Shadows of the past

by Powerdrainer

Rating: mature
Tags: Human, Sad, Dark, Alternate Universe, Romance, Adventure
Length: 34208

After a portal opened trough the fabric of reality, and linked Earth and Equestria, there was a time of confusion and discovery. Now, twenty years later, both worlds work together to combine magic and technology. Most is for good, but some for evil.

Under complete, and definitely necessary, reconstruction! Many spelling and grammar errors, read at your own risk!

My name is Sam Richards.

I'm just your average, everyday guy. I didn't do much with my life, other than play video games and work, not realizing that my life is changing forever.

After being diagnosed with cancer, and no cure even with the latest in human/pony magiTec, I set out to for once be truly alive, because, tomorrow may never come.

But little did I know that in my last moments, I would make friends for life, find a lost soul, help her heal from the darkness that scared her, and even find love.

But there are dark forces who are very interested in me, for in my blood lies the key they have been looking for for the last ten years.

This is my story. A story about friendship, conspiracy, pain, love and ultimately my death. Little did I know that death was only the beginning.

Sex and gore tags are added for later chapters.
Any oc´s are my own, any similarity's with other oc´s is entirely coincidental.
Character tags may change as the story progresses.
This is not a self insert, I do use some elements from my personal life, like my language or other minor things, but most is oc.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-05-26 13:54:30 UTC

Where to go next? ''edit''

Diagnosis ''rewrite''

My name is Sam Richards.

If you are reading this it means I finally have been able to free myself from the "nightmare" that had plagued my life.

I wrote this to make sure that these events will never be forgotten, although that seems unlikely because it was such a widespread event, but still this had to be written down.

Of course you know about the events that happened 20 years ago when the portal opened and Earth and Equestria first met.

You may think, What has that to do with this?, and my answer is, ''EVERYTHING!''.

Now I was only three years old at the time and I didn't know just how much this event would impact my life, but I can tell you that when I did, everything I thought I knew would change forever.

This story is of my life, or more precisely of my afterlife.

You should know that I am no one special, At least that is what I thought.

I am your everyday average person who spends his entire day playing video games when I am not at work or wasting his day sleeping.

I am one meter eighty nine long, have brown hair, and I am generally lazy as hell as you might already have figured out.

Of course that all changed that one fateful day.

It all started on my 23e birthday, when I was diagnosed with cancer, WORST BIRTHDAY EVER!

                    __________________________________________________________

March 10th 2013.

Doctor Cross office.

I was sitting in the office of doctor Cross. The doctor who had been on my case for the last several weeks now and who would finally give me the test results of my MRI scan as well as my blood tests I hoped, I was getting tired of all those tests.

He was taking his time to get the results in order, and in that time I thought back to the tests I've had and how I met Doctor Cross.

Now I have been in and out of the hospital for several months now, going from one test to the other.

Going to the nurse's office to have some blood taken from me, have the doctor listen to my heart and lungs, and I even had to take some stool samples. That was rather awkward and a bit messed up.

But of course they could not find anything wrong with me so eventually they told me I was going to a different doctor who would take over my case.

Although this was annoying to me, it was nothing compared to the shock I had when I met doctor Red Cross for the first time.

You see, even tough the portal between Earth and Equestria had been around for twenty years now, it is still rare to see a pony in a human hospital due to the difference in species, not so much because they didn't understand our physiology, but because most humans have either some immunity towards magic or they get a bit ill from exposure to it. There are those, however, who are quite susceptible towards magic for reasons unknown, but there are not enough of them to warrant any magical capable doctors and nurses in our hospitals. There are of course always the exceptions to these rules and there are some pony doctors here and there, but I have never seen one around here.

So to have a unicorn stand in front of me who claimed to be my doctor was quite the surprised.

Standing in front of me was a unicorn with a light brown coat and a black mane having a red cross for a cutie mark.

He introduced himself as Red Cross, (really), and told me he would take over my case from here on out.

When he told I had to get an MRI I was a bit excited, see I have always been a techno geek and to see an actual MRI machine and even going in one was quite something for me, I mean, think about it, this machine actually makes pictures of your brain by using a magnetic field, this is going to be so awesome.

                    __________________________________________________________

''Boring'' was all I thought as I lie in the MRI machine. Although the machine was impressive to see, it was quite boring to be in it, just laying there doing nothing, but hopefully they would find out what is wrong with me so I just lie there waiting for the machine to finish.

Afterwards doctor Cross and I made an appointment for when I would get the results of the test.

So here I am, Hopefully I would finally get an answer to why I am feeling like crap lately.

"Well Sam, I am afraid I have some bad news for you." said doctor Cross as he looked over the test results.

"We have investigated the MRI scan and tested your blood three times to make sure that we aren't wro..."

"I know you have bad news for me doctor.'' I said.'' I am sick and in the hospital trying to find out what is wrong with me so please stop trotting around the answer and just tell me." I told him as I cut him off, all these months without a decent answer and now all this walking around the answer was wearing out my patience.

"SIGH ...    Alright then,' I am sorry Sam, but you have cancer."

....

"Sam?" Cross asked after getting no reply.

"I.. canc... what,' are you sure?" I asked, unable to believe what I was hearing.

"I'm afraid so."  Cross answered.

"NO... no this can't be.... thi... this has to be a mistake,' you did the test wrong, that has to be it,'  yes that's it, it is just a mistake, right.... RIGHT?''  I all but panicked at this point, this couldn't be happening to me, I thought.

''I am sorry Sam, but there is no mistake,' like I said we tested your blood three times just to be sure that we didn't make a mistake, and the MRI is quite conclusive too.

I even have the MRI scan here to prove it.''  Cross said in an even voice trying to calm down Sam.

''How.... how bad is it, really.'' I asked with uncertainty in my voice, not really wanting to know the answer.

''Bad, the cancer is already in an advanced stage and has spread throughout your entire body.

Let me show you the scan so you can see for yourself.'' He said as he opened the scan on his computer.

''As you can see there is a large mass located in your left long as well in your liver and there are some small tumors in the less vital organs.'' He pointed out to me.

''All of these are treatable with the latest medical magiTec.'' He said cautiously optimistic.

''However... there is also a large mass located in your brain as you can see here.'' He said to me while pointing at the scan.

''Normally this is not too bad. However the location of this particular tumor is troubling.''

Despite our advancements in the last twenty years we cannot safely remove this tumor without causing serious harm or even death to you.'' He told me, I was at a complete loss at this moment, unable to believe what I was hearing.

It must have showed on my face because the next thing he said to me was with some hesitation.

''I.. I am sorry Sam, but even if we were to remove the other tumors from your body you would still be dealing with this brain tumor.'' He tried to keep an even voice, but it was strained, not with sadness, but more like anticipation. I however was to focused on the whole, I have cancer thing, to notice.

''I.. i see.'' I muttered.

''Would it.. would it help if we treated the other tumors, at least to help me feel better.'' I asked with a lot uncertainty in my voice.

''Well yes, it would and we already scheduled you in for surgery later this week, but this will not cure you.'' He said, sounding a bit too forced, but I still didn't notice.

''With this tumor still in your brain you will have some serious health issues over time.'' Cross continued, ''Also it may spread through your body again. We can prescribe several forms of medication to help slow the progress of this brain tumor, but nothing that will cure you.'' He told me.

''I see...

Doctor, realistically how long do I have left?'' I asked him with almost no emotion left in my voice.

''It is hard to tell for sure, but after the surgery and with use of those medication you could life for another six years. You must know though that this isn't conclusive, but only an estimate.'' Doctor Cross explained to me.

''You could life for another one or two years or life for eight more. With cancer you never really know.'' He said while shrugging his shoulders.

''And when.. is the surgery precisely?''

''Next Thursday the fourteenth at two PM. I think it would be wise though to inform your relatives and make sure your affairs are in order. Even with the medication to slow the progress of the cancer you will have a hard time ahead of you.'' Cross advised to me.

''I.. thank you, I guess.'' I said not knowing what to think.

''I..I should go now, I have a lot to take care of, I guess.'' As I was leaving Cross stopped me.

''Sam wait, just because you got some bad news doesn't mean your life is over, you still have some time ahead of you.''

''That's the thing doc. I never did anything with my life to begin with, all I did was playing video games and my work nothing else.'' I began.

''And now I find out I only have a few years left, just...a...FEW.GOD.DAMN.YEARS LEFT...'' I started to shout.

''I WASTED MY LIFE DOING NOTHING PRODUCTIVE AND NOW YOU SAY MY LIFE ISN´T OVER, MY LIFE IS OVER AND WE BOTH NOW IT, SO DONT GO SAYING THAT THINGS AREN'T SO BAD BECAUSE OF SOME FUCKING MEDICATION. AND TO TOP IT ALL OF, THIS HAS TO BE THE WORST FUCKING BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER.'' I yelled at doctor Cross breathing heavily as I slowly calmed down .

''I JUST.. I just....''  I started to stammer not really sure what I was going to do now.

I am sorry for that, I didn't mean to, it's just...''

''It is alright, I understand.'' Cross told me. This was the wrong thing to say though, first I get to hear I have cancer and now this pony thinks what that is like. The last time I checked ponies couldn't get cancer due to their magic, so who does he think he is saying that he understands?

''Do you doc, do you, how can you understand?'' I asked with venom in my voice.

''Sigh,  I guess I can't,  but I do now this. You said you never did anything with your life, now see this as a wake up call, you still have some years left, use them. Be alive for once. I'm not saying that you need to do something stupid that will end you in hospital or will kill you, but do something that you always wanted to do.'' Cross said cautiously, trying not to set me off again.

''Why not make a list,´ how did you humans call it .'' Cross taped his chin with his hoof while trying to remember the word he was looking for.

''Oh right, a bucket list.'

Do the things you always wanted to do and when the time comes you will not spend your last moment wondering about what if, what could have been and how things could have turned out for you.'' He suggested.

I had to say that it sounded good. To for once do something with my life instead of playing those games over and over again.

''I.. I think I will do that, yeah a bucket list,  no regrets.'' I said more to myself than to doctor Cross.

''Thanks doctor, I needed that.''

''You're welcome.'' Cross replied.

''Huh'' I said.'' you aren´t too bad for a pony, at least you are more honest with me than most humans here.''

''Just doing my job Sam, just doing my job. Now go and life your life, oh but don't forget about the surgery next Thursday.'' He reminded me, I almost forgot about it, thinking about what to put on the list.

''Thanks and I will.'' I said when I left the office.

                    __________________________________________________________

Ten minutes later

Doctor Cross office.

''Hmm, that went well, better than expected.''  Cross said to himself.

''Still better report this in with the "company'', now where did I leave that Celestia damned phone?''  Cross muttered to himself, trying to find his cell phone.

''honestly, those humans make these things smaller and smaller just so we would lose them and need to buy new ones, Ah there it is.'' Cross said as he found his phone and dialed a number combination to long to be a phone number.

....

''Boss this is Red Cross, everything went as planned'' He told to the person on the phone while casting an anti sound spell around him so no one could hear him.

''You gave him the news.'' Boss asked, already knowing the answer.

''Yes sir. He was quite devastated about it heh.'' Cross chuckled a bit when he said that.

''And the other objective.'' Boss asked again.

''It didn't take much to get him to make that stupid list and do all kinds of crazy things. This will make it all the more easy for us.''

''Good, you know what to do next. During his surgery you will plant a tracking device in him so we know exactly where he is. We cannot afford any mistakes with this. We spend years just to get him that disease just so it would be believable when he dies, do not make a mistake and most importantly do not let the other surgeons see you plant the device.'' Boss told to Red Cross. the unspoken other half was perfectly understood by Cross, Do not fuck up or you will die next.

''Yes sir. Consider it done.'' Cross answered nervously, not wanting to fail his superior.

As the call came to an end Cross opened his drawer and picked up a small box containing a small tracking unit which he had to implant in Sam later this week during his surgery.

{color=red]''Luckily you are small, any bigger than this and this might not work, at least not in the way I have planned.'' Cross said to himself as he looked at the device, no bigger than a grain of rice, and carefully placed it back in his drawer.

''Still a lot to do though before I can continue with this.'' he thought as he stood up and left his office.'' he he he if only you knew what we have planned for you kid, you wouldn't be so quick to come for the surgery.'' as Cross thought about all that was about to be done he couldn't help it when a sinister smile crept on his face.

City of dreams. part 1. ''edit''

Now what? ''rewrite''

After getting the bad news at the hospital, I understandably had a hard time dealing with it.

I mean come on, all I had was an ill feeling and being more tired than usual, I only thought that it might have been a virus or something, Instead I end up with a deadly disease.

A disease that normally could be easily cured if it wasn't for that stupid lump growing in my brain.

And, of course it was on my birthday, so I had a party to go to, not that I was much in a party mood though.

Not just because of the cancer, but for one other reason as well.

You see my birthdays have never been that great to begin with.

Sure I had my family to come, but I only have nieces and no nephews, so I could never really play with them, cause I am not much for the whole Barbie doll play time.

The adults weren't much better because all they did was sit and talk, yeah I know boring.

Now I can see you thinking, and what about your friends?

Well, short answer is, I didn't have any.

I was always bullied for no apparent reason so I never got to make friends.

That is how I ended up playing video games that much, with no one to play with as a kid and no interest to sit with the adults I just played on my good old game boy.

Now as I grew older things didn't go much better.

One of the worst things was, shortly after my twenty second birthday things didn't go so well between my parents.

I am not going to say exactly what occurred other than that my father FUCKED up big time, but this story is not about that.

But needless to say my parents got divorced.

Not only that, but my little sister, who always had an attitude problem, got kicked out of my mother's house for her behavior.

I am not sure how she is now because all contact has been lost.

Now I do have my family for some support, but they all live quite a distance away, so I only really have my mother, and I am the only one she has.

Now my mother has always been a bacon of strength in my life as I grew up and was bullied.

She was always there for me as I am there for her now.

I am a lot like here. Always being there for others and keep our own pain to ourself so we wouldn't bother others with it.

We both have a hard time saying no to others and many other similarities.

Heh, we even have the same hair color and such.

I definitely am her son.

The only real difference between us is that I am a head and a half taller than her, and she is a vegetarian.

But other than that, we are so much the same.

And I care a lot about her.

And now she is going to lose me too.

So yeah, it has been one fucked up year.

To sum it all up, my parents got divorced, kinda lost my sister, I do not talk to my father any more and now I have cancer.

Yeah, my life sucks.

Fortunately I decided not to celebrate my birthday with the family because I was not really in the mood for it.

But I was going to my mother to go eat something at a local restaurant, and as you probably already had guessed, this did not go so well either.

After arriving at my mother, I gave her the news about the cancer.

Needless to say any festive mood that was there was instantly lost.

We never went to that restaurant, neither one of us wanted to go. And after a long talk with my mom about the surgery I would have coming Thursday and what I would do after with the time I had left, she of course gave her full support and would help me any way she could.

Now I could go on about the events leading up to the day for my surgery, but nothing much worthwhile happened during those days so I just go straight to the point.

After arriving at the hospital, I had another meeting with doctor Cross who explained what exactly was going to happen and what I should expect.

It was a bad day to say the least.

March 14th 2013

Doctor Cross office.

14.02 hours, PM

''Well hello Sam, how are you doing?'' Doctor Cross asked me. I was already in a bad mood because of my illness and anxious about the surgery and now he asks me how I feel.

''Doctor Cross, what do you think?'' I asked with much sarcasm in my voice.

''I am here to get surgery to remove that cancer from my body only to delay the inevitable, so no, I am not doing so great.'' I told him.

''I am sorry to hear that Sam, but I think it is better to just go on with this and get it over with, huh?'' Cross said almost a bit to eager.

''I guess yeah.'' I muttered.

''So what exactly is going to happen doc?'' I asked him. This was more to stall than to know what was going to happen.

I didn't really wanted to know, and while he explained the procedure I was more focused on a suddenly very interesting blank spot on the wall behind him.

''Sigh, well obviously you will be fully sedated.'' Cross began.

''We, the surgeons and I, will than remove the tumors from your body. This may take between five and six hours, more if we come across some complications, but I don't expect that.

After the surgery you will need to remain in the hospital for another month to recover and for observation.'' He told to me making me focus on him instead on that very interesting boring piece of wall.

''After that you can go home to recover further there. Do you have someone to help you with that?'' He asked me.

''Yeah my mom. She is here to help me, she too has a hard time dealing with this, she doesn't want to lose me too.'' I answered with more sadness in my voice then I thought.

''I see.'' Cross said, a bit surprised by that comment.

''Well, do you have any other questions?'' He asked me.

"Yes actually,' you said that I would need to stay in the hospital for another month. 'isn't that a bit short?'' I asked.

''Oh ha ha, no not at all.'' Cross said while laughing a bit.'' no you see,' the medication you will receive will help with that.

You see, it might have been longer several years ago, but with recent developments with the medication you will receive you will be able to leave the hospital in about a month.'' Cross explained to me.

''Those pills have both the latest in human healthcare and pony magic in them.

They will slow down your brain tumor and speed up the recovery process after the surgery.

''I... I see.'' I said, a bit stunned. I never before heard of medicine like that.

''Do you have any other questions Sam'' Cross asked me.

''Yes, actually, aren't we humans immune or get sick from your magic?''

''Ah yes, normally that would be true, but you see after we tested your blood we discovered that you are infact one of those rare humans who are susceptible to magic and thus you are capable to use this magical enhanced medicine.''

''Wait ....what, why didn't you tell me this sooner, this is quite a big deal you know.''

''Yes,'' he stretched out the word, ''I should have indeed, but with all that was going on it slipped my mind.'' he said with a sheepish smile. ''But this is only good news for you in terms of recovery time as you will only have to spend a month in hospital and are able to use medication almost no other human can use, so a little bit of good news I guess heh.''

''Eh... yeah, I guess.'' I replied hesitantly, my mind going a million miles an hour with this new information.

''Do you have any other questions Sam?''

'' No.... eh... no doctor, nothing else I can think of right now.''

''Very well then, if you would wait in that room over there please.'' Cross pointed to a door in the room we where sitting in.

''There is a hospital gown in there, so if you would please remove your clothing and put that on, don't worry about your clothes, we will take good care of them.'' He instructed.

''No need for that doc, my mother came with me obviously, I can give them to her.'' I told Cross

''Ah, of course, Well regardless of that you still need to wait there while the surgeons and I prepare for the surgery.

We will come and get you when were ready.'' He said while preparing to leave.

''Ok, and doctor.'' I said, stopping doctor Cross.

''Yes?'' Cross asked.

''Thanks.. however it may go.'' I said with a sad smile.

''Don't worry Sam, you are in very capable hands and hooves.

You are going to do just fine.'' He said to me as he turned to leave.

''Just fine indeed.'' He muttered under his breath.

                    __________________________________________________________

20 minutes later.

''Ok now, we all know what we must do.'' Cross said to the other surgeons.

Yes Cross, was the collective response from all the surgeons present.

''Good, now than, let's get started shall we. Now let me get that scalpel, oh no need to give it to me dear I am a unicorn after all.'' he said as he used his magic to pic up said scalpel.

Unbeknownst to the others present there was that with the scalpel also came another object.

An object so small you could barely see it, and because Red Cross kept this object so close to the scalpel it became nearly invisible in his magical aura.

                    __________________________________________________________

March 14 2013.

20.22 hours.

Doctor Cross office.

One hour after surgery.

''Boss, Red Cross here. Reporting mission success.'' Cross told his superior.

''None of the other surgeons saw you implant the tracking device?'' Boss asked.

''No sir. It was practically invisible in my magical aura. And with the cover of picking up one of those scalpels no one saw it. Not to mention the slight panic to seal that ''accidentally'' ruptured artery.''

Cross answered thinking back to the surgery he just preformed and the device he implanted.

                    __________________________________________________________

3 hours earlier.

2 hours into surgery.

''Ok'' Cross said out loud, '' I see the mass in the lung, looks like this one can be simply cut out'' he began as he started to cut out the tumor.

''Hmmm, a bit more blood than I thought there would be, you'' he said while looking at one of the surgeons next to him.

''could you please suck the superfluous blood away.' I need to see what I am doing.''

The surgeon did as he was told, but no matter how much blood he removed more kept appearing.

'' Damn, must have hit an artery.'' Cross yelled, ''Quick we need to locate that artery and seal it.''

''Looks like we can simply cut this one out'' one of the surgeons said mockingly.

'' Oh shut up and help alright you idiot.'' Cross shouted to him.

In the confusion to locate and seal the ruptured artery no one noticed when a very small object fell from Cross his scalpel into the open chest cavity just below the lung.

                    __________________________________________________________

Present time.

''I also managed to acquire some fresh tissue samples without them knowing.'' He added.

''Good, you did well. We will begin with the next stage immediately, send the samples to us asap.'' Boss told him.

''Already did so sir.'' Cross replied eagerly.

Good.'' Was all he said.

                    __________________________________________________________

It was dark, very dark.

I  tried to move, but couldn't.

As I wondered what was going on I saw a small speck of light which slowly became brighter.

As I focused on this light I slowly became able to move my limbs again, although the felt heavy, sluggish.

Like they didn't really want to do what I wanted.

The light became brighter still, and more and more until it completely consumed me.

                    __________________________________________________________

March 15th 2013

12.37 P.M.

Recovery room 32.

Slowly I opened my eyes, the light hurt them so I closed them again.

I felt weak and disorientated and as I tried to move my hands I barley realized that I could hardly move them.

But I must have made some motion because somewhere far away I heard something that sounded like gasp.

I tried opening my eyes again, even slower than the last time.

This time the light didn't hurt as much and slowly the image of my mother became apparent.

I tried to talk, but my mouth failed me.

I heard her say something about a sedan, no wait, se.. seda.. sedatation, I think?

Most of this is completely blank, but apparently I was completely wasted on the sedation they gave me prior to the surgery.

I cannot tell about what happened shortly after I woke up because I don't remember.

It wasn't until the next day that I was fully aware of what was happening, and boy did it suck.

I was told about the complication when they tried to remove the tumor from my lung.

Of course I was less than happy, but I couldn't do more than complain about it because a large portion of my body was wrapped in bandages, severely hindering my movements.

Not that I could move much though, I was quite weak from the surgery and the painkillers they gave me.

They also gave me the medication doctor Cross told me about, and although I didn't believe him at first, I have to admit, those pills are amazing. Almost magical....... Oh wait.

                    __________________________________________________________

For a full month I had to go through several tests to see if they got all the tumors, well the ones they could remove safely.

Eat that horrible hospital food and generally lie on my ass doing nothing but watch television (that one wasn't to bad though), if I could stay awake long enough to do so.

During my time recovering in the hospital I took the advice from doctor Cross and started making a list of things I wanted to do before I die.

It turned out to be a longer list than I first thought, which makes sense seeing I didn't do much with my life to begin with and now I must do all the things I always wanted in the few years I have left.

Of all the things I wanted to do, where it to see the great barrier reef, learn to fly a plane or some of the more simpler things like going to the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or the E3 for short, in L.A. (I am a gamer heh, that is not going to change.) none of these where on the top of my list.

However, the thing I wanted most was also the most difficult one because it would mean I most likely wouldn't see my mother again until I would die.

So I worked through my list from the bottom up.

Some things I found where not doable or where not what I expected from it.

I skipped some things on the list to do some of the other thing first only to forget to do the skipped one's because I came closer and closer to the top.

                    __________________________________________________________

July 22th 2014.

15.12 hour.

Belgium.

It has been almost one year and a half when I got the news about my cancer.

One year and a half since I made my list with all I wanted to do before I die.

I've been to Australia to see the great barrier reef.

I took some dancing lessons, (I am not really sure why, but it seemed like a fun idea at the time.), went to the E3 in L.A.

I even took some flying lessons, but this didn't go so well.

Mostly because I underestimated my own skill and the time needed to actually learn to fly.

Heh, what can I say, it just seemed cool at the time.

And so much more.

But now finally the time has come, after a year and a half I finally could do what I always wanted to do the most,

to see it with my own eyes instead of just pictures.

Now, I am finally going to Equestria.

All I need to do to get there is go through the portal. That is why I am in Belgium right now.

Honestly, Belgium.... Of all the places in the world it showed up here, what is up with that?

Now I don't have much against them, but the train ride here was hell.

Seems obvious though, they really screwed up with the Fyra, the new high-speed train, last year, why would things have improved now. That is one thing about both Belgium and the Netherlands, they both suck when it comes to a decent train connection.

They did built an epic looking building to house the portal though.

No really. words will not do it any justice, so here is a picture I took.

So here I am, ready to go to Equestria.

To see a world build with magic instead of technology.

To see a world with ponies, griffins, dragons, hydra's and so much more.

I've heard of a city built against the side of a mountain, but I'm not sure this can be real.

But then again, magic heh, who knows, I will find out soon enough.

And here is where my story truly begins.

Diagnosis ''rewrite''

Where to go next? ''edit''

July 22th 2014.

14.02 hour.

Belgium.

''Oh come on.'' I said a bit too loud. '' I've been in this line forever, it's not like I have all the time in the world.'' immediately regretting my choice of words after I told them.

I've been standing in the line for entrance to the portal for the last thirty minutes now.

Not too long I know, but I am a bit impatient and the slow pace the line is progressing isn't helping at all.

Also, my backpack is starting to become a bit heavy.

Having packed all the essentials for my time in Equestria I ended up with quite the load.

Going through my mental checklist again if I had everything, from money to clothes and my toothbrush, my mind slowly started to drift to the question I have asked myself over and over again.

Why of all places did the portal open here?

In the time that I was waiting in the line I was trying to figure out why exactly the portal opened here.

Not that I am complaining about it, it made it all easier for me to go here because it was quite close to where I life.

After all, it is only a train ride away from my home in the Netherlands, which also means that I am relative close to my family, but still. Why here?

No matter how much I thought about it, i couldn't really figure it out. Guess it was just a matter of chance.

But still, think about what would have happened if the portal opened somewhere else.

What if it opened somewhere in America. Just like all those old fashion science fiction stories that I have seen.

Where the ''aliens'' somehow always seem to land or crash.

How would they react to that, seeing how a lot of them where religious and didn't believe in other intelligent life besides our own.

Ha, how times have changed.

Of course not all change was for the better. Shortly after first contact was made groups of the more fanatic religious people came together in protests, forming what is now known as the Earth Liberation Front, or E.L.F. for short, claiming that the portal was evil and that all that came or went through should be ''removed'' from ''gods green Earth''.

Apparently something similar happened in Equestria as well. Groups of various species clamed that the presence of those ''baled apes'', as they referred to us, was a direct threat to the ''proper'' way of life and that our ''infernal'' inventions should not be allowed onto equestrian soil.

They would later become what is now known as Sovereign Equestria.

And of course, don't forget the other side of the spectrum. Where groups of all various species came together to protest against the protest from both E.L.F and Sovereign Equestria.

These groups believed that not only should we combine our knowledge, but go even further than that.

And so the first pony/human, human/griffin and other interspecies relationships started.

Which of course resulted in fights between these groups.

To stop this, a task force was created that would infiltrate the more radical groups and stop them from within should they ever try something.

In time the situation settled down and the E.L.F. disappeared into the background with the occasional incidents here and there.

Sovereign Equestria separated from all who worked with the human ''threat'' and started a new nation somewhere down south, far away from the portal and the ''evil'' that came through.

Many believe that they keep to themself, but there are those who think that they are still planning something to stop the advance of humanity into Equestria.

I kept thinking about the how or what if the entire time I was waiting in line.

After what felt like eternity I reached the checkpoint for passport control.

''Good day sir, might I see your passport?'' A light green pegasus mare with a red mane and a paper with a check mark for a cutie mark asked me.

As I handed over my passport for control I looked over to the area where the portal was located.

There wasn't much to see though from this point as there was a wall build around it making sure you cannot just dash through passport control and go through the portal.

"What is your reason for going to Equestria?'' She asked me.

''Just sightseeing.'' I replied.

''Ok, everything looks in order.'' The pegasus said. ''You also had your currency exchanged for the currency in Equestria?''

''Indeed I have.'' I told her. '' I've been to the bank yesterday and changed my money, so I should not have any problems with that.''

''Also, you are aware of the time difference between Earth and Equestria?''

''Yes, yes I am. There is a difference of about a month between our calendars, also the clock over there is behind compared to  the time here.''

''Very well then, have a nice day sir.''

''Thank you.'' I replied as I took back my passport and went through the security gate heading towards the portal.

As I neared the entrance to the portal room I was told to wait for a moment as there were other people coming through at the moment.

I stood there with a group of other people and ponies alike, even saw a griffin standing in the back, waiting for us to enter the room and finally be on our way.

After five or six minutes, one of the employees of this place came and told us the way was clear for us to enter.

We were told to enter single file to avoid any confusion and pushing.

''This is it.'' I thought. ''Finally I am going to Equestria.''

As I entered the room I was blinded by a bright light.

I was told that that was normal as the portal emits various light waves, but that this was nothing to worry about and that it would pass in a moment.

Sure enough, only a few moments passed and I could see normally again.

Although at first I thought I was still seeing things and it took me a moment to realize what exactly I was looking at.

I was looking at a hole in reality, a tear in the fabric of space and time.

I was looking at the portal.

Never in my life would I have thought it looked like this, nor could I have imagined what it felt like.

This hole in the fabric of reality was not only visible, but you could actually feel it.

It gave off this distinct pulsing sensation, almost like a heartbeat.

A heartbeat I could feel next to my own.

In my mind I was sure that this, this thing was alive.

I know it sounds crazy, but if you have been there you know what I am talking about.

As I was staring at this phenomenon an elderly woman stepped forward and started to explain what we had to do next.

''Ok lady's, gentleman, mare's, gentle colts and all others present here.' If you would please look at me so I can explain what you need to do to safely go through the portal and what to do when you are on the other side.'' She waited until all of us where looking at here and where listening to what she was saying.

''First of, my name is Emely Burg and I am responsible to get you safely through to the other side'.

Now those of you that have gone through the portal before will know that there will be some disorientation when entering and exiting.

Those of you who have not been through the portal before should know that when you enter you will feel a bit dizzy and even a bit nauseous, the same goes for when you exit the portal.'' She paused for a moment to take a breath.

''This happens due to the temporal displacement you will go through when stepping in the portal.

Basically you will exist and not exist at the same time. Now this sound troubling, but I assure you that this is not as bad as it sounds.

Thousands and thousands of others have been through this process without any problems, so we know it is safe.''

She spoke to us in a calm voice to reassure us all.

''We have heard that taking a deep breath just before you enter the portal helps with this feeling, just don't exhale immediately when you step out of the portal, instead, slowly breath out and you should have the least discomfort from this process.''

''Now we will let you through one at a time, when you reach the other side please step away from the platform so you will not hinder the others and avoid any accidents.'' She told us before continuing.

''I will send you through fifteen seconds after the other. We learned that this is the best time to do so as it gives enough time to go through and step away and keep a decent pace.''

She then turned to the first person in line. '' Sir you are the first in line so if you would be so as kind to step through the portal and be on your way.''

As she led him through the portal he disappeared in a flash of light.

Emely then turned to the second in line, a purple unicorn with a dark purple mane with a pink steak going through it and what looked like a star burst for a cutie mark, and told her to get ready to enter the portal.

As I looked to those in front of me to see how long I had to wait, I noticed that there were only four more in front of me.

''Looks like I am going through faster than I thought.'' I thought to myself as the purple unicorn was led through the portal.

After the others in front of me where all led through the portal Emely turned to me.''  Sir are you ready?'' She asked me.

''As ready as I will ever be.'' I replied.

Emely led me to the portal and before I stepped through she reminded me about taking a deep breath and to slowly exhale when I came through on the other side.

Whit this last minute piece of advice I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and stepped forward.

                    __________________________________________________________

My whole world was upside down, Emely said there might be some disorientation, but this was ridiculous.

Up was down, left was right, inside was outside, there where colors everywhere. Some colors I didn't even knew existed, and I knew I wouldn't be able to describe them because there are no words in existence to do so.

I tried to close my eyes but noticed that I didn't appear to have any eyes.

In the panic that followed on that realization I remembered what Emely said about existing and not existing at the same time.

I guess this is that then.

I am aware of my self, I can feel, see and hear, but I don't seem to have a body, WHAT THE FUCK!

As my world continued to flip up and down, left and right, in and out I started to wonder how long I had to go through this carnival ride from hell.

                    __________________________________________________________

July 22th. 2014.

15.33 hour.

Earth time.

August 03th. 1006.

11.54 hour

Equestrian time.

After what seemed like hours I stepped out on the other side and explosively exhaled. I knew I shouldn't have done that, but I just reacted.

As I did that the slight nausea I had increased dramatically.

As I stood there trying not to throw up an earth pony stallion approached me, clearly having seen this reaction before, and helped me of the platform and went to help the next one that came through.

I stood there, hands on knees, panting and trying not to throw up.

The other humans that went before me didn't look much better, guess it was their first time too, but that purple unicorn I saw before gave me a look that said she clearly wasn't impressed. ''Oh yeah like you did better the first time.'' I thought.

After a couple of minutes I was feeling a lot better and didn't feel the urge to vomit over my shoes, so I stood there waiting for the rest to come through so we could be led to the exit.

When all the others had come through and all where able to walk away without feeling sick we made our way to the exit of this facility.

As I looked around to what this building looked like in comparison to the one back at Earth I noticed that there were a lot of materials used that wouldn't even be considered back home.

Not because it was cheap or bad, but the complete opposite.

I saw gold, marble, jewels as big as my fist and larger.

I've never seen anything like it. ''WOW these ponies are loaded.'' I thought.

As my eyes almost fell out of there sockets as I tried to look at it all in amazement my sight fell on a sign above the exit.

It wasn't much compared to all the shiny gems or gold that was everywhere.

Just a large sign hanging above the exit.

But what drew my attention to it was what was written on it.

WELCOM TO MANEHATTAN.

'' Manehattan'' I muttered to myself. ''Really, that sounds really familiar.

As our group exited the building most went they're separate ways.

Some, like me stayed to look mat the large map on the wall in front of us trying to figure out where to go next.

''Hmmm... I am here.'' I said to myself. ''But where is that city against that mountain?'' I thought.

As I looked over the map to where I had to go, I couldn't help but notice some of the names of their citys.

There was Manehattan, where I was, Trottingham, Las Pegasus, Canterlot, Neighoming and more like that.

''What the hell.'' I thought. ''Is every name a pun around here?''

As I thought that, I noticed a mint green unicorn with a bluish grey mane and golden eye's and what I thought was a lyre for a cutie mark, standing next to me.

She appeared to look at the map too, but somehow I had the feeling she was looking at my hands the entire time, but that must just have been my imagination.

Not knowing where my impossible city was I decided to just ask her and be on my way.

''Excuse me, miss, could you perhaps help me. I seem to be a bit lost.''

''Of course'' she said. Again I had the feeling she looked more to my hands than to me, but I ignored it.

''I'm looking for a city I've heard of but do not now the name of, I forgot to look it up in my excitement to go here.''

I said while laughing sheepishly and rubbing the back of my neck.

''I can understand she replied.'' laughing softly herself. ''Do you know what it looks like or now some other distinct feature of it?''

''Well, I know it is built against the side of a mountain.'' I told her.

She looked at me for a moment before bursting out in laughter.

''Eehhh, did I said something funny?'' I asked, only making her laugh harder.

''Hahaha.. you..you're..haha you're talking about Canterlot.'' she finally managed to say. ''The main capital of Equestria hahaha.'' She said before bursting out in laughter again.

''Eehh, ok... Well do I feel stupid now.'' I said more to myself than her, but the mare still responded to it.

''Oh, haha no it's, heh, it's alright. I can understand that all this is quite new and unknown to you.'' She told me while still snickering every now and then.

''So, Canterlot you said it was.'' I asked her.

''Yes, see it is right there.'' she said while pointing at the location on the map. '' It´s about two and a half hours away by train. The station is that way.'' She pointed towards a building about 10 minutes walking away.

''You should be able to find more information there.''

''Ah, thank you miss.'' I paused thinking. '' You know, after this somewhat awkward moment for me, I think it is only fair if I introduced myself and thank you for your help.'' I said while I knelt before her so I was at eye level with here and extended my hand.

For a moment I thought she looked somewhat in awe at my hand, but I shook that thought off as she placed her hoof in my hand and we shook.

''I'm Sam, Sam Richards.''

''Lyra Heartstrings.'' She told me.

'' Well miss Heartstrings.'' Just Lyra mister Richards. Lyra said while putting a bit to much emphasis on the word mister

''Hah, well than Lyra, thank you for your help.''

''You're welcome Sam.''

'Well, seeing that I now know where to go I better be on my way and leave you to your own business.'' I told her as I stood up. '' Once again, thanks for your help and it's a pleasure meeting you.''

''Oh, the pleasure is all mine.'' Lyra told me while chuckling softly.

''I bet it was.' Well I better go now.'Goodbye Lyra, maybe we will see each other again.''

''Goodbye Sam, and maybe we will.''

I waved at Lyra while walking to the train station she pointed out at me.

                    __________________________________________________________

Several minutes earlier.

''Boss, agent double H reporting in. I have the subject in my sights.'' A light green pegasus with red mane and a paper with a check mark for cutie mark told her superior while keeping an eye out at the human she was ordered to follow.

Good, any interesting to report?''

''Negative, after letting him through at the passport control there hasn't been much interesting to report.

I went after him after about ten minutes so he wouldn't see me. Other than that nothing new.''

''And what is he doing now?''

'' He seems to be looking at a map near the exit from the portal facility and... Wait he just started to talk to a unicorn mare who stood next to him. Hold on, let me get closer to hear what they are talking about.''

She said while quietly making here way towards the human and unicorn.

The unicorn suddenly burst out laughing for no apparent reason, confusing double H.

As she got closer she stared to pick up on the conversation.

''...you... you're talking about Canterlot.'' Double H heard the unicorn say.''The main capital of Equestria hahaha.'' She said before she burst out in laughter again.

''Eehh, ok... Well do I feel stupid now.'' The human said.

''What is this all about?'' Double H thought.

''Oh, haha no it's, heh, it's alright. I can understand that all this is quite new and unknown to you.'' The mare told the human, snickering every now and then.

''So, Canterlot you said it was.'' He asked her.

''Yes, see it is right there.'' she said while pointing at the location on the map. ''It´s about two and a half hours away by train. The station is that way.'' She pointed towards a building about 10 minutes walking away.

''You should be able to find more information there.''

''Wait, this human didn't even know where Canterlot is, what a moron.'' Double H said softly to herself.

''Ah, thank you miss.'' The human said. ''You know, after this somewhat awkward moment for me I think it is only fair if I introduced myself and thank you for your help.'' He said while kneeling before her so he was at eye level with here and extended his hand.

''...you... you're talking about Canterlot.'' Double H heard the unicorn say.''The main capitol of Equestria hahaha.'' She said before bursting out in laughter again.

''Eehh, ok... Well do i feel stupid now.'' The human said.

''What is this all about?'' Double H thought.

''Oh, haha no it's, heh, it's alright. I can understand that all this is quite new and unknown to you.'' The mare told the human, snickering every now and then.

''So, Canterlot you said it was.'' He asked her.

''Yes, see it is right there.'' she said while pointing at the location on the map. ''It´s about two and a half hour away by train. The station is that way.'' She pointed towards a building about 10 minuts walking away.

''You should be able to find more information there.''

''Wait, this human didn't even know where Canterlot is, what a moron.'' Double H said softly to her self.

''Ah, thank you miss.'' The human said. ''You know, after this somewhat awkward moment for me i think it is only fair if i introduced my self and thank you for your help.'' He said while kneeling before her so he was at eye level with here and extended his hand.

''Huh, seems like she has a thing for hands.'' Double H thought as she noticed the look in the mare's eyes when she looked just a bit too long at the hand offered to her.

''I'm Sam, Sam Richards.'' The human said

''Lyra Heartstrings.'' She responded

''Lyra Heartstrings huh, good to know.''

''Well miss Heartstrings.' Just Lyra mister Richards.'' Lyra told Sam while putting a bit to much emphasis on the word mister.

''Hah, well than Lyra, thank you for your help.''

''You're welcome Sam.''

'Well, seeing that I now know where to go I better be on my way and leave you to your own business.'' He told her as he stood up. '' Once again, thanks for your help and it's a pleasure meeting you.''

''Oh, the pleasure is all mine.'' Lyra told me while chuckling softly.

''As it is mine.''

Double H whispered.

''I bet it was.' Well I better go now.'Goodbye Lyra, maybe we will see each other again.''

''Goodbye Sam, and maybe we will.''

Double H slowly moved back to the position she first was to observe Sam.

''Hmmm... Boss did you get all that?''

''Most of it.''

''Noting much special, apparently the idiot just didn't now where the main capital was.''

''Indeed, anything interesting on the mare?''

''nothing I could see, should I follow her to make sure?''

''No need, she is just some bystander, nothing to worry about. Just keep on your current objective and follow that human. Is the tracking device Red Cross has implanted in him is still working as it should after going through the portal?''

''Yes sir, the signal is still strong and on the move, he is currently going towards Manehattan station.''

''Excellent, stay close to him but don't let him see you and report anything interesting.''

''Yes sir.''

                    __________________________________________________________

As I made my way to the train station I couldn't help but notice the many similarities between the architecture of our worlds.

Sure the buildings where smaller to an extend, but the similarities where quite noticeable.

I knew this was due to the cooperation between our worlds, we learned them about high levels of technology and they helped us through the use of magic, especially with the pegasi´s ability to manipulate the weather, which has helped prevent drought, hurricanes and other weather mishaps we couldn´t control ourselves.

I've heard that before we thought them about our technology and how to use it their society was more like ours was about one hundred fifty to two hundred years ago,

So, yeah, quite the leap forward. And now both world have been working together to not only improve the understanding we have about each other, but also to combine our knowledge and create both new forms of technology and magic.

This has let to many great discoveries.

It all started with the first form of magiTec. The first successful combined form of magic and technology.

Of course now the invention of a personal levitation gauntlet seems rather mundane, but at the time it was a tremendous breakthrough for both parties involved.

Before the invention of the personal levitation gauntlet  or P.L.G. for short, unicorns where the only ones that could use levitation, but now we all could use this form of magic, this of course caused for quite the shift in what ponies, people and others could do and what they couldn´t.

This in turn caused for quite an uproar with Sovereign Equestria who saw this as a threat towards unicorns in general.

Claiming that this was just the first step to make the sacred art of manipulating magic that all unicorns are born with into something cheap, something you can just get in the local store instead of it being a birthright.

Of course it didn't stop with just the P.L.G.

In time there were many great inventions that changed all our lives for the better.

My personal favorite is the MAGlev car, which stand for magical levitated car.

Oh yeah flying cars.

I still remember the news report on it. And most of all the look on the faces of the ponies present.

Apparently they relied on pony pulled chariots and to see a ''chariot'' not just move on their own, as they first saw with our normal cars, but even fly without the help of a pegasus to pull it, Well they were awestruck to say the least.

And it seems that this upwards spiral of inventions has also led to the creation of the medication I am now relying on to slow down my brain cancer.

As I arrived at the train station i noticed a large picture on the wall showing a rather colorful, almost childish train on it.

A sign next to it read.

The friendship Express,

the train that connected the city's before the introduction of the high-speed bullet train technology by the humans.

''So this is what their train's looked like before we helped improve them'' I thought after reading the sign, ''Seems like a good thing too, this one seems like it was designed by a four-year old. And are that ponies pulling it?'' I asked myself.

Did they really have ponies pulling something as heavy as a train, and why? Surly they must have some sort of magic to move the train, or perhaps a steam engine of some sorts. '' Weird.'' I thought.

After looking  at the picture of the 'train' I made my way over to the main hall to buy my ticket to Canterlot and be on my way.

Seeing there was quite the line for the ticket booth I prepared my self for yet another wait when one of the closet booths opened up.

Quickly, before someone else could get there before me I rushed over there and get my ticket to my mystery city.

''Good day mister, how can I help you?'' The man behind the booth asked me.

''One ticket to Canterlot please.''

''Very well.'' He replied as he worked on his computer. ''And here you go, your train will arrive in another ten minutes at platform nine.'' He informed me.

''And where is platform nine exactly?'' I asked him as I paid for the ticket.

''Go right over there.'' He said while pointing towards a hallway on my left. ''Follow that hallway and take a right at the end, can't miss it.''

''Ah, thank you sir.'' I said as I picked up my ticket and went towards where he indicated.

After following the directions given to me I arrived at platform nine with some time to spare before the train arrived, I figured that, just like back home the train would be delayed for several minutes, so I spend my time looking around once again and take in the scenery.

Unlike the portal facility this place looked more old fashioned, more like the architectural style I've heard these ponies had before we humans showed up.

That didn't mean that it was all old though. As I looked around I could easily see many forms of technology we introduced into their society, from the electrical lighting, computers, pda's ponies where using, or the escalators I used just a moment ago, it was an odd mixture of both old and new.

As I looked at all this the train arrived at the station.'' Wait, that doesn't seem right. ''I thought. ''The train is actually on time, weird.''

As the train came to a stop I noticed that it was a world apart from its predecessor.

Instead of a colorful train pulled by ponies, a large sleek looking MAGlev. bullet train was in front of me.

''No way, they've got a MAGlev. train, why did I still had to use on of those old fashioned trains with wheels back in Belgium.''

I said out loud, a bit annoyed with the crappy train system back home.

As I looked at the train I would be in in a moment i couldn't help but notice a rather unique feature.

The train still uses tracks.

These trains use the same principle as our MAGlev cars and go anywhere the want without tracks, but apparently they chose to keep them on a rail specially designed for this.

Instead of wheels to ride on it creates a magical levitation field between its underside and the rail to hover on.

''Hmm, I wonder why they chose to put it on a rail?''

As the passengers already on the train started to leave the announcement came that my train had arrived.

''Yeah yeah, I know it is here, just let me get onboard.'' I thought, being rather impatient cause I really wanted to go.

After the last of the passengers that went of the train had left, I made my way in the train, accidentally knocking over a pony couple saying goodbye, after a hasty apology to the yellow and orange earth pony mare with a trio of carrots for a cutie mark and the grey and purple unicorn stallion who had a unrolled scroll for his mark, I made my way on board and taking place at the first spot I found silently proclaiming ''This is my spot.''

After several long minutes all the passengers where finally on board and the train started to move, heading towards Canterlot.

''This is it, finally I am going there, to see it for real.'' I thought as a large smile found its way onto my face.

As I looked out of the window to the landscape that flashed by, I started to wonder about all that i would see in this world of magic, sure I'm going to Canterlot now and fulfill a lifelong dream of mine. But there is more out there than just this one city and I want to see as much of it as I could.

As I sat there thinking and planning about what I would do once I arrived at Canterlot an occasional question would pop up making me even more exited for all that I would see.

''Where to go next.'' I thought with an increasingly growing smile while already planning where I would go after I've been to Canterlot. ''Where to go next.''

Now what? ''rewrite''

City of dreams. part 1. ''edit''

Sure, I might have made a slight mistake by not planning ahead when I came here.

I mean, it would only have taken me about five minutes to look up the information about Equestria and the location of its citys on the internet, but i was somewhat in a hurry.

I didn´t want to waste any time with ''pointless'' activities when I could just go and explore the world of magic.

Stupid, yes it was, regret it, no, not at all.

I did got to meet Lyra because of it, and of course I didn't know it at the time, but we would meet again.

Both her and a certain earth pony mare that I ''might'' have run over at the train station.

But I am getting ahead of myself.

So there I was, in the train heading towards Canterlot.

Almost the entire train ride was spent planning on what to do when I came there or where I would go next after I had seen Canterlot.

I had a goofy grin on my face for the duration of the ride which got me a couple of odd looks from some of the other passengers, but I didn't care much about it.

And then I saw it, Canterlot.

To say I was impressed would be the understatement of the century.

Heh, my reaction was certainly entertaining for the other passengers.

August 03th. 1006.

14.23 hour

Equestrian time.

I sat in the train for close to two and a half hours now, ''We must be getting close now.'' I thought while looking out of the window, staring at an oddly looking cloud formation somewhere in the distance.

And then the train turned the corner and I noticed some structures up ahead, I couldn't quite place it though as the rolling hills of the landscape blocked my view.

''It is almost like those structures are floating in mid air'' I thought, only for the city to come in full view.

I swear that I heard i solid ''thumph as my jaw felt down towards the floor of the cart I was in as I stared in awe to the city I was heading for.

It took me a solid minute to gather my sense and forcefully close my mouth, failing to notice the amused looks from the other passengers.

''WOW'' was all I could say as my mind tried to believe what my eyes where seeing.

''It's quite the sight huh.'' someone said to me.

''Yeah'' was all I said, still looking at the city unable to turn my gaze away.

''First time seeing Canterlot I presume.''

''Yeah, I .. wait .. what... Oh sorry I wasn't paying much attention, did you say something?'' I asked as I became aware that someone, or rather somepony was talking to me.

''Ha ha, I noticed, and I asked if this was your first time here, I guess this answered that question though.''

''Oh, he yeah, i guess I kind of zoned out there when I saw the city,'' I said while smiling sheepishly and rubbing the back of my neck. ''it's unlike anything I have ever seen.'' I told him having the weird suspicion I had seen him before, but where?

''Hold on, aren't you that guy I accidentally ran over back at Manehattan station?'' I asked when realization set in.

''Yes, yes I am, Quick Note is the name and you are?''

''Ehh.. Sam, Sam Richards.'' I answered.

''Well mister Richards, would you be so kind as to explain why you ran my marefriend and me over and did not even stop for a proper apology, but just shout a hasty ''I'm sorry'' over your shoulder?''

''Eeehh...well..you see,'' I started, at a loss for words because i didn't really have a good reason for why I did that. ''I kind of was in a hurry because ... I didn't want to miss the train so I might, eeehhh, did rush things a bit when I boarded the train.'' I quickly corrected myself when I saw the look on his face.

''You didn't want to miss the train,'' he stated. ''even though it was still waiting at the station for 10 more minutes after you ran us over to enter the train. Furthermore, the schedule clearly shows the exact time when the train arrives and leaves so your rushing for the train so you wont miss it is not an excuse when there is still enough time to get on board.''

''Clearly you have never used the trains back home.'' I muttered.

''Excuse me, what was that?''

''Eh, nothing sir, just 'sigh' just that you are right, I didn't have a good reason for why I ran you or your girl.. eh marefriend over and for that I apologize,'' I told him as I held out my hand. ''I am sorry for any inconvenience I caused to both of you and that I didn't give a proper apology back then.''

''Hmmm, very well then.'' he said while placing his hoof in my hand and shook. ''apology accepted, just don't let it happen again.''

''Eeh.. I'll try.'' came my awkward response as the train came to a stop at Canterlot station. ''well I better be going now, once again my apologies and have a nice day sir.''

''And you too mister Richards.''

                    __________________________________________________________

As I made my way of the train and through the station I kept thinking about how easy I got off with just an apology for running those two over.

After all back home I might have gotten in a lot more trouble for it than just an awkward conversation and an apology.

''Huh, that went a lot better than I thought it would go. I expected the guy to be more troublesome than that and certainly not so easy to forgive, weird, I heard most of these ponies where rather friendly, but still.... WOW.''

This train of thought quickly stopped as I exited the train station and found myself utterly awestruck at the sight before me.

I thought the city looked amazing from inside the train, but this, this was unbelievable.

It was a perfect mix of both old and new, mediaeval and modern.... magic and technology.

Old fashioned cobble stone roads with modern M.E.D. (magic emitting diodes) light posts.

Chariots that pulled themselves, digital road signs, ponies walking around with those P.L.G.'s and so much more.

It was breathtaking.

How long I just stood there gawking at the sight before me I do not know, but it must have been longer than I thought because someone behind me cleared his throat to get my attention.

As I turned around to see who it was I saw a small line standing behind me waiting for me to step aside.

Apparently I stood still directly in the exit, blocking everyone´s path.

''Eheheh... oops.'' I said while scratching the back of my neck and trying not to make eye contact with those behind me as I stepped aside.

''Hmph.. tourists.'' The pony directly behind me said.

Slowly I walked away, trying not to draw to much attention to myself as the people and ponies that I blocked went on their own separate ways, each of them glancing into my direction making me more uncomfortable.

After I got away from that somewhat embarrassing moment I figured that I probably should get myself a map of some sorts so I would not end up getting lost like I did back in Manehattan. ''Something I should have thought about before you idiot.'' I thought.

Fortunately there was a small shop close to the station that sold just that so after buying a map and made sure I knew where I was I finally made my way into the city to see all that it offered.

                    __________________________________________________________

''So, it seems you finally grew a brain and got yourself a map instead of wandering around aimlessly,'' double H muttered. ''Humph, honestly, of all the assignments I could be given I got stuck with following this dumb ape across the nation just to see how he gets lost almost immediately.''

''Know your place H.''

''WHAA.'' Double H yelled while jumping backwards in surprise knocking over a garbage can behind her.''Shit.'' She shouted when the garbage can fell over with a lot of noise. I've got to get out of here before somepony or someone sees me.

''Hey, is somepony in there?'' H heard somebody say as she flew further into the ally and around the corner before flying up and onto the roof of a building on which she had a clear line of sight on her target.

''phew, close one... wait, Boss you heard all that?'' she asked while looking at her communication device which didn't appear to be on.

Yes, yes I did, just because you do not have your com unit on doesn't mean I am not receiving, just that you can't hear me unless I want you to, and let me tell you this, this dumb ape might be an idiot that doesn't know which way is which, but that doesn't mean we can afford to lose sight of him. Too much is at stake with this so we can't afford any screw-ups and loose ends. We need this human under constant observation so we know when to act when this ape finally dies through 'natural' reasons and our project can move on to the next phase.''

But boss, isn't that what the tracking device is for? After all, isn't it a bit unnecessary to have me following this guy all around Equestria while you can see where he is with just a push of a button. Instead of me following him around all the time I could just check up on him and see if he is still alive or n-''

NO, you listen here H, I do not care what you think or want to do, you were given an order and you better do it or I will find somepony else who will, but that also means you are a loose end and that is something I cannot afford, so I just have to get rid of it. So the choice is yours, either do as you where told or 'disappear'. Do you understand?''

''Y-y-yes sir'' H said as she looked around to see where here target was, only to realize that she had lost him in the crowed. ''I-I-..I will not lose him sir, you can count on me.''

''Good, now get your flank moving and stay on target.''

There was a distinct 'click' as the connection was cut off, all the while H was in a slight panic about the whereabouts of the human she was supposed to keep an eye on. ''Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, where did he go?'' she thought as she scanned the crowd down below. Luckily humans are a lot taller than most of the other beings down there but unfortunately there were also a lot of humans down there.

''Fuck, where did I put that tracking device, AAARGH come on, of course I had to lose him now.'' H thought, almost saying it out loud, but she caught her self before she did so, afraid for how her superior would react if he heard that she lost her target right after she said she wouldn't.

''AHA,'' she exclaimed after finding the tracking device and turning it on. ''Now where did you go?'' she quietly muttered, afraid that her superior would hear here while scanning the crowd below in search for the signal, ''Where did you go?''

                    __________________________________________________________

I made my way through the various shops and stalls giving curious glances to all the items being sold.

There were the usual food stands full with various forms of fruit and vegetables.

Normally I am not much for the green stuff, but I have to admit that those apples I saw looked pretty damn tasty.

Which they were I soon discovered after buying one in a moment of weakness. The pony that sold me the apple told me that it was an import from an apple orchard not to far from here in a small village called ponyville.

''Wow, if they taste this good after importing them I wonder how they will taste right from the tree.'' I thought thinking that maybe I should pay a visit to the town, if only for the apples there.

After buying several more apples to eat on my way through the city, I started to look at what the other vendors sold, most of them sold various forms of M.tech or other forms of magic related products.

Some of the products I recognized, from the standard M.tech such as tablets which had some alterations to be used by either hooves or claws instead of hands, cheap low-level P.L.G.'s for limited use only, to small crystal magic field emitters which could be used for various purposes, whether it be cloud walking, personal shielding or other forms of magic like that. all you needed was to have a unicorn to charge the crystal with the appropriate spell and keep it with you for as long as you intended to use it.

''You like that don't you!?'' I heard the sales pony say as I picked up the C.M.F. emitter to get a better look.

''It's nice.'' I replied answering the pony.

''It certainly is, best quality there is.'' he told me, ''tell you what, for twenty five bits it's yours.''

Now I've heard that these ponies like to haggle, heck I even experienced it firsthand with the apple sales pony, and although I didn't really knew what to do there and probably paid more than I should for the fruit I bought I was determined to not make the same mistake again, luckily I knew a few things about these C.M.F emitters which I could use in my favor if I played it right.

''Twenty five bits, no way sir, the quality of this thing is not all that great, not for that kind of money, I pay you six bits.''

''Six, sir you insult me, this here is top of the line M.tech, guaranteed the best there is, twenty two bits.''

''Twenty two, you must mistake me for a fool, I've seen better quality for less money, nine bits.''

''Hah, better quality than here you won't find mister, nineteen bits and no less.''

''Nineteen, oh no no no, that is not going to happen, you see I know a few things about these things, and one of those things is that the strength of the emitter is determined by the color of the crystal.

The darker the color the stronger the crystal, going from a light yellow to a dark purple and anything in between, yellow is the weakest and purple is the strongest, and this crystal is not a dark purple, not even a deep red, but more a yellowish orange so I will pay you twelve bits and not a bit more.''

''Aah, well it seems that I have somewhat of an expert here heh, well then you most certainly also know that color is not the only thing that determines the strength of these beauties, production quality also plays a role in it, and as I said before, you won't find a better quality anywhere else. So it's sixteen bits.''

''Sixteen huh, tell you what, throw in one of those low-level P.L.G.'s and you got yourself a deal.''

''What, oh no it doesn't work like that sonny, of no, if you want both the emitter and the P.L.G. it will cost you twenty one bits.''

''Oh really, I know for a fact that those low level gauntlets go for only three to four bits a piece, combine that with the twelve bits I already offered for the emitter you end up with sixteen bits, which is more than a fair price for both products, you know it and I know it, soooo,'' is said while stretching out the last word, '' I will pay you sixteen bits for both products.''

''Hmmm, you drive a hard bargain son.''

''I do try.''

''Tell you what, you got yourself a deal, let me just wrap those up for you so they won't get damaged on the way.''

''Thank you.'' I said to him as he wrapped up my purchase and I counted out the amount of bits we agreed on.

''Here you go son, wrapped up and ready to go.'' he said to me as he handed over the package.

''Thank you and here you go,'' I replied as I handed over the money. ''Pleasure doing business.''

''Hah, the pleasure was all mine, it's been a while since I got a good haggle out of you humans, you are so easily fooled.'' he said with a smirk, ''at least you had some idea what you were doing.''

''Ha, yes I guess i did heh.'' i told him while thinking it to be wise not to tell him that it was more beginner's luck than anything else. ''Well have a nice day sir.''

''You to son.'' came his reply as he gave me a curt nod.

As I made my way through the hustle and bustle of the market I was in I decided that now would probably be a good time to get something to eat, besides I need to take my medication now and it is easier to swallow those pills with something to eat.

''Sigh, even with all our M.tech they are not able to create some medicine with a proper flavor instead of this awful taste these things have.'' I thought while looking around, trying to find some café or restaurant, but unable to find one.

''Hmm, not really much for an eating establishment around here, let's see on that map of mine if there is something around here to get a bite to eat.''

As I pulled my map out of my backpack I got the weird feeling that someone was watching me. I'm not really sure why though, there is nothing interesting about me, just your everyday human who is dying of a terminal disease, yep no one interesting.

Still I couldn't shake the feeling so I started to look around to see if I could find my mystery stalker''. ''Hah, yeah you're getting paranoid,'' I said to myself when I didn't see anyone out of the ordinary, which wasn't much of a surprise seeing how the entire street was crowded with ponies, humans, griffins and some other species of which I wasn't sure of their name, ''why would someone even be interested in me enough to follow me,'' I thought while chuckling as I folded out my map to find a place to eat.

                    __________________________________________________________

''Phew, that was close,'' H said after she fled into an ally as Sam stopped to look around only for him to shrug and focus back on his map to look for whatever it is he is looking for. ''He almost spotted me there, what caused him to become suspicious all of the sudden?, 'sigh' this really is starting to look like one of those days you could better stay in be-.''

H was cut of as her com unit started to make a beeping noise causing her to flinch in fear as she realized that her superior just heard that particular line of thought.

''Eeh, ahem, I mean where are you of to now hmm and why would you even buy those cheap flank M.tech devices, what use could they possibly have to you?'' she said a bit louder than usual to make sure that 'he' heard her and would ignore her complaint from earlier.

As she said that she noticed that her target found whatever it was on his map and started to walk away. As she followed him she made sure she stayed even more in the shadows than she usually would. Not knowing what gave her away before she was determined not to spook him again.

                    __________________________________________________________

After a short walk, a few wrong turns and some sightseeing I found myself standing at a local restaurant.

The royal sisters, as the name said, seemed like a nice enough place to me so I went in to see if they had a free table.

''Good day mister, how can I help you?'' as I turned to answer the 'person' who talked to me I found myself completely speechless, I was expecting a pony or a human, heck even a griffon but not this. He looked like a pony, kind of, but was more like some sort of insect. As I stood there just staring at this insect like pony unable to form a proper reply to his question he was looking at me with a humorous look in his eyes.

''Ha ha ha, first time seeing a changeling I presume.'' he said to me, bringing me back to reality.

''Ehh, a what now?'' came my dumb reply.

''A changeling,'' he replied while chuckling.

''A change-. eh no I can not say that I ever have seen somepo... eeh someling'' i said uncertain not sure if that was the proper phrase to use here, until he gave a small nod. '' no I have never met someling like you ever before.... ah ow sorry if my staring made you uncomfortable.'' I told him after realization set in of my behavior just now.

''Oh it is alright, it gave me a bit of a laugh seeing the look on your face he he, but let's try this again,  how may I help you mister?'' he asked with a humorous grin on his face.

''Just call me Sam, and a table for one easily confused human if you have a one, a table that is, I got the confused human part covered'' I told him with a chuckle.

''Ha ha well mister confused human if you would follow me I will show you to your table.''

''Thank you sir.'' I replied while following the changeling, laughing at his joke.

''Just call me Arachnida and here is your table,'' he indicated a table located on the terrace.

''Ah thank you kindly.''

''You're most welcome, now the waiter will be with you shortly, but could I get you something to drink in the meantime?''

''Hmm, do you happen to have some iced-tea?'' I asked him hoping that I could satisfy my iced-tea addiction.

''We most certainly do, the waiter will bring it to you in a moment.''

As Arachnida walked away to place my order and go back to welcoming guests at the door I looked at the place I was sitting at. ''Hmm not to much sun or shadow, but a perfect mix of the two and a slight breeze, but not to much so I won't have to worry about getting a stiff neck, a clear view on the door so I can see when the waiter comes and not to crowded. This is a really nice spot.'' I thought to myself as a unicorn mare approached me with my drink.

''Good day sir, here is your drink and a menu.''  she said cheerfully as she levitated over said items

In the short moment that she levitated my drink and menu to the table I took a moment to look her over. A deep red coat with a bright, almost glowing red mane and tail with some orange through it, wearing a blue vest, probably from the restaurant, and a cutie mark of a ruby on fire, but it where here eyes that caught my attention, they almost seemed to be glowing with an inner fire.

Now, I have always been open-minded about inter species relationships, and although I have never been in a relationship with any outside my own species that doesn't mean I dislike these ponies, in fact, my browser history proves just the opposite and this mare in front of me sure was a pretty lady.

Even though I only looked for a moment I had the feeling she knew I was checking her out, but if she did, she did not show it.

I thanked here for my drink and started to look through the menu as she went to serve other guests.

As I looked over the menu I noticed that there were actually several menu's, each specially put together it seems, for all the various species, most of the vegetable dishes where specially made for ponies and other herbivores, meat dishes for griffins and other carnivorous creatures, a combination of both vegetable and meat for humans and even several forms of gem covered dishes for dragons.

''Dragons?'' I muttered, wondering how such a large creature would even fit in here '' oh well, let's see what they have that I can eat.''

As I went over the list of food for human consumption I realized that I almost forgot to take my medication, as I put down my menu to get my medicine from my backpack the waiter returned thinking I had made a choice.

''Good day mister, did you make your choice.'' she asked while levitating a small notepad and pencil ready to take my order.

''Oh,  I'm sorry miss, but I have not yet decided, I merely put down my menu to get something from my back over here.'' I told here, being rather vague about what I was trying to get out of my back, it's not really a great conversation topic.

''Sir, you do know that bringing your own food here is not allowed.'' she told me while giving me an accusing look as she saw some off the apples I bought earlier.

''What, I..wait.. oh no no no, no it isn't like that at all, you got it all wrong, this are just some apples I bought at the market earlier, that's it, they're not what I'm trying to get.''

''Then what were you trying to get hmm?''

''I was just trying to, eehhh, I mean i was looking for, I... 'sigh'.'' I let out a deep breath as I reached down my back. ''I was just trying to get my medication miss.'' I told her as I showed her the small pill bottle. ''It's easier to swallow these with something to eat or drink, so....yeah.''

The mares eyes widened in realization and her ears drooped slightly. ''Oh my, I am so sorry sir, I didn't rea-.''

''It's alright.'' I said as I raised my hand, ''You didn't know and where just doing your job, I was just trying to avoid this so I wouldn't have one of those awkward conversations like the one we are having now, it's not really a happy topic of discussion.''

She kept looking at the bottle I was holding, probably trying to figure out what it was exactly, but I kept my hand over the label so she couldn't see what it said, her look, however, spoke volumes about what she thought.

''Don't worry miss, it isn't anything contagious, it's just that the portal has some ill effects to some humans.'' I quickly lied hoping that she would buy it.

''No sir, I was out of place trying to find out what-.''

''Please just call me Sam and stop worrying about it, you did what you thought was right and that´s it, now let´s not worry about this any more and lets just forget about this miss.''

''Ruby, Fire Ruby, just like the gem only prettier'' she said with a wink causing me to blush.

''Wait, she does know I was checking her out.'' I thought as I responded. ''Well miss Ruby if it's alr-.

''Just call me Ruby, miss Ruby is my mother.''

''Ok, Ruby if it's alright with you and come back in a few moments, I will have my order ready by then.''

''certainly Sam, I will be back here in a minute or two, and sorry once again.'' she said with an apologetic smile.

''Like I said, it's alright mi-.. Ruby. it's alright Ruby.'' I told her as I caught myself when I slipped back into formalities. ''Now you can stand here looking pretty and all, I certainly wouldn't mind, but there are other guests waiting and I still have to choose what I want to eat.'' I told her while trying my luck.

My compliment caused her to blush slightly, which was almost impossible to see through her red coat, as she walked away to take care of the other guests.

As she did so I couldn't help but notice that she put in a bit more sway with her flank causing me to cheer in my mind.

''Well that improved rapidly, going from a very awkward moment to some slight flirting with the waitress, heh this never happened back home, and she sure is a pretty mare.'' As I thought about this, I choose one of the simpler dishes on the menu to eat, nothing fancy, just some fish with steamed vegetables and fries.

After I took my medicine and a minute or two had passed Ruby came back to take my order, she still held an apologetic smile, but the 'fire' I noticed in her eyes before seemed to have increased as she looked at me. now I don't know much about this whole magic business, but this seemed a bit odd to me, in fact, as I thought about it I remembered that ponies where usually named after their abilities in some way or another and Fire Ruby seemed an out of place name for a waitress.

''I should ask her about that if I get the chance to do so.'' I thought as I took another glance at her eyes at the same time she looked at me.

''Oh... I.. eh, your food will be here shortly Sam.'' she stammered as she looked away, both of us sporting a heavy blush which of course was not that noticeable on her through her red coat, I on the other hand had a beet red face as I looked away awkwardly trying not to embarrass myself more than I already did.

As I looked around I noticed several amused looking ponies and humans sitting at the tables around me, which of course did not help me in the slightest.

After about fifteen minutes Ruby came back, sporting a bright smile while levitating the food I ordered towards me. ''Enjoy your food Sam.'' she said as she gave me another wink and walked away to serve another guest leaving me with another heavy blush which I honestly believe gave of more heat than the food in front of me.

As I focused on my food and tried to ignore the few amused snickers I heard coming from behind me I noticed a small piece of paper laying underneath my plate. My jaw almost fell onto of the table as I noticed that it was in fact a small note from Ruby.

I'm free at six.

Come back here so we can talk a bit more if you would like.

Ruby

As I sat there with the largest smile I had ever had I looked towards where Ruby was standing. Although she was standing with her back towards me I knew that she knew that I found her note, and my reaction towards it told it all, so I wasn't surprised when I saw her glancing into my direction from time to time with a smile just as big as mine.

                    __________________________________________________________

Several minutes earlier.

''I can't believe this,,'' H said to herself as she watched from one of the rooftops to her target and some mare as they went from some awkward moment over something in his bag to some slight flirtation between the two.

''What is going on double H?'' Boss asked as he heard her.

''This human and some, blegh, some ape humping mare as it seems, are flirting on the terrace of the restaurant he is eating.''

''..... I see, this, however, is no reason for you to speak up so loud, we both now that this vile act has been going on for some time now between thousands of humans and ponies, disgusting as it is you need to remain focused and on target so try to ignore it.''

''Ignore it, IGNORE IT,'' she shouted before catching herself and lowering her volume.

''How could I possibly ignore such treachery of our own kind..., Sir?'' she added more as an after thought. ''Please allow me to kill this treacherous bitch.''

''NO, no you will not do such a thing, we cannot afford any chances with this, anything that could lead to us being discovered is not allowed to happen, not even the murder of an ape humper as you so colorfully put it.''

'' But sir I-.''

''No buts H, you have your orders, now carry them out and don't worry about this and any other pony that let themselves in with this human plague. When this, this what we have been working on for so long finally works the humans won't be a problem to us for much longer.''

''Argh.. yes sir.'' was all she said as she shut of her com unit.

                    __________________________________________________________

''Hmm, better keep an eye on her, she is becoming more and more troublesome. Still I have to agree with H about that human loving mare.'' he said while shuddering as he said that word as he made his way through a complex of hallways towards a small dimly lit room that overlooked a larger room a floor below.

As he looked down, he saw that the next test subject was already put in place. Down below bound on a cold metal table laid a young adult human male. ''Hmm not much of a fight in this one, I guess they already drugged him.'' he thought as he walked to a small device located on the wall and pushed the button on it. ''Begin procedure.'' he said and several ponies wearing white masks, vests and protective goggles entered the room, most of them carrying multiple syringes with them.

As the human saw this he started to struggle in his bonds, but it was a futile attempt as both the bonds keeping him down and the drugs in his system kept him from doing more than a few panic-stricken twitches of his limbs.

As he looked down onto the display of the ponies standing around the human, ready to inject him with whatever there is in those syringes he saw the human look into his direction, a look of true fear in his eyes. He couldn't help but smirk at this as the first pony injected him soon followed by the rest all the while the human yelled out in agony.

After the ponies where done with the injections they stepped away, waiting for something to happen, and waited and waited.

Nothing seemed to happen other than the human wailing in agony. Just as he was about to leave thinking this was another failure the humans wails increased, becoming yells of pure pain and suffering as he started to trash in his bounds as his body started to glow with an unnatural light which increased in strength with every passing second until he was unable to even look at it. And all the while the human kept on screaming and trashing in his bounds.

This kept up for almost five minutes until something different happened. The light the human was emitting dimmed while his screams increased, but they sounded distorted, like nothing a human, pony or otherwise could produce. The next thing he heard was the sound of bones snapping as the light kept diminishing and the screams died down and came to a stop.

Everything was quiet for a few tense moments, when all of a sudden the body's chest exploded with such force that blood, bone and organic tissue was splattered all over the area and the ponies standing next to him.

When the light was completely gone 'he' saw the true extend of the carnage that had occurred. The entire body, except for the head, was deformed or ripped apart from the explosion.

His arms where elongated, stretched out and broken, bend in ways no human arm could. the same could be said of his legs. Broken bones even protruded from his legs as blood was flowing out of all these wounds like a small waterfall and onto the floor where it collected in a large puddle. His chest, were the explosion came from, splayed wide open like some gruesome flower in bloom, exposing his ribcage and the organs within, those that remained intact and weren't blown out in the blast, that is. His left lung seemed to be liquefied and his heart looked like it was overinflated and then burst like a balloon, probably causing the explosion, causing his ribs to sticking outwards, almost looking like some predators mouth before he would viciously tear into his unfortunate prey .

Blood seeped out of his mouth, nose and ears as a look of agonizing pain was etched on this humans face as cold dead eyes looked right at 'him'. He who was looking at the carnage with a look of satisfaction and triumph.

''Good, this certainly is an improvement over the last several tests.'' he said over the intercom. ''clean the room and get another test subject, and don't drug him this time, let's see what happens then. Also dissect what remains of this body and see what you can learn from this.. thing.

As he watched the ponies below remove the body for further study and a cleaning crew came in, he couldn't help but smile.

''This is but the first step.'' he said to no one in particular. ''Soon we will find out how to get this to work and then we can finally get rid of this human scum for good. Ha ha ha ,long live Sovereign Equestria, to a future without humans.''

City of dreams. part 2

After the initial, and rather pleasant surprise I got from the note Ruby gave me, I started to plan ahead for what to do in the meantime while I waited for her shift to end.

I still have several hours before it would be six o'clock and there is still a lot to see here. So I was now studying my map to see what Canterlot had to offer and where everything was located.

''Hmm, let's see.'' I muttered, ''I've been to the market and have seen several of those landmarks too as I made my way to the restaurant, so that leaves this here.'' I said while tapping a spot on the map and read what the description of it said.

The royal sculpture garden, home of many statues collected over the ages by Princess Celestia herself, as well as the famous hedge maze the Elements of Harmony had to go through during their quest to stop Discord. Open for public.

''Elements of Harmony, Discord, what do they mean with that?'' I Thought as I scanned the short description, trying to find more information about it, but it was just a tourist map so not much information could be gained from it. ''Oh well, I guess I better go see it for myself and see if there is more information about these elements or Discord over there.''

With my mind made up I've started to head towards the gardens while grabbing my camera and made sure it had still enough power in it, it wouldn't be very useful if I ended up with a dead battery now would it. As my camera checked out and after several detours to see some of the other things that had gained my attention, I arrived at the gardens with my camera at the ready.

As I stood there watching, I couldn't help let out a slow whistle as I took in the sight before me.

''WOW, that's a big maze.'' I said as I noticed a small group of ponies walking past some of the statues. From what I could see it was an adult with several children.

As I got closer to see the statues for myself I heard her talk to the group of children as she explained the meaning of the statues to them, ''Ah, so a teacher and her class.'' I thought as I picked up more of their conversation.

''.... nd this statue represents friendship, and this on is victory an-.''

''Ahm, miss Cheerilee.'' one of the eh.. filly's, said

''Yes Apple Bloom.'' Cheerilee said.

''Ah don't mean to intarrupt or somethang, but haven't we'll done this already a few years ago?''

''Yes, you are right about that dear, however, as all of you know, your grades concerning history leaves a lot of room for improvement so I thought it wise to refresh all of your memory with another tour through the sculpture gard-.''

I stopped listening to them as I noticed some of the children were looking at me, making me feel uncomfortable, and I walked away to look at the statues that were here.

There were several pieces that took my interest as I took pictures of them all, two of them were from the princesses Celestia and Luna.

But one statue stood out from the rest. It was unlike anything I have ever seen before. It appeared to be some creature made up from various animal bodyparts. This thing was standing in a manner in which it looked like it was shielding itself from something.

Although this thing was rather unusual, it would make a fun picture, however, as I was adjusting my camera to take the shot I got hit by a sudden wave of dizziness making me stumble as I tried to keep my balance, but failing that, I slowly, carefully made my way to the statue to hold on to it to balance myself as I grabbed my head with my free hand and waited for this to end.

''what was that?'' I asked to no one in particular as the dizziness stopped after several uncomfortable minutes, ''Wait, was thi-.... Oh no, don't tell me... no no no this can't be from that right, oh this is bad, this is really, really bad.'' I mumbled as I started to realize that this was most likely the result from that fucked up lump of cancerous tissue in my head.

''Ehm, mister are you alright?'' someone asked me, but as I turned around to see who it was I couldn't see anyone, ''Down here silly.'' another voice said, still a bit disorientated from that dizzy spell, it took me a  moment to process what I heard before I looked down to see three young filly's looking up at me.

One was a Pegasus with an orange coat and purple mane and tail, a unicorn with a white coat and a light purple and pink curly mane and tail and a music note fore a cutie mark and a earth pony with a yellow coat and red mane while wearing a big red ribbon in her mane.

''eehh, did you say something?'' I asked them.

''We asked if you were all right, seeing how you were leaning against the statue of Discord while talking to yourself.'' the white unicorn filly chirped happily.

''Yeah, you were all weird, mumbling to yourself and such.'' the Pegasus told me with a questioning look.

''Eh, freeing who now?'' I asked them.

''Discord, you'll know, that guy stuck in tha statue you were leaning against.'' the earth pony answered me.

''Wait what? There is actually someone trapped in this thing?'' I said in shock.

"Well yes, you know, Discord, evil lord of chaos, caused a lot of problems a couple of years back when he escaped.'' the unicorn told me.

''Wait a couple of years back you say?'' I asked them as they nod their heads, ''So those problems I heard of were caused by this guy that is now stuck in stone.'' they nod their heads once again, ''Huh, I thought it was just some unicorn going a bit crazy with their magic or something.'' I told them, finding it a bit hard to believe that there was actually a living being inside this statue.

''What'' all three said simultaneously, ''How could you not have heard of Discord?'' the earth pony asked me.

''Eh, I just haven't.''

''Then why were you leaning against his statue and mumbling  something to yourself, huh?'' the Pegasus filly stated before she got a look of horrified realization, ''GHASP, you aren't trying to free Discord now aren't you?''

''Wait, wha-.''

''Of course he isn't trying to free Discord you dodo, he just said he didn't even know who that was.'' the unicorn said to the Pegasus with an annoyed tone.

''Don't call me things I don't know the meaning of,'' The Pegasus told her friend with a raised voice, ''And then why was he leaning against him and mumbling something to himself, huh, I bet he was performing some spell to break Discord free. He probably is just playing dumb because we caught him in the act.'' she said as she pointed her hoof at me

''Hey yeah,'' the earth pony began, ''isn't he tha same humhan who was looking at us just a moment ago, and then left when he noticed us looking at him.''

''Then why does he have a camera with him?'' the unicorn asked her friends, ''The last time I checked you couldn't cast a spell with one of those.''

''Probably to take photographic evidence for his evil spy masters.''

''Eehh....... wha-.'' I tried to begin before I was interrupted again.

''That's just stupid Scootaloo.'' the unicorn said with a heavily annoyed tone and a roll of her eyes.

''NO, YOU'RE STUPID.'' the Pegasus who apparently was called Scootaloo shouted to the unicorn while taking an aggressive stance.

''NO YOU ARE, YOU DODO.''

''I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THINGS I DON'T KNOW THE MEANING OF.'' Scootaloo yelled as she tackled the other to the ground where the two of them started to fight.

''Eh.. wait.. what.... What is going on?'' I asked more to myself than them, as I stood there with a heavily confused expression as I watched the Pegasus and unicorn fight each other while the earth pony sat there giving a well practiced eye roll and an annoyed look like this was nothing new to her.

''GIRLS.'' someone shouted, but the two filly's didn't seem to realize because they kept on fighting while I still stood there, confused as ever.

An angry looking earth pony mare with a purple coat, a two toned pink mane and three smiling flowers for a cutie mark, their teacher I realized, walked up to the two fighting filly's and called out to them again.

''GIRLS'' this time it got their attention as they stopped their fighting to look at their teacher, only to flinch away when they noticed her angry expression.

''Girls,'' she began in a surprisingly calm voice, ''Can somepony please tell me why the two of you are fighting.'' she paused for a moment as she looked in my direction, ''and in front of this good mister no less. What do you two have to say for yourself?''

''We are sorry miss Cheerilee, it's just that we thought that this human was trying to release Discord an-.'' Scootaloo began before the unicorn interrupted her.

''Hey, don't involve me with this, you thought he was trying to do that, while I said that that was just stup-.''

''ENOUGH, you're not starting this again.'' Cheerilee began before turning to Scootaloo. ''Now why on the world would you think that this human...., oh I'm sorry, but could I please know your name? Just calling you human or mister seems a bit rude, seeing how you are standing right here.'' she asked me.

''Ehh Sam.., its Sam Richards.'' I told here as I was still trying to figure out what the hell was going on.

''Pleasure to meet you mister Richards, my name is Cheerilee,'' she said as she turned back to the two filly's in front of her, ''Now why would you think that mister Richards here was trying to release Discord Scootaloo?''

''Because he was leaning against the statue while mumbling to himself.'' Scootaloo told her teacher, which caused all the children as well as the teacher to look at me.

''Is that true?'' Cheerilee asked me.

''Eh, well yeah, although I wasn't trying to release anything. I didn't even know that there was someone in this thing.'' I said as I pointed to the statue.

''Then why would you lean against the statue, or mumble to yourself?''

''Because I got hit by a sudden wave of dizziness and this statue was the only thing close by to help me balance myself. As for the talking to myself, I was just trying to figure out what caused the dizziness.'' came my honest reply.

''Wait, you mean that you suddenly got dizzy without reason while standing close to Discord?'' Cheerilee asked me while looking a bit frightful at the statue behind me while placing herself in front of the children, who all shared the same look of fear towards the statue.

''I never said there wasn't a reason for it,'' I said before realizing what I just told them, and I mentally kicked myself for it as I saw Cheerilee's confused look about what I just said. ''You see, some humans get a bit off an ill reaction from the portal

when they go through it,'' I told them, using the same lie I had used with Ruby. ''Dizziness is just one of the symptoms one could get from it.''

''Really, I've heard that you might get nauseous from it when going through the portal, but I've never heard of that before.'' she said, clearly relieved this apparently had nothing to do with this Discord, but not quite buying my explanation either.

''Damn teacher must have read up on the whole portal business.'' I thought, better come up with a good excuse now, I really don't want to go over the whole I've got cancer thing now, especially in front of all these kids.

''Yes, well you see, it's rather rare, just like those select group of humans that are susceptible to your magic instead of being immune to it.'' I lied, hoping that she would buy it.

''Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.'' she said making me mentally sigh out in relieve. ''Well then,'' she started as she turned once more to the two filly's in front of her, '' I do believe that you two owe Mister Richards here an apology for fighting in front of him, and Scootaloo, you also need to apologize for accusing him for trying to release Discord.'' Cheerilee said while she gave a stern look at the two.

With their head held low, the two of them walked towards me and sat down before the unicorn spoke up first. ''I'm sorry for fighting in front of you mister.'' she said without looking up, ''Yeah, and I'm, eh, you know, sorry for saying you wanted to release Discord.'' Scootaloo followed while awkwardly rubbing the back of her front leg.

''It's alright,'' I told them, causing their ears to perk up as they hesitantly looked up at me, making me feel rather big in front of them, so I knelt down so I was a bit more at their level before continuing, ''No harm was done.... well not to me at least.'' Recalling how they started to fight over all this making me add that last part, ''So everything is all right.''

''Really?'' they both asked simultaneously.

''Sure, just don't go accusing others of releasing guys stuck in stone like that again, it will save you a lot of trouble.''

''Yes, I will, and thank you mister Richards.'' the unicorn said happily.

''Yeah, thanks for not being mad, and I'll try not to jump to concl-.. conclusi...''

''Conclusions.'' the unicorn filled her in.

''Eh yeah, that, I'll try not to do that again mister Richards.'' Scootaloo finished.

''And that´s one more thing.'' I said while laughing a bit, ''You know my name, but I would like to know the names of the would be spy catchers.'' this caused them to chuckle a bit before they answered me.

''Well, I am Sweetie Belle.''

''And I am Scootaloo.'' they said as both of them turned to the earth pony, who was now walking towards them, ''And she is Apple Bloom.'' Scootaloo said as she introduced her friend, ''And together we are,'' they paused for a moment to take a deep breath, ''THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS, YAY'' they yelled out in unison.

I reared back from the sudden outburst as Apple Bloom continued, ''Although technically only Scootaloo and me are crusaders, Sweetie Belle is more of an overseer now, seeing how she already earned her cutie mark.

''Yeah'' Sweetie Bell chirped happily as she looked at her mark.

''Eh, ok.'' was all I said as I was trying to get the ringing out of my ears.

''Girls, you really shouldn't bother mister Richards like that.'' Cheerilee cut in.

''It's all right,'' I said with a wave of my hand, ''I always enjoy meeting new people.. eh ponies, just try to keep the volume down next time.'' I told the Crusaders who were smiling sheepishly.

''Ok than, seeing how everything is all right now, I think we have intruded enough in your time, but Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle.'' Cheerilee said as she returned her attention to the two filly's, ''Don't think that you're done with this, when we get back home I want the two of you to write me an essay about why it's inappropriate to fight like you two just did.''

As she said this Scootaloo's and Sweetie Belle's expression immediately fell. ''AAAWWW, come on.'' they both said.

"No buts, just be glad you two get off this easy with this.'' she said before turning to me, ''I also want to apologize for my students behavior just now, it was absolutely uncalled for.''

''It's alright miss Cheerilee, really, children will be  children, it is how they learn,'' I said with a chuckle, ''Now let's just forget this little incident and go on our separate ways. I guess there is still a lot you need to do, right.''

''You're right about that,'' she responded with a smile,'' now then, come on class, let's go.'' And with that Cheerilee and her class left to continue with their tour, all the while Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked like they were grumbling to them selves, While Apple Bloom stopped for a moment to wave me goodbye before picking up with the group.

As I stood there, seeing how they went around the corner and left my field of view, I couldn't help but laugh a bit about the absurdity of it all, ''He, children. Oh well, let's just get out of here, there is still a maze I need to get lost in, not to mention to meet up with Ruby in a couple of hours.''

As I walked away I failed to notice the quiet chuckle coming from the statue of Discord.

''muhahaha, such delicious chaos surrounds him. I haven't felt anything quite like it in a long time, oh so many interesting things will happen to you dear boy, so many chaotic things.''

                                <>______________<><>______________<>

''Hhmmmm, interesting.'' H muttered as she observed the events that just occurred, ''Boss, this is double H, reporting in.''

.....

''Sir, are you there?''

''Yes H, I'm here.''

''Eh, why did you not responded immediately when I called you?''

''BECAUSE, you imbecile, I do have other thing to do than to just wait for your sorry flank to find something worthwhile to report, Now do you have something to report or not?''

Double H almost dropped the communications device because of the volume that came out of it, as she stammered a response, knowing that she fucked up and was trying to save some face.

''Y-yes Sir, I'm s-sorry Si-.''

''Do not waste my time with petty excuses, did you find something, yes or no?'' he said with an angry voice.

''Y-y-es S-sir, I think I've seen something worthwhile.''

''You think you've seen something, you're not there to think H, you're there to follow the target and make sure that any changes regarding his health, or anything else that could be useful to us, are reported in.''

''Yes Sir, I know Sir, that's why I am reporting in right now. It seems that a few minutes ago the target suffered from a serious case of vertigo, to such an extent that he had to hold on to something to balance himself.''

''Interesting.''

''But Sir, I can't be sure about this though.''

''And why is that?'' he asked in a forced calm tone.

''Because... Because the object he used to balance himself with is Discords statue, Sir.''

......

''Sir?'' H asked hesitantly.

''DISCORD, DISCORD, you say that he got a bit dizzy close to Discord. Do you even know what this could mean, either his condition is deteriorating, or Celestia FUCKING Discord is just trying to play games to who ever gets close to him. YOU'VE GOT NOTHING, SO STOP WASTING MY TIME AND GO DO SOMETHING USEFULL, AND NEXT TIME THAT THE HUMAN IS LOOKING A BIT UNSTABLE, MAKE SURE IT COULDN'T BE CAUSED BY SOMETHING ELSE, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?''

''Y-y-ye-es S-si-r.''

''GOOD.''was the last he said when a distinct CLICK could be heard, indicating that he closed the channel.

                                <>______________<><>______________<>

''Damn, damn, damn,'' was all I could think off as I was running back to the restaurant to meet up with Ruby, ''Of course I had to get lost in that fucking maze, and of course it only took me close to two hours to find my way out, ARRGGH.' Oh come on, get out of my way,'' I thought as I dodged around a group of ponies who walked in front of me who all gave me confused looks as I sped past them.

As I kept running towards the restaurant I took a look at my watch and saw that I was one to six, ''FUCK.'' I shouted, giving me a few disapproving glances from those around me, as I picked up my pace knowing I wouldn't be there in time.

After several more minutes of running and swearing under my breath I made it to the restaurant, but I didn't see Ruby anywhere. While I stood there panting, trying to catch my breath, I looked around to see if I could find her, but I was unable to do so, until I saw her walking a few hundred meters away, obviously a bit down.

''WAIT.'' I called out,  as I ran towards her, causing her ears to perk up as she looked behind her and began to smile almost immediately.

''WAIT,'' I call out again, as I run up towards her.

''You're late.'' she says in a rather cold tone, the smile from a second ago gone, as I stop in front of her, trying hard to catch my breath, but failing miserably at it.

''Yeah, panth... I.. know, I sigh kind of.. got lost, breath in that... maze, panth in the royal.. garden.'' I struggled to say.

''You got lost... in the maze...'' she tried to keep a neutral expression, but failed at it a few moments later when she burst out in laughter, ''You got lost, hahaha, in the maze, and then, snicker obviously ran all the way from, haha, there to meet me, only to be almost to late, heheha. Well, that has to mean something.'' Ruby manages to say through her laughter while she gives me a kind smile.

''Yeah, Daar likt het wel op.'' I said, as I accidentally slipped back to my native language

''Wait, what? What did you just say?''

''Wait.. aw damn it, I spoke Dutch, didn't I?'' I asked her as I realized my mistake.

''Is that what it was?''

''Yes, it is, I was trying to say: I guess it does, but I said it in my own language by mistake, in fact, a direct translation from what I just said would be: It looks like it. Heh, our languages don't translate so well some times, but still, it seems something got a bit mixed up up here.'' I told her as I patted my head.

''Huh, so let's see if I get this right. You got lost in a maze, arrived too late and almost missed me and then speak in a language I don't understand by mistake.''

''Eh, yeah...''

''Not much for a good first impression now, isn't it Sam?''

''Eehhhh.'' was all I could say as I was trying to come up with a reasonable explanation, only for Ruby to burst out in laughter again.

''pfffhhahaha, oh, you're to easy, hahaha. You are an odd one, that's for sure.''

''Hey-.''

''Luckily for you, I like odd.''

''...... Wait, what? You aren't mad or something?''

''Hahaha How, snicker, how could I possibly be mad with you if you make me laugh this much. heh, Besides, you did try your hardest to get here on time, so I guess I could let this one slide.''

''Eh, wow, ok... Didn't expected that to be honest, ok. Well then, Ruby, would you like to join me for a drink while we have that talk of ours?''

''I would like that very much, yes.''

''Great... eh.''

''Something wrong?''

''Well, it seems that I don't really know many places around here to get a drink, other than the place you work at.... eehhh, Do you happen to kno-.''

''pfffhhahaha, yes, yes I know a place or two, haha, just follow me mister smooth.'' As I follow her the same way she was walking before I stopped her, I couldn't help stop the immense blush that was spreading on my face. All the while Ruby was quietly laughing about my clumsiness, which only made my blush worse.

                                <>______________<><>______________<>

August 03th. 1006.

Time /unknown/.

Location /unknown/.

Alarms were blaring and red lights were flashing as ponies, all of them wearing blood stained surgical clothes and some of them having small wounds on their bodys, fled from a particular location with all due haste as a loud crash could be heard behind them. As this group of ponies fled from this disaster, they ran past a small group of both griffins and minotaur's, who were heading towards where they just ran away from, all of them having menacing looks on their faces. Almost as if they looked forward to what they were about to do, which, in hindsight, they did.

A loud, distorted scream, a sound no pony, griffin or minotaur  could make, could be heard shortly after the group of griffins and minotaur's arrived at the scene, then all was quiet. It stayed like that for only a heartbeat, then the screaming started. Not the same unholy sound that could be heard before, but the sound from this group of individuals as, whatever it was they found, caused them great distress.

The pony scientists that ran away from there knew all to well what they found there, and only ran faster to get out of there alive, knowing that the containment protocol was about to be enacted, sealing all in there with this thing that they had created.

As they ran for their lives they could hear the sound of bones snapping, screams of agony as who knows what limb was torn from the bodys of the griffons or minotaur's, and the occasional scream of pure terror as the onslaught continued.

One of the pony scientists, a unicorn with a dark blue coat and red mane, dared to look behind him, causing him to fall behind of the rest of the group, as he saw bodyparts of several beings being flung through the air, all of them followed by a small fountain of blood that was still flowing out of the severed limbs.

With his mouth even drier than before and his legs shaking so hard that it would be impossible for him to even run away if his survival instinct wasn't screaming at him to get the fuck out of there, he picked up his pace and focused his attention forward once more, only to discover that his team of fellow scientists were nowhere to be seen. In the split second that he looked at the carnage behind him, he had all but come to a dead stop without realizing it until it was already too late.

As he ran to the nearest exit point, he could hear this thing still going strong against its attackers, who, as he already knew, never stood a chance. As he came to the door to exit this part of the facility he came to the horrible realization that the containment protocol was now in affect. Deadbolts were in place and the door couldn't be opened. Desperately trying to get out, he tried using his magic to remove the locks in place, but the deadbolts remained unaffected, he tried to pull out the door entirely, but knew deep down that a door as large and heavy as this steel behemoth would not budge by his magic alone so he tried blasting the door out of its frame, which would be his final mistake.

As the small detonation ended and the smoke cleared away, he could see that the door was only slightly singed. He was about to try again when he found something, something missing. It was quiet, to quiet, almost as I-..

''GGGRRUUUAAARGGGHHHHH''

His blood ran cold as, once again, a  horrible realization came to him. The sound of the explosion gave away his location to this thing, and seeing how the screams from the griffins and minotaur's had stopped, it would mean that they are all dead, and now this thing is coming for him.

''Oh no, oh no, no no no no no. Let me out of here,'' he yells to the door as he rears up on his hind legs, and uses his front hooves to slam against the door, to no avail as the sound of the approaching monstrosity made him panic even more.  ''SOMEPONY, ANYPONY, HELP ME, PLEASE HEL-....''.

He stopped his yelling and slamming against the door as he felt a chill run through his spine. Slowly he turned around on his hind legs as he sees the thing standing just a few meters away from him. Vaguely human shaped, but with longer arms and legs, bones protruding from them, making it seem impossible for this former human to even stand on his legs.

His arms no longer had any hands on them, instead, one arm had a sharp piece of bone sticking out of it, making it act like a spear of sorts, while the other had a large three digit claw like appendage which could easily cover the pony's entire head and crush it like a grape, knowing this things strength.

His torso wasn't much better, the scientist was there with the first successful test, and saw what happened with that human, only where that one had died, this one lived, his chest was ripped open, showing the organs within. At first, it was believed that this was caused through the heart exploding, but now he knew it was caused through a large build up of gasses within the humans digestive system, especially his stomach, which would inflate to a point where it would eventually rupture, resulting in a large explosion within the body, causing the chest to rip open, and show the inner workings of the mutants chest. One overly large lung, while the other was torn to pieces, it was not like that when this experiment first went wrong and they fled, so this must have happened during the fight with the griffins and minotaur's, which only served as a testimony to this things unnatural strength. Its heart was three times its normal size and his ribs protruded out in such a fashion that it seemed like a large predators mouth ready to devour its prey.

Large gashes and torn flesh that hung limply on its body from which blood flowed out and collected in a small puddle beneath it. But despite all that, his head still remained relatively normal, with the exception from his eyes, which glowed an intense white as a look of pure hatred was send to the pony the former human looked down on.

''GGGRRUUUAAARGGGHHHHH''

The pony starts to scream as he presses his back against the door and holds his frond legs in front of him in a futile  attempt to shield himself as he lost control of his bladder.

In a burst of unexpected speed, the former human launches forward to strike the pony who foolishly gave him a bigger target by standing on his hind legs like that. With jet another terrifying scream the former human drives the spike he had on his arm through the body of the pony that was there when they turned them into this, thing. He punched clean through the pony and impaled him on the spike and lifted him up to look directly into the eyes of the pony who, miraculous, was still alive.

As the pony was lifted in the air he noticed he couldn't feel his lower body, the spike must have severed his spine, which was both fortunate and unfortunate as he could not feel the pain from his wound, but it also meant he had nothing to distract him from the horror that lifted him in front of its face.

He coughed up some blood as more of the life giving substance flowed out the hole in his body as he was finally brought up to eye level with the thing he helped creating. As he looked in the glowing orbs that were the things eyes, strangely, he didn't feel fear, just a burning hatred towards humans in a whole, especially to the thing that impaled him.

''Do your worst you freak,'' he said as he spat some blood in the former humans face,'' there are more where I came from, you are just a failed experiment, soon we will get this right, and no matter what you or any other human will do to us, there is nothing you can do to stop what we have set in motion. Soon all will see what you truly are, and we will show everypony how to deal with the human disease, just you see, hehehehehe, although you won't be there to whiteness it now, huh.''

As the crazy scientist started to laugh weakly, the former human slammed him against the door, leaving a large dent in it, before grabbing the head of the pony in its claw and pulled it clean of its body, a part of its spine still attached to the head,

before tossing the body on the floor and started to deliver crushing blows with his claw held in a fist, each blow had the force of a sledge hammer, and before long there wasn't much left of the pony other than a large pool of blood and a spread out lump of tenderized flesh that had once been its body.

The former human, although, been through hell, still had a small portion of his mind left, and when his gruesome work was done he fell to his knees, or what passed for them, and screamed out in pure agony, hatred and pain. He screamed for two minutes straight, which was only possible through his enlarged lungs, or the one he had left. Once he had no air left to scream he just sat there, not knowing what to do, until a glimmer got his attention. As he looked into the direction the flash of light had come from he saw a camera, the light reflecting of the lens when the viewing angle was changed.

                                <>______________<><>______________<>

Several minutes earlier.

He sat there, the one who called all the shots, watching on his screen at the carnage this latest failure had produced. He had a look of dismay, not for all the dead that this freak had caused, no he didn't care about any of them at all, they're just expendable pawn's, easy to replace. No what was bothering him is that after the first initial ''success'' some time ago, the next several test subjects that were subjected to the same procedure, albeit with some modifications that they came up with after the first try, all ended up surviving the procedure. Which was good, what wasn't good is that each human ended up horribly disfigured, which, once again, was not really a problem, but they also became extremely strong and violent. Breaking out of their restrains and killing all that came in their way, that is were his problems where.

''Yes, they survive, sort of, but they also become much stronger, which is unacceptable,'' he muttered to himself, ''We need to drastically change this experiment, not only is it impossible to re-introduce them in the general population as the look like that, but the last thing I want to do is make them stronger.''

He kept muttering to himself as he watched the mutated human tear of the head of one of his scientist's and then fell to its knees to scream out.

''Yes, scream you freak, soon the rest of your disgusting kind will follow.'' after the former human stopped his wail of agony, he re-orientated the camera, which drew the attention of the mutant. He watched as the mutant came closer before a large claw shot up and grabbed the camera and tore it of, but the system remained intact, and the camera continued to record everything within its range of view, which was a horribly disfigured, angry human holding the camera to its face as if to look who was on the other end.

''And now he is destroying the camera'' He sight and pressed a button on a console on his desk before focusing on the screen once more to see the mutants startled and then enraged reaction before the screen went to static and a large tremor could be felt.

                                <>______________<><>______________<>

The former human was looking in the camera as if he could see who was on the other end of it, when an artificial voice came from all around him, taking him by surprise.

''Specimen breach detected, all systems locked down, engaging full biological sterilization!''

As the mutant looked around to find the source of the voice, several hatches opened in the walls and gas poured out of it.

Realizing what was happening as the entire complex was filled up with the clearly poisonous cloud, he refocused his enraged attention back to the camera. He could never return home, not like this, but he could make sure that they weren't using this place for a long time to come. So as the air started to grow thin as the gas replaced it, he crushed the camera and pulled it free from its wires, which started to spark from the electricity, igniting the gas. Causing it to explode and consuming everything in a inferno straight from hell it self, as a large shock-wave went through the entire structure destroying everything in its path.

                                <>______________<><>______________<>

outskirts of Ponyville,

Near everfree forest.

A yellow Pegasus with a pink mane and tail was busy feeding all the animals that were living at her cottage, when a large tremor in the ground scared here.

''EEP,'' she dropped the bag of food she was carrying, ''E-e-e-earth-q-quake.'' she screams, before she shoots towards her house, slams the door shut and carefully peeks out of her hiding spot underneath her couch as a white rabbit hops over to her, trying to get her out of her improvised shelter.

Meanwhile in the village not to far away, chaos reigned supreme as ponies were running around in panic, trying to find a safe spot. One earth pony started to yell; ''THE HORROR, THE HORROR.'' before running off with the crowd. Mothers pulled their foals indoors or slammed the windows shut while an elderly mare with grey mane tried to calm down the panicking villagers.

But in between the uncoordinated scramble of the ponies, one pony seemed to have the time of her life. A bright pink mare with a slightly darker pink mane and tail was bouncing around the vibrating ground, seemingly in no panic at all with a joyful smile on her face and happy blue eyes, until she stopped in mid-air, defying gravity as she didn't came back down, and her legs started to shake in a seemingly random pattern. Her eyes, once full with joy that could bring a smile to any face, were now cold and frightening, her joyful smile gone, replaced by a menacing smile that radiated no friendliness at all. ''Hmmm, so, someone just had their last party. Shame they didn't invite me, it would have been a blast,'' She said with a cold dead voice to no one in particular. This sudden change in behavior remained unnoticed however, as the villagers had either fled into their houses or were still running around on the street in panic, paying no attention to the pink mare, who, as they all knew, was as random as you could possibly get, probably even more.

                                <>______________<><>______________<>

''You're kidding, right?'' Ruby asked me, a few drinks, some small talk and a little walk after we had our drinks later, as our topic of discussion had shifted to the meaning behind my name, only for me to tell her that there wasn't a meaning behind it, just a name, nothing more.

''No I'm not, there really isn't a meaning behind my name, it's just a name, nothing more.''  I tell her, as we approach the edge of the city, giving us a clear view of the valley below where I notice a small village in the distance.

''Nothing more,'' she said, sounding a bit shocked, ''youy name is what identifies you, what tells others who you are, as in, this is me, and there is nopony else like me.''

''Well yes, that is the same with my name, there is just no meaning behind it, in fact, there are a lot of Sam's and a lot of Richard's on my world, the same name, but a different person.''

Ruby looks at me like I've gone crazy, unable to process what I've just told her.

''You humans are a crazy bunch, aren't you?''

''Well yes, yes we are.'' I told her with a laugh, ''But this does raise a question.''

''Yyyeeessss.'' she said with a cocked eyebrow.

''Well, I've heard that your names are somewhat linked to your special talent, plus, as you said that your name is also given a meaning beside just a name, then ho-.''

''You want to know how Fire Ruby fits in with a waitress, right?''

''Well, yes, if it isn't too forward of me.''

''Oh no, chuckle it's all right. Well for the ruby part, first off, it's my mother's first name, Ruby Hearth, and with my red coat similar to the color of a ruby, the choice was easy there. As for the fire part, well you did notice my eyes earlier today.'' She said with a smirk making me blush as I looked away embarrassed.

''Well that Is related to my special talent. You see, I can actually see the 'inner fire' of ponies, and apparently humans as well, think of it as the force that makes them do what they love to do. Everywhere I go I can see this inner fire. It's stronger with ponies that are happy, doing what they like, and weaker when they are sad or unable to 'use' their special talent in their everyday life. That's why I am called Fire Ruby.

''Wow... ok, eh, but how did your parents know about that before you even did, and named you after it?''

''....Magic.'' she tells me with a poorly hidden grin.

''No really, how?''

''Like I said, magic. We don't really know how this works ourselves, but somehow, we just know without really knowing.''

''Okeeeee, but what about the whole waitress thing than?''

''Chuckle, Well a mare does need to make a living, right, and my talent is not really useful to make bits, sssoooooo.'' she explains to me.

''But my talent is also why I took notice of you earlier today Sam.'' She told me as her gaze locks with mine, and the glow in her eyes intensifies. ''There is something different about you, something that causes your fire to burn brighter than any I've ever seen before. You live your life as if each day could be your last, to get the most out of each day with such a fiery passion that it is almost overwhelming. ''

I flinched mentally as she said that, she didn't give an indication that she knew what was going on with me, but her talent made her able to see something was going on.

''Ehehe, yeah, I guess I just live my life the best I can, no day like today, right?'' I tell her as I keep shifting my gaze away from her, hoping that we could drop this particular topic, but no such luck.

''Oh, but it's a lot more than that, I can see it.'' she says as she steps a bit closer with half lidded eyes, which were glowing a bit brighter again as she looked me in the eyes again.

''Really, it's nothing special.'' I tried to play it cool, ''Once you get to know me you'll se-.''

''Oh, but I want to get to know you, ''Ruby said as she rears up on her hind legs and hooks her fore legs over my shoulders as she, now at almost the same height as me, looks directly into my eyes, ''I really do.''

''Wow, is this really happening?'' I thought as I looked back at Ruby, unable to avert my eyes as I, without thinking, wrap my arms around her. ''So, you really want to get to know me a bit better heh, got any ideas on how to do so?''

''I've got some ideas,'' she replied, having a naughty grin on her face, ''But we probably should just stick to some more talking before we get to know each other that well.'' She gave me a peck on the cheek before pushing away from me and returned to all fours while holding an amused grin as she took notice of my flustered expression.

''Huh.. wait.... what... Ow come on, really.'' I said as I realized what just happened and looked down, only to see Ruby holding a large grin on her muzzle, ''Sigh, women.''

''hahaha Like I said, you're to easy, but don't worry, you might just get lucky later tonight, but for now, lets just talk a bit because I really do want to get to know you a bit more.'' She said as she walked towards a bench close to us, indicating me to follow her.

''Sooo, let's see, I already know about your name, that you get lost rather easily and speak in a different language, but I don't really know much more than that about you. Let's see if we can fill in the blanks.'' Ruby tells me as I took a spot next to her on the bench, having a clear view of the valley and village from here.

''Sounds good, but I would like to get to know a bit more about you as well.'' I tell her, not liking where this is going though, I can only tell so much before I would have to tell her why I am living my life as if each day could be my last, that will be a mood killer for sure.

''Well of course, this isn't an interrogation, you can ask me anything you want.''

''Anything huh?'' I ask her with a sly grin.

''Sure, but it doesn't mean I will answer everything, but it will tell me a bit more about you, and just how dirty your mind is. And seeing how you already asked me something, I will go next.''

''..... Damn, I really am that easy.''

''Yes, yes you are,chuckle, now, let's see. I know you speak a different language, but don't know where you from, I mean, I know some of the places of your world, but I haven't heard from Dutch before, so where is that?''

''haha Well first of, Dutch is how my language is called in your language, the country I'm from is often referred to as Dutchland, once again because of your language, they call it like that because my language and country name are basically the same, but this is wrong. As I said before, our languages don't really translate so well some times, and because of that they ended up with Dutchland because I'm Dutch and I speak Dutch. The correct name would be the Netherlands, if you go for a direct translation, and that would make me a Netherlander, which is really confusing and odd sounding, so it's made into Dutch. As for where it is, well you know about Belgium?, the country the portal is located.'' Ruby gives me a small nod, ''Well the Netherlands is right next to it, almost next door, so to speak.''

''Wow,'' Ruby says, ''That was a lot more information than I thought it would be.''

''chuckle, Yeah, I can imagine, but now it's my turn to ask you a question, right?''

''hah, So it would seem, well ask away.''

''Hmm, I don't have a question regarding your language, and I know a bit about your special talent, and in extend your eyes and I know what kind of work you do, so no need to ask about that.'' I sum up as I try to come up with a good question to ask, ''Well, let's just start simple shall we. What do you do for fun around here?''

''Well, if I'm not busy with my work, I often like to just walk around town to see this 'fire' ponies have around them, it's quite the sight to be honest, especially on the market with all the sales ponies haggling, which is something they truly enjoy doing, and it shows.''

''Ha, yeah I've noticed that for myself.''

Ruby gives me a smile and continues, ''But sometimes it does get a bit too much, so I like to just spent my time at home at times, and either read a book or watch some television. I especially like those cooking shows, and from time to time I watch one of those animal series from your world out of curiosity, it's so weird to see so many animals over there that are intelligent, active members of our society on this world.''

''Yes, I can see how that would be weird. It would be pretty unnerving for me if I would come across some human like species around here, only for them to be more like a primitive version of myself.... weird.''

''Indeed it is, but let's get back on topic, and it's my turn again. Hmm, I'll go with something similar, what do you do for fun on your world when you're not busy visiting mine?''

''Well I used to spend most of my days either working or playing video games, maybe read something from time to time, but not much more to be honest.''

''Used to?''

''Oh shit, ok just act normal and play it of as nothing special'' I thought, ''Yeah, I just had a moment sometime back that I wanted to see more of the world, well worlds, and just packed up and went, before I had this 'fire' as you call it, I just wasted my time doing nothing much, now though, I just live my life one day after the other, getting as much out of each day as I can.''

''I see.'' Ruby said with a slightly suspicious tone, ''So you went from doing nothing much to traveling all the way to a different world, to do what?''

''Just to explore the world of magic, something I've always wanted to do, but never actually did until now.''

''Hmm, it's weird though, you just went to do all that just like that, it's a bit strange, you would normally need some kind of motivation to just change your life like that, especially for a change as big as yours.''

''hehe, Yeah, that is a bit weird.'' I said nervously while looking away from Ruby's scrutinizing gaze.

''I know you're lying Sam, I can see it, it's part of my talent, your 'fire' is dimming. That only happens when one is unhappy, or lying, and each emotional state has a different effect on the change in your 'fire'. I noticed it earlier today when you lied about your medicine, but I ignored it because it was something rather personal, but this is different, I know that my talent gives a bit of an unfair advantage, and although I am not the element of honesty,  it does help me see who I can trust and who not. Now I want to trust you, I really do, but this isn't helping you in the slightest, I'm sure that you have a good reason to hide the truth though because I see that you are not completely deceitful, you only lie about a small part, but why?''

This revelation completely blew me away, Ruby knew something was up, all because of this talent of hers dammit. No way I can come up with some other story now, she will see right to it. This leaves two options, either I tell her, or I just say I don't want to talk about it, neither are a choice I want, I tell her and who knows how she will react, or I say that it is non of her business, but that may not work out so well either, either way, I'm fucked, and she wants a answer.

''I-I, you.. you can see if I'm lying or not?'' I ask her, trying to stall.

''Yes, and please answer my question Sam, if you don't want to tell me, so be it, but please don't lie to me about it. You seem like a nice guy, and you've been truthful most of the time, so why cant you now?''

''.......I- I don't real-.'' I stop myself as I said that. Would it really be so bad if I told her, I mean, yes I did only meet her earlier today, so I would be going quite a bit fast there, but she has been nice to me, and she has been honest with me as far as I can tell, which doesn't mean much, seeing that she can actually see if one is lying or not. But still, would it really be that bad.

''SIGH'' I stood up and walked to the fence at the edge of the city and leaned down, using my arms for support as I looked out over the valley, soon followed by ruby, who came standing next to me in a similar fashion, the glow in her eyes a bit duller but still strong.

''SIGH, Your right, I have not been entirely honest, but with a good reason though. You said that you could see that  I lived my life like each day would be my last. You have no idea how right you were with that.'' I said and notice the look of confusion on her face. ''I'm dying, I don't know exactly when, it might be next week, next month or next year, but it won't be much more than a couple of years at best, and I've already used up a year and a half, so I might not have much time left.''

The look of shock on her face said it all as I dropped that bombshell.

''You.. you're dy-.''

''Yes.'' I said as I hung my head with my eyes closed, ''It's why I have those medicine, they slow it down, but not stop it, I've got a small supply of them with me so I can spend as much time exploring this world without stopping at the local hospital every time for a refill. And the story I told you about humans getting ill because of the portal is also not true, it has nothing to do with it,'' (oh how wrong I was), ''I merely used it as an easy way out so I didn't have to tell the truth.''

''I... I'm.. I'm sorry Sam.''

''It's alright, I've came to terms with it, I might not like it, but there isn't much there can be done about it. So, instead of sitting around feeling bad for myself, I've spend the last one and a half years just living my life as best I could.''

Ruby didn't say anything after that, she just stared out over the valley thinking about what I just told her, her eyes a lot less bright now.

''Yeah, I know, it's quite the mood kill, isn't it.'' I tell her as I too look out over the valley down below.

''So that's why.'' Ruby quietly said to herself.

''Hmm, did you say something?''

''So that's why.'' She repeats, ''That's why your 'fire' is so intense. You're burning up, so to speak, but before your flame dies out you're getting as much as you can out of it.''

''That's one way to say it.'' I remark, ''This is also why we're here, although I didn't plan on the chance to meet a pretty mare and to end up going on an improvised date. Sure, it was a chance I took because it might not present itself to me again. I can't say I regret it though, but I would understand it if you aren't completely comfortable around me because of this.'' I tell her as I stand upright again and stepped away from the edge.

''And why would I be uncomfortable?''

''Because I lied to you, and you knew it. And because of the whole, I'm dying, thing, which really killed the mood. And I just realized what a horrible choice of words that was.''

As I said that Ruby gave me a sad laugh. ''True, you did lie, but with a good reason so I can forgive that. And there is nothing wrong with taking a chance at an opportunity that presents itself to you, no matter the reason behind it. Besides, I have been teasing you a bit too, sooo~.'' she tells me as she steps closer to me.

''So, you're not mad or disappointed or anythi-.'' I'm interrupted, and taken by surprise by Ruby as she rears up on her hind legs and kisses me, not a peck on the cheek, but a kiss full on the lips.

''Mad? how could I possibly be mad at somepo-.. one that makes me laugh this much.'' she answers my unfinished question with a smile and a heavy blush, the glow in her eyes increasing once more.

''Wow, I guess you are a bit easy too, huh...... soooo, what happens now then?'' I ask her in a tone that doesn't leave much to the imagination as I wrap my arms around her again and hold her in a hug.

''How about, we get to know each other a bit better.'' Ruby says in a seductive tone.

''So more talking then.'' I joked.

''Hmmm, I think we can find a better use for that mouth of yours other than talking.'' she replies before kissing me again, this time I returned the kiss.

                                <>______________<><>______________<>

A Pegasus mare was hasting towards the office of her superior, who, after the latest incident with one of the test subjects, was not in a patience mood. Luckily she had her wings to propel her forward faster than she could run, unfortunately the hallways were packed with ponies, griffins and minotaur´s, each hurrying to get to their own business. Several groups were there for repair of the damage that had occurred thanks to the explosion not too long ago, other groups were there for search and recovery of any vital research projects, documents or other things of importance. And a few groups were searching for anypony/griffin or taur missing, although most that were where in the same facility that was obliterated in the blast.

As she sped through the many hallways to her target she toppled over many in her path, not bothering to slowdown or even apologize to those she had flown over, until she came to a dead stop in front of the door to 'his' office. Not many have seen him, but all have heard the rumors. Yes, they were all involved in the attempt to get rid of the humans in every horrible imaginable way possible, the latest failure was a testimony of that, but he, he surpassed those procedures in terms of horror by what he had done to some humans personally. Of course his victims never mutated like the test subjects here, but the stories told of what he had done were more horrifying than the monsters that they created in here.

From dissecting humans alive, and using any means necessary to keep them alive for as long as possible during the dissection, just so they would suffer longer, forcing them too both feel and see what he was doing to them. To abducting humans, and then let them go in an unknown area, just so he could hunt them down for sport, never quite catching up to those humans as he would use any non lethal weapon, but would still severally injure any it was used on. These hunts could last for several days, depending on the humans survival skills, and how long it would last until he would grow tired of this and move in for the kill, which would be slow and extremely painful.

Yes, the mare didn't like humans, not one bit, but as she stood there in front of the door to 'his' office, she couldn't help feel a bit of fear as a small tremor went down her spine. Not many had seen him, only a few knew who he was and even less knew what he looked like, and although there were rumors about the species he is supposed to be, there wasn't a single word about his name.

Knowing what might happen though if she kept him waiting any longer than was necessary, she hesitantly knocked on the door.

''Enter'' came the only response.

As she opened the door she couldn't stop thinking about what she would find. She had heard some of the rumors about 'what' he would be, but knew that most if not all where not true. That didn't stop her from coming up with her own idea of what to expect, still using some of the rumors to fill in the blanks. She expected an elderly griffin. It would make sense, considering the rumors about his hunts and blood lust. One who, according to the rumors, had a large facial scar thanks to the humans, which he gained when a small group from the E.L.F. invaded his home and killed his wife and hatchlings. It's because of this that he swore vengeance against the human scum and became the one leading this operation.

She kept going over and over again about what he would look like as she entered the office and looked around. The entire place was a mess, all kinds of documents lay scattered over the floor, a cabinet had fallen over, spilling the reports within all around. A large desk seemed to have moved half-way across the room, and sitting behind it was.

''Wait... a unicorn?'' the mare said out loud in her surprise, she was expecting many things, but not this. She would have thought him to be an experienced stallion of middle age, maybe a Pegasus using wing blades during his hunts on the humans, or a former unicorn guard, with his training to use all kinds of weapons. And although the idea of an earth pony crossed her mind, she dismissed it as it seemed to unlikely, Yes they could easily outrun any human, but most of the weapons we have are not build for earth ponies except for the swords and some crossbows, unless you count the human created designs, which non of them would ever use without very good reason. Although the irony behind it, being killed with the weapons your kind designed, might make the idea of earth ponies using human made weapons more plausible, after all, they also used their computer technology to speed up the process of their research, but still. Yes, she expected many things, but not this. Not this young unicorn stallion sitting behind the desk.

There were no scars, not any she could see. Nor was he especially old, maybe in his late twenty's. What surprised her most though was his color scheme. And no matter what he would be, she was convinced that he would be a dark, menacing looking individual, and certainly not this.

He had a two tone light blue mane and tail and a light green coat, three hoof irons with soap bubbles over them for a cutie mark and an angry look on his face.

''Yes, a unicorn, what of it?'' he sneered, not in the mood for pointless trivia.

''N-nothing sir, it's just, you're not what I was expecting.''

''That's the whole point, now stop wasting my time and give me the damn report about the damage to the project.''

''Yes Sir.'' she said as she snapped back into formality, ''As expected, the entire south wing was destroyed in the explosion, search and recovery teams are still looking for anything salvageable, but it seems unlikely.''

''A pity, but nothing that will set us back for too long. How about the main facility? Did anything happen to the subjects there?''

The mare shifted uncomfortably in place for a moment before answering, ''The main facility is mostly undamaged, but due to a large power surge through the system some damage has occurred there. Some blown fuses, broken computers and a few injuries from falling objects, nothing major.''

''Good, atlea-.''

''However,'' she interrupted him, not meeting his eyes, ''The power surge also went through the cloning facility, resulting in the loss of several of the incubation tanks, and the subjects in them, Sir.''

''WHAT.''

The mare flinched back as her ears folded flat on her head from the sudden outburst. Trying to be as professional as possible without looking at her superior she continued, albeit a bit more hesitantly.

''T-the numbers are not clear sir, the crew is still working to assess the full damage and loss of the subjects, but preliminary numbers indicate that subject's four to twelve, twenty nine to thirty three and eighty eight to ninety three are lost, twenty confirmed losses, more might come up.''

When she finished her report she looked up to her superior, and her heart almost stopped. The angry look he had before was gone, replaced by a look of pure rage and hatred as his horn sparked with uncontrolled magic through it all. It was at this moment that she truly feared for her life as she remembered some of the other rumors about him and those that failed him, or brought him very, very bad news. And she belonged to the latter.

As she stood there in fear, conflicted with what to do. Should she run to safety and possibly be killed for running away from her superior, or remain where she was, keep some level of professionalism, and possibly be killed in a fit of rage. But her boss made the choice for her when he spoke in a forced calm voice.

''What is your name?''

''Eehhhh... what?'' she was not expecting this at all.

''What is your name?'' he repeated in a raised voice. He was not in the mood for this kind of stupidity.

''S-storm Chaser, Sir.''

''Well miss Chaser, you are not allowed to speak of anything that you have seen and heard here, including your own report, especially about me. The only reason you are even here is because of the failure in the com system, which forced me to rely on personal reports. So, do not speak of this with anypony/griffin/taur or otherwise. I must remain anonymous at all cost. Do I make myself clear?!''

''Yes Sir.'' she responded, catching on to the unspoken part of his statement.

''Then leave now, I've got a big mess to sort out.''

Wasting no time to get out of there, she hurried out of the room and didn't slow down until she felt that she was far enough away from that place, unable to believe that she was actually still alive. ''I guess the rumors about him killing those that bring him bad news are not true.'' she thought as she got a thin smile on her face and went back to her station to continue her work.

                                <>______________<><>______________<>

''Incompetent fool'' he said to nopony in particular as Storm Chaser almost ran out of his office. ''No witnesses.'' he muttered as he walked over to a console embedded in the wall behind him. ''The facilitys com system may be down, but fortunately my personal system is still working. He thought as he typed in a password and contacted his most trusted 'garbage disposal' assets, one he knew would never fail him.

''Sir.''

''Razor Claw, I have a new assignment for you.''

''Yes Sir, what is it?''

''There is a certain Pegasus mare that needs to 'disappear'.''

''Information about the target?''

''Name, Storm Chaser, grey coat, white mane and tail, storm cloud which shoots two lighting bolts for a cutie mark.''

''Location?''

''She lives in Cloudsdale. I'll make sure she will return home tonight, you'll be able to follow her when she leaves her 'work'.'' he told Razor Claw as he pulled up her personal file on the screen.

''hehehe Problems at work?''

''You don't know the half of it.'' he said through clenched teeth.

''Well then, let me help you to get rid of some of your problems.''

''Make sure you do.''

''Consider it already done.'' and with that the conversation ended with a click, indicating the transmission had stopped.

''Good, now to find out what went wrong.'' He said as he looked over one of the case files on the console.

                                <>______________<><>______________<>

Several items fell on the floor as Ruby and I stumbled past them on our way to her bedroom, this was mostly because of Ruby, as she was not used to walking on two legs, but neither of us paid much mind to it. Ruby´s fore legs were wrapped around my neck as I held her in my arms, one arm held her close to me and helped her with her balance as the other moved upwards, my hand going through her mane as our lips seemed all but fused together, only breaking the bond for that stupid thing called oxygen, as we knocked over a lamp, Ruby momentarily losing her balance before she corrected herself as I kicked of my shoes. Non of this would stop us though on our seemingly endless journey to her bedroom, but neither one of us would even think of just going there as we were both lost in the moment.

As we neared our destination, only blocked in our progress by a simple door, Ruby completely lost her balance as I reached for the doorknob to open it. Acting fast, I rotated her so that she had the door against her back, stopping her before she fell as I continued like this was part of the plan. Pressing in closer to her as I start kissing her neck causing  Ruby to arch her head back a bit as she uses her magic to try to take my shirt off, causing me to stop for a moment as she figured out how to removed the obstructing piece of fabric and tossing it aside. The moment it was gone I went back to work, kissing and slightly nib her as I swirled through her fur with my tongue making her breathing grow heavy with desire.

Slowly I moved up until I was at her ear. Lightly kissing the tip before I start to nibble on it causing Ruby to moan breathlessly, indicating I'm doing a good job so far, as I alternate between kisses and nibbles as my left hand slowly slid down her body towards her flank, as my fingers brushed past her cutie mark she led out an audible gasp, her tail swished from left to right, as I caress her flank, making sure I cover as much of her cutie mark as I do so.

''Ghaa-aa Oh goddess, yes, like that.'' Ruby exclaimed between breaths as I continue to knead her flank, while I use my other hand to grab her mane and bring her in for another kiss. The door, which was half unlocked because of my earlier attempt to open it, swung open completely, causing Ruby to yelp out in surprise as she falls backwards, pulling me with her as she holds on to me for support.

''OOF'' Ruby breath out as she hit the ground, followed a split second later by me, as she breaks my fall.

''Are you alright?'' I ask her, to preoccupied with whether she hurt herself or not, to really notice that I landed with my crotch firmly pressed against hers, only separated through my trousers, which were getting damp because of the wetness from her marehood, a clear indication of her arousal, as my cock was pressing firmly against my pants, demanding release.

''Y-yes, I'm fine, just a bit surprised there. Nice landing though.'' She said with a seductive undertone as she took notice of the position we were lying in and the all to obvious bulge in my pants. ''Taking full advantage of the situation I see.''

''Well technically you pulled me in with you.'' I replied as I catch on on her change in tone and begin to realize the position we were lying in and the dampness near my cock. ''Soft landing though.'' I remark as I press my crotch a bit firmer against hers.

''GHA Oh, I bet it was,'' she said as she looked at me with half lidded eyes. ''And he certainly seems to enjoy it too.'' she continued as she pointed out the bulge in my pants, still firmly pressed against her vagina, and her horn started to glow with a magical aura. ''How about we get rid of those obstructing clothes?''

For a moment she struggles with the button, but it doesn't take long for her to figure it out. The zipper went down without any trouble, and before long she had completely removed my pants, leaving me with nothing more than my boxer and socks still on.

''Wait, clothes underneath clothes?!'' Ruby half asked, half stated in mild surprise, as she looked down to the thin piece of fabric that was still between her and the prize she wanted. ''Why would you wear clothes underneath your clothes?''

''Meh, it's a human thing.''

''You humans are a weird bunch, aren't you.'' she said again with a chuckle, her horn glowing once more, my boxers glowing with the same magical aura as her horn as she removed both it and the socks, leaving me completely naked, my dick, no longer confined by my clothing, was standing at full attention.

''Heh Yes, yes we are.'' I say as I lean in and kiss her as she throws my clothes somewhere in a corner.

As I kissed her Ruby slightly parted her lips, inviting me in. Obliging her unspoken request, I slip my tongue in and start feeling around as we deepen our kiss, Knowing that ponies were herbivore is one thing, but to be able to feel the difference in the teeth is another. As I alternate between exploring her mouth and wrestling with her tongue we reluctantly had to break our bond for air.

Ruby looked at me with half lidded eyes as she was trying to catch her breath. Seeing the desire and need in her eyes, I start to nibble on her ear again while my left hand moved down to her flank to continue its work there.

Ruby let out a large gasp that turned into a lustful moan. ''Bed.'' she half whispered, half demanded.

''What was that?'' I ask as I continue to nib on her ear.

''NHHA... Bed.'' She said over a moan as she was struggling to form a coherent thought, but every time she came close to do so, it would shatter from either a nibble on her ear or my hand caressing her flank.

''..P-please... on t-the... bed, NNHAA.... no-t on.. the... floor.'' she finally managed to say.

''You do realize that I would have to stop with this then.'' I spoke in her ear as I grope her flank, making her moan again.

''I-I do, jus- NNGG, just make... it quick.''

As I took my hand away from her flank and moved away from her, Ruby couldn't help let out a small sigh in disappointment, but was quick to make it to the bed where she jumped on and lied down in a seductive manner.

Her rear end was lying on its side, her tail placed in such a way it was barely covering her clearly wet sex, her front was in an upright position, one of her fore legs moved down her body to her flank where she started rubbing her cutie mark while she gave me her best bedroom eyes and a sultry smile.

''Are you coming or not?'' she asked, her voice heavy with lust.

''Oh, I plan to.'' I respond as I make my way over to her.

As I stand next to the bed, I bend forward, holding Ruby´s head in my hand and kiss her again as I try to roll her on her back, but she stops me as she presses her hoof against my chest. ''Oh no, you did most of the work just now, now it's my turn.'' She uses her magic to lift me of the ground and places me on the bed in front of her.

Eyeing the target in front of her, she moves forward and gently traces the tip of her hoof along the length of my dick. Even though the contact was minimal it still caused me to gasp in a shuddery breath because of how sensitive my dick was of the constant teasing, but not getting any attention until now.

''Like that, don't you.'' Ruby remarks after my reaction, ''Let's see if we can get out more noise out of you though.'' using both her hooves she slowly starts to stroke my manhood along its length while kissing the tip. This caused my eyes to roll back in my head as I let out a long drawn out moan, making Ruby giggle a bit, ''Success.''.

My mind is partially lost in a haze of pleasure from the han-.. hoofjob Ruby is giving me as it is suddenly pulled back to reality, only to be sent away even further as ruby uses her magic to fondle my balls while she used her tongue to lick all the way from my balls to the tip of my dick, before she took the tip in her mouth and started to bob her head a bit, her tongue swirling around my member every time she pulls back, moving a bit faster with each go, taking more of me in her mouth as she went. In no time Ruby had my entire length in her mouth, greedily sucking me off. I hold my hands on her head to guide her speed as I feel my dick slam against the back of her throat. Knowing that if she keeps this up I would finish sooner rather than later.

''R-ru NGHA ruby.'' I managed to say, making her stop for a moment as she looks at me. Using this small moment of respite to form a coherent sentence, ''T-turn around.''

For a moment she loos at me in confusion, than her eyes lit up in understanding and she stands up to turn around, my dick never leaving her mouth, making me moan out a bit from the sudden friction, as she lowers her hind quarters onto my face, giving me a clear view of her now thoroughly soaked marehood, as she continues to suck me of with a fervent pace, making loud slurping noises as she does so.

Knowing that, unless I distract her somewhat, this won't last long. So, in order to catch up I drag a slow lick over her vagina, savoring the taste, before sticking my tongue in past her puffy lips, trying to coax out more of that sweet nectar. This in turn made Ruby stop as she released my cock from her mouth to moan out loud.

As I continue to eat her out one of my hands starts to caress her flank once more, while the other slips under her belly and finds her teats. Taking one in between my fingers and pinch it slightly before massaging it, using the dexterity of my fingers to my advantage, as Ruby lets out another loud moan before she continues to suck me off, although more erratic, as she is having trouble concentrating with all the pleasurable stimulation assaulting her. Making her moan again, around my member. The vibration only increasing the pleasure I feel, making me work harder in return.

Working my tongue in her as deep as I could, I took notice of her clit sticking out, I decided to change tactics a bit and slip out my tongue and start suck on her hard nub. This makes Ruby shudder as she completely loses focus in a lust induced haze, giving me a chance to focus once more as Ruby gives a few weak bobs of the head, unable to do much more as she gives in to the sensation of the rapidly approaching orgasm.

Sensing that she was getting close I started to suck her clit even harder as I used my teeth to ad even more stimulation.

This drove her over the edge, Ruby screamed out as she arched her head back and her body went ridged. Her juices spraying all over my face before I locked my mouth over her folds and drank as much as I could while she rode out her orgasm.

After several long seconds Ruby relaxes and slumps down, breathing heavily as she lay on top of me. Juices still leaking from her marehood as she uses her hoof to stroke my member.

''Well, you certainly seem to know how to please a mare, let's see if I can return the favor.'' she said between breaths before she resumed with the fellatio, taking all of me in in a single move. Bobbing her head up and down and using her tongue to swirl around the tip. Still close to the edge myself from her work on me, and although I had cooled down a bit as I drove her over the edge, I was rapidly returning to where she had left off.

My mind was shutting down on me as I gave in to the pleasure I was feeling. Every bob of Ruby's head brought me closer to the point of no-return, her tongue working on my member felt like heaven. I was resisting the urge to release for as long as I could.

Realizing that I was getting close Ruby picked up her pace, moving her head faster and sucking even harder until she felt my member started to twitch, alerting her of my approaching orgasm.

Taking a deep breath she slid all of me down her mouth to the back of her throat as she started to use her magic again to fondle my balls and swirled her tongue all around my member. This drove me over the edge, arching my back while I grabbed her by the flank, I moan out lout as I shoot the first load down her throat. Ruby swallows as much as she can as I deliver load after load, making her pull back a bit as she keeps sucking my dick trying to coax out every last drop.

After my mind came back to me, and Ruby was sure I had nothing left to give, she released my member with a wet pop and turned around to look at me as my dick slowly went limp. Seeing that she had my attention she opened her mouth to show the pool of white before closing it again and tilt her head back to swallow it all, licking her lips after she did so.

''Wow, that was freaking hot.'' I said through heavy breaths making her grin seductively.

''And it didn't taste too bad either,'' she remarked as she leans in closer and kisses me, tasting herself on me and vice versa. ''But this was just the appetizer, now it's time for the main course.'' she said and kissed me again.

''And what about dessert?'' I asked playfully.

''That depends on how generous your tip is for the hard-working waitress that is servicing you.'' she said hot and seductive, making me hard all over again, and my dick slapped her against her flank.

Ruby looked behind her to see me stand firm and ready to go, returning her gaze to me with a hunger and desire burning in her eyes as she kisses me, forcing her tongue in my mouth and places her soaping sex right above the tip of my member as we wrestle for dominance in each other's mouths. She was grinding her dripping flower over the tip of my member as a means to tease, but I grabbed her behind with both my hands and forced her down, spearing her on to me as she lets out a throaty moan as she slides effortlessly down the length due to the saliva she coated my member in and the wetness flowing from her flower. Sitting on top of me, joined together in the most intimate way possible, she started to move. Slow at first, but soon found a rhythm we both enjoyed. Swaying her hips back and forth while placing her fore hooves by my sides to help her balance, my hands still placed firmly on her flank, kneading and molding her supple behind, as we both moan out in pleasure.

Ruby kept pumping her hips up and down, her tongue lolling out her mouth. Every time she moved down I would thrust up, meeting her in the middle, making me penetrate her deeper, to both our pleasure, as our moans joined together in the throes of passion.

Acting purely on lust fueled instinct, I moved forward and kissed Ruby, moaning in each other's mouths, as I pushed her onto her back. With her laying like this and me in an upright position, holding her by her tights as her hind legs were sticking up, I was able to really put some force behind my own thrusts, instead of just meeting her on the halfway point. I immediately started thrusting faster, ramming myself in her burning marehood.

''NHAA, oh by Luna's flank, YES, MORE, HARDER, FASTER.'' Ruby yelled out loud as I picked up my pace and started to move my hips as fast as I could.

Ruby's cries of pleasure were increasing in volume with each thrust, I noticed her body starting to tense up, telling me how close she was, with me not far behind as my thrust started to become erratic as I tried to keep up the pace. With clear determination in my foggy mind I willed my hips to move even faster, making me go as fast and as deep as I possibly could.

''NNHHAAA, oh y-yes.... S-Sam, I-I'm cummi-.'' Ruby's pressed her fore hooves as hard into the bed as she could as her body tensed up. Her mouth open in a soundless scream as she quivered from how tens her muscles were. Her birth canal tightened its grip on my member, pushing me over the edge as well. Moaning out loud in ecstasy as I shoot glob after glob of hot white sticky cum deep into her. Ruby's muscles working hard to milk my cock for every drop of it.

Eventually we both relaxed, and I fell forward, lying on top of Ruby as I had no energy to remain upright. Panting for air as we shared a weak, sloppy kiss and I felt my member recede out of Ruby, some white leaking out of her flower without my dick blocking the way.

''H-how was that for a main course?'' I asked her between breaths.

''Certainly one of the better ones I've had.'' Ruby said as she gives me a light kiss. ''And a generous tip too.'' she adds as she feels my cum slowly leak out of her. ''Do you still have room for dessert?''

Giving a weak laugh, ''Wow, you mares are something else.'' I reply, giving her a peck on the lips. ''As for dessert.'' I kissed her at the base of her horn, making it glow weakly with magic. ''Surprise me.'' I licked her horn from the base all the way to the tip, making Ruby moan a bit as she tried to hold her head still as I took her in my mouth.

Now I've had spent a fair amount of time on the more shady parts of the internet and knew that unicorn horns were quite sensitive when stimulated in the right way. Point proven by the mare wriggling under me as I continued with my oral assault. I've seen various pictures and videos of ponies giving a hornjob, among others, and although the thought of me sucking a hard appendage was a bit offsetting, it was with a hot mare. So confident in my sexual orientation I continued with my work on her horn. Swirling my tongue around it, following the spiral pattern on it, as I moved my head up and down, making Ruby squirm even harder, having a heated blush on her face as she desperately tries to hold her head still so she wouldn't accidentally stab me.

Ruby, after having two orgasms already, was quite sensitive, and it didn't take long for her quiet moans to pick up in volume as the glow of her horn intensified, showing through my cheeks. Taking her horn out of my mouth I swirl my tongue around it and took notice of a small point of magic concentrated at the tip. Knowing full well what this means, I flick my tongue against it, making ruby jerk, as the small point starts to increase in brightness and volume. Wrapping my mouth over her horn again, taking the full length inside and start to suck on it as I swirl my tongue around it, making sure I put as much pressure on the tip as I could.

Ruby screams out as her body jerks uncontrollably, jet she forces her head to remain still, as a magic analog for cum shoots from her horn and in my mouth, giving me a tingling sensation as I swallowed as much of it as I could, but some of it seeps out past the corners of my mouth and onto her head.

After Ruby's mind returned to her and she relaxed I slid her out of my mouth and lapped up the remains of her horngasm.

After I cleaned her horn and took care of the few drops that escaped me earlier on, I pressed my mouth to hers, pushing my tongue in her mouth as I gave her a taste of herself. Ruby weakly returned the kiss, still out of breath and energy from the orgasm she just went through.

''wow,'' Ruby said as she finally got her breathing under control, ''Nopony has ever done that before with me.''

''Really? Well I am no pony after all.'' I responded lamely.

''True.'' she giggled a bit as she said that and wrapped her fore legs around me in a hug.

I returned the hug as she levitated the blanket that was kicked of the bed over us, albeit with some effort as her magic was a bit weak from the magic overload she had just experienced.

''We should probably talk a bit more about this in the morning.'' she continued.

''Yeah, I believe we should, but fo-.''

''For now we should just enjoy the moment.'' she finished for me as she pressed a bit closer to me. We laid like this for some time until sleep overtook us.

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Storm Chaser was on her way home after being let off of work early, normally it would be strange to her that she could leave before her job was done. There was always something to do, but now, after the explosion and the damage done, there wasn't much to do for her until this mess was all sorted out. So when she was told that she could leave she didn't hesitate to do so, just to get out of the mess for several hours. Of course she still had a long flight ahead of her to return home, because of that she would normally stay in some cheap hotel in the nearby village, and taking the required time to make sure she wasn't spotted by any prying eyes when she came and left also took a while. But now she had several hours extra of free time so she could afford to slow down a bit and calmly made her way towards Cloudsdale. Unbeknown to her that a shadow was going from cloud to cloud, following her every move.

After a couple hours of flight, enjoying the rays of the afternoon sun, she arrived at her home. A modest abode, nothing to fancy to draw attention to her, but more than luxurious enough to live quite comfortable. And of course, no human technology what so ever. Just good old fashioned Pegasus design.

She made her way inside, closed the door, and went straight for the kitchen. Even after calmly making her way here, it was still a long distance to go. And not having eaten anything since the blast she was obviously hungry, this fact was reinforced by a loud rumble from her stomach. Opening the refrigerator she came to the realization that she hadn't been home for some time. There wasn't much in there to begin with, but what was in there didn't quite look right, colored in ways it shouldn't, lettuce isn't supposed to be brown, right?

''Damnit,'' she said as her stomach called for attention once more. ''looks like I'm eating out.'' she sight as she went to pick up some bits she had stored in a drawer. Taking the appropriate amount of money with her, she turned and headed for the door, only to see it was slightly ajar. ''Weird, I thought I closed it.'' she said before shrugging and walking out, making sure she closed the door properly this time.

''And now we wait.'' Iron Claw thought as he watched the mare close the door behind her, locking him in. Hidden, waiting. Waiting for the unsuspected prey to walk right into the trap he had just laid. ''Enjoy your meal little pony, it will be your last.''

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It was already getting dark by the time Storm Chaser returned home. She was tired and frustrated, Se went to get something to eat. Instead she ran into some of her former friends. Former friends because they either had or were currently in a relation with a human. Of course they didn't know of Storm's attitude towards humans, and still thought they were friends. Storm, unable to really tell what she thought, less she gave her away, was forced to put on a fake smile and pretend she was happy to see these traitors. Doing everything she could to get away without raising suspicion, but without success. In the end she and her ''friends'' joined together to eat at a local restaurant. Needless to say, she didn't enjoy it at all. What was supposed to be an afternoon of relaxation became several hours of tasteless food, fake laughs and pretending that she actually gave a fuck about any of her ''friends'' relations, it took all of her willpower not to lash out to them. Especially when one of them revealed that she was engaged. Engaged to a human. Storm almost spit out her drink at that. Her ''friends'' thought it was a reaction from surprised joy, they were, however, to elated to notice the look of disgust in Storm eyes.

No, she didn't have a good time.

''UUGGHH, I need a shower.'' she said as she closed the door, feeling disgusted from just sitting near such filth.

Making haste to get clean again, she flew up to the bathroom, grabbed a towel from one of the closets and hung it over a nearby rack for easy reach, and gave a kick to the shower cloud, starting a small downpour which she jumped under immediately. Sitting down on her haunches, she closed her eyes and just let the warming water wash over her, completely missing the shadow that could be seen from underneath the door as it passed by.

She opened her eyes and picked up one of the bottles standing there. Biting down on it to press out some of the shampoo in it on her hooves. She spat out the bottle, sending it flying to some far away corner, and started to wash her mane.

''Fucking traitors,'' she said, ''Bending over like some mare in heat for that filth isn't good enough for you. Noohoo, you need to marry them too. DISGUSTING.'' she yelled as she slammed her front hooves against the floor. This did nothing to help her vent her anger as her house was made of clouds and she simply slammed straight through the floor. Sending soapy water to the floor below through the hole.

''AARRGGHHH.'' She closed the hole and stepped out of the shower, the calming water not being able to soothe her, and she dried off with the towel before tossing it in a corner in a fit of rage.

''I need to get to bed, this day has been one disaster after the other.'' she thought as her anger was slowly dissipating, being replaced by exhaustion. ''hopefully tomorrow will be better.'' she continued until she remembered the long flight back, and how early she would need to get up so she would be in time. ''UURRGHH''.

Slowly she made her way to her bed, looking forward to sleeping on a real bed again instead on one of those horrible things they have at those hotels. A tiny smile formed on her lips as she looked at her cloud bed. ''Finally some goodnight sleep.'' she whispered to herself as she jumped on top of her bed and sunk into the plush clouds forming to her body.

Despite the angry thought she had about what had happened on the job, and with her ''friends'', sleep was quick to come.

Quickly drifting of and dreaming of a world where humans would be hunted for fun by everypony, where all would see them for the filth that they are, where their invention would be turned against them, improved of course for use by ponies, not those freaky human hands.

Storm had, of course, a C.M.F. emitter, enchanted with a spell that would shield her dreams from prying eyes, mainly a certain blue, pain in the flank, princess who likes to sneak into ponies dreams from time to time. Her emitter would make sure that the princess wouldn't catch on to her by looking into her dream, she hoped.

But princess Luna was the least of her worries now as a dark figure stood next to her. A smirk on his beak as he looked over the clueless mare, ''Too easy.'' He said quietly as Storm moved a bit in her sleep, a twisted smile on her face. He stood there watching a little longer, giving the mare some time to enjoy her dream which he could see she was enjoying quite a bit.

''Well,'' he said after a couple of minutes, ''Time to die.''

In a sudden burst of speed he wrapped a claw around Storm's muzzle, making it impossible for her to scream as she woke up, while his other claw pressed her body down into her bed, immobilizing her, and pressing the tips of his claws into her side to keep her from struggling.

Fear was evident in her eyes as she looked up at the griffin who is holding her down.

''Now, keep calm and this will all be over soon, struggle and I will take my time.'' he told her in a menacing voice.

Despite the claw wrapped around her muzzle and immobilizing her head, she was able to give a slight nod in understanding.

''Good, now just so that you know, this is nothing personal, just business.'' he said as he lifted his claw that was pressing down her body.

Storms pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks as the words sunk into her while she looked up at the claw hovering above her head.

''Struggle and I will take my time.'' he repeated.

Strom was looking at the claw as it descended to her neck, it seemed to happen in slow-motion for her, burning every agonizing second in her mind, feeling her skin starting to tear from the sharp tips of the claw, or the blood that shot out of her neck as flesh was ripped away, and the lack of air as every breath she took failed to reach her lungs, instead it would escape from the hole in her neck as she could feel blood flow in her lungs with every failed attempt to suck in some air, drowning her in her own blood.

A massive blood stain formed on the bed, her grey coat was almost completely red from the waist up as she twitched slightly in a pool of her own blood as the last of her life force flowed away and her eyes became cold, staring into nothing as the griffin finally let go of her. His claws and face were covered in the mares blood as it sprayed out of the wound he inflicted. Satisfied with a quick kill, he went to work on the next phase of his contract. Whipping off as much of the blood as he could so it wouldn't drip and leave a trail, he went to the room he was hiding in a retrieved a bag he had brought with him, it contained several human product, mainly the kind of products used by the E.L.F. during their more direct approach to deal with his kind, as well as all the other species that were living here.

One was a metallic claw, made to fit around a human hand, and simulate a griffins claw. Enabling them to kill and put the blame on a griffin. There was also a broken C.M.F. emitter. And when investigated by a unicorn, they would find it holds a trace amount of a cloud walking enchantment. a few more pieces where in the bag that, once in place, would point the blame straight to the humans. Taking the bag to the bedroom he took his time to place everything in just the right way. Having done such a thing before on several occasions, he knew what would fit, and what didn't. Looking over his work to make sure that the scene was believable and that no evidence of him ever being there was removed, he took one last look at the mare.

''Just so that you know, it's nothing personal, just business.'' And with that he left into the dark of night, returning to report his contract fulfilled.