Chapters The Collapse of Equestria: The Two Humans
Chapter 2
Arcus kept staring at the moon and its magnificent light. It made him feel good for some reason, calm, relaxing..
"Arcy?" said Pinkie.
"Yes?" replied Arcus.
"You said the shadows were a race, right?" asked Pinkie.
"Well, in a way. You see, they’re a virus at first. They take over bodies and use them as puppets. The puppets will infect others and when there is an outbreak, they will activate," he said.
"Activate?" Pinkie asked, tilting her head.
"Yes, there IQ becomes better and they do what they are told. They turn into an army. We would call then infected soldiers, but if an infected soldier eats a lot or is kept alive for a long period of time, then their DNA completely changes. So they are not human anymore, they’re a new race," Arcus said.
"And their called the Shadows?"
"Well no. That's what we call them though," replied Arcus. “If this ship gets here. It might have fully mutated infected soldiers. We call them, Elites."
"So, they just go on their own?"
"No, they are controlled by someone. I don't remember his name, but he is on that ship."
Arcus looked away from the moon and started feeling light headed. "Arcy, what's wrong?"
"I don't know... I feel light headed all of the sudden."
Pinkie stepped back from Arcus with a worried look "Are you going to be ok?"
Arcus fell to the floor, slowly fading out of consciousness.
"CHARGE!" yelled a voice.
Arcus found himself running towards a group of infected soldiers. Their bodies glowed a deep red. There was about a million of them. Arcus was wearing power armor, also carrying two pistols.
As he turned his head, he noticed about a hundred other people charging with him. They too were wearing power armor. He remembered these men. A few of them will make it back to base by the end of this night.
The sound of cannons going off filled the air with smoke and a metallic taste of gunpowder. Arcus felt a sharp pain to his chest. He tripped and fell noticing a lot of blood. His armor had a big hole in its chestplate. The pain was intense. He looked at his surroundings. Some of the units were injured from the blast as while.
He faded out again
When Arcus came to again he screamed in pain. Arcus tried to get out of bed from the pain, but an orange hoof pushed his chest down.
"Hold it partner," said the Applejack
All of the sudden, Firebolt flew into the room. "Are you ok?"
"What happened?" asked Arcus.
"I don't know. I think you passed out," Firebolt replied worryingly at his friend.
When Arcus looked around, he noticed he wasn't in Firebolt's home but he was in what looked like a tree house.
"Don't lie to him," said Applejack.
"Alright fine, you didn't pass out...You started glowing red. and you had lots of energy around you,” Firebolt corrected himself.
“Ah had t’ buck you in your head t’ make you stop," replied Applejack.
"Do all humans do that? Your cutie mark and your eyes changed colors," asked Firebolt.
"Cutie what?" Arcus replied, confused.
"Your cutie mark. Do humans have them on their arm instead of there flank?" asked Firebolt.
"You mean this?" asked Arcus, rolling up his sleeve revealing a lot of markings.
"They’re...something I was born with. They change color due to my emotions. When I'm angry it goes red. When I'm using my powers it's blue. When I’m healing its gold," said Arcus.
"Nice," whispered Firebolt.
This got nothing but glares from Applejack. Arcus stood up and faced the two ponies. He then turned to Applejack and put on a smile.
"Look, I'm really sorry about that. I must have had an episode."
"Why don't you tell us about yourself then partner?” asked Applejack, now sitting down, awaiting a story.
Arcus’s mood changes from Applejack’s question. "No."
"Hey, if you’re gonna to stay here, you have to prove that we can trust you. That stunt you pulled makes you look really dangerous," replied Applejack.
"Fine... When I was five. I opened my eyes for the first time. You see i was born brain dead. My mom died from childbirth. My dad didn't want her death to be in vain. He did everything he could to save me. He was working on a project to make super soldiers. So he put me into the project so I could live. But...things happened... The point is I escaped. I raised a family. It was all perfect. “
Arcus’s teared up a bit and turned away. His hand slowly turned into a fist. "It was taken from me...The war started."
Applejack sees the stress in Arcus so she tries to change the subject.
Applejack walked closer to Arcus. "Did you have any colts or fillies of your own?" asked Applejack.
"They’re dead."
"What happened to your wife"? asked Applejack.
Arcus places his hand over his face and he begins to tear up, "Shes dead too...They’re all dead, everyone that I ever cared about is dead."
Applejack placed her hoof on his shoulder. "Its ok sugarcube its not your fault."
"Well enough about my problems, back to the shadows," Arcus said, wiping tears off his face.
"The what?" asked Applejack.
"The Shadows."
"What are the shadows?" asked Firebolt, getting closer to Arcus..
"They are a zombie like creature made from a black goo substance. They land on your body and control you. They infect you with its virus and then they walk around infecting each other by saliva transfer into the bloodstream.”
"What the hay does that mean?" asked Applejack.
"Umm, they infect by biting." replied Arcus.
"Well, why didn't ya just say that in the first place?" replied Applejack.
"Go on," said Firebolt.
"What makes them worse is that they can be controlled. First they are an outbreak then they turned into an army."
"That's mighty awful," replied Applejack.
"Yea, I know."
"When were ya born?”
"I was born in the year 2029.”
"What happened to your family when everything was taken from you?"
"Look, let's talk about your family instead," replied Arcus.
"Well, ah live at the farm called Sweet Apple Acres, west of Ponyville and I live with my family. My big brother is Big Mac, my little sister Applebloom, and my granny is, Granny Smith"
"At least you have a supporting family. My mom works all the time, so half the time I raised myself " added Firebolt.
There was a moment of silence as everypony stared back at each other.
"I'm going to go. Ah don’t think your trouble," said Applejack
"What do you mean?" asked Arcus.
"Well, Twilight told me to see if you were any danger and ah think you’re safe," replied Applejack.
"And why is that?"
"You see, I'm a representative one of the Elements of Harmony."
"One of?"
"I represent Honesty and I can tell you’re telling the truth."
Applejack got up and headed towards the door. "I got my eye on you partner."
As soon as Applejack leaves the room he turns to Firebolt.
"So, I think we should get to know each other better."
"Why do you wear a hood and a mask?" asked Firebolt.
"What do you mean?"
"When you...landed on me, I saw you had a mask covering your mouth and nose. You also had a hood on your head. Why do you dress like that?"
“Because I was...look never mind about that. That isn't that important."
"You said we should get to know each other better and I asked you a question," argued Firebolt.
"Ok I will tell you. You see, I wasn't wearing a mask, it was a Rebreather. I was in space at the time. I was trying to warn a planet about an oncoming attack but the attacker caught up to me. They fired at my ship. This sent my flying out into space and I was sucked into a wormhole. I popped out here but there is a chance that I might have been followed here. So now I have to warn your leader. If this ship that attacked me lands here, it will spread its bio-virus and infect all the ponies."
"Wow...umm, that's a lot to take in."
"Do you understand why I need to speak to your leader?"
"Princess Celestia, thats our leader."
"Yea, her."
"I understand...Hey why don't we get something to eat."
"Haven't you heard what I said. I need to see Celestia."
"Don't you remember what twilight said. We have to wait two more days. We will board the train and meet with the princess."
"So, you hungry for something?"
"What would I eat? I don't eat hay."
"Good point. Oh, I know we can go to Sugar Cube Corner. They have cupcakes and stuff. I bet you would like them."
"You do remember that I don't eat right?"
"Can you eat?"
"Yes, but I don't need to."
"But how do you survive?"
"Lets not worry about such things." Arcus replied in a joking manner.
With that, the two walked out and headed to the location of Sugar Cube Corner.
As Arcus and Firebolt were walking down the street. Firebolt noticed that he was getting stares from everypony.
"Does this bother you," asked Firebolt.
"Does what bother me?" replied Arcus
"Them...everypony is looking at you."
Arcus turned around and he notice that he was getting eyed by everypony. Arcus started walking up to a group of ponies.
"Hello. Now before you run off, I want to know. Do I look bad?"
A few of them ran off. But The ponies that stayed stepped back a bit from the human.
"No, just different," replied one scared pony.
"Is it a coat condition?" asked another pony.
"No, it's not a condition. I'm not a pony I'm a human,"
With that Arcus turned and walked up to Firebolt, "Well they seem nice."
"They were scared of you. How was that nice?"
"They could have threw stuff at me, or they all could have ran off but some stayed."
"Your really happy about things considering you want to warn the princess about this attack."
"Well like you said, I'm staying here for two days. Might as while enjoy it."
As Arcus and Firebolt were walking, Arcus noticed the train station which had a pink colored train docked.
"Why is that thing pink?"
"What thing?" replied Firebolt as he looked side to side.
"The train, it's pink."
Firebolt looked at the train. He put on a smirk. "Because most of the population here is female and I guess they like pink trains."
"Now noticing it. I've only seen about twenty males during my time here."
"I don't know why, but this place is cool to me. I wouldn't have stayed here if I didn't like it."
When the two arrived at Suger Cube Corner, Arcus was the first to walk in. He looked around and there are only six ponies in the building, but Arcus had seen them all before. He walked to them and he picked up a chair and places it down at their table. This made the group of ponies turn to Arcus. Firebolt then joined them too.
"Oh hello...human," greeted Twilight.
"It's Arcus and good morning. I was wondering if I can learn more about you all."
"I thought we were going to get cupcakes," commented Firebolt.
"I told you. I don't eat," Arcus turns to the girls at the table. "So...tell me about yourselves."
"I would love to darling but I have to get started on a new line of dresses," replied Rarity. With that, she got up from the table and left the room.
"Ok so I know she makes dresses. What do the rest of you do?"
"Well, I'm Twilight Sparkle. I own the library and I'm Celestia's faithful student," said Twilight.
"I'm Rainbow Dash thee one and only. I'm going to be in the wonderbolts, the best fliers in all of Equestria. I'm on the weather team in Ponyville too." said Rainbow Dash.
"I'm Applejack, and we know each other all ready,"
"I'm Pinkie Pie and I throw parties like the one that's happening for you tonight, and I work at Sugar Cube Corners as a baker," said Pinkie with a joyful smile.
“I'm Fluttershy...” The yellow mare trailed off for a moment, “And I work with animals and I love all creatures big and small."
Twilight looked at Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, you’re opening up to the human...I mean Arcus. I thought of all ponies you would fear him?"
"Well like I said. I take care of all animals, big and small. A human is no different than a bear," replied Fluttershy
Rainbow dash faced hoofed at this "Fluttershy, there is a big difference between a human and a bear."
"Not really. Bears are lonely at times and all they need is love. Look at this human. He looks super lonely," replied Fluttershy
This made everypony look at Arcus. He gave a poker face in return so the ponies had a hard time seeing how Arcus felt about that comment.
"Why don't you tell us about yourself Firebolt" said Twilight.
"What is there to tell? I'm a loner. I’ve been told off by the royal guards countless times. I'm not really important," said Firebolt.
"Bullshit," commented Arcus.
This makes everypony turn to Arcus in fear "Everyone is important no matter what. So what if you can't join this royal guard. That doesn't mean anything. It shows you need practice, not to quit, and you’re not a loner. Loners don't follow humans and let them stay with them," ranted Arcus.
This made Firebolt face lit up a bit. "Thanks."
Arcus turned to the other ponies. All of them have faces of approval. "Now... About this party."
Eight hours later
"It sucks that Fluttershy and Applejack are not going to join us." Arucs said, looking around.
"Yes, but they both got work to do" said Twilight.
"Are you sure I should be at a club. I think we should be packing up for the trip tomorrow."
As soon as Arcus and four ponies walk into the nightclub they are blasted by a heat of music.
Firebolt put on a smile and turned to Arcus, "Relax it's a party."
With that, all the ponies trotted into the club leaving a very confused human.
"But the ship that followed me can be here any day now. We're all in danger"
"Relax, there hasn't been a conflict for about a thousand years. Nothing is going to happen!" replied Twilight
When Arcus walked into the club. He saw a bunch of strobe lights going on and off.
'This is my welcome party...This feels more like a bachelor party,' thought Arcus.
Suddenly. The club goes silent. All the ponies drop their conversions. They all stare at Arcus. Arcus felt awkward.
Suddenly Pinkie pie jumps up to Arcus and puts him in a hug. "Arcy. Welcome to your welcome party!"
"This party is for that thing?" yelled a random pony.
"While duh!" replied Pinkie Pie.
The party soon goes back to life. Arcus felt super awkward. He walked in and headed to the bar. There is a gray pony standing behind the bar.
"What would you like?" asked the bartender.
"Whatever has alcohol in it." replayed Arcus.
The bartender nodded and Arcus turned around to look for the ponies he just met but before he could find anypony the bartender came back with his drink. As soon as Arcus is handed the drink he slugs it down. He looked for where Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Firebolt were. He only managed to find Firebolt.
Arcus looked around and saw three ponies on stage. One familiar pinkie pony, a white pony with a blue mane and goggles, and a pony dressed up who had goggles. Then Arcus turned his head and he is faced with a purple pony.
Arcus decides to break the ice, "So, you’re a pretty good dancer?"
"Would you care to dance?" asked Twilight.
"Sure," Arcus replied with a grin.
As they walked to the dance floor the the music changed to a fast basted song. Arcus felt the rush of excitement that he had never felt before. The lights, the ponys, the thrill of it all.
Arcus did not know how to dance, and even worse, he didn't know how to dance with a pony. So, all he did was was trying to copy the moves she was doing.
When they both stop they both smile at each other. "You’re a shitty dancer," said Arcus.
"You’re no good yourself," said Twilight.
"Thanks," Arcus walked to Firebolt who was at the bar getting drunk.
"How's it going?" asked Arcus.
"Well. I still can't get any mares to look at me," replied Firebolt.
Arcus reached for the glass that Firebolt was holding. Arcus slugged down his drink and pushed Firebolt to the stage.
Firebolt was heading towards the stage where some group of mares were chatting. Firebolt was highly confused by Arcus’s actions.
"What just happend?"
Arcus ordered another drink. He took in the flashing lights.
"HI!"
Arcus fell off of his seat. He looked up and saw a pink pony right up to his face.
"Pinkie, you scared the crap out of me."
"What does crap mean?" asked Pinkie.
"Um, nothing. So you hosted this party?"
"YesIalwaysthrowpartysforponiesthatarenewtoponyvillewaityournotaponysothisisawelcometoEquestriapartyandIhopeyou-"
Arcus covered Pinkie Pie’s mouth and smiled. "Take a breather and slow down, and yes I'm enjoying your party,”
Arcus removed his hand from Pinkie’s mouth and he noticed she wasn’t smiling anymore.
"What's wrong?"
"Why are you sad then?"
"I'm not sad. I just said I'm enjoying the party."
"But your eyes, There...really sad."
"Look we will talk about this later."
Arcus felt really strange at this point. Something felt off. There was something deadly wrong. This wasn't right Arcus, felt something very wrong.
Arcus suddenly zoned out when he started hearing a faint sound. He could just barely hear it from the loud music. It sounded like screaming and explosions. Arcus knew what was going on. He noticed it was in the area where Firebolt was flirting at. Firebolt was hanging at the corner of the building beside the doors with two mares.
He found himself running to Firebolt. This crowd was too dense to teleport. When Arcus reached Firebolt, he hit him. This made Firebolt go flying into the stage.
Then the wall behind Arcus exploded and shrapnel was sent in every direction and this shoved Arcus onto the ground. The wall landed on him, nearly crushing him.
Arcus knew if he didn't act then, the wall would have killed two ponies including Firebolt. The ponies started a panic in the club.
Fire ignited from the wall where Arcus was standing, spreading to every corner of the club. Twilight ram out and saw a huge ship the size Cloudsdale.
"What the hay is that thing!?"
The ship was massive, large steel cannons protruding from all sides of the large metallic mass in the sky. The engines on the ship were the size of some pony houses. It was hovering just above town square, large and a very intimidating presence.
Twilight saw a pony badly wounded from the explosion and she suddenly vomited. She saw houses on fire, ponies running about. She was frozen in shock, but snaped out of it. Twilight went back in the club searching for Arcus.
"ARCUS!?”
The Collapse of Equestria: The Two Humans
Chapter 3
The first thing Arcus felt wasn't pain, it wasn't worry, it wasn't anger. It was full on rage, a rage that surged throughout his entire body. Arcus exerted all his strength pushed the wall off of him and staggers as he tries to stands up.
Everything is blurry, he was hearing a ringing sound in his ears it was excruciatingly painful . Arcus looks at his leg and he sees a wooden spike in his leg. There was a lot of blood flowing from his injury. Arcus grabs the spike which caused a lot of pain just from touching it. He try's to yanks it out, the pain was agonizing. It wouldn't come out. Arcus markings glow red and the spike was thrusted out of his leg without any contact. Then the wound starts closing slowly, it seemed to be stitching itself together, slowly pulling itself together. Then Arcus hears his name.
"ARCUS!"
Arcus turns to the source and sees a purple pony figure in the distance.
"Twilight?" Said Arcus.
Twilight looks down at his leg, There was blood but no wound. This confused Twilight.
"Are you ok?" Asked Twilight.
"Look I'm fine."
"There's blood, but where's the cut?" Asked Twilight.
"Don't worry about it."
"Look we have to get out of here, come on. "
"No you go on without me." replied Arcus
"What?" Questioned Twilight.
Arcus started lifting up debris, clearing the path in front of him.
"I'm not leaving without Firebolt." replied Arcus
"Ok where is he?" asked Twilight
Arcus heads in the direction of the stage where he launched Firebolt. Twilight followed after him.
"This morning I saw a train is it still here?"
"Yes." replied Twilight
"Where will it be heading to?” Asked Arcus.
"Canterlot"
"What's that, the capital?" replied Arcus
"Yea."
"Ok we needed to go there anyway."
Rainbow, Pinkie and Rarity climbed out of the rubble. Rainbows mane looks dusty, as while as the others.
"How bad is my mane?" Asked Rarity
"Horrible." Replied Rainbow.
Rarity started to break down and cry.
"GIRLS!" Yelled Twilight
The three looked over to Twilight. Pinkie sprinted to Twilight and engulfing her in a hug.
"Twilight, You're alive, this calls for a being alive party."
Twilight responded with a glare. But then turned it into a smile and she returned the hug. Then Rainbow dash and Rarity joined in. After they were done they look to where Arcus was just standing But he is gone.
"Arcus?"
"Over here?" Replied Arcus.
Twilight looks over to Arcus who was lifting debris up. They all walk up to him.
"What's going on." asked Rainbow.
"Party's over!" replied Arcus.
Arcus turns to the four ponies.
"Look I need you four to get to the train and get the ponies from here onto it. We're leaving." said Arcus
"We can't abandon Ponyville Arcus. This is our home." replied Rarity
"Don't forget that Fluttershy and Applejack are out there, and I'm not leaving until they are safe!" Replied Rainbow Dash
Arcus turned to Rainbow Dash. And got down to her level.
"I will find them, I promise."
Rainbow Dash just kept glaring at Arcus. Arcus gets up, but he hears something. Arcus looks up and notices falling debris falling towards the ponies. They all looked up. It was falling towards them. The girls start screaming. They close their eyes like its going to end. After a few seconds, Rainbow dash was the first one to open her eyes. She looks up and sees that the debris is floating in the air.
"Way to go Twilight" Rainbow said as she jumped in joy.
Twilight looked up at the floating debris, then at Rainbow Dash.
"That's not me" replied Twilight.
The girls look at Arcus, Arcus is holding his left arm out. his right arm was holding his left. His left arm is glowing blue. Arcus looks like he is struggling, as if he was carrying something heavy. Then it Twilight gets it. Arcus is levitating the debris.
Suddenly the debris breaks down the middle. Arcus Releases it. It lands next to the ponies but not hitting them.
"How? I read that humans don't have magic or wings." Twilight said
Arcus was trying to catch his breath.
"It's not magic, look after I get you out of this I will tell you how I did that." replied Arcus.
Twilight nods as Arcus starts walking.
"If we get out." Replied Rainbow dash.
Arcus sees Firebolt a couple yards away he dashes over to his body. He throws Firebolt over his shoulder. Arcus was taken back by Firebolt weight at first.
"Come on buddy. You ain't gonna die on my watch" Arcus said as he carried Firebolt.
Arcus turns to the ponies. Arcus places Firebolt on Twilight's back. Twilight gives Arcus a Glare.
"Take him to the Train."
"What if there is no Train?" Relied Twilight
"Then Run...Run for your life."
"What about you." asked Pinkie
"I'm going to meet up with the local guard and try to save this town."
"There is no local guards. There's never any problems here." Replied Twilight
"Then the town is hopeless. I will look for your friends and I will warn everyone who I see."
Twilight turn white as snow as something came to her mind.
"SPIKE!" Yelled Twilight
Arcus turned around to face Twilight, he was confused by this.
"Who's or what's a spike?" Replied Arcus
Twilight jumps Arcus and they fall to the floor
"YOU HAVE TO GET TO THE LIBRARY. KNOWING HIM HE IS SLEEPING IN THIS. PLEASE YOU MUST GET HIM!" Pleaded Twilight
Arcus gets up and looks at Twilight. "I will head there first." With that Arcus runs out the building.
The sky was red as hell itself. The ship was firing west of ponyville which gave Arcus time. The library was north of Ponyville. Arcus looked up as he was running. The ship was ten times the size of Ponyville. As Arcus was running, he noticed ponies running towards him. Arcus then noticed the ship start shooting at the area he was at. Canon fire was strong, Arcus was taken of his feet from a shot that nearly hit him. Arcus gets up and looks at the ponies who are confused by all of this bloodshed.
"LISTEN EVERYONE. GO TO THE TRAIN STATION." Yelled Arcus.
Some ponies followed Arcus warning and headed in the direction of the train station.
Arcus ran off as fast as he could running past many burning buildings, he runs past ponies heading for the the train station. Looking for the library, Arcus could see what looked like a colossal oak tree house that he remembered to be the library.
“This is where Twilight said Spike was before the attack.”
As Arcus approached the library. The ship has changed its shots from normal cannon balls, to pyrotechnic ones. One of theses shots hit the tree house.
"Shit."
Arcus booted the door down and the door caved in instantaneously . Arcus could barely see from the smoke, the smoke was so thick arcus began to choke.
"SPIKE!" Yelled Arcus
The books were on fire. The walls were also burning, Arcus headed up the stairs. When he reached the top, he saw what looked like a Doggy bed. But nothing was sleeping inside but there were a couple of charred branches on the bed.
"Damn it. Where is this Spike."
Arcus looked out the library's window. what he saw disgusted him. Ponies were on fire, They were screaming In agony, they're skin was charred and almost all traces of fur was burned off . Arcus noticed the houses were all in flames, the building hay structures only increased the flames intensity. Arcus looked down from the window, He saw a filly, she was lost she was frantically looking in every direction for her mother. The filly looked up a large building that was just impacted by a cannon ball. the buildings structure finally gave away, causing it to fall... It landed on her body with a thump, killing her instantaneously. Arcus looks away, it disgusted him. He made a fist as a tear ran down his face.
"I failed them."
Then he looked up. A cannon ball was heading right towards him.
"Oh thats." Was all arcus could say as The library was hit from the shot, flames went everywhere, wooden splinters shot everywhere. Arcus was hit hy some, he felt them go into his skin. Arcus continued to run down the stairs, nearly tripping and jolted out the door way . Arcus jump as the library explodes from more shots, the blast propels him fifteen feet away .
Debris Lands next to him, Flaming wood and burning paper.
While I guess I better look for the other two ponies Arcus thought. Arcus heard hoof steps heading towards him. He found this strange because most ponies were tuning out of the city. But what got arcus attention the most, Was that this pony running, had metal clashing as he ran. This must be a royal guard.
"You, human."
Arcus looked up from the ground, he saw nothing. Arcus slowly gets up and turns around, he sees a white stallion wearing gold plated armor.
"Yes, are you here to help." Arcus asked curiously because the guard was engaging in conversation rather than helping the ponies from the attack.
"No, i was sent here to arrest you. Your coming with me, i have a warrant for your arrest issued by the Princess." Said the guard
"ARE YOU CRAZY! PONIES ARE DYING AND YOU'RE ARRESTING ME AND NOT SAVING LIVES!" yelled Arcus
The guard takes out a spear and points it at Arcus head.
"I'm not going to ask again, come with me, or die."
"Wow, This is the first time I heard a pony say something violence." Arcus commented.
"ARCUS!" Said another voice.
Arcus turns to his left and he sees a orange pony ruining to his direction.
"Applejack what is it?" asked Arcus
"Applebloom and the girls are in the barn and it was hit by one of the flying things. Its not far from here, I need help I can't open it. Please help me." said Applejack.
"This is the humans fault, the town is burning because of him. He brought them here, he is coming with me" yelled the guard.
Applejack turns to the guard, she was disgusted with what he had said
"He didn't do anything. And They are just children." pleaded Applejack
"I'm sorry, i'm under orders." replied the guard.
Arcus looks back and forth and both of them he is being asked a lot from two ponys. Save lives, or go to jail...
"Take me to the barn."
The guard didn't like that, he started to charge Arcus. Arcus turned around and sees this. He dodges the pony, the guard turns around, he beings to charge Arcus again, the pony was mere feet away when Arcus round house kicks him in the chest. His golden armor indents where Arcus foot made contact. This sends the guard flying back a few feet. Arcus starts walking toward the guard, who is Struggling to get up. The guard looks up and sees Arcus on top of him. The guard closes his eyes, Bracing for death.
"I'm not going to kill you."
The guards eyes open wide. He looks at arcus confused.
"I want you to survive as much as the rest of theses ponies. I just had to knock some sense into you." Arcus said.
Arcus lifted out and hand. The guard Flinched at first. But then the guard grabbed it and Arcus lifted him back to all fours.
"I'm sorry, I was under orders." said the guard.
The guard dashed off from the direction of where he came.
Arcus turned to Applejack.
"Lets go."
While Arcus and Applejack were running to sweet apple acres. The site he saw while running was disturbing . He saw lots of dead bodies scattered everywhere ,he saw blood everywhere, buildings on fire debris was falling everywhere, craters in the streets littered with steel cannon balls, and charred bodies, he saw the red skies, the fumes coming out of the Warship, the smog thick as fog, it disgusted him. But all he could worry about was helping the children in the barn so he ran and ran and ran.
"Why are they in the barn." asked Arcus
"They were doing their second attempt at getting their cutie marks from being farm hands."
"I still don't know what a cutie mark is."
"There's no time for that." replied Applejack
When they reach the barn,.Arcus took a looks at it. the door looked like it was smashed he heard screams coming from inside and all of a sudden the warship's cannon shot hit the barn directly, it wasn't just a cannonball was a burning one. this cause the barn to catch on fire. Arcus knew he had only moments to save the children. So he rolled his sleeves up and he warped to the supporting wooden bars on the barn he shimmied to an open barn window. When he got inside he could see the fillies. He saw Applebloom, Sweetie belle and Scootaloo crying on the second floor the barn. they were all huddled in the corner.
Arcus ran towards the fillies when he got close to them Applebloom looked up at him she looked up in sheer fear.
"Its ok im here to help" said Arcus
"Ok" said Applebloom
Arcus grabbed Applebloom and put her in his hoodie she was dangling in it now. Her head was showing but her body was inside the jacket and her head was out the head hole right beside Arcus head. He picked up Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo with his arms. He looked frantically in the Barn. He looked at the window he just came from. But it is now on fire. All he can do is climb. He saw an open hatch the top of the barn. maybe just maybe he can make it. He saw a support beam that looks sturdy. So he leaped against the wall then as he pushed of the wall he warped to a bar a few feet away and when he got on it he looked frantically for another one. He didn't see anything. So he checked if he was in warping distance of the open window on the top of the bar, He was. So he leaped as far as he could and warped up to the window, there on the windows perch he noticed that it was a tremendous fall to the ground, one that could inflict major injuries.
"Orange one with wings, can you fly" asked Arcus.
"Can't you teleport us down?" Asked Scootaloo
"I can only do that for short distances. Now I'm going to ask you again. Can you fly?" Asked Arcus
"No... but I can glide." said Scootaloo
"Take her and glide down."
Scootaloo grabbed hold of Sweetie belle and she jumped off the roof of the barn. She struggled with staying stable because of the air turbulence. She landed safely next to Applejack.
"Ok, Applebloom listen to me. I need you to hold on really tight. And don't let go, no matter what. Understood?"
"Yes sir." replied Applebloom.
Arcus with tucked in Applebloom in his jacket. His goal was to climb to the top of the barn. This was hard from the heat of the wood, the wood was so hot it nearly scorched his hand . When he reached the top of the barn. He looked down at the ground and saw applejack crying. Arcus looked at Applebloom.
"Are you ready?" asked Arcus.
"No."
Arcus grabbed Applebloom and held her tight. He closed his eyes and jumped backwards off the roof of the barn. The fall was about fifty feet. Time slowed for the two of them, minutes felt like hours.
The sight for Applejack was heartbreaking. She knew what he was doing. He was going to take the force of the fall. So her sister can live ,this made Applejack cry harder.
When Arcus hit the ground there was a large thump and the noise could be heard far off. The pain was intense the fall knocked all the wind out of his lungs. Arcus felt three of his ribs crack. But as soon as they were broken. He felt them repairing themselves. He let go of Applebloom, Applebloom jumped off of Arcus. She started nudging his arm in an attempt to get him up.
"Get up mister."
Applejack run to her sister and picked her up in a hug.
"Are you ok that was a mighty big fall."
"Yea, i'll live."
"You don't know how grateful we are. thank you so much."
"Don't worry about it." Replied Arcus
Arcus had a little trouble getting up at first but he made it up.
"Now that the kids are safe head to the train station. Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie and Rarity are there." said Arcus
"What about the girls?" asked Applejack
"They're all safe, while except for Fluttershy."
"You have to get her!"
"We're does she live. I will get her and you take them to the train station." asked Arcus
"She lives on the edge of the everfree forest east of Ponyville."
"Ok I'm heading there now."
Arcus darted off to Fluttershys house.
When Arcus arrived at Fluttershys cottage. It was a mess. The building was mostly intact. There were some broken windows. Arcus walked up to the door and he kicked it in. He saw Fluttershy crying in the corner of the main room. Arcus slowly walked up to Fluttershy. She was sobbing heavily. Arcus noticed something that was out of place. There was a dead bunny. A glass shard was in his throat. There was a lot of blood gushing out of his throat. It make a thick blood pool, even for just a little bunny.
This must have been her pet Arcus thought.
"What happened?" Asked Arcus
There was a loud noise. It shock the house. I was scarred. Then the windows... Exploded. It frightened me. And when I looked at the broken window. I saw angel bunny. He was making a noise. It sounded like he was choking. So i ran to him. And I saw the glass shard in his neck... He looked at me... The face he had."
Arcus bent down and embraced Fluttershy in a hug. Fluttershy placed her head on Arcus shoulder. Arcus felt her tears soak into his hoodie.
"No need to say more Fluttershy. I know it hurts. I've lost someone close to me too. I know how you feel."
Fluttershy returned the hug. She continued to cry, Arcus pats her back, Arcus steps back from Fluttershy.
"We have to go." Arcus said
Fluttershy looks up at Arcus.
"I'm in no condition to go anywhere." replied Fluttershy
"Then I will carry you."
Arcus picked up Fluttershy and ran out the door. As soon as he got out. A cannon ball hit her house setting it on fire and destroying it.
He noticed the ship was almost done destroying Ponyville. There were no buildings left untouched from this attack.
Arcus was running. He ran as fast as he can. His feet felt like they were on fire. His back was getting sore from carrying Fluttershy. He saw in the distance the train station. The train was loading ponies.
"I knew they could do it." Arcus said aloud.
Arcus went into full throttle, As he got close to the train station.
"HOLD ON!" Yelled Arcus.
But something made Arcus stop dead in his tracks. Arcus look up at the ship in the sky. The engines flame disappeared. This can only mean two things. One, it can be landing. Or it can be warping out of here, which will completely destroy the town from the force of the ship. Both had devastating effects.
"Why have we stopped." Asked Fluttershy.
"We have to get out of here." Replied Arcus.
Arcus look at the train, he noticed the train just started moving.
"Oh that's great."
The train was barely moving, but Arcus had to get to it before it started to gain speed, so Arcus ran.
Arcus caught up to the train. He is going to lose the train if he didn't act now, so he got to the cargo doors, they were luckily open. He threw Fluttershy inside and he jumped aboard.
Arcus just laid there out of breath. Fluttershy begins to cry again. He turns to Fluttershy, Fluttershy mane was a mess. You couldn't see her face.
"Hey, it's going to be ok. We're safe now." Said Arcus as he moved her mane,revealing her eyes.
"Y-you're a father... Aren't you?" Asked Fluttershy.
Arcus looked at her confused and he raised an eyebrow.
"Where did you get that from."
"You're a very caring person, you treat me like a sad child.. And you normally don't know how to do that unless you raise children. Or when you're around them a lot. I know this because I raise a lot of baby animals." Replied Fluttershy
"Yes, I had a daughter."
"What happened to her?" Asked Fluttershy.
"I do not want to talk about that."
Arcus keeped eye contact with Fluttershy as he got up. Arcus then turned around and headed for the door of the cart.
"Be right back."
Arcus walked to the next cart. In this cart there were a few ponies Sitting down next to the door there was a mint green pony who Arcus remembers. She looks up at him and smiles.
"So the human lives"
Arcus gives the unicorn a hug.
"It's good to see you."
"Same goes for you." Replied Lyra
Arcus walks past her and goes into the next cart. There was a sign, it said VIP, and under that it said very important ponies. Arcus found that funny. This one had private rooms. The first room he saw had Applejack in it. Arcus knocked on the door to her room. This makes Applejack turn to the door. As soon as she sees Arcus she opens the door and walks up to Arcus and hugs him.
"Thank you."
"No problem." replied Arcus.
"We should talk to the girls. Ah bet they will be glad you made it... Wait where's Fluttershy?"
"Right here."
Arcus and Applejack turn around and looked at Fluttershy. Applejack was taken back by Fluttershys mane. It was a mess.
"Are you ok?" Asked Applejack.
"Yes. I'm fine, Thanks to Arcus."
Arcus, Applejack and Fluttershy walk into the next room. There are four ponies. When they saw Fluttershy and Arcus their faced lite up.
"Arcus, Fluttershy, you made it." Twilight said
"Thanks to Arcus I did" added Fluttershy.
"Where's Firebolt?" Asked Arcus
“He's in the cart in front of us" Pinkie said
"Applejack told us what you did to save Applebloom. That was heroic of you." Rarity said
"Ah thought you were going to die to save her. I heard your bones pop and break. But you fix your self, because you got back up, How?" Asked Applejack.
"That's a different story for a different day." Replied Arcus
"While I'm going to check on Firebolt."
"Hey Arcus... Where's Spike?" Twilight asked
Arcus heart sunk like a stone. Arcus turned around to face the purple mare.
"Twilight. I'm sorry. He wasn't there when I was there. The library was empty."
Twilight legs were shaking and wobbling. Twilight Collapsed onto the floor. She broke down and began to cry.
Arcus place his hand on Twilight's shoulder.
"I'm deeply sorry. But there was nothing I could do."
Arcus looked at Rainbow Dash, She was giving him a really nasty look.
Arcus turned around and step out of the room and he was back in the hallway of the cart. Arcus walked to the next room. What he saw Disturbed him. There were at least ten ponies on stretchers. Most of them had Severe burns. One was missing one of her hind legs. He found Firebolt Lying down on one, Arcus sat down next to him.
"I'm soo sorry... This is all my fault, I did this you.”
"Oh shut up I'm fine.”
Firebolt rolls over so he can face Arcus.
"I'm glad you made it."
"why are you in here?" Asked Arcus.
"You gave me a concussion... dumbass."
Arcus Winced from Firebolt's Choice of words.
"Sorry about that"
"Oh and dont worry ill get you back, i'm sure." replied Firebolt with a grin
"Hey, I didn't think ponies uses such Vulgar words?"
"While most don't. I don't come from Ponyville. None of them swear, while. Sometimes Cranky Doodle Donkey swears at Pinkie. But that when hes under lots of stress."
"Good, Note to self don't swear in front of the ponies."
Arcus sat alone In his cabin. He felt like crap. He heard the door to his room open then close. He turned and saw Applejack. She walked up to him and sat next to him. A moment of silence passes
It's my fault."
"What do ya mean sugarcube."
"I didn't prepare you all. I got to know you all instead. It's my fault ponyville was destroyed."
"Arcus ah you're a good pony... Ah mean human."
"If you didn't show up, Applebloom would have been killed. And what you did for her was heroic."
"Thanks."
"I'm going to check up on Applebloom."
As applejack reaches the door she turns around.
"And Arcus."
"Ya."
"You may have failed, but your still a hero to me, and the Apple Family."
"Thanks Applejack, I really appreciate it."
When she left. Arcus went back into his thoughts. What Fluttershy said to him. Are you a father, It haunted him.
There was a knock on the door. Arcus was snap back into reality. Arcus gets up and opens the door. Firebolt was standing at the door. There was some wrappings on his head. There was some blood on them.
"Hey Arcus."
"Oh hello Firebolt."
"Mind if I sleep here?" Asked Firebolt
"Sure take the bed to the left."
When Firebolt walked inside he saw that there was only one bed. Firebolt raised an eyebrow at this.
"But where would you sleep." asked Firebolt
"I'm not going to sleep and if I do sleep it would be on the floor." replied Arcus.
"You sure?" Asked Firebolt
"Ya go to sleep."
Firebolt jumps into the bed and he pulls the covers up.
"Good night Arcus."
"Good night Firebolt."
Three hours later
Arcus couldn't take the stress from the earlier in the night, So he stepped outside of his room. Arcus look into the rooms as he walked. He rarity sleeping in a bed with a filly in one room. Arcus remembers this filly, the one the orange one flew down with. Arcus walked into the next cart. In it was a few sleeping ponies They were cuddle up in a corner. Arcus kept on walking. He was now at the caboose. He saw twilight who was looking into the the gleaming night ski. The stars were bright.
Twilight turned to face Arcus
"Twilight, About spike."
"It's fine. I don't blame you. Lets change the subject."
"Soo twilight, beautiful night isn't it."
"Yea luna has really outdone herself."
"What do you mean?"
"Princess Luna she raises the moon just like Celestia- raises the sun"
"Really, on my planet, the planets rotate around each other naturally to bring night and day."
"Wow our worlds are really different."
"Yea I guess they are."
"Hey Arcus I have question."
"Ya whats up Twilight"
"Will things ever be the same again?" Asked Twilight.
"I'm not going to lie to you. No. Things are going to change now. But the question is. Will it change you."
As Arcus looks out the window he sees the royal city of Canterlot.
"By the end of this, You will all be different ponies."
The Collapse of Equestria: The Two Humans
Chapter 4
Arcus was walking back from some of the cabins. He was checking up on the survivors. On his way back to his cabin he bumps into Applebloom. Arcus looked at Applebloom, A grin formed on his face, "Hey, what are you doing up this early kid?"
"The names Applebloom." she said with a smile.
"So what's on your mind."
Applebloom's smile turn into a frown, "Applejack wanted to talk to you. And I was going to say."
Arcus bends down to get to eye level with Applebloom and he puts on a smile.
"Hey, you don't have to say anything, you were in danger so I helped you. You don't need to thank me."
Applebloom started smiling and she jump Arcus and gave him a hug. Arcus returned the hug and then sat applebloom back down. Applebloom looked up at Arcus.
"What's your name?"
"Arcus."
Applebloom giggled as she fell to the floor in a fit of laughter, "That's a funny name."
"Thats not really nice."
Applebloom looked the human over, She was confused on why he wore all of those clothes. She then looked at his arm.
"What does your cutie mark mean?"
Arcus smiled and chuckled for a bit, he regained himself and looked back at Applebloom
"I've been hearing about theses cutie things, and all you ponies keep thinking that this is my markings. But I still have no clue on to what they are."
Applebloom’s jaw dropped. "How don't you know what a cutie mark is?" Questioned Applebloom.
"Hey cut me some slack, I'm new here, but would you care to enlighten me?"
Applebloom raised an eyebrow at Arcus comment, "What's does enlighten mean?"
Arcus laughed and smiled, "it means tell me."
"Oh, While why didn't you say so!"
"I think I just did."
"A cutie mark is what a pony gets when they find out what their special talent is."
Arcus looked over Applebloom, he saw nothing of this cutie mark on her, "Where is this cutie mark at?"
"On a pony's flank."
"Then where is yours?"
"I don't have one yet, that's why I'm a crusader."
"Your a crusader? You look a little young for that?"
Applebloom shook her head, "No, I'm a cutie mark crusader."
Arcus gets up and pets Applebloom. "So when this train stops, how about I buy you some ice cream. That is if you ponies have ice cream."
"We do, and thank you human, i mean Arcus."
"So where's your sister?"
"In her cabin."
Arcus pet Applebloom and walked into the cabin where the orange pony was sitting in.
"Hello Applejack, you wanted to see me?"
"Ah did, and i heard what you said to Applebloom, that was sweet of you. Do you have a brother or sister of your own?"
"No but I'm good with kids."
Applejack’s face changed into a frown, Arcus sees this and it gets his attention.
"What's wrong Applejack?"
"I don't know if my brother made it out alive.”
“Is he like you?"
"Yes."
"Then i'm sure he made it out. If he's like you then I'm positive he made it out."
"Thanks... But there is one more thing."
"What is it?"
"How did you do what you did?"
"What do you mean?"
"You went out of your way to help the little ones, you even jumped off the barn."
"When I was a child... No one was ever there for me. I just don't want to see or hear about a child suffering when I could have helped."
"Is there gonna be more deaths?"
"I'm not going to lie, yes."
Applejack starts staring at the floor, "What are we going to do?"
"While I can tell you what I'm going to do, I'm going to fight this, the question is, will you all help."
Applejack looked up at Arcus. "You should talk to Rarity. She never got to thank you for saving Sweetie Belle.”
"I didn't save Sweetie Belle, The orange one did. The only thing I did was to give her the courage to jump."
Arcus gets up and walks to the door.
"By the way, Applebloom reminds me of someone I used to know. That's why I did what I did."
After that he walked out the room and heads to Rarity's room. When Arcus reaches the door he knocks on it.
"Come in."
"Hello Rarity how's it" Before Arcus could finish his sentence Rarity jumped Arcus and hug him tight.
"Oh thank you thank you thank you thank you, If you haven't come to ponyville. Then Sweetie Belle and her friends, w-would be." Rarity had to stop, she was on the verge of crying. The thought of losing her sister gave her a dark feeling in her chest.
“Thank you."
"No problem, but the orange one did the work. She flew her down, I just got them out".
"I wish all stallions would be like you."
Arcus turned to the door and walked out.
Arcus had to check on one pony In particular, Fluttershy. The last time Arcus saw her she looked like she was faking being happy when we meet up with her friends. Also her mane was a mess.
Arcus reached the end of the cart he was in. The last cabin was Fluttershys, Arcus knocked on the door.
"Hey Fluttershy, can I come in?"
When Arcus didn't hear a Response, he walked into the room. But there was no Fluttershy anywhere, Arcus walked out the room. He was starting to get worried, Arcus walked down back to the other end of the cart. Arcus walked into the next cart, The first thing he sees is a restroom sign. There were two doors, one of them said Colts room, the other said Fillies room. Arcus walked to the door that said Fillies on it. Arcus knocked on it.
"Hey Fluttershy, you in there?"
"Go away! I look Horrible!"
"Are you talking about your mane? You do realize that we've all seen it already. its just a few knots, nothing to big."
"Yes but you haven't seen it now, Rarity had to do things to it."
"Fluttershy open up. I won't make fun of you."
"Do you promise?"
"I promise."
There was a click as Fluttershy unlocked the door. The door swing open. Fluttershy stepped out into full view. Her mane and tail were cut super short. Fluttershy was sobbing as Arcus looked at her.
“I look like a colt.”
"You look great!"
Fluttershy stopped crying and look at Arcus,"what?"
"You look great, and super cute with your mane like that."
"Thanks Arcus."
"I'm going to go check on Firebolt, and remember, You look fine."
Fluttershy started smiling at bit. And she gave Arcus a quick hug before he left."
Arcus walked to his cabin and found Firebolt sleeping. Arcus walked to the chair and sat down on it.
Arcus looked out the window, it was pitch black. It appeared that they were in a tunnel. Arcus looked over to the bed. Firebolt was sleeping peacefully, Arcus notices a light come into the cabin from the window. He walks to the window and opens it.
Arcus sticks his head out the window and what he noticed amazed him.
Canterlot was in full view now. The sight was a bright large city skyline the buildings were huge and all many different shapes and sizes one building stood out it was a large white palace.
"So this is Canterlot." Arcus said in amazement.
Arcus moves his head back into the train. He heads over to Firebolt. Arcus puts his hand on Firebolts shoulder and gently shakes him.
Firebolt groans and pulls the covers over his head, "I'm sleeping, go away!"
"Where arriving at Canterlot in any moment so get up."
"Nah, I'm good."
Suddenly the trains horn goes off, this causes Firebolt to jump out of his bed and to land on the floor.
Arcus starts chuckling,"Thanks for listening.”
Arcus looks out the window again. The train is barely moving as it is coming to a complete stop.
Arcus help Firebolt up,"Lets go meet up with the girls and meet this Princess."
"Hey what's that noise?"
"Probably the brakes."
"No, we stopped, and it sounds like its on the train."
"Ponies are probably getting off."
"It's not that."
"Then what do you hear?"
"I hear medal clashing against each other."
Arcus raised an eyebrow at that, Arcus walked to the door and pressed his ear against the door. There was a sound of a bunch of hoof steps heading to towards them, they were getting louder by the second.
"What is it?"
Arcus turned his head to Firebolt, "I don't know yet."
Arcus presses his head against the door again. But something was different. The noise was gone.
Arcus feels sudden pain as the door is kicked down and it nails Arcus on the face. When Arcus recovers he notices about three spears pointed at his head.
"Human, Come with us. The princess wants to see you." Said the Guard.
"Ok. There is no need to get." Before Arcus could finish his sentence. He got hit in the head with the end of the spear. This makes Firebolt jump in front of the guard.
"Hey...There's no need for that!" yelled Firebolt.
"Shut up civilian, before I arrest you for intruding in royal business."
When one of the guards grabbed one of Arcus arms. He was nailed in the face by a fist. this knocks the guard over.
This makes all the guards and Firebolt jump back a bit.
"I think I can walk my self."
"Oh... And if you ever hit me with that spear again, I will shove that stick up your ass."
Arcus stands up and follows the three ponies. As Arcus walks out the cabin. The first thing he sees Twilight.
"Arcus what's going on?"
Arcus stops and faces Twilight and he smiles, "No idea but I'm going along for the ride."
"What are they taking you."
Before Arcus could speak the guard said "We are taking him to Canterlot on Princess Celestia's orders."
"But why?"
"I don't know Ms Sparkle, I'm just following orders."
The guard continued to walk off the train with Arcus.
Arcus keep looking all around him, He did look up at the buildings. Amazing feats of architecture. It blew his mind. The shape of the buildings, the ponies, Arcus could walk these streets for days and not know half of its wonders.
As Arcus walked down walked down the street. He noticed all ponies staring at him. That didn't bother Arcus much at all, he was used to it.
It turns out the train station was close to the castle, because Arcus started to see the castle in the distance. It's size was gigantic, he knew he had to make an good impression.
"So what's the Ruler like?"
"She is the Princess and she is a benevolent ruler, kind and understanding.”
"That's good?"
"Though she will not be kind to you. She doesn't know who's side you're on."
"There goes making a good impression."
Arcus remains silent as they walk into the castle.
Arcus was standing alone in a big room. There was a fireplace to his right and a table in front of him. There were no guards in the room with him. This gave him the feeling that this Princess wants to talk in private with him.
All of the sudden, The doors open and a tall white horse walks in. Her mane was moving like it had a mind of its own. She then sat across from Arcus, Arcus had a big feeling that this was the Princess. So he stood up and bows to her. This raises an eyebrow of the Princess.
"Sit."
Arcus does so.
"I am Celestia, The princess of Equestria.”
"So... You're the one they call... Arcus, is that right."
"That's right."
"What really happened yesterday?"
"I was taken to a club that was a party from Pinkie pie. We were there for an hour, everything was fine, everyone was dancing and having a good time. The place was calm aside from the music blasting. Then I suddenly heard a loud ringing in my ear that sounded as if it was getting closer just then I realised it was that ship that destroyed my planet. As it drew closer I noticed it was on the other side of the club I saw Firebolt over there I darted to him and pushed him out of the way, suddenly a loud explosion rang out behind me. The ship was firing down at the club causing everyone to run out in a panic. I saw that all of Ponyville was being fired upon. I put Firebolt on Twilight Sparkles back and told her to get on a train and get the survivors on it. Then one of you guards approached me and he was apparently going to arrest me."
"Is there any reason why?"
"When Twilight sent me a letter about you. I didn't know if I should consider you a threat or not."
"So you were going to have me arrested?"
Celestia got up and glared at Arcus, " I'm trying to protect my people!"
"Well lets get to more pressing matters."
"agreed."
"Why are you here?"
"To help your world."
“While you failed at it, Ponyville was not the only city that was attacked."
This gets Arcus attention, "Where else was attacked?"
"That ship is currently at Manehattan, there are reports of ponies eating other ponies.”
"Look. I want to help you, I know how to, I have a plan."
"What is it."
"I will train the survivors of Ponyville, and some ponies from Canterlot into combat. Then we take back Manehattan."
"Our royal guard team can handle this."
"Are you kidding me, You will need more than spears to kill them."
"Kill? Who said we're going to kill them, we're going to try to save them."
Arcus hits the table and stands up, "YOUR FOOLISHNESS WILL COST THE LIVES OF YOUR MEN!"
Two guards from out side ran in the room. They ran up to Arcus. Spears pointed to his neck. Celestia gave them a look. As soon as they notice the look, they proceeded to walk out the room.
"What would you have me do?"
"I told you. Let me train them. I can win this."
"By killing them."
"Yes. we've tried to save them before. We tried, and failed, don't make the mistakes we did."
"We're going to try to save the Infected. Maybe a spell, or charm can fix them and return them to normal."
"You need to realise that your country cannot survive on the thought of peace. If theres a war you can't think peace will work, you need to grow up this kingdom needs a Queen not a Princess. Now i'm doing this with or without you."
"I will not help you slaughter ponies that could have been saved."
Arcus stands up and glares at the Princess "You're a foolish leader." Arcus walks out the room, the two guards pointed their spears at Arcus
"You will walk back into the room and stay there until you are dismissed by the Princess."
Arcus looks at the one who is closer to his. Arcus takes the spear from his mouth. Arcus grab the spear with both hands. Arcus lowers the spear to his groin area, Arcus knees the shaft of the spear, causing it to break. Arcus drops the stick and pushes the other guard out of his way. He Continued to walk down the hallway.
"Let him go."
The guards look back and saw Celestia. "He is no threat, for now."
[Meanwhile]
The main six and Firebolt are sitting at a table in a Canterlot diner.
"Ok, I know we have been over this before. But after the events of yesterday. Can we trust Arcus” Twilight asked.
The group of ponies looked back at each other.
"I trust him." Applejack said.
"He choose to save my sister, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Anyone who puts the children first is a hero to me.”
"I trust him too." Rarity added.
"He saved Sweetie Belle. And like Applejack said. He's a hero for saving the children."
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie look at each other and node and look back at the group.
"Our point still stands, we think he's good, but he's troubled." Fluttershy said.
"I don't know what to think." Twilight added.
"I think he's no good."
Everyone looks over to Rainbow Dash ,"They followed him to Ponyville, If he hadn't shown up everything would've just been fine, it's his fault!"
"How dare you trash him like this." Firebolt said.
Rainbow Dash flew up to Firebolt, she was furious, "Shut up Firebolt, Why are you still. No one here likes you. You just a loner who has a stupid pipedream of being a royal guard."
Firebolt glared at her. There was an anger in his eyes, "My dream is a pipedream, yours is stupider than mine. Joining the Wonderbolts, they will never let you in. You saved their lives and they still haven't let you in."
"At least I have friends and I'm not a failure like you."
"At least I'm not an egomaniac like you.I don't do stuff for ponies to cheer my name. I have more honor than you ever will."
"ENOUGH!"
Everypony turns around to see Arcus behind them.
"Equestria is in danger and your fight over the most stupid things, grow up you two. You all are going to need to be strong because theses next few days will be the hardest of your life."
"Your Princess is being foolish and not taking my warnings. We need to form our own team. We need to destroy the Infected before it spreads all over Equestria"
"Now who's with me?"
“We all are.” Twilight said.
"Good this will be the hardest time of your time."
Arcus walked out the building and heads out. Two ponies follow him out. Firebolt and Applejack.
The Collapse of Equestria: The Two Humans
Chapter 5
"Arcus, where are you going." Firebolt asked.
"I'm going to talk to the survivors that are on the train. But first I made a promise to a little filly.”
"Who?" Firebolt asked
"Applebloom."
"What is it?" Applejack asked.
"Ice cream."
Applejack smiles because she remembered how Arcus treated Applebloom earlier.
"I'm going to get rest then" Firebolt said.
"Hey can you give me some money?"
"No!"
"Then I will just steal the ice cream."
"Ok ok here take it."
Firebolt gives Arcus about fifty bits. They continue to walk on the streets. Arcus looked over to his left. Arcus saw a pony who wore rags. There was a sign on his chest that said, will work for money, there was a hat on the ground next to him. There was only two coins in it. Arcus walked up to the pony, the pony coward in fear as Arcus approached him. Arcus drops twenty five coins into his hat. The pony was in shock.
"Thank you sir."
Arcus nodes and continues to walk down the path.
"Wow there goes half of my money."
Applejack smacked Firebolt across his face.
BANG!
Arcus looks up and sees a pink beam launch into the sky. The beams top expands in every direction and after it spans a few hundred feet it began to curve down . It hits the ground with a boom and locks down in place. Arcus walks to the nearby train. Applejack and Firebolt, runs up to Arcus to keep up with him.
"Ah remember that thing, when Twilight's brother has his wedding. They used that spell to protect Canterlot." Applejack said.
"It won't help."
"I'm going to take a nap." Firebolt said.
"No your not. I need you to get everyone into the largest cart. I have to tell them all something."
Firebolt nodes runs off into the train. Arcus step on board the train. He walked into the cabins area. as he was walking he saw Lyra, she waved to him.
"Oh hey Lyra was it?"
"Yea hi Arcus."
"How are you?"
"Im good."
"Ok it was nice seeing you Lyra."
"Ok bye Arcus."
He walked into Applejacks room and he saw Applebloom was drawing in the corner of the room.
"Hey Applebloom, Are you ready for that ice cream that I promised you?" As soon as Applebloom hears the word ice cream. She leaps in front of Arcus.
"You really meant it."
"Of course I did kid."
"Its Applebloom."
"I know."
"So do you know where any ice cream places are?"
"Follow me I know we're to go."
"How have you been here before?"
"Yea on Hearths Warming Eve."
"Ok lead the way Applebloom."
Arcus and Applejack were watching as Applebloom gorges herself with ice cream.
"Slow down girl you want to taste the ice cream right."
"Yea Applebloom, yall dont want a brainfreeze do ya." Applejack added.
"I be right back. Got to use the little fillies room." Applebloom said.
Applebloom jump off her seat and walk away from the table.
Arcus sighs as his smile turned into a frown, "My daughter."
Applejack turns to Arcus with a confused look.
"What?"
"Remember this morning, I said Applebloom reminded me of someone. My daughter. She reminds me of my daughter."
Applejack starts to feels sorry for him.
"And you, you remind me of someone too"
"Who?"
"My wife, she used to be a farmer. Not an apple farmer off course. But she was a farmer. She used to wear a hat just like that. Then we moved to the city. And then the attack happened."
Arcus slams his head on the table.
He feels a hoof lifting up his head.
“You know, i'm really grateful for what you did for Applebloom.”
Arcus looked into Applejack eyes, A smile was growing on her face. Arcus noticed that Applejack was leaning towards Arcus. She was so close that he could feel her breath. It gave Arcus chills down his back, Applejack kissed Acrus cheek, when Applejack pulls away. She noticed a confused Arcus staring at her. his face was frozen in what looked like shock.
"I'm back every-" Applebloom stopped in mid sentence. She was confused why the two were so close to each other.
Applejack steps away from Arcus, she turns to applebloom, nearly tripping on her own hooves.
"What's going on here?"
"Horse apples... I was... Umm."
"Is he your super special somepony?"
"Am I?" Arcus asked with a grin.
"Yes...I...um mean...no." Applejack said.
Applejack didn't think about her actions. And she is really worried that she blew her chances.
Arcus grabs Applejack and pulls her into a kiss. Applejacks eyes got wide from shock but then they closed and she returned the kiss back.
"Awww!" Applebloom said.
Arcus pulls away from Applejack and stands up. without saying anything, Arcus walks out the door leaving behind Applejack and Applebloom. Applejack is staring into space. But she hears laughter. She looks at Applebloom and she sees her on the floor laughing.
"What is so funny?"
"Your head."
Applejack puts a hoof to her head and feels something missing, "Dang nabbit. He took my hat."
Arcus was walking down the streets of Canterlot. he was in deep thought.
“How can she have feeling for me already? I mean I just met her, is it because I saved her sister? and the stunt i pulled back there, that was a wrong move for me, i have to remember shes not Sophia. she just acts and sounds like her” Arcus said aloud.
“She's a pony.... and i'm the last human” Arcus stops walking after he realized what he said. he felt a deep empty feeling in his chest, “Is it wrong that i want to be happy again.”
Arcus continued to walk. he was still in deep thought, but an idea came to mind.
“Is this an alternate universe? There are two individuals who remind me of people i know from my plant. I will have to look more into that while i'm here.”
Arcus looks up and shes the train, he steps inside the train and he sees Firebolt looking at a flag. Firebolt looks at Arcus and he notices a hat on his head.
"Nice hat."
"Thanks. I'm trying a new look."
"You ready?" Arcus asked.
"I've been ready." Firebolt said with a grin.
Arcus and Firebolt walk into a cart that has a few tables with about fifty ponies sitting on the floor. Arcus walks around the survivors of ponyville. He takes time to look at each pony. The week, strong and everypony in between. He felt the hat being removed off of his head. Arcus turns around as sees the familiar mare.
"Your soo lucky you're cute."
Applejack and her five friends stand beside Arcus.
"Listen up everyone, I know this looks bad."
"Bad... That doesn't even describe it! They destroyed ponyville within an hour, think about what they can do in a few days.” a pony yells out loud.
"Look... I'm going to train you all in combat. I'm going to teach you how to kill, and most importantly, how to defend yourself from them!"
Arcus looks over the crowd again,"Who here can forge Steel?"
There was a moment if silences before a gray stallion walks in front of the group.
"I can."
"Good I need you to make armor. Also I need you to make this device."
Arcus takes out a piece of paper, he handed it to the stallion.
"What is it?"
"A musket. I believe it's the only weapon we can make at the moment.”
"What does it do?" asked one pony.
"It shoots a projectile at high speed, It will penetrate the body. The only problem is that it takes about a minute to reload, and that's with hands. The design will have to be altered to be used by hooves. There also is a blade on the end of it."
"Got it" said the stallion.
"Wait a second. It takes a minute to reload this weapon? Can you make one that shoots a bit faster?" Asked a pony from the crowd.
"If we had the tech and the time, then yes, but we don't."
"How strong is this weapon?"
Arcus unzipped his jacket. There was a pistol on one side and two knives on the other. Arcus grabs his gun. Arcus looks over the crowd again. He noticed one with a hat.
"Throw your hat into the air."
The pony Nodded and launched his hat into the air.
Arcus takes aim and fires.
BANG! The shot echoed through the room. Ponies flinch from the loud noise. The hat fell to the floor with a giant size hole.
"See this gun, it needs no bullets, doesn't need to reload. It's solar powered, but we don't have time to make more of theses."
"Arcus when did you draw that blueprint for the musket?" Firebolt asked.
"I did it while you were sleeping on the train."
Twilight steps forward,"Princess Celestia has been kind to allow us to stay at the nicest hotel around here. So every pony please take all of your belonging with you. We are moving tonight."
Twilight steps back and the crowd looks back at Arcus.
"Dismissed!"
Arcus looks over to the group of seven ponies that is standing behind him, "We need to talk, in private."
"Acrus what's this about shouldn't we be getting ready for this training?" Twilight said.
"We are, i'm going to train you how to bend physics like I can." Arcus said in a strong tone.
"That's impossible." twilight retorts back to him.
"Oh really." replied Arcus.
Arcus suddenly disappeared from where he was standing. This makes the six pony jump in fear.
"Where did he go." Rainbow questioned.
"Behind you." Arcus said with a cheesy grin.
This makes everypony jump back, Twilight face froze.
"Oh my gosh you're going to teach us how to do that. This is going to be soo awesome." Rainbow dash said.
Twilight got an cocky look.her horn started glowing and a purple light covered her. And with a loud noise she disappeared and reappeared in from of Arcus.
"Teleportation, I can do that too. so thats not really impressive." Twilight said.
"You make noise while doing that and you light up the area. Every spell you do cast light. That will get you killed in battle."
Arcus look at the seven ponies, "There is one bad side to this training so if you don't want it after I show you this, feel free to walk away."
Arcus removes his hoodie and shirt revealing his left arm. His arm had black glowing lines all over his veins. There were bigger and darker going down his arm. The ponies didn't pay much attention to his arm, more to his chest and back. There was deep cuts into Arcus back, flesh was noticeable. Rarity kept her eyes on his chest. She was zoning out on his muscular chest and his arm muscles.
"Are all humans this muscular?" Rarity asked.
"Sometimes."
"See this." Arcus arm started glowing a bright blue
"This can let me teleport and pick up stuff and more."
"Show us more." Twilight asked.
"Well I can also levitate any object."
"Big deal so can I."
"Well I can also instantaneously condense the object."
"Can you explain better?"
"How about I show you." Arcus hovers up a stool from the corner of the room. His hand began to glow the stool lifted off of the ground, then Arcus made a fist and the stool began to collapse inward. After he was done it was just crumpled ball of metal. the ball dropped to the floor, making a loud thud.
Rainbow dash walks up to the ball then looks back at Arcus, "Wow that was awesome Arc."
"Well I hate to admit it but I guess you can do some things I can't." Twilight added.
"Now guys I have before I show you anymore I have to warn you about some downside if i give you these abilities. You will have these marking too it should not be noticeable because your fur. It will also change your DNA, so if you have any kids they will be born with the powers and the markings. They will not have a normal life they will always be different. It's a price that I had to pay and you will too."
All seven pony stood there in deep thought. But then a yellow pegasus steps forward.
"I'm in." Fluttershy said.
The other six ponies stood there in shock. Looking at a pony they would least expect to do this.
"But one question, Who is Anna?" Fluttershy asked.
The group of ponies looked at Fluttershy, confused by her question.
"On your right arm. There is a scar that says Anna, who is that."
Arcus froze, Arcus look over to that scar. Arcus felt a tear fall down his face, " she was my daughter."
"Was?" Questioned Twilight.
"She dead, Why does it matter."
"It always matters." responded Fluttershy.
“Why is her name engraved on your arm?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“So I can remember her.”
“Why would you forget her?” Rarity asked.
“Because i'm old. i have lived a long life. and back then I was afraid I would forget her someday.”
“But wouldn't you heal after making that scar? How has it stayed?” Applejack asked.
“Because its a branded.”
Twilight walked in front of Arcus she looked into his eyes, Arcus returned the look.
“I don't believe you, you branded yourself for another reason.”
Arcus looks at the name again, as he does, another tear falls down Arcus face, “I did it because i failed her, right before her death. I told her it was going to be alright.”
Rainbow dash walked up to Arcus. It looked like she was holding back tears of her own.
"I'm in to!"
"I thought you didn't trust me?"
"I'm sorry for judging you, I was wrong. I didn't know You had such a harsh life."
Applejack steps forward as while,"Ah won't abandon you sugarcube, ahm in too." Applejack said.
Twilight steps forward ,"We're all in."
All seven ponies nod.
"Who will go first?" Arcus asked.
"I will." Firebolt said.
Firebolt steps forward and looks at Arcus, "Let's do this."
"I need everypony to leave the room, I need to concentrate."
Arcus walked over to Twilight, "Hey is there a nurse from the group of survivors?"
"Yes, nurse Redheart.”
“Can you put her on standby just in case something goes wrong?”
Twilight nods and Everypony walked out of the room. Leaving Arcus and Firebolt alone. Arcus looks at Firebolt.
"Are you sure about this?" Arcus asked.
"Yes."
"Ok. I'm going to split my DNA and give it to you and this will give you my powers. your bones will become stronger. this will be painful. also i have to be careful. if i over do it. i might make it so you can't die. you would heal constantly, just like me."
“But isn't not dieing a good thing?”
“Its a curse. out living your friends and family, trust me. You don't want that.”
Arcus looks at him, his hand glows with an almost golden shimmer bright as day, Arcus looks at Firebolt with a look almost asking if he is ready. Firebolt understood and nodded. Then Arcus slowly places his hand on Firebolts back. Almost immediately began feeling pain an agonizing stinging pain, he then began screaming in pain. Every bone of his feels like its being twisted slowly and painfully. This pain was undeniable the most pain Firebolt had experienced in his entire life. This pain made him envy the dead.
Firebolt starts feeling his body slowly fading in and out, the pain is unbearable.
On Arcus end, he felt his energy being zapped from his body. He felt light headed, his mind was thinking of one thing, his daughter, he felt angry. The glowing from his hand changes color from bright golden to and deep demonic red as he transitioned from focus to blinding rage.
This makes Firebolt start glowing bright. When Arcus snapped back to focus. It took Arcus about a second to realize what he did.
Firebolt's body starts hovering a few feet above the ground and his eyes are glowing white. His body had lines crossed in patterns all over his body even his tail had lines in it. Then the color changed from the bright white to red on his wings and legs and body and his mane had also developed some red.
Arcus pulls back and this makes Firebolt drop to the floor hitting the ground with a loud thump. He starts coughing up blood first slowly and then it began to flow from his mouth. His eyes and ears also started bleeding.
"F-firebolt."
Arcus puts his hand to his neck and feels nothing. Arcus feels one tear going down his cheek and another one, soon his started weeping.
"I NEED SOME HELP IN HERE!" Arcus yelled.
Arcus puts his hand in Firebolt's chest. He starts giving him CPR.
Suddenly Twilight runs inside the room, "What happened?"
"I NEED HELP!"
Twilight looked at the body of Firebolt. She can't even tell that used to be him. His body is covered with red markings. His face was drenched in blood.
Twilight runs out to get help. Applejack and Rainbow dash walks instead
"DON'T YOU DIE ON ME YOU SON OF A BITCH!" yelled Arcus as he kept hitting Firebolt's chest.
Arcus was sobbing greatly. He kept shaking Firebolt's body. Thinking this will wake him up.
When the doctors arrived Applejack and Rainbow dash had to pry arcus from Firebolts body. They picked up Firebolt in a stretcher.
"I-is h-he alive?" Arcus asked.
"Hes alive.” the Nurse said
She turned to Rainbow and Applejack, "GET HIM OUT OF HERE!"
Rainbow Dash and Applejack grab Arcus and pull him out of the room.
After a minor struggle Applejack and Rainbow Dash were able to bring Arcus into another room.
Twilight was pacing in circles when she saw Arcus she quickly ran to him.
"Is he ok Arcus what happened to Firebolt."
"Well when I was giving him power I overloaded him and I don't know how he is right now, "I dragged out by Rainbow and Applejack!!" Arcus glared at the two ponies sitting in corner of the room.
"Sorry sugarcube we had to."
"I know."
“What do you mean overloaded him?” Twilight Asked.
“I gave him too much of my DNA. I don't know what i did to him until he wakes up.”
"Well what did nurse Redheart say?"
"I don't know all she said was he's alive then I was forced out."
"Sorry Arc, AJ and I had to."
"Well its not gonna help to freak out they'll tell us his condition once he is stable ,well in the meantime why don't we all get some rest." Twilight said.
"Sound like a plan i'm plum tuckered." Applejack said.
"Yea im gonna hit the hay too." Added Rainbow Dash.
"But what about Firebolt what if he's not ok." Arcus said.
"He will be fine Arcus lets get some sleep you need your rest." Twilight said.
“where is the hotel we're staying at now.?” asked Arcus.
“Applejack can you take him.?”
“Sure, Follow me Arcus.”
The two proceeded to walk out the train. Arcus looked down at his jacket. it was soaked in Firebolts blood.
They step outside the train. Arcus just keeps his eyes forward, they both say nothing as they walk the street.
The Collapse of Equestria: The Two Humans
Chapter 1
It was a bright sunny day in Ponyville. The birds chirping, and all was good for everypony, except one. Firebolt, who was crying over a letter. The stallion was tall, grey coated, and had a black mane. His cutie mark was a shadow in the shape of a flame.
"This isn't fair! Why do the Royal Guards keep denying my enrollment!?"
Ever since he was a colt, he had a dream to join the Royal Guards, but he wasn't built for the job. Firebolt looked down at the letter. It had the royal seal, and on the letter, was a picture of Firebolt. It had a list of medical problems three of them had a red outline under it. There was a 4F on the left bottom of the paper. He then got up and walked to the door.
"I need a walk," Firebolt said aloud to nopony in particular.
It was dark and brisk, the cool breeze blew through Firebolt’s mane. It calmed him. He took walks when he was upset. He has no friends so he couldn’t talk about it .He looked at the direction of the Everfree Forest, and saw a dark storm cloud above it.
"Hmm there must be a random storm. I might as well go check it out got nothing better to do,” he said, trotting into the darkened forest.
An hour later, Firebolt found himself deep in the forest. It was dark and creepy. There were a lot of noises of the strange animals that lived inside, and the ground was slimy and wet. The dark sky didn't help but there was something wrong. The air tasted metallic.
Suddenly, there was a bright orb in front of Firebolt’s path. It was glowing with sparks, but the orb was orange for some odd reason. The orb glowed and got to the size of a tree. As if it became day, the whole forest lite up.
"AHHHH! My eyes!” screamed Firebolt, blinded from the sudden change of light.
A great force pushed Firebolt to the ground.
When the light dimmed back to normal. Firebolt noticed a hairless ape on top of him. He had a white hoodie, blue jeans, and a black mask covering his mouth. But what was strange was that it did not have eyes. He had one sleeve covering his left arm. And on the other one there was a metal object.
"Deo. illud erat cicirrus ascenditis. huh contristati circa illud. salve parvum meum CABALLIO ego non intendit applicabo in vos. domino nihilominus Inveniri terra mea," said the creature in a foreign tongue.
"I have no idea what you just said," Firebolt said in confusion.
"Quid Pedicabo ego vos loqui. et vos loqui in English,” the creature replied back.
"Ok I only understood one of those words and that was English," Firebolt commented.
"Oh, is this better?" asked the creature.
The hairless ape got off of FireBolt and offered him a hand. Firebolt stared at it and got up on his own.
"What are you, and what do you want?" Firebolt asked.
"Well, I'm a human. And I was sent on a mission," replied the human.
"What's your name?" asked Firebolt.
"I'm Arcus Offendas, I'm a war hero and..."
Once Firebolt heard Arcus say war hero, he almost jumped on Arcus.
"Did you say war hero?" Firebolt said with enthusiasm.
"Y-yes, why?" Arcus asked.
"Do you have any war stories?" Firebolt asked like a small colt asking for a bedtime story.
"I'm sorry, but like I said I'm on a mission. I have to talk to this world's leader. I must warn them about the coming danger," the human quickly stated.
This made Firebolt back up a bit. Arcus started walking in the direction of Ponyville, as if he know where it was.
"Might I ask what danger?" asked Firebolt.
"Shadows."
"Huh?"
Arcus stopped and turned to Firebolt. He put his hand to his mask and pulled it down. This exposed his mouth but still leaving the huddie on.
"Look...pony, I don't know this land and I don't know who I'm supposed to talk to. If you will let me use your quarters so I can rest, I would greatly appreciate it, and if you can take me to your leader. You will be doing me and your world a lot of good ."
"Ok."
Arcus put his hand on Firebolt’s head. This scared him a little but then he noticed Arcus’s arm starting to glow blue. Then without a word. They were back in his house.
"What the... How did you do that!?" Firebolt asked, intimidated by the unknown power.
Arcus looked like he was about to say something but he changed his mind as if he was in deep thought.
"Just can," he simply said, walking to Firebolt’s couch and jumped on it.
"Your a war hero? You kinda act like a kid," Firebolt commented.
"Well, I'm only 18... I act like one, but Im not ," Arcus said with a grin.
"What do you mean?" Firebolt said, looking very confused at Arcus’s strange comment.
"Look, it's been a rough night for me. I'm going to sleep. I will explain everything tomorrow, after you bring me to your leader," Arcus said.
"Well. I can't take you to her, because I don't know her. But I can take you to a group that does know her,” Firebolt a thought clicking in his mind.
Arcus replied with a grin, “Fine by me.”
Firebolt walked to his room but stopped at his door.
"Theres something about him. I just trust him, but I feel sorry for him... Why, do i feel bad for him?" confused and tired, Firebolt went into his room and dozed off.
12 hours later.
Arcus opened his eyes. He looked around the place and noticed a gray pony staring at him.
"Can I help you?" Arcus asks.
"Your very loud when you sleep..." said Firebolt and a disappointed expression.
"That's nice," Arcus replied.
"Hey, you hungry?" asked Firebolt..
"Nope I don't eat."
This got Firebolt’s attention and he moved up to face Arcus. "Your different buddy."
"How so?" Arcus asked, glancing over to Firebolt.
"One, why do you wear that outfit and why does your arm glow?” Firebolt said looking over at the human’s arm.
"Look let's not talk about me, ok?" Arcus replied, shifting his position. "Look, can you can take me to this group of friends that know your leader?"
"Her name is Celestia," Firebolt added.
"Ok sorry, lets see the group of friends that knows Celestia." Arcus restated.
"Ok we're off to the library," said Firebolt.
"No. we're going to this-"
Before Arcus could finish, Firebolt cut in.
"One of them that knows Celestia, lives in the library." Firebolt stated but soon looked worried. "Wait, how are we going to get you there? It's day time, ponies will freak."
"Don't worry I will follow in the shadows. Just go to the library, I will follow you there." and with that, Arcus raised his hand and vanished.
This made Firebolt jump a little but he remembered what Arcus said, “Just go to the library, I will follow you there.”. So, he walked out of his house and into the outdoors.
Firebolt started off in the direction of the library. While he was walking, he also looked around for the human, but he was nowhere to be seen. When Firebolt pasted sugarcube corner, he noticed Arcus on the top of it’s roof. He was fully masked and hooded again but then he vanished again. Firebolt started walking again. He could finally see the library in his sights. He trotted to the door and he tapped the door three times.
A purple unicorn opened the door with clearly five other ponies in the room too but they were all talking to each other. "Why hello Firebolt, are you here to rent a book again?" Twilight asked.
"Not exactly," Firebolt said nervously.
At that moment. Arcus walked in from the left of Firebolt.
Twilight fell to the ground. The commotion made the other ponies inside turn to look at the door.
"W-what is that? A human!?" one of them called out.
"Yes," Arcus added with a gentle tone as not to scare them.
With that, he walked into the library. All the ponies started backing up.
"W-what do you want?"
"Nothing but your safety. I need to speak to this, Celestia." He added hoping to get an answer.
When Twilight heard her name she became a little worried and stood back up.
Rainbow took off and flew into Arcus face. "Hey, how the hay do you know about the princess?" she asked in an aggressive tone.
"Firebolt," Arcus replayed moving his head to face the pony still at the door.
Suddenly everypony turned to the gray pegasus.
"Why would you tell him about Celestia? For all we know he could be dangerous!" said Applejack.
"I think he's safe," said Firebolt in his own, unsure, defense.
"Oh my gosh a human in equestria! We have to throw him a super duper wonderful party!" said Pinkie, already forgetting the current situation.
"Look, I'm here to warn you all about a coming threat. I'm here to help you all with it. I will not let the shadows take over," argued Arcus.
"The shadows?" Twilight asked, tilting her head.
"The shadows are pure evil. They will try to destroy everything you love. I'm warning you, they have to be stopped. You all need to trust me or else."
This made everypony look at each other in confusion.
Twilight looked up at Arcus, "Look...sir..."
"Arcus"
"Look Arcus... We have to see Celestia in about three days. I will take you with us but until then we will be watching you," Twilight said.
"It's nothing personal, we just are looking out for the best of Equestria," added Rarity.
"I will be staying with Firebolt if you have any questions. Come to his house," said Arcus.
He then walked out the door and he passed Firebolt.
"I will meet you at your house. I want to explore this town."
The group of six ponies huddled up as soon as the human left.
"What do we do?" asked Fluttershy.
"I will tell you what we should do. Lets get the Elements of Harmony! He will only bring trouble." pleaded Rainbow.
"Ah don’t think we can trust him," commented Applejack.
"I think he's ok. Though, look at his outfit. It's fabulous and unique! I’ve never seen clothes to be in that style. Somepony evil wouldn't know of such a thing," added Rarity with a sparkle in her eye. Most likely with a few dressing ideas in her head.
"I agree with Rarity...kinda. He just wants to help us," Twilight stated.
"I think he's sad and just wants some new friends," said Pinkie Pie, but without a smile.
This caused all the ponies in the room to look at the pinkie bubbly pony who is normally crazy, but they saw her being serious.
"I agree," added Fluttershy.
"What do ya mean?" asked Applejack.
"Didn't you look into his eyes? They looked hollow. He's like a lone kitty that lost its mother," said Fluttershy.
"Ok let's have one of us follow him," Twilight agreed.
"I will do it!" said Pinkie.
The six nodded their heads and pinkie darted out if the library.
Pinkie frantically searched for this human but he was nowhere to be found. Pinkie stopped instantly when an idea popped in her head, which pony knows the most about humans? Pinkie then headed into the area of which Bon Bon and Lyra live. Their house was one of the nicest ones in Ponyville, not too big, not too small.
When Pinkie knocked on the door, a mint green unicorn answered the door. "Oh, hi Pinkie Pie. What can I help you with?"
"I need your help tracking something," Pinkie simply answer.
"Tracking what?" Lyra asked, confused at what the pony would need to do with tracking.
"A human," Pinkie responded.
Lyra jumped up as soon as she heard the word ‘human’. "I thought everypony thought they were myths, but I have been studying them forever!" Lyra stated in excitement. "Where is it?"
"He's staying at a pony named Firebolt's place," said Pinkie.
"Take me to him."
6 hours later
It's late at night and Arcus could hear the bugs coming out now. It was peaceful to him. This is something he was not used to but it has always seemed to calm him. He looked at his left hand. His face then changed to a look of sadness. His hand glowed blue and he was now standing in front of Firebolt's house. Acrus opened the door to the house and found three ponies inside. The mint green pony’s jaw dropped to the floor and Pinkie Pie started giggling from her reaction.
Firebolt looked at Arcus, "I swear they let themselves in,"
"Why are you two here?" Arcus asked, switching focus on the ‘visiters’.
"Your eyes," Pinkie said.
This made Arcus, Lyra and Firebolt to face Pinkie.
"M-my...eyes?" Acrus repeated in confusion.
"Why are they so sad?" Pinkie asked, examining them.
"I...don't know what you mean," he stated.
"Please tell me., what you say in this room will stay in this room."
Arcus turned away. He looked at his left hand then back to the group,"Do you know what a war is?"
Everypony nodded
"We went into war. For about six hundred years our people have been fighting the Shadows and we...did something to win...it was a horrible thing... We changed the DNA of our people so we could be stronger. It only worked on ten people. It made them so strong. They could run six times faster than normal. They could bend physics and they could breed with anything. After we won the war, billions died, the remaining people were the ten that were tested on," ranted Arcus.
"How did they die?" Asked Lyra.
"We blew up our own planet, killing everything..."
At this point Lyra and Pinkie had tears in their eyes and Firebolt stood there with a straight face.
"Who are the Shadows?" Firebolt asked.
"A race of monsters that steal the body of the inhabitants of a planet and try to take the planets resources. Though. there is still good news," said Arcus.
"What's that?" Asked Firebolt
"They only got one ship," said Arcus with a smirk.
"We need the royal guards!"
"We have to rest. When we see this leader. We can ask for soldiers. Until then, I'm getting to know this town better."
With that Arcus, walked outside. He looked up to the moon. It was glowing bright in the sky. The shine made his sadness a little better. There was a opening of the door and some hoof steps. Arcus turned behind him. He saw a pink pony who just stopped crying.
"You're not a bad man. My friends think so but you are, but you’re ok in my book Arcy" said Pinkie with a smile.
"Arcy?" Arcus asked with a grin.
"Yup, it's your nickname. Anyways, you got a big day tomorrow."
"Why's that?"
"Because tomorrow, I'm going to introduce you to all the ponies of Ponyville.”
