> Ghost Pony Rider: Rise of Saturn > by MrHouston > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Manehattan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [One Thousand Years Ago.] Saturn. The most ruthless demy god Equestria has ever seen. He was violent, rude, and loved seeing others suffer. Saturn wasn't a holy spirit, no, he was a demon conjured by the darkness of Equestria. In a single instant, Saturn took Equestria over. He killed millions of ponies worldwide. A bright orange sky covered Equestria for decades. Many tried to oppose the demy god. Ancient heroes, warriors that sacrificed their lives trying to free Equestria. Nothing worked. No one would stand up to the demy god in fear of losing their lives. Saturn ruled Equestria with an iron fist. He thought himself as the king of the world. That was until, Princess Celestia and Luna arouse from the shadows and challenged Saturn to a battle. Along with the princess, a mysterious hero accompanied them. The battle was fierce, causing endless destruction across Equestria. Soon, the whole planet was covered in craters from magic blasts. The planet was falling apart. That was until Saturn and everyone was on their last legs. The mysterious warrior had perished, saving Luna from a deadly blast from Saturn. Grieving over their dead friend, the princess blasted Saturn until he was kneeling and badly injured. Princess Celestia called apon The Elements of Harmony. She and Princess Luna, along with the element bares sealed Saturn away in a stone prison, deep under ground so that he would not escape. With the battle won, the ponies of Equestria could look forward to a bright future. With a new hero, just a thousand years away. [Manehattan. Present Day.] The sky was clear. A bright summer day cast itself on the city of Manehattan. Everyone was up and about, running day to day activities, going for a walk, visiting family, going to a party. A huge six pony carriage carried the main six along with a familiar sleeping hooded stranger in the back. Do to his request, he wanted to sleep in peace. The six agreed. One of the six, Rainbow Dash, was curious about the trip. They traveled for days and not once did Twilight speak of why they were their. "So why are we in Manehattan anyways Twilight?" she asks. Others join in with a nod and a mumble. Twilight places a hoof to her chin. She didn't know herself. All she knew was the Princesses needed to check on something in the city and they wanted to know if the seven ponies wanted to come along. They agreed without hesitation. Even though they had been to Manehattan before, it was a joyous thing to be there. The lights, the sounds, the ponies that were in it. All of it was wonderful. An alarm rang out from a building on the right side of the carriage. That part of the street was empty. Three unicorn ponies wearing hoodies and sunglasses ran out the shop holding melee weapons with in their magic. One of them was holding a bag of sorts which Twilight would contain money. However, she wasn't prepared for what was on one of the melee weapons. Blood, and a lot of it at the end. Another pony comes from inside the shop with a pained look on her face. She looks around at the ponies around her with a begging look. Others giving her a worried or shocked look. She screams to them sobbing. "Please help! Somepony call for help! My grandfathers hurt!" The old pony inside had a gash on the top right of his head. He wasn't breathing much and his eyes were closed. He was laying in a pool of his own blood. Multiple ponies call for medical emergency, the mane six watched in horror. They didn't know the reason for the attack nor the motivation for it. It was uncalled for and one pony in the carriage thought so too. While the mane six were talking about the incident, one of the doors opened and swung shut as they spotted their hooded friend heading towards the scene. Twilight chuckled knowing justice was going to be rough for the robbers. She knew it was going to be painful. The robbers had been running for blocks until they made a stop inside an ally way. All of them huffing and puffing from the running. They had gotten away this time. Two of the unicorns slouched against a wall while the other went through the money in the bag. He was satisfied with todays job. It was easier done then said. However, their was the complication with the old fool who stood up to them. Now he didn't needed to get cracked over the head with the bat but he was going to get them caught so one of them swatted him with all his mite. Apparently it was enough, the fool went down in a click and never got up. That was their time to bolt. Back in the ally way, a loud echo came from the darkness of it. Something wasn't right. One of the unicorns got up from his slouching and held within his magic a steel bar. He walked cautiously toward the sound which was starting to sound like moans. Sweat was dripping down the unicorns cheek as it stopped at the edge of the blackness. The sound stopped. All was silent except for his breathing and heart beat. He blinked, nothing happened. He turned to face his friends. "Don't worry about it. It was just a-" A chain raps around the unicorns throat with force as it pulls him into the darkness, screaming bloody murder. The other two gasped as the metal bar the one unicorn was holding hit the ground. All the other two unicorns heard was the terrible screaming of their acquaintance. The screaming stopped. The ally way was silent. Chills ran up on the unicorns spines. Where had their friend gone? What took him? They didn't want to know. One of the robbers went up to the dark border and pulled his weapon even though his partner didn't want him to. He narrowed his eyes and raised his weapon in a threating pose. He screamed into the darkness for his friend. No answer. The moan had returned and was even louder. He was growing louder and louder. Soon it was like, the moan was right in front of the robber. He jumped, swinging his bar into the darkness but to hit nothing. He shrugged it off. He turned to walk back to his friend who had a horrified look on his face. He questioned what he was scared about when a fiery hoof landed on his shoulder and a deep raspy voice echoed from behind him. "Hey...dirt bag." The robber turned to see a hooded stranger behind him. The stranger brought his other hoof up and slugged the robber in his nose. The crack of it meant he had a broken nose. He flew back until he slammed into his partner. Both giving the stranger angry looks. They surround the stranger holding their weapons. They start circling the stranger. "Where's out bud mac?" one asked. The stranger chuckled to himself as the two circled him. The two robbers exchanged glances. "He is...token care of." the stranger chuckled. The robbers leaped to the stranger only to collide with each other. The two see stars as the stranger unravels a chain from his arm. The stranger started twirling his chain. The robbers watched in horror as the chain wraps around the robbers. The chain was hot from the heat and it was strangling the two. The stranger wrapped the chain end to lamp post as civilians watched in amusement. The robbers had reunited with their other friend who had a look of horror on his face. The other two had annoyed looks on their faces. Soon police ponies arrived, the stranger was long gone. At a hotel near the middle of town, the mane six were settling in their hotel rooms right next to each other. Their friend had been gone for hours and the sun had already set. The night and the lights of the city were so beautiful it would've been in inspiration for a painting. Twilight was sharing a room with Spike, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were sharing a room, Rarity and Applejack the same thing. Inside Twilight and Spikes room, Twilight was reading and Spike was sleeping. A knock at the door. Twilight walks to the door and looks through the spy hole. A hooded stranger was at the door. She smiles and opens the door for the hooded stranger. "Cutting it close don't you think?" She asks. The stranger raised his hoof and put his hoof down. A fiery skull reviled himself as his narrowed eye sockets grunted. The whole room lit up light a candle stick when the skeleton took his hoof off. "Had to take care of something first." Twilight raised her eye brow at the comment. Not a day in the city and already Ghost Pony Rider had got to work. Twilight wasn't going to tell her friend to do his job but maybe he could leave the crime in the city to the police. They weren't going to be in Manehattan for long, a week at least. Tomorrow she would make sure her friend was going to be normal with out taking of to take care of business. Back in PonyVille it may have been alright, but here their are certain ponies who might take his work the wrong way. It might not settle with the princess either. However, the princess have been secretive about this trip. They only asked that Twilight and her friends would have a good time and not worry about what they are doing. Ghost Pony Rider found it suspicion that the princess didn't want to tell about the reason why they were there. He made it his objective to find out that secret. He had a bad feeling about this trip. "So. Where is my room?" Rider asks. Twilight goes to the door and opens it. She points to a room right next to hers. Rider smiles as he takes a key card from Twilight and goes into his room with a smile. The night presses on, everyone is asleep in the hotel. Ghost Pony Rider is in his room asleep. His fire smaller then normal and his breathing echoed through the room. The bed he was on was heaven, no sound in the room what so ever. Ghost Pony Rider was having a dream where he was a world renown hero. Ponies loved him from all over the globe, cheering fro his good deeds. He also had Marible back. Her brown cloak and her bright white eyes made Rider shed a smile. He was in own little fantasy. The world began to rot away. Ponies were turning into skeletons, the grass was dying, and the sky became a sick orange color. Ghost Pony Rider watched as all his friends faded away into thin air. All turning their backs on him. He could hear their whispers about him from nothingness. "He betrayed us!" "Your a monster!" "Here I thought we could trust a monster like you!" Ghost Pony Rider wakes up in a frantic state in his hotel room. He looked at the clock on the dresser. It was passed three on the morning. Coincident? He thought not. This would be something to look into later on. Ghost Pony Rider placed his skull on the pillow and returned to sleep. [Deep Underground.] Behind a metal door deep into a cave under the streets, only acceptable through a secret passage. A huge wide room held a powerful statue, containing a demy god that had been sealed away for a millennium in stone. He was kneeling with his arms crossed to his chest. The statue was of a muscular lion beast with gladiator armor. The statue was almost ten stories tall, almost half the height of the cave. A low and rumbling laugh came from the air. A ghost in the mist was laughing. He watched the scene from his roaming spirit. This was something he wanted. He wanted the aggression coming off the skeleton. He loved every minute of it. Saturn glided over to a viewing pool that was next to the statue of him. He looked inside the golden pool to see the hero himself. He knew Ghost Pony Rider, he knew him all to well. "Soon Ghost Pony Rider. Soon, you will know your destiny." > Chapter 2: Are We Doing The Right Thing? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Manehattan Mayor's Office. The Next Day.] The morning sun cast itself across the city with its gold and orange glow. Most of the buildings dark still. Birds tweeting. The mayors building shined bright as the sun shined on it, casting a yellow shade. The mayor woke up early, as usual for her job. The white unicorn adjusted her bow tie in the mirror and her red hair as she got ready to meet the princesses for something important. They didn't say why it was so important. The mayor made her way to her desk and sat in her leather chair, going over reports from different businesses and ponies. The same things as last week. Criminal reports, renovating requests, construction progress, the usual. She elevated in a blue magic cloud a quill pen as she began writing on the papers. A knock came at the door, she looked up wide eyed. This early? "Come in!" she called. The door was opened by a brawn stallion in a black suit. He held the door open for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as they came in the room with small smiles. Celestia's light wavy mane shining in the sunlight. The mayor get up from the leather chair and walked over to the princesses. She bowed in respect for the two with a smile. The mayor looked up and excused the stallion. He nodded and closed the door behind him. Celestia spoke with kindness in her voice at the red headed mayor before her. "It good to see you again mayor Velvet Cake." Celestia said. Velvet nodded as she guided the princesses to two seats in front of her desk. The princesses sat in the chairs as the mayor sat behind her desk, laying her arms crossed the desk. The three begun discussing how life was going at the moment and usual business deals. Luna and Celestia exchanged glances as the conversation proceeded. Velvet noticed and ceased. The princesses didn't come here to mingle and chat about royal affairs. Luna spoke up from the silence. "We are here on important business miss Velvet." Velvet nodded. She still didn't know why they were here but she guessed it was important. Celestia got up from her chair and walked to the window. Looking out at the city. seeing the ponies going about their day. She signed, she closed her eyes, taking a deep breathe. She had to tell why they were there. Only Velvet would know why. "We need to check in on Vault thirty eight Velvet." she said. Velvets ears lowered and her pupils went to the size of ants. Luna lowered her eye lids. That was this was about? To check on HIM? The princess hadn't checked in on the vault in one hundred years. Even back then, the seal around that vault was weak so the princesses had to make another coat for it. If they want to check on it now...what does that mean? Velvet shacked her head. She was thinking about this all too hard. Luna was still staring at her sister as she continued looking out to the public. Seeing the importance of the subject. Velvet reached under desk and placed her hoof and a scanner. The scanner hummed as it scanned Velvets hoof. A small compartment opened up on the under belly of the desk showing a steel key. Velvet reached and pulled the key from the desk. She placed it on the top of the desk. Luna levitated the key and held it in place beside her. Celestia walked over to the wall next to her and placed her horn on it. A huge yellow door showed itself from a bright glow. Celestia's cutie mark on it. Luna levitated the key to her sister, she gripped it in her magic as she placed the key in the key hole. A loud snap was heard inside the door as it rumbled, lifting it self upward inside the wall. The three ponies gathered at the opening, preparing to venture inside the dark stair way. Celestia led as Luna and Velvet followed close behind. The stair way was dark, Celestia making her horn like a torch inside. The stair way went on for nearly an hour when the three ponies came across a huge metal door with the number '38' on it. Velvet gulped, Luna looked with a none emotional expression, Celestia narrowed her eyes. Celestia turned towards Velvet with protection in her eyes. "Velvet...I need you to stay here." She nodded. Celestia's magic surrounded her horn as she blasted the door with a stream of golden magic. The door glowed gold with in cracks of it. It rumbled, the ground shacked, the huge metal door lowered itself into the crack in the ground. A huge cave was shown with torches lighting it. In the middle of the circular cave was a huge statue of a kneeling lion. Celestia and Luna narrowed their eyes as they walked up to the statue. The power inside the statue made Luna cringe as they were just a few steps away from the statue. It looked as of it has been there for decades. Something wasn't wrong about this situation. Something didn't feel right. Celestia looked around, nothing but darkness and the light of the torches was the only thing in the room. Luna stared at the statue gritting her teeth. A thought suddenly came to her mind that made her ears droop and a ashamed look came across her face. Celestia turned to her sister to see the look she was giving the statue. She signed. "Do you think were doing the right thing?" Luna asked. Celestia gave her sister a sad look and blew air through her nose. Celestia knew why she was asking that question. The same question she wished would never be asked to her, even by her own sister. Celestia looked up at the statue. Come to think of it, was it the right thing to do? She didn't know. "I'm not sure Lulu. We have to keep it from him for now. Until the day Saturn rises again, we cant tell him anything." "Tell him what now?" Both princesses went back to back, ready stances to fight. Velvet, watching from the entrance, hid behind a wall. They knew that voice all to well. Both alicorns looked around the room trying to find the origin of the voice. No sign of the maker of the voice. They then turned to look at the lion statue. "So...finally managed found a way to speak again monster?" Luna called. A deep laugh came from no where as the princesses looked around. "I didn't know you had a sense of humor Luna." the voice called. "Times change, but you didn't answer my question." A golden glow appeared in front of the two princesses, they got in battle ready stance as the golden glow formed into a smiling humanoid like beast. His arms were crossed and he had a huge grin in his face. Even though he was nothing but a spirit, the princesses were still cautious about him. "I simply figured out a way to separate my mind into a spirit." Celestia gritted her teeth. Luna narrowed her eyes. Velvet watched in awe. "My time of rising is coming you two." the spirit said placing his hands behind his back. Celestia and Luna watched as the spirit paced in front of the two. Watching it closely. Celestia didn't know what it meant by 'time of coming.' Their was no way for it to escape. Unless... Celestia's eyes went wide. She blasted the spirit into oblivion, causing it to shriek like a banshee echoing through the cave. The spirit evaporated as the princesses blasted the statue, making a gold and blue aura surging around it. Another seal has been placed apon the statue. Another hundred years of safety for Equestria. Or not? Those words ran through Celestia's mind since they left the vault. Same went for Luna. Now it was mandatory this should not be told to him. Velvet joined them at the top once the door was closed. Seeing the look of fear on both their faces. "Your majesties? Is everything alright?" she asks. Celestia and Luna gave Velvet a look of reassurance. "Its alright. Just some matters we corrected." Luna responded. Velvet looked at the time. It was late afternoon and the princesses needed to be somewhere else. The princesses made their farewells as they walked out of the office. In front of the building was a limo carriage for the two. They climb inside, sitting across away from each other. Celestia looking out the window and Luna staring at the ground. The moment of silence the two shared was inside their minds. Both thinking the same thing. Keep him away from the vault. A sudden thought came across Celestia's mind. "To answer your question from earlier Luna, we are doing the right thing." > Chapter 3: Rooftop Rescue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Manehattan Library.] Late afternoon wasn't nothing special to anypony. With the wind blowing across the skyscrapers, making a small hum within the air. Going through the front door, Twilight saw endless rows of books with upper floors holding more. The entire library building was over five stories tall. Highly decorated with decades old mold of patterns and shapes making it stand out like a ancient church then anything. Twilight stared at the impressive building with an open jaw. A hooded stranger walks up from behind her and stares at the building with his eye sockets narrowed. He's seen better. He lifted his hoof and closed his friends mouth. She blinked and turned to look at him. He motioned his head to go. Twilight nodded and followed. Rider opened the door and looked inside the massive building. Endless shelves of multiple colored books. It was bigger then it was on the outside. Rider held the door open for the princess as both walked inside. "Remind me...why are we here again?" he asks. Twilight stops and pulls a piece of paper out from a saddle bag she had on her back. Instructions by Princess Luna to find a certain book for her. Lifting it with her magic, she scrolled through the paper with lighting speed. She nodded in understanding as she rolled the scroll back up and placed it in her bag. Twilight turned to meet her collie only to find him looking through magazines near the entrance. She signed as she walked over to her friend. "Where here to find a book for Princess Luna. Care to help?" Ghost Rider closes the magazine and places it on a rack where he got it. Twilight giving him a raised eye brow. "Uh yeah. Of course." Twilight rolled her eyes. She gave the instructions of the book to she needed. Ghost Rider found it suspicious the detailed explanation of the book Luna was looking for. None the less, Ghost Rider nodded and the two split up in the library. Ghost Rider stopped on the bottom floor and Twilight decided to head up to the third level where the mythology section was. Ghost Pony Rider straightened his hood as he walked down an aisle of history books. Looking right to left as he walked down it. The rows of colorful covers and titles on the sides were distracting at times. History of the different races, locations, and general history of Equestria itself. One book stood out from the rest though. It caught his eye sockets like a fish on a hook. Rider stopped in his tracks as he observed the title on the side of the book. 'Equestria's Most Devastating Disasters.' He didn't know the reason, but it seemed as if their was something he needed to see inside that book. His curiosity was ringing his skull like a bell. Rider pulled the book from the shelf, its red cover with gold lettering. Ghost Rider sat on the floor as he held the book with one of his hooves. The other he used to scroll through the book. The book itself was full of what the title told. Deadly disasters or incidents that killed ponies or destroyed parts of Equestria. Some of it dating back to over a few thousand years ago. Ghost Rider read the book for hours, learning about the disasters. He turned a page to see something he didn't expect. A title that read 'Saturn: The Tyrant Demigod.' Ghost Rider raised an eye socket. He didn't know Equestria even had gods, let alone demigods. Motioning his hoof to turn the page, he hears a voice call to him from his right. He looks to see Twilight with a happy grin. "You found it!" she squeaked. "I did?" Rider said looking surprised. Twilight lifted the book cover and saw the title. Her grin grew as she patted Rider on the shoulder. Rider gives her the book, Twilight places it inside her bag. "Come on. I got to get this to the princess." Ghost Rider was still curiosity was peaked even higher as Twilight walked away with the book. Figuring he'll read it sooner or later, Ghost Rider followed Twilight out of the library. [Manehattan Luxury Suites. Top Level.] Twilight and Ghost Pony Rider walked down the quiet hallway toward the princesses room. Trying not to disturb ponies inside the other rooms. A thought of the book was still in Rider's skull as he looked at the saddlebag. He didn't know why it bugged him so much, it was like it was calling to him. He started losing himself in his thoughts as the two walked down the hallway. 'Why the hell do I keep thinking about it? Most of the book was okay but why does that certain chapter bug me? Maybe Twilight can help me." The two stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall. Twilight raising her hoof to knock. Ghost Rider stopped her by placing his hoof on hers. She turns to look to see the empty eye sockets staring at her. She pulls her hoof back and Rider does the same. "Before we go in. Can I ask you something?" Twilight gives him a curious look. Ghost Rider lifts his hoof and places his hood on his neck, showing a blazing inferno of a skull underneath. The light of the fire making Twilight squint. Surprisingly, even if fire surrounding him, no heat was coming off Rider in the distant between the two. It was obvious something was bugging her supernatural friend. She just didn't know what. "Do you know a demigod called 'Saturn?' Twilight narrows her eyes. The name didn't ring a bell. It was a surprise to her that Equestria even had demigods. She thought the only powerful ponies to even be called gods were the alicorns. From the way Rider asked the question, he was curious and worried at the same time. Ghost Rider himself didn't know why he wanted to know so much, it was almost like a part of his instincts he was missing. The door to the hotel room opened to show the princess of the night behind it. Her glass crown and slippers glistening in the skeletons fire. "Welcome Twilight. Welcome Ghost Rider. Do you have the book I requested?" Twilight pulled the book from the her saddlebag, making Luna smile as he levitated the book with her magic. Ghost Rider is even more suspicious now. Why would Luna want a book like that? Something was telling him this was sketchy. Luna opened the door for the two, guiding them inside the luxury suit. The room itself looked like a house. A huge main room with a spiral staircase leading up. The furniture was a snow white couch with a tan arm chair with lamp next to it. A huge flat screen TV on the wall facing the furniture. Next to all that, a huge glass panel that went all the way to the ceiling. Ghost Pony Rider felt his jawbone start to disconnect from his skull, he quickly gabbed it and kept it up. Luna sat in the arm chair, starting to analyze the contents. Ghost Rider stayed standing while Twilight sat on the couch. Minutes went by, silence engulfed the room. Ghost Rider looked around while Twilight examined another book she checked out from the library. Ghost Rider then noticed something, breaking the silence like glass on a pavement. "Where's Celestia?" Luna looked up from the book. "She is meeting with some representatives of the city to help with some new attractions." Luna returned to her book. 'Well that conversation didn't last long.' Ghost Rider then felt his senses go off. The senses of blood hitting the floor. It didn't feel like an accident though, no, this was intended. Ghost Pony Rider didn't know where the sense was coming from. He didn't even know what floor it was on. Ghost Pony Rider's eye sockets lit up in the middle with a bright flame coming into them. Voices started coming into his head, voices of the resident of the hotel. He was delving into their minds, trying to see who it was. He could hear whispers, whispers of confessions to crimes. A sudden scream rang through his skull, a scream that couldn't be heard from the floor he was on. It was coming from above him. The roof. The light dimed in the eye sockets as he narrowed them. He had found his blood spiller. Twilight turns her eyes to see the look in her friends skull. Something was wrong. "Are you okay Rider?" she asks. Luna lifts her head from the book. Ghost Pony Rider walking until he is half way to the door. He lifts his hood over his head. "Yep. Just going to take care of something." He opens the door and closes it. Standing in the hallway, he looks to his left to see a stair case heading to the roof. He can still hear the screams from above. He had to hurry. Ghost Pony Rider double timed it, sprinting up the stairs until he burst through a metal door at the top. The sun blinded him as raised his arm to keep it out. The screaming had stopped. The wind was the only sound, blowing and humming from the flying across the skyscrapers. Ghost Riders vision adjusted, he looked to see a site he was all to familiar with. It was stallion, a skinny one. He was holding a mare in one arm. He had the look of anger and sadness in his face. The mare was terrified for her life. Both were looking at the hooded stranger, both with different expressions. The stallion lashed out at the stranger. "Listen bub! Pretend you didn't see anything and I wont blow you to kingdom come!" Those words worried Ghost Pony Rider. Blow up? He must have a bomb with him, or he armed one and its somewhere in the building. The mare cried out with tears in her eyes. "Please...'sniff'...help me!" she sobbed. The stallion tightened his grip on her as she groaned. The stallion then pulled a remote detonator from behind his back. Making the hooded stranger and the mare tense. She went wide eyed as Rider narrowed his eye sockets. Obviously, charging him would be suicide. Ghost Rider decided to try something he hasn't done before, talking before fighting. "Listen...you don't have to do this." The stallion lashed out. "Yes I do! I have to make an example of something!" Ghost Rider tried to keep himself under control. He doesn't need to endanger hundreds of ponies below his hooves. "Okay. Talk to me. What happened that made you decide to do this?" The stallion gave an angry look at the mare and returned to Ghost Rider. "No pony leaves me. That's what she did." 'Oh boy...its one these cases huh?' Rider thought. Ghost Rider tried to think quickly. That detonator was starting to get under his bones. Making him more nervous the more the stallion talked. He needed to end this quick. "Alright, well, their isn't a need to go insane over a relationship ending. You can just shed a few tears and get over it right?" The stallion's mood was lifting. His expression was softening. Riders words were getting to him. Ghost Rider felt his anxiety grow when the stallion pressed a button on the device, making it start to make a sound of danger. BEEP! BEEP! The stallion started to laugh as Ghost Rider heard the beeps coming from not under him, but from the stallion himself. The stallion moves the mare from his chest to a C4 on his chest. The C4 was huge, the size of the stallions torso itself. Ghost Rider wanted to move. To tackle and disable the bomb before it went off. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Time was running out. Rider had to make a decision. Obviously talking wasn't going to cut it anymore. Ghost Rider then leapt fro the pair. Time slowed down. Ghost Rider whipped out his chain from around his arm. The stallion slowly going to press the bottom as he released the mare. He got up from her spot and begun running toward the hooded pony. Ghost Rider whipped his chain, wrapping it around the mare. He pulled back, making the mare fly into his arms as the stallion pressed the button. A fiery explosion engulfed the side of the roof as an entire part of the roof was destroyed by the collision. With the blast of so powerful and catching the mare with tremendous speed, Ghost Rider and her were sent flying off the building side. Ghost Rider held the mare tight as they sped toward the bottom. The mare was screaming as Ghost Pony Rider had his back to the ground. He had to think fast. Ghost Rider whipped out his chain and speared the nearest building as the ground was becoming closer to the two. He could hear ponies screaming below them as he clenched the chain with all his might. He shouted to the mare to hold tight as she wrapped her arms around him. The chain straightened from hitting a building. Ghost Pony Rider was now swinging through the skyscrapers. Rapidly approaching the ground. He turned his back to the ground as both ponies impacted the ground with A huge dust cloud came over the impact as ponies watched in awe, waiting for the outcome. The dust started to settle, two dark figures forming in it. A small light coming through the cloud as well. Some ponies gasped, or other didn't say anything as the skeletal Ghost Pony Rider rose up from the cloud with the mare next to him, an arm on his back. Ghost Pony Rider's jacket and pants were covered in dirt and his skull was cracked beyond knowledge. It looked as if it would collapse if you tapped it. He guided the mare who had a slight limb through the debris. Ghost Rider looked around, feeling the wind hit his skull. His eye sockets went wide as he felt his skull instead of his hood. On lookers watched as medical ponies came from the crowd. Helping the mare onto a stretcher. Ghost Pony Rider walked with the stretcher until an ambulance came to help the mare inside. "We'll take of her." one med said. The mare tapped Ghost Pony Rider on his shoulder. He turned to see her happy, joyful that she was alive. "Thank...you." Ghost Pony Rider nodded. The medical ponies placed the mare inside the ambulance. It went away, speeding toward the nearest hospital. Now the only thing Ghost Pony Rider had to deal with, was the countless on lookers that were whispering about him. He deep breathed as he started walking back toward the hotel. A few claps of hooves hitting the ground caught his attention. He narrowed his sockets slightly as he turned to see ponies joining in and cheering him. The roar od them made his jaw bone stick up, making a slight smile form. He then heard his name start to be chanted. He didn't know ponies here even heard of him. His smile grew a little as waved to the public. Ghost Pony Rider walked inside, not wearing his hood this time. Glances of ponies who watched from the inside were jaw dropped from the site. Slowly, Ghost Pony Rider made his way back up to the hotel room where Twilight and Luna were. On the floor, he opened the door to get shocked glances from three princesses. Celestia had returned. All three ran over to him, Ghost Rider was a wreck. His clothes were dirty, his skull was heavily damaged, and his flame was almost gone, and he was slouching in the door frame. He chuckled as the three princesses stood there with wide eyed expressions. "Took care of something." > Chapter 4: Festival of Doom > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Downtown Manehattan. The Next Day.] The loud chimes of music echoed through the skyscrapers. Bright, huge balloons covered the sky under the golden morning sun. Most of downtown is surrounded with music and ponies smiling and walking from vendor to vendor. Some of the ponies had their faces painted, other wore masks. Most wearing fancy dresses and outfits, looking as of they came from medieval times. A huge stage was placed in the middle of the road, the bright and bright purple and gold colors of it making it stand out like sore thumb. However, the pony on stage was even more colorful. A tan pony with black hair was singing in a country accent, many ponies screaming in joy for her voice. A lone unicorn with a camera hanging around his neck, looks up and uses his magic to aim the camera up to where the alicorns princesses were located on a balcony, along with six other ponies. He snaps a photo and walks toward a door way into the building. The princesses had planned this festival for fun. They figured many ponies working in the city needed some relaxation, so this festival was organized by them and the main six. Rarity helped with the stage, Pinkie made the balloons, and Applejack helped with the music. All of them wearing dresses Rarity made for the occasion. While the mane six were talking with other ponies, Luna notices someone missing. "Where is sir Ghost Rider?" The next her, Celestia's pupils went small. She looked around for the jacket wearing skeleton. He was nowhere to be seen. "Interesting. He surely couldn't have left." The princess makes her way to Twilight, who was talking with Rainbow Dash. Both looked at the princess with confused looks. "Twilight, have you seen Ghost Pony Rider?" Twilight nods and points inside the building. Almost laughing as a fiery skeleton wearing a tux, walks out of the building. Catching the eyes of a lot ponies, inside and out. He adjusted his bowtie to loosen it. In truth, Ghost Pony Rider hated the suit. He preferred his old clothes instead of fancy shirt and pants. What really bugged him was the flaps in the back. He also hated the looks ponies were giving him. He thought he was over reacting, ponies aren't used to seeing a skeleton wearing a suit everyday. Ghost Rider made his way to princess Celestia and Twilight and Rainbow Dash. Twilight and Rainbow Dash nearly crying from trying to hold in laughter. The princess had a look of being impressed. "You look good pal." Rainbow Dash commented. Ghost Pony Rider scoffed. He REALLY, hated this suit. "Ah you'll get used to it." Twilight added. Princess Celestia nodded and glanced toward Luna. Both princesses made their way to the edge of the balcony, ponies of the balcony looking toward them. Using their royal Canterlot voices In unison. "WELCOME TO MANEHATTAN UNITY DAY FESTIVAL! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR DAY!" On the bottom floor, three trench coated ponies were stalking on the lower floor. Each wearing a brown fedora hat. They whispered to each other of their plans. They nodded and separated from each other. One of them opened a door and went up stairs to the upper levels. Another followed him. The last one stayed on the lower level. All three of the trench coated ponies carrying something that will change the way this festival plays out. Ghost Pony Rider looked over the balcony, seeing the ponies partying and having a good time. The huge balloons hovering the same height as the balcony. Fifteen stories in the air. He didn't mind heights, far from it. He felt a tap at his shoulder, he turned to see the most beautiful mare his eye sockets have ever seen. She had rich chocolate colored hair with big ocean blue eyes. Her coat was caramel. Her eye lids were slightly lowered giving a loving look along with a sly smile. Ghost Pony Rider's eye sockets widened at the site of the mare. Noticing he was staring he shacked his head in embarrassment. Much to the amusement of the mare. He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. The mare held her hoof out to the skeleton. Ghost Rider giving the limb a confused look. He then realizes what she was doing. "Mister Ghost Rider I presume? My name is Caramel Sweet." Ghost Pony Rider raised his hoof and gripped Caramel's hoof with his own. Making sure not to use his full strength. They shook and lowered their hooves to the ground. Caramel walked next to Ghost Rider as he continued looking over the balcony. He slightly glanced at her, noticing her looking out into parade. The wind blowing softly across the balcony. Her voice of silk spoke up, catching Ghost Rider off. "The princesses picked a beautiful day for a festival." Ghost Rider replied with a shrug. His deep voice sounding unimpressed. "Its alright. Good thing it isn't that hot either." Caramel glanced and nodded at the skeleton. An awkward moment of silence passed between the two before Caramel spoke up again. "So, what has your favorite part of festival?" Ghost Rider laughs. He knew the only reason he got out of bed today. "My favorite part is that it got me out of the hotel room." The two laughed. From inside the floor the balcony was on, a trench coat wearing pony watches the skeletal pony from a distance. Giving him a deadly stare. He places a hoof to his ear, a small click was heard as he begun whispering into it. One of his friends answered. "Are the charges set?" he asked. "Yes. All on the lower floor below the balcony." he replied. "Roger that. Don't let anypony see you, especially him." The trench coat pony glanced back up, still seeing the skeleton with his companion. He narrowed his eyes. Target acquired. The figure made his way to the glass door entering the balcony. He opened the door, trying not catch any attention. He reached into his coat and pulled a small knife. He kept his hoof low as he walked to the two. He was a good few feet away from his target. Ready to strike quickly and run into the building unnoticed. However, that didn't happen. As he raised the knife to his chest, a chain came behind him and wrapped itself around his back legs. Lifting him in the air, screaming in fear. The crowd look as the assassin tried to get free from the chain. Everyone follows the chain to Ghost Pony Rider. The chain coming from under his back flaps. He chuckled as he turned to the assassin. Caramel doin the same. "You think I didn't sense you when you stared at me? Please, their have been others who have at least gotten the drop on me." He lowered the crook closer to him. His evil stare looking into his soul. The assassin had the look of fear on his face. "However, most of them failed." A loud radio cracked, the sound of another pony came through. "Rotten? Change of plans. The charges are going to blow even of you complete the contract or not. We'll be waiting on the bottom floor." Everyone's blood ran cold. Charges had been set up in the building. Right under their hooves. Ghost Rider growled at the crook who had a intense look of fear of his face. His friends didn't know the plan backfired. Ponies began scrambling to get inside but a sudden loud explosion, torched under and over the balcony. Ponies flew back and over the railing. Ponies on the bottom floor watched in horror as bodies fell from the balcony, splattering across the pavement in a pool of blood. Others were dead on arrival, burned to a crisp from the explosion. Back on top, ponies were trapped from the blazing inferno that was once inside. They were trapped. Crunching sounds became known to them when bits and pieces of the balcony begun falling to the ground. The balcony started to lower, more and more pieces of it falling. Ponies were also going over the sides, some saving others from being flyers. Others using magic to lower each other down. Ghost Rider held onto Caramel as he grabbed her and held onto the door to inside. The princesses and the mane six were safely lowered down. That only leaves the few remaining ponies left on the collapsing balcony. Ghost Rider looked inside the blazing party room. Most of the furnishing was destroyed, and most of the food was burnt. He the felt his six sense go off, he looked into the room to see a oven still going. He wasn't no scientist, but something bad was about to happen. He yelled, getting the attention of the ponies on the roof. "Listen up! The few remaining of you here need to jump!" Most of them giving him a shocked look. Was this thing insane? "I know how it sounds but trust me when I say, their are Pegasus ponies down there who will catch you!" The ponies looked at each. No other option was available at the time. Caramel looked at the skeletal pony she was gripping too. He could hear him grunt as he gripped the door harder. A sound loud pop caught Ghost Pony Riders attention, the stove. "ALL OF YOU! JUMP NOW!" A huge explosion engulfed the rest of the balcony. Ponies below saw as many others were seen falling. As said by Ghost Rider, Pegasus ponies flew to the falling ponies. Many grabbed the fallers, only a couple however, didn't survive the explosion. As he saw the survivors being lifted away, he looked down at the mare he was holding. Her face berried in his chest. He narrowed his eyes. He looked behind him, this was going to hurt. Ghost Rider slammed into the ground with force, sending debris flying upward. A huge crater in the pavement where he impacted. The mane six and the princesses rushed to the hero. Looking inside the crater, Caramel was coughing through the dust. Ghost Rider was groaning with pain. A fall like that could've killed both of them. With his powers though, he only suffered a lot of broken bones. His body also acted like a cushion for her. Caramel rubber her eyes to see her friend was his severely damaged state. All of his skull was severely cracked, his suit was ripped and dirty, his fire was smaller then before. He was breathing heavily. He attempted to move, trying to see of his friend was safe. The crack of his neck bone made a shiver run up Caramels spine as he turned to look at her. His jaw bone disconnected in one spot. Hanging by one joint. The mane six and the princesses gave worried looks, Caramel was in tears. Ghost Rider tried to speak. He could still talk, but because of his hanging jaw it came a bit distorted. "Ach cue ech aight?" he tried to say. Caramel didn't know what her friend was saying. So she answered the best she could. "I'm fine. What about you though?" Ghost Rider raised his hoof slowly, the crack of broken bones in his arm being an unpleasant sound. He gripped his jaw bone, he couldn't move his arm further. He grunted with pain as he rushed his arm, cracking his jaw bone back into place. His groaned in pain. Caramel placed her hoof to the side of his skull. He chuckled, even to the dismay of his body. "I've been in worse." Caramel shed a small smile. She helped Ghost Rider to his hooves, the cracking of bones and the groans of pain coming from him. Ghost Rider looked up and saw his other friends staring at him. He was in bad shape. Even worse then yesterday. He then saw others behind them, scrambling with medical and police. It was utter chaos. Applejack ran up and under his other arm as they helped the limping skeleton toward medical ponies. Two medics as them, they ran up to the bunch taking Ghost Rider from under his friends. At this point he was half awake. They placed him inside the carriage ambulance, Caramel and some of the main six following her. The ambulance drove away at the dismay of the others. [Manehattan Hospital. 5 hours later.] The beeping of a heart monitor woke the sleeping Ghost Pony Rider. He raised his head in silence, seeing his sleeping friends at the end of his bed and in the corners. He glanced at the clock it was eleven at night. He glanced at a nightstand next to his bed. A mirror on it. He grabs it, he looks into it to see his skull was practically healed with only a few cracks left. Ghost Rider placed the mirror back on the nightstand and laid his head on the pillow. He figured he should get some rest. He shifted his head seeing Caramel gripping his fiery hoof. He could feel his face turn hot as he looked. He lowered his eye sockets slightly as he drifted to sleep. > Chapter 5: Memories > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Vault 38.] Darkness. That was all he knew. He didn't mind it. That didn't mean he liked it. Matter of fact, he hated it to his hearts content. The constant sound of silence was all he knew inside this huge cave. It was maddening to him. No one but himself to talk to. In all, it wasn't so bad to him. After all, what other way a demigod can wait for his escape. Saturn didn't even have his body. All he had was his mind inside a statue of himself. Sealed away from the princesses of the sun herself. Saturn hated the fact that a mere alicorns was able to defeat him along that one pony. That single pony who was strong enough to with stand his power. A single blast acted from him was just another blast from the two alicorns he first had then fight. How quickly that fight went to hell though. The somehow convinced him that Saturn was the enemy. Even if those two had to make to changes to him. Come to think of it, why did he make that monster again? He couldn't remember the reason. Saturn growled. This was embarrassing to the demigod. Being sealed in a state of seclusion for over a thousand years was beginning to piss him off. He hated the fact he wasn't in control of Equestria anymore. He wanted to make those two alicorns pay for what they did. Saturn wanted to make them see revenge in full force. He wanted to hurt them. He didn't want to kill them, no. That task would belong to another creature. A creature he knew that would do as he asked. Saturn laughed in his throat. He remembered back to that day. The day everything went to hell as he first made his presents know to all of Equestria. He still remembered their faces. The looks of utter fear, astonishment, shock, and awe. They were priceless. If he could relive that day he would relive that moment. He also remembered the looks on the princesses as with a demented smile on his face destroyed everything. Saturn's mind fading as he remembered the day. [1000 years ago. Saturn's Throne Room.] Saturn watched as the sun rose above the mountain top of his castle, deep inside the Everfree Forest. Smiling as he folds his arms behind his back. Saturn wondering the empty hallway that was taller then him. Saturn took pride in knowing he was ruling an entire planet. Saturn turned his head to his right to see a huge doorframe that lead to another hallway. This one though was full of ponies with gold shaded armor. Some doing their rounds, others talking to one another. Saturn smiled as he turned down the hallway toward the group. His mane flowing as his heavy footsteps froze the ponies in place. All of their eyes went wide, their pupils shrinking. Saturn stopped in front of the ponies, his demented smile looking down at them. Some ponies gulped as they turned and saluted their master. "Lord Saturn!" one called. Saturn leaned in, keeping his arms folded behind him. This was the best thing about his existence here. This ponies were completely terrified by him. Imprisoning the princesses, destroying almost an entire continent, and making to where he can kill you with a single blast of magic was enough to scare anyone have to death. Saturn looked to see two guards come from behind a corner, dragging a black and green colored insect in chains. He chuckled as he stepped over the guards he was leaning over, toward the ones holding the prisoner. The three stopped in their tracks and peered up to their ruler. His smile making them quiver. Saturn looked toward the black and green insect with narrowed eyes. He turned his gaze toward one of the guards ponies. "Where did you find it?" he asked. His voice echoing. The guard gulped as he pointed to the changeling with his hoof. His eyes narrowed. "We found it in the pits my lord. Drinking the water." Saturn made a accepting sound as he returned his gaze to the changeling. He unfolded one of his arms and reached out to the insect. The changeling squirmed trying to free itself as the huge hand grabbed him. Lifting him in the air toward the demigod. The changeling had the look of utter fear on his face as Saturn made eye contact with him. Looking over the bug, Saturn chuckled at the site. He hated these things. To an extent at that. These things were nothing but pests in his kingdom. It wasn't because of how vicious they were, he respected them for that. It was because he simply didn't like the fact of these bugs had a queen who has attempted to over thrown him more times then he could count. He hated the thought of being over thrown by a mere mortal bug. Whenever he would see these things he would make it his goal to kill it. In a way he found to be amusing. Saturn started to squeeze the bug in his hand. It started to shriek in pain as it could feel its body being crushed under the demigods hand. Saturn could feel the bug start to become smaller under his grip. The bugs screams turned to gurgling as blood started to come out of the bug. Green blood coming from his eyes, his mouth, and his ears. The guards on the ground folded their ears to keep the sound of the changeling being crushed out of their heads. Saturn smiled as green organs erupted from the changelings mouth, eyes, and ears. Soon, a liquid mess was in Saturn's hands. He dropped the carcass to the floor in front of the guards who brought it in. They looked at the corpse with sickened looks. Saturn's voice ringing across the hall. "Dispose of this. I don't care how." The guards saluted, they whistled to another guard. He quickly sprints over with a burlap sack in his hoof. Lifting the changeling by his remaining limbs, the guards placed it and its organs inside the bag. They then walked down the hall and around the corner, Saturn loosing his sight. He folds his arms to his back again as he turns around to see the guards still going about their business, with more scared looks then last time. Saturn makes his way out of the hall and makes his way to the thrown room. [Castle Saturn Dungeon.] With little strength she had left. Celestia let out a long breathe of exhaustion as she lowered her head. A sad look apon her face. The rattling of chains that could be heard through the entire room. Celestia looked over to her sister Luna. She was as well tired. Both princesses have barley eaten. They were starting to look like skeletons by this point. Bones beginning to show among their skin. Indents in their skin wear the chains were nearly cutting circulation to their neck and legs. Their manes have token a lighter shade from the lack of energy. Their crowns removed, leaving nothing for them but each other. Both lost track of how long they were inside the prison cell. Days? Months? Years? They didn't know. Luna looked up to the open window to the cell, iron bars blocking out the sun. She signed. Both sisters exchanged looks before hearing a familiar sound coming down the stairs to the dungeon. A shadowy figure made his way down the stairs. Stopping at the cell door and staring at the two alicorns. His emotionless eyes staring at them through his black helmet. The black knight pony made his way to a chair in front of the cell and sat in it. The sound of metal hitting wood. The two alicorns gave the knight a worried look. Worried about what his lord has ordered him to do to them. "So...what has thou lo-" Luna started but was interrupted by the night. "Silence." he demanded with a aggressive tone. Not wanting to anger the knight, knowing his power, the princesses silenced them selves. The knight hadn't moved since he sat in the in chair. Not giving a sound when staring at the alicorns. He didn't hate the alicorns. Nor did he want to kill them. He was simply taking orders from his lord. Everyday he was coming down there and keeping watch of the two. On some days, he would be ordered by his lord to question the two. The knight was ordered to get the information by any means necessary. Some days the princesses wouldn't give the information, making it him have to get the information out in any way he wanted. He remembered the day he used a whip to on the two until their backs where covered in slashes. Some days things escalated to a point that even he had to keep secret from his lord. Thanking himself to be a good liar. Moving on, the knight was just simply watching the two for today. Celestia raised her head and glared at the knight. His head not turning but his sight shifting to them. "Does thou intend to harm me and my sister?" she asks. The knight chuckles. Celestia giving a wide eyed worried look. "I do not wish to harm thou alicorn. I am here to watch thou until dusk." he replies. Celestia signed. Today wouldn't have much excitement. Just sitting it was her time to lower the sun. Luna didn't want to sit here all day in silence. She decided to get to know their 'warden.' "Why does thou serve Lord Saturn?" she asks him. The knights armor shuffled, his helmet turns to face the two alicorns. His voice was of annoyance. "Why does thou care?" Luna didn't mean to annoy him. However, it seemed a conversation was forming here. She pressed on. "I simply am curious as to why." The knight stood up from his seat. Walking toward the cell. Celestia wrapped Luna in a protective embrace as the two prepared for the worse. However, the knight stopped at the cell door. His breathing could be heard inside his helmet. Both princesses hadn't broken their hug as their expressions of fear turned to curiosity. The knight let out a breathe. The tone of his voice softened. "I serve Lord Saturn because I don't have a choice." Luna approached the cell door as best she could. The chain on her neck pulling her back to the wall. "You fear him, don't you?" The knight nods. Luna let out breathe through her nose. Talking to him with that damned helmet on was a nuisance. "Can I make a request?" "Of what nature?" he asks as though he knew where this was going. Luna motioned to his helmet. Trying to make her point clear with him. He realized what she was wanting from him, letting out a sign as he sat on his rear. He raised both his hooves, gripping two sides to his helmet. He slowly lifted the helmet over his head. Both princesses remembering the face, or skull of their guard. The knight laid his helmet next to him as fire erupted from the opening. Exposing not a normal pony, but a skeleton under the armor. Fire engulfing his skull as his eye sockets stared into the eyes of the princesses of the night. Slowly, Luna lifted her arm. Reaching for the skull. She placed her hoof on his cheek bone, both giving softened looks. Celestia was in utter shock of what she was seeing. This is the closest her sister has gotten to this thing in a while. The knight hated to admit it. He was growing fond of these two. No matter how much he has come down to the dungeon, they didn't show a glimpse of anger or disgust toward him. He let out a sign. "Their. Now thou can speak to us with his own face." The knight nodded to the princesses of the night. "Now then. Why do you serve Saturn?" Giving the skeleton a cute look with her puppy eyes. 'Goddamn it. Have I gone soft?' he thought. The skeleton started giving the princesses an explanation to why he serves Saturn. Both had look of sadness on their faces. The reason he served Saturn was because he was created to do so. Saturn went to the trouble to resurrect a fallen soldier. Giving him powers that nearly matched his. The soldier wanted to remain dead however. He didn't want to serve this titan. Saturn made it to where the soldier had nothing left to live for. Killing his family and friends to make sure he knew his place. The soldier didn't have any other choice. He served Saturn as his own personal knight. All the soldier wanted was to rest in peace. To go be with his family in the great beyond. Celestia and Luna could feel tears swell up in their eyes as the knight finished explaining. To this , Luna got an idea. "If thous powers match even Lord Saturn's. Why haven't thou rise against him?" "I am not powerful enough to match his strength." Luna's idea came clear. Today would be Saturn's down fall. "Free us." Both t he knight and Celestia were caught off guard by the statement. "What?" Luna had a look of determination on her face. "Free us from imprisonment. We will help you fight." The knight was dumbfounded by what this alicorn was suggesting. She must have been crazy from the lack of food or she was simply insane! "It isn't that simple. We will need more then us three. You two aren't in the condition to fight as well." Though she didn't like it. The knight was correct. Celestia and Luna looked each other over. Seeing them pretty much walking skeletons. Giggling to herself Luna looked to her new friend. "You are right. We need to regain our strength." Celestia spoke up. The three nodded to one another. The knight promised to send the two more find then they usually get. It was set. Saturn's down fall would come. Days later, the knight has been busy as he gathered all of Saturn's guard. Un announced to Saturn. Not even his spies told him about the attack. Saturn was left in the dark. Another day had risen from over the mountain top as the sun came over more quickly then it usually did. Saturn raised an eye brow to it. This was odd. The sun came much slower during the morning but this was almost spontaneous. Saturn narrowed his eyes. He shrugged it off thinking the princess was just getting it over with so she would save herself the pain. He didn't expect the wench to survive any longer though. She should be dead by the end of the week. Saturn loved the idea of leaving the world in utter darkness. A world were he was the only light, he would make all the ponies and creatures extinct. Making it possible where he could make better residents of Equestria. Nothing could stop him now. "SATURN!" a bellowing roar rung through the hall he was in. He knew that voice. Saturn turned to be met by his so called knight without his helmet. All of his guard with angry looks, and two alicorns brought back to full strength from the look of it. Saturn's eyes went wide and his mouth gaped open. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. His entire guard, and his own knight had betrayed him. Anger boiled within Saturn as he hands begun to glow with gold. He turned to face the ponies, his armor reflecting off the sun shining through windows. "YOUR TIME OF RULING IS OVER TYRANT! NOW YOU WILL BE DEAFEATED!" Celestia roared in anger. All of the guard roared in agreement. Saturn started to laugh. Causing all of the ponies to give confused looks. "You will not survive this time you runts. TODAY YOU DIE!" Saturn returned to his state of mind inside his imprisonment. His memory fading. Saturn growled at the thought of his skeleton he brought back, had betrayed him for those two alicorns! Not to mention sharing a relationship with the two! Oh yes, they would pay. They would pay dearly for what they did. > Chapter 6: Mortal Meets Demigod > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Manehattan Luxury Suites.] The moon glowed amongst the stars in the sky above Manehattan with a glorious shine. Buildings lit the streets with a golden glow along the sidewalks and streets. A skeleton gazed at the glowing city from the height of his suit. The fire around his skull glowing like a firefly in the dark room. The room was silent, not even the sound of the city reached the hotel room. He had been standing there for hours. Unable to sleep. It isn't the first time Ghost Rider hasn't been able to sleep. To him, it was a way of telling himself something was wrong with him. Or wrong in the world. He signed, turning away from the window and walking over to the snowy couch. He sat on the couch with a grunt, staring at the ceiling in boredom. He turned his neck to see the TV remote next to him. 'Ah...to hell with it.' he thought. Realizing he might as well try to tucker himself out. Ghost Rider dropped his hoof on the remote, making the remote make a small click sound. The TV flickered on, Ghost Rider scrambled as the volume was up extremely high. The sound of the TV ringing through the entire living room. Ghost Rider grabbed the remote and clicked the volume button repeatedly, making the volume turn down to a point of no sound. He signed at the close call, clicking the button so the volume was somewhat higher. He looked back at the TV screen, a news report on the flat screen. Ghost Pony Rider raised an eye socket as it looked listened to the interview. It sounded like it was about him. He leaned in as two mares, one wearing a fancy blue suit with a red tie, and the other mare who he was all to familiar with. He listened on the conversation. "Good evening Manehattan! My name is Mellon Collie and I am bringing you on a topic that I bet is one most of your minds. Should we trust the one called Ghost Pony Rider? With me here tonight is a mare who claims to know the creature herself! Thank you for joining us Caramel Sweet." Ghost Rider narrowed his eye sockets at the interviewer. Creature? She didn't even bother to tell he was an actual being not just some animal. The camera paned to Caramel to show her in a red fancy dress with her hair in a bonnet style. Her eyes shining like diamonds in the light of the news room. It was almost hypnotizing to stare into her eyes for Ghost Rider. She looked so beautiful, so well dressed, so- Shacking his head to get the thought out of his mind. Ghost Pony Rider brought his attention back to the interview. "Thank you for having me Collie. It is an honor to talk to you about me dear friend this evening." "Dear friend you say? How long have you know each other?" Mellon asks with a raise eye brow. "About a day or so." she answers nonchalantly. 'Thanks Sweet.' Rider thought, blowing air through his nose. Mellon placed a hoof to her chin and narrowed her eyes. Ghost Rider prepared for the worst, he knew that look anywhere. "Well then. What do you think about ponies here in Manehattan thinking of your friend as a monster? Now, I don't agree with any of these rumors. However, in the current news that I've received about him and what our historians are telling me. He has a both good and bad reputation in Equestria. Some told about how he saved them from certain doom, and getting them the help they need. Others say he was a vicious killer who deserves to be locked up and never be let out. Matter of fact, some say he should be killed." Caramel gave a shocked looked and placed a hoof to her mouth. Ghost Rider grinded his teeth. The room and the interview went silent. Time went by for a few seconds before Caramel coughed, collecting herself to answer the question without shooting the messenger. "Well...I do think that the reports of himself being evil are wrong. I mean, he saved my life and many others during his time here in Manehattan I'm sure.. I believe everypony has good in them, even if they don't appear to be so." Ghost Rider's eyes went wide as Caramel looked toward the camera with a caring look. It zoomed in on her until almost her entire face was on the screen. "I wont judge his motives or what he does, but I keep in mind he does and what he sacrifices to protect ponies." Ghost Rider switched the TV off, the screen going black. Ghost Pony Riders fire the only light in the dark room. He stared off into space, thinking about what Caramel had said for most ponies in Manehattan who thought of him as a good guy. In his skull, he recalled most of the times ponies, no matter the age, showed thanks to him for helping them no matter the case. He chuckled as he recalled a time where he saved a filly from a burning building in a small town, the entire town appreciated him and promised to never forget him. Ghost Pony Rider had to admit it, he could get a little extreme with some of the creatures and ponies who hurt others. He wasn't going to deny it, he was violent. More violent then a angry dragon. He tried to keep his anger under control ever since The Dark Ones made him destroy all of PonyVille a few months ago. Ever since then, he promised to his friends and the princesses to never let his anger corrupt his mind. To never let his enemies use his past against him. He signed and laid his skull on one of the cushions, drifting into a deep sleep. Ghost Rider could feel cold. Not winter cold, but refrigerator cold. He could feel his body quiver from the ice feeling as he adjusted himself and the ground. Wait, ground? Feeling around him, Ghost Pony Rider could feel solid dirt instead of a couch. Straitening himself out, Ghost Pony Rider looked around in a frantic state. He looked in shock to see the world around him was on fire. Trees were burnt down, buildings were in ruin, and the sky was fiery red. The clouds were black. He didn't see anyone, no one alive anyways. Black skeletons were slouched and scattered around the ground and in front of what looked around a barn. He started panicking, his breathing increased, he could feel his heart race out of control. "Calm yourself skeletal one." a voice echoed. Ghost Pony Rider narrowed his eye sockets in anger as he turned around with a growl. His chain hanging from his arm, blazing with fire. A look of confusion came across him as he saw nothing where the voice came from. A chuckle came behind him. He turned again to see nothing again. He looked aimlessly around him, trying to find the origin of the laugh. The feeling of pain shot through his body as a large blast of energy hit him, sending flying through the barn. He groaned in pain as he lifted himself from the ground. Another blast hit him square in the face. His body sliding in the ground, leaving a trail in the ground. He shacked his head, getting up much more quickly this time. He waited for the next blast, trying to find where its coming from. Nothing came. Even the laughing stopped. Another pain, much more sharp hit him in his spine. making him freeze before collapsing to the ground. He couldn't feel his body, everything was numb to him. He could feel his skull still but he could feel anything else. The laugh erupted, this time from behind him. Ghost Pony Rider could feel his breathing grow. A huge hand grabbed him by his jacket, dragging him until he had his back up against the barn. His body like a ragdoll. The same hand grabbed him by his jaw, lifting it until he saw his attacker. It was a gold misted figure with pitch white eyes. It looked to have a bipedal body and a huge lion mane. Ghost Pony Rider narrowed his eye sockets. "What the hell did you do to me!?" he said. "If you don't calm yourself the manticore venom will make your condition worse." it shot back. Ghost Rider breathed through his nose as the figure let go of his jaw. His head slouching on his chest. "Your pathetic, you know that?" the figure said in a cocky tone. Ghost Rider growled. "And why is that?" Rider asked. The figure casually walked in front of Ghost Pony Rider, he stopped, turning a full 180 degrees and narrowing his eyes at him. "You choose to play the hero in a world that fears you. You see, you and I are the same!" he exclaimed. "I'm nothing like you!" Ghost Rider spat. The figure walks up to Ghost Rider swatting his shoulder in a playful manner and leaning against the barn. "Listen. Their are over millions of different creature on this planet. Half of them embracing you, half of them scared of you. I can make it to where they will embrace you!" Ghost Rider gave a confused look. What was this thing getting at? The figure then knelt next to the paralyzed skeleton, gripping his jaw in his fingers. "I could kill you here and now. However, I have a proposition for you." he sad with a grin. Ghost Rider could feel his nerves slowly returning. He lifted his head to see the figure standing a few feet from him, looking down at him. He gave the figure a confused look. "I am offering you a chance to be adored by all Equestrians. All you could ever whished for at your hooves. Money, mares, luxury, you could have it all." Ghost Rider scoffed. The figure gave a annoyed look to the skeleton. He thought he would get his point clear now then later. "Listen you stubborn skeleton. In spite of everything you've done for them, eventually they will hate you. Treating you like a villain then anything. I suggest thinking about my offer Rider, before its to late." The figure started lifting himself in the air, racing towards the sky. His voice echoing off after Ghost Rider's vision went dark. "THINK ABOUT IT! HERO!" Ghost Pony Rider woke up in a frantic state. He was still in his hotel room, however it was morning and everyone was in the kitchen talking. He sudden gasp caught all their attentions. Their wide eyes staring at him. Ghost Rider realized his breathing was fast and he felt tired. Twilight made her way to the panting skeleton. Seeing him rubbing his skull. "You look like you had a bad nightmare." she said. Ghost Pony Rider breathed through his nose as he looked at his friend. She was giving him a worried look along with the other princesses. "You could say that." > Chapter 7: Over The Limit > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Manehattan Central Square. The Next Morning.] Ghost Pony Rider was acting weird. Weirder the usual. His body language was agitated, and worried. Ghost Rider was know to be not to be easily scared and barely worried. However, Twilight knew something was wrong when Ghost Pony Rider hadn't said one word the whole day. Usually he would have gave a grouchy remark or at least acknowledge some pony talking to him. She guessed it was because of walking in a large central street route of a major city surrounded by skyscrapers and endless streets fill of other ponies. Twilight assumed Ghost Pony Rider wasn't used to it, but considering the time he spent in PonyVille and other parts of Equestria he would be used to it by now. The hooded skeleton bumped into a pony, dropping his newspaper. The pony waved his hoof in the air and shouted something even Twilight couldn't repeat. Ghost Rider looked as though he wasn't even fazed by the awful language. Twilight even saw a little smirk under the hood. The two stopped at a crosswalk with a red light, it felt as though the two were sandwiched together because of the large amount of ponies. Twilight heard clicks next to her and saw Ghost Pony Rider tapping the pavement with his hoof. Now it was Twilights turn to look worried. She looked up at Ghost Rider's hood and asked him. "Are you okay Rider?" Ghost Rider stopped his hoof clicking and slowly turned his head toward Twilight. The alicorn could feel a sense of dread as fireball pupils looked back at her. The skeleton scoffed and turned his attention back to the streets. Twilight's ears dipped and she lowered her head. He was upset about something, that was obvious, but she didn't know what. Was it something she said? Twilight looked at Ghost Rider and saw muttering something. His jaw bone was moving slowly and she could make out whispering coming from him. A red traffic light changed to green, making a pony shape in a tiny box under the light. Ponies on the sidewalk began to walk over the street, seeing the pony powered carriages next to them. Twilight did her best to keep up with Ghost Pony Rider as he picked up his pace and was practically bulldozing through other ponies. They made it through the crowd and Rider took a sharp turn down another street, Twilight running after him. "Can you at least tell me where were going?" Twilight asked. Ghost Pony Rider didn't respond once more. He just kept sprint walking down the street he was going. Twilight then saw the shape of the town hall just a few blocks ahead and something in her gut told her that her skeletal friend was heading there. Sure enough, Ghost Rider walked into the park across the street from the town hall but Twilight saw he was lighting the grass and pavement on fire with each step. That fire steps soon turned to full trail of flames as they approached the front steps of the building. Guards stationed at the front were so scared, they backed away slowly and let Ghost Pony Rider past. Twilight was panicking at the moment. She was worried that her friend would do something stupid and possibly get some pony or himself killed. Twilight then felt her heart seek as Ghost Rider used his chains and grabbed a guard by his neck, lifting him off the ground and pulling him in to his skull. His voice was deeper and more demonic sounding then it is. "Where are the princesses!" he roared. The guard gulped and pointed toward the main staircase. "Their in the mayors office! Please don't hurt me!" Ghost Rider tossed the guard to the side and walked swiftly toward the main stair case. Twilight, following close behind, didn't know what to do. Why was he looking for Celestia and Luna? What were his intentions for when he found them? These questions circled in her mind as Ghost Rider was walking straight forward, toward the mayors office. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were in front of the mayors desk, signing papers that revolved around damage costs from the festival. Suddenly, the doors to the mayors office burst open in a fiery inferno. The ponies standing guard were knocked down with chains. Both looed behind them and were met with their hooded skeleton friend. His chain was flat on the ground but was covered in flames. It was almost like a fire covered whip. The princesses looked at Ghost Pony Rider with utter shock. Celestia was the first to confront him. "Ghost Pony Rider! What is the meaning of this?" In response, the skeleton roared at the princess. "SHUT UP!" He wrapped his chain around her neck and pulled her in until she was only a few inches from his skull. "Who is he!" he roared again. Celestia felt fear consume her as she gazed into the skeletons eyes. She could feel the anger coming from looking into the soulless eye sockets. She gave him a unsure look. "I'm...not sure who your talking about." she said. "LAIR!" Ghost Rider growled. He threw Celestia against the wall and hung her by the neck. She struggled to get free, trying to use magic but found couldn't concentrate hard enough to use it. Luna didn't know what to do, she was conflicted to help free her sister and stop Ghost Pony Rider's rage. This wasn't him. He didn't act like this...most of the time. However this time, it was like something sent him over his limit. Like a secret that wasn't supposed to...Luna's eyes widened and her pupils shrank to ant size. That must have been it. He found out, somehow. Luna quickly stepped in front of Ghost Pony Rider. "We'll tell you everything! Just please let my sister go!"