> Children of Chaos
>  by shirotora
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Story Thus Far...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prelude: The Story Thus Far

Chaos.

To so many, it is the enemy of order and harmony, but what is it really?

Many would claim it was the result of dark forces working to wreak havoc on the world. The ponies of the town of Ponyville were among them... that was until an event that only happens every thirteen hundred years happened right on the outskirts of town.

Shirotora, a human from Earth, found himself in a world he thought only existed on TV and in fan fiction. Not only that, but he found himself in a form that didn't belong in his world or this one; that of a white tiger. However, his new form didn't last too long. Upon meeting Twilight Sparkle, he found his form changed once again to that of a striped pony. Naturally, he assumed he was dreaming and just went along for the ride.

When he (painfully) learned that not only was it not a dream, and there was no possibility of him ever returning to his friends and family, he decided to try to make a life for himself. It helped that he discovered his talent with chaos magic, the same kind as Discord's, though much weaker.

It didn't take long for him to learn that this world was very different from the one he used to watch on TV. For one, he learned that Twilight's parents were killed when she was very young and after spending a few years living on the streets with her brother, she and Shining Armor were adopted by Princess Celestia. Shiro also learned that Fluttershy was part dragon after finding himself on the wrong end of her infamous ocular power. The most shocking at the moment of discovery, though, was the fact that Applejack and Big Macintosh were not siblings, but husband and wife. Shiro didn't know until after witnessing them kissing passionately. He also learned that the Apple family used to be the greatest vampire slayers in the world, and still learned the ancient ways just in case vampires ever managed to return.

Finally, he learned a horrible truth about ponies; they were still on the menu of the various predators. He witnessed this truth first hand on Hearths Warming Night when Twilight's date was killed right before his eyes by a barghest while he could only watch in fear. When the beast turned its sights on Twilight, though, he found the courage to move. He threw himself at the beast, somehow regaining the feline form he had when he first arrived. After the incident, Shiro swore he would never again stand by and let someone die if he could help them.

It was in his self appointed duties as protector of ponies that he first met Jynx Charm, a unicorn inventor and older sister to Shiro's best friend, Rainbow Dash. After saving her life multiple times, the two fell in love and started dating.

Over the course of months, Shiro fought of several monsters and a pair of assassins that were sent after him for reasons he didn't know. One of them was Gil, an ex-spy for the griffins and Rainbow Dash's ex-lover (in the show, he was gender swapped and renamed “Gilda”). And the other, a werewolf named Gray Fang, a warrior with an odd sense of honor, but honor all the same.

Then came Hearts and Hooves day. This was the day Shiro proposed to Jynx, and the day he nearly lost her forever. Discord had somehow escaped, and found Shiro. Using an illusion, he convinced Shiro he killed Jynx, believing this would drive the tiger mad. It didn't have quite the effect he was looking for.

It was at this moment, the “Black Beast” was first born. All of the negative emotions Shiro had bottled up manifested into an evil, black shadow of himself that rampaged indiscriminately through Ponyville, killing as he went. Eventually, Twilight and the others were forced to use the Elements of Harmony against their friend, locking him in stone.

For months, Shiro was frozen in his prison until Discord, in an attempt to redeem himself for being tricked into driving Shiro insane, freed the cat as the mastermind behind the assassins and Discord’s misguided acts showed himself. The very pony that Shiro saw die on Hearths Warming revealed himself to be Chronos, the tyrannical father of Celestia and Luna that once ruled over Equestria with an iron hoof. After a lengthy battle in which Celestia lent Shiro her power, the evil god was struck down. Unfortunately, Shiro's mortal body was never meant to hold the power of a goddess, and the power burned away the majority of his magic power.

With Chronos dead, Shiro was able to relax somewhat. It was in this time of peace that he and Jynx were wed, and their first child was born. Razor Wing was a strange mix of pegasus and tiger with pony-like hind hooves, wings, mane, and tail. Unfortunately for the newlyweds, he also inherited his father's chaos magic which manifested itself in strange ways, like tuning Jynx human for a time (which was great for a prank). It was shortly followed by the birth of Autumn Gold, Applejack's first foal.

It was also during this time that Shiro met who would be two of his best friends. The first was an earth pony by the name of Dohi Waya (Peaceful Wolf), the adopted son of Gray Fang, the werewolf assassin. He sought revenge for his father's death at Shiro's hand, but failed. Shiro, his chaos magic telling him this pony would have a bigger role in things to come, invited the pony to stay and try again. Even though it confused him greatly, the pona accepted. After some time, Waya began seeing Shiro as a friend, though they still fought on a regular basis.  Waya would later begin courting Twilight.

His second friend he met when taking classes at Canterlot University. Phoenix was a pegasus elemental with command of fire. After a misunderstanding between Pinkie and himself, he started dating the hyper pink pony who would later become his wife.

Unfortunately, Shiro's life was soon turned on its head again when a little orphan colt entered his life... a colt he thought he made up. Midnight Star was a ten year old druid, an earth pony that could command plants and speak with animals (Ponyville attracts the strangest characters). After surprisingly little deliberation, Shiro and Jynx adopt the boy.

It was after this that Shiro discovers a cult that wanted to use the young druid as a sacrifice in a ritual to open the gates of Tartarus. The tiger, to protect his new son, sought out the cult to eliminate them. While he was tracking them, Midnight was abducted and brought to their temple. After sneaking through their compound, he arrived in the ritual chamber to find his son bound and unconscious. It was here that Shiro acquired his signature weapon held by a dragon statue, the Wind Bound Spear, a pole-sword that granted the wielder the power of flight. With his Gary-Stu level up a little, he fought the numerous cultists until he collapsed from exhaustion and blood loss from the multiple wounds attained in the battle.

When he woke up, he learned the dragon statue was actually a dragony, half dragon, half pony, named Jetaga that was encased in stone hundreds of years ago by the Fluttershy's grandmother, the sun dragon seer, Laalia. She foresaw that he would be needed in the future and so he agreed to be petrified. When he was released from his stony prison, he saw the wounded tiger, and rescued him and Midnight.

After recovering, a few adventures, and Rainbow and Jetaga hooking up, another event happened that would shake the whole of Equestria. As Shiro, Jynx, Pinkie, and Celestia walked through a park, Jynx demonstrated a new device she made to undo some of the things Razor's magic would do by reverting things back to their natural state. Upon activating the device, it revealed a pair of changelings, a mother and foal.

Celestia, having an uncharacteristic hatred for the shapeshifters, killed the mother without thought. When she turned her sights on the baby, though, Shiro stepped in. He insisted that killing the baby was wrong and it should be given a chance. When Celestia attacked him, accusing him of betraying Equestria, Jynx was caught in the crossfire and killed.

In an attempt to make things right, Luna guided Shiro to the gates of Tartarus. The feline hero fought his way through hell to retrieve his love, bringing her back to the land of the living. As for the changeling foal, she was given to Pinkie to raise. This was a dream come true, especially after the doctor told her she would be unable to conceive a foal of her own. She named the baby Surprise.

After his return, he found the reason behind Celestia’s unusual behavior when the Nightmare took over her body and tried to take Equestria as her own. This was Jynx’s time to shine as she used a powerful spell to pull the Nightmare from the solar ruler’s body. Luna, glad to finally get her revenge, incinerated the Nightmare once and for all.

A while after, Shiro was tricked in by the same cult that tried killing Midnight. One of their high priests had been posing as a doctor and convinced Shiro into opening a sort of “back door” into Tartarus, unleashing a horde of monsters. Equestria and several surrounding nations sent armies to meet the denizens of hell.

In the ensuing battle, Laalia was dealt a mortal wound, and before she died, passed her gift of sight on to Fluttershy, who from then on decided to start going by the name she was given at birth, Kataya, Draconic for Fluttershy.

Another event of importance was the revelation of the Apple family legacy. The reason why they were such successful vampire hunters as because they themselves had vampiric blood flowing through their veins, making them Dhampir.

The decisive blow was landed when Celestia, in a desperate bid to save her kingdom, sacrificed her life in a powerful ritual. Her spirit was fused with Tartarus, like her mother's, sealing it back up and severing it from Equestria. Her body was vaporized, and her magic crystallized and scattered across the world.

After witnessing Midnight get shot with an arrow, Shiro once again went mad. The Black Beast emerged once again, but when Midnight, being mostly healed by a powerful healing spell, confronted the monster, Shiro managed to expel the beast. The dark energy coalesced into a physical form and attacked it’s former host. The battle that ensued took everything Shiro had, and in the end, it was thanks to his friends, the Elements of Harmony, and his own magic that victory was attained.

With peace ensured once again, and the nation mourning the loss of friends, family, and one of their princesses, Shiro was finally able to settle into a mostly peaceful life. Luna decided that, with her sister gone, it was time to step down and let new blood rule. Twilight and Waya, after being wed, took Luna's place as rulers of the night while Shining Armor and Cadence took the day.

In the years following, Shiro and Jynx celebrated the birth of their only daughter, Winter Snow, and years later the wedding of Midnight Star and Applebloom.

Now, Shirotora is in his fifth decade of life, playing with his grandchildren whenever Midnight and Applebloom visited, and enjoying the peace his life offered. Razor Wing was a college kid, and Snow was getting ready to move out herself. The dread of an empty house was weighing heavily on the cat, but he was proud of who his children had become and hopeful of who they would be in the years to come.

This is where this story begins...

> Chapter 1:  First Day of Summer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1:  First Day of Summer

June 7, 1024,

“You all packed up?” Asked a white pegasus mare with a neck length pink mane that fell straight down the right side.

“Eeyep.” Answered a rather unique creature. He resembled a white tiger, except he had a short cut, black, pony-like mane and tail, hooves where his back paws should be, and a pair of large, feathery wings, “Let's go.”

The two put on their saddlebags and leaped out the window of their dorm. The two glided a few feet off the ground for a bit through the campus of Canterlot University. It was finally summer break, and they were excited. After a few days at home, they, and a few friends, were going on an epic road trip full of drinking, drugs, and debauchery. The three staples of any college student.

“So, Raz, wha'cha gonna do when you get home?” Asked the pegasus.

“Probably go hunting with dad. Make some jerky for me and Blaze.” He replied, “What about you?”

“Mom said she was going to show me the secret behind her 'Pinkie Powers' today.” She replied.

“Whoa! Really?” Razor replied, “What Twilight would give to be you right now.”

“Ha, yeah.” Surprise replied, “I can see it now. The princess of the night, in all her glory, grinning and bouncing like a school filly, a tear running down her face.”

The two had to land as they broke down in a fit of laughter. Their laughter was cut off by a pair of old, spoiled cabbages striking the two of them in their heads. A pair of unicorns were scowling at them.

“Why don't you two go back to the Everfree with the other freaks?” One of them said.

“Yeah, we don't want any parasites or parasite lovers around here.” The other said, “I don't know why Prince Armor doesn't just get rid of the lot of you. It's not like you're real ponies.”

It was no secret what Surprise was. She never hid it. On the first day at the university she introduced herself as a changeling raised by pony parents. Ponies knew that the royal siblings had arrangements with changelings, and many accepted her, but several still had a deep seeded hatred of the shape shifters. Those that accepted her would often invite her to parties where she was always a big hit, often shifting into teachers they hated and mocking them, or turning into a guard when somepony was hitting the lava leaf. Those who hated her, though, were cruel and even violent with her.

“Hey!” Shouted a voice, “You got a problem with her?”

“Oh horse apples, Oak, uh, we were just havin’ a little fun is all, honest,” said one of the unicorns.

“Get the hell outta here before I decide to have some fun.” Replied the large earth pony.

The two unicorns couldn't leave fast enough, tripping over each other. After he was sure they weren't coming back he turned to the pair.

“You guy's good?” He asked.

“Yeah, thanks, Oak.” Razor replied.

Great Oak was one of the few earth ponies attending Canterlot University. He was a botany major, focusing on medicinal herbs. When he first met the two, he was like many others in that he had the same hatred of the changeling. That, however, changed when he was tending the garden on the roof of his dorm. He got stung by a bee, and had a severe allergic reaction. With nopony else around, and having difficulty breathing, he was sure he was going to die. He woke up the next morning in the hospital after Surprise found him. She sensed his fear and pain and went to investigate. When she found him, she rushed him to the hospital. After he found out what she did, he traveled all the way to Ponyville to thank her himself. He, Surprise, and Razor had been friends ever since.

“Sorry I'm late.” Said Oak, “Copper needed my help moving his trunk.”

“It's okay.” Surprise said, “You ready for the most epic road trip in Equestria's history?”

“You bet!” He said.

“Then come on.” Razor said, “You don't want to keep the princess waiting do you?”

“I still can't believe I'm going to meet the Shirotora!” Oak gushed, “I mean, the guy's in our history book!”

The three ran down the road toward Canterlot Palace. They waved and greeted a few of the ponies they came to know in their time in college. Eventually they made it to the palace. The fluttering of wings announced the arrival of the lunar couple. Twilight and Waya landed beside the three, greeting them.

“Your highness,” Oak said, bowing low, “It's an honor to meet you.”

“You must be Great Oak,” She greeted, “Razor's told me a bit about you. I have something you may be interested in.” She flashed her horn and a notebook appeared with a small box, “This is research I did on poison joke from the Everfree Forest. It's the most comprehensive study ever done on the troublesome plant. As for the box...” Twilight leaned close and put up a soundproof shield, “It's enough samples of the plant and the cure for some experimentation of your own... get pictures.”

“Let me guess, payback?” asked the earth pony.

“Make sure they know where you got it from,” Twilight smirked and released the spell

“I don't like that look,” Razor said, “What did you give him?”

“Just something to help him in his botany studies,” Twilight replied innocently.

“I told you giving her stripes was a bad idea,” Surprise tried being serious, but couldn't hold back a laugh at the memory.

“Are you ready?” Asked the young princess.

Twilight received a trio of confirmations and in a flash they were standing outside a modest house with a large shed to one side. The door opened to reveal a khaki colored unicorn mare with a graying black mane and tail with an azure ribbon braided into both.

“Mom,” Razor called as he ran up to hug the mare.

“Razor, I’ve missed you,” said Jynx as she returned her son's embrace.

“Where's dad?” Razor asked.

As if on cue, a white and black blur tackled the blue prince, slamming him into the ground.

“Hey Raz.” Shiro said, “Talk to you in a sec. I gotta kick some royal flank.”

“That's what you think!” Waya threw him off and the two continued their own unique greeting.

“Hello, Jynx,” Twilight greeted.

“Hey Twi.”

“So, is it done?” Razor asked excitedly.

“Where are your manners?” Jynx scolded, “You bring a friend over and don't even introduce him?”

“Oh, right, sorry. Mom, this is Great Oak, a friend. Oak, this is my mom, Professor Jynx Charm, the leading expert on ancient magic.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am,” Oak said.

“Likewise,” Jynx shook the earth pony's hoof, “Razor and Surprise have told me a lot about you.”

“Okay, you've been introduced. Is it ready?” Razor said impatiently.

“Well let's go see,” Jynx said, “meet us in the garage when you're done honey!”

“Got it!” Replied Shiro as he held Waya in a headlock, “Ow, watch the horn fuckstick.”

“I'll look at it later,” Surprise said, “I gotta go see mom and dad.”

“I'll see you in a bit.” Razor said with a kiss.

“When are you two getting married?” Jynx asked.

“Probably sometime after we graduate.” Razor said, “Don't worry, mom. You'll be the first to know.”

“Unless you count Pinkie. She'll know before you do, Razor.” Twilight joked as the inventor lead them into the shed.

“Behold!” Jynx said as she flung the door open, “the Trail Master. Guaranteed to make any road your own personal bitch.”

“Mom!” Razor said playfully, “parents aren't supposed to talk like that around their kids.”

“Too fucking bad,” Shiro said as Waya helped in, “I'm getting too old for this crap. My poor back.”

“What do you have to cry about?” Waya said, “You still beat me.”

Shiro nodded, “6-4 this month, my favor.”

“Don't get cocky, cat. I can still make a comeback,” Waya teased, “Remember January.”

“You got lucky,” Replied the big cat as his friend helped him in his chair.

“You got old,” The alicorn prince returned.

Shiro laughed, “That I did, my friend, and I can still beat the shit outta you.”

“Haha, you're still a Gary Stu,” Waya laughed.

“Damn right I am, and don't forget it!” Shiro laughed, “Hey, Twi, you mind?”

The lavender alicorn rolled her eyes and lit up her horn, “What would you do without me?”

“Well, without you, Waya wouldn't be immortal and his back would be going out,” Shiro stated matter-of-factly.

“You have a point. You better be grateful to have me, Waya.”

“Who cares, Trail Master!” Razor said impatiently.

“Oh, right. Sorry, sweetie,” Jynx apologized, “Anyway, it uses spatial compression to fit much more room inside than something this size normally would. It has four bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen, living room, party room with a jacuzzi, and a retractable patio. It's a full sized house packed into a small trailer. It can hit speeds of fifty miles per hour, and has an enchantment that won't let you drive if you're intoxicated.”

“What makes you think I ever get intoxicated?” Razor asked innocently. Jynx gave him a bemused look. “Okay, so I like a little alcohol every now and then.” The stare continued. “Ugh... fine. I may have tried a controlled substance... maybe.”

“Yeah, and the stuff you get is weak as hell. I left you some real shit in a cupboard in the party room, courtesy of Rare Flora from the botany department, and Bunsen Burner of the chemistry department.”

Razor stared at his mother in shock, “M-mom... What do you know about... that stuff?”

Jynx laughed, “What do you think your father and I do on our vacations?”

“Mom! You do realize the Princess is standing right there?”

“I know,” Jynx said, “you should see her hit the bong. She's a beast!”

“Nah,” Twilight waved a hoof dismissively, “Cadence can take more.”

Razor stared, trying to wrap his mind around the royal family partaking in something illegal. Maybe that was why she was trying to get parliament to legalize lava leaf.

Shiro gave his son a slap on the back, “Who else do you know gets all their road trip narcotic needs taken care of by their parents? Now, let's go get your sister, so we can go get you some dead animals to eat while you're gone.”

> Chapter 2: The Journey Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2: The Journey Begins

Razor walked through town with his father, saying hello to various ponies he hadn't seen in some time. Ponyville had grown quite a bit over the years. While still not a full-fledged city, it had become quite the large town. They even had a downtown. It was only a few blocks, but it was still there. It was there that their destination was to be found. Razor saw it as both a good thing and bad thing growing up in a booming town. It was cool to see the progress the town made, but almost all his favorite places as a cub were gone or changed beyond recognition.

There was one thing that didn't change, though. Ponyville's premier nightclub, and home to the infamous DJ Pon-3. The Wub Shack had been around as long as the tigony had been alive. As they approached the hotspot, a ruckus could be heard from inside. The sound of shouting and breaking glass could be heard from across the street. As the father and son reached the place, the front doors flew open as the massive form of a minotaur flew out and landed hard on the road in front. He was followed by what resembled a zebra mare with a solid, snow white mane, unicorn horn and a black tee, with big white letters reading “SECURITY” and she was livid.

“You think just because you're bigger than a mare means you can intimidate her into sleeping with you?” the mare seethed. The minotaur tried to get up but was knocked onto his back by a striped fore-hoof and was pinned down. “You wanna fuck with somepony smaller than you? Fuck with me, I want you to.” When the brute just lay there in a quivering mess, the mare continued, “Now apologize to the nice lady.”

“I-I-I-I-I'm sorry! Please don't hurt me!” He cowered.

“Now get the hell out of here, and don't let me catch you around here again.” the striped mare released him and stepped back.

The minotaur staggered to his hooves and started limping away. When he was a few yards away he muttered, “Crazy bitch.”

“Excuse me,” Shiro stopped him, raising to his hind-legs to look him eye-to-eye, “What did you call my daughter?”

The minotaur looked up angrily but quickly recognized who it was that addressed him. He tried to respond, “Uhh... da... daughter?” he looked back at what he had thought was a zebracorn. She gave him the biggest smile she could, exposing the deadly sharp teeth of a predator. “She's... your..? Ahh!” the hulking mass of bovine cowardice took off down the road screaming like a filly.

“Daddy! Big brother!” Winter Snow shouted the same way as she did when she was six, “You're just in time. I'm actually already off. I was heading to the door when that creep told a mare that if she didn't go back to his room with him, he was going to tear her house down.”

“Well, then you didn't kick him enough,” Shiro responded.

“Are we going hunting?” Snow asked, “‘Cause that guy really got on my nerves and ripping out something's throat would be very therapeutic right now.” Several nearby ponies that heard the comment gaped in horror. “What?”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

The serene quiet of the forest was shattered as a white blur exploded from cover. The elk reacted quickly, guided by instinct, and took off in the opposite direction. Shiro and Razor followed closely behind Snow, but didn't interfere. This was her hunt, and hers alone. It was how they did things. They hunted alone, without magic, weapons, or, in Razor's case, wings. It was their way of ensuring those fit enough to escape could pass those strong genes to the next generation. Plus, it was more exciting.

The elk gave it his all, but in the end it wasn't enough. Snow leaped at him, knocking him to the ground with a swift strike of her fore-hoof. She promptly sank her teeth into his neck, ending the hunt with the severing of its arteries. Quickly, before it had time to cool, she formed a blade from her magic and cut it open. Another tradition of theirs was the one who made the kill, got the best part, the heart. She pulled the organ from its chest with her amber magic. With a squelching sound, she tore off a big chunk, savoring the flavor.

“Oh, yeah,” she sighed in contentment, “That's the stuff.”

“Nice job,” Shiro congratulated, “You're getting better.”

“Thanks, daddy.” She popped the rest into her mouth and closed her eyes, enjoying the last bit of meat and adrenalin before both were gone.

“Alright, go on and get cleaned up, and bring back some water. Me and your brother will get this guy ready, then we'll get one more and head home,” Shiro told her as he pulled out his knife and began working on the animal.

“Alright, be right back,” Snow said as she pranced off toward the stream.

When she was gone, Shiro spoke up, “I want you to take Snow with you.”

It took Razor a few seconds to comprehend what was said, “You mean... on the road trip? Dad... you know there's going to be, um... not-so-wholesome things on this trip, right?”

“Oh, you mean like sex, drugs, and alcohol?” Shiro smirked, “Yeah, I know. She's eighteen, an adult, and she's only ever been here and Canterlot. She needs to get out more and see the world, even if it includes... those. Do it for me, son.”

Razor looked down at the massive eyes on his suddenly cub-size father. The sight of him trying “the cute look” made the tigony laugh, “Oh, goddess, you're so weird. Fine, I'll take her, but don't blame me if she comes home pregnant.”

“Ow! God damn it!” Snow's voice boomed, “Stupid fucking rock!” The sound of a shattering stone followed.

“And see if you can help her with her little temper issues.”

“Little?” Razor deadpanned.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

The sun was still low to the east when a rather large gathering of various races began to form outside Shiro and Jynx's house.

“Sup, cuz,” Sky Blaze said as he landed beside Razor and offered a cyan hoof.

Razor bumped it with his fist, “Can't wait to get on the road.”

“I feel ya. Hopefully we'll find some hotties on the way.” He added.

“Where's Streak and Aunt Dash?” Razor said, noticing the lack of his youngest cousin.

Blaze sighed and said, “He refused to come out of his room. He's still upset that I'm going. Mom's at home trying to get him to come out. It's like he can't live without me around.”

“You'll miss it when it's gone,” said a dark blue earth pony as he trotted into view.

“Midnight! How's it going?” Razor beamed as he greeted his older brother.

“Good. I can't stay long, Applebloom needs me to get a few things, and she's too far along to watch the foals for long. I just wanted to tell you to have fun, don't get arrested, at least for anything real bad, and look out for Snow. Sorry I can't stay. Maybe your new niece will be here when you get back.”

“Alright, tell AB I said hi, and give my niece and nephew a hug for me!” Razor waved as Midnight walked off.

“Will do!”

“I swear, those two are like rabbits,” Shiro said as he approached his middle child. “Already giving me a third grandchild. God, I feel old.”

Razor chuckled, “You're not that old, you know. You're only fifty-two, and Midnight's only eighteen years younger than you.”

“It doesn't stop the feeling, though. I miss being your age,” Shiro said regretfully, “Oh well. I had my time for youthful pursuits and missed most of it. Your mother and I try to have that kind of fun now, but...” Shiro gave his son a pat on the back, “don't waste this time you have. Live it up. Ha! Now I'm even sounding like an old man.”

Razor and Shiro sat beside each other, waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive. They didn't have to wait long though. Applejack came trotting down the road with a familiar, gold coated mare in tow.

“AJ, Autumn, over here!” Shiro called, waving his paw.

“Hey there you two,” said the elder of the two.

“Hi, Applejack,” Razor greeted, “You ready to go Autumn?”

“You bet Ah am!” replied the mare.

“Now, Razor,” Applejack said in a serious manner, “Ah'm trustin' ya with the well bein' of my oldest daughter. Keep an eye on her for me, will ya?”

“Yes, Ma'am.”

“And, Autumn,” She turned to her daughter, “Drinkin', Ah'm fine with. Drugs... Ah'd prefer ya didn't, but ya are, so be careful. And... if ya gotta... ugh... find a colt ta... ya know... use some gosh dern protection... And Ah don't just mean a condom... ya know what Ah'm talkin' 'bout.”

Autumn's coat was quickly changing colors starting from her cheeks, “Mom! Yer embarrassin' me!”

“Good, then you'll remember. Ah just don't want ya doin' something you'll regret.”

Autumn hugged her mother, “Ah know, ma. Ah love ya, too.” She released Applejack and turned to Razor, “Where's Surprise?”

Razor shrugged, “I don't-”

“Surprise!” cried the changeling as she popped out from under the tigony.

“Gah!” Razor jumped behind Autumn.

“Razor, ya big scaredy cat!” Autumn scolded.

Razor ignored her, “Surprise? How... Pinkie taught you her secret?”

“Yeperoni,” said Surprise, “Hey, where's Oak?”

“He's talking to mom,” Razor answered, “She's showing him what to do if the Trail Master breaks down.”

“Alright, so now that everypony is here, let's get this show on the road,” Shiro said, “Raz, I want you to hold onto these for me.” He took off his bracelets and handed them over to his son, “I know you don't like fighting, but I’m sure you won't let anything bad happen to the others. I trust you remember how to use those?”

“Yeah. Hopefully I won't have to,” Razor put the magical weapons on his wrists and stepped up into the cab of the carriage, “Come on everypony! We're wasting daylight!”

“Hold yer horses!” Autumn scolded, “Ah'm gonna miss ya ma.”

“Ah'm gonna miss you too, baby girl,” Applejack gave a brief hug, before taking off her stetson and placing it on her daughters head.

Autumn gasped, “Momma... your favorite hat?”

“Not no more. Ya earned it,” Applejack smiled at her eldest daughter, “Now go on and have some fun. Yer chores'll be waitin' when ya get home.”

Autumn gave her mother one last smile and hopped in the vehicle. Surprise followed as Jynx got out and joined her husband.

“You behave yourself, Snow,” Shiro said as he gave his daughter one last hug, “And try to keep that temper of yours on a leash.”

“I will, daddy,” Snow said, “I'll miss you.”

“Wait!” a teal colt with a royal blue mane and tail called.

“Streak!” Blaze returned, “I was afraid you weren't going to see me off.”

“I-I'm so sorry,” said the kid.

“It's cool,” Blaze said.

“You better bring back something awesome,” said the scruffy voice of Rainbow Dash.

“I will, mom,” Blaze said, “Streak, you're the stallion of the house until me or dad gets back. Take care of mom.”

With that, the last passenger boarded the vehicle and, in a flurry of farewells and confetti, the Trail Master moved forward, beginning its trek.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

High above, on a large cloud, a great red dragon curled around a butter yellow dragony as he watched the magical carriage move away. A red claw brushed a strand of pink mane from the pegasus' face.

“You do the right thing, my love,” said the dragon.

“I know, but... what if he fails?” the pegasus asked, “What if he dies? I just wish I could go down there and warn them. Or maybe I could stop him myself”

“There is a reason your grandmother never intervened directly. She knew if she did, they would become dependent on her. They need to be able to stand on their own four feet.”

“Oh, Paruk,” the mare wrapped her hooves as far around his neck as she could, “Why can't I see how it ends? Then I could make it better.”

“My sweet Kataya,” Paruk smiled, “The Element of Kindness couldn't have chosen a better wielder.”

“I think we should leave,” Kataya said, “I... I don't want to have to see Shiro when he's told his children are dead.”
> Chapter 3: Sex, Drugs, and Alcohol
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3: Sex, Drugs, and Alcohol

The Trail Master tore down the road toward Canterlot. Their first scheduled stop was the Crystal Caverns, but they were taking the scenic route and wouldn't arrive until the next day. Autumn studied the map, looking for any interesting places to stop.

“How 'bout the Tartarus Gate Monument?” Autumn recommended, “We can see Princess Celestia's statue.”

“That would be cool. A lot of ponies we know lost family there,” Raz stated.

“Aunt Scoot's dad has a bust there. He died saving a bunch of ponies,” Blaze said.

“My mom died there,” Oak said, a little depressed.

“It's decided then,” Razor said, “We'll pay our respects to some of Equestria's greatest heroes, then we'll go set up camp at Dusk's Glade, by the falls. In the morning, we'll go exploring the Crystal Caves.  I want to try and find where Cadence was held prisoner.”

“I don't,” Surprise grumbled quietly.

“Alright!” Razor cheered as he floored the accelerator, “Let's go see a battlefield!”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

It was amazing how quickly one’s excitement could be replaced by a somber reverence. The Tartarus Gate Monument created an assortment of feelings from sorrow for those who died, to pride for examples of heroism these ponies were. The great obsidian wall curved in a semicircle around the marble statue of Celestia. Along the top of the wall sat busts of the lost heroes of the battle. The wall itself was adorned with countless names of everyone who lost their lives.

Razor walked with Surprise along the wall as she searched for a particular name. They recognized a few names from the stories... Deep Diver... Carrot Cake... Orion... Finally, Surprise stopped. She brushed her hoof across one of the names, Ruby Heart. Surprise let a few tears fall as she once again tried and failed to summon a memory of the mare that gave her life. She was just too young to remember anything.

Pinkie had told her how she escaped Tartarus when the gate opened, but instead of trying to get away, she came for her. Surprise was her only concern in the world. Then, when the demons broke into the shelter and took her, she sacrificed herself to buy the others time to get away.

“What do you think my name was?” asked the changeling.

Razor put a paw around her withers, “It doesn't matter. If it did, she would have told Pinkie, but your mother wanted Pinkie to be your new mom. That's why the only name that matters is the one Pinkie gave you.

“I wish I could have gotten to know her.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Snow stared at the marble alicorn in the center of the monument with a touch of anger. Oak noticed her mood and wondered if he should pry. His choice was made for him when the tigony spoke.

“You know,” Snow started, “Before this, she murdered my mom... Surprise's, too.”

Oak's ears perked at that. Razor told him the old ruler of the sun and Shiro had a falling out because of something she did, but he never guessed it was something like that.

“There used to be a law that changelings were to be executed on sight. When my dad tried to stop her from killing Surprise when she was just two years old, she killed my mom instead. My dad fought through Tartarus to get her and bring her back.”

Her frown turned into a scowl, “She killed hundreds, thousands if you include the ones she ordered others to kill, and when she does one thing to break even, she gets a fucking statue. I swear, I just want too...” She snorted in anger, “but Twilight's been too nice to my family, and she'd be upset if I destroyed this thing.”

Oak looked at the young tigony. She really was her brother's foil, and not just in appearance. Where Razor Wind could be kind of timid and reserved, rarely standing up for himself, Winter Snow was outspoken and confrontational. Her short temper was legendary and was one of the reasons The Wub Shack rarely had problems with patrons, her being the head bouncer. If half the stories his friend told of her were true, though, she had good intentions.

“You know,” Razor said as he and Surprise came up behind them, “Mom and Dad had the idea to erase her decisions on changelings from history. She was being influenced by the Nightmare, and thought she was doing a good thing. Even mom and dad forgave her.”

They all sat in silence for a few minutes before Surprise spoke up, “Hey, How about we go to the falls now. It's kinda depressing here.”

Snow nodded, “Sounds like a plan.”

“Hold on... where's Blaze and Autumn?” Razor suddenly noticed their absence.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

A light wind rustled the leaves of the trees. The sound of birdsong could just be heard over the steady roar of churning water. The water kicked up a light mist, making a natural rainbow over Dusk's Glade. Razor had to admire the colorful illusion. Something about them made them so much better than their more vibrant, brighter, artificial counterparts. Perhaps it was because of how rare they were.

“Weeehehe!” the winged tigony was brought out of his thoughts by the form of a pink maned white pegasus tucking her wings just as she flew over top.

A grin spread across his face as he called out, “Cannonball!” and leaped into the air.

“Cannonball assist!” Blaze called as flew just above his striped cousin and pushed him down with all his strength.

“Blaze you di-” Razor's insult was cut off by a rather violent aquatic collision.

The dragony was too lost in his laughter to see the enormous bucket of water hovering above his head. An equally large butter knife tapped the bottom, cracking it like an egg and drenching Blaze in a deluge. His laughter stopped as he processed what just happened. With a flick of his front hoof, he brushed his red locks from his eyes and continued laughing.

“Hey, guys!” Golden Autumn called out, “Ah got us a little treat, if ya want some!”

“What?” Razor called as he back stroked to shore.

The farm pony produced a bag full of a distinct red-orange plant. Surprise jumped out of the water and sped toward her.

“Is that what I think it is?”

“Eeyup,” replied Autumn, “One hundred percent, grade A Zebracan lava leaf.”

“Well, let's light the bitch up!” Blaze cheered, “Who's got a bong?”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

The night was alive with the sounds of loud music, and cheering youth. Blaze and Autumn danced, as Snow took in a lungful of narcotic, before passing it to her brother. Surprise laid with her head in Razor's lap as she waved her forehooves in front of her, fascinated by something. Razor passed the bong on and resumed running his paw through his fillyfriend's mane, engrossed by the soft poofiness.

“We should totally do this more, bro,” Snow said as she tore into a hapless bunny she found nearby.

Oak watched the carnivorous half-pony devouring the animal, blood coating her muzzle. It was one thing seeing Razor eating meat, but Snow looked like a pony... well a zebra with a horn, but still.

“What? Smoke together? Sure, if you buy,” Razor chuckle, “Toss me a bit.”

“Get your own food!” Snow said and turned away.

“I got something for you,” Surprise said as she leaned up and drove her tongue into Razor's mouth.

The two began making out furiously. Autumn looked and rolled her eyes.

“Can't y'all go somewhere for that?” she complained.

“What, is this not hot enough, Goldie?” Surprise's form shimmered and was replaced by that of the earth pony farmer, “How 'bout now.”

“You take off mah skin right now!” Autumn shouted.

“Shadup, ruttin’',” said the changeling.

Autumn’s eyes widened as she realized what the two were doing... right in front of everyone... looking like her... “That's it! Ahm'a kick yer sorry asses ta the moon!” the enraged mare started to charge, but was interrupted by a pair of hooves wrapping around her barrel and carrying her into the air.

“Now now, Autumn,” Blaze teased, “We don't murder friends. She's just trying to get under your skin.”

“Well, that ain't a funny way to do it.”

“I know, but they're also pretty stoned. They don't have the natural tolerance we have. Come on now,” Blaze landed gracefully, “Let's get back to partaking in illegal narcotics with our loved ones.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

The sun peaked over the treetops, stirring the young partiers from their slumber. Blaze and Autumn woke with several empty bottles of Granny Smith Cider scattered around them and the headaches that came with them. Razor was next. He looked down, blinking in confusion as his mind tried to figure out why Twilight was in his arms.

“Morning, Razzie,” she said in a slightly squeaky voice that was not the Princess'.

Razor grinned as realization set in, “Good morning, your highness.”

Surprise was confused until she looked down at herself, “Oh,” her laugh-snorted sounded just like her mother's, “Wow, who's idea was this? Do you have a thing for the Princess, Razzie Poo?”

A ripple traveled down her body as her preferred pegasus form replaced that of the lavender alicorn.

“I can't deny that she is hot, but Cadence is better looking,” answered the tigony.

“You made out with her, too,” Snow said as she levitated two plates to her brother and his girlfriend. Eggs, and toast with elk strips for the meat eater, and hay bacon for the vegetarian.

“We did?” Surprise asked, “Oh, sorry. Lava leaf just brings out my base instincts, and I just want to feed. I'm just glad we just made out.”

“I get it, but that doesn't mean I want to see you sucking my brother's face all night. Oh, and you owe Autumn an apology. You made out as her, too.”

“Don't care 'bout an apology right now,” said the country girl, “Ah need food and somethin' for a hangover.”

“Dito,” groaned Blaze.

Snow served a meaty meal to the dragony, and a veggie meal to the dhampir. After a quick, light kick from Snow, Oak woke up and took his breakfast. Finally, Snow took her own food and they ate in relative silence, be it from pain or embarrassment. Eventually, they finished and Oak produced a root for the hungover pair to chew on.

“Damn,” Blaze said with a bit of a smile, “This stuff really works. Thanks, man.”

“Ah'll say,” Autumn agreed, “Mah headache's gone.”

“That's valeen root. It's a common alchemical ingredient in painkillers,” replied the botanist in training.

“Auntie Applebloom probably got some than. She's an alchemist,” Autumn said.

After cleaning up their campsite and bathing in the lake, they once again piled into the Trail Master.

“Alright, everypony ready?” Razor asked the others. After a chorus of agreement, he cheered, “Next stop, the Crystal Caves!”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

As the six friends sped away, a shadow slinked from a bush, watching them go. A smile spread across his lips as he retrieved a crystal and spoke into it.

“They just left. Heading toward the caves beneath Canterlot, just like you said.”

“Good,” came a voice from the magical communicator, “Follow them, and make sure everything goes as planned.”

“Yes, sir. I'll make sure they never see daylight again.”
> Chapter 4: Disaster in the Crystal Caves
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: Disaster in the Crystal Caves

The six just finished setting up camp in the mouth of the cave. The kids donned their headlights and packs, and took their first steps into the famous landmark. It was extremely dark, even with lights, until they reached the first crystal chamber. The crystals in this cavern were known for the perpetual light they emitted, so as soon as the lights were no longer needed they were shut off.

“Look at this place!” Surprise shouted with glee, “It's so beautiful!”

“Ah'll say,” Autumn mused.

“Ohmygosh, Goldie, we should totally make necklaces out of these!” Surprise exclaimed.

“That would be purdy,” replied Autumn, “What do you think, Blaze?”

“Hmm, I think I'd look better in a tiara,” joked the dragony.

The ladies rolled their eyes and took to looking for any glowing crystals that would work for their purposes. The group moved further in, staring in wonder at the multitude of crystals.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“They're inside,” said the shadow.

“Good, is everything ready?”

“Yes sir. I already know where in the caves they're heading and have already rigged it.”

“Excellent. Don't fail. I can care less what happens to the other four, but the tiger's spawn must die.”

“They will, my lord.”

The shadow put the crystal back in his belt pocket and swiftly, stealthily, scurried into the caves.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Woah!” all six said in unison at the massive room they had just entered. The walls were lined with multicolored crystals of incredible size. Along one wall, several crystals laid scattered in front of a smaller room as if something had broken through it. Inside the tiny space was an old rusted bucket and fragments of what was likely a wooden bowl.

“Hey, I think we found it!” Razor cheered, “This is where Princess Cadence was held captive!”

Oak looked around the small cell, “Why though?” When everyone else looked at him in confusion, he clarified, “I mean, why lock her up? Why didn't Chrysalis just kill her and get it over with?”

“She ordered her killed,” Surprise said, “Aunt Lyra told me about it. Not every changeling was for the invasion, but they weren't strong enough to go against Chrysalis, so they decided to work through subterfuge. When Lyra and her squad was ordered to eliminate the princess, they brought her down here instead. They were protecting her. Then, when Chrysalis cast a cremation spell to kill Twilight, they opened a portal under her to save her before the fire closed in on her.”

Surprise picked up one of the shards and examined it before continuing, “When Twilight and Cadence tried to escape, Lyra was scared that all they would do was get themselves killed and tried to stop them, but Twilight put a small want-it-need-it spell on a flower bouquet and tossed it in a ravine. Luckily, it wore off before they hit the bottom and flew back out. When the Love Shield was cast, those that were kind, and held no hatred for ponies, like my mother and aunt Lyra, were spared.”

“Wow... I didn't know there were changelings fighting on our side,” Oak said, pondering what he heard.

“Yeah, quite a few,” Surprise confirmed, “We've been living side by side with ponies in peace for centuries. When Chrysalis showed up, she proclaimed herself queen and promised any who followed her power. We were hunted like rabid animals because of that bitch.”

Razor placed a comforting paw on his fillyfriend's back, “And you showed everypony that changelings aren't all bad. You saved the changelings.”

Surprise smiled sadly, “No, mom did. She adopted me, raised me, and taught me to be good. She gave a monster a chance and showed the world that we're good... even if we're ugly.”

“Hey, don't say that, you're beautiful,” Razor said, upset at the way she put herself down.

“Well, yeah, like this. Nopony could love me if I couldn't transform.”

“I love you for who you are,” Razor said as he looked into Surprise' baby blue eyes, “I think you're beautiful in your real form. Your velvety fur, the way your wings shimmer.”

“I know you do,” she sighed, “But admit it... the fact that I can change into anypony you want is a plus.”

Razor grinned, “Like Pinkie?”

“I'll cut you.”

That got a chuckle out of everyone.

“Alright, you two love birds,” Autumn said with a smile, “Let's see what else... wait...” her ears swiveled around, listening, “Do y'all hear that?”

Razor, and Snow listened for anything out of the ordinary. They could hear it too, a faint humming. Razor walked around, searching for the source. Finally, he came to the entrance and froze, eyes widened in fear at the sight of a glyph glowing on a large crystal above the room's entrance.

“Get back!” he bellowed just before a massive explosion dislodged several boulders, blocking the path and trapping them.

Before any of them could truly comprehend what happened a series of detonations came from high above. They all looked up to see the ceiling falling on them. Panic started to set in and they huddled around each other, holding to whoever was close as their deaths draw nearer.

Surprise, acting on instinct raised her fore-hooves, the green ribbon in her mane glowing faintly.

“Oculus Abyssi!”

The air shimmered briefly before a hole opened in the fabric of space-time, sucking in everything nearby.

“Everypony, hold on to each other!” advised the changeling as they were pulled inside of the rift, a few pieces of debris following.

The six found themselves tumbling through a void, the only things other than themselves were a few crystals that followed them... and one glyph covered boulder. Their eyes widened with horror as it began glowing brighter as it approached them. Razor felt someone squirming and looked over to see his little sister breaking free of the others' hold on her.

“Snow! What are you doing!” he called, but too late.

The unicorn tigony launched herself toward the bomb. She let out a billowing war cry as she slammed her back hooves into the deadly stone, launching it away. It only traveled a few feet before erupting in a terrible blast. The force slammed into Snow, engulfing her in flames and launching her away from the group. When the shockwave hit the others, Razor and Surprise lost their grip on the others, splitting the remainder of the group in two.

The blast sent a tremor through the void. It was as if the entire place suddenly warped and contorted. Surprise shouted in pain as she ripped the ribbon from her mane and looked at it. Along the middle was a deep gash, almost splitting it in half. With a shudder, the dimension collapsed, ejecting its occupants back into the world.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Razor and Surprise still clung to each other as the ground came up to meet them. They flared their wings to slow their descent, but still landed harder than they would have liked. Razor slowly got to his hooves and paws, rubbing his aching head. Surprise followed suit and they took in their surroundings. They were in a clearing in the middle of the woods. Though he didn't recognize the area, he knew a lot of the plants he saw.

“Great,” he groaned, “We're in the Everfree.”

“Do you know where?”

Razor shook his head, “No, but we can find out.”

He stretched his wings and took off, circling overhead as he searched for any landmarks. He landed with a look of confusion.

“Well?”

Razor shook his head, “I don't know, but there's a huge city way up north that I don't recognize.”

Surprise looked at him with furrowed eyebrows, “But there aren't any cities by the Everfree...”

“There's a town to the west that's pretty close,” Razor informed, “Let's head there and see if we can get some information.”

“Good idea.”

The two spread their wings and took to the skies

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

An unconscious tigony soared through the air. She slammed hard into the ground, bouncing and rolling several dozen feet. Her broken, mangled body was splayed in unnatural angles, as her breath came in ragged gasps. The noise and commotion drove every living creature away within a few hundred yards... except one.

A pair of draconic eyes peered from the underbrush, assessing the situation. The watcher could tell the injured mare wouldn't survive her injuries, even if taken to a hospital. The fact that she was still breathing at all was testament to her strength.

The eyes vanished as a black mist snaked its way from the shadows and enveloped the dying creature in its embrace.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Blaze, Autumn, and Oak landed hard. Autumn reached a hoof up, relieved to find her mother's stetson still perched atop her head.

“Au... Autumn,” came a desperate wheeze, “Can't breathe.”

Autumn looked down to see a cyan face quickly turning purple, “Oh! Sorry 'bout that.”

She jumped off Blaze, allowing him to take in a much needed breath of air. The clanging of trashcans alerted the others to Oak's location.

“A little help here!” he begged.

The farmer and the pegasus righted their new friend, holding back a snicker at the old garbage he was covered in. Thankfully, it was mostly papers, and didn't stink.

“Where are we?” Autumn asked as she looked down the unfamiliar alley.

The stallions followed the mare into a familiar, yet foreign sight. A highway, traveled by dozens of cars, in a massive city. Both Blaze and Autumn had seen plenty on Shiro's TV, but what made these stand apart was the fact that the drivers were ponies. The city was also unfamiliar. There were buildings larger than the ones in Manehattan even.

“What... What the hell are those?” Oak asked.

“G-guy's...” Blaze's voice wavered with shock.

The others look at him as he pointed at something. They followed his hoof to a large, official looking building. Their expressions matched Blaze's as the read the sign in front...

Ponyville Town Hall.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Shiro and Jynx sat at their dinner table listening to Midnight and Applebloom talk about their lives. They especially loved hearing about the antics of their grandchildren.

“...And somehow, came out covered head to tail in sap!” Midnight finished a particularly funny story.

“She's definitely your daughter, Bloom,” Shiro laughed, picturing little Candy Apple covered like that.

“Grandpa!” Moonlight Orchard ran up to his favorite relative, “Are you going to make that cake like last time? Huh, are you, are you?”

Shiro looked down at the colt. He was the spitting image of his father, though a more grayish blue with a crescent shape on his forehead instead of a star.

“I suppose I could,” answered Shiro.

“Yipee! Hay sis, gramps is making the Chocolate Heart-attack!” he ran off, his cheering joined by his sister's.

“Oh, great,” Applebloom deadpanned, “'Cause they ain't hyper enough. You're an evil cat, pa.”

“Mwahahahaha!” Shiro gave his best evil laugh, “Revenge is mine!”

“You got some onions for mine?” the pregnant alchemist asked.

Before Shiro could answer, a knock came from the front door.

“I got it,” Shiro jumped up and went to the front.

He opened the door to find a royal guard pegasus wearing a solemn expression. Shiro's heart clenched as an icy feeling came over him.

“Lord Tora,” the guard began, “There's been an incident...”
> Chapter 5: Where's a DeLorean When You Need One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: Where's a DeLorean When You Need One

The trio stared in awed confusion at the nonsensical sight before them. Was there another town called Ponyville they didn't know about... an entire city... bigger than any other city in Equestria..? All their confusion, all their questions and all their thoughts were summed up by Blaze quite well.

“What the hell is this?”

Oak shook his head, “I... I don't know, but this can't be right. That... thing... Surprise did, what was it?”

“Ah ain't never seen it. You?” Autumn turned to Blaze.

“I haven't either,” Blaze echoed their confusion.

Oak closed his eyes and took a deep breath, “Okay, let's look at the facts here. This city is called Ponyville, correct?” the others nodded hesitantly, “Obviously, there's only one Ponyville we know of, so that leaves two possibilities. Whatever that spell was Surprise used was most likely interrupted by that blast, causing the spell to go haywire and either sent us forward in time, or into a parallel Equestria.”

His two companions' eyes widened in shock. They looked around themselves, seeing all the advanced technology. Blaze gasped and pointed a hoof at a massive TV sitting on the side of a building. The others looked to where he was pointing.

“Well,” Oak said, surprisingly calm, “That answers that question.”

The news program spoke of a double homicide, which was strange enough, but wasn't what drew their attention. In the corner, the date read, May 24th, 1524.

“Is... is that right?” asked Autumn.

“I guess I was right,” Oak said grimly, “I just hope we're in our own future, and not some alternate. It'll be hard enough to find a way to go back in time, if it's even possible, but transdimensional travel is only possible under very specific circumstances.”

“Yeah, my uncle's from another world,” Blaze said.

“Oh, right,” the botanist in training scoffed, “I keep forgetting that Raz is half pony.”

Blaze chuckled, “It's pretty common in our family.”

Oak raised an eyebrow, “More than Razor and Snow?”

“Yeah, me,” Blaze smirked.

Oak looked at the dragony skeptically, “As much as I want to ask, we have more important things to worry about. We're likely in our own dimension, but that doesn't change the fact that we need to find out how to get home. Now unless you guys know anything about temporal magic, we need to find someone who knows.”

“Well, why not Twilight?” Blaze mentioned, “I'm sure she knows what’s going on. She was already super smart, and now she's had hundreds of years of studying to get even smarter.”

“Having ties to royalty does have its benefits,” Oak smiled, “Let's go find the princess.”

“Great, let's go,” Autumn said a little impatiently, “The sooner we find her, the sooner we can find Raz, Snow, and Surprise.”

Blaze's face fell, “Snow's body, anyway.”

“What?” Autumn looked at the cyan stallion in confusion.

“You saw what happened,” Blaze said somberly, “She was right in that explosion. We have to face it, even as tough as she is, there's no surviving that.”

“Hey, don't go givin' up on her like that!” Autumn scolded, “Fine, she... she probably didn't survive, but who knows. Amazin' things happen to our families all the time. Besides, she's got chaos magic. Maybe not much, but she gots it. Maybe it saved her.”

Blaze sighed, “You're right. I... I need to stay positive. Snow's a tough filly. If anypony could survive that, it's her.”

“That's the spirit,” Oak encouraged, “Now come on. We need to find out where to get some transportation.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Razor and Surprise landed just inside the tree line at Razor's insistence.

“What's wrong Razie?” Surprise asked.

“I... don't know,” he said, “I just have a bad feeling... like it's not a good idea for me to go in there.”

Surprise looked from the town to her boyfriend and back, “I could go alone if that would make you feel better. I can just go, get directions home and meet you back here.”

“No, I'll go, too. Just give me a second,” Razor pulled upon his chaos magic, willing it to help him. He felt it pull back, ready to do as he asked. The tigony reached his paw into a hole in a tree and pulled out a long cloak. “This'll do.” Razor put the thing on, the hood casting magic shadows on his face even in direct sunlight.

“Chaos magic rocks,” Surprise giggled, “I wish I had it.”

Now disguised, the pair of college students headed toward town. Razor drew stares as they entered town, which was expected but still annoying. It didn't take them long to see that this town was different than any other they had seen. The technology present was far more advanced than even cities like Canterlot or Manehattan. Cars that looked more like the ones from Earth they had seen on TV rode through the streets. Ponies walked down the sidewalks talking on crystal phones. Even a few TVs were displayed in a store window.

“Since when did your mom's company start distributing TVs to stores?” Surprise asked.

“She doesn't,” answered Razor, “You have to order them through the mail service still. Come on, let's ask where they got them from.”

The two went into the store and quickly found the owner behind the counter. A simple yellow unicorn stallion with a red mane.

“May I help you?” he asked, giving a wary look at the cloaked tigony.

“Where do you get your TVs?” Surprise inquired.

“Same as everypony, Crys-Tech. Their branch office is down the road. Just look for their logo.”

They thanked the stallion and left again, looking for the branch office. They spotted the logo and started towards it when a young colt, no more than twelve or thirteen, came barreling from around a corner and plowed into Razor. They both went rolling, tangled in each other's limbs. When they finally stopped, Razor slowly struggled to his feet. Gasps and fearful murmurs echoed around them as everything seemed to come to a halt.

“You okay, kid?” Razor asked offering a paw.

“Yeah. I'm...” the colt's eyes widened in horror.

“What's...” Razor noticed his hood was knocked off by the impact, “Oh... I knew they'd react bad to me.”

“Hey, stop staring, why don'cha,” Surprise scolded everyone.

As if she discovered a hidden trigger, the ponies of town panicked, running and screaming. Cries of 'demon' and 'he's going to kill us all' were heard from the frantic spectators. A few took to throwing themselves to the ground, begging to be spared. Razor threw his hood back on and the couple took off toward the outskirts of town. The whistles of town guards sounded behind them, but they were far faster than their pursuers. They entered the Everfree again, losing the cops.

“What... the Tartarus... was that about?” Razor panted.

“I don't... know, but... they weren't scared of... you because they... thought you were... some random monster,” Surprise gasped, “That fear was... like the fear ponies feel... about me... The fear of something they were warned about. Like they were taught to be afraid of you.”

“Why would they fear me specifically?”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Ahh... this is the life.”

Snow stretched out on her towel, enjoying the summer sun. The waves gently lapped the warm sand as she sipped on a mojito. She set the alcoholic beverage down on the table and put her fore-hooves behind her head, relaxing.

And why shouldn't she get to relax? She earned it, after all. First there was that werewolf that kept trying to get her to sleep with him, than there was that dumb ass minotaur, and getting blown up...

Wait... she got blown up! Snow suddenly realized she had no idea how she got here. In fact, the only place she had even seen a beach was on TV. Where was she? Did someone foalnap her? No... She may not have been as smart as the rest of her family, but she was still above average on brains. She took another sip of the mojito, examining the taste. She never had a mojito before, but she knew what went in it. This thing had none of those flavors. She dumped it out and tossed the glass to the sand.

The tigony grasped a palm leaf in her unicorn magic, horn glowing amber. She lowered it and took a bite. It tasted like mint. Thoroughly confused, she took another sip of the 'mojito' before she realized something. She looked at the drink, eyes narrowed in accusation at the not-spilled booze.

It clicked, “I'm dreaming.” The striped mare looked around as if seeing the scene for the first time. “Well, this dream is kinda lame. I'm waking up.”

“Please don't,” a soft, masculine voice came from all around.

“Who's there?!” Snow lowered herself in a threatening posture.

“Please, I’m trying to help you. Just hear me out, and whatever you do, don't try to wake up.”

“Why not,” Snow asked skeptically.

“Because if you do, you'll die.”

That got her attention, “You got two minutes.”

“Okay,” said the voice, “When I found you, you were already dying. You wouldn't have lasted a half hour with your injuries. Even if you got to a hospital at that very moment, all they would have been able to do is ease the pain and let you die.”

Snow's breath caught. Was she really that bad? But if she was... “Then why are you able to help me? Are some kind of mega-medic?”

“You... can say that,” the voice sounded reluctant. “My kind have very special restorative powers that can be used like healing magic, although that's not what they're for.”

“Your kind? You aren't a pony?” Snow was more curious than wary now.

“Not exactly...” he trailed off, unsure of something. “If I show myself, do you promise not to react... bad?”

Snow contemplated the question before answering, “I won't judge you for how you look. How's that?”

There was a silence that preceded a reply, “Okay. Just know that I'm not like the others. I like helping ponies. Alright, here it goes.”

Snow watched as a dark rift opened on the dream-beach and a pony stepped out... or was it? It had the basic form of a pony, but it wasn't like a pony Snow had ever met before. He looked too thin, his coat was solid black, and his indigo mane was like... fire... if it were made of water. His eyes were what drew Snow's attention. They were slitted, draconic eyes.

“What are you?” came the inevitable question.

“I... I'm a... a nightmare,” he cringed, his mane fading to a fearful yellow.

Snow stared in shock, and more than a little anger.

“Alright, nightmare, start talking.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

The atmosphere on the train was subdued. No one was in high spirits, not even the foals.

“They're okay, mom,” Midnight assured Jynx, “Razor and Snow are strong, like dad. They’ll be fine, and they'll make sure the others are too.”

“Not to mention mah niece, Pinkie's filly, and Rainbow's colt,” Applebloom added, “They're all stronger than a pissed off mamma bear together. We'll find'em lickity split, so don't you worry, momma.”

“I can't help it, it's what mothers do,” Jynx tried to smile, “I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, Bloom.”

“Ah do,” sighed the alchemist. “Ya want somethin' to help you relax? Ah got some leiki bark...”

“No thank you, I'm fine. I just want to get to Canterlot to see how your father is doing. You know how fragile he is emotionally, and I'm worried he'll do something he's going to regret.”

“Well, what about you?” Midnight asked, concern in his voice.

“I'll be fine, Mid.”

Just as she said that, a loud crack, like thunder, rumbled from above. Midnight looked out the window just in time to see a multitude of rocks tumbling down the mountain.

“Mom! Bloom!” Shouted the druid, too late. The boulders slammed into the train, sending it tumbling down the mountain in a twisted wreck.
> Chapter 6: Blasts from the Past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 6: Blasts from the Past

Oak came back from speaking to the train station ticket master with a thoughtful look on his face.

“Ah don't like that look,” Autumn stated, “What’s wrong?”

“Our bits are useless,” he informed his two companions. “They use something called a drac now.”

“Great, so what do we do now?” Blaze asked, exasperated.

“I guess we're walking, unless you just happen to have the currency of the future.”

“What are you fussin' 'bout anyway?” Autumn gave him the stink eye, “You got wings, we don't, so quit bein' a cry baby.”

They began their trek north through the once small town. They could hardly believe this was the same town. Blaze and Autumn grew up here, yet nothing was familiar. Even Oak, who grew up in Manehattan, was in awe of the massive city. He wondered how his own hometown must have changed in the past five hundred years. Few words were exchanged outside of calling attention to different strange or amazing sights.

Eventually, they came to the city limits and sighed in relief. Despite how remarkable everything was, it was unsettling to see their home like that. As they approached the limits, a pony dressed in full body armor that covered every inch of him stopped them. His armor was a shining silver, featureless save for the solid black faceplate.

“Halt,” he commanded, “IDs.”

The three looked at each other briefly before Blaze echoed, “IDs? Why?”

Another guard joined the first and answered, “Because we told you to provide them. Unless you don't have your ID.”

“Oh, right,” Autumn chuckled nervously, “Ah think we left them at home, yeah.”

“Yeah, right,” the first said, as he reached out and snatched Autumn's right fore-hoof.

“Hey!” she protested to no avail.

A red light passed over the mare's hoof.

“That's what I thought, tagless,” The first snorted, “You three are under arrest.”

“Wait, what?!” Blaze shouted indignantly, “For what?”

“For working for the resistance,” The second said as a gun extended from his shoulder, laser sight trained directly on the pegasus' chest.

“I'll have you know, we're close personal friends of Princess Twilight and Prince Waya,” Blaze argued.

“Ha! Tell me another one,” the second said.

“You know what,” the first interjected, “These ones are going to be trouble. Let's just execute them and be done with it.”

Before any of them could react, the sound of magically focused energy filled the air. An explosion rocked the streets, kicking up dirt and debris. In the confusion of panicking ponies, the trio noticed the two guards, laying dead on the street.

“Come on, follow me!” a gruff, age-faded teal pegasus with a graying blue mane said before grabbing Autumn and running.

“Hey, what are you doing?!” Blaze called after the retreating figure.

“Saving your worthless hides, that what!” said their rescuer, “Now follow me!”

Not left with much choice, the trio followed the stranger into an alley. They went through the labyrinthine passages until they came to a door which was quickly bucked in. The stranger pulled them inside and slammed the door shut.

“Why in the hell would she send me to rescue a trio of incompetent buffoons,” he grumbled.

“Hey, we can hear you!” Blaze growled.

The older pegasus whipped around, “You think I give a... damn,” his eyes widened as he saw the dragony hovering just above their heads, “Blaze?”

Blaze looked at the older stallion, brows furrowed as he examined the other. His eyes widened to match their savior's as recognition hit him.

“Streak?”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Razor and Surprise sat quietly for nearly an hour, deep in thought. Why had those townsponies reacted like that? Surely everypony in Equestria knew who his father was, so wouldn't they be able to tell he was related? Maybe the town was scared because they were evil and thought that he was there to bring them to justice? Further thought was interrupted by Surprise finally speaking up.

“We should probably head toward that city we saw,” she stated matter-of-factly. “There should be someone there that could help us, and probably tell us how to get to Ponyville or Canterlot.”

Razor nodded, “Yeah...” his voice in an inattentive whisper.

“Hey, Razzie, don't worry about them, okay,” she tried to cheer him up, “They're just a bunch of idiots. You know, they were probably evil. Why else would they be afraid of the son of Equestria's guardian?”

“No... they weren't evil,” Razor said quietly, “They thought I was going to butcher them.”

“Well, that's just stupid,” Surprise stated plainly, “You still get a little choked up when you kill a deer for food.”

“Hey, I... plead the fifth,” Razor countered.

“There is no fifth amendment in Equestria,” giggled the changeling.

“Shut up,” Razor said as he pulled her into his arms, “You're lucky you're sexy.”

“Again, helps that I can be whoever I want,” said the sudden Cadence lookalike in his arms.

“Oh, we haven't done it as a princess for a while,” Razor pressed his lips to hers.

A sudden sound drew him out of it, though. He looked up, ears swiveling, listening.

“Something's out there,” he warned.

Surprise perked up her ears, listening for the sound, “I don't hear anything.”

Suddenly, the tree behind them exploded in shards of wood. Razor and Surprise dove to the side.

“I found them,” said a low voice, “Advance on my position.”

“What the hell are you doing?!” Razor called out.

His only answer was another shot aimed at his head.

“Raz, run!” Surprise pulled her boyfriend in the opposite direction of their attackers.

They stayed on the ground, using the passing trees as cover. Shards of wood flew in every direction, miraculously missing the two fleeing lovers. Razor could hear the faint radio chatter from the pursuing ponies. Whoever they were, they were well trained and organized. It was obvious they were some kind of military group, but under whose employ?

The pair burst from the forest to find their path blocked by a vertical cliff face. Razor turned and placed himself in front of the changeling mare, his ears listening for any sign of the ones hunting them... nothing. Only silence came at them. Had they pulled back? Why would they chase them this far only to just give up? No, they didn't give up.

Razor focused intently on any sound he could hear. He knew they didn't stop chasing them for no reason. There! A faint whistling sound like...

“Get down!” Razor pushed Surprise to the ground as he used the momentum to dive in the opposite direction. A silver blur wizzed by, right where he had been standing. Razor turned to look at the object that had nearly taken his life. A spear was embedded in the stone of the cliff. It's long, bladed head and beautifully carved shaft were incredibly familiar to the tigony...

As was the one who threw it.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Snow glared at the nightmare, waiting for him to continue. She had heard plenty of stories about the last nightmare Equestria had, and she wasn't about to trust this guy one bit.

“I-I had to... well... you were hurt and dying, see,” he stammered nervously, “and the only way my healing powers work is if I, um... see I have to... possess you. I'm sorry!”

Snow's glare intensified, “You possessed me!?”

“It's the only way to save your life! I'm sorry!” the nightmare threw himself to the ground, fore-hooves covering his head. “I'll get out as soon as you're better, I swear!”

Snow approached the cowering void demon, examining him. It was strange, seeing one like this. Her mother and father told her about the void demon invasion, and Nightmare Moon. They were vicious, sadistic monsters that wanted nothing more than to destroy anything good, but this one...

“Tell me about yourself, demon.”

“Well, my name is Specter,” he began, “About five years ago, the emperor summoned me and ordered me to find and possess Tiriel, the leader of the resistance.”

“What emperor?” Snow asked.

Specter looked at her like she suddenly sprouted a second head, “The Emperor of Equestria. Who else?”

“Emperor of Equestria?” Snow returned the look, “Wait... you mean Shining Armor? He can be a bit of a hard case, but he's not an emperor.”

“I'm talking about Emperor Solaris,” the nightmare corrected, “Prince Armor was killed with his wife, sister, and brother-in-law five hundred years ago.”

“What?” Snow scoffed, “No way, I just talked to Twilight three days ago. She came to see us off on our road trip... wait...” Snow wasn't quite as smart as her brother or parents, but she was still rather intelligent, “Surprise used that thing that warped space... but according to some theories, Space and Time are one and the same. Oh my goddess! That explosion must have warped her spell and sent us into the future!”

Specter raised an eyebrow, “The future? You expect me to believe you're from five hundred years ago? What spell could do that?”

“A Divine Element,” Snow deduced, “Surprise's ribbon must have been a Divine Element. It would have to be to let her do all those things Pinkie did.”

“A Divine Element?” the nightmare's eyes widened in shock, “That... that could be possible then.”

“Wait, so... Twilight's dead?” Snow couldn't believe that, “How? She's, like, the most ridiculously powerful pony in the world since Luna went back to the Astral Plane last Hearth's Warming.”

“You knew Luna as well? Amazing,” He mused before getting back on topic, “But, yes, she was killed... by an assassin named Shirotora.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Shiro was a broken man. First, he lost his youngest son and daughter, then, just a few days later, his wife, eldest son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren were taken in one fell moment. The once strong warrior had given up. For three days, he sat at that window in his room in Canterlot Castle, looking out at the horizon. He couldn't even bring himself to attend his family's funeral.

A knock sounded from his door, but he made no move to answer it. The knock came again, but this time it was followed by the door opening.

“Lord Tora?” said the familiar voice of Chancellor Sun Ray, “Lord Tora, are you in here?”

“Go away,” said the weak, pitiful voice of Shiro.

“Lord Tora, I just wanted to make sure you were alright,” said the chancellor, “You weren't at the... ceremony.”

The gold maned, sky blue unicorn trotted to Shiro's side, “We're all worried about you. Princess Twilight and Prince Waya especially are afraid for you.”

“Leave me be.”

Sun Ray gave him a pitied look, “No. You need to talk about it.”

“I said go away,” Shiro growled a little more dangerously.

Sun Ray set his jaw in determination, “And leave you here to waste away? Never. You've done too much for this nation for us to turn our backs on you. Let me help you.”

Shiro snapped, tackling him to the ground and snarling in his face, “Help? Fine! Give me my family back!” Shiro's anger faded back into depression as tears began to flow, “They were everything to me, and now they're gone. It... it hurts... so much...”

“Shh,” the chancellor pulled the large predator into a deep, comforting embrace. “I know it hurts. It's a terrible, cold, empty pain, but... I can make it go away. I can make it so you'll never have to feel anything ever again.”

For a time, Shiro was silent until his sobs broke out and he uttered, “Anything... just make it stop.”

“It will, Shiro, my boy, it will.”

A victorious smile crossed Chancellor Sun Ray's lips.
> Chapter 7: Friendly Faces
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 7: Friendly Faces

“No...” Snow whispered, “Y-you're lying... That can't be true! My dad would never kill anypony!”

Specter's eyes widened, “Your dad? You're the demon's daughter?”

“Demon?!” Snow was absolutely fuming, “How dare you! Dad saved the whole world twice! First from an evil god, then from Tartarus itself! How dare you call him that!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, calm down,” the nightmare held up a hoof in a placating gesture, “I'm sorry, just... That's what he's called now. I'm sorry, but there's something you need to know about your father...”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“D... D... Dad?” Razor stared in astonishment at the figure before him.

It was, in fact, his father, but he was... different. Gone was the belly he had developed with age, replaced by firm, youthful muscle. His stripes were once again vibrant, not faded. This was his father in his prime, young and strong. But the most startling feature wasn't his body, but his eyes. The once friendly azure eyes were an empty, lifeless gray.

“Dad... what's wrong-” Razor tried to speak but was cut off by Shiro lunging at him, claws bared for the kill. Razor dove out of the way, the claws barely missing.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“What do you mean?” Snow asked, her voice a mixture of anger and worry.

“It's hard to explain, but when his wife and children were killed-”

“Mom was killed?!” Snow's heart clenched at the thought.

“Yes,” Specter said with a sigh, “After that, Shirotora was devastated. It was then that Chancellor Sun Ray approached him with an offer.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Dad! What's wrong with you?!” Razor called.

The enraged tiger pulled his spear from the stone and turned it on his son once again. He leaped at his feathered offspring, swinging the Wind Bound Spear in a wide arc. His attack was thwarted by a bolt of green energy.

“Raz, he's not right!” Surprise called out as she fluttered up a bit, shimmering wings buzzing as her black, curved horn was alight with energy, “He has no emotion, as if he's empty.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“He offered to take away the pain,” explained Specter, “And your father, being in the state he was, wasn't thinking right. He accepted, but there was a catch. He would be left a soulless husk, a puppet for the Chancellor.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Why are you trying to hurt us?” Razor pleaded.

“You have been listed for execution by order of Emperor Solaris,” said Shiro in a flat, monotone voice.

“Emperor? What-Ahh!” Razor's further questioning was interrupted by a claw to the sternum.

“Raz!” Surprise called  before she charged the older tiger, “You son of a bitch!”

The shaft of the Wind Bound Spear slammed into the changeling's skull. She slammed into the ground, bouncing a couple times. Thankfully, her chitinous exterior absorbed much of the impact.

Razor pulled himself to his feet, tears forming in his eyes, “Why, dad? Why are you doing this? I'm your son.”

The elder feline replied with a hind leg slamming into Razor's abdomen in a punishing roundhouse. Razor slammed into the cliff side and fell in a heap. Shiro twisted his spear, holding it blade-down and leaped into the air, intent on delivering the deathblow.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“The spell keeps Shirotora's body young and strong. Using him, Sun Ray killed the royal family, the Elements of Harmony, and anyone else that defied him,” the nightmare continued.

“The chancellor renamed himself Solaris and proclaimed himself emperor. Thanks to the spell rejuvenating him, Shirotora still serves as the emperor's enforcer, hunting down his enemies wherever they might be.”

Snow sat in silence for some time before, “How do you know what happened?”

“I was told what happened.”

“By who?”

“The mare that saved me...”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Razor watched his own father dive at him with the intent to end his life. The passive, emotionless expression on his face just served to make it worse. It was as if he thought as much of murdering his son as he thought of wiping his paws before walking in somepony's house.

As he watched, the sky darkened, as if the light was being sucked away. Razor furrowed his brow in confusion at the strange phenomenon. Suddenly, the world seemed to light up again as a beam of pure, concentrated light lanced through the sky, slamming into Shiro's side, sending him flying into the distance.

Razor shook his head, trying to get back to his senses back. He staggered to his feet and hobbled over to Surprise. Still wary as to what just happened.

“I've been waiting for you, Razor.”

Razor jumped at the sound. An elderly dragony mare with a faded yellow coat and long gray mane stood at the edge of the trees. Razor's jaw dropped as recognition set in.

Razor rubbed his eyes in disbelief, “Kataya? Is that you? Y-you're old?”

“Yes, well five hundred years does that, even to a dragony,” she said with a playful smirk. “Now, come on. Get Surprise and follow me.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“...Kataya the seer.”

“Kataya's alive?” Snow asked, a little bit of joy in her voice.

“Yeah,” answered Specter, “Remember how I said I was summoned to possess Tiriel, the resistance leader? Well, when summoned, my kind must fulfill the command of our summoner, but when I was making my way through the forest looking for him, Kataya captured me. She performed a song that not only broke me free of the summon binding, but gave me a real body. I can turn incorporeal if I want – it's how I possess others to heal them –, but I'm flesh and blood without need to take somepony else.”


“So...” the void demon started, “Do you want me to stay until you're completely better? Cause if not, you should be well enough that a week in bed will have you walking around again.”

Snow thought about it for a moment, “I'd rather be back to normal as quick as possible. So... tell about life in the void.”

////////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

WARNING: The following depicts the slaughter of five of the mane six. If you don't like it, DON'T READ IT! This is only here for those of you who want more of an explanation than “they died”.

////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Twilight trudged through the halls of Canterlot Castle. The past week had been the worst of her life. First several of her closest friends' children were lost in a cave in, most she called a friend herself. Then, she lost even more friends when a landslide took out the Pony Express. Now Shiro's been missing for three days.

The alicorn sighed. She just wanted nothing more than to cuddle up with Waya and sleep. She arrived at the royal apartments and walked in. She looked up and froze at the sight before her. Waya was laying in the middle of the room in a pool of blood, his eyes staring off at nothing. Twilight's breath and heart quickened.

A sound from her right snapped her away from the grisly sight. In the corner stood a familiar face.

“Shiro? What happened-” She was interrupted by the tiger quickly swinging his spear at her.

She felt a light breeze on her neck and the world suddenly twisted and turned. The last thing the princess saw was her own body falling.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Applejack pulled her cart. She had been pouring herself into her work the past week. The thought of all she had lost was too painful, so she didn't give herself time to hurt. She didn't let herself think about her daughter, her sister, or her niece or nephew. She just poured herself into work.

A loud crack sounded just before the entire cart lurched to the side. Applejack turned to glare at the broken wheel. With a sigh, she unhitched herself with practiced ease and went to inspect the damage.

“Dammit,” she mumbled.

She turned to head toward the barn to fetch her tools when a white paw swung around, tearing a chunk from her throat.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Rainbow Dash repositioned the day's cloud cover. It was hard to motivate herself after what happened, but she still had Streak to take care of, and Jet was there for her. It was hard, but she did what she had to do.

“There,” she said to herself as she put the last fluffy cloud into position.

Just as she was about to head to the office to clock out, she noticed a familiar wingless speck flying her way. There was only one individual that she knew that could fly without wings. She flew towards the figure to meet him.

When she was close enough to make out a few of his features, she called out to him, “Shiro! Where have you been?”

She was answered with a torrent of silver fire.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

The pounding of her own hooves was the only sound Rarity heard. Her eye for detail was all that saved the fashionista. She noticed something was wrong with Shiro the moment she saw him. It wasn’t his sudden youth, that could have easily been his chaos magic at work. His eyes were what gave him away... his cold, lifeless eyes.

In her panic driven state she found herself running into the Whitetail Woods, hoping she could lose him in the trees. She soon realized that to be a mistake. She could feel his hollow eyes on her, but she couldn't see or hear him. She berated herself for thinking she could lose him in the woods when he hunted in this type of terrain. This was his element and she feared entering it would cost her life.

Sure enough, a bush exploded in a fury of white and black, tackling her to the ground. The tiger that was once her friend bit down on her neck, closing off her air supply. She tried to struggle, but found her strength fading. She knew this was the end, prey for a hunter. Her struggling slowed and eventually stopped as she blacked out.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Pinkie Pie was going to be problematic. Her sixth sense meant she likely already knew Shiro was coming. Her uncanny mobility would also be trouble. Sun Ray had a couple other subordinates take care of Phoenix two days ago in the hopes that losing both her daughter and husband would crush the emotionally fragile earth pony's will to resist.

Shiro kicked in the door to her home and was met with an unexpected sight. Sun Ray's plan had worked better that they had hoped. Shiro took one look at the pink figure hanging from a rope and left to find the final Element Bearer.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Shiro stalked around Kataya's cottage. He had seen her tending to her animals like always before returning inside. Shiro had to be extremely cautious with this one. Not only had she likely seen exactly what he was preparing to do, but was an extremely accomplished fighter herself. Her razor sharp claws were much more dangerous than Shiro's and her solar breath was deadly.

Shiro decided a direct confrontation was a bad idea, so instead he gathered as much energy as he could and unleashed a massive gout of chaos fire. The magical flames completely doused the abode and everything in it. Satisfied, he took to the air to alert his master that his mission was complete.

The flames burned for what felt like days, but was truly only a little over an hour. When they died, all that remained was the charred, curled corpse of a great red dragon. Oddly, there was movement from the deceased wyrm. It shifted and wiggled a little before a thin beam of light shot out, cutting a hole in the body. Soon a yellow claw found it's way out of the dragon followed by a face and long pink mane. Eventually Kataya pulled herself completely free.

She hugged the snout of her onetime lover and cried, “Oh Paruk, I’m so sorry.”

She wanted to stay there with him, but knew it would be a bad idea. Before long, somepony would come to investigate. She took one last look at her lover and jumped to the ground to where her proxy laid. She felt like a monster digging up the body of a pegasus, and even more so having to sing her bones to look like a dragony, but they needed to think she was dead. The future of Equestria depended on it.


> Chapter 8: The Resistance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 8: The Resistance

“Well, Ah'd say that settles it,” Autumn said, breaking the brothers out of their stupor, “We're in the future.”

“W... what?” Streak managed to stutter out, “What... How... you, all three of you are dead. You died five hundred years ago.”

“N-no we didn't,” Blaze finally said, “Surprise did something weird. That cave-in was just this mornin' to us.”

“Hold on,” Oak said, “Who are you?”

“This is my little brother, Streak,” Blaze informed.

Oak's eyes went wide, “What? But how? You'd have to be over five hundred years old?”

“Five hundred and twelve,” Streak specified, “Dragony live longer than full blood ponies.”

Oak looked to his cyan companion, who just shot him a grin.

“I told you I was only part pony,” Blaze explained.

Oak shot him a bemused look, “I hang out with a guy that's half tiger, and his changeling fillyfriend. I think I can handle anything any of you throw at me.”

Autumn laughed, “Ah wouldn't count on that, shug.”

“Why? Are you secretly half manticore?” the botanist joked, “Wait, no, you can control timber wolves?”

“Nah, but mah uncle can.”

The big brown earth pony just stared at her as if awaiting the punch line.

“Ah'm serious,” Autumn said with a chuckle, “He's a druid. They're the ones that made timber wolves to begin with.”

“Does everypony from Ponyville have some weird, freaky power or ancestry?”

“Who cares,” Streak interrupted, “We have more important things to deal with. We need to get out of the city, and join up with the resistance.” the old stallion turned away muttering to himself, “I knew today was going to get weird. Why else would she send me out here to save three random ponies?”

“She who?” inquired Blaze.

“Kataya,” Streak answered, “She said there would be three ponies getting hassled by soldiers today, and that I needed to save them.”

“Kataya?!” Autumn perked up at the name, “How is she? Is she back with them rebel guys?”

“Honestly, I don't know,” Streak answered, “The last time I saw her, was when she left the day after my twenty fifth birthday. She keeps in contact via messages.”

Streak lead the three time travelers to a small broom closet in the back of the building they were in. with a pull on a small warning label on the wall, a hidden panel slid away, revealing a ladder leading down.

“Come on,” the old dragony said as he led the others into the bowels of the city.

As Streak lead his brother and his friends through the old sewers he filled them in on what had happened in the past five hundred years. None could believe it.

“I was so mad at him for the longest time,” Streak said, “I knew uncle Shiro wasn't to blame, but... I just needed to blame someone.”

“I'm sorry I left you, Streak,” Blaze apologized.

“Don't be. You didn't know what was going to happen. And I go by Tiriel now. I let Streak die with his family.”

“Tiriel? Isn't that draconic?” Oak inquired.

“You're a smart guy. Most ponies don't get that,” Tiriel said, “It means 'one who stands against'.”

“'Cause you're the leader of these here resistance guys we're goin' to see?” Autumn asked rhetorically, “So... are we almost outta this muck? It's startin' to mess with mah nose.”

“Ha!” Tiriel laughed, “So having enhanced senses isn't always so great is it?”

“Hey, shut up!” Autumn scolded.

“Don't worry,” Oak assured the mare, “I get you don't want me to know what makes you different, so I won't try to figure it out.”

“Thanks,” Autumn gave him a small smile, “Ah'll tell ya sometime, but not 'til we get to know each other a bit better, 'kay?”

“Fair enough.”

The quartet traveled for another ten minutes, before coming to a metal grate. Tiriel pried it open and led the others out of the sewer and into the fresh air.

“It's about dern time. Ah thought we'd never get out of there,” Autumn said in relief.

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Blaze agreed, “I'm going to need to soak for hours to get the smell out. Hey, bro, you guys have shampoo, don't you?”

Tiriel rolled his eyes, “Yes, but none of that ridiculous stuff you like so much. Only what we get from supply raids.”

“What?!” Blaze gasped, “No, no, no, I can't use that cheap stuff! This level of awesome takes the good stuff!”

The rebel leader sighed, “Well we don't have much of an income here and we only steal from the government. Things aren't like when you disappeared. We're at war here, Sky Blaze.”

The now younger dragony flinched at the use of his whole name. He bowed his head in defeat.

“I'll tell you what,” Tiriel said, “Every now and then, some officer requisitions the stuff. If we find any, you'll have first take... well, unless any of the crew that recovers it wants it. They get first choice on luxury items.”

Listening from a distance to the exchange between the two siblings, Oak leaned to Autumn and asked in a whisper, “Why's he so worried about shampoo?”

Autumn giggled, “He puts a lot into his looks. He gets it from him momma. Ma told me that the only two ponies she knows that take more than an hour to get ready are Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. The only difference between them is when you ask'em why, one uses words like 'fabulous' and 'beautiful', where the other uses 'awesome' and 'cool'.”

Oak chuckled, “I guess he's trying to impress the ladies.”

Autumn laughed, “More trying to impress the fellas.”

Oak raised an eyebrow, “Wait... he's, uh...”

“A colt cuddler?” Blaze's face was suddenly inches from his own, eyes lowered in a seductive gaze, “Why, you interested?”

“Gah!” Oak stumbled back and fell on his rump.

“Bwahaha! You should see your face! Priceless!” Blaze laughed at his newest friend, “You're alright, Oak. We should totally hang out sometime.”

“Oh... uh...” Oak fidgeted nervously, “You're a cool guy and all, but I'm straight.”

The dragony's mirth ground to a halt and turned into an irritated glare, “I mean as friends, dumbass. You're not my type, too serious.”

“Oh... sorry... I never actually knew a gay guy before.”

Blaze laughed, “Oh, you have. You just didn't know it. Gay guys are just any other. We just prefer baguettes over bagels.”

“There's an image,” Tiriel laughed.

“Ah'll never eat bagels again,” Autumn mumbled.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

The group walked for some time through the Everfree Forest. Not much conversation was had with everypony lost in their own thoughts. The three younger ponies were dwelling on their predicament, while the older was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that his brother was still alive.

Eventually, they came to a large formation of rocks jutting from the ground. Tiriel lead them to a crevice between two massive boulders. The four squeezed through the opening into a hidden cave system beneath. They traveled for another ten minutes underground until Tiriel walked into a wall and passed right through. The others looked in mild surprise and followed.

Once again, the three found themselves at the business end of several guns. The only difference was the ones holding them were dressed in old, worn armor of varying materials.

“Stand down,” said the old dragony, “They're friends.”

“Bringing home more strays?” said the voice of an older zebra in thick leather armor. He pointed to two soldiers, “You two, take them to holding cell B.”

“Belay that,” Tiriel interrupted.

“Sir, we need to-”

“I know these three already, Zambis.”

The zebra looked quizzically at his leader, “How so? You rarely leave Sanctuary.”

“Kataya led me to them. This... is my elder brother,” Tiriel wrapped Blaze in his wing. Everyone present gawked at the two, disbelieving what they heard.

“That's impossible sir,” Zambis said, “He's far too young.”

“Time travel,” Tiriel stated as if it were simple.

The zebra gave him a bemused look, “Time travel, sir? That's a bit farfetched, don't you think?”

The old dragony laughed, “Not for old Ponyville. It once rained flaming cabbages.”

“Oh yeah, that was an interesting day,” Blaze chuckled.

“O... kay...” the old zebra had to wait for his brain to restart before continuing, “So what are we doing with them?”

“Right now? Giving them protection,” Tiriel declared, “We'll figure out what to do after I contact Kataya. I'll be in my study writing a letter. Can you find a room for them for me?”

“Very well,” Zambis compiled, “If you'll follow me.”

The zebra walked off in a hurry, leaving the others to catch up. When they did, he spoke up, “So... you're from the past?”

“As far as we can tell,” Oak answered, “We were exploring the caves under Canterlot when there was a cave in. Surprise did something her mother taught her, and sucked us into a pocket dimension. A rock with an explosive rune was also sucked in. We were separated from two of our friends and the other... well, she was right on the rock when it exploded. I doubt she made it.”

“I'm sorry,” Zambis said sadly. The zebra looked back at Blaze, “Your brother is like a father to me. He took me in after my parents were killed. I was only four years old. We're all family here, so I'll say this once; If you do anything to harm my family, you're gone.”

“We'll be on our best behavior,” Oak assured their host.

“Good. Here's your room,” Zambis opened a door to a room with storage shelves lining the walls and several bedrolls laying around, “Bedrooms and storerooms are one and the same here. At least this one doesn't have anyone else in it right now.”

“Thank you,” Autumn said as the rebel left them.

“Let's get some shut-eye, guys,” Oak recommended.

As Zambis shut the door he motioned a guard over, “I want you to keep an eye on them. They could be spies for all we know. If Tiriel gives you grief, tell him I told you to.”

“Sir,” the soldier saluted and took up a place by the door.

> Chapter 9: The Seer and the Skull
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9: The Seer and the Skull

As Razor and Surprise followed their old friend, they noticed how excited she seemed. They figured it was because, apparently, they were gone for five hundred years, but at the same time she seemed... off.

“Oh, this is so exciting,” she exclaimed, “I can't wait to have a nice talk over tea. It's been so long since I've had company.”

“So, Kat...” Razor trailed off, trying to think of a topic, “Is Paruk around?”

“Oh no, he's dead,” she replied plainly.

“W-what?” Razor gave a glance to Surprise, who returned the same, “Did you just say he's dead?”

“Yep,” she repeated as if she were talking about the weather, “Shiro killed him. He killed everyone. Well except Pinkie, she killed herself.”

Surprise stopped dead in her tracks, “W-what? Mom... killed herself?”

“Yep. After Solaris killed Phoenix, and Shiro killed the others, she hung herself with Applejack's rope.”

The changeling fell on her haunches, “That... that... no, mom wouldn't...”

“What? Steal? Applejack, Big Mac and Applebloom were already dead, so I don't think anypony else would have used it.”

The two were taken aback by the casual way she talked about their friends' and family's deaths.

“We're here!” Kataya spun around with a smile.

Razor and Surprise looked around at the surroundings, but saw nothing. Surprise looked at the massive oak in front of them and wondered if that was their destination. Kataya smirked knowingly and cleared her throat. She sang a short verse of the Derat Tagal, and as the changeling predicted a door opened on the massive tree.

The dragony turned with a huge smile, “I'm so excited! I haven't had company in a long time! Well, except for my roommate.”

“Roommate?” Razor asked rhetorically, not seeing who would want to live out here.

They went inside the tree and were surprised by how nice it really was. The living room was spacious with a few potted plants, shelves of trinkets and nicknacks, and a familiar TV in front of a couch. A set of stairs to their left went to the second story, and a doorway in the back led to what looked like a kitchen.

“Is that our TV?” Razor asked.

“You weren't using it,” she shrugged as she ran upstairs.

Razor and Surprise took a look at the shelves. There were several different things that seemed strange to them until a few on another shelf caught their eyes. A book on advanced wards, a heart shaped pink diamond, a glass-encased apple, a Wonder Bolts plush, a party hat, an artificial horn, and barghest tooth.

“They're mementos,” Razor said what they were both thinking.

“I can't believe mom...” Surprise tried voicing her pain, but couldn't.

“I know,” Razor put his paw on her back, “I guess that's something dad and Pinkie had in common.”

“Yeah, they both always did let their emotions run them.”

“Hey,” Kataya said as she came down stairs. She held out her claw, a pony's skull held therein, “Meet my roommate Lumpy!”

The pair couldn't believe what they were seeing.

After gawking for a bit, Razor finally asked, “How long has it been since you had company?”

The dragony scratched her chin in thought, “About... four hundred years. Why?”

Razor and Surprise gave each other a look.

“Well, unless you count that Specter colt,” the dragony added, “Such a nice demon.”

“O...kay...” Surprise said slowly.

“How about I go make us some tea, and Lumpy can show you around,” Kataya placed the skull on a chair and went into the kitchen.

The two stared at the pony skull for several seconds as if waiting for it to start moving.

Surprise finally broke the silence, “She's nuts.”

Razor could only nod in agreement.


(Kataya and Lumpy)

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Slowly, the world came back into focus. The first sight to greet Winter Snow was a pair of friendly, dark purple eyes. A smile spread across the face of Specter, his fiery mane flickering with joy.

“Glad to finally meet you in person,” said the demon, “How are you feeling?”

“Sore,” replied the tigony, “Like I got my ass blown up.”

“That's great,” Specter cheered, “Most ponies are a bit sore, tired, and disoriented after a healing.”

Snow chuckled at his use of 'healing' instead of 'possession' as she stretched and got to her hooves, taking in her surroundings, “When did we get to a house?”

“As soon as your legs mended, I managed to drag us home,” Specter explained, “It hurt, but I didn't want to draw a predator to us. Better take the pain then get eaten.”

Snow chuckled, “Yeah, that would suck. Speaking of eating, you wouldn't happen to have any food, would you? Do Nightmares even eat?”

He answered, “Normally we don't but since I have a body, it needs sustenance. It's worth it, though.”

“I bet,” Snow speculated, “It must suck not having a body.”

“You have no idea,” Specter confirmed.

The two of them sat in silence for a little bit before Snow asked the question she had been wanting to, “So what do we do now?”

Specter thought for a second before answering, “Well, I suppose we should go to the resistance. They'll be able to set you up with food and shelter.”

“That sounds good,” Snow said.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Did you enjoy your tour?” Kataya said as she returned with a tea tray on her back laden with tea and other goodies, “Lumpy didn't give you any trouble did he? I know he can be a bit of a chatter box.”

“No,” Razor answered too quickly with an awkward grin, “He didn't give us any trouble at all.”

“Good,” the dragony set out four cups for herself, guests, and 'roommate'.

“So...” Surprise fumbled around for a topic, “Do you still take care of animals?”

“Not really,” replied the dragony sadly, “They don't like to come around anymore.”

“Mmm, this is really good,” Razor complimented as he tasted the tea.

“I have had a few centuries to get it right,” Kataya chuckled, “I found a way to sing the poison from poison joke. That's one of the secret ingredients.”

“Poison joke tea?” Razor looked at his cup suspiciously, “Are you sure it's okay to drink?”

“Of course,” Kataya confirmed. Razor sighed in relief and took another drink, “Though, you'll hallucinate a little.”

Surprise looked down at her cup, “Well... It has been a while since I tripped out,” and downed her drink.

Razor saw his fillyfriend finish and followed suit, “Here's hoping it's a good trip.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Razor clapped his paws to the music as Surprise and Kataya danced with the hippo and wookie.

“They're pretty good,” he said.

“Indeed,” replied Lumpy as he adjusted his monocle.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Razor rolled over in his sleep and cuddled up against... something. Whatever it was, it was extremely fluffy and soft. Slowly, he opened his eyes to see...

“Pink..?”

He gazed blearily at the pink puff... and then it moved. It rolled over revealing a face and what looked like a paper horn.

“Morning, Razie,” said its familiar voice.

“Surprise?” Razor asked in confusion, “Oh... my... gods. Bwahahahaha!”

“What?” asked the changeling. Razor snapped his fingers and a mirror popped into existence. Surprise's eyes shot open at the sight of her most recent disguise. “Oh gods. You tell anypony about this, you die.”

A flash of green replaced the pink fluffy unicorn with her standard white coat and pink mane, though she had a horn protruding through her mane along with her usual wings.

“Going for the princess look?” Razor teased.

“There's nopony else around, and I would like to have my magic available if I need it,” Surprise crossed her forelegs in irritation.

“You could just drop the disguise all together,” Razor recommended.

“Not a chance,” the changeling deadpanned.

Razor rolled his eyes, “Whatever, let's go. I smell food.”

Sure enough, Kataya was already up and cooking breakfast. A pair of sizzling pans held what looked like little slices of ham and hash browns.

“Smells good,” Surprise said, “What's cooking?”

“Hash-browns and squirrel steak,” answered the dragony.

“Squirrel?” Surprise scrunched her snout.

“It's pretty good,” Razor said.

“I guess I'll try it,” the changeling said, “It has been a while since I've had meat.”

They all sat down and Kataya served the hot morning meal. Surprise took a bite of the meaty morsel and practically melted.

Razor shook his head and chuckled, “I don't get why you don't ask Pinkie to keep some meat for you. You know she'd be fine with it.”

“I can't do that,' Surprise said incredulously, “Ponies are vegetarians.”

“And you're a changeling,” Razor countered, “You shouldn't have to try to be something you're not.”

“Can we not start this right now?” Surprise put her hoof down.

Kataya looked at the changeling with concern and said, “Surprise, you need to embrace your people and heritage. If you continue to shun who you are, disaster will follow. I don't have to be a seer to know that.”

“I don't shun who I am! I tell everypony I meet.”

“So why not show them?” Answered the wise – if crazy – old dragony.

“Because... I... I like looking like mom,” she excused, though it wasn't bought.

Kataya sighed, “Well, that's not important. What's important is to eat up. I have something to show you.”

They quickly ate and were about to start cleaning up but Kataya stopped them, “Don't worry about that. Lumpy will clean up while I show you something. Follow me.”

She lead them back into the living room, stood in front of a wall, and began singing. Razor and Surprise felt the familiar magic of the Derat Tagal reach out and surround part of the wall. Cracks opened as the affected section opened inward revealing a staircase going down. With her song ended, Kataya led her guests down into the dark basement, the scales along her sides emitting a faint light.

“I didn't know she could do that,” Surprise whispered to Razor.

“I... should have. Dad's bracers glow in the dark. It's hard to see, but they do.”

“Here we are,” Kataya said in a cheery voice

She breathed a small beam of light at a gem, and the stone lit up.

“Whoa, that's awesome,” Razor said, “How does that work?”

“No clue. This is what I wanted to show you.” The dragony stopped before a large stone ring, covered in runes and twice the height of a pony.

Razor and Surprise stared at it in confusion until the changeling spoke up, “What is it?”

“It's a Divine Element,” Kataya stated, “It's called the Temporal Alignment/Realignment and Direct Insertion System.” Razor and Surprise shared a look of bemusement, “It's basically a time machine.”

“Oh, come on! Really?” Razor laughed.

“I spent three hundred years searching for it,” the dragony formerly known as Fluttershy brushed a hoof over the enchanted stone. “All you need is the power of a god.”

“Is that all?” Razor deadpanned, “And where do we find a god?”

Kataya grinned in a way that made Surprise homesick, “Right here.” She pulled out a shining white crystal shard, “Razor, Surprise... I'd like you to meet Princess Celestia.”
> Chapter 10: The Sun's Legacy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 10: The Sun's Legacy

Razor and Surprise sat, slack jawed, wondering exactly how far gone their host was. Drinking hallucinogenic tea? Hell, they could get into that. Talking to a skull? She had been out there, alone, for hundreds of years. Saying a pretty rock was a long dead alicorn goddess? That was nuts.

Kataya apparently noticed the disbelief on their faces and began explaining, “You're familiar with the story of how Celestia sacrificed herself to save Equestria? Well, one detail that got overlooked was that her essence crystallized and shattered, spreading across Equestria. This is one of those pieces of Celestia's essence. I call them Sun Shards. Catchy isn't it?”

Razor took the proffered Sun Shard and examined it, “So, we can get back with this? Awesome! Let's go find the others and-”

Kataya made a buzzer like sound, “Incorrect. I said you need the power of a god, not part of the power of a god. You need to find the others. There are twelve in all, one in your paw, one in the possession of each of Solaris' four generals, and four in Solaris' possession himself. That leaves three yet found. The good news, I've seen their locations. The bad news, if they were easy to get, Solaris would have them already.”

“Why do his generals have one?” Razor asked.

“Take it and see for yourself,” the dragony grinned slyly and tossed it to the half-tiger.

Razor caught the crystal and felt it instantly. Energy coursed through his body like lightning through a copper rod. The fur on his neck stood on end and his wings shot out from the sudden surge. When it finally calmed a bit, Razor fell to his haunches panting.

“Holy shit! What a rush.”

“Liked it, didn't you?” Kataya smirked knowingly, “That's the power of a god.”

Razor dropped the thing, and leaped away as if it were a snake, “Hell no! Dad told me about the time Celestia gave him her power. It almost killed him!”

The dragony rolled her eyes and giggled, “That was Celestia's power magnified three times. This is only part of her power. You'll be fine.”

Razor nervously picked the shard back up, reveling in the surge of power it gave him before asking, “Who are Solaris' other three generals?”

“Other three?” Kataya raised an eyebrow, “You already met one?”

“Isn't dad one?”

“No, he's just Solaris' enforcer, body guard, and executioner. He doesn't have a shard but even so, he's nearly as powerful as Solaris. Be careful with him, and remember, he's not your father. He's a puppet of Solaris' that looks and fights like your father, nothing more.”

“So then... who are his generals?” Surprise repeated Razor's previous question.

“Well, there's Kru, the dire wolf. He is a sadistic, bloodthirsty monster that enjoys eating foals as their parents watch. Solaris gave him the power of pyromancy, so watch out for his fire.

“Then there's Gale, the griffin. She's the closest one to being good among them and has a strict code of honor. The best way to deal with her would be to exploit that. She is an expert with the blade and has been given aeromancy, and can control the air.

“Nakara is a dangerous zebra shadow priest. He's cunning and fanatical. He summons void demons to do his bidding and always has one in his presence.

“Finally, there's Chrysalis,” Surprise recoiled a bit at the name, “Yes, the very same that invaded Canterlot so long ago. And she still blames you for losing her kingdom.”

After Equestria learned of Surprise, many came to the realization that changelings weren't inherently evil. Some decided that the changelings that invaded Canterlot might have been desperate, coerced, or just the exception. After a few solitary changelings revealed themselves as having invented their persona and living peacefully beside ponies for years, the vast majority of Chrysalis' army defected to join pony society. The self-proclaimed queen of the changelings claimed that it was because of Surprise that her changelings left.

“If she finds out I'm here, she's going to come after me,” Surprise said fearfully.

“I won't let her hurt you, Surprise,” Razor assured his fillyfriend as he held her tight.

“You'll have to face her eventually,” Kataya stated.

“I figured as much,” Surprise replied, a hint of trepidation in her voice.

“And when you do,” the dragony continued, “You will face her alone.”

Surprise's pupils shrunk to pinpricks, “N-n-no... I-I-I-I can't f-fight her alone! She'll... I wouldn't stand a chance!”

“There's always a chance,” Kataya said with a sad smile, “but I won't lie to you and say your chances are good. Chrysalis is powerful, and won't go down easily, but I believe you can do it.”

“How?!” the changeling shouted, “I'm not a fighter!”

“Neither were my friends and I, yet we defeated gods,” Kataya pointed out, “Even Shiro always said he wasn't a fighter. He was a friend, husband, and father who was willing to do anything he could to protect his loved ones, even give his life. That, Surprise, is where true strength comes from. Find something worth not just fighting for, but dying for, and you will find the strength to move mountains.”

“Hey, don't worry about it, Surprise,” Razor put a paw around her, “We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Besides, if we get more of these sun shards you'll be stronger.”

“But... she's so strong, and-and I don't want to die,” Surprise quietly cried.

“Hey, you know the future isn't written yet,” Razor tried to comfort her, “And if you do have to fight her, we already know about it. We'll be ready for her.” Razor held the sun shard out and pinched the corner. With a quick tug, he pulled a gold chain seemingly from the crystal and brought it around to make a necklace, “Here, you hold onto this one.”

As he slipped the chain around her neck, she felt the power rush into her, “Holy shit! What a rush.”

“I know, right,” Razor chuckled, “Now you'll be ready for her.”

“Thank you, Razor,” Surprise nuzzled his neck, “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Your first stop should be in the north, near the ruins of the Crystal Empire,” Kataya instructed as she handed Razor a pack full of supplies, “I've marked the location on your map.” She giggled, “You can bring up the map display by pressing the back button.”

Surprise giggled, and Razor smiled, rolled his eyes, and said, “Funny. Let's just hope I don't take an arrow to the knee.”

“You have enough food and water for about a week,” Kataya said, “I'm giving you my jet, so you should be able to get there in three days.”

“Wait... jet?!” Razor asked in disbelief.

“That's right,” answered the yellow mare. “I found an old project Jynx was working on when I was playing around with Shiro's computer, and finished it just for you. It took me four hundred years and thirty seven eyebrows to finish.”

“How does a dragony singe off her eyebrows?”

Kataya just laughed as she moved a picture that just said, “Not a secret button”. Beneath it was a secret button... who knew. A rumbling sound came from outside and the tigony and changeling ran out the front door to see what was happening.

A boulder split down the middle and slid apart to reveal a large machine. It kind of looked like a V-22 Osprey, but with jet engines instead of rotors. Razor and Surprise stood in awe at the amazing craft.

“Whoa...” Razor stared in amazement, “This is the aircraft mom was working on!”

Kataya gave a cocky smirk, “That's right. She had the blueprints finished and one of the engines, but I had to make the rest. The first engine I built burned down my old cottage and about seven acres of the Everfree.”

Before they could comment, Kataya held a set of keys in her claw, “Here you go, have fun you kids. Try not to get pregnant.”

Razor blushed while Surprise giggled and teased, “Unless I want to, anyway.”

Razor's eyes shot open, “What?! Oh, no! No way! Kataya, you can see the future, she doesn't get pregnant does she?”

“I don't know~” the dragony fluttered her eyelashes 'innocently'.

Razor felt a fear well up in his gut, “Kataya... please tell-”

“Ninja vanish!” the yellow mare interrupted him with a sudden smoke bomb.

Razor and Surprise coughed and gagged as they inhaled noxious gas. Together, they flapped their wings, blowing the smoke away. When the air was clear, they looked around expecting Kataya to have disappeared. Instead, the dragony stood upright, on her hind legs exactly where she was before... with a lampshade on her head, holding a sign that said, “I am a lamp.”

The two could only stare in confusion.

“Uh... Kat...” Razor tried to say something.

Surprise finished for him, “Why are you wearing that?”

Nothing.

“Katie, we know it's you,” Surprise tapped her on the shoulder.

The changeling narrowed her eyes and gave a strand of her mane a tug, trying to get a response.

“Click,” said the 'lamp' and a bright light shone from within.

Razor and Surprise stared, flabbergasted... and turned around and headed to the jet.

“She's nuts.”

“No, I'm a lamp! Can't you read?”

They tried to ignore her. Their sanity was already wounded enough from this visit, and need to recover. And so, they just hopped into the jet. Razor took the controls, being more familiar with his mother's designs than his fillyfriend, and took to the sky.

> Chapter 11: Blood and Breakfast
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 11: Blood and Breakfast

Great Oak stared at the wall, the warm water of the shower cascading off his back. He loved his friends, but ever since he started hanging out with Razor and Surprise, his life had become chaotic. It made sense, Razor being a chaos mage, but still. He wondered what his life would have been like if they never met. A smile spread across his face, realizing he had actually taken to the tigony’s effect on the world. It made life interesting, but this…

His smile faded as thoughts of the current situation replaced the nicer ones of his friends. For a time, he blamed them for it, but that only lasted a matter of minutes before being quashed. He already missed his family and friends. It wasn’t Surprise’s fault the cave exploded. Hell, she saved their lives... well, most of them.

His thoughts drifted once again to Winter Snow, Razor’s sister. Tears threatened to break free at the memory of one of his newest friends. He didn’t know her well, but she had sacrificed herself for them.

He shook his head, clearing the thoughts. It did him no good to dwell on the past like that. He needed to find Razor and Surprise, and get back to their own time. When they're safe at home, they can mourn her loss.

His musing was interrupted by the door to their room opening. An lightly armored earth pony stallion entered and gave a crisp salute, stating, “Tiriel has requested that you and the others join him and his wife for breakfast.”

At that, Blaze sat bolt upright. “Wife?! My little bro is married?”

“He's five hundred years old, B,” Autumn giggled. “Not to mention still kinda cute. The gray in his mane makes him look all distinguished. Heck, Ah might haft'a ask him out if we ever get back.”

“Dude, he's your cousin!”

“Only by marriage. Not to mention Midnight was adopted, so he's far from bein' blood.” The farm filly suddenly got a wicked grin. “Oh, Ah can just imagine him on top'a me, poundin' mah-”

“Stop! I don't wanna hear about my brother having sex, even if it's hypothetical.”

Autumn broke out into laughter, clutching her sides.

“You make it too easy for her, Blaze,” Oak chuckled as he stepped out of the 'bathroom'. Bathcorner would have been a more accurate name, as it was just a toilet and shower-head over steel grating stuffed into the back, left corner of the room. It was a good thing ponies weren't modest about things like nudity.

“Shut up, Oak.” Blaze glared at the earth pony. “Come on, guys. I want to meet my sister.”

Oak just laughed and turned to the soldier, “Lead the way, please.”

Once again, the trio found themselves following a pony they didn't know through the stony hideout. Things seemed a little livelier than the night before, though. Ponies were running to and fro on the various tasks that an army needs to function. The thought reminded Oak of their situation. Almost everyone they knew was gone, murdered or from old age. His patents...

“Here we are,” their escort said, saving Oak from darker thoughts. “Go on in. You're expected.”

Oak took a look at the unassuming door before Blaze threw it open and barged inside.

“Yo, Str- er... Tiriel,” called the dragony, “where the hell are you, you dweeb? Why didn't you tell me you got hitched?”

A laugh echoed from deeper within past the room they found themselves in. This room was obviously an office of some kind, complete with desk, chairs (if one could call flat stones chairs), and a bookshelf. Behind the desk to the left was a door, where the laughter was coming from.

“Oh, darling, your brother is simply adorable!” said a feminine Prench accent.

“What?!” Blaze said, indignantly. “I'm not 'adorable', I’m awesome!”

“Oh, my,” said the voice as its owner walked through the door. She was a tall white unicorn with a pink mane and Fleur-de-lis for a cutie mark. “You take after your mother, for certain.”

Two of the three stared at the mare with slack jaws. Oak was the first to speak. “Y... You're Fleur-De-Lis! You... how?”

“Who?” asked Autumn.”

Blaze was the one to answer, “You're kidding, right? She's the most famous super model and actress of our time... but that's just it, our time. Shouldn't you be, I don't know... dead?”

“One would think,” the mare tittered. “Now come. Let us sit to breakfast before we continue.”

Fleur lead them through the door and into the living area while she spoke. “Tiriel has prepared pancakes and eggs, with sausage for himself and Blaze, and oat cakes for the rest of us. Oh, and if you choose, Ms. Gold, my love has made a donation I would be willing to share, if you indulge. Your mother never did, but that was her choice.”

“Uh... What're you talking about?” Autumn asked as they entered the dining room.

Fleur regarded the mare as she took her seat, “It is alright. I know of your family's legacy... Oh, do your friends not know?”

Autumn's eyes widened with shock, “Wha... h-how do you know?”

Fleur giggled musically, “Because Applejack and I were friends.”

“Really?” Autumn asked dubiously, “Ah never woulda thought you and mom had much in common.”

“Well, we both do have one thing in common,” Fleur said with a wink, “We both tend to enjoy biting as we make love.”

“Eew! Ah do not wanna hear 'bout... wait,” Autumn looked up at the mare, “Are you... you're a vampire?!”

Fleur's smile broadened, “I am, though you needn't worry about me. I would never take what is not freely given.”

“But... when?” Autumn asked in slight concern. “Was it durin' the Battle of the Tartarus Gate?”

“Oh, no,” Fleur laughed, “It was when Nightmare Moon launched her revolution against Everfree City. One of her officers tried to... 'recruit' me. Fortunately, I was saved by another vampire. He killed the one that turned me and took me in. He taught me to control my thirst and resist the call of the elders. He was a good stallion, and like a father to me.”

“Wait... that would mean you're over a thousand years old!” Blaze exclaimed.

“One thousand, five hundred, and fifty two,” the vampiress specified.

“But, I've seen you walking around in the sun,” the dragony pointed out.

“Sunlight does not kill us, merely weaken us.” Fleur looked over at Autumn with concern. “This isn't going to be a problem is it? I assure you, I have never harmed another except in battle and self defense.”

“Ah... Ah guess. Ah remember momma talkin' 'bout how you and her got into a fight, but y'all worked it out. She said it was all cause she thought you was doin' bad things, but you weren't.” Autumn sighed, “Alright, Ah believe ya, but don't make me regret it.”

“Excellent,” Tiriel said triumphantly, “Now that you're done threatening my wife, lets eat.”

They accepted his proposal and dug in. They hadn't realized how hungry they were until that moment. Autumn kept steeling glance at Fleur and the cup of blood in front of her. Fleur just smiled and held the cup toward her in her magical grasp. Autumn's eyes widened as she shook her head in refusal and cast a quick glance at Oak. Fleur noticed her gaze and nodded in understanding. Autumn sighed in relief, but panicked again when Oak spoke.

“If you want to try it, go ahead,” said the future botanist, “I already know.”

“What?!” Autumn half-shouted, “How?”

“I'm pretty observant,” he explained. “She said that your mother always refused, but bit during... well, you get it. But if you were a vampire, your friends would have known that they weren't killed by sunlight, which means your a hybrid, a... um... dam-pyre?”

“Dhampire,” Autumn corrected, “You don't mind?”

Oak chuckled, “You know what they say about Ponyville ponies, they're all half-monster, part of a secret ancient culture, or have strange powers.”

“That's,” Blaze was about to protest... until he thought about it.

Me and my bro are dragony, like dad. Mom is a pegasus with wings made of pure magic that can break the sound barrier. Aunt Jynx has a Gundam in her basement and is married to a tiger chaos mage from another dimension. My cousin, who's half tiger, half pony, is dating a changeling that was raised by ponies. My adopted cousin is a druid that can control plants and talk to animals. My best friend is a dhampere. One of mom's friends is the princess who used to live in Ponyville trying to hide who she was, even though everypony knew and only let her think they didn't. And her other friend is a dragony that can see the future.

“... True,” He conceded.

Taking that as proof, Oak continued, “Exactly, so I’m not surprised that you are part vampire. To be honest, I was thinking werewolf at first, but that's mostly because of your family's history with vampires.”

Tiriel started laughing. “Oh, wow. I like this guy.”

“Well...” Autumn said, still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that the new guy doesn't care about what she is, “Then Ah think Ah'll try some a' that blood, as long as it's okay with Tiriel.”

“I don't mind at all. I actually gave a little more in case you to wanted some.”

With that, Fleur levitated a decanter and filled a cup with its crimson contents. Autumn looked at it with a combination of eagerness and trepidation. Her mother had told her how addictive it could be, and had seen the marks on her father's neck when her took off his yolk, and even on Midnight. On the other hoof, she had also said it was intoxicating, and made you feel powerful.

Swallowing nervously, Autumn reached out a hoof. She took the cup, the magical field all ponies possessed around their hooves keeping it in place. The crimson liquid still steamed with warmth and the smell was intoxicating. She didn't even notice her fangs instinctively extend, anticipating her first taste.

“I said keep your hooves off me!” shouted a familiar voice.

The wall behind Autumn shook with a terrifying impact, startling the farm mare and causing her to spill the blood all over her barrel. The door opened and a strange looking, jet black pony with a mane that looked like purple fire walked in.

“Specter, what's going on?” Tiriel asked the newcomer.

“I found somepony you're going to want to see,” replied the nightmare.

Another pony walked in after, glaring at the guards behind her, a striped pony with a unicorn horn, sharp teeth, and cat-like eyes.

Autumn and Blaze stared with wide eye before they both shouted, “Snow!” and leaped from their seats, tackling their hot tempered friend.

“We thought you was dead!” Autumn cried.

“I should have been,” Snow replied. “Specter here saved me and... used his particular talents to heal me. Uh... Why are you covered in blood, and why did you get it on me?”

Oak, who hadn't moved an inch since the dark stallion entered, finally spoke up, grabbing a knife and holding it out. “Can somepony please tell me why the fuck a demon is standing here?”

Snow let a low predatory growl at the earth pony, reminding him of her heritage. “That demon saved my life. So unless you want to have problems with me, I suggest you put that knife down before I use it to give you an enema.”

Oak scowled, but remained firm, knife in hoof, “Well, forgive me for not trusting a demon.”

“I thought you learned from that bullshit with changelings and Surprise about judging somepony because of race?” Blaze challenged.

“I did,” Oak shot back. “That's why I haven't gutted him already. Do you know how many ponies die every year because of the ones that remained after Chronos opened the rifts? I've lost family to them.”

Tiriel placed a hoof on the younger pony's withers and said soothingly, “I understand, but he's not like that. He works with us and is the best healer we have.”

“Hell yeah he is,” Snow confirmed with a stomp of her hoof. “I got blown up! I probably had pieces hanging off!”

“Your back left leg was severed, actually, and a few feet of intestine were hanging out,” the demon stated.

“Really?” Snow asked. “Awesome. You rock dude.”

Oak thought about it for a second before lowering the weapon. “Fine.”

Out of nowhere, Blaze tackled his older/little brother. “Why shouldn't I kill you?”

“What the hell!?” Autumn shouted. “What are you doing?”

“What?” The dragony asked with an innocent smile. “Everypony else got to threaten someone, why can't I?”

Autumn calmly, serenely, trotted over to her best friend and smacked the dumb ass dragony right across the back of the head.

“I missed you guys,” Snow said warmly.
> Chapter 12: The Frozen Sun
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 12: The Frozen Sun

“So...” Autumn looked between Snow and Specter. They had just finished explaining what happened and who he was. “You had him inside you?”

Snow rolled her eyes and Specter's mane shifted to pink.

“Why does your mane do that?” Oak asked. “It's shifted color a couple times already.”

“O-oh, um,” the demon stuttered, suddenly finding himself the center of attention. “It... um, changes according to my mood. Like if I'm angry, it turns red, or if I’m getting irritated, it turns yellow.”

“That's kind of weird,” Blaze commented, laughing at the embarrassed nightmare. “What does pink mean?”

“It means, he doesn't like ponies he doesn't know hinting that he took advantage of a injured mare,” Snow defended, snorting in anger.

“Okay, jeez,” the pegasus held his forehooves up in a placating gesture.

“Why are you getting so protective?” Autumn asked.

“Really?” Snow deadpanned. “What part of 'my intestines were hanging out and he fixed it' did you not understand?”

“Good point,” Autumn conceded. “I guess we owe ya our thanks, Specter. You saved our friend's life.”

“Yeah, I guess you're a good... demon.” Oak admitted then let out a chuckle, shaking his head, “First I make friends with a changeling and tiger-pony, then a dhampir, and now a void demon. Next thing you know, I'll be keeping a Tartarus chimera as a pet.”

“That would be awesome,” Blaze laughed. “Find one with a griffin head for a foot and at least one tentacle.”

“It would fit right in in Ponyville,” Autumn chuckled.

“Yeah, your life was doomed to strangeness the moment you began hanging out with Ponyville ponies,” Tiriel commented as he patted Oak on the back.

“Speaking of strangeness,” Snow looked around for a moment, “Where's my nerdy brother and his nympho fillyfriend?”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Hand me the 7/8 inch,” Razor requested.

“H-here you g-go,” Surprise said as she passed the wrench, her teeth chattering in the cold.

The tigony took the tool and tightened the mana valve's casing before pulling himself out from under the plane. They were parked in the snow about a half mile from a cave entrance that they believed was the one they sought. Razor got to his feet and rolled his shoulders.

“Alright, the jet's fixed. You want to go inside and warm up first, or just head to cave now?”

“Cave! The f-faster we f-find the shard, th-the faster w-we can g-g-go!” Surprise stuttered.

“It's not that cold,” Razor commented.

“Yeah, well, y-you're part tiger. Y-you're built f-for cold.”

“You're a changeling,” Razor deadpanned. “Change your coat or something.”

Surprise stared at him dumbly, “I... um... oh yeah.”

A ripple of green light shimmered around her. Razor stared at his fillyfriend with a slack jaw, the pegasus he knew no longer there. Instead, stood the lithe, predatory form of a winged while tigress. Surprise opened her eyes and gave him a sultry look.

“I was saving this for your birthday,” she said. “How do I look?”

“Words,” the stunned tigony began, “don't exist...”

A blush spread across the changeling's face. “Thanks. I still can't use these very well, though.” She wiggled the digits on her paw awkwardly. “Last time I tried this, I got a claw stuck in my cheek. You sure I look fine without a mane?”

Razor nodded, still entranced by the beauty before him.

Surprise giggled. “Well, geez, I didn't know you'd take it like this.” She bit her lip, looking back at the plane. “Well, how about a quickie before we go in?”

Razor nodded vigorously.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

3 hours later

“You ready to do this?” Razor asked, standing at the mouth of the cave.

Surprise swallowed hard. “Yeah. I just wish Kataya would have told us more about this place.”

“She might not have known,” Razor pointed out.

The changeling rolled her eyes and countered with, “She knows everything. I mean, you realize she probably knew all of this would happen.”

“All of what?”

“Everything!” Surprise exclaimed. “Think about it. Even Rarity at least popped up to give a wave goodbye as we were leaving. Kataya and Paruk were the only ones that didn't at least give us a quick farewell. Even mom sent her's with me, but Kat? Not a word from her. Why?”

Razor thought for a moment before he said, “Well, I'm sure she had a reason to not tell us if she knew.”

Surprise sighed, “I hope so, but what reason could she have had to let almost everyone she knows die?”

“Well... you're still assuming she knew,” Razor reiterated. “Remember, she can't control her sight very well, yet.”

“Maybe,” Surprise conceded. “Let's just go get this sun shard so we can go back and ask her.”

With a nod, Razor led the way into the frozen cave. Both were nervous, memories of the last cave they explored were far too fresh. Surprise noticed the suddenly glum expression of her boyfriend.

“Are you okay?” Surprise asked.

“Yeah, just thinking about Snow,” The tigony said as he marked a fork in the cave with his claw. They took the left fork. “I'm worried about her.”

“I’m sure she’s okay. She’s a tough mare.” Surprise offered.

“Yeah, well, she was still blown up. She's probably scared and in pain right now.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

The burly stallion fell hard into the training mat, unconscious like the seven before him.

“Alright, who's next?” Snow called, her smile bright.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“After we find this shard, we'll ask Kat to tell us where she is, so we can visit her,” the changeling reassured him.

“Alri...” Razor trailed off as his eyes widened in awe.

Surprise looked at him in confusion before following his gaze to what appeared to be a door.

“Is that..?”

A smile grew on Razor's face. “That's a door, but not just any door. This is a ruin of the Crystal Empire.”

Surprise gasped, “Oh no! Sombra might be in there!”

Razor just rolled his eyes. “Really? This isn't that stupid show. The Crystal Empire was destroyed along with Sombra two thousand years ago.”

“I know what happened to the Empire. Second, the show isn't stupid, you only don't like it because your mom isn't in it.”

“Well, she should be! Inkie and Blinkie were shown, and Applebloom and Sweetie were a big part of it, but Mom isn't even referenced! She even helped confront Paruk when he was smoking up the town, but she was cut from the whole episode!”

Surprise giggled, “Don't be such a cry baby. Come on. Let's see what's behind the door.”

“It's a repository,” Razor said, earning a curious look from his love. “See the symbol on the door? 'Repository'. I wonder if anything is left inside?”

“Well, let's take a look!” Surprise bounced to the door and pulled.

“It's doubtful there's much of importance,” Razor warned. “Last time mom took me with her to one of these ruins, she was excited because we found a book with ten intact pages. That's a big find in these places.”

Surprise pulled with all her might, Razor soon joining. Eventually, the door budged and then came loose. The sudden release of the wall's hold, sent the two stumbling back, twisting around each other. After untangling themselves, the pair made their way to the door, peeking inside. The entryway was adorned with broken, but still beautiful vases and sculptures. The two made their way through the short hall and entered a large room, bigger than both their houses put together.

Instantly, Razor and Surprise were in awe at the sight that greeted them. Crystals and artifacts filled shelves, and displays along every wall, but more than those, one thing drew Razor's attention. One shelf held what looked like three pristine books.

“No... way...” Razor drifted to the shelf, eyes locked on their target. Gingerly, he reached a paw out and grabbed one of the tomes. The sensation of shattering magic erupted around the book and a massive smile spread across the tigony's face. His mother had said they used stasis spells to preserve their writings, but never had they been intact before.

“Razor?” Surprise tried to get his attention, but her boyfriend was already opening the book. With a huff, she sat on her haunches. They were going to be there a while, so she figured she’d play with her new paws while she waited.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Shadows grew and darkened as a sinister magic filled the air. A figure rose from the unnatural darkness as if it were water. The being appeared to be a zebra stallion. Several charms and trinkets dangled from necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, the most notable was the large crystal alongside a unicorn horn, on a rope of braided pony leather around his neck. The striped equine gazed at the mouth of the cave.

“My lord, I have found them,” the zebra said to seemingly no one.

“Take them alive,” a voice replied from a crystal earring. “I have questions for them.”

“Of course, master.”

The zebra's eyes seethed with dark energy as he began mumbling under his breath. Slowly, what could only be described as a hole into nothingness began to open.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Timas,” Surprise uttered, the crystal in her paw responding to the magical command by glowing softly before fading again. “Timas... Hey, Razor, teach me another!”

“Alright,” the tigony said, turning the page of the book he was examining. “Try 'Il'su tu notima'.”

“Okay... Il'su tu notima. Cool...” Surprise smiled at the pale blue rod of solidified magic that grew a good two feet from the crystal. It only lasted a few seconds before it faded away and the crystal she was using shattered. “Hey, what happened?”

Razor glanced up at his fillyfriend. “The crystals in here are old and fragile. They can't take too much stress.”

“Aww, oh well. Il'su tu notima.” Surprise used up another crystal.

“Hey, don't waste those. They might come in handy.” Razor closed the book and put it in a newly materialized bag. “Alright, let's start looking for that sun shard. I'll finish looking at these later.”

“It's about time,” the changeling cheered. “I was getting bored.” Surprise looked around, noting the massive amount of crystals scattered around. And he said I was wasting them.

“You search over there, I'll look over here,” Razor recommended.

“Okie-Dokie-Lo-” Surprise was cut off by a low rumbling that was steadily growing. “...what’s that?”

As if to answer, the wall beside her burst open, spewing rocks and debris. On instinct, Surprise's wings shimmered and reverted to her natural insect-like ones, propelling her backward at an angle that feathered wings could never achieve. The jaws of a massive black snake snapped shut inches from her side.

“Mmm, you smell like chaos,” came a voice from the dust cloud. As it cleared, a zebra could be seen standing atop the unnatural looking serpent. “Do not resist, and you will not be harmed, at least for now. Resist, and I will break every bone in your body. Please resist.”

“You're... Nakara, aren't you?” Surprise asked cautiously.

“Oh? You've heard of me?” the zebra grinned.

Surprise pointed an accusatory paw. “You're one of those generals Kataya told us about.”

“Kataya? So she is alive,” Nakara said, shock seeping into his voice. “Then I cannot waste time torturing you. You will come, now.”

With that, the snake lunged at the changeling. “Tolta vu sary!” A bolt of lightning slammed into the demonic reptile, knocking it back several feet. The crystal in Razor's paw crumbled under the stress of the spell. Acting quickly, he grabbed another crystal and took am. “Tolta vu sary!” Again, lightning struck the snake, pushing it into the wall.

“Surprise, run!” Razor shouted. “Get to the plane and get it ready! I'll hold him here!”

“But-” Surprise began to argue, but another bolt of lightning told her he had this. Surprise took off, back down the path they followed to get there.

“Tolta vu sary!” The snake dropped, the newest bolt slamming into the wall above it.

Razor scrambled back, grasping for any new crystal he could get his paw on. Grasping the first crystal he felt, he whipped it around and shouted, “Tolta vu sary!”

For a second, the only thing that happened was the fur on the tigony's neck stood on end. He felt the power, even before it erupted in a massive blast of lightning. It slammed into his slithery opponent, searing its flesh and melting its organs, as it let out a horrifying screech. The zebra on its back wailing in pain as well, as the electricity arced through the beast and into him.

Finally, the lightning subsided and Razor was able to process what happened. He tried to regain his bearings through the ringing in his ears and the dust in the air. Razor looked down at the crystal in his singed paw. It radiated a faint glow that felt as warm as a summer morning. It was almost like-

“...ome on!”

His train of thought was interrupted by the sudden return of awareness, and Surprise grabbing him around the waist, and taking off toward daylight. The shout of rage behind them brought him back to the moment as he spread his own wings and flew under his own power. The loss of her burden allowed Surprise to pick up speed.The couple burst from the cave like a pair of snowy bullets, heading right for their transport. They were thankful that guy didn't find it.

“Get it started!” Surprise shouted, casting a fearful glance behind her for any sign of the zebra.

Either he was too focused to hear her, or he just didn't bother responding, but Razor just threw open the side door and rushed to the cockpit. Flicking the ignition, the engines whirred to life, kicking up debris and dust around them.

Surprise gasped and pointed to the cave, where a massive twisted gorilla broke out of the stone. Razor ignored the beast and took hold of the throttle. The flying machine took to the air as their enemy could only watch.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Forgive me, my lord,” Nakara said, his earring glowing slightly. “They had located a fragment of Celestia. They knew it was here.”

“What!? How!?” came the angry response from the other side.

“Kataya.”

There was a moment of silence. “Are you sure?”

The zebra looked back at the retreating form of the aircraft, recalling the image painted on the bottom of the elder dragony, sticking her tongue out and extending her middle claw, mocking him.

“I am positive.”
> Chapter 13: Together Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 13: Together Again

Razor stared at his quivering paws. After the adrenaline wore off, the gravity of what happened set in. It was the first time he had ever been in a real, life or death fight. Sure, he used to be entranced with his dad's stories of dark gods and demons, but they were just stories to him. He had always been safe and comfortable, never having to be put in those situations. Now though...

“Razie?” Surprise placed a hoof on his shoulder, comfortingly.

“I-I'll be okay,” Razor stated flatly.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“What's there to say? We could have died, but we didn't. We got lucky. Damn it, why did I leave the sun shard Kataya gave me in here?”

“Hey, it's not your fault,” Surprise pulled her boyfriend into a hug. “You didn't know that zebra guy would be there.”

Razor returned the hug adamantly. “But I should have been ready. I could have died, or worse, I could have lost you. Why can't I be more like dad? He wouldn't have been caught off guard like that.”

Surprise giggled at that. “Have you ever really listened to your dad's stories? He was caught off guard and lucked out a lot.”

“Still, he's a natural at this. Me... I’m not a fighter.”

“Maybe not, but neither was your dad,” Surprise said, earning a confused look from Razor. “Your dad was just a guy trying to protect his loved ones. He never went looking for a fight and only resorted to violence as a last resort. Back there, you were just a guy protecting your loved one. You weren't looking for a fight and only resorted to violence because you had to. You're more like your dad than you realize.”

“Thanks,” Razor said quietly. “I'm lucky to have you, you know.”

“Damn right you are. Now get ready to land, we're almost there.”

Razor nodded and took the controls. He turned off the autopilot and guided the craft the rest of the way in himself. When they were over the crazy old dragony's hut, he put it in hover and slowly started descending. The transport touched down, but before he could even power down the engine, the door flew open and two big bags were thrown in followed by Kataya.

“It took you long enough,” said dragony complained. “Nakara didn't give you too much trouble, did he?”

“Who?” asked Razor.

“The zebra, Solaris' general that you fought,” Kataya replied as if it were obvious.

“Wait, you knew he would be there?!” Surprise asked, her anger showing. “Why didn't you say anything!?”

“If I did, would it have made a difference?” The older mare asked. “Yes, it probably would have. Now you two take it easy, I'll drive.”

“Drive where?” Razor asked.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“... That was the first time I made a stallion pee himself without even laying a hoof on him,” Snow finished her story proudly.

“Wow,” Specter gaped. “That's amazing. I mean, I know you're a strong mare, but I didn't realize you were good at ending conflicts non-violently, too.”

The demon and tigony were relaxing under a tree just outside the resistance HQ chatting. Specter found Snow's stories of Equestria, before Solaris, to be fascinating. Ponies partying all night, not worrying about getting arrested for 'being suspicious' sounded like paradise.

Snow blushed lightly at his praise, “Aw, it's not that great. I mean, that's all I'm really good at, hurting ponies. I'm not like my dad or brother, they can do a lot of useful stuff. Me, though... I got my cutie mark for beating up a filly at school.”

“Why did you beat her up?” Specter inquired.

“She was picking on this colt that lost a leg to a quarry eel,” Snow answered. “She was calling him 'tripod' and stuff. I just hate it when ponies pick on others that are smaller and weaker than them.”

“Well, it sounds like your talent is pretty noble. You stand up for those that need it, like you did for me with your friends.”

Snow thought for a moment. “I guess that's one way to look at it. Heh, you know, for a demon, you know just how to cheer up ponies... Specter?”

The demon in question was listening, but not to her. His attention was in the distance on something too far for even her predator senses to pick up. Snow may not have heard what he did, but she knew that look. It was the same look her father got when he sensed something he wasn't sure was dangerous or not.

Snow jumped to her hooves when the sound reached her ears, ready for a fight if need be. Her hostility turned to confusion, though, when the large metal flying machine came into view.

“Why's there a picture of Kat flipping us the bird on that?” asked the striped hybrid.

“Really?” Specter asked, giving her a questioning look. “I thought that was the norm with her.”

“Are you kidding? Look out!” Snow shouted and pulled him out of the way of the rapidly descending aircraft.

The massive metal contraption landed hard, somehow missing every tree nearby by as little as a few inches. Snow recovered from the sudden, likely accidental, assault and got ready to punch the pilot in the snout.

The door burst open and a familiar voice rang out, “I don't care if we're still alive, Kat, you aren't piloting again.”

“Aww, but it was fun, and it wasn't bad for my first time.” came another familiar voice.

“First time? Really?”

The figure that stepped off the ship first brought a huge smile to Snow's face.

“Watch out for the glomp.”

The winged tigony looked back the way he came. “What glo-oof!”

“Big brother! I missed you!” Snow shouted as she squeezed her tackled sibling.

“S-Snow? How are you not hurt?” Razor managed.

“My new friend fixed me up,” Snow said, pointing a hoof toward the nightmare.

Razor looked up at the demon in confusion. He recognized it right away, but one thing about it was different than everything he had read. It was quaking in fear.

“Specter, what's wrong?” Snow asked in concern.

“He-he-he looks l-like...” Specter managed.

“Oh, right,” Snow replied, an uneasy edge to her tone. “He looks like dad.”

Specter just nodded.

“Is he what I think he is?” Razor asked.

Snow nodded, “Specter, this is Razor, my brother. Razor, this is Specter. He's a nightmare that Kataya gave a body to with one of her songs.”

“The Derat Tagal can give corporeal bodies to incorporeal beings?” Razor asked in shock.

“Yes,” Kataya said as she finally stepped off the plane. “Affecting and manipulating the incorporeal is its original purpose.”

“And how, if you don't mind me asking, did you get to work for the resistance?” the winged tigony asked.

After Specter told Razor what happened, the others came out to see what was happening. After warm greetings and a bit of gawking at Tiriel (he was just a colt in their own time), they shared their own stories of what happened while they were separated.

“Holy shit, dude,” Blaze gasped, “Your dad tried to kill you?”

“That thing isn't my dad,” Razor snapped. “Its nothing but a puppet that monster Solaris made from him.”

“Alright, alright,” the dragony tried calming his cousin. “So anyway, you mentioned these crystals getting us home?”

“Yes,” Kataya spoke up. “They can power the divine element and send you back.”

“But Solais' and his goons got most of them?” Autumn pointed out.

“Which means we have a similar goal,” Tiriel figured.

“Looks like we're going to have to help you fight, lil' bro,” Blaze concluded. “Problem is, Snow is probably the only one of us that can really fight.”

“I wouldn't say that,” Oak said. “My father is Gentle Stone.”

The name alone was enough to cause the dragony to gape.

“Gentle Stone? As in, the inventor of the Flowing Earth style?” Blaze asked, rhetorically. “Dude, you dad is like, the most dangerous earth pony in Equestria.”

“Other than pa,” Autumn corrected. “Gentle Stone's great and all, but until he can crush an ogre's skull like an eggshell, he's number two.”

“The point is, as his son, he trained me,” Oak said quickly to get the conversation back on track. “If you would like, I can help train some of your soldiers.”

“It would be an honor,” Tiriel accepted graciously. “Though, I will need a demonstration.”

“Of course,” Oak agreed.

“Alright, if you'll follow me,” Tiriel started to lead the group down into the cavern that held the resistance base.

Everyone started to follow, but Snow was stopped by Surprise. The changeling waited for everyone else to be out of earshot before speaking.

“So..?” the bubbly 'pegasus' said expectantly.

Snow looked at her brother's girlfriend, waiting for the rest but it never came. “'So' what?”

“Oh, come on now,” Surprise chided. “I'm a changeling. I can sense emotion, even yours. So are you going to just tell me or do I need to pry?”

“Um... I, uh, still don't know what you're talking about.” Snow knew exactly what she was talking about.

“You know exactly what I'm talking about.” The changeling looked at the tigony expectantly.

Snow sat down with a groan, “Fine, yes, I think I kinda do.”

Surprise let out an excited squee. “This is so exciting! Our little Snow Angel is finally in love!”

“Hey! Not so loud,” Snow said as she shoved her hoof in the other mare's mouth. “And don't call me 'Snow Angel'. I hate that name.”

“So, did you tell him yet?”

Snow sighed, “No. It's... weird.”

“Weird?”

“Weird.”

“What's weird?” Surprise scoffed, “You just go up and say...” in a flash, a copy of the tigony stood where the pegasus once did. “... Oh Specter, you are my hero. I love you.” another flash revealed... not quite an exact replica, but obviously an attempt at recreating the nightmare. “This is such marvelous news, for I too have these feelings for you.” another flash and the not-Snow was back. “Then let us make sweet, sweet love under the moonlight”

“Okay, that's enough,” the real Snow interrupted. “I should have known it would devolve into sex, you damn nympho.”

“So, what's weird about it?” Surprise asked.

“It's just... it couldn't work. We could only be together for as long as it takes us to get home, anyway. Plus, I doubt he feels the same. No pony ever does,” Snow said with a dejected tone. “Most ponies think I’m a freak because I look like a zebra, I’m as strong as an earth pony but I have unicorn magic. The few that get past that, run the second they find out I eat meat. They think I’m a freak.”

Surprise giggled, “Well, I doubt the friendly demon who was given a body by a dragon song would think you're a freak.”

“W-well, it's still not a good idea,” Snow insisted. “I mean, I probably only feel that way because he saved my life. I don't even know him very well.”

“Then ask him out,” Surprise said as if it were the most obvious answer.

Snow growled, “Don't tell me what I need to do! Now let's drop it and find the others.”

With that, the tigony stormed past the changeling and stomped into the cave. Surprise could only sigh as she followed after, wondering what was really bothering the younger mare.

> Chapter 14: In the Den of Beasts
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 14: In the Den of Beasts

Once the pinnacle of beauty and majesty, Canterlot was now nothing but a pile of rubble at the base of Canterlot mountain, destroyed as a message to the rest of the world. In it's place stood a dark citadel that served as the seat of power for a tyrant. Its spires piercing the sky as if in an attempt to murder the heavens. Where Canterlot Castle had stained glass windows, archer slits littered the walls, mounted beam rifles ready to kill. The moat, once a decorative feature, was filled with magically heated molten lava, casting an eerie glow upon the obsidian structure. Even the drawbridge was adorned with long spikes ready to fall upon unwanted guests.

It was within these halls that a defeated shadow priest awaited the call of his lord. Within the audience chamber, Nakara paced back and forth. The room was entirely unadorned save a half-dozen doors and the white throne that once belonged to a goddess.

“Did the snack get a booboo?” mocked a deep, rumbling voice.

“I did not, Kru,” Nakara replied emotionlessly to the direwolf that seemed to melt out of the shadows. “All I lost was a void serpent.”

“So, what was he like?” Kru asked, taking a seat on the floor near his fellow general.

Nakara scoffed, “Nothing like the puppet that bred him. He is like a frightened foal, certainly not a warrior. The only thing that saved him was luck and knowledge of magic.”

“Really? The Beast's cub is a weakling?”

“Not at all,” replied the shadow priest. “He has much strength. He merely lacks conviction to use it.”

“Then he's a coward?” Kru couldn't keep the mirth from his voice. “How amusing. I can't wait to taste his flesh.”

“In due time, Kru,” sang out a voice that radiated power and kindness.

The zebra and direwolf fell into a deep bow as a tall alicorn descended to the floor before them. His brilliant white coat shimmered, almost reflecting the bright, fiery yellow mane that flowed in a nonexistent breeze. His soft blue eyes gave him the look of a benevolent soul, but Nakara and Kru knew better.

Behind the angelic appearance was a soul as black as the depths of Tartarus. This was the tyrant of Equestria, the butcher of ten thousand, Emperor Solaris.

“Now, Nakara,” the melodic voice of the emperor sang, “why don't you tell me what happened.”

“Earlier this morning, one of my demons spotted a strange airship...” The zebra began, telling in detail, the story of tracking the ship, encountering the son of The Beast and the pony raised changeling, and of his defeat.

Solaris closed his eyes and took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. “So the enemy has a Piece of Sol. That is unfortunate. Your defeat was understandable,” the emperor opened his eyes again and looked at his general with a stern gaze, “but I will not tolerate further failure. You underestimated them and dropped your guard.

“As bad as that is, however, I must take into account the involvement of Kataya. I was afraid it was her that assaulted my dear Shiro, the poor boy. I had honestly hoped the resistance developed some new weapon. It would be preferable to her still being alive.”

“Um,” Kru stepped forward, “Sir? How would the resistance having a weapon that can do that to The Beast, be better?”

Solaris laughed and put a wing around the direwolf. “Oh, Kru. You are adorably naïve sometimes. If it were a weapon, it would only be a matter of time until we get our hooves on one and make our own. Kataya, however, is a true threat. She's unpredictable, powerful, and always has a plan. If you ever meet her, she has likely already seen everything that will happen and is playing you like a fiddle. If any living being is a threat to my empire, it's her.”

Kru looked at his lord. “Is she really that dangerous?”

“More so,” Solaris answered. “Now go. I have much to think about.”

“Yes, your majesty,” Nakara and Kru said and bowed simultaneously.

They remained in that submissive posture until a flash of light signaled their ruler's departure.

“Well, that was fun,” Kru said as he got to his paws, “but I'm hungry. I'll be in the dungeon if anyone needs me.”

With that, the direwolf departed to feast on some poor soul. Nakara watched with disgust as the cocky wolf strutted away. So caught up in his thoughts, though, he didn't notice the shadow beside him move.

“Nakara,” said an icy voice.

The zebra twisted around, ready to kill whoever was stupid enough to attack him, but relaxed when he saw the familiar tall, twisted form of the shapeshifter.

“Hello, Chrysalis. You were eavesdropping.” It wasn't a question.

“It's my job,” the former queen defended. “ I am spymaster, afterall.”

“Very well, spymaster,” Nakara asked venomously. “What is it you want?”

“The creature the cat's spawn was with, was it a changeling?”

Nakara regarded his fellow general with curious suspicion. “Yes. She changed her wings. Why?”

The zebra nearly shuddered at the joyful gleam that filled Chrysalis' eyes. “Oh, what wonderful news! She's alive as well!” The ancient parasite danced in joy.

“You know the changeling, then?”

Chrysalis turned back to her comrade and smiled. “Oh, I know her. She's the one responsible for my subjects leaving me. She's the one who took everything I had. And now, I can finally break her.”

A fire seemed to ignite in her as a giddy feeling washed over her. “Oh, I'm going to enjoy making her suffer.”