Flare's Descent to Madness

by tasteless trash

Rating: teen
Tags: Changelings, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Zecora, Human, Main 6, Lyra, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Romance
Length: 7615

Umm, well, this is my first fic, I hope it doesn't ultimatly fail. Flare is from earth, from the year 1459. He is a rouge, who hates the government... Read for more. Rated T for sort of gory, but not like, organs on the floor gory.

It's a bit dark, not really though. So, I hope you read, and enjoy. I have nothing to say here. OH! Yes! Okay, so, here is a small start.

Flare walked along the beaten dirt path that lead around the city. He slipped pass some guards. He was wanted for thievery across the town, with one or two major crimes like murder. It wasn't his fault, he was merely a tool used by his clients, who usually wanted something. Suddenly a bag went over his head, which smelled faintly of potato. He was brought down to the floor. Please don't let it be the guards, please no. Flare blacked out when a rod came down on the back of his head.
He woke up, without constraints, but still with the burlap sack on his forehead. He pulled it off, and suddenly his headache started up. He looked around the room. He noticed a man, who was dressed somewhat noble style, and a list in his hand. He handed Flare the list. Flare sighed and reviewed it. It's not like I'm greeted very better than the way I was... He finished and looked up. Suddenly the man spoke. "I want you to steal these."

Published 2013-01-13 03:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-08-12 17:41:47 UTC

Flare's Unfortunate Start

CHAPTER 1

Flare was in a small room. His client was across the table. "So, let me get this straight..." Flare broke the silence. "You want me to steal... a list of practically worthless items?" He reviewed the list again. There were only 3 items on the list, too... A so called 'bit' (apparently some type of coin...), a saddle (which was apparently a strange hue of grey that looked like they spent ten seconds coloring it...), and the only interesting item, which was a stupid feather. But it was a quite specific one. It had to be an exact shade of light blue, and must have feathers that go down, not up. He sighed, and Flare's contractor just nodded. Flare leaned back. "Honestly, I'm considering not taking this job. It's just not big enough, so I cannot accept so little pay." Flare was wondering if it was a good idea not accepting or not.

The contractor suddenly spoke. "I'm willing to offer you about... 600 gold coins." Flare leaned forward, his attention now caught by this offer. That's way to much... I expected around 50 for such a small job, and even that is a little bit too much. Do I accept...? Flare pondered the offer, and then hastily accepted. Flare wondered why the offer was so much though. Too much fuss for such small items...

Flare left the room, and then looked at the list. He needed the normal gear for this job. His 'normal gear' consisted of; A sword, gloves, a knife, 3 small boxes of provisions (each consisting of a main course, usually some sort of nasty, thin soup that tasted like flavored water... and then some impure water.), a crossbow and bolts, and a small tinderbox. He expected not to need half of it, but he couldn't really take chances. He also wore a suit of scale mail under his cloak. He went to his hideout, and grabbed the required gear. He slunk through the streets of Celia, his town of birth. He eventually reached the house, and saw a path up to the window, involving ivy, a small wood pole on the side, and some metal grates. He started the quick and short, but tough climb.

Flare jumped up to the ivy, barely grabbing a strong part. It started to rip, so he grabbed with the other hand. The ripping stopped, now that his weight was balanced. He pulled himself up the ivy. He got footholds along the stones the ivy resided on. He climbed up and then jumped and grabbed the pole with both hands, midair. He almost slipped, but his gloves saved him. He reached over to the metal grate, and grabbed it. He rose, and managed to get his feet on the pole. He crouched, and jumped through the open window. He rolled when he hit the ground, as not to make noise. He rose, and then surveyed the medium sized room. There was a small circle, with the bit in the middle. He slunk over to it, and grabbed the shining bit. He saw the saddle.

Flare looked around it. No protections, nothing. He lifted it and pulled it, then put put it in the brown bag he had. He then looked for the feather. It was nowhere in sight! He searched everywhere. Suddenly, his eyes rested on a pillow. He grabbed it, and searched for the feather. It was in the back, obviously meant to be hidden. He put it in the bag. Then he heard something. He instinctively ran into a room. He closed the door and locked it. As he turned around to find an escape route, he saw a large arch. It suddenly started to glow on every crack. He witnessed the middle suddenly start to swirl, and become green. He started to be dragged. He grabbed on the handle of the door, attempting not to be pulled in the portal. Suddenly, it yanked. He flew in the portal. He felt himself being bent, but not actually. He swirled, and fainted from the bending feel.

Flare woke up. He was... on the ground. It was grassy. He got up. Where was he? He examined his surroundings. He was in a forest, which was very dark. There was limited light, and he looked at the source. It was a small opening in the trees. He walked through. There, he was greeted by an expansive town. He ran down the raised hill, and looked around. He started to trek into town. Suddenly, he was struck on the back of the head. Some sort of club. He got incredibly dizzy, and blacked out. The last thing he remembered was seeing a sign that read 'Ponyville.'

Flare woke, for the second time. He was upright, his arms being held up. He was still dizzy. He saw a blurred, but dim light. His view focused. He it was a torch, on the wall. He tried to put his arms down, but the were being held up by metal restraints. He realized he had no footing, but his legs were restrained too. He started to panic. This looked a lot like a torture cell he had been in before. Suddenly... a... pony came in. Flare was startled when it spoke. "Oh, it looks like you're awake." Flare demanded to be put down. "Sorry, we can't do that. We still need to examine you." Flare shook, but could not escape the chains. Suddenly, a masked pony came in the room. He had a cart full of...

Torture tools. Flare shook violently. He yelled. Suddenly, two guards came in. They were escorting... an alicorn! The alicorn spoke. "So, the prisoner has woken?" The two masked ponies nodded. The alicorn introduced herself. "I am Princess Celestia." Flare hung his head. He was being taken prisoners to ponies... The princess turned to the masked ponies. "You may start the examination." The ponies grabbed tools. They walked over to Flare, and made a small cut on his arm. Blood dripped off. He tensed his muscles, and let out a small groan. They identified him as human. They caught some blood, and filled up a small vial. Flare loosened up after his blood clotted around the cut and his bleeding stopped. Then, they asked him where he came from. The princess just watched.

"Earth..." They nodded. They asked for more of an answer. "What do you mean?" They made a tiny cut, and Flare spoke again. "Ok, okay! I come from the town of Celia!" They asked him about his job. "I'm... not allowed to discuss that." They cut again. "Okay! I'm a thief... okay? Just... stop..." Suddenly, a guard came in. "Princess! There is a letter for you, from Twilight Sparkle!" The princess left with her guards, and so did the masked ponies, dubbed by Flare as the 'Masks'. Flare watched as they left. He sighed. He remembered the portal. And his... oh no, his 600 gold coins...

Flare's Plunge into Darkness

Flare woke, his arms suspending him by the chains. He had been there for... a span of time. He had lost track, considering he couldn't tell when the day passed... his best guess was about two weeks. It had been how his old questionings (on earth) had been. There was a question asked, he resisted answering, and he was cut until he would say. He had cuts everywhere. There was an especially large gash, from when he resisted a bit too much. He felt like crying practically. He only stole 3 things, and now he was being tortured by ponies. He saw a pony come in. It was one of the Masks. He sighed, preparing to be interrogated. "Guess what?" The Mask spoke, and stared at a knife on the cart of tools.

If it's that I'm allowed to leave, go ahead.

"No more questions!" The mare laughed. Flare perked up. Does that mean I get to leave? I guess I'll have to list- "It's time to start the checkup!" What?! What's that!? It's not... oh no... they're not going to let me go... "So, there are 3 things we do. First we examine your health. Then we examine your mental health. Lastly, we examine your organs." Flare's mouth fell open. He shook his head.

"No... NO!" He strained at his restraints. The mask on the mare seemed to be laughing. He shook around. He fell limp. He started to tear up. The pony left, going to get his tools most likely. Right now, all he knew was he was in Equestria, where there were ponies and variants of ponies, and some other species rarely. He shook at his restraints. Suddenly, he heard a squeak. There was a black rat, and it was gnawing at the leg restraints. The legs were rope, which seems to mean... The rat could gnaw through! He watched the rope snap, and the leg was now mobile. He saw the rat go on to the other one. The rope snapped, and he could now move both legs. He touched the ground and for the first time in 2 weeks, things got better. He kicked up the knife on the cart. It flew towards him, and he managed to catch it with his mouth. It fell, however, and he had to kick another one up.

He caught it and secured it in his mouth this time. He lifted with his arms, and picked one lock with it. It worked, and came undone. He saw the bruise on his arm. He grabbed the knife, and picked the lock on the other much faster than the first. He fell, and still holding the knife, went behind the door. A minute later, the pony came in and saw he was gone. It was too late, though. Flare grabbed a sleep drug, and injected it in the pony. The pony turned around, but instantly stumbled. The mare fell to the ground, asleep. Flare slunk through the door. The lights were bright compared to the dim torch in his room. He went back in the room, and grabbed his pile of stuff. He managed to get everything, and get his armor on. He grasped his sword, and bolted towards a window. He slid it open. There was a fountain below, and he jumped down. He grabbed on a wooden pole, however, when he saw that there was no depth to the fountain. He slid down the rocks, in the shadow of night, which he was glad about.

He grabbed a laundry line, and managed to touch the ground. He let go, and slunk next to the fountain. Flare then dashed through the gate. He suddenly heard the alarms ring. They had obviously found him gone with a pony there instead. He slunk along the walls. There was still a town to get through. He slunk across the wall, then jumped on a house's roof from a small overhang. He jumped from house to house, and then managed to get to the other side. He slid down a pole, and jumped down next to the final gate. He ran through, and got to a cliff. He went down to a railroad track. He looked down the path. He started to walk, and then, he jumped down a small portion, and slid across the rock. He'd walk to where there was a small fall again, then jump again. He continued this, furthering his plunge into darkness. He was now a rouge in 'Equestria' too. He sighed heavily.

What else am I good for?

Flare's Chance to Sanity

Flare gazed down at the forest, and the village beyond. He looked down across the area, and saw a small light. He stared for a second, and it dimmed. He examined it to be a medium shade of green. He started towards it. Then he went into a dash. He, however, kept his hand on his sword. He was most likely going to see a pony, who may be a bit weird about it. He hit the edge of the forest, and hesitated. Would it be smart? He shook off the thought. He ran in, wondering if it would be the last thing he did.

Flare came to a clearing. There were leaves falling through the dark. Suddenly, a bright green light blinded him. Oh no I can't see anything. His eyes accustomed to he raw light, and it eventually died down as well. He saw a pot in the distance. There was a... zebra next to it. The zebra looked at him, and spoke. "You are the one, you must not be having fun." Flare was startled and happy at the same time. He wasn't being treated like some sort of... beast. "If you want to leave, then first the elements you will need."

Flare inquired about the so called 'elements, being quite unknowing on the subject...' "What are these... elements?" It seemed this conversation went on until early sunrise. He got multiple things out of this, all in rhyme. He needed to find and steal (his specialty) The Elements of Harmony, being held by 6 ponies.

He would find it easiest in this order: First, Fluttershy, a shy pegasai. Then, he was to steal from Rarity, a noble living style unicorn. Then, it went to Pinkie Pie, a party pony of sorts. Then, it got harder. He was to steal from Rainbow Dash, a rash and fast pegasai. Then he needed to steal from a pony named Applejack. Then, lastly, it would be Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's student, a masterful unicorn who's special skill is magic.

Flare set off towards the village of Ponyville, after saying his goodbye to the odd Zecora. It had been short, because he only had a week until he was required on Earth again. He had a large meeting with the guild of thieves. Anyway, back to the road, Flare came to the edge overlooking the town again.

He examined the area, hopeful to find the small house that Fluttershy lived in. He supposed it wasn't really to be much of a hassle, stealing from someone so shy. Flare spotted the house, somewhat far away, and started to sneak in the direction. He saw a pony and sunk into a ally-way. There must be some easier way to sneak around... Maybe I need to stay to the ally-ways a bit more... Flare went from ally-way to ally-way.

He finally arrived at the small cottage. He ran towards the edge of the chicken coop. He climbed on top. He jumped on the main building, and looked for a window. He saw only one open window, and jumped down on a wood pole above the window. He slid in the window.

There were some stairs leading to the second floor, where the element was. He had to hope the pony was not there. He tiptoed up the stairs, and then he looked around a corner. There was a pony, who was holding some sort of... necklace. The necklace! That was the element of kindness. Flare prepared his blade. He dashed in, and the pony seemed incredibly surprised, then pulled herself together. He walked towards her, and pulled his blade slightly off it's scabbard.

"I'm going to need to demand that element."

"No. Princess Celestia says you are evil!"

Flare pulled his blade out, and grabbed his knife and drew it as well. The pony slightly shook. Suddenly, she looked at his eyes. And then, she stared. But not a normal stare.

The Stare.

Flare's First Element

As the pony stared into his eyes, he fell to his knees. It felt like his soul was being ripped up by the eyes, devouring his being. He couldn't break the unforgiving gaze. As the world came victim to darkness, Flare suddenly felt like he was being submerged in water, and was sinking into the depths.

He hit a soft sand ground. He felt calm for little more than 5 seconds. Then his air started to run out. He looked from side to side, and started to swim as hard as he could up.

He hit the surface, and felt the water, but it wasn't there. The only thing he could see was himself. He felt the utter calm of the water. Not a ripple. He was completely dry, but he still felt water. Suddenly, a door appeared. He swam towards it, and then he attempted to climb in. It was higher than the surface, but not by too much. After a while, he managed to get in.

It seemed like nothing, but, on the spur of the moment, it turned full on white. He was startled when the door slammed behind him. It faded into white, and then became more and more transparent. It disappeared. He was in complete whiteness.

Suddenly, a man in black clothes appeared. He had a cloak. When he pulled it off, Flare took a step back, and drew his sword. It was... himself. An exact copy, up to a small scar on his face. The other him pulled his blade, seeming unsurprised.

They both sat there a moment. Phony (which Flare had named the copy) suddenly came in for a strike. He struck Flare's sword, and the familiar clash of metal on metal rang out, pumping Flare's blood.

Flare struck down on Phony, and Phony instantly countered the attack. Flare countered that attack, and then that was countered. They had the exact same fighting style, and could not score a hit on each other, not even one. They both were getting exhausted, and this battle was going nowhere at all. Flare jumped back for what seemed like the 30th time, and then contemplated his next move.

What do I do? I could keep on this until one of us gets lucky, but what if he is the one to get lucky?

Flare decided to do something his instructor forbade him to do, and managed to get in a bad position. He suddenly raked across, and saw the physical damage happen to Phony. Suddenly, Flare felt the exact pain that he had caused. He was shocked by the pain. Then he got hit on the arm, and was forced to let go of his blade.. His blade clattered on the ground.

He got kicked on the floor by Phony, who now had an advantage. Flare was kicked again, and he got on his knees. He coughed up blood. It stained the whiteness. He reached to his blade, but Phony stepped on his hand. He felt pain, and coughed up blood again. He looked up at himself.

I'm going to kill myself. Great.

Flare realized that the cut across earlier that he had managed in, and felt the pain, wasn't physical. He grabbed his undrawn knife. He coughed up more blood. He suddenly yelled, and brought his knife off his side and into Phony. He felt the excruciating pain. He sat there, and then pulled out his blade. Phony fell to the ground, completely dead. Flare suddenly felt himself on his knees, back in reality. He climbed to his feet, and with his head down, spoke. "What was that?"

Fluttershy sort of gasped. What, didn't expect me to live? Suddenly, he coughed up blood. He realized all the injury caused directly to him was real now. Flare walked towards the pony, slowly, and with his head down. He ripped off the element. The pony gasped again, as if the sudden movement startled her. He walked to a window, and kicked the glass. He slid out, and rolled to soften the impact. He rolled, and then ran towards the Everfree. He came into a clearing, and fell. He looked at the necklace, and put it in his bag. He pulled out his map. The next target was Rarity, for generosity.

1 out of 6 elements, Kindness obtained.

Flare's Attempt for The Second

Flare opened up his rations. He sighed and stared at the soup longingly, wishing for better. He had done a job once, and it payed enough for him to buy the materials to make these. He grabbed the makeshift spoon he had carved.

It had been a week since he had gotten the Element of Kindness, and he had to hide, due to the fact that they were on high alert. They couldn't identify where he was to strike next. They also had heavy defense around Ponyville. There was a reward for capture, a punishment for harboring him...

Flare learned about 2 days ago that there was a festival of some sorts coming up. He couldn't remember the name, but it was apparently going to bring some ponies to the town. He had to wait out longer.

Flare started drinking the thin soup. He wished for some sort of thick, rich, creamy soup with beef and vegetables... And then some pure water instead of his contaminated vial of nastiness. He saw a rabbit a little ways away. He pulled out his crossbow, pointed, and fired. It hit the rabbit, and Flare grabbed it and prepped a fire. He cooked it on a spit.

As he finished cooking it, he minced it, and ground it. He put the now hearty and most likely tasty meat into the soup. He found some vegetation from a nearby farm, which was plentiful. He got back to camp, and put them in the soup too.

He looked at the bowl, and took a taste. It was amazing compared to the thin, plain soup before. Now all he wanted was cream, or even some clean water.

He finished the soup, and put the bowl away. He stood, and smothered his fire. He decided to throw some greens in the fire, and make smoke. Then he ran to the edge of town, jumped on a house, and watched the fire. He heard guards gallop to the fire, and then he dashed into the village.

He hid in alleys, and then he saw the boutique. He dashed towards it, hiding every once in a while, and then climbed in the window.

He pulled a blade from his side, and looked around. His mouth dropped. He dashed around, looking at all the gems... there was at least 3 on every dress. He searched a chest. There was piles upon piles. He drooled at them. He wanted them so badly... He shook his head, and sighed. I'm here for the element...

He dashed upstairs, and saw the pony. The elegant pony obviously was well groomed, and her hair was twisted everywhere. He took a step towards the pony. Suddenly, some cloth shot out at him. He slashed at it, and it fell to the ground.

The pony's horn had a faint aura around it. He charged, and was pushed back by some unknown force. He hit a wall, and pulled himself up, clutching his injured arm. He was hit square in the chest by a roll of fabric. He threw it to the side, and dashed again.

He tripped over a small barrier created with chairs, and fell. He watched as his sword clattered away. He pulled his knife, and suddenly the sword rose. It started to come towards him. He started to dash towards the pony. Suddenly, his sword flew right next to him, and then out the window.

He growled at the pony. He was now close enough to grab the element. He leaped, and grabbed on impact with the ground. He got up, and ran towards the window. He leaped out, and fell. He rolled on impact, and grabbed his sword. He dashed toward the forest.

He reached the forest, and found himself at a cliff. He slid down to a rocky platform. He gazed at the sun, on the horizon. He looked at the element. He put it in his bag. Well, I have Kindness and Generosity.

Two retrieved, four left.

Flare's Implantation

Flare came into the town, and saw ponies all around. He gazed at what seemed to be a hospital. Suddenly, he ran in to somepony. Thank goodness I'm disguised...

He looked at the pony, who in normal cases he would have scolded. Suddenly, he realized this was the pony Pinkie Pie. It seemed as soon as he was going to speak, the pony shot up in the air and let out a gasp.

"Oh, are you new!? Of course you are, I know everypony, so if you're new, I need to meet you! Hah, that rhymed!" Suddenly she pulled out a box from heaven knows where, and it started playing music. She sang along to it.

After it was over, confetti shot out of a metal box, and out of tubes shot batter, or something. It got everywhere, including all over Flare, who was not amused.

"So, will you be my friend?!"

"Um, sure..." He gazed away for a second, knowing he was only going to have to steal the element. I guess I could do it in human form, and retain my cover here.

The pink pony burst with joy. He headed into town, and after seeing a inn, he realized he had no money. He looked around. I'll need a job of sorts...

He saw a few stalls, and a library. That's where Twilight Sparkle lives, I really need to find a way to get in... His brain did a flip-out, and he realized he could get a job there...

He came in the library, and saw a pony ferociously studying. Is that Twilight Sparkle? "Uhh, is this the library?"

The pony flipped around, seemingly slightly annoyed by the interruption. She sighed, and said "Yeah..."

"Umm, I was wondering if you needed any workers..." Flare shuffled his... hooves. It was hard to get used to the disguise.

The pony took this into consideration. She finally spoke. "Well, Spike works here sort of, but it would be great to have someone work here full time."

Flare smiled. But then the pony spoke again. "So what's your name?" Flare gazed to the side.

"It's... Flare Flames." Thank goodness nobody knew his name. He could us his real name freely...

"Okay, when can you start work Flare Flames?" He thought.

"Actually, I can start today." They came to an agreement of 3 bits a hour, for on average 8 hours a day, overtime allowed, and Flare got to work.

After a boring day of sweeping and shelving books, Flare got his 24 bits. He headed to the inn from earlier. It apparently was 5 bits a night. He payed and decided to go to sleep, only after enjoying a small dinner. He had soup... but a thick soup.

He woke the next morning. He rubbed the necklace, or even his sword. It was uncomfortable sleeping as a pony, but he had no choice. What if some cleaning pony came in while he slept?

He went outside after his complimentary breakfast. He had... bread. After that, he went to work.

Flare's Leap of Faith

Flare woke to a crash of thunder. The wind blew across the hills. It was a dark night. He was in his pony form, in the inn. He had a bit of money now, and he was now slightly known across town. He got out of his bed, and looked at his amulet.

It had been a week since he received his amulet. He decided he would attempt for the Element of Laughter today. Thunder crashed, and lightning flashed all over the place. It was one strong storm. The element was owned by Pinkie Pie, the party pony that had greeted him in pony form.

He put on his cloak, and took off towards the market. He bought an apple, and after eating it, took off towards Sugarcube Corner. He opened the door, and lightning flashed across the night. He saw his silhouette across the empty shop, and then walked in. He spoke.

"Scorto Molenka!" He flashed, his amulet became a sword and he became human. He looked around. There was a counter, and some stairs a little bit away. He went to the stairs.

As he climbed the stairs, lightning and thunder crashed. He saw a sign over a door labeling it Pinkie's room. He slowly opened the door.

The pony was sleeping. Phew. Now where is that element...? He looked around, and then located it... on the pony. He sighed. As he sneaked over, he analyzed how to steal it. He attempted to take it of without waking the pony.

Suddenly the pony's eyes shot open. Crap. She gasped, and bucked him off. He slammed across the room, and slid across the floor, luckily on his feet. He readied his sword, and the pony got up.

He dashed towards her, and was dodged. He ended up falling on the bed, and quickly span around. He jumped, and attempted to catch the pony again. He hit a wall, and flipped around. He caught his breath. The pony had it's chance. He got bucked in the stomach.

He fell to the floor, aching. He got up though. Then he dashed again. As he was bucked, his sword kind off cut a hoof. He hit a wall, and was crouched over. He clutched his sword.

As he looked up, he saw the pony looking at it's cut. Pinkie's face was filled with worry. Suddenly, her hair decided to deflate. It was now very flat and the pony looked at him.

"Why would you cut me? That HURT!" She seemed highly angry. He ran towards her, and she was out of the way. He stopped and turned around. Suddenly a pony came on top of him. As he hit the ground, he kicked her off.

She practically snarled at him, and came at him. He went to the side of the line of fire. The pony ran by, and hit the wall. She charged again, and the same events followed. Once more, she snarled and charged. He, this time, snatched the element as she ran by.

He was tackled, and the element flew across the room. The pony ran for it, but Flare tripped her. He scrambled up and ran for it, and was kicked in the side. He flew a foot, and slammed on the ground. He saw the pony go for it, and dashed towards her.

He slammed into the pony. As they flew into a wall, Flare stopped himself. He dashed towards the element. The pony got to it at the same time as him. He saw as the pony layed a hoof on it. He pushed the hoof away, and grabbed it. He jerked it away, and the pony hit his arm.

The element flew a little bit away, and Flare pushed the pony to the side. He was gasping, and grabbed the element and stood. He looked at the pony, a few meters away, and decided to flee with the element.

He broke the window, and jumped out. The pony came to the window. "RAUGH!" She screamed. He ran off, and found cover. He changed into a pony in an ally. He put the element under his cloak. He took of towards his current living space.

As he arrived at the inn, he reviewed. He now had 3 elements, with kindness, generosity, and laughter.

Three left, three secured.

Flare's Fight to Victory I

Flare woke. He had a splitting headache. He also probably had a few large injuries from that fight. It seemed to be getting tougher and tougher. His next target was to be either Rainbow Dash or Applejack. He held three elements, and his amulet of transformation.

He pulled an apple out, and sighed. It wasn't possible for him to eat meat, considering ponies would see him either leave town or see him order it, awkwardly. But he wasn't starving, like he usually was on Earth.

Flare looked around the room he was staying in. It was nice. There was a bed, a wardrobe, and some... heat source. He opened the door and walked into the hall.

As he looked around the hall, he noticed a pony. He waved, and the pony waved back. He was glad for the transformation jewel, and then he went down the stairs.

He came into the lobby, to see some sort of... gathering. There were pegasai, unicorns, and earth ponies alike. He pushed his way through the crowd, and got out the door.

Usually there isn't that much crowding... He trotted down the streets, remembering it was time for work. As he came into the library, he noticed that Twilight was reading a book.

"Watcha' reading?" She looked absorbed in the book, and seemed not to notice him. He went to work, shelving and sweeping. A pony came in.

"Mail call!" The pony shouted. Flare came up, and noticed the eyes of the carrier. What the...? Her eyes seemed to look in... two directions at once. He couldn't tell which was actually in the correct place.

"Umm... I'll take that..." Flare stammered, and grabbed it. The pony looked dead at him, with both eyes. They then slowly fell away.

"Here's a muffin, free of charge!" Flare took it, and shuffled his hooves.

"Th-th-thanks..." He looked at the muffin in his hooves.

The pony flew away. What was that? I'm really wondering about that... He went back to sweeping. Twilight finally put the book down.

"Done!" The pony announced. Flare was slightly startled.

"What was that book?" Flare asked.

"Just reading the last of the new books that arrived yesterday. That was one about humans..." Flare kind of gazed to the side. He was wondering if Twilight would find out he was human or not.

Suddenly a pony burst in the library. It was a pony, with a cutie mark of a lyra. Flare looked over, and the pony shouted. "Is the book on humans in?" She looked at Twilight.

"Calm down, Lyra!" Twilight reassured. "The book is in, and available." Lyra checked out the book. As she left, Flare inquired about the pony. "Oh, that was Lyra, one of the town's musicians. She is kind of crazy over anthropology."

Flare gazed out the window. A storm brewed on the horizon. Twilight noticed this, and said "Yeah, the pegasai had to plan on a large thunder storm tomorrow."

As work ended, Flare received his pay. He walked down the streets of Ponyville. He suddenly was approached by a small pony.

"Umm, 'Scuse me mister, you wanna buy some apples?" Suddenly a pony came over.

"Apple Bloom, what have I told you about harrasin' stangers?" The pony shook her head. "Pardon me and my sister, my name is Applejack."

Flare looked around. "And my name is Flare Flames. Actually, do you mind if I buy some apples?" The pony and her sister lightened up.

"Sure, how many do you count on buyin'?" Flare looked at his current bits. He decided on 6.

"Do you mind if I buy 6?" The pony shook her hatted head. Flare payed, and got the apples and was on his way. He realized during that entire thing, the pony wore the element.

He decided on fighting Applejack for the element. He was going to do it at... midnight. As he arrived back at the inn, there were still several dozen ponies there.

He got a glimpse of what they were looking at. It was a pony. They were talking about her, using the name Photo Finish. Flare went to his room, and made sure he was to get a wake up at midnight.

Flare started to doze off. His mind rushed though. He wondered how earth was faring. He fell victim to sleep, and the world faded.

Flare's Fight To Victory II

    Flare woke up to a pony knocking at his door. He called out; "Thanks!" to the pony. He got up off his bed. He put on his armor, and headed out. The streets at night were bare of any action, and as Flare walked down, lightning cracked, very far in the distance.

    He arrived at a barn. He looked at the apples. They would be so easy to steal... Flare sighed, knowing he was to get in for the element and get out. Suddenly, a pony entered the barn. He slipped in behind the pony, after changing into a human and transforming his necklace to sword form.

    He realized it was Applejack, the holder of the element of honesty. Flare slunk behind her, but suddenly the pony reared up on her front legs, and bucked Flare dead in the stomach. Flare flew at a post, and slammed into it. He fell on the ground, multiple shards of the cracked pole in his back.

    He got up and pulled the shards out. He grunted, and ran again. He dodged the hooves this time, but as he was about to grab the element, he was smacked with a hoof.

    He went tumbling forward, and fell on the, thankfully, soft ground. He got up. The pony dashed towards him at an incredible rate. He tried to dodge, but the pony managed to hit his leg. He fell, and climbed up again, hoping to be ready this time.

    Flare pulled out his crossbow. Flare loaded on a bolt. He barely missed the charging pony. He aimed, and as the pony stopped, he shot.

   It made it's mark, not on Applejack, but the element. It hit the wall with the element hanging on it. As the pony attempted to retrieve it, Flare also dashed towards it. He kicked the pony, and it fell a bit. Flare snatched the element.

   As he took it, he was hit in the legs. He fell back, the pony on top of him. He rolled, and the pony was under him. He was back under in a moment, with another roll. He kicked away, and ran towards the door. Suddenly, he was flung forward, and flew out the door and on his knees. He tried to get up, but the pony hit him again.

    Flare fell on his face. He lay there, as his muscles ached as much as his head. He was rolled over. The pony was on top of him, in the darkness. She put her hoof on his chest.

    Flare grabbed the hoof, and pushed it away. He once again struggled up. He got up, and dodged the hurtling pony. Flare ran into the trees. He slipped on an apple lying on the ground.

    Flare rolled to avoid the pony again. She dashed by. Flare jumped up. He started to climb a tree. The pony pulled him back down. He grabbed dust and threw it in the pony's eyes. He dodged behind a tree, and quickly morphed his sword into a necklace.

    Flare changed into a frog, hoping to avoid any more fighting. The pony looked around. "Dagnabit!" The pony trudged away. As soon as she left, Flare changed back. He sighed and looked at his new element.

    As he started his trudge home in pony form, Flare chewed on an apple. Suddenly, he ran into a pony. "Oh, I'm sorry!" Flare apologized. He realized it was Lyra.

    "Oh, no, I apologize. Say, do you know the way to the hotel?" Flare nodded.

    "Yeah, I'm actually headed there now."

    "Thank you! I need to meet a friend there." She followed him to the hotel.

    "Well, goodbye." Flare went up to his room. He looked over his four elements. Generosity, Kindness, Laughter, and now Honesty. Flare fell on his bed. He had splinters in his back, bruises, and cuts all over, luckily none on his face.

Flare's Blade

Flare walked down the street of Ponyville. He brushed past some ponies. As he walked down the street, he heard some yelling behind him. As he turned around, Flare was knocked over. He hit the ground and groaned. He got up and shook his head. He looked at the other pony, ready to get slightly mad.

Flare realized it was Lyra. Flare apologized. "I'm so sorry... Lyra is it?" The pony got up.

"Oh I'm sooooo sorry! Can I apologize?" She seemed embarrassed by this. Flare realized he was blushing.

"Oh, no, the fault is all mine. Anyways, why were you running?" Flare inquired of this.

"Oh, there was a friend I was going to meet here." Flare heard a voice behind him. He turned around to a pony.

"Hey, Lyra! What's up with this stranger?" She greeted them both.

"Oh, Bon-Bon! Yeah, I kind of ran into him." She explained.

"Which was all my fault!" Flare chimed in. "Can I apologize by buying you some ciders?" They agreed on this, and got ciders. It filled his mouth with a delicious taste. Flare left, and picked up two apples on the way home. Flare arrived in his room. Suddenly, a bird arrived at his window.

It flew in, and flashed. He was greeted by a Changeling. "Message for you." The Changeling gave him a letter. He opened it. It was a letter from the queen.

Hello, Flare.

I have found much info that may help you. You can use this to retrieve the other elements of harmony. I hope this can help your adventure. And one more thing! Your sword, it is no normal sword. It is the sword Elbrus, The Binding Blade. This has been passed through your family, and it is slightly magical. It can transform into other weapons, like a dagger. This should help with this, I have attached instructions. That is all the info I can bestow upon you at this time. If I receive any other information, I will make sure that you can recieve it.

Good luck,

Changeling Queen.

The changeling had flown away. Flare did a quick read of the instructions. Flare grabbed the blade. As he turned into a human to put it on, he realized something. His hand... was messed up. It was black. It could only be described as Changeling. He put a glove on it. If I want to get back, I have to deal with side effects of tools.

He grabbed his sword, and with the blade brightly glowing, changed it into a dagger. His mouth gaped at this. He looked at the harsh light and transformed Elbrus into an ax. It worked!

He switched it into a dagger, and attached it to his normal dagger sheath. He put the old dagger in his makeshift bag. He decided with this new ability, he could take on the next holder of the elements of harmony.

Flare's Fitting In

Flare woke to a chirping bird. Shut up, bird face. He stretched, and got up. He climbed up the wall after grabbing his things, and got onto solid ground. He looked at a bird, chirping. This will teach you to wake me... He shot it with his crossbow. It fell.

He saw a small light in the distance, it was greenish.Zecora...? He walked towards it. As he arrived in a small clearing, he noticed a creature... It looked black. Then he saw 2, then 3, then an army of them. They surrounded a queen. It was a meeting of sorts.

"Changlings! It is our time to destroy Ponyville, and then we will go back to Canterlot with no interference." Flare spoke up.

"Excuse me, who are you?" The changlings looked at him. The queen turned.

"It is as foretold! There would be a human, here to help!"

"Uh, excuse me, Miss Changling Queen? I have no idea."

"You are Flare, correct?"

"Well, yeah, but I have no idea..."

"That is okay! We are supposed to teach you something..."

"What would that be?"

"How to change!"

Suddenly, rows upon rows of Changlings flashed, and when he looked back and the flashed area, there were a bunch of... humans.

His mouth fell open. Do that? How? "What do you want in return?"

The Changling Queen smiled. "We only need the elements when you are done with them."

Flare rose his eyebrows. This was a great help! If he could transform, he wouldn't have to sneak around. He  spoke. "Deal! I will give them after I finish using them to get home."

He was given a gem. It glowed in his hand. He pulled it to his sword. It seemed there was an exact slot for the gem... He put it in. It glowed, and his sword turned into an amulet with a quick jerk. He gazed at a small inscription on it. 'Scorto Molenka' it read. He spoke the words.

"Scorto Molenka!"

His amulet turned back into a sword, now with diffrent words. 'Edunea' it read.

"Edunea!" It changed again, into an amulet. He smiled. He put on the amulet. "So, how do I transform?" The Changling Queen smiled.

"I'm afraid that comes with a day of training."

Flare spent the rest of the day attempting to change, with guidance from the Queen. The sun finally fell.

"Okay, so I can do this..." He felt himself surge with energy. He suddenly flashed, and looked around. He was at a different angle now. He looked at his hands. They weren't there, replaced by hooves. He looked in a pool. He saw a pony staring back. He laughed.

He had peach-skin colored fur, hair, whatever it was, and his mane was red. He looked at his so called "cutie mark." It was a blade. He zapped with his transmutating skills on his loose armor, and it changed to a cloak. He pulled the hood down.

He looked at the queen. "I will do thy bidding." The next day, he headed to Ponyville, disguised.

I'm ready.