with situations that call for them."

Sandova raised one eyebrow.

"No need for offensive magics? You're saying that there is no crime here? I'm sorry but that is something i just can't believe."

"No, there is crime in Equestria. It's only rare, and violence is rarer still. But it sometimes happens, especially in the bigger cities. The eastern border towns also deal with more criminality, but that's mostly because the Griffin Empire is known for its militaristic nature. The situation between Equestria and the Empire has always been a little tense, and that tense atmosphere sometimes leads to violence. It's sad really, why can't we just all get along?"

Sandova pondered her words.

"So your world isn't that different than mine, your society has simply progressed towards a more peaceful state. Interesting, I believe the princesses have something to do with that."

Twilight nodded, but her answer was drowned out by the train arriving. Twilight looked around for the others, and found them quickly. It wasn't that hard, considering the fact that Pinkie was with them.

"So, all set and ready to leave?"

They all nodded and grabbed their saddlebags.

"Sandova, I know you wouldn't just do something stupid, but I have to stress you not to use your usual magics when we're there. As I said the towns near the border are a little more chaotic then the other places, this counts for Manehatten as well. The guard knows about necromancy, and if they see somepony using it will draw attention. We know you wouldn't just attack ponies left and right, but be careful ok? The fact that your talent mark hints at necromancy is suspicious enough."

Twilight sounded unusually stern, so Sandova thought it was best to listen.
"Don't worry Twilight, as you said Equestria is a peaceful country, I will probably not even think of using my powers here. Considering the fact that I will have to accommodate for my temporary new body I don't even know if I'll perform my spells properly, let alone hurt somepony. We'll be fine, what's the worst that can happen?"

Author's Note

So, chapter 5 is finally done. I am on a roll now, I expected to cover much more this chapter, in less words. It just kept flowing, so I decided to keep writing untill i felt this chapter was over. The coming chapters are semi-formed in my head already, so I will probably post them soon.

I have a thing though, I am planning on some nastier things to happen as the story progresses, and I am quite good at vividly describing atrocities(I am writing a fantasy novel and somehow my favourite part is something gruesome involving a psycjopathic jester) so i am asking if you strongly dislike the story becoming vividly gory. I think I can easily accomodate to less gory stuff, but if you're okay with it I'll bump the rating to mature and let the blood flow.

-Sandova

Complications

Chapter 6: Complications

The train arrived in Manehattan at three, more than enough time to find a hotel and still see the sights before the evening started. Sandova had spent most of the trip accommodating to his new body, while Rarity did her best to stay away from him. Apparently she was still miffed about his prank earlier, or his casual flirt had more impact than he initially expected. Either way, he finally managed to master basic levitation by the time the train stopped moving.

"Sandova please don't overexert yourself, you have been trying to levitate everything since you figured out how to do it. Overuse of magic can easily exhaust an unicorn."

Sandova grinned at her, feeling extremely confident right now.

"Don't worry Twilight, I'm an experienced spellcaster you know. Besides, practice makes perfect and I want to master this as soon as possible, otherwise somepony might become suspicious of an adult unicorn that can't even use basic levitation."

The group left the train station and navigated the crowded streets of Manehattan. Fluttershy and Sandova both looked very uncomfortable by the large amount of ponies.

"This city is larger than any city I've ever been in, how in death's name did you build it? How ancient is this city?"

Twilight chuckled.

"This city is relatively new, but because it's the center of several trade routes it quickly expanded. As for the building, magic and technology come in handy. The fact that quite some construction workers are able to fly tends to help as well."

When they went around the corner they found that the road was blocked by a large group of ponies.

"It seems something's going on. Shall we take a look? Because I'm not going around an entire city block just to get to the hotel across the street."

Sandova moved quickly through the crowd, his discomfort with crowds aside he was quite adept at moving through them. It seemed the city guard had blocked off the road, and Sandova could see some bodies covered in sheets being moved. Two guardsponies were holding an struggling unicorn.

"Let me go, I don't know what happened! Please, I'm innocent!"

One of the guards snarled and pressed the young colt down a bit harder. The colt's struggling became more frantic, and Sandova got a clear view of his cuti-no talent mark. It was almost exactly the same as his! The only difference was that his skull was equine instead of humanoid.

One of the guards apparently lost his patience and slammed a hoof in the colt's face. And snarled at him.

"Now keep still damn you!"

Sandova felt his blood boil. No matter the circumstance guards should act respectfully to civilians. Suspected of crimes or not, this was unacceptable!

"HEY! What in nine hells do you think you're doing?"

Another guard quickly stepped in front of him.

"Sir, this is guard business. I must ask you to leave-"

"With all due respect, get thehell out of my face. I will NOT stand for this abuse."

Sandova fixed his glare on the guardspony in front of him and activated his fear aura for good measure.

"All I see here is two overgrown stallions beating up a frightened colt. So there is a crime scene and he might be a suspect, but the kid's scared out of his freaking mind! Who the hell do you think you are?"

The guard seemed to shrink before Sandova, but he couldn't break free of the furious unicorn's gaze. The other guards, however, did look up to see the commotion. The colt was still struggling however, so the guard hit him again. Sandova noticed this and pushed past the now cowering guard to intervene, but what came next froze him in place.

Around the colt's right hoof a dark haze began forming, and the colt looked at it with a panicked face.

"What's happening? Get it off!"

The guards seemed shocked as well.

"Dark magic! Take him out!"

Before anypony could protest the guards slammed their hooves against the colt's head, knocking him out. Sandova just stood there, processing what just happened. He decided to deal with one problem at a time, starting with two guards in dire need of a beating.

"Look at the brave two heroes, knocking out the dangerous mage with no regard for their own safety."

The guards looked up at Sandova, irritation etched on their faces. Sandova sneered back.

"This is none of your business sir, I suggest you move on."

Sandova laughed at him.

"Or what? You beat me into submission like that colt? Do that and I'll have your flanks fired in no time. I'm sure your superior would love to hear about your behavior."

One of the guards looked Sandova over and noticed his talent mark. His eyes widened before he fixed a serious gaze on Sandova.

"Sir, I have to ask you to come with me. Please do not resist, we're authorized to use force if needed."

Sandova noticed the change in atmosphere immediately, the fact that his friends had just gotten to the front of the crowd didn't help either.

"While I'm very tempted to see you try and subdue me, I don't want a criminal record just yet. Besides, my friends won't appreciate me humiliating two guardsponies by reducing them to the pathetic wretches they are inside, then beating them like you beat that colt. I'm sure you'll cry."

Sandova smiled venomously at the guard, but didn't do anything when they approached him. He didn't expect them to do anything, so he saw the hoof too late. As he picked himself up he prepared Ray of Enfeeblement, but the guard clicked something around his horn and Sandova felt the magic disappear. The guards then grabbed him roughly and dragged him towards the rest of the unit.

Behind him Twilight started shouting.

"Sandova, what's going on?"

He turned his head to wink at her.

"These fine gentlecolts want to talk with me in private, look for me in the guard's headquarters. I'm sure you can do a word for me."

Twilight could only stare incomprehensibly as the transformed human was dragged away, and she heard Applejack mutter under her breath.

"What trouble has that darn fool gotten himself in this time?"
~
"So mister.."

"Flash, Dawn Flash."

"Right, can you tell me what you were doing at the crime scene mister Flash?"

Sandova sighed, after he was taken to the guard HQ they put him into some kind of interrogation room, and it took half an hour before some kind of interrogator actually showed up. Honestly, this was getting more annoying by the second!

"I was looking for an hotel with my friends when we saw some commotion, I was curious and moved to the front of the crowd. There I saw two guardsponies roughing up a scared young colt, and I voiced my disapproval of that. The colt then somehow gathered negative energy around his hoof and the guards knocked him out. If they even bothered to look at the colt they could've seen that the kid was just as surprised as they were, and even more scared. They decided to beat him, and I again voiced my disagreement with them. One of the guards noticed that my talent mark looks awfully like that colt's, so he decided to bring me in for questioning. Now I'm here and I'm bored out of my mind. Can I go now?"

The guard shook his head end gave Sandova a calculating stare.

"This report, made by the guardsponies that arrested you, states that you acted 'hostile and with malicious intent'. Care to explain?"

Sandova snickered.

"Huh, must have made an impression then."

He looked to the mirror in the wall, certain that someone was watching them. Probably some scrying spell. Oh well, back to talking my way out of here.

"You see, I was angry at the time. People can say mean things when they're angry, and it has been said that I have a rather sharp tongue. So yes, my speech dripped with venom, and I did my best to scare and shame your guardsponies. No, I wasn't planning on actively hurting them unless attacked first. When they hit me AFTER I surrendered I prepared a strength sapping spell, but they put this inhibitor ring on me before it went off. Now, I'm not completely aware of all laws here, but isn't that considered abuse of power?"

The guard eyed him for a moment before nodding.

"Yes, If what you say is true then they will face punishment, if you wish to press charges that is."

"Well I do, and for me speaking the truth you can ask my friends about that, or any of the other fifty-odd witnesses. But I think my friends will be enough."

The guard shook his head again.

"I'm sorry sir, but we cannot accept witness reports made by friends of one of the suspects. It would be too easy for them to make something up."

"Even when all stories are the same? or when said witnesses are, oh you know, the Elements of Harmony."

Well that got his attention.

"Yes, my friends are the elements of harmony. See this medallion here? Made by the princesses. You have no idea who you're talking to mister."

The guard blanched, but then looked sternly again at Sandova.

"There is something else sir, the report clearly states somepony calling out to one 'Sandova', and you responded. Does this mean you gave up a false name at the start of this interview?"

Sandova merely smiled mockingly at the guard, finding some amusement in playing with him before Twilight and the others showed up.

"Oh it's an interview now, I thought this was an interrogation. And yes, 'Dawn Flash' is a fake name, and I'm afraid that my real name, species and purpose here are classified information."

The guard's eyes widened.

"species?"

Sandova just smiled.

"Oops, me and my big mouth."
~
In a dark room, something stirred.

"Ah, finally awareness. How are you dear corpse?"

The thing raised its head and looked around. It was in a small room, and besides the one talking to it the room was unoccupied. By living things at least. Along the walls it could see corpses stacked on top of each other, some ripped apart, others apparently unharmed. It looked at itself, it had hooves, wings and its blue coat was mostly gone, leaving an almost purple skin.

"If you are finished looking around I'll tell you why you're here."

The thing looked at the other occupant, but couldn't make out any details except for two glowing eyes. Strange, it could see fine in absolute darkness yet it couldn't make out the thing that talked to it.

"As you have noticed, you cannot see me. That is intentional. Now listen closely little ghast, I am your maker, and I demand obedience."

The ghast stood up and hissed, revealing a set of glittering fangs. Now it was truly awake it could feel hunger, and the thing in front of it smelled of flesh.

"How abut I eat you instead?"

The ghast was blown across the room from the blow, the thing in front of him only narrowed its eyes.

"Foolish little corpse, I made you. You are a fine example of an undead, even stronger than you future offspring because of my influence. Your physical qualities exceed mine, and my magic is mostly ineffective against you. Aiming for vitals won't help, either. In short, you don't stand a chance against me. Now I say once more, kneel."

The ghast laughed a raspy laugh at the raspy voice in front of it.

"I'll enjoy feasting on your carcass."

The ghast pounced on the shape in front of it, but a wave of force drove over it before it got close.

"I.SAID.KNEEL!"

The ghast immediately kneeled, and thus couldn't protect itself against the next blow. Before it could pick itself up it was hit again, and it slammed into the wall.

"I have absolute power, insolent wretch! Now I'll lift the curse and ask again, do you serve me?"

The ghast kept lying on the floor and thought quickly. Whatever was in front of him cursed him, but by lifting that curse he would be vulnerable! It muttered something so soft the other thing had to come closer, and then it'd tear its throat out!

It never happened though, another wave slammed into the ghast and the voice spoke again.

"Sit still."

The ghast couldn't resist the command, and sat there as the shape got closer. With a sudden growl the thing grabbed the ghast's wing, with a sickening sound the flesh started to tear. In a spray of blackened blood and a crack of bone the thing tore its right wing off and chuckled.

"Now rip off your right hoof."

The ghast immediately grabbed its right hoof and started pulling, while it couldn't feel pain the sensation of bone splintering and flesh tearing was unsettling. With a roar it tore its right hoof out of its socket, splattering the walls with more blackened blood. Then it felt the force once again leave its mind.

"Now do you understand? DO.YOU.SERVE.ME?!"

The ghast nodded.

"That's too bad, I can't use something as broken as you."

The ghast noticed the eyes getting closer, then it noticed the teeth.

Author's Note

Aand there's chapter 6! I had it planned for Friday, but the site went down, and then I was busy keeping up my social life(read: playing Warhammer and videaogames with my friends) so it took a little longer. Funny thing is, I have SO MUCH planned for this arc, but the in-between bits are hazy and take more time to write. So chapter 7 might tkae a while, or it might be posted tomorrow, I don't know.

Anyway, hope y'all enjoyed it.

Sandova out

Questions

Chapter 7:

Moonless Night woke up with a splitting headache.

"Ugh, my head. Where am I?"

He looked around to find himself in a cell. A cell? Why would he be in a cell? What in the princess' name happened? He felt himself panicking and rushed to the door of his cell. Before he could start banging on the door it opened. In the doorway stood an armored earth pony, probably of the local guard. The guard looked at him with a calculating gaze before calling over his shoulder.

"He's awake, help me get him to the interrogation room."

The guardspony looked back at Moonless Night, his features hard as stone.

"We will escort you to the interrogation room now, do not resist."

Moonless Night took a few steps back, fear quickly coursing through him again.

"Why am I here, what are you doing? Stop!"

The guard was joined by two other guardsponies, one pegasus and one unicorn. The unicorn's horn flared and Moonless Night found himself unable to move. The other guards grabbed him roughly and started dragging him out of the cell.

Moonless Night didn't struggle, he was too scared to do anything. The guards moved him through several corridors before opening a solid steel door. After they entered the room they ordered him to sit behind a desk and left. Moonless Night looked around, the room was empty but for a table and two pillows. The walls were plain grey, except for one wall that was covered by a large mirror.

Moonless Night sat there for a while, not knowing what happened. Finally the door opened and a grey pegasus mare with a white mane trotted inside. She walked across the room and sat across the table, her piercing green eyes never leaving Night's.

"I am detective Hard Facts and I'm in charge of the investigation of the triple murder that took place today. You are Moonless Night, yes?"

Night Nodded and Hard Facts continued.

"You were found in an alley next to Mane Street, what were you doing there?"

Night couldn't help but feel a little at ease, the constant questioning took his mind off his situation, for the moment at least. He took a slow breath and answered in a flat, quiet tone.

"I was walking home from school, and because the streets were so crowded I decided to take a shortcut."

Hard Facts nodded and wrote something on a notepad, then motioned for him to continue.

"I was then ambushed by three bullies from school, two took my attention while the third snuck up behind me and pinned me. They then proceeded to beat me for about five minutes straight."

"And then you killed them?"

Moonless Night looked up to Hard Facts in shock. She looked back with a gaze that pierced right through him.

"W-what are you talking about?"

Her gaze never faltered.

"The three 'bullies' were found dead, in the same alley that you were also found. They were killed by dark magic, which seems to be your special talent, and you had all the reason to be angry with them. So it might not come as a surprise that you are one of the prime suspects in this case."

Moonless Night's eyes widened, one thing still reverberating in his mind.

"My special talent? What are you talking about? I am a Blank Flank, see?"

He turned to show his flank, only to find that it wasn't blank anymore. Where there used to be nothing there was now an equine skull wreathed in black flames. His heart skipped a beat, when did this happen? What does it mean?

Hard Facts was looking at the mirror, where her colleagues stood behind with a truth detection spell. She looked back at the colt, she still couldn't believe this kid could have killed his classmates with dark magic. But appearances could be deceiving, she knew that all too well. She sighed.

"I will leave this room now, no unexpected movement you hear?"

He didn't even seem to hear her, so she stood up and trotted towards the door, opened it and stepped outside. After she closed the door again she was met by her partner, Cold Case.

"As funny as it sounds, he is speaking the truth. At least about being a Blank Flank before."

She looked at him.

"Or at least he believes he is speaking the truth. What about that other guy we brought in?"

Cold Case shifted uncomfortably.

"He is an enigma, really. His description is not in the archives, and he refused to give us his real name. He acts calm all the time, answers questions truthfully and is completely aware of how far he can provoke us without getting additional charges. Not only that, but apparently he's not even a real pony!"

Hard Facts turned to her partner with a worried look.

"He's not a changeling is he?"

Cold Case shook his head.

"None of our changeling detection spells picked anything up, and he wasn't lying either."

"Then why haven't you dispelled his transformation yet? He could be a griffin spy or something even worse!"

"Exactly. Right now he looks like an unicorn, so his magic is locked by the inhibitor ring. But he told us that his real form doesn't need a horn to cast magic, so by dispelling the transformation he would have full access to his powers, or so he says. But that isn't the most problematic thing."

Hard Facts stopped her partner.

"Damnit Case, stop beating around the bush and tell me the full report already!"

Cold Case shifted uncomfortably and sighed, looking his partner in the eye.

"He claims to be friends with the Elements of Harmony, and that the medallion that holds the transformation spell is made by the princesses and enchanted by Lady Sparkle herself. He refused to answer any other questions until they arrived, and even requested forms so that he could press charges on the guardsponies that arrested him."

Hard Facts groaned, could this go any worse.

"Detective Hard Facts? One miss Sparkle is in the lobby, she wishes to speak with you."

Hard Facts facehoofed, she just had to ask.
~
Sandova was alone again. He sighed.

"So much for having fun then. Oh well, I think I bought enough time already. Twilight and the others will be here any minute."

He spoke out loud deliberately, hoping that some of the guards were still monitoring him. Just because he wasn't going to give them more information didn't mean he couldn't mess with them. Sandova snickered for a moment before turning serious. This case was strange, and somewhat familiar. Three ponies, young colts even, were murdered with dark magic, and the only witness was a suspect. This reeked of a set-up, but for whom? The kid really seemed confused, and the cutie- no talent mark of that colt was uncomfortably similar to his own, not to mention the fact that the kid was manifesting a charnel touch!

Sandova suddenly understood the situation better. This colt is a dread necromancer! But why didn't he recognize one of the most basic abilities of one? How did a colt in this happy world even learn those abilities. Sandova decided he was going to help this investigation as an 'expert' as soon as the girls bailed him out. It was not like the guards could keep him around for longer, considering their lack of evidence.

Sandova felt he had accidentally stumbled onto something big, but he had no clue what it might be. In his world he would've brushed it off as just another necromancer or undead creature causing minor havoc, but here there were practically no necromancers, right? Twilight did mention that the magic existed here, but only soldiers ever learned such spells. Was this a cover-up for some secret government organization? Or is there some cult or cabal involved?

Sandova quickly dismissed the first theory, the government was led by a lawful good deity for crying out loud! There was no way something like that could exist here, right? That left the cabal theory, but what could a criminal organization, cabal or cult gain from killing three kids and framing a fourth? It made no sense!

"Grah!"

Sandova threw his hooves up in frustration, without additional information this was getting him nowhere! Now calm down, take a deep breath. Okay, first things first. He needed to get out of this interrogation room, gather some information and either solve this mystery, or go sightseeing and then head for home. The guards could handle this, or could they? There was necromancy involved, and more importantly, he was involved as well! There was no way in Nine Hells that Sandova was going to just sit back and watch! Whoever this fool was that got Sandova in this position Sandova was sure to make him pay!

"Hmpf, if they need to kill someone, at least have the balls to take the blame yourself or have the brains to cover the crime up completely. Involving the innocent never works out in the end."

Sandova turned his head around when he heard the door open. In the doorway stood a grey pegasus mare with a white mane. Her piercing green eyes locked on Sandova's ice blue ones. Sandova smiled.

"Hello there milady, are you here to get me out of here or is this another 'interview'?"

The glare intensified.

"Spare me your useless chatter. Your 'friends' are here."

Sandova's smile became wider.

"So you did come here to get me out of here. Why thank you miss..."

"Zip it. I'm here to further question you. Your 'friends' are being questioned about you as we speak. This is a murder case, and you're a suspect. Do not think that you're getting away so easily."

Sandova's smile took a turn for the sinister.

"If I wanted to get out of here I'd be gone already. Believe me, you can't handle someone like me. Now, let's get this 'interview' under way then, I have other things planned for today."

He saw her look and smiled even wider. Aah, it was so easy to get under these ponies' skins, it was almost not funny anymore! ' Almost' being the key word here. Sandova chuckled. Before the guardspony could speak up he interrupted her.

"Look, I have nothing to do with this murder. But, I am an expert in necromancy, as my talent mark clearly shows. Not only that, I have probably more experience with these kind of things than everypony else in this building. Now, after you're done with questioning me and cross-referencing my answers with those of my friends, I can help you out."

He saw her surprise, savored it in fact.

"Yes, you heard me right. You see, whoever did this involved someone innocent to take the fall, and that just aggravates me to no end. I may have questionable morals, milady, but I have a strong sense of justice. Now you can go and check with your colleagues behind that mirror there to see if I'm lying. Or," he paused for dramatic effect and winked at her flat stare.
"Or you can go ahead and question me already, I bet you have much to ask."
~
"Boss, your 'consultant' has returned."

The 'boss' looked up at his subordinate.

"Where has that bastard been? No matter, I'll go and see him as soon as possible. You are dismissed."

The other pony nodded and quickly left the office. Abyss sighed, how powerful he might be he knew he was nothing compared to lord Terminus. Still, he had to keep up appearances, so no one knew his exact relationship with the mysterious entity that called itself Terminus.

He trotted towards a bookcase and pressed a hidden switch, making the hidden door swing open. Behind the hidden door a staircase appeared, a gaping, black hole in the wall. Abyss used his magic to close the door behind him and lit his horn, illuminating the cold stone walls around him.

After a while he reached the bottom of the stairs and entered a small hallway. His horn flared again and torches lit up along the walls. He moved towards the end of the hallway and stopped in front of a large door. He swallowed, then reached out to knock.

"Please, my little pony, enter."

Abyss shivered at the raspy voice. Although he was one of the most powerful unicorns of the city, and certainly the most influential, he couldn't help but feel afraid of entering that room. He opened the door and knelt at the darkness before him.

"My lord, You have returned."

Two glowing eyes looked at the kneeling unicorn from across the room. Abyss had never even seen his master, apart from the eyes. He waited, kneeling, for a response.

"Yes I have, how observant of you."

Terminus chuckled.

"Now, I have discovered something interesting. Some colt has developed a very interesting talent, and I want him brought here."

Abyss straightened and nodded.

"Of course my lord, how can I recognize him?"

"Easy, his talent lies in necromancy. I don't bother much with appearances, fresh meat looks alike no matter how you pack it after all."

Abyss gulped, the more he discovered about his master the more he wished he had never met him. But it was too late for that. Besides, the benefits of Terminus' patronage were great.

"Then I will order my subordinates to look for somepony with a necromancy-related talent mark. Anything else, my lord?"

"Bring me somepony useless, I'm hungry."

Abyss swallowed again.

"As you wish, my lord."

Author's Note

Hello there! I finally got over my writer's block! So I hope you enjoyed this chapter, cuz I enjoyed writing it.
I have been busy with college and such, combine that with a small writer's block and you get a severely delayed chapter. I hope you haven't given up on me yet!

Sandova out.

A helping hoof

Chapter 8: A helping hoof.

Twilight couldn't believe what she was hearing, Sandova suspected for being involved in a murder case?

"Now hold on sir, our friend was with us in Ponyville for the last two months. Besides, we had only arrived in Manehattan ten minutes earlier before he got arrested! There is no way he is involved with this."

The guardspony across the table arched an eyebrow.

"Then please explain miss Sparkle, why does your friend have a dark magic-related Talent Mark? And why does he claim that he is no real pony? Please, enlighten us."

Twilight sighed, she knew she should have prepared something to warn the local guard in advance. She looked sternly at the guard.

"Nothing I say will be leaked to the public, right?"

The guard snorted.

"Of course! Until the investigation needs the press to be involved we keep a close lid on acquired information."

Twilight nodded and began her story
~
Two burly earth ponies had been watching the guard HQ intently for hours now.

"Are you sure this is the place boss asked us to watch?"

The other snorted.

"Yes, now shut up and keep watching."

The other nodded and went back to watching the entrance. After five minutes he nudged his partner again.

"We needed to look for a necromancy Talent Mark, right?"

The other grumbled an affirmative.

"Then I've found one."

They both saw a light grey unicorn leaving the guard HQ, followed by a group of mares. When he turned around to answer one of the mares they could both see his Mark: A strange skull wreathed in black flames.

Both stallions looked at each other and nodded.

"You follow them, I'll contact the boss. Try not to attract attention."
~
Sandova was glad he could finally stretch his legs again, it felt like he spent days in the interrogation room.
"Sandova, what happened there exactly? I still don't really understand why they arrested you."

Sandova turned around and smiled.

"Excellent question! You see, I saw two guards roughing up a scared colt, so I voiced my disagreement with them. Considering that I'm usually not very nice in those situations they got a little..agitated. When they noticed that my Talent Mark was nearly identical to the colt's they wanted to bring me in for questioning, but because I let my mouth run off they decided I was 'dangerous' and took me with force, even though I didn't resist. So now they'll be chewed out by their superior."

Twilight looked aghast at this.

"Roughing up? The guard is a respected force tasked with keeping the peace! There's no way something like that happened!"

Sandova shook his head, chuckling bitterly.

"I'm afraid that's exactly what happened. I've seen how adorably naïve you ponies are, so I guess things like murder are incredibly rare in Equestria."

He nodded at their horrified expressions for emphasis.

"If you react like that to the mere thought of murder, imagine what the guard must feel like. They're in charge of solving this mess after all. It's only logical that they'd overreact, but that doesn't mean I agree with their methods at the moment."

Rainbow spoke up.

"So, what'cha going to do now? I mean, you got out and stuff."

"She's right dear, didn't you want to go to the museum?"

Sandova sighed and shook his head.

"No matter how much I'd like to see that ancient magic exposition I can't ignore this. Not when there's necromancy involved. Besides, I kinda volunteered to help with the investigation."

Everyone looked at him like he'd gone mad.

"Why'd ya do that? Ah thought ya didn't like the guard."

"I never said that, I just didn't like the guys that arrested me and the kid. Speaking of the kid, there is something awfully familiar about his story."

The mares shot him a questioning look. Sandova, however, held up a hoof and pointed to a nearby snack bar.

"I'd rather not explain this on the street. Besides, I'm getting kinda hungry here."

After they found a table and ordered dinner Sandova decided it was time to talk.

"Okay, I believe that all of you have been questioned about me, right?"

The mares nodded.

"You see, this afternoon three colts were murdered in an alley. There was negative energy involved, and the colt that got arrested was found near the crime scene, radiating excess negative energy. The guard reacted immediately, if a bit excessively, and the poor kid was scared out of his mind. It seems that the kid had no idea where he was or what happened after the victims roughed him up a little."

The waitress brought their dinner, and Sandova stopped talking so that he could take a bite out of his hayburger.

"As I was saying, that's when we came along. I voiced my opinion and got myself arrested as well. In the station I played some word games with my interrogators until the lead investigator finally showed up. She started with the standard questions I had answered a hundred times by then, then went on to the specifics. After they cross-referenced my story with your testimonies I was finally free to leave. I then offered to help this investigation, and they agreed. So here we are."

Twilight looked thoughtful.

"Okay, I can see that you want to help, but what can you do? I thought your specialties were combat and magical theory, not investigation."

Sandova smiled before taking another bite, followed by a swig of bitter lemon.

"Yes, but I also have a lot of experience with investigations from my adventuring days. Besides, I have you girls to help me."

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie looked excited, the rest, not so much.

"Aw yeah, a real investigation! It's like we're spies or something."

"You mean like that time where Twilight and I had to find out who took a bite out of the MMM when we were going to that cake contest? That sounds like fun!"

Fluttershy trembled a little.

"B-but doesn't that s-sound dangerous?"

Sandova smiled reassuringly at the shy pegasus.

"Don't worry Fluttershy, I have handled worse things on my world. And I will only ask you for advice, no need for you to become directly involved."

Fluttershy seemed pleased with the fact that she would not be directly involved, and nodded.

"I have another question, did we check into a hotel already? It's getting awfully late, and If possible I'd like to see some sights while we brainstorm."

"Don't worry Sandova, we have already checked in before we came to get you. At least somepony was smart enough to realize we didn't know where the guard HQ was, or that we had our luggage to take care of. Unlike some other hot-headed individual."

Rainbow Dash huffed.

"Well, at least I wanted to help our friend immediately. What's wrong with that?"

Sandova nodded, smiling a little.

"Nothing, I appreciate your concern, but Twilight did have a point there. But that's the past, shall we go to the hotel then? We have a lot to do tomorrow."

The others nodded and stood up. After they had paid they left for the restaurant, talking about what they would do tomorrow. After they got to the hotel Sandova turned to Twilight.

"Do you have something to write on? I'd like to write down the address of the Hotel so that I can find it again if I get lost here."

"Sure, here you go."

Sandova thanked Twilight and started scribbling on the notebook, he then ripped off some notes and passed them around using his magic. Everypony stiffened when they read the notes.

We're being followed, act normal and go to your rooms. I'll see what I can do, don't worry.

The mares quickly went inside, except for Rainbow dash, who looked around furiously before Sandova shot her a look. She smiled sheepishly and went to him.

"Hey, you don't know which room you're in, right?"

"Hm, oh yeah. Thanks Dash, can you tell me? I wanted to ask the receptionist about the city before going to bed, I come right afterwards."

"Um, sure. You're in room 402, next to mine and Pinkie's. Since you're the only guy here Twilight thought you'd like a room to yourself."

Sandova smiled, it was not like he'd try anything. Sure, they were female. But Sandova was human, there'd be no way he'd be attracted to them. Besides, he'd rather not jeopardize his stay here by doing something stupid right after his previous fiasco in Ponyville. Even if the girls thought him friendly, the rest of the town was suspicious at best. He'd need at least some friends to be able to stay here.

"That was most considerate of her. Well, I see you tomorrow then?"

"Oh yeah, before I forget. You don't have your room key, either, but I think Twilight has it. She stays with Applejack in room 400, so you should get it from them. See you tomorrow."

Sandova watched her leave and turned around. The lobby was almost empty, which was not surprising considering the hour, but for the receptionist and a burly earth pony lingering around the entrance.

Sandova took a good look at him. He had a brown coat, a grey mane in a buzz cut and his talent mark told he was either very clumsy, or very good at breaking bones. Sandova hoped it was the former.

The earth pony caught Sandova looking and narrowed his eyes, then nodded at Sandova and left the hotel.

"Well, that was anticlimactic. No sense in standing around here I guess."

Sandova took the elevator to the fourth floor and knocked at room 400, but nobody opened. He tried room 401 and Rarity opened the door.

"Sandova! What was all that about? Who followed us, and why?"

"Easy Rarity, there won't be a problem. They know I was onto them, so they'll move a lot more cautiously. It was probably just some guy that recognized you girls and wanted to see if he could either get an autograph or try and seduce a celebrity. I mean, you girls are famous you know."

Rarity looked thoughtful, then nodded.

"Yes, that must be it. Why did you knock on my door then?"

Sandova was glad she'd bought his lie, he didn't want them to be too nervous. He could handle it himself.

"Well, Rainbow Dash said that my room was room 402, but since I don't have my key yet I Wanted to get it from Twilight, but she's not opening the door."

Rarity blinked, then shook her head.

"Oh that featherbrain. You have room 400, Twilight and Applejack are staying in room 402. She must've mixed them up. Well, goodnight Sandova."

Sandova bade her goodnight as well and then got his key from Twilight. After he had told her the same he told Rarity he went to his room, dumped his stuff in a corner and dropped onto the bed. He was asleep in minutes.
~
Hard Facts was exhausted.

"Ugh, this is one of those days that just keeps giving you headaches."

"Heh, tell me about it."

She turned around to see her partner coming over, two cups of coffee in his telekinetic grip.

"Case, you're a lifesaver."

He grinned and offered his partner a cup.

"I know, I do my best."

His face turned serious.

"So, what do you think of this Sandova guy?"

Hard Facts grimaced, remembering the strange not-pony's words.

"He's a pain in the ass, but probably a useful one. We confirmed his story, and he has offered his help on the case. As far as I know, we're going to need it."

"Whoa, seriously? Is it that bad?"

Hard facts nodded and took a sip from her coffee.

"Yes, our only suspect couldn't have done it even if he wanted to, and the other clues are getting us nowhere. This Sandova guy knows a lot about necromancy, and annoying or not, he is decent enough to object the rough treatment of some kid he hasn't even met. That's the reason they arrested him, actually."

"Huh, and I thought it was because his talent mark is nearly the same as your suspect's."

Cold Case took a sip and gestured towards the snack bar across the street.

"You want some hay fries? We've been at it the whole evening, and we still need to finish our paperwork."

"That'd be great. Put them on my desk when you get them, I'll go check on our suspect. Speaking of which, have his parents arrived yet?"

"Yes, I have spoken with them already. They are quite distressed, of course. I have told them we're doing our best to clear their son's name. They are also filing complaints against some guardsponies, not that I can blame them. The kid was treated way too harsh."

Cold Case nodded and left for the snack bar, and Hard facts went on to their young 'suspect'.
~
Moonless Night was sleeping in his cell, so Hard Facts went on to the visitor's area. She knew the colt's parents were still in the building, and wasn't surprised to see them there. Bright Night was asleep, but her husband Crescent Moon looked up as soon as Hard Facts came in.

"Good evening detective, any news yet?"

She sighed, why do civilians always think crimes could be solved so quickly?

"I'm afraid not, sir. We are busy looking over the facts, and we have some help now. I believe we will find the true perpetrator soon. You two should get some sleep. You live nearby right?"

Crescent Moon nodded.

"But we will not leave our son in here by himself. I'm sorry detective, but if you want us gone you should get a warrant and some big officers. We're not going anywhere without Moonless Night."

Hard facts sighed, but relented. She could understand them, and the kid would be more at ease if he knew his parents were around.

"And who is that nice blond stallion we met earlier? He seemed nice, but his talent mark was a little unsettling? Is he some kind of coroner?"

Hard Facts whirled around, a shocked look upon her face. During the conversation Bright Night had woken up and was looking at her questioningly.

"Blond mane, grey coat and blue eyes. Talent mark a strange skull wreathed in black flames?"

She nodded. Hard facts forced herself to calm down, she'd give that guy a lecture he'd not soon forget as soon as he came back. But for now, she needed to deal with the current situation as professionally as possible.

"He is the help we got earlier, an expert on cases like this. He's a little, eccentric, but he understands your son's situation the best, or so he says. Get some rest, we'll handle this case. I promise."

The couple smiled sadly.

"Thank you detective."

Hard facts nodded and left for her office. This would be a looong night.
~
"Boss, we've found a stallion matching your description. He's staying at the Pegasus Wing Hotel with some mares."

Abyss looked up from his desk.

"Fool! I told you to bring a colt, not some grown-up player."

The big earth pony in front of him flinched, stammering a reply.

"B-but boss, you told us to look for a colt with a necromancy talent that was arrested recently. This guy walked out of the Guard HQ matching most of the description, so I told Snap to follow him. If he isn't the guy we're looking for, he could still be related to our target. How many unicorns are even aware of necromancy in the first place, let alone be specialized in it?"

Abyss looked thoughtful. His subordinate made some valid points, he could capitalize on the situation.

"Very well. Tell Loud Snap to come in as soon as he returns, I want to know everything we can about this guy. You better hope your theory is correct, I do not care for failure within my organization. Are we clear?"

His subordinate nodded.

"Y-yes sir. Right away ,sir"

Author's Note

Finally! I have returned!
Man, I cannot apologize enough to you guys, three months without update is a terrible sin. I hope this chapter helpes making up for it. you see, I had the terrible combination of writer's block, university business and most importantly, me being a chronic procastrinator holding me back.
I have some more chapters in the making, I even finished another. The bad news is that they are al later chpters that are supposed to come after this arc is over. But fear not! I am going to do my absolute best to start posting more regularly now!

Sandova out.

The Case

Chapter 9: The Case

Sandova woke up somewhere around noon, feeling refreshed despite the late hour he fell asleep. After he had freshened up a little he went to the dining area of the hotel for some breakfast. He spotted his friends and walked over to their table.

"Good morning ladies, how are you today?"

They looked up and smiled.

"Good morning Sandova. We were just discussing our plans for today. Where did you want to go?"

Sandova sat down and grabbed some toast using his telekinesis, and poured some orange juice with his hooves.

"Well, I thought I'd see the sights first, but Detective Hard Facts wants to see me ASAP. We could meet up later today, though."

The mares seemed a little disappointed, but nodded in understanding.

"We could meet up at the museum, how long do you think you're needed?"

Sandova thought a moment, munching his toast, then shrugged.

"Honestly, I have no idea. But it couldn't be more than three hour or so. Let me see, see you at the museum at four?"

"Okay, is there anything we can do to help?"

Sandova smiled at Twilight and shook his head.

"Not right now, but I think you can help me out later. Either with the case or by explaining some of the expositions at the museum. Now, if you'll excuse me."

He got up and left the hotel, leaving his friends to enjoy a day in the city together. Nothing could go wrong with that, right?
~
Abyss looked at the note in front of him, feeling dread slowly take hold of him. The script was strange and flowing, yet sharp and foreboding. Not many ponies knew this script existed, let alone be able to read it. But Abyss could, his study in the darker alleys of magic forced him to learn to read Tartaran, the ancient script of demons and dark magic.

My dear servant,

I Have some important business to take care of, but on my return I expect that colt brought before me. Do not disappoint.

Your master

"Damnit! What have I gotten myself into?"

There was a knock on the door. Abyss composed himself and hid the note.

"Enter."

Loud Snap entered the office, a somewhat pleased expression on his muzzle.

"Boss, I have some news from Silent Whisper."

Abyss' ears perked up, all was not yet lost, it seems. He urged Loud Snap to continue.

"It seems our guy is involved in some kind of investigation, he's headed to the guard HQ now. The mares he was with are still in the hotel, and don't seem to be involved."

Abyss nodded, his sources in the guard had notified him of a rather peculiar case. Three colts murdered with necromancy, and a fourth with apparent talent for such magic had been arrested. Abyss could recognize his master's hand in this, but what benefit could Terminus gain from forcing a dark talent upon a teenager and frame him for murder?

"So our guy is some kind of private investigator?"

Loud Snap shook his head.

"Not that I know of, Whisper overheard that his specialties lie in combat and magical theory. Maybe some retired special agent?"

Abyss snorted.

"Retired? You told me he looked no older than twenty-five. No, there is something special about him, I'm sure of it. Besides, our 'dear' diarch would never employ a necromancer. Whoever he is, I'm sure he can get us the colt, one way or another."

He waved his hoof at his underling.

"You can go now, contact me if Silent Whisper has more news."

Loud Snap nodded curtly and left the office. Abyss pondered the information he had. Although it wasn't his style, he needed to move quickly. His very life, and possibly more, depended on it.
~
Sandova entered the Guard HQ and spoke to the first guardspony he could find.

"Excuse me, sir. I am looking for detective Hard Facts, she wanted to see me."

The blue unicorn looked at Sandova with a calculating gaze, then nodded.

"You are Sandova, I take it?"

Sandova nodded. The other stallion grinned and held out a hoof.

"I'm detective Cold Case, her partner. So you're some kind of inter-dimensional alien?"

Sandova was caught off guard, but recovered quickly. He somehow managed to shake hooves with Cold Case and returned his grin.

"You could see it that way. But rest assured, I come in peace. Now, could you take me to your leader?"

Cold Case let out a guffaw and shook his head.

"Now I see why Hard Facts dislikes you, she can't stand jokers in such a serious business. Well then, follow me."

Cold Case led him through the HQ, making small talk along the way.

"So, if you're from a world with significantly less technology, how did you know that science fiction reference?"

Sandova thought back at the 'movie night' he had with the girls a few weeks ago, it took Twilight hours to explain him all about the subject. It took Pinkie about two minutes, and Sandova preferred her version. Pinkie Pie may be chaotic and random, she knew how to get a point across, if you know how to listen.

"I've had time to get to know this place better. And my friends helped me get used to all of this."

Cold case nodded sagely.

"That explains a lot, but it seems small talk is over. We're there."

They stood in front of a small office, a small name plate marked it as Hard Facts' office. Cold Case knocked.

"Come in."

Sandova's eyebrows went up, the detective sounded bone-tired, like she had pulled an all-nighter. They entered the office and Sandova noticed that his suspicions were correct.

The office looked like it was usually tidy and well-organized, but now it looked more like a general's tent in the middle of a warzone. Documents were strewn everywhere, and the smell of coffee filled the entire office. Behind the cluttered desk hung a chart of Equestria, small colored pins were placed on some locations, forming a line between Ponyville and Manehattan.

"Sweet Celestia! Did you get any sleep tonight?"

Hard facts lifted her head from her desk and glared at her partner.

"Sleep is for the weak and those that can afford it, I am neither. Now quit yammering and listen, I think I'm onto something."

Hard Facts turned around and gestured towards the map.

"I was Looking into similar cases around Equestria, and I discovered a pattern."

Cold Case looked shocked.

"Similar cases? There hasn't been a reported murder in decades!"

Hard Facts Nodded, her face grim.

"I know, but there have been some cases of unexplained deaths and disappearances, right? Well, the last 2 months those have skyrocketed in frequency, especially disappearances. The pins mark where they occurred."

She looked at Sandova, and he cringed at the intensity of the glare.

"And you have been around for two months, right? Care to explain?"

Sandova suddenly felt both nervous and offended.

"Hey, we cleared yesterday that I have nothing to do with this crap. But you're right that this pattern is awfully suspicious. Are there any criminal organizations in Equestria influential enough to make ponies disappear?"

Hard Facts and Cold Case exchanged dark glances. Sandova picked up on it immediately.

"So there is. Now, what would a criminal organization gain from making ponies disappear? I'll tell you: Power. People get afraid when friends or relatives disappear without trace, especially if they're indebted to something shady. The fact that the frequency has gone up means they're up to something. The only thing that doesn't add up is the fact that such organizations are usually more subtle than this."

Cold Case spoke up.

"But what does our case have to do with it? We're looking for necromancers, not organized criminals."

Sandova gave him a wry smile.

"And that's where you could be wrong. We could be looking for both. You know the expression 'Knowledge is power', right?"

Both detectives nodded, comprehension dawning on their muzzles.

"Well, considering the fact that necromancy is all but unheard of here, we can safely assume that any detailed information is pretty rare. What if our crooks have gotten hold of such information? What if they are led by an influential megalomaniac with a sharp mind an no conscience? Maybe even a special talent in magic. They could very well be moving to do something big, maybe trying to overthrow the current regime. The fact that they are forgoing secrecy for speed could mean that they are close, that they believe no one can stop them."

Both detectives stood there, slack jawed. Hard facts recovered first.

"How come you can give such a detailed explanation about something so terrible? There is more to this than you let on, isn't there?"

Sandova laughed, he couldn't help it. Hard Facts looked furious and stepped forward, but Cold Case held her back. Sandova stopped and looked at her, his face gravely serious.

"You ponies are adorably naïve. I know this because I have experienced this before, six times to be exact. On my world, this stuff happens much more frequently. And I have helped put a stop to these things before. First as an adventurer, along with a party of comrades we have stopped a warlock from calling demons to the Material Plane and conquering most of the kingdoms in the west. Later I was cast out because of my powers, and I went on alone. I have tricked several self-styled 'arch-villains' into granting me governance over their souls, then sold those souls to a powerful devil. Ironically, that was the thing my governance was supposed to protect them from."

Sandova gave a wicked smile before continuing.

"That favor was the thing that got me here, to be precise. I still don't know why a Pit Lord would send me to such a peaceful world, perhaps it was some kind of sick joke. You know, send the morally challenged necromancer to a happy go lucky world like this, that'll stir up some trouble."

He hadn't noticed when he'd became so bitter, but the detectives did. They had backed away from him, a worried look upon their faces. Sandova noticed just how much he'd told them, and sighed. Cold Case was the first to speak up.

"You..scare me, you know that? But Celstia has given you a chance, and the Elements trust you. Just, you know, don't go telling such stories to everyone, okay? It might give them the wrong impression."

Sandova laughed again, but it was cold and without humor.

"No, I'm afraid it'll give them the right impression. Don't get me wrong, I want to help you because I think it is the right thing, the just thing to do. But I am a bad person, Celestia has given me a chance at redemption, but I know better. Some sins cannot be forgiven."

Sandova sighed again, then shook his head.

"Look at me, getting all depressed. We're on a case peopl-, I mean ponies. Now, are we going to solve it or not?"

Cold case and Hard Facts looked at each other and nodded.

"Yeah. So, do you have a plan?"

Sandova grinned.

"Oh yes I do."
~
When Sandova left the Guard HQ it was two o'clock, so he had the time to put his plan into motion before he'd meet up with the girls again.

"Now where can I draw the most attention to myself?"

He looked around until he saw a sign pointing to a park.

"Ah, perfect."

When he got to the park he noticed it was already crowded, some kind of stage standing in the middle of it. He made his way through the cloud, a dark hooded cloak hiding his features. It seemed that some kind of performer had set up stage, and the show was about to begin.

A blue mare with a silver mane wearing a typical star-spotted wizard's hat and cape suddenly appeared, accompanied with a flash of fireworks. Sandova was impressed, a little pompous but certainly an eye-catcher. This showmare knew what she was doing.

"Behold! The Great and Powerful Trixie! Today I shall tell you the tale of the unicorn that beat an Ursa Minor with nothing but her magic and her wits!"

Her horn glowed, and in front of the audience a cloud appeared. But before she could finish somepony from the audience started shouting at her.

"Yeah, and it wasn't you. Haha, didn't you know, folks? She's a fraud! A nopony. All her high-and-mighty talk is just that, talk. I heard she fled when that Ursa Minor showed up, and somepony else cleaned up the mess."

The spell flatered, and Trixie looked stricken. Befoore she could speak up against the heckler another one spoke up, and another. Soon the entire crowd was jeering and taunting. Sandova felt his blood boil, because he knew this mare now. Twilight and her friends had met her before, and told of the incident. Sandova had never understood the reason they disliked her so much. A good showman(or mare, in this case) always exaggerated! No one was interested in some simple story without heroics, they wanted spectacle.

Sandova caught the eye of the showmare, and he gave her a sympathetic smile and winked. Then he gathered as much power as he could and put on his most terrible sneer, activating his fear aura along the way.

"SILENCE!"

The combined force of his roar and the aura got a spectacular reaction from the crowd, and they soon felt fearfully silent. Sandova's grin grew wider, oh he was going to enjoy this!

"Hah, I see now that the only one that I thought that could keep me from taking over this city is nothing but a fraud. Excellent! Now cower in fear little ponies, cower before Lord Asphyxious."

A terrible laugh followed. But some of the ponies that were outside of his aura were not convinced, not yet. One stepped bravely forward and glared at Sandova.

"We will not cower before some idiot with a fancy name, go back to your basement, dork"

Sandova's eyes narrowed, and he spat an incantation in Infernal. Before him, the skeleton of Chemical Trial appeared in a haze of black smoke, the same color of his aura.

"Fool, you dare challenge me? I command the dead, and soon I shall command the living!"

He took some steps forward so that their faces almost touched, a glared at his challenger. He grinned maliciously at the pegasus in front of him.

"Would you like to join my undead horde? No? THEN GET ON THE GROND AND KNEEL!"

The pegasus dropped to the ground immediately, soiling himself in the process. Evertpony else was already on the ground, cowering in fear. Except for Trixie, who also looked frightened despite the fact that she knew it was an act. She stepped forward and looked down menacingly.

"You will leave these brave citizens alone, you monster! Or you'll have to face the wrath of the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

Sandova laughed scornfully and gestured at the skeleton.

"Show her your power, my minion. Crush that rock."

The skeleton sprang forward immediately and smashed one of the large boulders that lined the path. It shattered without much trouble, showering rock splinters everywhere. All other ponies flinched at the loud crack of hoof against rock. Sandova looked back at Trixie, counting down the remaining time the spell would last.

"Do you still wish to fight, oh 'Great and Powerful ' Trixie?"

He nodded at Trixie, hoping she would get the hint. She did.

"I will not leave these poor citizens at your mercy, 'Lord' Asphyxious."

She gathered her power and unleashed a blinding flash of light, which Sandova recognized as a harmless flare spell. As the flare went off Sandova's summoning spell ran out, and the skeleton dissipated in black smoke.

"NO! THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE."

Sanova roared, a panicked look upon his face. Trixie smirked, and her pink aura lit up again.

"Now leave before Trixie has to hurt you."

Sandova glared at Trixie.

"This isn't over, I will return someday. Watch the shadows, Trixie, for I might dwell there."

With these words, Sandova unleashed his deadly blast of negative energy, being far away enough not to harm anypony in the square. He took off before the smoke dissipated, making it appear as though he had vanished. He hid behind her cart and quickly removed his cloak, then paused to listen to the aftermath.

"Fear not, citizens of Manehattan. As long as Trixie lives, she will let nopony be hurt by tyrants like him. You have my word."

The thunderous sound of hooves stamping on the ground, the Equastrian equivalent of applause, hit Sandova like a wall. He smiled and decided to wait until Trixie wrapped up her show, so that he could thank her later. From the corners of his eyes, he could see a pony watching him intently before turning and leaving for downtown Manehattan. He smirked.

"Heh, everything is going just as planned."

Author's Note

Hey guys, it seems Vecna has finally released my muse, so I'm on a roll. I think I might even post another chapter soon, unless this chapter is so awful that I have to rework it, of course. Tell me what you think of it :D

Sandova out

A Looming Shadow

Chapter 10: Dark on the Horizon

Trixie stepped inside her cart, humming happily to herself. Today had went surprisingly well, after that mysterious stallion had helped her the crowd had loved every part of her show. Trixie smiled, remembering the looks on their faces after they realized that the tale of the Ursa Minor was the actual story. After her second incident in Ponyville she decided she had enough of humble pie and went on with accurate storytelling and a flashy magic show.

The cart was small, but it had enough room for Trixie's belongings and provided a place to sleep in if needed. Trixie carefully removed her cape and hat and put them in a small closet, then went outside again to pack up and look for a place to sleep.

"Good afternoon miss Trixie, I see your show went well."

Trixie whirled around and saw a grey unicorn standing behind her, a small but confident smile on his lips. Trixie recognized him as the hooded 'Asphyxious' that helped her out. She smiled back at him.

"Good afternoon, oh 'Lord Asphyxious'."

The stallion laughed.

"It seems I left an impression today. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sandova Mirell, mage and scholar, at your service."

The stallion bowed with flair as he introduced himself, and Trixie could not help but notice that he was quite handsome. She giggled and made a courtesy of her own.

"Trixie is pleased to meet you, Sandova, and wants to thank you for your help today."

"It was nothing, really. I can't stand it when peopl- eh ponies, when ponies are treated like you were. They didn't even give you the chance to defend yourself! And besides, I needed to draw attention to myself anyway. Two birds with one stone."

Trixie frowned, there was something strange about this stallion.

"Trixie doesn't understand, why would you want to draw attention to yourself?"

"Well, somepony is following me, and I want to know who they're working for. If I draw obvious attention to myself, and make myself look like an idiot in the process, they will act differently then ponies who are not watching me. Some undercover guardsponies are around, looking out for suspicious characters."

Trixie arched an eyebrow at Sandova. Some things didn't add up in his story.

"Then why are you telling Trixie this? Wouldn't it be better if you kept this a secret?"

Sandova grinned fiendishly and winked at Trixie.

"Why yes, that would indeed be better. Especially since the leading detective kind of ordered me not to give away important information."

"But you just told me a lot of information already. Wouldn't that get you into trouble?"

Sandova nodded, still smiling.

"Probably, but it could be that I endangered you with this endeavor, and I wanted to make sure that you'd be able to handle yourself. Considering the fact that you're obviously questioning my motives confirms that you are, in fact, capable enough to do so. Anyway, it was nice meeting you miss Trixie."

The stallion turned around before he stopped, and looked back at Trixie with an embarrassed smile.

"Uhm, could you perhaps tell me how I get to the museum from here?"

Trixie smiled, she decided she actually liked this stallion, however strange he might be.

"No, but Trixie could help you look."
~
Silent Whisper moved through the crowd, doing her best to look as normal as possible. She had to hurry and report to Abyss before her target got to the museum. She frowned, musing over the scene at the park. What was that all about?

"Excuse me, miss. We would like to have a word with you."

Silent Whisper turned around, her face a neutral mask. Behind her stood two ponies in uniform.

"I am detective Hard Facts and this is my partner Cold Case. We would like to ask you some questions regarding your interest in mister Dawn Flash."

How'd they found out? Silent Whisper did her best to look mildly annoyed, keeping her nerve under control as she did so.

"I'm sorry, who?"

Hard Facts smiled at her. It was a knowing smile, and a cold one at that.

"The blond unicorn you have been following for some time now. I find it interesting that somepony that is known to work for our friendly neighborhood crook Abyss is so focused on a stallion that was recently arrested. Now, would you like to talk to us or do we have to bring you in for questioning?"

Silent's eyes widened.

"You can't do that, I am an Equestrian citizen. I know my rights."

"Then you also know that we, the Guard, are allowed to bring somepony in for questioning in cases like this. We would rather keep this talk polite. Besides, you seem in a hurry. Wouldn't want to keep your boss waiting now would we?"

Silent Whisper gritted her teeth, they had her. Resisting any further would only make it harder on her. And by extension, her boss. And she needed to report before this Dawn Flash or Sandova or whatever he calls himself got to the museum. She sighed.

"Okay, what do you want to know?"

"We would like to know about your sudden interest in mister Flash, nothing more."

Silent Whisper arched an eyebrow. This could be over quicker then she thought.

"Will this be kept confidential?"

The detective nodded. Silent whisper looked around before whispering with a small blush on her face.

"Have you seen that guy? His looks are magazine material. I've been working up the courage to ask him out, and so far it isn't working."

Both detectives looked at her incuriously. Silent Whisper shrugged.

"What? Can't a mare show some interest in attractive stallions nowadays? If you'll excuse me, I'm running late for an appointment."

She turned around an moved through the crowd, smiling at the memory of their dumbstruck faces. At least she knew what her target was doing in the park. Drawing attention to himself so that the Guards could scan the crowd for suspicious ponies, like herself. This guy was good, no wonder the Guard accepted his help. But why would a necromancer be interested in helping the guard? Most necromancy is illegal in Equestria, not to mention taboo.

Silent Whisper dismissed her train of thought, this mystery was Abyss' to figure out. She turned in an alley and spread her wings. She was gone before the third Guard tailing her had rounded the corner.
~
"And that's when Trixie got out of the corrupting influence of the Alicorn Amulet."

Sandova nodded, his friends had already told him about their encounters with the showmare. It was still nice to know the other end of the story, though.

"I know, I have heard the story from my friends."

Trixie looked at him with an arched eyebrow.

"You mean you come from Ponyville?"

Sandova shrugged.

"I guess you can say that, yes. I am staying there to 'rediscover the magic of friendship'. I don't really think they can change me that much, but it's nice to be able to stay in a town without getting chased out because of my powers."

"Why would you get chased out of towns?"

Sandova stopped and looked at Trixie with an arched eyebrow.

"As you might have noticed, I am a necromancer. That means I have power over death, and most ponies associate that with evil."

Trixie's eyes widened.

"Wait, you mean that that skeleton was real?"

"Of course it was, how else would it have shattered that rock? Now don't worry, I didn't kill anyone to get it. I reanimated a skeleton that was used for anatomy lessons and such. Twilight used it for research in body-altering spells. I got to reanimate it to show some of my spells."

"Why are you telling Trixie all of this? If you get chased out of towns because of your powers shouldn't you be more careful of what you tell ponies?"

Sandova paused. Trixie was right, why did he tell her? He looked back at his companion and frowned.

"I, don't know. The last two months have been so different than the rest of my life that I might be more at ease nowadays. The fact that I am surrounded by ponies who are incredibly trusting might have lowered my guard as well."

Sandova stopped.

"Huh, I guess they affect me more than I realized. Anyway, it seems we're there."

Both unicorns stood in front of an impressive building. The museum was large and excessively decorated in a style Sandova found reminiscent of the temples at home. The entrance consisted of a large double door, which was open. Ponies of all kinds walked in and out of the building, although Sandova saw that there were more unicorns than other ponies visiting the museum.

"Sandova, over here!"

Sandova looked left and saw his friends sitting at a terrace across the street. He waved at them before turning to his companion.

"Thanks for helping me find the museum. Hey, would you like to join us?"

Trixie blushed slightly and looked away.

"Uhm, Trixie would like to, but she thinks your friends wouldn't like her being here. Trixie should go."

"Heh, don't worry, they are forgiving ponies. Or Twilight is, at least. I'm sure you can convince them you've changed."

"How do you know Trixie has changed?"

Sandova laughed.

"Because you don't sound nearly as arrogant as they told me you were. If that was the case I wouldn't have asked you to join us. I'm sure it'll be fine."

Trixie nodded and they both walked towards the table. When they got close Sandova could see his friends were indeed surprised at the sight of the mare next to him. Rainbow Dash pointed a hoof at Trixie.

"What is she doing here?"

Sandova sighed and looked at the others. Fluttershy, Pinkie and Twilight looked curious and maybe a little skeptical. Rarity and Applejack looked unfriendly and Rainbow Dash seemed outright hostile.

"Trixie is here because she helped me find the museum. I asked her to join us because it's rude to leave somebody that helped behind so that you can hang with your friends, don't you think? Besides, everyone, erm, everypony deserves a second chance, right?"

"Yeah, but she blew that already. Right, oh 'Great and Powerful' Trixie?"

Trixie seemed to shrink from the venom in Dash' voice. Sandova glared right back at her.

"The way I see it she only acted in a bad way the second time you met her. And she was slowly being corrupted by that amulet at the time."

Rarity spoke up.

"But the first time-"

Sandova interrupted her.

"She was staging a show when you started heckling her, of course she would do something to shut you up. How would you feel when you staged a fashion show and everypony started making snide remarks about the dresses you made? She was mean, but not cruel. That was your doing."

The mares looked astonished, and Rarity had the decency to look a little ashamed. Trixie looked around the table and tried to smile. It came out more than a little nervous.

"Trixie would like to apologize for her actions that day. After the whole ursa minor business she had become bitter, and she wanted nothing more than pay back the mare that upstaged her. She bought the alicorn amulet and wasn't aware of its corrupting influence. But that is still no excuse for Trixie's behavior. Can you forgive her?"

The other mares stared at her, not expecting this from the showmare. Twilight was the first to recover, and she smiled at Trixie.

"I had already forgiven you that day, remember? It's fine. Besides, if Sandova of all ponies is the one suggesting we give you a chance, who am I to disagree?"

The other mares nodded, except for rainbow who just huffed.

"I'm still keeping my eye on you."

Sandova smiled, realizing he had actually made a friend that day.

"So, how about we visit that exposition before the museum closes?"
~
"Come on, you knew something like this would happen. Can you really blame him?"

Hard Facts glared at her partner, who backed away.

"Yes. Not only did he disturb the peace, he also destroyed public property. That's illegal, and you know it!"

"It was just a rock, and nopony got hurt, right? Besides, we did get a lead on the investigation."

"What lead? Silent Whisper played us brilliantly, she also lost the tail we sent after her like it was nothing. Not to mention the fact that Abyss probably knows we suspect him."

Cold Case nodded.

"Exactly, the fact that she tried to lose her tail means she got something to hide, at least. Besides, I wouldn't be surprised if Abyss already knows everything we know about the case, he probably got sources everywhere in the station. He hasn't become leader of Manehattens organized crime for nothing, you know."

Hard facts sighed, no matter how much she hated the situation she knew her partner was right. All of a sudden she looked up, eyes bright.

"If Abyss sent her after our good friend Dawn Flash it means he doesn't know anything about him, either. We could use that against him."

Smiling she went back to her office, Cold Case following closely behind.

"Oh yeah, Dawn Flash asked if he could talk to the victim later this evening."

Hard Facts whirled around, eyes wide.

"Absolutely not! Who does he think he is? He's lucky I'm not arresting him again."

"Actually, I think he should. Attitude aside he seems like a decent pony, or at least sympathetic. He also knows more about what happened to the kid than we ever could. He might act like a smug jerk from time to time, but you can't deny that he's good at what he does. Besides, the kid deserves to know what he's in for."

Hard Facts sighed, her partner was right yet again. She nodded.

"Okay, if his parents agree with it I'll allow him to talk to the kid. But I will be around when it happens, I still don't completely trust the guy."

Cold Case nodded and turned to leave.

"I'll tell him when he comes back from his trip."

Hard Facts was already trotting of fin the opposite direction, she had work to do.
~
Bright Night and Crescent Moon were still in the visitor's area. Hard Facts had to give it to them, they were dedicated parents. She was glad the kid had somepony close to comfort him.

"Excuse me, I have to ask your permission for something."

The parents looked up at the detective.

"Ask away, detective. If it helps the case I'm willing to help."

Bright Night nodded at her husband's words. Hard Facts smiled and continued.

"Do you remember the blond stallion from yesterday?"

They nodded.

"He's an outside expert on necromancy, and he is helping the case. He would like to speak with your son about what happened to him, and about his newly awakened powers."

"Necromancy? Our son has no way of knowing such dangerous magics."

Hard Facts arched an eyebrow at Crescent Moon.

"And how do you know about it then?"

"I teach applied magics at Celestia's school for gifted unicorns, I know a lot about magic in general."

Hard Facts nodded, that did make sense.

"I see, but your son has somehow awakened a talent for Necromancy, or so I'm told. The expert wishes to talk to your son about it. I am not sure myself what he wants to talk about specifically, so I will be there as well. I'm sure mister Dawn Flash would like to speak to you as well."

Both parents looked at each other and nodded.

"Very well, if it helps our son who are we to disagree?"

"Good, now we just have to wait until he shows up."
~
Abyss was working behind his desk when somepony knocked on his door.

"Come in."

The door opened and a slightly windswept Silent Whisper stepped inside.

"Ah, any news about our guy?"

She nodded.

"Yes, his name seems to be either Sandova or Dawn Flash. The Elements keep calling him Sandova, but I had a run-in with the Guard this afternoon and they kept calling him Dawn Flash."

Abyss' eyes narrowed.

"Were you followed?"

Silent Whisper laughed. It was a cold laugh.

"They tried. Anyway, our friend seems to be friends with the Elements of Harmony, and he apparently has worked something out with the Guard as well. I don't know if he knows the colt we're looking for, but I do know he helps with the investigation. I wanted to continue tailing him through the city but the guard caught up with me. He acted kind of strange before the guard showed up."

"Strange? In what way?"

"He went to the park where some kind of showmare had set up stage. The crowd turned ugly soon after, lots of heckling. He then put up some kind of 'evil overlord' act before the showmare 'vanquished' his minion. Either he works as a showmare's assistant or he tried to attract attention. I believe it was the latter, since I saw him scan the crowd after he fled the scene. Two minutes later the Guard caught up with me. He's good, boss. Real good."

Abyss frowned, this guy seemed more unlikely the more he learned about him. If he's good at these kind of things somepony should've at least heard some rumors. But instead the guy was an enigma. A necromancer with experience in getting tailed that is helping the Guard with investigating a necromancy induced murder? That just doesn't make sense.

"Any ideas on how we can get that colt brought here?"

"Afraid not boss, Hard Facts is in charge of the investigation."

"Damnit, that stubborn bitch always gets in the way. Bribing the investigator will not work this time. I guess we have to resort to extreme measures."

Silent Whisper's eyes widened.

"Boss? Are you sure that's a good idea? We managed for so long because we didn't draw much attention to ourselves. And when we did we could always get out of it. What is so important about that colt, anyway?"

Abyss slammed his hoof on his desk and glared at his subordinate, who flinched back.

"Don't question me now! All you need is to do as you're told. Now get out, you'll get your orders soon."

Silent Whisper nodded and left, leaving Abyss to ponder his next step. He walked over to his bookcase and opened the hidden doorway. After walking down the dark hallways he entered his sanctum, a dark room filled with implements for darker magics. On a pedestal at the far end of the room lay his most prized possession, something that looked disturbingly close to a unicorn's horn. The difference was that it looked wickedly sharp, the red tip slowly fading to gray on the way to its base. The jagged edges at the base suggested it did not part gently from its former owner.

"Just a little longer, my ancestor. Soon your rebirth is a fact, and Equestria will be ours for the taking."

Author's Note

Aah, I finally finished this. I had the first part ready for quite some time, the rest took a little longer, I'm afraid.
Tell me what you all think, I thrive on your feedback.

Sandova out

Truths and Promises

Chapter 11: Truths and Promises

Moonless Night had finally grasped what was going on. Detective Hard Facts had explained the situation this afternoon, and his mind was still reeling with the implications. Somehow, he got his special Talent forced upon him, making him a suspect of murder along the way. He truly did not remember what had happened in that alley after he got cornered by Sky Scraper and his friends, but he was left with a nagging feeling something utterly wrong had happened there.

He had been taken from his cell by some guardsponies and brought to the same room he was interrogated in. He was silently going over the facts again when there was a knock on the door. Moonless Night looked up and after a second the door opened, revealing detective Hard Facts followed by a grey unicorn with a blonde mane.

"Moonless Night, this is Dawn Flash. He is an expert on necromancy and helping in the investigation, and he would like to have a word with you."

Dawn Flash nodded and smiled at Moonless Night, who couldn't help but notice that his eyes were filled with both curiosity and pity.

"Good evening my friend, I gather you have no real clue about what's happened to you. Luckily for you, I am here to rectify that."

Moonless Night narrowed his eyes, not sure he liked the smug tone of the pony in front of him.

"Maybe I do have a clue, and simply had no desire to share my thoughts with you."

Dawn Flash smiled, eyes sparkling.

"Oh really? Then, could you tell me how you manifested that charnel touch? Or maybe show me what kind of necromancy spells you have mastered? Clearly, you've had ample time to study an old and dangerous school of magic after you recognized your Talent. Please, enlighten us oh master of the dark arts."

Moonless Night blinked, he did not expect to be mocked. Reprimanded maybe, but mocked? Especially not by somepony working for the Guard. Dawn Flash seemed to realize this as well, chuckling darkly.

"Perhaps you should lay off on the smart remarks kid, that is my job here."

He raised a hoof before Moonless Night could get a word in, silencing him.

"Now, while I'd love to verbally spar with you all evening I think it's better if I did what I came here to do."

Dawn Flash trotted over to the table and sat opposite of Moonless Night, his face suddenly serious.

"I heard that you have no memory of what happened to you after the bullies cornered you, is that right?"

Moonless Night nodded and Dawn flash looked thoughtful.

"I think you do know what happened, but you repressed the memories somehow. This is to be expected, considering the traumatic experience it probably was. You see, I recognize this situation. You are a loner, talented in magic and a strange fascination with darker things, am I right?"

Moonless Night's eyes widened, surprised that this stallion read him so easily. This reaction was not missed on Dawn Flash, and he nodded to himself.

"It seems I am right. I think you have a natural connection to negative energy, the energy that fuels most if not all necromancy. This connection is usually small, and most peopl- I mean ponies don't ever discover that they have this connection. Some become spellcasters and discover that they have a natural affinity for such magic, or they do something else but can't help but feel drawn to dark and morbid things. A select few recognize this connection and manage to reinforce it, opening a conduit to that power within their souls. These individuals are called dread necromancers, and you have become one."

"But, how? I have never even seen necromancy in my life, let alone use it."

Dawn Flash's face became grim, Moonless Night thought he almost seemed reluctant to continue.

"There is one other way for someone to become a dread necromancer, one dreadfully cruel way. Someone has filled you with negative energy and forcibly opened your connection, making you achieve your potential powers. This individual is definitely a necromancer, probably a dread necromancer, and has recognized your potential and decided to 'help' you realize it. This pony is the one that killed your classmates, and we need your help in finding him. Or her, for that matter."

"But I don't remember anything! How can I help you if I don't know who did this to me?"

Dawn Flash's eyes seemed to sparkle with amusement, and he smiled at Moonless Night.

"That is exactly the question! You might not be able to help us directly, but I have an idea."

Dawn Flash stood up and trotted over to detective Hard Facts. He whispered something to her, winked at Moonless Night and left the room. Moonless Night blinked, then turned to the detective.

"Did he just-"

"Walk away without explaining anything, leaving you completely at loss and more than a bit irritated?"

Moonless Night nodded at the detective, who sighed.

"He might be a pain in the flank, but he knows what he is doing. Now, I'm happy to tell you that we cannot hold you here any longer, so you'll be released soon. I'm sorry that we had to keep you locked up like this, but we had to make sure that you weren't the murderer."

Moonless Night perked up, a smile beginning to form on his muzzle.

"I can go home?"

Herd Facts nodded.

"Know that we will keep you under Guard supervision for the time being, the murderer might decide to finish his work and come after you again. I already cleared this with your parents, but I wanted to tell you myself."

"I understand detective. I have one question, though. What will become of me after all of this is over? Necromancy isn't really something that's widely understood, much less tolerated. What will I do with my life?"

Hard Facts stopped, not sure how to answer that question. Right when she was about to answer the door opened, revealing Dawn Flash carrying two cups of coffee and a soda with his telekinesis.

"I think I can answer that question. Drinks, anyone?"

Hard Facts and Moonless Night just stared at him. Dawn Flash shrugged and put the soda and the second coffee on the table, then took a sip of his own coffee.

"Suit yourselves. Well, you wanted to know what to do with your life as a necromancer, right?"

Before Moonless Night could answer Hard Facts stepped forward and glared at Dawn Flash.

"What do you think you're doing? You tell us you have a plan, then walk out on us? Now you come back with drinks and continue our conversation like nothing has happened? What is wrong with you?"

Dawn Flash endured the rant without batting an eyebrow, taking a casual sip of his coffee. He set down his coffee as soon as Hard Facts stopped.

"Feel better?"

Hard Facts blinked, then reluctantly nodded. Dawn Flash smiled and offered her coffee again, she took it.

"I apologize for my behavior, I understand that I can be an incredible jerk sometimes. Anyway, I believe that the pony that killed those colts and give Moonless Night his powers is still around somewhere. If I forcibly made somepony a dread necromancer, I would stick around to see what happened with him. Perhaps even approach him and steer him onto the dark path."

"You're saying that our killer will be watching Moonless Night?"

Dawn Flash nodded.

"Exactly! Therefore, we need some extra supervision for him as soon as he is free again. Speaking of which, when will he be released?"

Moonless Night, who was following the conversation with an impassive expression, grinned at Dawn Flash.

"I will be released today! Or that's what the detective told me."

She nodded.

"Yes, and concerning your plan, we always keep victims in such cases under supervision. That's standard Guard procedure."

Dawn Flash looked surprised.

"Really? Well, that's a new thing for me, actual competent guard in charge of an investigation. Makes things a lot easier for people like me."

Hard Facts looked a bit offended, while Moonless Night looked curious.

"What do you mean? The Guard is everywhere in Equestria, right?"

Dawn Flash nodded.

"Yep, but I'm not from around here. Where I'm from, you can consider yourselves lucky if the guard investigates stuff like this at all. Unless it's about a rich pers-, erm, pony, then it is to be expected. Anyway, you wanted to know what to do now that you're a dread necromancer, right?"

Moonless Night saw Hard Facts give Dawn Flash a sideways glance, but he decided that the current topic was more important.

"Yeah, I mean, necromancy isn't really something that gets you employed easily, right? I have never heard more than horror stories about it."

Dawn Flash nodded and offered Moonless Night the can of soda, which he took.

"I can Imagine that, but you'll have to know that there's more to necromancy then you might think. Of course, most necromancy is dark and nasty stuff, but some of it is useful. For example, there is a modification on the curse spell that makes it only active when the target violates a certain rule. It's used by holy paladins to give criminals a second chance. Other spells can numb pain, or even heal the caster under certain circumstances. And there is the multitude of ways one can protect himself from the undead, intelligent or otherwise. There are even spells that protect others from necromantic killing spells."

Both Hard Facts and Moonless Night seemed impressed by this.

"But why doesn't anypony use those spells then? Even if they are necromancy spells, they sound very beneficial."

Dawn Flash gave a wry smile.

"Because for every beneficial necromancy spell, there are dozens of terrible ones. For example, I know of a spell that invigorates and strengthens the caster by finishing off a dying person, or a spell that suppresses someone's life force, which can be lethal. There are far more terrible necromancy spells, but I do not know them, nor am I powerful enough to cast them. Necromancy is, above all, mastery over the edge between life and death. This is what scares most people about it, even though it can also be used to protect someone against a necromancer. There lies the greatest irony, necromancers of even strength can do very little against each other. They can both take over each other's minions and nullify almost all of their killing spells, rendering them almost impotent."

Dawn Flash sighed and took another sip of coffee. Moonless Night was processing the information with rapid speed, feeling a bit more hopeful about his future.

"So I can also use my necromantic powers to help protect ponies from necromancers?"

Dawn Flash nodded, a slight smile evident on his features.

"Basically, yes. But you need to be able to control your powers first, else you can still accidentally kill somepony."

That statement hit hard, and Moonless Night lost most of his earlier enthusiasm.

"Kill? How, I am just talented in necromancy, right?"

Dawn Flash shook his head, his smile becoming wry again.

"Remember what I told you? You are a dread necromancer, not just a regular necromancer. You have a well of power in your soul, and it will spill over if you can't control it. You get some natural abilities that regular spellcasters do not get, like the charnel touch."

Dawn Flash walked back a bit and concentrated. His upturned hoof got wreathed in a black haze, not unlike the flames on his Talent Mark. He turned back and the haze disappeared.

"That was pure negative energy, straight from the well within my soul. If I touch somepony with this, their bodies would start decaying. Negative energy is the direct opposite of life energy, making it dangerous if it isn't kept under control. This is but one of the aspects of being a dread necromancer, but it's one of the most basic ones. Only if you wish to train more will you get more dangerous powers, and then there is another problem. This well of power will continue to grow as you grow as a necromancer, eventually becoming too much for your soul to bear. If you reach the peak of your abilities, you will have to make a phylactery and become a lich. A nearly indestructible undead spellcaster whose soul resides in an artifact of his own making."

"What?! Why would somepony ever want to become something like that? It sounds terrible."

Dawn Flash actually laughed at this, and Moonless Night felt a little offended.

"What's so funny about this?"

"You are so adorably naïve. Becoming a lich is what drives countless of spellcasters, a lot of them not even being necromancers. You have to understand that the promise of immortality is a nearly irresistible lure to many. Countless mages have died trying to become liches, some were even decent people, interested only in continuing their arcane research without having to care for silly things like death. But I understand that you find it abhorrent, I was also shocked when I discovered this fact about my powers. I just wanted to make sure you knew all of the aspects of being a dread necromancer before my next question."

Moonless Night felt overwhelmed, all of this was happening too fast. Yesterday his greatest concern was staying clear of Sky Scraper and his friends, and now he was told he could become an immortal undead if he kept practicing his Talent. A talent he got forced upon him!

"Why me? Why now? I just want a normal life, is that really out of my grasp? Wait, next question?"

Dawn Flash sat down, his face completely serious.

"I understand that you feel overwhelmed, I really do. But this is who you are now, and you will have to live with it. Don't worry about becoming a living corpse just yet, I do not even possess half of the power required to become a lich, and I have been a dread necromancer for half of my life!"

He chuckled and finished his coffee, then threw it into a waiting thrash can.

"No, what's important right now is that you need to learn to control that well of yours. I gathered that your father is a teacher in magic, right?"

Moonless Night nodded.

"He will be able to help you along the way, but I'm afraid that he won't be able to get you started. That's where I come in, I am willing to instruct you in controlling your powers. Well, after this situation is over, at least. But only if you want me to, I can't force you to do anything."

Silence reigned in the room for almost a minute before Moonless Night finally spoke up.

"T-this is a big thing, you know? I have been a Blank Flank for far too long, and now I have a Talent forced on me. I was a suspect in a freaking murder case, and a stranger now tells me that my Talent is potentially dangerous before offering to help me. The fact that he is not who he seems isn't really helping, either."

Dawn Flash blinked.

"Come again?"

Moonless Night looked him straight in the eye.

"You keep messing up your speech. If you get going, you keeps saying anyone and person instead of anypony and pony. You also admitted yourself that you are not from around here. If you want me to trust you with instructing me, I want you to trust me as well. I know the detective knows your secret, and if it is classified information I can relent. But it's hard to trust somepony that is not who he seems, especially after that Changeling incident two years ago."

Hard Facts and Dawn Flash exchanged glances, and Dawn flash cracked a smile.

"He's a sharp one, isn't he? So, can I tell him?"

Hard Facts nodded.

"It's no state secret, just yours. I can't forbid you to tell him even if I wanted to."

Dawn Flash's smile became wider.

"Well then, I hope your parents are patient ones, because this story will take a while."
~
Abyss sat in his sanctum, thinking. Why did Terminus do this to him? Why? He had given the creature his obedience, his servitude, and was rewarded with only a snippet ofknowledge! A mere scrap of power! He would put up with the thing's antics no longer. Who cared about that colt, anyway? Just a kid with an unusually dark Talent, nothing really special about that. No, Abyss would bow down no longer! It was time for a reckoning!

He trotted towardsanother room and grabbed a phone, punching the number of Silent Whisper.

"This is Silent Whisper, what are your orders, boss?"

Abyss smiled, he had always valued the mare's loyalty and efficiency.

"Cancel all my orders about that colt, it's not relevant anymore. Keep an eye on that necromancer, though, and tell me the whereabouts of the Elements of Harmony. We will proceed with our original plan, now that the pieces are so conveniently placed. Tomorrow, Celestia will fall, and Equestria will be ours for the taking."

Abyss could almost hear the eager grin on his subordinate's face.

"Of course, sir. I will have your 'assets' at sunrise."

The line went dead, and a Abyss went back to his sanctum. He had a ritual to prepare.

Author's Note

Booyah, got me some random crappy internet connection, so here's chapter 11. Hope I can find another unprotected wifi later to see any comments. And upload another chapter if it's finished ofc ;)

Enjoy, my friends.

The Shadow Strikes

Chapter 12: The shadow strikes.

"-and that is why Trixie has decided to tell true stories. And although her show is no longer as popular as before, they feel much more rewarding to Trixie."

Twilight smiled at the blue mare, genuinely impressed with how much she'd matured since she had last seen her. They were sitting at the bar in the Pegasus Wing hotel, together with Fluttershy and Rarity. Pinkie, Rainbow and Applejack were busy playing cards in Pinkie and Rainbow's room.

"I'm glad to hear you're doing fine. You look a lot happier as well. So, where are you planning on staging a show next?"

Before Trixie could answer the lights went off, casting them all in darkness.

"Huh?"

"Eep."

"Oh dear."

"Umpf!"

Twilight heard something fall on the ground with a dull 'thump', and she turned towards the sound.

"Is everypony okay? Wait, I'll light my horn."

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that, sweetie."

Twilight let out a startled yelp before she felt a cloth over her nose and mouth. Twilight thrashed wildly, but somepony held her down. The sharp smell of chemicals filled her nose, and she could feel her consciousness slip. Before she passed out she could hear the feminine voice speak again.

"Gather the others, knock out everypony that interferes. And be gentle, we need them alive, for now."
~
"I still can't believe it, some necromancer from another world just so happens to be close by when our son needs help? That is leaving the scope of coincidence and approaches the miracle scale."

Crescent Moon looked at Sandova with his piercing azure eyes, trying to read his expression. Sandova was busy drinking a milkshake and stared right back. Hard Facts sighed, turning towards Crescent moon.

"Awfully coincidental or not, he does know your son's condition like nopony else."

"At least according to his story, but how sure can we be that he's telling the truth?"

Sandova finished his milkshake and crumpled the cup before levitating it into a trash can.

"Well, you can ask my friends. They believe my story."

Crescent Moon rolled his eyes.

"Mister Mirell, I teach teenage unicorns for a living. I've heard that excuse so often that it's not even funny anymore."

Sandova shrugged.

"Well, the Elements of Harmony are not quite like your teenage unicorns, I presume."

Hard Facts nodded at Crescent Moon, who looked perplexed.

"We couldn't believe it either, but he really is friends with the Elements of Harmony. Their testimonies were nearly identical, and the fact that they tried to help him at all is already noteworthy."

Moonless Night decided to speak up as well.

"Well, I believe him. I mean, if he tried to lie to us wouldn't it better to come up with an actually believable story? Even if he's not a human or whatever, he is an experienced necromancer that offered his help for free. He even helps the Guard with this murder case!"

Sandova nodded towards Moonless Night, a smile growing on his face.

"Thanks kid, I appreciate that. Now, as I were saying, I am offering teach your son how to keep his newfound power under control. I will only teach him the basics, no actually dangerous spells. You can always help, of course. You are the professional teacher, after all."

Crescent Moon sighed and looked at his wife, who nodded.

"All right, I suppose it's for the best. But I thought you lived in Ponyville?"

Sandova nodded.

"Yes, I do. But Ponyville isn't that far away, and I would only be able to tutor him in the weekend. I wouldn't want to interfere with his schoolwork, after all."

Hard Facts nudged Sandova, who looked at her questioningly.

"You are still helping with an ongoing investigation, so all of this will have to wait."

"Oh yeah. Well, I will contact you as soon as I am available. Until then, please refrain from tapping into your negative energy reserve. We wouldn't want you to hurt anypony."

Right then the lights went out, and the Guard station was plunged into darkness.

"What in nine hells?"

Sandova lit his horn, only to discover that his black aura was no viable night source. Luckily Crescent Moon lit up his horn as well, bathing them in a silver light.

"Everypony okay? I think the power went out. Don't worry, the station has its own backup power supply. The lights should go back on any moment now."

Hard Facts hadn't finished speaking when the lights went on again, making them blink. Sandova looked around.

" Now what was that all about? Did your power supply break or something?"

Hard Facts shrugged and walked towards the reception.

"I have no idea, but I'm about to find out."

Sandova frowned and followed her, and was almost immediately joined by moonless Night and his family.

"So, does this happen often? We have no electricity and such where I come from, so I have no clue as what might have happened here."

"Well, it is rather unusual for the power to go out like this. If there was a thunderstorm I can understand, but I'm as clueless as you at the moment."

They reached the front desk and waited for Hard Facts to return. A few moments later she came back with Cold Case behind her. He nodded to Sandova and the family.

"Good evening. It seems that there are some problems with the city's power net. The entire city has gone dark. I hope it'll be over soon, but I doubt it."

Sandova looked past him and chuckled. Everypony looked at him in confusion.

"What's so funny about this?"

Sandova shook his head and pointed towards the windows.

"It seems the universe likes to prove you wrong, that's all."

They looked and saw that the streets were lit again. Ponies were out on the street, looking just as confused as everypony else. Cold Case shrugged.

"Well, for once I'm glad to be wrong. Sir, madam, there is a Guard escort waiting outside to bring you home, if that's okay with you."

Crescent Moon nodded.

"Of course, we appreciate your effort. Now detective, mister Mirell, good luck on catching the monster that killed those poor colts."

Hard Facts nodded.

"Thank you, we will do our best."

Sandova watched the family leave before turning to Hard Facts.

"Do you need my advice for now?"

She shook her head.

"We can handle it from here. We will contact you if we need your expertise. You can go back to the hotel if you want to."

"Then that's what I'll do, detective. Good night."

He nodded at them and left the building. It took him half an hour to get to the hotel, and when he arrived he saw a huge crowd surrounding the hotel.

"What the-"

He trotted towards the nearest pony and tapped a hoof on his shoulder.

"Excuse me, can you tell me what's going on?"

The yellow earth pony stallion turned around.

"I believe I heard that some ponies got kidnapped during the blackout. The Guard has closed everything off, so you can't get to your room. If that's what you're here for."

Sandova blinked. A kidnapping, in Equestria? Something was definitely wrong here. He moved through the crowd until he was stopped by a Guard on duty.

"I'm sorry sir, nopony goes in or out. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"I understand, but have you seen my friends? Seven mares, three Unicorns, two earth ponies and two pegasi? Most of us were staying in this hotel, they should've been here during the blackout."

The guard looked a bit surprised.

"Are you perhaps mister Sandova Mirell?"

"Yes, that's me. Is there something wrong?"

The Guard said nothing, but motioned for Sandova to follow him. Sandova did so, getting more confused at the minute. The Guard took him inside and led him towards a snow white unicorn.

"Detective, I have somepony here who claims to be mister Sandova Mirell."

The unicorn nodded at the guard.

"Thanks Plate, I'll take it from here.

Plate nodded and left, leaving Sandova and the detective alone. Sandova arched an eyebrow at him.

"So, what am I suspected of this time?"

The detective blinked in confusion.

"Suspected? No, I asked for you because you know the victims, or so I gathered. You checked in along with six mares, did you not?"

Sandova's eyes widened in realization.

"Godsdamnit! You're telling me that my friends were the ones to be kidnapped? What is wrong with this city?"

"Please calm down sir, shouting won't help anypony. My name is Crystal Clear, and I am the detective in charge of this investigation. So, what was the last time you saw your friends?"

Sandova took a deep breath to calm down. Crystal Clear was right, now was not the time to get angry.

"I waved them off at the museum. I was going to the Guard HQ and they went to the hotel."

The detective nodded, writing everything Sandova said down on a small notebook.

"I see. What was your business at the Guard HQ, if I may ask?"

"I am helping with the case of those three colts that were discovered yesterday. It involved necromancy and they needed somepony with experience on that subject. I have a question for you as well, detective. Are you aware that the abducted ponies are the Elements of Harmony?"

The detective nodded.

"We are aware of that fact, yes. That is why we need to handle this with utmost care, we wouldn't want to cause a panic amongst the populace."

There was suddenly a bright flash, and when they recovered their eyesight they saw princess Celestia standing before them. Most ponies bowed before her, even Sandova felt the urge to kneel. Before he could the deity raised her hoof.

"Rise, my little ponies. There is no need for such things now, not when we have greater concerns."

"Of course, princess. What have you heard?"

"I have been told that the Elements of Harmony have been kidnapped, along with a mare called Trixie Lulamoon."

The detective nodded.

"That is indeed the situation, although we did not know the name of the seventh mare. They have been taken during the sudden blackout, but whoever did this left no traces. Several guests an personnel have been rendered unconscious, and nopony saw any of the perpetrators."

Celestia nodded, then turned towards Sandova.

"Have you anything to add, Sandova?"

He shook his head.

"I have not, your highness. I am just as surprised as you are. Who would benefit most from abducting them?"

"I believe that would be Discord, if he were to be freed again. The Elements of Harmony, the artifacts I mean, are the only thing powerful enough to seal him in stone again. But Discord is under close supervision in Canterlot, there is no way for him to get free. I think this might be a new foe, and that concerns me even more."

The alicorn surveyed the lobby briefly before turning to the detective again.

"We need to search the city. It is of utmost importance that they are found as quickly as possible."

Crystal Clear bowed.

"Of course, we will do our best."

"And I will help, of course."

Both the princess and the detective looked at Sandova, who looked beck with determined expression.

"My first friends in a long time are abducted, there is no way that I will sit this one out. Which reminds me, princess. Is it okay if I do this in my regular form? I think my real body is a lot better suited for combat than this one."

Celestia pondered for a moment, then shook her head.

"I'm afraid not, Sandova. You would startle the ponies around here too much, not to mention the fact that our foe would see you coming immediately. You can go like this, but please refrain from using too much necromancy. I would rather not have you introduce too much of that dreadful magic to Equestria, am I clear?"

Sandova narrowed his eyes

"And what if I need to defend myself? I would rather risk introducing more necromancy to Equastria than risk the life of me and my friends. Besides, there is already another necromancer out there, killing ponies. Right now, I am the least of your worries."

Celestia's eyes widened at the news.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, you can talk to detective Hard Facts for details. But I think we have more pressing matters, don't we?"

Celestia frowned at Sandova, but nodded her head.

"We will continue this conversation later. I expect you to be discreet, though. Detective, you will be in charge. Mister Mirell is a specialist in necromancy, and has seen his fair share of combat. I trust that you two will get along."

The alicorn then disappeared in a bright flash, leaving Sandova and Crystal Clear looking at each other.

"What did you mean with 'real body'?"

"I meant that this isn't my real body, what else? Are we going to question each other all night or are we going to find the Elements?"

Crystal Clear frowned, but let the matter rest.

"Very well, we could try a tracking spell. We need some personal items from the victims, but I doubt that it will work. The ones that did this were professionals, they have undoubtedly taken tracking spells into account. But it's always worth a shot."

"Does this happen often?"

The detective shook his head.

"No, of course not! Manehatten is a very peaceful city, crimes like this are unheard of."

Sandova frowned, something was off.

"Then how do you know that it was a group of professionals that did this? For all we know it's just a group of very stupid ponies that want to hold them for ransom or something."

Crystal Clear shrugged and started moving towards the elevators.

"Well, the entire thing went so fast that nopony saw anything. Anypony that could have seen the perpetrators were taken out before they saw anything. A group of desperate ponies wouldn't be this efficient, would they?"

"I guess you're right. So this was done by a team of ponies who have done such things before. I can only think of organized criminals, and I know of but one pony that could be responsible for that."

Crystal Clear froze, his hoof hovering in front of the elevator panel. He looked at Sandova with raised eyebrows.

"Really? I thought you had just arrived in Manehattan?"

"I'm helping in an investigation here, and there I heard that the underworld here is under control of a unicorn called Abyss."

The elevator doors closed, and Sandova looked at the panel.

"Uhm, Crystal. We were staying at the fourth floor, you pressed the button for the roof garden."

"I know, I wanted to take a look at the possible routes the perps might have taken before we go gather the stuff we need. Might give us an idea how they managed to take seven ponies with them without anypony noticing. Anyway, you think that Abyss is behind the kidnapping?"

Sandova was still looking at the panel. He blinked and looked at Crystal Clear again.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. If he's the one that controls the organized crime around here, wouldn't it make sense that he at least knows something about this?"

The detective thought about this, then sighed.

"You have a point, but it's practically impossible to get to him. He knows our laws perfectly, and we have never been able to catch him on anything."

The elevator had arrived at the roof and the two stepped out. The roof was filled with plants of all kinds, and it looked like it would be difficult to get a view of the surrounding city.

"Heh, you know what Crystal. It doesn't matter if he knows how to keep an investigation out. If we tell Celestia of our suspicions we can probably still get in. I mean, who's gonna refuse her?"

Sandova kept walking towards the edge until he noticed that Crystal Clear wasn't following him anymore. Sandova turned around, a small smile forming on his lips. Crystal Clear stood a few paces behind him, a sneer contorting his features.

"You know Sandova, you're a really smart guy, too smart even. A shame, I hoped that it wouldn't have to come to this."

Sandova's eyes widened.

"You're working for Abyss!"

Crystal Clear lowered his head, his horn glowing.

"Very clever, a shame you won't be able to tell anypony about your discovery. I'm afraid I couldn't stop you, driven mad from grief about your friends, from jumping off this building. Goodbye Sandova."

Sandova was lifted in the air, and could only watch as he was slowly drifting towards the edge of the roof.

Author's Note

My friends, the rollear coaster that is this story has finally stopped climbing. Shit's about to go DOWN. Enjoy.
And yes, I did just finish three chapters from scratch in just two days. I discovered that writing action scenes is just as exciting as reading them.

Hehe, I might even finish chapter 15 tomorrow.

Sandova out

Major Escalation

Chapter 13: Major Escalation

Suspended in the air, drifting towards the edge of the roof, Sandova couldn't help but laugh.

"You give me that cheesy speech and then try to lift me from the roof? Really Crystal? Man, you are one of the worst villains I've ever met."

Crystal Clear's face contorted in fury, and he put more power into his spell. Sandova rolled his eyes and his own horn flared up.

"Last chance chump. Let me go or I will hurt you."

When the corrupt detective didn't react Sandova sighed and cast his spell. Black tentacles burst from the ground beneath Crystal Clear, ensnaring him immediately. He yelped and lost his concentration, dropping Sandova. Sandova landed on his hooves and trudged through the foliage he'd landed in. When he got out he was rewarded by the sight of Crystal Clear slowly getting crushed to death by Evard's Black Tentacles.

"I warned you, chump. Bet that hurts, huh? Getting crushed to death isn't something I'd like to experience. I can only imagine how much it must hurt!"

The tentacles grasped a little tighter, and there was a series of loud pops coming from Crystal Clear.

"Aah, that were your ribs. Last chance my friend, seeming that you only have some seconds left before you will be crushed like a tin can. Will you answer my questions now?"

Crystal Clear looked absolutely terrified by now, and he tried to nod. Sandova waited half a second before dismissing the spell, dropping a gasping Crystal Clear on the roof. Sandova calmly trotted towards him, whistling a merry tune. When he got to him he lifted a hoof and gently pressed down on Crystal Clear's ribcage, eliciting a scream.

"So, let's just forget that you just tried to kill me, and carry on this conversation like proper gentlemen. Oh wait, it's gentlecolts here, right?"

Crystal Clear groaned and spit out some blood, then looked at Sandova with undisguised hatred.

"What are you?"

Sandova pressed down again, a cruel grin appearing on his face.

"Tsk, tsk. I am asking the questions here. Now, where have your friends taken my friends? I'd like to know where to send the cavalry."

Crystal's face had become ashen, and he winced in pain every time he took a breath. He coughed up some more blood before answering.

"T-to the headquarters, Abyss' office. I-I don't know much after that, I was only told to keep an eye on you when you came back."

Sandova nodded and removed his hoof.

"See, that wasn't so hard now was it? I want you to turn yourself in, and to tell everything to your colleagues. If you do, I'm sure you'll get a slightly lighter sentence. That reminds me, what is the punishment for attempted murder, anyway? Nah, don't answer that. I'm sure that I'll know after they locked you away."

Crystal Clear laughed, then immediately groaned in pain.

"And what if I told them that you just attacked me? From what I gathered, the princess doesn't completely trust you. Who do you think they'll believe, the wounded detective or the sinister necromancer?"

Sandova's voice became cold as ice, and Crystal Clear shuddered.

"Because if you do that, you'll be signing my death warrant. Which means that I have nothing left to lose, and I will end you before they get me. You will know fear like never before, and die screaming in terror. I don't think you'd like that now would you, detective."

Sandova spat the last word out in disgust and looked at the downed unicorn. Crystal Clear swallowed and nodded.

"I-I'll talk, I'll talk. Please, don't kill me!"

Sandova smiled again, lifting the detective with his telekinesis.

"Glad you're seeing reason, now let's go talk to your colleagues. I'm sure they're interested in what you have to say.
~
Twilight woke up with a splitting headache.

"Ugh, what happened?"

She tried to rub her head, but discovered that her hooves were bound. She remembered talking with Trixie when the lights went out and-

Twilight gasped, she remembered the voice and the cloth. They had been abducted! She tried the ropes but found them tightly bound. She stopped struggling and tried to take in her surroundings. She was lying on some kind of stone table, but the room itself was too dark to see much else. She turned her head and saw Rarity lying next to her, still unconscious.

"Ah, you're awake. Good evening, miss Sparkle. I'm afraid I can't offer better accommodations, but I'm sure you'll manage."

The voice was deep and cultured, and came from directly in front of her. Twilight tried to light her horn and see her captor, but she felt a sharp pain coursing through her horn instead.

"I'm afraid that that's not going to work miss Sparkle, these inhibitor rings are Guard quality. Even you will not be able to break free of them."

Twilight felt herself on the verge of a panic attack. She took a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart before talking.

"Why have you done this to us? What have we ever done to you?"

"Always the curious one, aren't we? Don't mistake me for some cheap novel villain that explains his plan in detail, that would be almost insulting. You will just have to lay here and await what's coming. Won't that be exciting?"

Mocking laughter followed, and Twilight could hear her captor move away. Twilight tried her best not to cry, but fear and sadness quickly brought down her resistance.
~
Sandova exited the elevator, Crystal Clear suspended behind him. He noticed that the lobby was still only sparsely occupied by a few guardsponies and no one else. Some looked up when the elevator doors opened, and stared at the strange sight before them.

"Good evening Guardsponies, can I have your attention?"

All of the Guards stopped what they were doing and gathered around Sandova.

"My name is Sandova Mirell, and I am here to help you find my missing friends. This piece of crap here is detective Cryatal Clear, but I think you already know that."

Some of the Guards looked ready for a fight, so Sandova quickly pressed on.

"When I told him my theory about the abduction, he realized that I could pose a threat to him and his allies. His solution? He tried to throw me off the roof! You can understand that I was quite upset with that. It appears our good detective is working for none other than Abyss, who apparently runs the local underworld. He also told me where we could find the abducted ponies."

Sandova smiled at the confused faces around him.

"So, before you declare me crazy you can always ask the detective himself. But make it quick, he really needs medical attention."

Suddenly Crystal Clear started laughing, before coughing and wincing in pain. Sandova looked at him, confused. The reason for the corrupt detective's outburst became all too clear when the first hoof sailed towards his face. He yelped in surprise and dodged the hoof, dropping Crystal Clear in the process. Crystal Clear let out a gurgling scream when he hit the floor, Sandova mused that one of his ribs must have punched through his lung.

"You gods damned corrupt sons of whores! You are all working for Abyss!"

One of the guards chuckled, it was an ugly sound.

"Quick on the uptake, aren't we? I guess we'll have to shut you up and lock you away for attempted murder of our beloved detective. Don't worry, we'll be gentle."

Sandova's blood began to boil, but he remembered Celestia's words. If he killed them, he'd be sent straight back to Baator. Why couldn't things go right for a change! He snarled, activated his fear aura and prepared for the fight. To his left, an unicorn guard swung a chair at him using telekinesis. Sandova dodged the blow and concentrated.

With a plume of black smoke did the skeleton of Chemical Trial appear. The nearest Guards recoiled at the sight of the animated skeleton, giving Sandova time to act.

"Protect me, but no killing."

The skeleton sprang forward immediately, stepping between its master and the surrounding guardsponies. One pegasus tried to slip past the skeleton, but one swift buck sent him careening into a wall. The sound of breaking bones filled the air, and the pegasus slid limply down on the floor.

One earth pony approached Sandova from behind and slammed him to the ground. Other guardsponies quickly jumped on top of Sandova, trying to restrain him. Sandova smiled grimly when he saw most of them become shaken from his aura. He concentrated and unleashed a great burst of negative energy, catching most of the guards around him. They screamed in agony as parts of their skin and muscles decayed, falling back from him. Sandova jumped backwards and cast crushing despair, breaking the spirit of a few guardsponies directly in front of him.

Sandova ducked when another pony flew past and crashed in a broken heap against another wall. He grinned, he might be able to win this! It was then that he got caught in the chest by a ray shot by a unicorn he hadn't seen before. Sandova cursed as he was thrown backwards into a table. He looked up to see that three Guards were still standing, looking at him with undisguised hatred.

"Give it up, Mirell. We outnumber you, and more Guards will be coming for you. Who do you think they will believe, the guards that stood valiantly against a rogue necromancer or said rogue necromancer? You don't stand a chance."

Sandova snarled, knowing they were right. His skeleton had also disappeared, leaving him alone again. He sighed, he'd rather not kill them, but at this rate it seems he had no other choice.

"Do you really think that this was my full power? I'm holding back here, for I'd rather see you tried in court then dead. But if you keep attacking me, I will not hesitate to use lethal force! Ask the detective how serious I am!"

All ponies looked at the detective, and realized with a shock that he had stopped breathing. Two guards immediately hurried to his side, checking his pulse. The third one fixed Sandova with an hate-filled glare.

"Run while you still can, necromancer. Before the night is over, I will crush you."

Sandova grinned and made to leave, but before he turned he fired a ray of crackling negative energy at the Guard. The guard howled in agony as his life force was suppressed by the enervation spell.

"I doubt that. Don't follow me unless you want to die in agony, you sons of whores."

Sandova turned and bolted for the exit. When he made it outside he noticed that the crowd had become even larger, and every single pony looked at him in absolute terror.

"Gods damn it! I fucking hate this city!"

He put up his most intimidating face and bellowed at the crowd.

"Out of my way, fools. Else you suffer the wrath of Asphyxious!"

The foremost ponies screamed and tried to get away, causing an enormous panic to erupt across the crowd. Sandova smirked, now he only had to reach Abyss' office before the Guard caught up with him. Or worse, Celestia heard of this and decided to take him out!

Sandova turned and ran across the street, all ponies doing their very best to stay out of his way. Great, Sandova thought, another town he could never show his face again. Oh well, he could worry about that when he got his friends back. Running through an alley he could see some robes hanging on a line. Sandova decided to grab the largest one, hoping it would hide him long enough to reach the building his friends were being kept in. If only he'd make it in time!
~
Detective Hard Facts was going over the case again when her partner stormed in.

"Case? What do you think you're doing barging in like that?"

Cold Case paused a moment to catch his breath before answering.

"Turn up the radio, you won't believe this!"

Frowning, she did as he asked. The voice of some reporter filled the small office.

"-and he is considered to be extremely dangerous. With me is lieutenant Plate Mail from the Manehatten Guard with more information."

"Thank you, miss Flash. As we speak, there is a rogue necromancer loose on the streets. His name is Sandova Mirell, but he might also refer to himself as Asphyxious. This unicorn's motives are yet unclear, but we expect that he is involved with the abduction of the Elements of Harmony during the blackout. When we confronted him he lashed out, severely injuring several guardsponies. One of these ponies, detective Crystal Clear, is in a critical condition and might not last the night. The fugitive is a male unicorn of above average height, grey coat and blonde mane. His most prominent feature is his Talent Mark, an unknown skull wreathed in black flames. We advice civilians to stay indoors and alert the Guard if you notice this individual. Do not, I repeat do not approach him alone. He is powerful enough to severely injure twelve trained guardsponies by himself, and has shown that he is willing to use lethal force if confronted. That is all."

Hard Facts stared at the radio for several long seconds, then turned to her partner.

"What.the.buck?"

Cold Case nodded grimly.

"Couldn't have said it better myself. What the buck do you think what's going on?"

Hard Facts thought about it, this whole situation made no sense whatsoever! Or did it?

"I think somepony has bought himself a lot of guards, and is using Sandova as a scapegoat while he is doing Celestia-knows-what with the Elements."

"Yeah, that's what I thought. Shame we will never be able to prove that. What do we do?"

Hard Facts stared at her partner for a second, then her face became resolute.

"Help him of course, we know he's innocent. But the chief will never believe us, not when Abyss has probably bought more than half of the Guard to speak against us. Besides, he'll probably fire us anyway as soon as he discovers that we have been going to the 'rogue necromancer' for advice in our case."

Cold Case blinked.

"Wait, you are ready to throw away your career for some guy from another world that you only know since yesterday?"

Hard Facts gave her partner a glare that could subdue a raging manticore.

"No, I am willing to risk mu career so that justice might prevail. Do you have a problem with that?"

Cold Case gave her the widest smile he could.

"On the contrary, I was just making sure you were still you. Heh, to be honest, I'd actually do this crap for Sandova. Annoying prick he might be, he's a decent prick, and I like him. I'm sure he'd do the same for us."

"You really think so?"

"You serious? This guy just made an enemy out of a freaking city trying to help his friends. I think he's good folk."

Hard Facts cracked her neck and walked towards the door.

"That makes two of us."

Breaking and Entering

Chapter 14: Breaking and entering

Abyss was sitting in his office, waiting for his subordinate when he heard something interesting on the radio.

"- and has shown that he is willing to use lethal force if confronted. That is all."

"Thank you lieutenant Plate Mail. This was News Flash, brining you the news live in front of the Pegasus Wing hotel."

The door opened and Silent Whisper trotted inside. Abyss looked at his subordinate and smiled.

"We did well in bribing that guy, didn't we? If all of this is over, I'd like to offer him employment. What do you think?"

Silent Whisper shrugged.

"I think that he's just a lowlife that knows how to cover his flank, got those in excess in this city."

"Exactly, we need to show our future subjects that obedience will be rewarded and defiance will be put to an end. Will you join me downstairs?"

She smiled and followed her employer down the secret staircase. They kept walking in silence until they reached the sanctum. The entire room was cast in near total darkness, but Abyss had cast an enchantment on them that allowed them to see like the room was brightly lit. The Elements of harmony were bound on the large stone table in the middle of the room, along with an unknown seventh mare. All the mares had regained consciousness by now, and were silently comforting each other.

"Tell me, why have you taken that seventh mare again?"

The mares went silent immediately as soon as they heard Abyss speak, fearfully listening on. Silent Whisper wing-shrugged.

"She looked like she was close to them, and I thought it'd be better if I took everypony connected with them as well. Less chance that they'd interfere with our friends in the station. Should I dispose of her?"

The Elements gasped, and the seventh mares started sobbing. Abyss grinned at the sight, but shook his head.

"No, we might just as well use her now. Who knows, maybe her blood will give us that extra edge we need. Everything must be optimal if we want to succeed."

One of the mares called out to him.

"Let me go you freak! I'll buck you to the bucking moon!"

Abyss sighed and shot a sickly green ray at the blue mare, causing her to scream in agony.

"Now now, miss Dash. If you want to be set free you need to give me a more compelling argument than that. But I will let you in on a secret."

He trotted closer, leaning forward so that they could see his face.

"I won't let you go, and nopony is going to save you. Waste your breath on saying goodbye to your friends instead of threatening me, it'll be just as effective but might soothe you a little."

He laughed mockingly and made to leave, but stopped as Twilight called out to him.

"Why? Why are you doing this? What kind of things could turn a pony in a twisted monster like you?"

Abyss nearly told her, just to see her reaction, but restrained himself. Telling your victims your plans could only give them an edge, however small. He grinned fiendishly at Twilight.

"Don't break your pretty head thinking about it, you'll experience it soon enough."

Abyss let out an echoing laugh and left the room, closing the door with a resounding crash. Silent Whisper approached him with a smile, shaking her head.

"Always going for the dramatic. So, when will we start the ritual?"

"At dawn, when both Celestia and Luna are preoccupied with their respective celestial bodies. We wouldn't want to risk divine intervention, even though they are forbidden to do so. One cannot be prepared enough when overthrowing a divine regime. A few more hours, and I will become king of Equestria!"

Silent Whisper suddenly pressed closer to him, a seductive look in her eyes.

"Does the great king have need for a queen?"

Abyss blinked, not expecting that reaction from his subordinate. After a few stunned seconds though, he grinned like a madpony.

"My dear Silent Whisper, you are perhaps the only mare in Equestria that can say such things to me without getting killed. I think that alone should be able to answer your question. If not, I hope that this will suffice."

He leaned in and kissed her deeply, feeling her body press close to his. He broke the kiss soon after, a neutral expression on his features.

"Although I'd like to give in to desire, we have more pressing matters to attend to. We will continue this after we've conquered Equestria, my queen."

Abyss left, leaving a smiling Silent Whisper behind. He couldn't help but chuckle, fortune favors the bold, indeed. Although he had no romantic feelings for his employee he could not deny her attractiveness. And what self-respecting king did not have a queen?

He entered his office again and turned up the radio. He still needed to remove one last obstacle, and he'd rather not leave that to corrupt Guards. He made a quick call, and Loud Snap entered the office a minute later.

"Gather some of your men and look for the necromancer. I want him out of the picture before the night is over."

The bruiser nodded.

"Of course, boss. What should we do with the body?"

"I don't care. As long as he is dead before sunrise, you are free to do whatever you want. Do not disappoint me."
~
Sandova was casually trotting along the pavement, hood down and oversized cloak trailing behind him. He knew that hiding his face would draw more attention than his face itself. He had already blended into the crowd of Manehattan, but quickly realized that most ponies would be going home as soon as possible, not wanting to be out on the street with a rogue necromancer walking about.

Sandova saw some Guards in the distance, and casually walked into an alley. After a minute he could no longer see the main road. This was also the moment his path got blocked by two rough looking stallions.

"Good evening, gentlecolts. How may I help you on this fine evening?"

The thugs blinked before one of them, an oversized earth pony, stepped forward.

"Ye kin give us yer bits, an' we won't hafta smash yer face in."

The other stallion growled in acknowledgement. Sandova sighed, no matter the world, it seems that thugs are universal.

"One warning, pals. I am the necromancer the Guard is looking for, get out of my way or enter a world of pain."

One of the thugs stopped, but the other pressed on.

"Yer bluffin', now hand over yer bits."

Sandova sighed and cast ray of enfeeblement, catching the first thug square in the chest. His eyes widened as he felt his strength fade away. Sandova ignored him and fixed the other thug with a withering glare, activating his fear aura for good measure.

"Now do I have to render you impotent as well or can I move along? I'm in kind of a hurry, you see."

The thug nodded and began helping his buddy get up before quickly moving out of the alley. Sandova winced, the Guard would know he was here in no time, undoubtedly alerted by those low-lives. He had to move before-

"You there! Halt in the name of Celestia!"

Sandova cursed violently and ran in the opposite direction, hearing the guard behind him give chase. He looked behind him and saw only a lone unicorn chasing him. Sandova narrowed his eyes, the unicorn looked familiar. He heard the flap of wings and violently collided with somepony in front of him. Sandova had his charnel touch ready when he saw the face of the pegasus beneath him.

"Is that necromancy in your hoof or are you just happy to see me?"

"Detective? What in nine hells are you doing here?"

He dismissed his charnel touch and rolled off of her, then helped her get up. Behind them, Cold Case had finally caught up.

"Helping you, of course. Abyss has most of the Guard in his pocket, and I'd like to help you take the son of a bitch down."

"Son of a bitch? Huh, never heard that particular insult before."

Sandova shook his head, this was not the time to expand one's vocabulary, damnit!

"Anyway, what about your jobs? You can't seriously be risking your jobs to help some random guy you only met yesterday!"

Cold Case chuckled.

"Funny, that's what I told her as well. We're not particularly risking our job for you, but it helps that we consider you a friend. At least, that's what I do."

Hard Facts nodded.

"We're doing this because somepony has to. It might get us get locked up if we fail, and we'll probably still get arrested if we succeed, but if we won't stand up for justice, who will?"

Sandova looked at her, impressed at her resolve.

"Well said, detective. But we still have the problem that I'm Manehatten's most wanted criminal at the moment. I doubt even Celestia will listen to me, considering my actions at the hotel."

"About that, what did happen there, exactly? We only got the citizen-friendly version."

Sandova told them, sparing no detail. Cold Case shuddered, but Hard Facts wing-shrugged.

"Sounds like that bastard had it coming. I mean, he did try to throw you off the roof. From the way I see it, you acted in self-defense. His buddies are to blame if Crystal Clear dies, they made you drop him after all."

Both stallions stared at her.

"That's, uncharacteristically cold of you, detective. I'm impressed."

"Really Hardy, what's gotten into you?"

Hard Facts grinned wryly.

"One, don't call me Hardy again or I'll buck your teeth in. And two, this entire situation is going to Tartarus faster than you can finish a hayburger with extra cheese. I've got no time to be horrified about what happens tonight, it'll only slow me down."

Cold Case set his jaw and nodded grimly.

"You're right, but we'll talk about this later. Speaking of death so casually isn't healthy and you know it."

Hard Facts rolled her eyes at him, but Sandova spoke up before the argument could escalate.

"Right, we still need to find out how to get into Abyss' office without us getting arrested by the Guard or getting killed by Abyss' goons."

A rough voice suddenly spoke up behind them, startling them.

"Don't worry 'bout the first one. We'll have the second one covered."
~
Silent Whisper was happier then she'd ever been. Not only was she close to becoming one of the most powerful ponies in Equastria, the object of her desires had reacted positively to her advances! She shook her head in an attempt to clear her thoughts, but couldn't help but smile contentedly. She was pulled out of her musings by the buzzer for the back entrance. She quickly got to it and pressed her hoof against the speaker button.

"State your purpose or leave."

A rough voice answered, and she recognized Loud Snap.

"We got the necromancer and some Guards, ma'am. I figured that the boss would like to know what they know before disposing of them."

Silent Whisper sighed.

"And that's why you aren't paid to think, you oaf! Whatever they might know is irrelevant."

She heard him grunt before he answered.

"So I'll just dispose of them, then?"

Silent Whisper thought about it, now that they had them she could just as well figure out what they knew. Like Abyss always said, one cannot have enough information.

"No, send them in. Dump them in a holding cell, I shall join you shortly."

She walked towards her office and picked up the phone, quickly dialing her employer.

"Yes?"

"Boss, it's me. Loud Snap just came back with the necromancer and two guardsponies, thought that we could get some info out of them before we disposed of them."

"Very well, but make it short. I'd rather not have them escaping and causing havoc in here, not when we're so close."

"Of course."

The line went dead and she made her way to the holding cells in the basement. Although most of the building was a legitimate office building, Abyss had made sure he could handle all of his other operations here as well. No inspection had ever uncovered the darker parts of the building, the inspectors that tried tended to disappear on their way home.

A few minutes later she reached the holding cells and noticed light coming from one open door. Irritated, she walked inside.

"Damnit Snap, how many times have I told you to close the door when you're holding somepony imprisoned?"

She froze when she saw that she was the only conscious pony in the room. Loud Snap was the cell's only other occupant, and he was covered in bruises and withered patches of fur, not to mention unconscious.

"Don't worry sweetheart, I got ya covered."

She whirled around to see a smiling Sandova Mirell close the door behind her. She screamed in impotent fury at the necromancer, knowing that she had no way of getting out.

Behind the glass Sandova laughed and shook his head, turning to the detectives.

"I told you that it would work. Overconfidence is a common trait amongst villains like this. Now, where would they keep my friends?"

Cold Case shrugged.

"I haven't the foggiest, and I doubt we can get anything out of her."

He pointed at the still fuming Silent Whisper. Hard Facts shrugged.

"We can always try asking the next thug we come across. All the regular employees have gone home hours ago, so it's just us and Abyss' trusted crooks in here."

Sandova nodded at her, a cold smile forming on his lips.

"If they're anything like the thug squad that 'helped' us in here I'd say we'll be fine."

"Don't get cocky, just because we beat the crap out of six thugs doesn't mean we can handle Abyss' entire organization. This is his headquarters after all."

They slowly moved up the stairs, but encountered nopony. The staircase ended in front of a door, which revealed itself to be disguised as a wall panel as they went through it.

"No wonder that we could never catch him on criminal activity here. I doubt most of his employees even know areas like this exist."

They quickly moved down the corridor, trying to find a fire escape plan of the building. They made it halfway down the corridor when the doors on the far end opened and two dozen ponies appeared. Sandova prepared a spell when he was hit from behind. Unbeknownst to them, a second group of guards had sneaked up behind them, using the flashy entrance of their colleagues to cover up the sound of their approach.

All three of them got restrained, and Sandova and Cold Case got inhibitor wings forced around their horns. Hard Facts tried to fly up and escape, but a clever earth pony slammed her head against the wall before tying up her wings with a rope. An azure unicorn with sharp features stepped forward, barking orders.

"Get them to the boss, I'll get miss Whisper out of the holding cell. I'm sure she wants to be present when we demonstrate the futility of their actions."

The Ritual

Chapter 15: The Ritual

Sandova and the detectives were lead somewhere underground. After several minutes of getting pushed trough torch-lit tunnels did Sandova realize that their adversary was far more influential than he initially thought. It must have cost years and a considerable amount of money to have such a complex constructed without anyone noticing.

Sandova looked around when he noticed that they had stopped moving. They were standing in front of an enormous double door, easily twice their height. The door was made of wood and iron, and it looked like it could withstand an orcish battering ram with ease. One of the guards stepped forward and opened the door with his magic. Behind the door was only darkness, as if the doorway sucked in all the surrounding light.

"More guests? Excellent, bring them in."

The voice was rich and deep, and Sandova knew that it could only belong to Abyss. They got shoved roughly into the room before somepony slammed the doors shut with a resounding crash. In the room, absolute darkness reigned, but Sandova could hear frightened gasps coming from somewhere in front of him.

"Are you girls okay? Don't worry, I'll get you out of here."

Before any of his friends could answer Sandova got struck by some sickly green ray. Agony coursed through him, and he bit back a scream.

"Bold words mister Mirell, but empty ones. All you will do here is die in fear, after you answered my questions, of course."

Sandova shakily got to his hooves and snorted contemptuously.

"As if I will tell you anything. You said it yourself, we're going to die anyway, so why should I bother answer you?"

Someone stepped very close, and Sandova could feel the presence of Abyss in front of him.

"Because you will be begging for death after I am done with you, mister Mirell. And I will be happy to oblige, after you tell me what I want to know."

Right then the doors opened again. Sandova whirled around to see a furious Silent Whisper standing in the doorway. She moved towards him and lifted a knife, but was stopped by Abyss.

"My dear Silent Whisper, I would rather not have you mutilate our captives, yet. We could still use them."

She stopped, knife inches from Sandova's throat, and nodded.

"I apologize, my temper got the better of me."

She stepped back and the doors closed behind her. The room went dark again, but Sandova could now see faint glowing lines all over the room. As he looked, the lines got brighter, revealing themselves to be runes. Eventually they glowed bright enough for Sandova to see his surroundings. The room was massive, about the size of a ballroom. Along the walls hung various sinister-looking weapons and artifacts, and those glowing runes covered most of the space between them. In front of Sandova stood a jet black unicorn with an even darker mane, his red eyes burning with malice. Behind Abyss was a pedestal made of grey stone, and on top of it lay something long and pointed. The object's tip was a dark red, and it faded to gray towards its base. Sandova found that it looked disturbingly similar to a unicorn's horn. There was a groove in the ground that lead from the pedestal to a stone table. On top of the table lay seven familiar mares.

"Sandova! What's going on?"

Abyss chuckled and moved towards the table, horn glowing and chanting in a dark tongue. Sandova recognized it as Abyssal, the language of Demons.

"Dark lords of Tartarus, great beings of terrible power. I bring you these sacrifices, so that my ancestor may rise again. Heed my words, taste the fear of my captives and slake your thirst on their blood. Tonight, ten mortals will perish so that one may walk this world again."

A soft, low chanting followed suit, and Sandova saw a group of robed unicorns were sitting at the edge of the runed floor. All of the unicorns had their horns alight, and the air filled with ambient magic. Abyss had stopped his chant and was advancing upon the bound mares, a wicked dagger held in his telekinetic grip. The panicked crying of his friends snapped Sandova out of his observations. He gathered as much negative energy in his hoof as he could, but was struck down by Silent Whisper before he had taken two steps.

"Tsk, tsk, can't have you interrupt the ceremony, now can we?"

Sandova struggled furiously, but the pegasus was far stronger then she looked. He heard Hard Facts curse and saw that she and Cold Case had been restrained as well. Abyss ignored all of this, and swept his dagger across the bound mares in rapid succession. Sandova's furious roar died in his throat when he saw that Abyss had made only shallow cuts, barely drawing blood. Abyss turned around and gave Sandova a wicked smile.

"Protective of our friends, aren't we? You will tell me who you are and why you are here, or else I will make their deaths as prolonged as possible."

He swept the dagger across the mares' bodies again, this time drawing more blood and making the mares cry out in pain. Sandova felt icy rage flow through him, and he met Abyss' gaze with a glare of his own. Before he could speak up he saw that Cold Case had somehow subdued his captor and was now galloping towards Abyss.

"You will do no such thing you sadistic bastard, not while I still draw breath!"

Moving faster than Sandova thought possible, Silent Whisper sprang forward and rammed Cold Case's head into the ground. Before the unicorn had recovered his wits she lifted his head by his horn. The look on her face could only be described as sadistic glee, and with a swift motion she broke his horn off his head. Cold Case's anguished cry hurt Sandova's ears by its intensity, and he felt himself retch from the sheer cruelty of the act. Abyss, however, trotted close to the screaming detective, a cruel sneer on his face,

"Not when you still draw breath, you say? You're making this too easy."

Silent Whisper lifted the still screaming unicorn up a bit, and Abyss rammed the dagger into his heart. The screams abruptly stopped, and Sandova saw the detective spit in Abyss' face before slumping down in a lifeless heap. Time seemed to stand still for a moment, and Sandova thought he could hear someone screaming. He saw Hard Facts throw off her captor and charged the killers of her partner. He saw Abyss fire a lance of pure fire through her shoulder, and he saw Silent Whisper grab the stumbling pegasus and break one of her wings. He saw his friends crying in horror, and he felt a rage he hadn't felt since Havndir. Pure, icy hatred welled up from his very soul, and Sandova felt his very being cry out for vengeance. Abyss noticed him advance, and laughed mockingly.

"Are you going to charge into your death as well? You, a third-rate necromancer that fancies himself a hero? Don't make me laugh."

Abyss fired another lance of fire, this one piercing through Sandova's left lung, but not before severing a particular golden chain. Sandova focused his hatred on the pony in front of him, and spat out his next sentence along with the blood from his lung.

"Allow me to show you why they call me a dread necromancer."

There was the ringing sound of metal hitting the floor, and Abyss looked confused at the golden amulet rolling across the floor. There was a blinding flash, followed by the sound of warping flesh. Where once stood a wounded unicorn now towered a tall cloaked figure, blonde hair whipping around his slender face by some unseen force. Silent Whisper was the first to recover from her surprise and turned to the unicorns fueling the ritual.

"Don't just stand there, kill it!"

The figure lunged at one of the unicorns and grabbed his head, his hand glowing with alabaster energies. The unicorn's scream turned into a cough when a puncture wound appeared on his torso. The energies surrounding the figure's hand turned black, and the unicorn's gurgled scream became muffled by the black haze surrounding his head. When the figure opened his hand again, all that remained of his victim was a shriveled husk.

The other ponies screamed and scrambled for the door, but got caught up in a mass of black tentacles that erupted from the floor. They were quickly crushed to a bloody pulp while the figure moved its hands and chanted darkly. Black smoke seeped from each dying pony's eyes and mouth, flowing towards the figure. It turned around to find Silent Whisper charging at it. The figure caught her with ease and flung her into a wall, and a sickening crack emitted from one of her wings. The figure turned towards her, its voice as cold as an arctic gale, and just as threatening.

"Pathetic vermin, do you really hold me below you? Allow me to educate you on your misgivings. I am Asphyxious, queller of hearts, stealer of breath. The living tremble in my presence, and the dead bow at my command. I am fear incarnate, terror personified, and I will see you broken. Make peace with your gods, for I will break you, mind, body and soul."

Asphyxious spat out an incantation and waved his hand at Silent Whisper. The wounded pegasus looked in horror at what stood before her and tried her best to get away from it. She could only watch helplessly as it surged forward and pounced on her. Her terrified screams echoed around the room, and when her voice gave out she collapsed, trembling. A shadow fell over her, and she looked up at the smiling face of Asphyxious.

"Surviving phantasmal killer? I'm impressed. Now that fear has been taken care of, let me introduce you to pain."

He grabbed the traumatized pegasus by the throat and lifted her high, letting her flail feebly before breaking her other wing with a casual flick of the wrist. A sharp pain suddenly flared through Asphyxious, and he noticed that Abyss had attacked him with his dagger. After transferring the wound to his captive and throwing her across the room he turned to face his new adversary. Abyss was standing behind Hard Facts, using her as a shield.

"Stand back, creature! Or the good detective will breathe through her neck!"

Asphyxious smiled, then laughed at Abyss. He made a gesture and the mare stiffened.

"Foolish vermin, you have nothing!"

Asphyxious drew a wicked-looking saber from the all and advanced on Abyss. The black unicorn looked at Hard Facts in shock before giving Asphyxious a thin smile.

"Finally, somepony that knows when to cut losses. A shame that I have to kill you."

The smile disappeared when Asphyxious swatted the dagger out of the air with a contemptuous swat of his saber, braking the smaller weapon apart like it was nothing. Abyss charged another flaming lance, but Asphyxious grabbed his horn, breaking his concentration. He lifted Abyss like he weighted nothing and held the unicorn in front of his face.

"You told me you wanted to see me die in fear, I suppose it is fitting you shall do so in my stead. When I am finished with you, you will beg for the sweet release of death. Unfortunately, I will not grant that mercy."

He lifted his hand again when a soft voice spoke up.

"Sandova, stop"

Twilight Sparkle looked at Sandova Asphyxious Mirell with a weary expression. Sandova was speechless. The one that suffered at the hooves of this monster actually wanted to offer him mercy? It was incomprehensible, Asphyxious could not, would not, understand. But Sandova could

"Twilight, this piece of filth just murdered somepony in front of our eyes, and you want me to show mercy?"

Sandova shook Abyss for emphasis, sending negative energy through his horn as he did so. Twilight nodded, tears streaming down her face.

"I-I don't want to see my friend corrupt himself just to give that monster what he deserves. N-nopony should hurt himself like that. I-I've heard you s-scream at night, you are haunted by your past, aren't you? So please, don't do that to yourself anymore."

Liquid ice seemed to soak Sandova, it had been a long time indeed since those words were spoken to him. Not since Hanvdir.

"You knew?"

She nodded, a sad smile on her face. Fluttershy nodded as well.

"We wanted to ask about it after the trip, if that's alright with you."

Sandova felt numb, but a small part of him, an old part of him, felt relieved. As Abyss slipped through his numb fingers, Sandova had only eyes for his firends, his real, actual friends.

Abyss seemed unresponsive, so Sandova paid him no mind as he moved to free the seven mares, who dogpiled him as soon as the last rope hit the floor. Sandova lost his balance, but could not fight his smile.

"Don't worry girls, you're safe now."

After what seemed an eternity, Sandova disentangled himself from his friends to check up on Hard Facts. He made it all of two steps when the air erupted in fire. Through the flames, Sandova saw Abyss weakly rising to his hooves, a contempteous sneer on his lips.

"Pathetic, one little speech and you forget your true colors. All it did was make my victory a fact."

Abyss wasted no time on to gloat furhter and plunged one of the shards of his dagger in Trixie's torso. The blue mare managed a gurgled cry and spat up blood. Sandova heard the cry, but the fire had damaged his eyes. He grasped around blindly, feeling the fire eat through the stolen life that surrounded him. His hand found something long and smooth, and he grabbed it. Just when the fire started to devour his flesh he lunged forward, making a wild stab at Abyss. Abyss whirled around in shock, not expecting the human to be still alive. With a piercing battle cry, Sandova drove the sharp end of the horn into Abyss' heart. The flames died immediately, leaving the necromancer in oily black smoke. The last thing Sandova heard was his friends rushing towards him, crying out his name.

"Don't worry, I got him."

He fell to his knees, then collapsed on the ground with a smile on his charred lips.

Author's Note

Aah, the arc's getting to a close. The 'roller coaster' has reached the bottom, and now y'all have to wait until ya reach the starting point. But don't worry, the story is FAR from over. Hope that his chapter is satisfactory, I have already re-written it once, and don't feel like doing it again.

Special mention to Novexx, who is now my official proofreader.

*Edit* So, after a little over two years, I have resurrected.....somewhat. At least I fixed the extremely clunky ending. Let's hope this new surge of drive and inspiration holds. - 03/11/2016

Recovery

Chapter 16: Recovery

Sandova was standing on top of a hill overlooking the burning remains of the town of Havndir, watching the devastation from above. He could see corpses scattered everywhere, remains of the villagers that faced the brunt of the onslaught. Some had died quickly, others died only after the ghouls got to them. And the sole cause of this devastation stood in front of him, himself. Sandova blinked as his mirror image turned around and spread his arms, a mocking smirk making his way onto his face.

"A grisly sight, isn't it? Just as you wanted, just as you vowed to do. All those people, dead because of your actions, because of your wrath."

The mirror image turned around again, eyes glittering. Sandova could easily read his expression, having seen it once too many in the mirror.

"This is your power, your destiny. Do not try to hide me from yourself, I am you, hateful, cruel, ambitious."

The mirror image leaned forward to whisper in Sandova's ear.

"An excellent liar."

"Shut up!"

Sandova shoved his mirror image away, but he just laughed mockingly.

"Afraid to face the truth, oh 'lord Asphyxious'? You are a killer, a cruel remorseless killer. Justice was just the means to an end, all that really mattered was improving your powers."

Sandova's face hardened, and he turned away from his double.

"I punished the wicked, gave them a taste of what they did to others. I gave them justice."

The mirror image laughed, a sinister, mocking sound.

"Yes, yes you did. And didn't that feel great? I know you, hells I am you, and you loved every second of the harsh justice you inflicted. This miserable village was just the last of many victims. Guilty, innocent, it didn't matter anymore. Vengeance was all that mattered, right Asphyxious?"

Sandova looked up to his double, snarling. Yet his double's words struck home.

"They were warned beforehand, they knew I was coming. Everyone that remained had resigned themselves to the consequences! Instead of taking his warning to heart, they murdered him! They had it coming."

His double smiled, it was a heartfelt but cruel smile.

"Exactly! Just as that guy Abyss, right? The bastard that tried to sacrifice your friends. Friends that are so innocent and pure, they wanted you to spare him. You hesitated there, and look where that got you. Ironically, you were more merciful with him than with your other victims, at least he died quickly, or at all."

"I-"

His double cut him off with a wave. Behind him, the flames consuming the village flared up.

"Think back at what you did to that other pony, Silent Whisper. You broke her body, you even broke her mind. Now that is vengeance. Death is a mercy, we both know that. And so does she now."

Sandova swallowed, then shook his head.

"No, I'm not going to let my past rule my present. I am different now, working towards redemption."

His double scoffed.

"Redemption? Pathetic, and you know it. You didn't want redemption then, you sure as hells don't need it now. Or have you forgotten?"

Sandova noticed that they were now standing inside the village, the buildings around them ablaze. There were not much people left, no living ones anyway. Sandova looked in growing horror at the devastation he had caused. Two ghouls were tearing a still screaming man apart before feasting on his intestines. A vampire on horseback was chasing a crying girl no older than sixteen, reveling in the hunt before impaling her on his spear.

And in the middle of it he saw himself, directing the carnage while laughing wildly. One of the surviving men leapt at him, desperate to slay the cause of the carnage. Before him, Sandova saw himself crush the poor man's spirit with but a gesture. He then impaled the man on his rapier, twisting the blade to maximize the agony inflicted. His double looked up and fixed Sandova with a burning glare.

"No rest, no mercy. No matter what."

Sandova stood there, staring blankly at the monster he had become that day. It wasn't the act that horrified him, it was the fact that it didn't horrify him that made him feel cold and dead inside. Dead, like the ones he commanded, like his victims.

"Do not give in to despair, young one."

Sandova turned to see a dark blue equine emerge from between two burning buildings. She was not as tall as Celestia, but had the same regal bearing, not to mention the fact that she was an alicorn as well.

"You are right not to want the past to haunt you, but to be able to do that you must come to terms with it."

The princess of the night gave him a sad smile.

"Believe me, I know what it is like to have the past cast a shadow over you. But this does not mean that it should overshadow you forever. Everyone is able to change, and everyone deserves a chance at redemption."

"I tried that, look where that got me. One of my friends got hurt, and I presume that I am near death considering that I have a goddess speaking to me in my dreams."

Luna shook her head.

"Your friend got hurt, yes. But she will recover, and so will you. In body, at least. The wounds on your heart will not be that easy to mend, I am afraid."

"What if I don't want them to mend. What if I deserve this pain?"

Her gaze turned harsh, and Sandova involuntarily took a step back.

"If you truly think that then you are a fool. You a right that you should shoulder the shame of your actions, but know thy limits. I have seen ponies like that turn into bitter mockeries of their former selves, eventually becoming no better than Nightmare Moon or king Sombra. Do not let your failures dictate your life Sandova, focus on overcoming them instead."

Sandova let out a sigh. The goddess was right, remaining bitter would only make him another clichéd villain. Yet the cold dread in his heart would not go away.

"But what if I can't mend myself?"

"That's what you got friends for."

Luna winked before turning away, leaving Sandova with his memories.
~
Sandova hurt, badly. His skin felt like he'd been strapped to the walls of Dis, and his head felt like a mind flayer did his best to, well, flay his mind. He groaned, then it dawned on him that he could feel pain at all. This meant he was either dead and getting tortured in Baator or very much alive.

"He's awake! Quick, call a nurse or something!"

Wait, he knew that voice. He tried to speak and managed a wheeze that made his throat burn. Coughing, he noticed that someone was sitting very close to him. He tried to speak again, but quickly decided against it. The person next to him shifted, and he heard that familiar voice again.

"Don't speak, you got burnt pretty badly. Oh dear, do you think he can hear me?"

Another voice, this one with a familiar heavy accent, replied.

"Don't worry sugarcube, the doctors fixed him up good. Ah'm sure he'll recover quickly."

"Applejack? Twilight?"

The words came out little more than rasps, but his friends seemed to understand him just fine.

"We're here sugarcube, don't worry."

"Oh, we were so worried. When you collapsed I feared the worst! I'm so glad that you're alive!"

Sandova tried to smile, but his face hurt too much. Only then did it dawn on him that he still had his eyes closed, so he tried to open them. He had to blink rapidly from the harsh hospital lights, but after a while he could make out the faces of his friends. Applejack and Twilight where sitting next to his bed, but Sandova couldn't see his other friends. He tried to look around, but quickly decided against it.

"Where are the others?"

"Rainbow and Pinkie are sleeping, they were at your side for nearly twenty-four hours before they collapsed from exhaustion. Fluttershy and Rarity are looking for a doctor so they know that you're awake."

"And Trixie?"

Twilight's face fell.

"She's recovering in the room next to yours. Her lung got pierced when Abyss attacked her, so her situation was actually more dire than yours, if only by a small margin. Don't worry, she'll be all right."

Sandova relaxed somewhat. Although Luna had said that everyone would be all right he still had his doubts. The conversation with Luna in his dream could have been just that, a dream. Her parting words still clung to him.

"Friends huh?"

Twilight's ears perked up.

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that."

Sandova just smiled weakly and shook his head. Twilight nodded in understanding and went back to nervously checking the door every five seconds.

"Sheesh Twi', calm down. It's not like he's in danger anymore."

Twilight grinned sheepishly at Applejack.

"I know, but I can't help but getting nervous. What if there are problems that are not readily visible? What if-"

An orange hoof interrupted the rant before it could gather momentum. The doctor chose this moment to return, and Applejack quickly removed her hoof from Twilight's mouth. The doctor trotted over to Sandova's bed and levitated a small flashlight in his eyes.

"Hmm, no immediate brain damage from magical feedback, that's good. The burns are also healing rapidly, it seems."

The doctor smiled at them.

"If the magical treatment continues to be so effective I'd say you're out here within the week. You are lucky that we could get to you so quickly. One hour later and you would be walking around with terrible scars for the rest of your life."

Everyone in the room sighed in relief, and Sandova cracked a small smile. The doctor did a few other tests, then asked Sandova's friends to leave the room so that he could get his bandages changed.

"Doctor, how do you know how to treat me so well? As far as I know I'm the only human here."

The doctor finished putting on the bandages and shrugged.

"To be honest, I had no idea what to do when they brought you in. I had never seen something like you before, but I quickly realized that you're still a living being, and most living beings are quite alike. Burn wounds, for example, are the same weather they are on a pony or a rabbit, so I figured that you could be treated the same way we tread anypony else that suffers nasty burns. And I was right."

Sandova couldn't help but chuckle, which quickly devolved in coughing. The doctor levitated a glass with a straw over, and Sandova drunk greedily from it. After he finished the doctor gave him a stern look.

"Now listen to me, these bandages are riddled with enchantments that help your body heal with minimal scarring. Do not remove them or move too much. I will come back over two hours, try to get some sleep."

Sandova nodded and tried to relax. He was asleep before the doctor had left the room.
~
Three days later Sandova was deemed recovered enough to try walking again, so the hospital staff moved him to a different room. That afternoon he got visited by his friends again, all of them.

Trixie had been released from the hospital the day before, her injury being easier to heal with magic because it was smaller than his. Moonless Night was there as well, along with his family.

"So, your kind is called 'human' and you are from another world, why is Trixie the last one to hear about this?"

Sandova shrugged a little.

"Well, I haven't seen you since we left from the museum, and I had decided to keep my true story secret from most ponies. I'd hate it if I had to explain myself over and over again. I didn't care much for the appearance, however, but Twilight insisted on having me take a pony form."

Sandova stretched out and wriggled his fingers.

"It feels good to have fingers again. Automatic telekinesis is useful, but I prefer a way of grasping things that isn't dispelled by a tap on the head."

Moonless Night was still looking at Sandova with fascination. Sandova noticed and grinned.

"Hey kid, didn't your parents tell you staring is rude?"

Moonless Night caught himself and looked away, and Sandova's grin got wider when he saw that Night's parents looked away as well.

"Sorry."

"Don't worry about it, I was just teasing you. But yeah, I can understand that you're interested in what I am. I do come from another world, after all."

"Excuse me, are you mister Sandova Mirell the human?"

Everyone in the room looked towards the door. Two ponies in the uniform of the Manehattan Guard trotted inside, not waiting for an answer.

"Eh, yes I am. Is there something wrong?"

The first guard, an oddly familiar earth pony, had his badge in his teeth and walked over to Sandova.

"You are hereby under arrest for the murder of mister Abyss, as well as attempted murder and magical abuse of miss Silent Whisper. You have the right to remain silent, everything that you say can be used against you in a court of law."

Author's Note

Hello again my friends!

I have finally got this chapter done, many thanks to Robert Pooner for giving me the inspiration I needed to get started again.
Tell me what you thought of it.

Trial and Error

Chapter 17: Trial and Error

Everyone was staring in shocked disbelief at the guardspony. The silence continued until Twilight finally found her voice.

"What!?"

The guard coughed and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Sandova.

"So you are saying that after listening to the testimonies of everypony present there you deduced that it was murder? Considering this you know that there were at least fifteen other dead ponies in that room, of which I am quite sure that you'll try to blame me for that as well, you can say that the one responsible is a very dangerous person. Now, whose brilliant idea was it to send in only two guards to deal with what looks like the worst criminal you've encountered in decades?"

The guard's eyes widened, and he lost most of his confident stance. Nevertheless, he walked towards Sandova and motioned for his partner to follow him. Before he had made two steps his path was blocked by every other occupant of the room. Applejack snorted and eyed the guard with contempt.

"Now hold on, yer sayin' that Sandova is under arrest fer savin' all of us from that monster?"

Ranbow Dash nodded at her friend's words.

"Yeah, he's the freaking good guy here. He saved our lives, and maybe Equestria!"

The rest joined in, and the situation looked close to escalating. Sandova was simply lying in bed with a bemused expression, looking at the guard with a smirk before clearing his throat.

"Guys, while I appreciate your effort I think I can handle this. Please, let the good stallion do his work."

Everypony in the room, including the guards, looked at Sandova like he had gone mad. Twilight, again, was the first to find her voice.

"Have you gone mad!? This is clearly-"

"Please Twilight, don't get yourself into trouble now. I can handle this,"

Sandova looked back at the guard, who couldn't help but feel cold from the glare he was receiving.

"Now, you say that it was murder. Either you haven't listened to any testimonies or you are simply incompetent. Furthermore, you will not be able to take me with you."

"We are authorized to use force if needed, we will only say this once, sir."

Sandova gave the guard a wide smile, as if he was expecting this.

"Then by all means use it, for I will not willingly go with you. Bear in mind, though, that I am a still recovering patient in this hospital. If you take me by force you are prepared to do bodily harm to someone that is both injured and unable to defend himself. Even if your course of action was legal, which it isn't by the way, you will still need to explain yourself to the public."

At this point Sandova's smile had become downright sinister, and the guard couldn't help but feel extremely uncomfortable.

"Now that we averted that possible scandal, how did you deduce that it was murder? Did detective Crystal Clear keep his job or something?"

"Chris-, I mean Detective Chrystal Clear did not make it through the night, you will also be tried for your hoof in this. Now stop this charade and cooperate."

Sandova's smile disappeared, replaced by a glare that seemed to cause the room's temperature to drop.

"I will not cooperate, I will not go with you and I will certainly not stand for this injustice. You want me tried in court? Then so be it. But remember,"

Sandova gave the guardspony a grin that matched the chill of his glare. The guard involuntarily took a step back and gulped.

"corruption will be punished, severely."

The guard froze, how did he know? No one except for Abyss knew all the ponies he'd bribed, so how could this offworld freak possibly-

"If you're done realizing how screwed you are, could you please leave? Visiting hours are nearly over and I would like to spend some more time with my friends."

Muttering incoherently the guards left. Sandova watched them leave with a mix of smug satisfaction and dread. How in Nine Hells would he be able to fight a case against a corrupt court? Silver tongue or no, if his fate was decided before the trial had even started he was screwed.

"Uuhm, Sandova? A-are you alright?"

Sandova sighed and gave Fluttershy a wry smile. He had his friends, so he wasn't completely hopeless.

"No Fluttershy, I'm not alright. No matter how many facts point to my relative innocence, a lot of evidence also points to my guilt. The fact that I'm certain that the court is corrupt is not helping either."

"Corrupt? How could the court be corrupt?"

Crescent Moon answered before Sandova could, much to his surprise.

"Because the 'victim' had more than half of this city's officials in his pocket, and they are capable of anything tosave their sorry flanks. There is a reason nopony messed with Abyss, you know."

Sandova shrugged and grinned at Crescent Moon.

"Well, until I came along. That guy was a pushover compared to the monsters that inhabit my world. The legal stuff is rather annoying, though. I could manage a fair trial, but a corrupt trial is very difficult to win,"

Sandova slumped in his bed, trying to fight off his memories.

"Believe me, I tried."

"Oh quit your moaning already. What happened to the confident asshole that saved our collective flanks?"

Eleven heads whipped towards the door, where Hard Facts leaned against the frame. Sandova perked up a little, and Moonless Night smiled.

"Detective, what a pleasant surprise."

She arched an eyebrow at Sandova.

"And why should you be surprised that I'm here? All your other friends are here as well, so why shouldn't I be?"

"Heh, good point. I just assumed that you were too busy with wrapping up both the abduction case as Moonless Night's case to come here."

Her eyes fell, and Sandova felt worried.

"Hey, what happened? No need to get down."

She sighed, something was clearly bothering her. Crescent Moon and Bright Night shared a knowing glance.

"I got fired, for 'involving a dangerous individual in my investigation'. Celestia damned corrupt bureaucrats. I should've known that something like this would happen when I realized that Abyss was involved. Shady bastard owned pretty much half the city."

Sandova sat there, utterly shocked. The biggest heroes of the country get kidnapped and almost sacrificed and everyone that helped prevent this is punished? Sandova felt rage building up inside of him, and all around the room he could here that his friends shared his sentiment.

"That is ridiculous, just wait until the princess hears of this."

"Yeah, she will straighten this lot out."

Hard Facts shook her head, smiling sadly.

"I'm afraid that it will not be that easy. The princess didn't know about Abyss' evil at all, because the corrupt bureaucracy prevented any bad news from reaching Canterlot. The princess honestly thinks that nothing is wrong in this city. And even if she could, her hooves are tied. There isn't enough evidence to prove any of this."

"Yet."

Everyone in the room looked at Moonless Night, who smiled darkly.

"We need to reveal the web of corruption, if we pull that off everypony gets off without a hitch. You say that the corrupt ponies will do everything to cover their flanks? That includes betraying everypony involved in this. All we need is somepony that rattles them, acts as an uncertain factor. Or in this case, someone."

The room was silent, everyone was staring at Moonless Night with astonished surprise. Sandova then burst out laughing, breaking the silence.

"I like you, kid. We think alike. So, what's the plan?"

Moonless Night smiled, and Twilight couldn't help but feel eerily reminded of the human next to her.
~
"Order, the court is now in hearing."

It was five days after Sandova had been 'arrested' in the hospital, and the plan would be in motion soon. Everypony took a seat at one of the cushions in the back, while Sandova sat down on a stool. The judge, an elderly unicorn called Hammer Blow, looked at Sandova with a stern frown.

"Are you mister Sandova Asphyxious Mirell, human necromancer?"

Sandova stood up and replied with a confident smile.

"I am, your honor."

"You stand trial today for the murders of mister Abyss, the physical and mental abuse of miss Silent Whisper, the death of detective Crystal Clear, involvement in a dark ritual, conspiring to overthrow the government and involvement in the kidnapping of the Elements of Harmony. How do you plead?"

They were actually planning on blaming everything on him? Sandova had to do his best not to strangle the corrupt son of a bitch right there. Instead he looked him right in the eye and answered.

"Not guilty."

Sandova noticed a sadistic glint in the eye of the judge, and vowed to make the bastard squirm before the end of the day. Hammer Blow cleared his throat and spoke in a clear tone.

"Very well. The word is to the persecutor."

A teal pegasus with a slicked back black mane stood up, nodded to the judge and addressed the room.

"Thank you, your honor. I stand here today to help justice prevail. A terrible tragedy happened almost two weeks ago. I am of course speaking of the terrible kidnapping of our beloved Elements of Harmony. I have evidence to prove that the defendant has obstructed the investigation, fought with the Guard when he was reprimanded for this, and killed one of our brave defenders in the struggle."

The persecutor sighed dramatically and looked across the room with a sad expression.

"Brave detective Crystal Clear lost his life after getting hospitalized for the wounds he sustained thanks to this human's dark magic. After a wild chase through the city the defendant was found in a hidden room underneath the late Abyss' corporate office. The room was filled with dark artifacts and the remnants of a heinous ritual. Furthermore, the body of the late Abyss, along with fifteen unidentified bodies, were found as well. Abyss was impaled through the chest with an unknown weapon, the unidentified ponies were crushed by something we could not determine. Poor Silent Whisper had suffered from broken bones and was in a state of paralyzing terror."

The ponies in the room gasped in horror at the implications, and the ponies closest to Sandova scooted backwards. Sandova just smiled wickedly. When the persecutor saw Sandova's face he gulped loudly and suddenly seemed a lot more nervous. Sandova then turned towards the judge.

"Permission to speak, your honor?"

The judge nodded tersely. Sandova nodded back and cleared his throat.

"Could we stop this charade please? I'm getting sick of hearing you spout all of the hypocritical nonsense."

The persecutor was too shocked to answer, as was the judge. Sandova gave them a predatory smile and continued.

"I have in my possession the real testimonies of the Elements of Harmony, taken by guardsponies who aren't bastards like you. Furthermore, I am here to give you a chance."

The persecutor tried to speak up, but was silenced by a raised hoof from the judge.

"Please explain yourself mister Mirell, we do not take such accusations lightly."

"Thank you, your honor. You see, I know that I'm getting framed here, as do you. So let me give you a chance to get clean. Abyss is dead, which means that the money you were receiving from him has stopped flowing. So why would you use me as a scapegoat? To save yourself from losing face as soon as the information of his bribes gets leaked to the public. By setting up a reasonable scapegoat you hope to deflect the attention of the public."

Sandova picked up a glass of water and took a sip.

"But there is one problem in that plan, the scapegoat is me. And I have no interest in taking the fall for you. You can use a rigged trial to get rid of me, or you can spill the beans and get yourself a lighter sentence."

Both the persecutor burst out laughing, as did more than half of the ponies witnessing the trial.

"So this is your attempt to evade justice? Trying to blame us, the righteous ponies who want to convict a dangerous being like you? You are not only a heinous criminal but also dare disrespect the noble court? If that is all in your defense then this trial is over."

Sandova's smile only got wider and more self-assured.

"Funny, because I have friends who know the true story, and if that gets leaked to the public you will have a lot to explain. Not to the citizens of Manehatten, they are used to this. No, the princesses themselves will get a full briefing from their most trusted subjects. If you won't admit the truth, they will uncover it. Besides, locking me away won't solve anything."

"And why would that be?"

Sandova's smile disappeared, replaced by a glare so cold both the judge and the persecutor recoiled.

"Because no prison you throw me in will be able to contain me. And when I get out, I will make it my life's mission to make sure the corruption in this city is cut out like the cancer it is. Mark my words, all the corrupt officials will face the wrath of a necromancer who has nothing to lose."

Now the ponies in the room actively tried to escape, but found the exits blocked by the Elements of Harmony and some Manehatten Guards. Twilight raised an eyebrow at the leading officials.

"Going somewhere? But the court is still in session. Unless, you already know the outcome?"

The crowd quickly became agitated, panic only just beneath the surface. One sharply dressed earth pony stallion stepped forward and spoke as haughtily as possible.

"We could hardly expect to remain in a room occupied by a deranged and dangerous criminal that specifically said that he would harm us."

Sandova startled the room by laughing. When the haughty stallion turned around to demand an explanation Sandova cut him off.

"Do you realize that you just admitted your guilt? I said that I would only harm those that were part of Abyss' web of corruption. The fact that you feel threatened raises suspicion, does it not? Now this is your last chance, admit your guilt and I think the princesses will be merciful. Continue your disgusting charade and I will ensure you that I will not."

Silence reigned in the courtroom. Everypony in the room was too afraid to answer the tall human, and even some of the guards seemed nervous. Their former colleague hadn't told them of this particular aspect of Sandova. Eventually, the judge spoke up.

"All right, I was bribed by Abyss to ensure any possible political opposition was quenched. I can call names and point hooves, just promise to give me a fair trial."

Before Sandova could say anything the persecutor slammed the judge to the ground.

"Shut up you old fool! They have nothing, nothing! Can't you see that they're bluffing?"

"I believe I have heard enough."

Everypony froze. There, in the middle of the room stood none other than princess Celestia. The deity fixed the persecutor with a stern frown, and the pegasus looked close to passing out.

"Smooth Cover, I am very disappointed in you. All these years I had a nagging suspicion that something was going on in this town, but I had no idea that the persecutor responsible for the conviction of fifty-three criminals was corrupt. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Smooth Cover reacted quicker than expected, and he had smashed a window and flew outside before anypony could stop him. He made it halfway across the street before he got tackled into the ground by former detective Hard Facts. While the dazed pegasus was led back inside Celestia turned towards Sandova.

"Sandova, while I disapprove of your methods I am glad to see that you are indeed the good friend Twilight said you were. It saddens me that you had to resort to violence, but a powerful divination spell revealed that you did in fact act in self defense. I, Celestia, hereby declare you innocent and cleared of all charges."

Sandova and his friends sighed in relief, but the deity wasn't finished.

"But allow me one warning. If you ever back up on your threat I will make sure that you regret it, am I clear?"

Sandova looked Celestia straight in the eye, his face a stern mask.

"Then let's hope the corruption is over, or we both have something to regret."

The doors opened and the Manehatten Guard entered to arrest the corrupt officials. With them came Moonless Night and his family. Sandova greeted them enthusiastically.

"Hey kid, your plan worked like a charm. Thanks a bunch."

"Heh, no problem. So, now that you're cleared of all charges, what are you gonna do?"

Sandova walked towards his friends, a bright smile on his face.

"I am going home."

Author's Note

Whew, finally done. Man, you will not believe the amount of essays I have to write. I couldn't even write even when I had inspiration. anyway, this warps up the Manehatten arc, hope it was satisfactory.

If it ain't fixed, don't break it

Author's Note

ATTENTION! This chapter is replacing the one I posted on monday! The Havndir chapters will be slightly re-written to accomodate for the changes happening in this chapter, which were origionally supposed to happen after that arc.

Many thanks to _Shade_, who helped me realize that we needed a light comedy chapter right now. Here's to you buddy, I kept my promise(even though I now have only 3 hours of sleep left before I need to get up for work).

Enjoy!

If it ain't fixed, don't break it

Chapter 18: If it ain't fixed, don't break it.

"Remember the talisman I used to transform you into a pony?"

Sandova looked up from his book with a puzzled look. Twilight was coming out of the basement with an amulet held in her telekinetic grasp.

"You mean the one with the diamond in the middle?"

She nodded, and levitated said amulet towards him.

"Apparently it got damaged when Abyss' spell broke the chain. I am trying to repair it but so far it hasn't responded to any of my repair spells. Maybe you have an idea?"

Sandova shrugged and put his book away. Since what he called the 'Manehatten adventure' life had quieted down a bit, so he spent most of his time helping Twilight and Spike in the library and reading about magic. He took the amulet in his hand and looked it over. The amulet itself seemed fine at first glance, but a closer look revealed that a small fracture ran through the diamond in the center.

"That's strange, diamonds are practically unbreakable. You said that the diamond held the enchantments laid in the amulet?"

Twilight nodded and trotted over.

"What's wrong, then? Did the diamond get damaged?"

Sandova handed the amulet back to Twilight, who inspected it in the same way Sandova had done.

"You're right, how could I have missed that? Oh, I hope the enchantments still hold."

Sandova muttered some words and stretched out his hand towards the amulet. He held that pose for a few seconds before lowering his hand again.

"Well, the magic is still there. It could be that the enchantments got messed up, which is preventing other magic from messing with it, but I can't confirm that. Detect Magic only shows me if there is magic, and if so the school it belongs to. The amulet radiates some incredibly powerful enchantment magic, which nearly drowns out the transmutation spell you put on it."

Twilight had grabbed a notebook halfway through his explanation and was writing furiously. She stopped when she realized that Sandova was watching with a bemused expression on his face. She grinned sheepishly.

"I guess I got a little distracted away there. But, didn't you say that you mostly knew necromancy spells? Detect Magic doesn't sound like a necromancy spell to me."

Sandova nodded.

"You're right, it's a divination spell. But I picked up some useful utility spells on my travels, and noticed that I could actually adept the usual verbal and somatic components to my own branch of magic. Not all of the useful spells I came across could be adapted this way, mind you."

Sandova waited patiently for Twilight to finish writing before continuing.
"Anyway, what do you think we should do? It is your amulet after all."

Twilight sat down and seemed lost in thought for the moment, so Sandova got up and went to look for a book on enchanted gems. He stopped when he had an idea. He turned to see Twilight still lost in thought. He shook his head, smiling. The little unicorn did not know how adorably dorky she could be. He cleared his throat, which seemed to snap her out of her musings.

"We could ask Rarity to take a look at it, she's an expert with gems after all."

Twilight nodded.

"Yes, that makes perfect sense. Let's go get her."

Twilight instructed Spike to look after the library, to which the young dragon reluctantly agreed. They quickly made their way to the Carousel Boutique. It seemed that business was slow at the moment, because Rarity was staring into space when they came in.

"Oh hello darlings, how can I help you today? Perhaps some new robes for Sandova, hmm?"

The blonde human shook his head.

"Not today, I'm afraid. You remember the enchanted amulet Twilight used to turn me into a pony?"

Rarity pondered a little before replying.

"You mean the one with the diamond set in the middle?"

"Yeah, that one. It seems it got damaged and is not responding to any magic anymore. The diamond holds the enchantments, and you are the local expert on using gemstones, so we thought you could help us."

Rarity's reply was interrupted by a loud crash outside. Everyone looked at each other for a moment before going to look for the cause of it. Once outside they could see that Rainbow Dash had managed to crash into Applejack's apple cart, scattering apples and broken wood everywhere. Both mares were currently locked into a shouting match while Fluttershy seemed to want to calm them down, without much success.

"-can't help it that your cart can't handle my awesomeness! Why was it standing there, anyway? The market's a block away!"

"Ah was tryin' to get there, but some featherbrained stunt-mare crashed into mah cart!"

"Uhm, could you stop shouting, please? If you don't mind, that is."

Sandova chuckled.

"Now all we need is Pinkie and we have the recipe for one of those 'friendship lesson' adventures you tend to have Twilight."

"Did somepony call my name? I thought my Pinkie Sense told me somepony was talking about me, but my eyelids didn't flutter like they usually do when that happens, so I thought that it must be someone talking about me and so I looked for Sandova and so here I am!"

"Gah!"

Both Sandova and Twilight jumped when Pinkie appeared. Sandova still wasn't completely used to the pink pony's antics, and his reaction in turn startled Twilight. Everypony stopped and looked at the tall human, who was looking at Pinkie with an exasperated expression.

"Pinkie, you're my friend and all, but do you have to pop up like this every time? You nearly gave me an heart attack, again."

Pinkie giggled, as did some of the other mares.

"Silly Sandova, I don't pop up like this every time. Sometimes I come from a nearby cupboard or other enclosed space."

Sandova opened his mouth to answer, realized who he was talking to, and snapped his mouth shut again. Rarity and Twilight remembered why they went outside and turned to Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash, shouldn't you be managing the weather instead of crashing into Applejack's cart?"

The speedster shrugged.

"Nah, we have partial cloud cover scheduled today. Besides, I can do both at the same time, I'm awesome like that."

The others rolled their eyes, except for Pinkie who was still rambling off tangent to an increasingly exasperated looking Sandova. Applejack sighed and began gathering apples, and the rest decided to help her out. With everyone helping, they were done in no time.

"Thanks guys, that was mighty fine of y'all. Why were you all in the Boutique, if ah might ask?"

Twilight sighed and explained the situation with the amulet again.

"-and that's when we heard Rainbow Dash crash into your cart, and decided to look what happened."

Pinkie started excitedly hopping up and down.

"Ooh, ooh. Can we look when you fix it? I want to see if we can transform Sandova into something else. Maybe a donkey, or a griffin. Okay, maybe not a donkey, but I would like to see a griffin that was not a meanie pants like Gilda."

"Pinkie, we are not going to transform Sandova into anything else right now. Why would he want to become a griffin anyway?"

Sandova nodded along vigorously.

"Yeah, I like my body as it is, thank you very much. I guess you can come watch, though. I guess Twilight won't mind?"

He looked at her, and she nodded.

"Of course I don't mind. You're all my friends, after all."

The other mares agreed to come look as well, if only to make sure Pinkie didn't accidentally caused Sandova to turn into something else. They entered the library, and Twilight immediately started clearing a table and grabbed writing equipment. She answered Rainbow Dash's questioning look with a sheepish smile.

"We are going to repair a powerful magical artifact, did you really expect me not to take notes?"

The speedster shrugged and hovered a little higher while the rest sat down around the table. Rarity picked the amulet up with her telekinesis and inspected it thoroughly.

"Hmm, the diamond is somehow cracked. How did such a dreadful flaw manage to find its way into this poor gem? This just won't do, allow me to repair this crime against beauty."

Both Sandova and Twilight shouted at the same time, but they were too late. When Rarity's spell hit the amulet the diamond shattered and a brilliant flash enveloped the library. As the light dimmed Spike chose that moment to enter the room.

"Hey Twilight, I found that book on enchanted gems you-"

He stopped when he saw the figures lying around the library and promptly passed out.
~
Sandova awoke with a splitting headache. He groaned and reached for his head. He stopped when he felt something hard meet his rather hard hand now. Wait a minute. Sandova opened his eyes to check his hand, only to see a hoof where his hand should be.

"Oh great, the spell backfired and I'm stuck as a pony. What an utterly predictable turn of events. Twilight's going to have a field day trying to turn me back"

He looked around for the lavender mare. His eyes spotted her purple mane easily enough, end his eyes widened in shock as he recognized a form he expected never to see again.

Instead of a lavender unicorn, he was eyeing a purple-haired female with pale skin, slender limbs and pointed ears. Next to her was a rather stout woman with her blonde hair tied in a loose ponytail. Sandova's friends had turned into humanoids from his world. He also noticed that they were naked. The fact that he did not get flustered over six very attractive naked females worried him, a lot. Before he could ponder that particular issue, his friends stirred.

"Ow, what happened?"

Rainbow Dash froze when she felt her fingers brush her head. She was not supposed to have fingers! Her friends were having similar reactions, and Sandova knew he had to act quickly before they panicked.

"I have separate toes now, this is soooooo funny! Look at them wriggle!"

That stopped every possibility of them freaking out, as everyone was too busy giving pinkie an even stare. She looked up and smiled brightly at them, breaking what was left of the tension. Everyone sighed and took a good look at their bodies. Sandova noticed that they had turned into the humanoid equivalents of their pony forms. Rarity and Twilight were slender elves, Pinkie and Applejack were stout dwarves and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy still had wings, marking them as the birdlike raptoran.

Sandova himself looked again like the grey unicorn that he was during the Manehatten Adventure, which didn't surprise him that much. After all, Twilight's spell was supposed to turn him into his exact pony equivalent. It seemed that that spell had now backfired on all of them, and it didn't need to be sustained by an amulet anymore. That realization hit him like a war hammer.

"Oh crap."

"You can say that again. What exactly happened?"

Sandova sighed.

"Well, it seems that the amulet overloaded and blew the last spell it held across the room. That spell being the one that turned me in my 'exact pony equivalent', and it seems that the reverse worked for you. Congratulations, you can now experience the joy of adapting to a new body."

Twilight seemed to have a minor panic attack, en the rest of the girls were again not so far off as well. Luckily, Pinkie diffused the tension again by raising her hand like she was sitting in class.

"Do you have as many different humans as there are different ponies? And what are out tribes called?"

Twilight looked at Pinkie like she'd grown a second head.

"That's an, unexpectedly reasonable question, Pinkie."

Pinkie just smiled while Twilight's inner scientist drove her to try to levitate a quill and paper over, and failing miserably at moving anything.

"Yeah, sorry Twilight. No automatic magic for you anymore. And to answer your question, there are a lot of different humans, but they are not as different from each other like the pony tribes are. You have each become a race that matches your tribe the closest, though. Rarity and Twilight are elves, a race that lives very long and has a natural affinity for magic. Applejack and Pinkie Pie are dwarves, a very tough race that has a connection with earth and stone. They make for excellent fighters and craftsmen. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are now raptoran. I don't know much about them other than that they can fly and are better at using air magic than most other races."

Twilight had developed a rather dismayed expression as she realized that she could not write this new information down, and looked very close to freaking out again. Luckily, Sandova's explanation had calmed the others enough for them to notice Twilight's situation. Applejack tried to get up and fell over. Rainbow Dash laughed at her, tried to stand up as well, and failed miserably. After a few minutes of getting to know their new bodies the six women were now standing in the middle of the library, observing each other.

"Ooh, what are these soft things. They are so squishy."

"Those are your breasts, Pinkie, and it's err, highly inappropriate to fondle your breasts while in company."

"Oh, I get it."

She then grabbed Applejack's breasts and squeezed them, making Applejack yelp.

"It's even more inappropriate to fondle someone else's breasts. Ever heard of 'inappropriate touching'?"

Pinkie's eyes widened, and she quickly let go of a very embarrassed Applejack.

"Oops, sorry Applejack."

Sandova just arched his eyebrow, now very glad that his new body wasn't attracted to humanoids anymore. That would've made things even more awkward. He then noticed Spike lying on the ground.

"Err, girls. I think someone needs to go check on Spike, he's out cold."

Twilight practically scrambled for the unconscious dragon, and she gently lifted his head and listened for breath. After a few seconds she let out a relieved sigh.

"He's breathing normally, I think he just passed out when he saw us lying around here."

Rainbow snickered.

"Heh, he must've thought there were six more humans to deal with. Considering the trouble that follows the first one he met I can't blame his reaction."

She tentatively flapped her wings and she lifted a little in the air. She looked overjoyed that she could still fly. Fluttershy had her arms around her and seemed incredibly uncomfortable. It seems that her usual shyness had skyrocketed now that she found herself in an unfamiliar body, and Sandova couldn't blame her. She was naked, after all.

Sandova blinked, then facehoofed.

"Girls, are you feeling any kind of discomfort at the moment?"

"Now that you mention it, I do feel awfully vulnerable. Naked, even."

Sandova nodded like he'd been expecting that answer, which he had.

"Well, you are naked. Humanoids usually wear clothes, both because they don't have fur to keep them warm and because being naked is considered indecent. I didn't think you'd have problems with the second one, though, considering that ponies are usually naked most of the time."

Rarity blinked, slowly, then smiled the brightest smile he'd ever seen on an elvish face. Sandova could practically see the stars in her eyes.

"This is wonderful! Oh, think of the designs I could make, the next challenge of fashion! I must begin immediately!"

"Whoa there Rarity, no need to get all over exited for nuthin'. Twilight can just stop this spell, and then everypony is back to normal, right?"

She looked at Twilight with a pleading expression, a little desperation creeping into her face.

"Right?"

Twilight bit her lip.

"I-I don't know. I can't even use the magic I usually do right now, let alone reverse a spell as powerful as this one. Even if I was still an unicorn I might take a while, considering the fact that this seems to be a true transformation."

"True transformation?"

Sandova nodded at Applejack.

"Yes, instead of morphing our bodies into something else for a limited time, the spell has apparently transformed us in such a way that these forms can be considered our 'true' body. I can tell because my body fails to react in any way to six very attractive naked women."

Confusion, embarrassment and finally horror showed on their faces as Sandova's words sunk in. Rainbow Dash was the first to find her voice.

"You're saying that we're stuck like this forever?"

Sandova shrugged.

"I have no idea, but there's a possibility of that, yes. We could always ask the princesses for help. Well, as soon as Spike wakes up, in any case."

That put them at ease, at least a little bit. Everyone was silently going over their predicament when Fluttershy's barely audible voice broke them out of their musings.

"I, uh, need to feed my animal friends soon. Oh dear, I hope that they will still recognize me!"

There was a knock on the library door, and everyone flinched.

"We're closed, come back tomorrow!"

The door didn't open, but Sweetie Belle's muffled voice answered.

"Okay, I'm looking for Rarity anyway. There's somepony at the Boutique."

Rarity bit her lip, then called out to her sister.

"I'm kind of busy right now, dear. Could you ask them to come back later?"

There were a few seconds of silence before Sweetie answered.

"Okay sis, but what do I tell him? And why did Twilight say the library is closed? It's only eleven!"

Rarity moved towards the door, but was stopped by the others. She looked back with an annoyed expression.

"What? It's rude to talk to somepony through a closed door."

Sandova arched an eyebrow and pointed a hoof at her still naked body. She looked down and sighed.

"Fine, but can you talk to her in my stead? You are a pony now, after all."

Sandova moved towards the door while the girls quickly hid in another room. He opened the door and smiled at the filly.

"Sorry Sweetie Belle, your sister and her friends are busy helping me with solving a magical problem."

The filly blinked.

"Is that why you're a pony now?"

Sandova nodded.

"Why didn't Rarity open the door, then?"

"Because she's otherwise occupied."

Sweetie belle grinned.

"She's transformed as well, isn't she?"

Sandova arched an eyebrow.

"Aren't you a clever one."

She shrugged, not losing the grin.

"I guess. Can I see her? I bet it's hilarious."

Sandova now smirked as well.

"Maybe it is, but you can't see her. She's naked, and kind of stressed. I think it's better if you go home."

Sweetie belle pouted, and Sandova leaned over in a conspiratorial way.

"But it's going to take a while. If you bring us some cloth from the Boutique and tell absolutely nobody, err, nopony about this, you'll probably get to see her when she comes home."

The filly perked up and prepared to dash off, but Sandova picked her up with telekinesis and looked her straight in the eye with a very serious expression.

"I mean it, tell nopony. I don't want to cause a panic. Am I clear?"

Sweetie gulped an nodded. Sandova smiled again and released her before re-entering the library and closing the door. The girls came back into the main room, looking relieved.

"It seems that it worked. What did you tell her, anyway?"

Sandova laughed nervously.

"I told her that you were helping me with a magical accident. She asked if that was the reason I looked like this. When I answered honestly, she guessed correctly that you were transformed as well."

He held up a hoof before the indignant shouting could begin.

"I made sure that she wouldn't tell anypony, and she's getting some cloth from the Boutique so that you can fix some clothes for you and the others."

Everyone sighed in relief. Then Rainbow Dash looked around.

"Wait, where's Pinkie Pie?"
~
"Wheeeeeeee!"

Pinkie Pie was bouncing through Ponyville in her usually bubbly way, drawing more than one very confused look from the ponies on the streets. She just laughed and waved at them, and most just filed this away as a slightly stranger case of 'Pinkie being Pinkie'. She arrived at the Sugarcube Corner and burst inside with her usual fanfare, greeting everypony enthusiastically. Mr. and Ms. Cake were, of course, very surprised at their bubbly employee's appearance.

"Pinkie Pie, what happened to you? You look a bit like that Sandova fellow!"

Pinkie bounced over to the counter and answered in her usually hyperactive manner.

"Well, I was surprising Sandova when Dashie crashed in Applejack's cart when he told us that he needed Rarity to look at this amulat and-"

Mr. and Ms. Cace looked sideways at each other and came to an understanding. They would smile, nod, and file this under 'Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie in a different body'.

"-and then I Sandova told me about inappropriate touching and-"

She stopped talking when she found Mr. Cake's hoof in her mouth. He had to strain his body a bit to reach her mouth, but his expression said it was a small price to pay for his sanity. Ms. Cake smiled a strained smile at Pinkie.

"That sounds, nice, dear. Why don't you take the day off until this 'transformation' business is over, okay?"

Pinkie nodded, and Mr. Cake released her mouth.

"Okay, can I have a cupcake before I leave?"

They nodded, and Pinkie bounced away from the Sugercube Corner munching on a heavily frosted cupcake.

"Ooh, I should make a 'It's funny that we became humanoids' party! But what kind of games should we play?"

Happily busy with party planning, she didn't notice the group of robed figures following a grey unicorn into the Sugarcube Corner.
~
"She couldn't have gotten that far, she's probably not used to her body yet."

"Sandova, this is Pinkie Pie we're talking about. She could be in Cloudsdale by now.

Sandova gulped and nodded at Twilight's robed shape. Sandova had the sense of grabbing them each one of his robes to wear, although he needed to make holes for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy's wings. Rarity had only sputtered for five minutes, indicating that even she considered a loose transformed Pinkie Pie was a bigger issue than ripped clothing. They had tried Sugarcube Corner already, but the Cakes told them they gave Pinkie a day off, and now they had no idea where to go.

"This dashing around town is getting us nowhere! We should split up to increase our chances."

They all stopped and stared at Rainbow Dash, who shrugged.

"What? It's the truth and you know it!"

Applejack sighed and fumbled with the knot in her robes. Sandova was a tall man, and knotting up her robes seemed like the quickest solution.

"RD is right, this ain't getting us nowhere. We have no idea where Pinkie could be right now, an' I have some stuff to explain to mah family. We should split up and bring Pinkie to the library when we find her. 'Sides, Twi' needs ta write a letter to the princess, ah reckon that she'll be able to help us."

Sandova nodded.

"Good plan, I like it. Now, I think everyone should try to cover as large an area as possible, and look at the most random places you can think of. Good luck!"

They all nodded and dashed off, or in Rainbow Dash' case, flew off. Nobody noticed the naked dwarf girl skipping towards the library.
~
At the end of the day, nobody had found anything. Rarity had been laughed at by her sister, as had Applejack. Rainbow Dash had met some of her colleagues, who were very confused to say in the least, but nopony had seen the pink party pony. Not even Fluttershy's critter friends had seen anything. Sandova and Twilight had both met with unforeseen difficulties and hadn't been able to search a lot. Twilight was constantly distracted by trying to use magic to help find Pinkie, and failing, while Sandova had to introduce himself over and over by ponies that thought he was new in town.

"Well, I might as well write that letter to princess Celestia now. I'm sure that Pinkie is all right, wherever she is. It's Pinkie Pie, after all."

The rest agreed and followed Twilight into the library, which was unusually dark. When she turned on the lights there was a loud bang and everyone got covered in confetti.

"SURPRISE!"

Everyone stared blankly at the, still naked, form of Pinkie Pie in the middle of the library. Some of the townsfolk were present as well, as was usually the case at Pinkie's parties. A large banner with 'It seems we are humanoids now' was hanging from the ceiling, and there was a game of 'Pin the tail on the human?!' at the back. Spike was snickering next to Pinkie, and a bright flash snapped them out of their confusion.

"You were right Pinkie, it was a good idea to wait for them after all."

As they blinked their eyes clear their jaws dropped back to the floor. Next to Pinkie was princess Celestia, holding what seemed to be a camera in a golden aura. After their brains were done rebooting, they started kneeling and promptly fell over, except for Sandova, who had gotten used to this body weeks ago in Manehattan. Celestia smiled gently at them.

"Rise, my little pon-, err, humanoids? Anyway, rise. Pinkie Pie has told me everything. I was very surprised when Spike sent me a party invitation instead of one of your letters, so I came here immediately. Pinkie was already here, setting up this party. We decided that looking for you would take too long, and waited for you here."

Pinkie nodded vigorously.

"Yeah, the princess had some very good ideas, like taking a picture of your surprised faces."

Twilight finally found her voice again.

"That was your idea, Princess? But I- responsible- I thought......Argh!"

Sandova patted Twilight gently on the back while shaking his head. Twilight calmed down soon after, and the princess was now faced with five very irritated humanoids and one very irritated unicorn.

"Do you have any idea how worried we were? And she was here the entire time while you just decided to wait for us? This was a terrible moment to exercise your sense of humor, princess."

Celestia's smile became a little wider, and Sandova sputtered indignantly.

"Don't worry Sandova, I have not just waited for you here. While Pinkie set up the party, I was looking into the broken amulet, and I think I can reverse the spell."

The five humanoids let out a sigh of relief. Celestia walked to Twilight first.

"My faithful student, I know that you would like to reverse engineer the spell yourself, but I think it is better if I do this. We wouldn't want anything to go wrong, after all."

Twilight nodded, and after a bright flash she was a purple unicorn again. The princess transformed each of the humanoids back into ponies until she arrived at Sandova.

"Are you ready?"

"No, I'm not."

That stopped everypony dead in their tracks, even the princess looked surprised.

"What do you mean?"

Sandova smiled his roguish smile.

"I mean that it might be a better idea if I remain a pony. I am trying to start a new life here after all, and no longer being the only human on the entire plane might help a lot with that. The fact that casting spells is much easier as an unicorn is nice as well. I mean, I still have telekinesis, so I won't miss my hands that much."

Twilight turned to him with a very confused expression.

"But this morning you told us that you preferred you human form!"

"Yeah, but that was before I considered all of the problems I have here as the only human. I look scary, I stand out like a sore thumb, err, hoof and I have to explain my story every time I go anywhere other than Ponyville. It just makes sense, really."

Celestia smiled that motherly smile of hers and nodded.

"Very well, my little pony. Then I shall leave you all to your party."

With a flash, she disappeared. The room was silent for a while.

"Guys! Do you know what this means!?"

They all looked at Pinkie, who was looking more excited than usual.

"There is now a new pony in Ponyville! And that calls for a PARTYYYY"

Sandova smiled, glad that things hadn't changed that much after all.

Not As planned

Chapter 1: Not as planned

"So, do you agree to the terms? I'll prevent your body from being reanimated and your soul from being sold by you, and you give me the books on planar travel."

The other man nodded

"Yes, I'll sign the contract, no devil will get my soul from tempting me. The books are yours."

"Excellent. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some reading to do."

Sandova Asphyxious Mirell stepped out of the so-called arch-villain's lair and chuckled.

"If these fools were as smart as they were evil, I'd have to resort to deceiving innocent people. Well, that makes six now. I hope Axzcylax will enjoy this, I might need an infernal favor sooner or later."

After he made sure he wasn't followed he summoned his familiar.

"Ah master, did you succeed?" Asked the grinning imp as soon as he appeared.

"As always. Now, how about we get to summoning your true master soon? I'm sure he'd like what I have to offer."

As the strange duo arrived at a suitable clearing they went to work. After a few hours of preparing and double-checking the summoning circle was ready. Sandova looked around to make sure no wayward traveler would be around and sighed.

"Let's get this over with, the sooner I'm done the sooner I can get back to the laboratory and study my newest acquisitions."

When the ritual was finished the very air seemed to tear apart, revealing a hellish landscape through the gash in reality. Out of the portal stepped a being of nightmares. Tall and with a powerful build, its hide covered with red scales and his red eyes burning with an infernal light. It wore his leathery wings like a cloak, and gestured with a clawed hand at the mortal before him.

"Rise Asphyxious," the Pit Lord rumbled. "have you finally decided to offer your soul and gain untold power? Or is this another pathetic attempt at prying loose secrets for free?"

"Neither my lord, I have a business proposal."

"Oh? You intrigue me mortal. Surely you know that the only currency we accept is the one you are not yet willing to offer. What could you possibly have that would be worth my time and attention?"

"Souls, six of them to be precise."

The devil snorted.

"And how do you think you can hold claim over other mortals' souls? If spoken true this would be an intriguing offer, now if you're done wasting my time I will take my leave, I have rivals to butcher and underlings to instruct."

Sandova hastily grabbed the neat pile of contracts from his satchel and showed them before the ancient evil could leave.

"These contracts state clearly that I have full ownership over these souls, signed in triplicate with the blood of both contractors. I own these souls, and you can too if you're willing to listen to my proposal. All I ask for is a favor, to be granted at my leisure whenever I might need one. Of course there will be limitations, otherwise it would be too easy for both of us to double-cross each other with loopholes. I have already prepared a contract, would you care to read it my lord?"

"Preposterous! A favor? I will not allow myself to stoop so low as to owe a mortal a favor. Be glad I don't immolate you on the spot."

"It is nothing of the sort, it's more of, say, a ticket. One that leaves me with lots of options while ensuring that I'll never endanger you or your greater interests, since you are entitled to deny the favor as soon as I directly have a hand in endangering your operations on the Material Plane or the Hells."

"I see, this is a rather strange proposal though. Most mortals simply wish for power and be done with it, why this detour?"

"I simply don't like the idea of just raising my power without proper study of said power. I only want a powerful backup in case some of my endeavors get out to the public and I need a boost or a clean getaway. This also ensures that I have a greater chance of surviving long enough to gather enough souls for a future arrangement."

"Your terms seem reasonable, and your contract is in my favor. Very well, hand me the soul certificates and you get your backup."

Sandova nodded and handed the other contracts to Axzcylax and produced a quill. After the paperwork was taken care of the Pit Lord snapped his fingers and a small card appeared in Sandova's hand.

"Use this card to call on me should you wish to invoke your favor. Now if you'll excuse me, I have souls to collect."

With this the devil stepped through the portal and closed it. Sandova let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and turned to his familiar.

"That went better than I hoped it would go. Now that my immediate survival is guaranteed I can get to work."
~
Sir Trintus surveyed the prisoner from behind the bars. In the cell was a man that had caused great suffering to many, arrested not two days ago by Trintus and his comrades. Clad in rags, the self-styled Arch-villain was sitting on the floor, muttering incomprehensibly to himself.

"Spare your breath mage, not even an arch-mage can cast spells inside that cell, let alone a pathetic excuse for a sorcerer. If not for the fact that you were unarmed and vulnerable when we found you your head would be on a pike by now. You should thank that bastard of a necromancer Mirell for subduing you, his actions and my code are literally the only things that kept us from smiting your wretched existence to the afterlife."

Trintus then left the prisoner to his madness and thought of Mirell. Trintus hated the young man, hand the fact that he had needed the bastard's help infuriated him. All paladins live to fight evil, and creating undead was one of the greatest sins one could commit. To his credit, the young necromancer managed to keep his every action legal to this date. No one has caught him on creating undead or committing other acts of evil.

It mattered not to Trintus how well Mirell behaved, he could smell the taint on his soul. That he managed to remain untouchable for the paladins, and the fact that he was taunting them for it made Trintus' blood boil. Sooner or later Mirell would make a mistake or go too far, and Trintus swore he would be there when it happened and see the wretched mage punished for his crimes.

A sudden overwhelming wave of nausea hit him like an ogre’s club. He stumbled and fell on his knees. There was only one thing that could sicken a paladin so thorough as this, and the pladin felt his blood chill at the thought of evil this strong. In the cell some primal force of evil had entered the Material Plane, and Trintus could only watch in horror as the Pit Lord walked up to the prisoner and grabbed him.

"You cannot tempt me devil, my soul is safe from being sold. Although this inconveniences me at the moment, for it would've enabled me to escape. Now please set me down, I am thinking of an escape plan."

"Foolish mortal, you shall regret your impudence during your eternity in the Hells. I shall enjoy watching you scream." snarled the devil at the mortal in his grasp.

"Impossible, Mirell promised me you couldn't get my soul."

The devil only grinned in response, and the prisoner finally understood just what was happening to him and started sobbing and begging, to no avail while the Pit Lord laughed at him.

"He merely promised that you could not sell your soul to me by becoming its owner. Indeed, one cannot sell what one doesn't possess. He however, chose to sell that very soul to me. I must compliment both his cunning and your stupidity. Now prepare for everlasting torment."

At this the prisoner started screaming for help. Trintus however, was still unable to act as his very soul was sickened by the mere presence of the devil.

"How do you know you won't like excruciating pain? Have you ever tried it?"

With these chuckled words the devil crossed the planes again, not even giving Trintus as much as a glance.

After emptying his stomach on the floor Trintus found he could finally move again. He was just standing up when the door flew open and twenty paladins of Heironeous stormed in.

"Brother Trintus, what in heaven's name happened?"

"A Pit Lord appeared, took the poor man we imprisoned with him and left. Although he was a heinous criminal, his ordeal fills me with pity for him. At least I know who's responsible, and I will not rest until I take the bastard's head."'

"Who could be hideous enough to condemn one's soul to the Hells voluntarily?" a squire asked.

Trintus spat on the floor.

"Sandova Asphyxious Mirell."
~
The sneeze echoed through the laboratory.

"I really should dust here more often," Sandova muttered to himself.

Looking around he saw what a mess his laboratory had become. Flasks and bottles littered the tables, the places were no books lay at least, and his notes were strewn everywhere. The fact that every square inch of floor was covered with bones didn't help much either.

"Oh for the love of-"

Sandova clapped his hands.

"Get up you useless boneheads, I have work to do."

As one the seemingly unassuming piles of bones rose up and assumed their natural form. That is, the ones that weren't covered in arcane runes and symbols or broken beyond repair. At the directions of Sandova the skeletons grabbed weapons from the racks stationed at the far side of the lab and shambled out the door.

"Now, were was I. Oh yeah, Mysteries of the Multiverse. Oh have I longed to read that book!"
With an almost giddy smile Sandova sat down and began to read, only to be interrupted by what sounded like bones breaking and the clamor of weapons.

"Now what in the burning Hells is going on outside?"

Before he could investigate his nervous-looking familiar appeared.

"Master, the paladins are attacking! It seems they caught wind of your recent endeavors."

"Which ones? The reanimating of an entire band of psychopathic rapists after I helped a village get rid of them, my experiments in making said skeletons stronger or the fact that I have an army of enhanced skeletons outside?"

"Your deal with Axzcylax, one of the sold souls resided in one of their prisons."

"Damnation, I completely forgot about that one. Godsdamnit, how many are out there?"

"Enough to ensure your vile deeds will be punished, you evil bastard."

"Also good to see you again Trintus, how's the missus doing? Still trying to get you to do safer work? Or has she finally seen that you couldn't get any other job with your head up your arse like that?"

Not bothering to respond Trintus charged, only to be stopped by a mass of black tentacles erupting from the floor.

"Now don't get me wrong, I admire your dedication, but do you really have to explode every time I help the world by using morally questionable methods? Surely you can see the beauty of it if you took the time to get your head out of your rear end look at the results. I just rid the world of six vile and dangerous men and managed to get a good deal in the process. Even with you vision omscured by your digestive tract you should be able to see no real harm was done. They would've ended up like that anyway as soon as they died. And knowing you merry bunch of 'good guys' they were facing execution anyway. I merely cut out the middle man so you guys can continue wallowing in that holy shit you are all so fond of."

“Note to self: stop over-using the 'head up own arse jokes', it's getting harder to think up new ones on the go”, Sanndova thought to himself while he unsheathed his saber and took a ready stance.

Meanwhile Trintus looked like he would choke on his own rage, if the tentacles didn't get to it first, that is. He started gathering holy power and after a quick prayer and a flash of light the tentacles were gone, leaving Sir Trintus on the floor while Sandova casually walked the other way towards his back door, keeping a wary eye on the furious paladin while he did so. Because of this he noticed too late that the sounds outside had stopped, and the entire room filled with paladins looking ready to
continue their work of 'cutting the evil thingy till it stops moving'.

"Oh crap, this is gonna hurt."

Before Sandova could do anything a bolt of light lanced through him, pinning him to the wall. He screamed while the holy spear the bolt contained seared his body and soul.

For the first time in his life Sandova felt truly terrified, dealing with death for most of his life he still wasn't prepared for his own. Especially because he knew just who was waiting for him at the other side.

He tried to cast a spell but the pain from the spear prevented him from focusing, effectively stopping him from doing anything until someone could get close enough for him to unleash a deadly burst of negative energy. Which was also close enough for the other to land a killing blow. Sandova only had one option left, not having thought he would need it so soon he grabbed the card Axzcylax gave him.

"No tricks will save you now necromancer, prepare for your end. Justice will be delivered quicker than you deserve and-"

Sandova didn't let him finish, before any paladin could make a move he took the card in both hands and spoke.

"I call in my favor, get me somewhere safe."

Every paladin looked stunned when they saw a portal open beneath the necromancer's feet, and blackened chains wrapped around him.

"Wait, what are you doing, stop!"

Panic coursed through Sandova like never before, struggling against now both his holy and unholy bonds. With a final twist around him, the chains started dragging him through the portal, with sandova screaming all the way.

"Evil begets evil, you reap what you sow and so you suffer for your actions. May you one day see the fault of your actions and repent."

With these words, Trintus left the necromancer at his fate, his fellow paladins behind him.
~
After what seemed like an eternity of getting dragged through one hellish landscape after another, Sandova woke up to the sound of birds chirping. Groaning he got up from the ground and looked around.

He was in a forest, a big, lush, verdant, green forest. In front of him was an ornate gate of some sort. The gate was enormous and seemed made of rune-covered metal, which glowed from the inside. The gate was closed, though he could see scorch marks on the grass around the gate and himself.

"Now where the Nine Hells did I end up in? And why does my everything hurt like I went through them? Oh wait, I did do that, didn't I."

Before he could think further about his situation he heard something akin to growling behind him, in the same way that a waterfall sounds akin to falling water.

He turned around and saw the biggest dog-no hound he'd ever seen. It looked like it could use a barn as doghouse and still feel cramped, the fact that it had three very angry looking heads that leered simultaneously at Sandova didn't help him feel any more comfortable.

"Why didn't I just become a librarian?"
~
Twilight Sparkle, Equestria's most powerful unicorn and Princess Celestia's personal student was on her way to study the Tartarus gate when she heard the scream. Before she could determine the source somepony-no, something ran out of the Everfree.

The thing was taller than her, even taller than Big Macintosh, and walked on its hind legs like a Diamond Dog. Its body looked vaguely simian, although far finer in build. Its shoulder-long mane was blond, and it wore a black robe with red trims.

It was also running wildly towards Twilight, a panicked look on its face.

Behind the creature a deep, low growling could be heard, and no sooner had it cleared the forest's edge when Cerberus burst out of the forest. The guardian of Tartarus seemed hell-bent on chasing the thing that was now only a few feet away from Twilight.

"Cerberus! Down, bad boy."

At these words the great hound's pace faltered a bit, and one head looked confused at Twilight. Using the distraction to its advantage the creature swerved around Twilight and kept running, ignoring Twilight in the process.

"Leave that poor thing alone. It looks scared out of its mind."

Behind her the creature tried to see its assailant while running, tripped and fell down, hard. When it didn't move Twilight stopped berating Cerberus and hurried to its side. Cerberus tried to follow but was met with a stern glare from Twilight.

"Oh no you don't. Get back to your post, now!"

Knowing the pupil of his master Cerberus decided it was best to listen, and with a final growl it walked back into the Everfree.

Looking down at the strange creature Twilight became worried. When it fell it had hit its head, and now it was unconscious and bleeding from a gash in its forehead.

"Oh you poor thing, let's take you to Fluttershy's, she'll know what to do."

With those words Twilight teleported away, taking the unconscious creature with her.

Author's Note

This is my second attempt at making a story, and my first attempt to do it in English
I apologize for any grammatical errors, since English isn't my native language.
Friendly criticism and advice welcome, and I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing this.
-Sandova

Explanations

Chapter 2: Explanations

"Note to self: do NOT attempt to fight humongous three-headed hounds if you end up on an new plane."

Sandova groaned and did a mental recap of the situation that got him....somewhere.

"I got dragged through the Hells and the Abyss, ended up lying in front of a planar portal and got confronted with its, uhm, guardian. When it seemed hostile I tried Summon Undead III for backup and when nothing appeared I made a.....let's call it a 'tactical retreat'."

Sandova frowned, something else happened. Otherwise he wouldn't be lying in... something incredibly soft? Now he was REALLY confused.

"Oh yeah, eyes. Ugh, why do I always do this with my eyes closed," Sandova murmured "or talk to myself for that matter?"

He slowly opened its eyes, and immediately wished he hadn't.

"Aaah, the daylight, it buuurns!"

"Eep"

Sandova froze.

"Who's there?"

"Eep" was the only reply.

Sandova blinked his eyes to get use to the glare and looked around. He was lying on a couch in something that looked like a homely cottage. Everywhere he looked he saw birdhouses and other critter 'homes', and in the corner was-

"Three questions. One: Where am I? Two: What happened? three: Why is the most adorable little...pegasus? Yes, pegasus. Why is the most adorable little pegasus I've ever seen looking at me like I could suddenly stand up and start eating everyone?"

Cowering in the corner was indeed a little yellow coated pegasus, who looked like it was trying to hide behind its pink mane.

Sandova sat up, morally questionable he might be(he still didn't view himself as evil, although everyone else did), he could not stand to see something so adorable being afraid like that. He got up from the couch and tried to comfort the little thing.

"Hush little one," he cooed. "I mean you no harm."

At this he heard someone talking behind him.

"You can talk? Now that is interesting. Spike, take notes."

"Oh sorry, I didn't mean to scare your pet. My name is-"

When he looked at the source of the voice behind him his jaw dropped. Standing behind him were a purple unicorn and a small purple lizard with green, round spines along its head and back. The unicorn looked at him with what could only be described as utter fascination, while the dragon looked anxious, scared even.

"Uuhm, hi?"

Sandova immediately cringed inwardly at his weak choice of words. You're supposed to be charismatic damnit! Get your act together!

He cleared his throat and tried again.

"Let me rephrase that, my name is Sandova Asphyxious Mirell, mage, scholar and unexpected planar traveler, at your service."

Bandova bowed with a small flourish, while at the same time scanning his surroundings again. He was indeed in a nice little house, and it seemed that small, equine creatures were sentient species on this plane.

"I did not mean to startle your friend, but may I ask what you meant with your earlier question miss..."

"Sparkle," the unicorn answered. "my name is Twilight Sparkle. I am sorry for my apparent rudeness, but I have never seen anything that looked like you. Now that you're awake, do you want to answer some questions? Wait, did you say you were a mage? Does that mean you can cast magic? What is your species called?"

Sandova winced at the sudden barrage of chatter that came from the small unicorn, and he sat down while his head started pounding with equal enthusiasm.

"Slow down please, I am disoriented from my unexpected journey and getting chased by a giant three-headed dog, tripping while running from said dog and hitting my head didn't help my orientation at all. I don't know where I am, and I believe your friend is still terrified of me."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I always get carried away when confronted with something new. You are in Equestria, and the dog that chased you is called Cerberus. He guards the Tartarus Gate, and makes sure nothing escapes. My friend is called Fluttershy, and as her name suggests she's a little shy. You seem nice enough though, doesn't he Fluttershy? Come on, introduce yourself to him."

The yellow pegasus muttered something from behind her mane, so softly that Sandova couldn't understand a word of it. However, he did conclude that she was the most adorable thing he'd ever set eyes on, and it took all of his willpower to not pull her in a big hug, as that would probably startle her more. He nodded at her before crossing his legs and looking at Twilight.

"Now, it seems I have some explaining to do as well. What do you want to know miss Sparkle?"

"Well, what are you exactly? I have never seen a creature like you before."

"'Human', that's the name of my race. I see that we are not common or even nonexistent on this plane, interesting. Anything else?"

"You mentioned being a mage, so you're a spellcaster?"

"Indeed I am, and a good one at that," Sandova grinned.

"So what kind of magic are you capable of? Is it considered something special or can all humans cast magic? Oh spike, do you get all of this?"

The purple lizard nodded, writing furiously.

"The majority of humans are unable to cast spells, lacking either talent or study to do so. But spellcasting itself is actually quite common where I'm from, since there are so many different kinds of magic there are also a lot of different spellcasters out there. Most are grouped together in academies or churches, but some like to work on their own or travel the world in search of answers or fortune. I specialize in the school of necromancy myself, although I know some interesting conjuration and evocation spells as well."

Twilight suddenly looked uncomfortable.

"Necromancy? Isn't that a dark and evil kind of magic?"

Sandova swallowed and decided to act innocent.

"While a lot of necromancy spells are indeed evil, not all are. Besides, it's not the tool but the wielder who is evil in case of bad deeds. Necromancy is the power over negative energy, and can be used in a lot of different ways. While most applications of it include harming or scaring people, it can also be used to prevent one from being affected by negative energy, or anything animated by it. Why, even the holy paladins know one or two necromancy spells."

"And what about you, what kind of necromancer are you?"

Sandova sighed, he knew that it'd come to this as soon as he mentioned necromancy.

"I am called a dread necromancer by ignorant people, because I have a deep and unexplained affinity with negative energy. It probably has to do with the fact that I, and people like me, have a direct connection with the negative energy plane, whether born or gained through direct contact with it. This gives us untold control over said energy, but limits us to spells that utilize negative energy. And while I usually use my powers in self-defense or to help others, a lot of dread necromancers are worthy of the moniker."

A shadow fell over Sandova's face as he remembered Marcus, the unholy monster that introduced Sandova to his connection in the first place.

Twilight looked relieved at his answer though, if still uncomfortable.

"Can I ask you how you got here? You keep mentioning planes and I can't help but wonder if there are other worlds somewhere out there."

Sandova swallowed again. I seems he ended up in a very innocent world, as if made for children or something. It would explain why no hydra skeleton showed up when he tried to summon one, an innocent world like this doesn't have any undead for him to summon. He decided that he would not tell the unicorn the details of his planar travel.

"I was researching planar travel when I stumbled upon a spell that would allow one to cross the planar boundaries, and when I found out I wasn't yet powerful enough to cast it I tried to emulate its effect using a ritual. Something went wrong and I ended up with no control as to where I would end up, and then a magical portal suddenly appeared and I fell through in a flash of light. Which sounds like an overly clichéd way of appearing in another world but hey, what are ya gonna do about it eh? Anyway, I woke up in a big forest with ol' Cerberus standing over me, growling the whole time."

"Why would he do that, he's usually such a good boy."

During the 'interview' Fluttershy had moved closer and was now sitting next to Spike, still trying to avid eye contact.

"Maybe he was surprised, and guard dogs, however big they might be, tend to react aggressively to unknown things."'

"Yes, that might be it. Now I wanted to ask-"

Twilight was interrupted by Spike, who belched a gout of green fire. Out of the fire fell a scroll, which was promptly surrounded in a purple aura.

"A letter from the princess? I'm sorry Sandova but this is important."

She began reading the letter so fast that her eyes became a blur, and Sandova couldn't help but wonder how she managed to do that.

Suddenly Twilight gasped.

"She writes that something has come out of the Tartarus Gate, and that she's coming here to investigate! She should arrive any-"

Twilight was interrupted a second time by a brilliant flash of light. When Sandova's eyes started working again he saw a blindingly white winged unicorn with a flowing mane and tail standing next to Twilight and Fluttershy. This one appeared to be just as tall as he was, and even though he wasn't a cleric Sandova could feel the power emanating from her. He swallowed, because he knew he was in the presence of a deity. A lawful good deity at that. He quickly sank to one knee and bowed his head.

"Divine one, you humble me with your presence."

The goddess on the other hand, narrowed her eyes at Sandova.

"Spare me your honeyed words, spawn of Tartarus. I do not know how you got here or why, but I will send you back before you can harm or corrupt my little ponies."

Twilight's eyes widened.

"Princess, he is only a mage of the human race that came here through accident. He hasn't tried to harm or corrupt us at all."

"Not yet my student, but I felt something come through the Tartarus Gate despite my warding spells, and before me stands a creature that is beyond doubt evil. I can see it in his soul."

"Evil? But he seems so nice."

At this Sandova spoke up.

"I prefer to call it 'morally questionable', for although I do indeed practice evil magics I do done so only to help others or further my understanding of my powers."

"And yet you have the taint of evil on your soul, one who has merely questionable morals has not such a blackened soul."

Although Sandova knew saying anything more would probably incite the wrath of the deity he felt the need to both explain and defend himself, as he had tried so many times before. He would tell her everything, even when doing so would expose him to memories he'd rather forget.

"I can explain, you may not like what I have to say but please let me finish before you decide upon my fate."

"Very well, speak."

"I shall not deny that I am a bad man who has done terrible things, because that would be lying. I have killed many, and used their remains to experiment with my powers. I have raised the dead to do my bidding. I have inflicted untold agony upon some, and finished off people I could have spared. I have even razed an entire village to the ground, helped by foul and dangerous beings. My soul is filled with negative energy, and each day my body prepares itself further for its inevitable journey into undeath."

Sandova sighed as he felt his heart break at the sight of the now terrified Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy. Even the goddess looked astonished at what she was hearing.

"But, I have known far greater evil. As a child I witnessed innocent people butchered and eaten by a man named Marcus. This man had the same connection to negative energy as I do, and realized my potential. He made me watch as he did his grisly work, and I was both fascinated and terrified. He then grabbed me and strengthened my connection to the negative energy plane by filling me with its energy. It nearly killed me. He told me to grow strong and then left me, dying from a disease I did not know I had until its symptoms appeared."

Sandova shuddered at the memory and continued.

"When someone finally found me I was so close to death I could practically feel the veil that separates our world from the afterlife. I was saved and nursed back to health, my family so glad I had survived when the rest of the town didn't. They were out of town that day, and only that saved them from Marcus. I discovered my 'gift' soon after, when I tried to pet the cat and it promptly died. I had become a dread necromancer, and left soon after to protect my family from myself. For years I have wandered and searched to control my powers. I have only turned my powers against evil, but not before I discovered just how terrible my powers really are. But I never raised my hand against innocents, I would rather die than let that happen. Yes I have performed dark deeds, but my sense of justice was strong, and it still is. I have a gift, I can not only understand evil but make it truly realize what it does to people. I have used my powers to remind them just what they did to others, made them suffer like their victims did. First I was ashamed of the pleasure I took from it, but that soon vanished when I encountered people like Marcus. They deserved it, morals be damned they deserve it a thousand times over."

Sandova drew a shuddered breath and looked the goddess straight in the eye.

"It was not after the incident at the village of Havndir that I decided that everyone can shove their 'justice' up their rear and locked myself up in my laboratory. Only coming out to secretly protect the unwilling people when they needed me. I am a bad man, and a bad man doing good deeds is still a bad man to most people. So I live alone and practice sarcasm in my spare time. It was a pleasure knowing you miss Sparkle, miss Fluttershy, mister Spike. I hope haven't traumatized you with my stories, and I wish you a good life."

He nodded at them before looking at the goddess. He stood up and spread his arms.

"Goddess of good and law, I accept every punishment you wish to inflict upon me. I am at your mercy."

Meanwhile Celestia looked stunned. How can anyone suffer such terrible things, let alone inflict them upon others. How can someone meet the very worst the world has to offer, see he has the same power and still strive to eradicate it? This man deserved everything he was going to get.

"Very well, what is your name human?"

Sandova blinked in surprise, then smiled mockingly and bowed.

"My name is Sandova Asphyxious Mirell, spelled with an x and double l so you know how to spell my name on my tombstone. I like marble by the way."

Taken aback by his words Twilight turned to Celestia.

"Princess, you can't kill him. It doesn't matter how bad you think he is, he doesn't deserve that and-"

"No more my student, my mind is made up. He will get what he deserves."

With this she turned to Sandova.

"Sandova Asphyxious Mirell, I hereby sentence you to study the power of friendship, forgiveness and harmony. You will stay with my student and write reports on your findings. You WILL learn the magic of friendship, and see that not everything you do has to be grim and somber."

She smiled and winked at his dumbstruck face.

"Welcome to Equestria."

Author's Note

Second chapter is up, and the first has(hopefully) been purged of mistakes.
I have discovered that your praise is more addicting than the stories on this site, and that's saying a lot. I will try to keep up this speed in posting, but my holiday is over and my study requires time as well.
As you might have noticed I'm using D&D 3.5 as base, since Sandova is my D&D alter ego.
Honourable mention for the prople that guess correctly which god he reveres.

-Sandova

Interlude: Rise of chaos

The figure moved towards the ornate gates, moonlight reflecting from his scar-covered scalp. His journey into the Griffin Empire was a pleasant one, he met five griffins only an hour after he passed the border. Never had he tasted new flesh so soon after entering a new environment. He smiled at the memory.

Before he could admire the extravagant, but deadly, defenses he was met by two griffins in ornate armor.

"Halt! State your name and purpose, creature."

The figure laughed, baring his wickedly sharp teeth. The guards only then noticed the massive sword the figure was holding, it's black edge glinting in the cold light of the moon. He fixed his glowing gaze on the guards, who grew warier by the second, and replied with a single word.

"Death."

The figure moved too fast for something wielding such a large sword, decapitating the right guard before he had time to blink. His partner could only widen his eyes in horror before the figure spun around, using the sword's momentum for a brutal overhand chop that tore the griffins right arm off. The blade embedded itself in the hard ground, showering the area with shards of stone.

The figure moved over to his second victim, noticing that he still had some life in him. The figure smiled at the quickly expanding pool of blood, savoring its smell before smothering the spark of life and drinking the griffin's last breath. Invigorated, the figure used his sword to crush the gates and enter the palace grounds.

After a brief stroll through the palace grounds the figure stood before another set of large doors. He felt slightly disappointed that he didn't encounter more guards on his way there, but he knew that he would find more prey soon. The figure kicked the doors open, breaking the simple lock with brute force alone. He entered a large hallway that was filled with ornate statues and lined with decorative weapons, and it didn't take long for him to see another large double door at the end of the hallway.

He slowly moved towards the doors, noticing two other griffins standing guard. They shouted an alarm when they noticed him, before rushing over to attack him. The first one died screaming in pure terror before he had taken three steps, the other just fell over dead within three feet of his target.

The figure laughed and produced two small gems from a pouch, placing them in the griffins' mouths while muttering in a dark tongue. The flesh slouched off the unfortunate griffins, leaving two skeletons standing at attention before their new master. The figure didn't acknowledge them, weaving intricate patterns through the air instead. A plume of dark smoke appeared before him, leaving hulking figure in its wake.

The figure resembled a desiccated minotaur, strange worm-like growths coiling around its arms and legs. The morgh's tongue lashed in the air before it. A second plume dissipated, revealing something even larger. The skeletal manticore towered over the room's occupants, not moving at all.

The figure grinned, this would be a glorious slaughter!

"Break down that door, then kill every living thing in that room."
~
Emperor Blackfeather sat on his throne, looking almost bored at the cadre of elite soldiers before him. They were standing at attention, disciplined as always, and awaited his verdict. The emperor sighed, no matter how powerful his armies, he knew he had no hope of conquering Equestria. Not when it was protected by no less than two goddesses! Although it would be a blow to national morale the emperor knew that peace with the neighboring country would mean prosperity to his people for generations, if only they could see it that way!

He was abruptly shaken from his thoughts by the alarm call of the guards outside the door. Not hesitating for a moment he grabbed his broadsword and started shouting commands.

"At arms! An enemy has breached the castle!"

He clicked his beak eagerly, finally an enemy that he could face himself! Being emperor in griffin lands meant that he was one of the most accomplished fighters in the castle, since unlike other races griffins lived for battle! It was in their blood, calling for bloodshed at the slightest provocation. As the Royal Guard stood ready emperor Blackfeather flew upwards, preparing to swoop in and taste the blood of whatever entered the room.

Suddenly the doors seemed to explode into the room, showering the first ranks with dust and splinters. The dust hadn't even settled yet before a skeletal claw flattened an unfortunate griffin, spraying his companions with blood and viscera. Out of the dust moved several figures, each one more disturbing then the last. Two griffin skeletons charged out and pounced on the first Guard they saw, closely followed by what seemed a minotaur wrapped in worm-like tentacles. The owner of the claw then sailed through the air, landing amidst a very confused crowd of guards.

"Don't just stand there slack-beaked, kill them!"

Emperor Blackfeather quickly dived towards one of the griffin skeletons, determined to end this monstrosity before more soldiers lost their lives. His sword cracked the floor after smashing the former griffin's bones into pieces. He looked around to see his Guard recovering from the sudden assault quickly, but the damage was already done. Ten Guards had already fallen before the sudden onslaught, and the attackers showed no mercy. While the other griffin skeleton was easily shattered it had torn of the head of a Guard like it was nothing! The manticore proved far more troublesome, its large claws and fangs killing and maiming many before it suddenly disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

The minotaur had also disappeared, but in its wake lay many unmoving Griffins. Some were obviously dying while others simply seemed unable to move. Emperor Blackfeather stood amidst his men, surprised that is was over so soon. It didn't take long for him to hear something moving through the cloud, and quickly spotted a large , bipedal shape getting closer. The silhouette resembled a minotaur, but was far more slender and had no horns. Two glowing spots seemed to lock onto Emperor Blackfeather, and he realized that they were eyes!

Whatever the thing was, it had stopped moving. Emperor Blackfeather cracked his neck and raised his broadsword.

"Whatever you are, stand down and face simple execution. If you choose to remain hostile you shall face the full wrath of the Griffin Empire!"

As one, the Royal Guard stepped around the Emperor and closed in on the shape, weapons drawn and ready. The dust was slowly settling and the mysterious figure came into view. It was tall and broad shouldered like a minotaur but less bulky. Its head was bald and horribly scarred, a manic grin revealing sharp teeth like a shark's. Its eyes were the worst, two bloodshot orbs with fiery red irises that glowed with a sinister light. It was clothed in simple rags, but it held itself with the deadly confidence of a predator.

The Guard advanced slowly but confidently. No matter how terrible this thing looked, it was still on its own. The thing didn't seem bothered by this, chanting in some dark tongue while eying the approaching griffins with what could only be described as hunger.

"And now, let the feast begin!"

The last word came out in a roar, and the thing gestured with a hand at the advancing guard. There was no flash, no dramatic smoke, no indication the thing did anything but chant and gesture. Right until the screaming started.

Some dropped immediately, wizened mummies where once stood proud warriors. More slowly collapsed, their eyes wide as they felt themselves wither away. The thing laughed all the time, seemingly invigorated by the agony and death around it.

The Guard's advance faltered, so the thing took the initiative instead. Hefting his large sword it ran towards the first Guards, eviscerating one and decapitating the other, laughing as it did so. The other Guards recovered quickly and attacked en masse, and some inflicted grievous injury on the thing before they were cut down. The thing seemed hardly bothered, and Emperor Blackfeather saw a steady haze forming around it, flowing from the fallen griffins in its wake.

"Stand clear! It feeds on death, so let me introduce it to her cold embrace."

The Guards responded immediately, getting out of the thing's reach. It didn't respond to Blackfeather at all, instead it kept cleaving through those that couldn't get away quickly enough. But the others were now out of his immediate reach, and Emperor Blackfeather screeched a challenge.

The thing stopped and looked at Blackfeather, only its glowing eyes visible from the black haze around it. A harsh, rasping chuckle emerged from the haze.

"So the big game has decided to enter the hunting grounds, how deliciously brave. Fine, let's see what you can do."

The thing then turned and threw his sword into the surrounding griffins. It cleaved two more in half before embedding itself into the far wall, slowly dripping blood. Blackfeather was astonished, the thing did not possess this kind of strength when it began its onslaught. He shook his head and charged, he could not show afford weakness now!

Blackfeather swung his broadsword and was rewarded by the sound of flesh parting, a large gash briefly visible before the haze obscured it again. The thing snarled and whipped a smoking hand at Blackfeather. Blackfeather ducked under the blow and followed up with another swing, this time severing the tendons of his opponent's left knee. It howled and lashed out again, this time glancing Blackfeather's armor.

The blow was surprisingly weak, and Blackfeather ignored it, swinging his broadsword again. The duel went on like this for several more exchanges, the haze around the thing dissipating as more wounds were inflicted on it. Blackfeather was surprised that the blows struck by the creature had no force behind them. And although a cold numbness did spread where the thing had touched him, Blackfeather felt confident that the duel was his.

Dodging the last desperate swing Blackfeather drove his sword through the thing's chest, stopping its movements. They locked eyes, and Blackfeather saw that the thing was near death.

"And thus ends your rampage, monster. You don't deserve even a merciful decapitation. Now lament your foolishness as you bleed to death."

Blackfeather removed his sword and turned around, folding his wings now that he did not need the extra balance anymore. As the adrenaline faded away he staggered, suddenly feeling cold and weak.

"What? How is this possible!"

Behind him the thing started a rasping laugh, and Blackfeather felt more vitality leaving him. He slowly turned to see the thing rising again, wounds already closing before his eyes.

"Was that it? Disappointing, but adequate enough I guess. Now let me show you real power."

The thing stepped forward and swiftly grabbed Blackfeather's right talon, and tore it off without effort. Blackfeather screamed in agony, and the surrounding guard moved in to end this abomination. The thing responded with slowly rising its hands and breathing in deeply, and Blackfeather felt his vitality getting sucked away.

The first Guard that reached the monster had his head ripped off with a casual flick of the wrist, the second broken in half over its knee. Others followed swiftly, getting torn apart by hand and teeth, or filled with a dark mist from the things hand. In the end, only ten Guards and Blackfeather remained.

The thing stopped its rampage and stalked towards Blackfeather, who felt too weak to even move. It delivered a brutal stomp and broke his spine, then grabbed his throat and lifted him.

"Feel how weak you are, how hopeless and frail. Tremble before a true predator, and notice your insignificance."

It turned its eyes to the remaining Guard, showing off their Emperor like some kind of trophy.

"Look upon the broken body of your fallen Emperor, look upon it and tremble! I am Terminus, devourer of souls, slayer of armies. I am Death incarnate, Terror personified, and I will rule where I walk. There are none alive I cannot crush, there are none dead I do not command! DO.YOU.FEAR.ME?"

The last words came out in a furious roar, and the remaining griffins fell to the floor, groveling and trembling. From the remains of the door the sound of wings could be heard, and another group of Guards entered the throne room. They stopped and looked astonished upon the carnage, the thing holding their Emperor and their comrades groveling before him.

"Ah, just in time to meet your new emperor. Now, if you'll excuse me."

The thing then rammed its other hand through Blackfeather's ribcage and tore his heart out, displaying it proudly before devouring it. Blackfeather's head was torn off next, and Terminus unceremoniously dropped the remains on the floor. He then casually walked towards his sword and pulled it out of the wall, continued towards the throne and sat down.

He looked up to see every present griffin on the floor, bowing in reverence. The ones that witnessed his rampage rose first and started chanting, and the rest soon followed.

"All hail Emperor Terminus, Father of Death, may our enemies tremble before His wrath!"

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay, I had(and still have) a terrible writer's block. I wrote this part ages ago, but I wanted to save it for when the arc was over. I have now decided to change that part a bit. I felt kinda bad for not posting for so long(again), so I decided to post this and wrap the Manehatten arc up in a different way.

Also, this guy is the sole reason that I bumped the rating to mature, I think it speaks for itself. Hope you like it, and I hope to be writing for you all again soon. I have no intention of abandoning this story, I have already thought out a sequal for crying out loud! So have faith, and until the next chapter!

-Sandova 'Asphyxious' Mirell