> The Chaos Factor > by Mr Jelly > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The begining > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Chaos Factor. by CybeastHunter and Mirage, mostly Cy though Utopia isn’t a place, but a people. Eleanor Lamb: Bioshock 2 “...How long are we going to stay here, Cy?..” A voice asked. “You mean in this spot, or in this country, or in this time?” Another voice answered. “...All of the above...” The first voice said. “For however long it takes.” the second voice replied. Cyber Burst was laying on the side of a hill in the vast orchard he and Applejack had created in the last twenty years. His old, blue eyes looked at the lowering sun. His worn, red forelegs propping his head up. His toned back legs crossed. The clouds near the horizon were ablaze, while the ones farther out were a dark purple. “...Why don’t we head back?..” the voice asked again. “Because we still need to lower the sun.” Cyburst said, “You should know that more than I, Phoenix.” “...Why? Because it’s my power lowering it?..” Phoenix said, ”...Just because it’s my power doesn’t mean I control where the sun goes. That’s your job...” “True...true.” Cyburst said, “I should start calling you Phoebus, because you’re more like him than your former self. “...I suppose we should start calling Luna, Cynthia then?..” Phoenix asked. “You bring up a good point.” Cyburst replied, “I guess I shouldn’t call you that then.” “...Damn straight...” Phoenix retorted. Cyburst says nothing, but gets up, and walks towards the house in the distance. The sun is no longer in view, nor is any of it’s shining rays. The apples are in their half-barrels, waiting to be picked up to be sold or turned into cider. The red unicorn’s horn lights up and a few of the barrels start to levitate with him. Once he reaches the house, he places the apples down and his horn’s light dissaperates. He knocks on the door and waits. The door opens to reveal an orange mare with a blond mane and a stetson hat. Cyburst looks into her emerald green eyes, and she looks into his sapphire blue eyes. “Hey Applejack.” He said with a smile “That’s boss to ‘ya!” Applejack said with a serious face. They both look at each other for a few seconds, until Applejack snorts, then they both crack up with laughter. “Ah’ know you’d think I was kiddin’.” Applejack said in between chuckles “My Applejack would never be that straight-faced ever!” He replied while gasping. “It’s good to see ya’ Cy.” The earth pony said while patting Cyburst on the back. “Same goes for me, only for you.” The unicorn returned, clearly trying to confuse the country mare. Applejack looked at him with curiosity. “Umm, what?” She said. “It’s good to see you too.” He said with a smile. “Oh, ok then.” Applejack blushed, “There’s food if ya’ want any.” “Sorry, but I’ve got something to do with Roseluck.” Cyburst answered. “OOOoooo, What’cha gonna do?” The mare nudged his side with an elbow. “Nothing like THAT.” he retorted, “It’s just a dinner between friends.” “Ya’ haven’t evah’ taken me out to dinner.” Applejack said. “Oh...” He scratched the back of his neck, “I guess you caught me.” “Ah’ knew it!” the mare chuckled, “See ya’ later, handsome.” Cyburst closes the door and starts to walk to the florist's shop. He thinks about how Applejack has been so nice as to let him stay at her home. Well, he does work there anyway. He and Applejack had started out with only about twenty apple trees when they started. But now, they have about fifty acres of land filled with the fruit trees. They were Equestria’s largest apple producing farm. Of course it inherited the name Sweet Apple Acres, being that it was under Applejack’s name. Cyburst arrived at the florist’s shop relatively when he said he would. A white-coated mare out front looked at her watch before proceeding to look in his direction with narrowed eyes. “You’re late...” She said. “By what, a minute?” He said, racing up to her. “No.” The mare replied. “Then by how much?” Cyburst asked. “Thirty seconds.” She laughed. “Oh haha.” He retorts, crossing his forelegs, “Getting me scared for nothing.” “I can’t believe in the last twenty years you’ve never asked me out!” Roseluck squeals. “Well, I’ve had other things on my mind.” Cyburst said. “More important than me?” She asked with puppy dog eyes. “Ummmm. Maybe?” the stallion said, “C’mon, we’ll lose our reservation.” “Don’t think you’re finished with this.” She said. They both walked down the street towards Canterlot’s finest restaurant. “...Cyburst? Is something wrong?..” Phoenix thought, “...Your acting a little strange...” “Nothing’s wrong, but something is nagging me ever since you mentioned Cynthia.” The stallion answered, “Luna said that I wasn’t the only survivor, but who else could have lived?” Octavia rushed home from her tiring day of playing cello at the Canterlot symphony after tutoring some of the newer members.She opened the door to find that a blue mare was in her house, setting the table. Now, most mares would be alarmed if some weird stranger was in their home, setting the table. But it was not a stranger. “Oh, hello Quiet Ocarina.” Octavia said to the blue mare, “Is somepony else here?” “No.” Quiet Ocarina replied. “Then why are you setting the table?” The mare asked. “Just thought I’d make my mother dinner tonight, that’s all.” Quiet Ocarina said with a grin. “Is this because your twentieth birthday is tomorrow and you feel bad for me setting up everything so perfect every birthday that you want to thank me for it the day before like you’ve done every birthday?” Octavia asked “Maybe.” Ocarina said with a blush, “Do I really do this every time?” “Yes.” The mare said, pulling her into a hug, “And I love you for it.” “Thanks mom.” Ocarina said Quiet Ocarina’s mane was a golden yellow, with a streak of light blue. Her coat was a darker blue. Her tail matched her mane perfectly. Her eyes were almost the same as her hair’s blue, if not lighter. The only thing strange was her Cutie Mark, which didn’t match her at all. It was a symbol, like a lion’s head, but if it was mixed with a wolf, and golden. “...” “...” “...GROOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” > On to real the plot. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Absolute freedom is the same as Absolute Chaos William Taggart: Deus Ex Human Revolution Vinyl Scratch walked the streets of Ponyville quickly, smiling at her surroundings and what had been rebuilt over time, it had found it’s former beauty, actually, everypony had blown old design out of the water, the new design gave more of a modern feel, but still kept its homely atmosphere as before. “Mom, why did you make me wear this stupid dress?” But some things never change... “Because you look nice in them, and because it’s Quiet Ocarina’s birthday, you have to look decent.” Vinyl said, looking back at her daughter, Rain Whisper. “You sound like Rarity.” Rain Whisper said flatly. “And I would have looked ‘decent’ if I would have worn the skirt I originally wanted to wear.” “I know for a fact that I’ve told you over and over that those skirts of yours are too revealing.” Rain’s father said. “Mirage is right, Rain.” Vinyl said. “We don’t normally even wear clothes!” Rain shouted. “And when we do it just gives another reason for other colts to look.” Mirage said, scratching the right side of his face. “Then why am I wearing a dress?!” “It covers everything up.” “Dammit, fine.” Rain mumbled, kicking the ground with her hoof. Rain Whisper curled up her hair into the normal ponytail she always had it in, the light red and light blue in her mane striped along with the ponytail perfectly, like they were meant to be like that. The red and white dress blended along with her fur and eyes as well, minus the blue from her mane which also colored her eyes. When they finally reached Octavia’s home, Vinyl knocked and waited for an answer. “Who is it?” A voice called. “It’s Vinyl, Oca.” Vinyl called. The door swung open. “Vinyl! And Rain and Mirage!” Quiet Ocarina hugged them all. “Good to see you!” Rain said, hugging her friend. “Likewise.” Oca giggled, “Come on in!” The three followed each other in, Mirage held a bag in his hoof and gave it to Quiet Ocarina, Rain Whisper hugged her again and whispered happy birthday in Oca’s ear, then giving her a friendly peck on the cheek, went inside. The interior of the home was all decorated, as if Pinkie Pie was there, which she was. Her party cannon was in the corner. Octavia was sitting on the couch with a glass of white wine. “Hello everypony.” She said, “Make yourself at home.” Vinyl took a seat next to Octavia, talking to her. Mirage looked around for a second, shrugged then went to sit by Vinyl. Rain Whisper turned to Quiet Ocarina. “What do you wanna do?” “I-I don’t know. I’ve always wanted to be twenty, but nopony tells you what to do when you’re there.” Ocarina said, “I guess, since I’m old enough now, we could go out drinking? “I’m not old enough yet, but I should probably go to keep an eye on you.” Rain Whisper said, loud enough so Vinyl and Mirage could hear, but giving Ocarina a wink. “Let’s go.” “WOOOO! DRINKING!” Ocarina yelled. “Just be back before twelve, I’ve still got a present of you.” Octavia said, sipping her wine, “And be sober enough to know what I’m saying.” “And I don’t want you drinking any.” Vinyl said, pointing her hoof at Rain whisper. Mirage rolled his eyes behind her and waved the two out. “So, where should we go first?” Ocarina asked after they left the house. “There is one bar right down the road a bit, but it looked kind of boring, we could go to a club though...” Rain said, rubbing her chin. “Club time!” the blue mare said. “Before we go anywhere, I’m taking this dress off, I look like a damn firework show...” Rain said, clearly irritated. “I was wondering about that. Did your mom make you wear it?” She asked. “Yeah, she said I was supposed to look decent.” The mare said, slipping out of the dress right in front of Ocarina. “We shouldn’t just leave it here, where should we put it?” Ocarina asked, “We can’t go back inside now. “Um... the garage?” “That works.” Quiet Ocarina slowly lifted the garage, not to make a noise. Rain slid the dress under the opening and helped Quiet Ocarina close it silently. “Let’s go!” Rain said excitedly. “Okay, okay!” Ocarina said, “TO THE CLUB!!!” The two ponies ran in the direction of the club. When the two mares reached Club Lunar they could feel the bass and hear the music blasting from inside, the security didn’t even bother to ask the two’s age because they were too busy talking to some interesting looking mares. On the interior, dark blue neon lights faded around the walls and bounced off the ‘Dancers’ and reflected from the poles they used. The music was even louder now and the lights started to break apart into spider web-like shapes, spinning enough to give an older pony a seizure. The smell of alcohol, sweat and sex clouded the room to the point where it would make eyes water, the two mares spotted the bright red neon lights that illuminated the bar area. Standing in between the bar and the mares, was a giant mosh pit of drunks, strippers and fancy looking ponies. “Push through them!” Rain screamed over the music. “Hold on to me!” “WOOOOOO!!!” Ocarina grabbed hold of Rain Whisper. Rain Whisper began to push her way through the crowd of ponies, dodging several stallions that tried to block her way by talking to her. After a few minutes the two got to the bar, which seemed to be significantly quieter than the other parts of the club. “You alright?” Rain asked. “Never been better.” Ocarina replied. “And what do you two hot mares want tonight?” The bartender asked “Just water for me.” Rain said, giving the bartender a look for what he said. “I’ll take a.... hmmm, this is my first time ordering drinks actually.” Ocarina said, “What do you recommend?” “Oh, first-timers eh?” The bartender raised an eyebrow, “How about a good old screwdriver?” “Sure.” The mare said. The bartender went off to mix the drink. Quiet Ocarina turned towards Rain Whisper. “You’re really not going to order anything?” She asked. “Not right now.” Rain said, “I think I’ve smelled enough to get me drunk.” “boooring.” Oca said. The bartender came back with the drink. “Try to distinguish the two different liquids in this.” He said. Ocarina took one sip and licked her lips. “Vodka and Orange Juice.” Ocarina said, “I’m not that dumb.” “Oh, then I’ll get you something stronger once you finish that.” The Bartender chuckled. The Bartender walked to serve some of the other ponies at the bar. “I’m not planning to finish this one very quickly anyway.” She whispered to Rain. Rain chuckled, “Why not?” She asked. “Try everything!” “I will, but I know somepony is going to try something, so I want to be ready and catch them.” She said. As if on cue, a stallion came up behind Rain Whisper and ran his hoof down her back, getting close to her flank, the plopped down beside her. > Don't you love it when chapter names have nothing to do with the story? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Shouldn’t you be up there dancing?” He asked, he had the slight smell of alcohol in his breath, but not enough to be drunk. Rain Whisper blushed and looked away, trying to ignore him. “Cause’ damn, your body is perfect for that pole, and maybe perfect for mine.” He said, running his hoof down her chest and trying to go in between her legs. Rain did not let him and closed her legs together to block his hoof. “Stop...” She said quietly. “You know you don’t want me to do that.” He grinned, trying to pry her legs open. “KICK HIS ASS!!!!” Ocarina said as she punched the stallion in the face. Rain kicked the chair out from under him and then turned back to the bar, ignoring him. “Dad told me not to get in any fights, he doesn’t want me to get hurt...” “You? Getting hurt? Ha! You’re one of the strongest mares I know!” Quiet Ocarina said. “No, not like-” Before Rain Whisper could finish her sentence, the stallion had picked her up. “Your daddy isn’t here, baby, I promise I won’t hurt you...” He cooed. Just after he spoke those words, the electrical neon lights of the bar began to dim, as well as some of the other lights in the club. The stallion fell over with Rain Whisper in his arms, his mane stood up and he twitched around on the ground. Rain Whisper stood up and sat back down next to Quiet Ocarina. “Dammit...” She said, holding her head in her hooves. “It’s okay, I didn’t mean it like that, I meant hurt him with your hooves.” Ocarina said, rubbing her back. “I can’t help it sometimes, it just happens...” Rain said, “Dad, Aero, and Gaia have been trying to help me, but I can’t seem to control it like them.” “And that’s okay too.” Ocarina replied, “We’ll just have to watch out.” “I can barely take in a charge from a battery without discharging, then I struggle to recharge something.” Rain cried. “Well, you're not the Electric element, so I guess you shouldn’t be worried.” Ocarina said, “Let’s find something to do. “Okay, just give me a sec.” Rain Whisper planted her hooves on some of the lights under the bar counter and moaned for a second, then the lights from the club grew bright again. “There...” “You want to start dancing on the floor?” Oca asked. “Sure, do you know how to dance?” “I was born into a musical home.” Ocarina said, “The harder question to ask me is what dances don’t I know.” “Well let’s go then.” Rain said, seeming nervous. “You can’t just join into a song, you have to wait for the next one.” Ocarina said. As if the club read her mind, the song ended. “Okay, let’s go!” She said. “Okay everypony, for the next song, we have... One of the legends of Equestria, SPIN THAT RECORD AGAIN!!!” The DJ said into a microphone. The crowd cheered. “Looks like your mom got herself a name when she scratched those records.” Ocarina said “She brags about her music all the time, don’t you start doing it for her!” Rain said, starting to move slowly to the beat. “Don’t worry, I won’t.” Ocarina said, synchronising her steps with the music. Soon, the crowd started to move the sides of the room for Ocarina. Her moves were almost impossible. She spun on one forehoof for part of the song. The crowd started to cheer not only for the music, but for Ocarina as well. Rain Whisper also stood in the crowd watching in amazement as Ocarina moved along with the beat. Strangely, Ocarina landed in the splits at the end of the song. Her breathing was heavy, but not winded. “So, who can dance, Rain Whisper?” Ocarina said in between breaths. “Uh, you.” Rain chuckled. “I can’t even attempt to match up to that.” “Well, not many can.” Ocarina said stepping towards Rain, “Let’s get out of here before I get mobbed. “Yeah, I think it’s getting late anyways.” Almost immediately, the crowd started to make a circle around them. Ocarina ran towards the door, plowing through anyone who tried to stand in her way. Eventually, they made it outside. “You know...” Rain Whisper said, huffing, “Your not so ‘quiet’ like your name suggests.” “It’s called double lives, sister.” She laughed, “in the day, mild mannered and brilliant, at night, party animal!” “Well we need to get this party animal home so her mother doesn’t throw a fit.” Rain said, laughing as she pushed her along. “Alright, alright. You don’t have to push me.” Ocarina said. “DAMMIT GAIA, GET BACK HERE!!!” A bright orange light streaked across the sky towards a mare that bounced across several pillars of rock that shot out of the ground to slingshot her away from the other pony. Aero landed in front of Quiet Ocarina and Rain Whisper, breathing heavily from his flying. “Did either of you girls see where Gaia went?” He asked quickly, looking around. “That way.” Quiet Ocarina pointed in a random direction. “Thanks.” He said looking off in the direction Ocarina pointed. “Go get her, tiger!” She said, stifling a laugh. “Wait a sec, that’s where I just came from!” Aero said, turning back to the girls, who were no longer there. “BAIL!!!!” Oca screamed as she ran at full speed home. Quiet Ocarina only slowed down when she was a block away from her house. “So *huff* are you alright?” Ocarina asked Rain. “Yeah, *gasp* I’m fine.” Rain Whisper said, breaking out into laughter. “I could get in so much trouble if Octavia found out I did that!” Oca laughed, “Come on, let’s go inside.” “Okay, I hope Aero doesn’t catch up with us.” She said. “But, he’s probably more interested in what Gaia did, anyways.” “Wait, you knew who that was?” Oca asked, the fell on the ground laughing, “That makes it even better!” “Heh, he said that he saved the world alongside my dad, I think he’s a bit crazy.” Rain Whisper laughed, opening the door for Ocarina. “Thanks.” Oca said, “For going with me. Not many ponies will put up with my antics.” “What antics?” Octavia questioned. “Oh nothing.” Ocarina replied. “Yeah, nothing.” Rain Whisper said. “How did it go?” Mirage asked, “Did anypony try anything?” “Maybe...” Ocarina stifled another laugh. “No! Nopony did anything!” Rain Whisper said quickly. Mirage narrowed his eyes but didn’t look too interested, “I’m gonna take your mother home, you need to be back soon unless you're staying somewhere else tonight.” Rain Whisper gasped, “Can I take Quiet Ocarina somewhere to spend the night?” “Actually, she can’t go anywhere until she gets her present from me.” Octavia interrupted, “That is, she needs to get it alone.” “Dang... Sorry Rain, my mother’s adamant about this.” Ocarina said, “I’ll see you tomorrow though.” “Okay! See ya' tomorrow!” Rain said, hugging her friend and exiting with her family. “What’s so important that I have to get this present alone?” Quiet Ocarina asked. “I’ll show you.” Octavia said as she walked into her room. Ocarina followed her mother into the room. Octavia went into her closet and picked something off the topmost shelf. She placed it in front of Ocarina. Ocarina opened the box to find two things in it. The first thing was a bib that had her name embroidered in it. The second thing was a little harder to place. It was a necklace, but a really small one, like for an infant. The necklace itself wasn’t the important part, it was the pendant. The pendant was like her Cutie Mark, but it had something extra, like as if the lion’s face had, well, wings, as hard as that would be to believe. “I don’t get it, is this my present?” Ocarina asked. “Yes and no.” Octavia said, “It’s only a part of the present.” “What’s the other part?” The blue mare asked. “The truth.” The grey mare said, sitting down on the nearby bed. Octavia patted next to her. Ocarina complied and sat next to her mother. “Those were the only things we found you with.” The Cellest said. “What?” Ocarina said, “What’re you talking about?” “I’m talking about when I found you in an alleyway.” Quiet Ocarina's blood froze. “I didn’t give birth to you, Ocarina.” Octavia said, hugging her daughter. But her daughter struggled out of her grip. “No. Don’t touch me. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!” Ocarina screamed. “Because I thought it would hurt you.” Octavia said calmly. “NO!” Ocarina screamed as she threw the objects back into the box and ran out the door. Quiet Ocarina ran out the front door and down the street. She didn’t know where she was going, but she didn’t care. For all she cared, she could run straight off a cliff. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. She finally hit a dead end, tears dripping down her cheeks. “Hey! you’re the bitch who punched me in the club!” A voice said from behind her. Quiet Ocarina looked back with wet cheeks. Sure enough, it was the stallion from the bar, and he wasn’t alone. He had two other stallions with him. “This the one boss?” One asked. “No, but it’s her friend.” The Stallion said. “What should we do with her, boss?” the last one asked “I’ve got an idea.” the Stallion said. All three of the stallions started to close in on the mare. “No, what’re you doing?” Ocarina asked, her heartbeat quickening. “The only thing a stallion and a mare can do together.” “What?!” She said, eyes widening, “No, not that.” “Yes, yes that.” The stallion grinned. “No! stay back!” Ocarina said, her heart pumping faster than ever before. The stallions paid no attention to the mare’s cries. “Please, just leave me alone!” She cried, her mind whirring around in her head. “Or what? You gonna cry more?” The stallion to the right said, “Nopony lives in this neighborhood.” “Stay back!” Ocarina slumped over, her heart about to burst. “Too late.” The stallion to the left said. They all grabbed a leg, pulling them straight. “Say, have you ever done this before?” The first stallion asked, “because I have.” Now something happened. Something inside Quiet Ocarina snapped. Her body became limp and her head went down. “What? Giving up already?” The stallion asked. “I said,” Ocarina said, but her voice was deeper, and more raspy. “STAY BACK!” “What?” The stallions said harmoniously. “GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” > Illegal Habits > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quiet Ocarina awoke to find herself in her bed. “Wha?!” She shot up and looked at her body. Nothing was different. No new scars. Everything seemed to be in place. Except for one thing. A few drops of blood were spattered on her chest. She looked to the floor to find it had a small trail leading to the bathroom. She left her bed and walked towards the small room. Ocarina slowly opened the door to find that the room was crimson. no other color could be seen. She touched the floor with a hoof and looked. The color had transferred to her hoof. She looked back down. A white silhouette of her hoofprint had also transferred to the floor. Ocarina quickly made it to the sink and turned on the water. The ceramic bowl returned to it’s pearly white. Quiet Ocarina heard a knock on her bedroom door. “Rina, are you there?” Octavia said quietly. “Leave me alone!!!” The blue mare screamed. “Okay, just come down when you’re ready.” The older mare said softly. Ocarina ran up to the door and put her ear to it. The sound of hooves going down stairs could be heard. She quickly went back into the bathroom and began to wash away all the red that coated it. The bathroom had finally returned to it’s original color. Quiet Ocarina found that the window was a little jammed. She got the window open eventually. She looked down to find that there were a few claw marks stabbed into the wall. It was a good thing that this side of the house faced the Everfree Forest. “Did somepony, or something climb the wall?” Quiet Ocarina whispered. She looked up to find that there were no other claw marks. They ended at her window. She slowly walked away from the window and towards her bedroom door. She walked into the living room, where her ‘mother’ sat on the couch. She was watching the The morning news. “A bright cylinder of cyan light shot out of an alleyway early this morning at around twelve thirty.” A news mare said to the camera. “The cause of the light is still to be determined, but what some ponies said they found at the scene after the light had faded was very shocking” The screen changed to one of the newscasters on scene. “I’m standing here right in front of the police line the Ponyville Police Department had set up when they arrived on the scene.” The stallion said, “Be warned that some of the things they found across this line may not be suited for young viewers.” A picture of the alleyway was shown. Both mares gasped at what they saw. A large amount of blood was smeared throughout the alleyway, while different body parts were strewn about. “As you can see, somepony had managed to tear three other ponies apart with ease.” The Stallion continued, “Hold on a minute... It seems that one of our reporters has gotten an interview with one of the officers on scene.” The screen changed again to a brown stallion with a pair of aviator shades and a police cap . “It seems that there were three different ponies here judging by the amount of parts. They confronted something in this alleyway, thinking they were safe, but they were sadly mistaken. Octavia turned off the Television with the click of the remote. “So...” She said, “How are you doing?” “...Better...” Ocarina said. “Rina, I did what I did only to protect you.” Octavia said softly. “...I know.” The mare said, tears welling up in her eyes. “You can go out, if you want to.” The gray mare said, nudging her daughter. “Thanks.” Ocarina said as she ran and hugged her mother. “It’s okay” Octavia said, running her hooves through her mane. Ocarina got out of the hug and walked towards the door. “Oh, and Ocarina?” Octavia said. “Yeah?” “Rain Whisper came over earlier and said to meet her at her Treehouse.” “Oh, okay.” Ocarina walked out the door and slowly walked towards treehouse. When Ocarina arrived she could hear Rain Whisper talking from the inside. “No, you can’t drink with me, you’re a fucking banana!” Rain shouted, laughing uncontrollably after she spoke. “Ummmmmm... Am I interrupting something?” Quiet Ocarina asked. “Oh!” Rain Whisper said, wobbling over to Oca after throwing the banana out of a window. “Oca! I’m soooooo glad you could join us!” “And what am I joining exactly?” Ocarina asked, “Are you drunk?” “What?! I’m not...” Rain Whisper trailed off, staring directly into Ocarina’s eyes without blinking. “Okay, Tipsy Tina, what do you want?” She asked, “I’ve got a few things to do.” “I- um...” Rain Whisper looked at Ocarina like she was irritated, then tackled her down and pinned her hooves down. “What are you doing?” Ocarina asked, narrowing her eyes. Rain Whisper leaned down and gave Ocarina a small peck on the lips, then leaned back up with a grin. “No, just.. No.” Ocarina sighed. “What’s wrong?” Rain asked, the smell of strong alcohol was in her breath. “Let’s just say I don’t roll that way.” Ocarina said. Tears invaded Rain Whispers eyes and she fell down onto Ocarina, crying uncontrollably. “Hey it’s alright.” Ocarina said, hugging the mare, “We can still be friends.” “B-but the banana broke the turkey chandelier!” Rain cried, falling off of her friend. “Umm.. Want to take another go at that sentence?” The Blue mare asked. “No...” Rain Whisper said, covering up with a blanket and using Quiet Ocarina’s chest as a pillow. “I’m so sleepy...” “...Rain?” The mare had already fallen asleep on Quiet Ocarina, mumbling gibberish in her sleep. “Oh you’ve gotta be-” Ocarina rolled her eyes, “You’re going home right now.” Ocarina slowly moved out from under Rain Whisper. Rain Whisper’s eyes flew open, they were bloodshot and panicked. She gripped her temples and rocked her head back and forth. Her tail spontaneously caught on fire and light blue electricity coursed visibly through her front hooves, discharging off and striking the walls a few times before her body fell limp again and she fell back into a deep slumber. Ocarina poked Rain Whisper with her front hoof to see if she was really asleep, which she was. Ocarina picked up Rain Whisper and placed her on her back. She dragged the sleeping mare back to Rain Whisper's house and knocked on the door. “Come in.” Mirage’s voice called. “My hooves are kinda full.” She said, “Can you get the door?” Purple electricity seemed to encase the door as it opened, when the door was fully opened it revealed a half red and half purple Mirage that seemed to be floating in a meditating position. “Yes Ocarina?” He asked, never opening his eyes. “Ya don’t even have the decency to look at me when I carry your daughter?” Ocarina said, narrowing her eyes. He opened his eyes and Rain Whisper levitated off of Ocarina’s back, landing softly in front of her father. “What happened?” “The banana broke the turkey chandelier.” Ocarina sighed. “Come again?” “She got drunk, pinned me, and kissed me.” Ocarina said as she entered the house and sat down. “I trust that you didn’t do anything else?” He asked, returning to his normal color and approaching his daughter, giving her a look over. “No, I raped her... Twice.” Ocarina said, voice dripping with sarcasm. Mirage laughed, “Yeah, I thought about that much.” “I brought her right home.” Ocarina said, giggling. “Hmm... Vinyl taught me how to do this once...” He said, trying to remember something. “Oh, that right.” Quiet Ocarina tilted her head. Mirage quickly brought his hoof down on Rain Whisper’s stomach, then quickly slapped her across the face when she jolted upright. “Wha?!” Rain Whisper said, looking around. “What happened?” “I’ll explain that to you during the training that you missed this morning.” Mirage said, looking at his daughter with a scolding glare. “Oh... damn dad, I’m sorry.” Rain tried to apologize. “Sorry isn’t going to help you do two-hundred push-ups is it?” Mirage asked. “Well, if she said it loud enough it would propel her upward and make-” Ocarina started. “I’m not in the mood.” Mirage said, “But thank you for bringing her here anyways.” “You’re welcome. Now, I’ve kind of got something to do.” Ocarina said as she walked to the door. Rain Whisper walked out the back door to the backyard with her father, who was very irritated. When the two reached the backyard, Mirage immediately made her do the push-ups, he knew she could usually do fifty strong on normal days, but she had alcohol in her system and could barely pull off ten before being worn out. “Come on, push!” Mirage shouted. “Dad... I’m tired.” Rain Whisper whined. “I don’t care if you’re tired!” Mirage shouted. “My dad didn’t-” Mirage stopped, like something had caught in his throat. He stood there for a second, looking down at his hungover and tired out daughter, tears filled his eyes in a few seconds, then he picked her up, hugging her tightly. “I’m sorry, I can’t do-” “It doesn’t matter.” Mirage interrupted, “I love you no matter what.” “Dad-” “Go catch up to Ocarina, try to have some fun instead of staying back here all day.” Mirage said. Rain Whisper pulled away from him and went for the door. “Thanks, dad.” “Don’t worry about it.” Her father said. Cyburst awoke to find a warm body next to him. He looked over to see Roseluck sleeping soundly beside him. He looked around the room to find it was brightly furnished. The wallpaper was a dark pink, while the floor was a reddish color. He looked straight ahead to see that the Television was on. The daily news report was on. “Breaking News!” One of the casters said, “And that’s why I’m still chewing my bagel.” “It seems that somepony has sent in footage of the light cylinder that had appeared early this morning.” The newscaster next to him said. The screen switched to some pegasi doing tricks in the air. The camera seemed to be a rather nice one, being that the quality was rather clear. Suddenly, A Cyan light shot out from across the city, ascending into the heavens. “...Wait a second...” Phoenix thought, “...No...” “What is it?” Cyburst asked. “...That light...” Phoenix replied, “It’s almost like.” “...It’s almost like a BeastOver...” > Detective work > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quiet Ocarina walked towards the police line to look at the scene “I’m sorry miss, but you can’t get any closer.” A stray police pony said. “Oca!” Rain Whisper shouted, coming up behind the mare. “What are you doing here?” “Didn’t you see the News? Something happened here.” The blue mare said. “I... uh... was in the treehouse... remember?” Rain said, trying to stay off the subject. “Oh yeah...” Ocarina said “Um... sorry about what I did... I wouldn’t have done it if I knew what I was doing.” Rain said, scraping her hoof against the ground. “It’s okay, I kinda guessed you... uh... yeah.” Oca replied. “I what?” Rain Whisper asked. “Don’t... Like... Stallions.” The mare said awkwardly. Rain Whisper’s face turned a bright red, she shuffled awkwardly in place. “Is it really that obvious?” “I can read ponies like books.” “Did I... say anything to make you think that?” “The banana broke the turkey chandelier?” Ocarina placed a hoof in front of her mouth. “Excuse me?” “No, it was just your actions.” Rain faced the ground, then laid down and covered her head. “I’m such a bad liar.” Ocarina laughed, “It’s not that, you kissing my cheek every time we meet, taking out that stallio-” Ocarina froze. “Hey! they do that in Prance all the time!” “No, it’s not that.” Ocarina said, still frozen. “Have you ever felt that something was off, but you couldn’t place it?” “When we were at that party that time, just before the stallions turned on the air conditioning that blew our dresses and skirts up.” Rain Whisper said, “I hate to say I looked, but you were wearing red that night.” She joked “Not like that.” She continued, “Like, something’s different about yourself, but you don’t know what.” “Um... maybe?” Rain said, chuckling since the mare hadn’t noticed her joke. “I thought returning here would jog something, but nothing, zip, nada.” Ocarina said. “Like what?” Rain asked, still laughing. “Like... can we go somewhere else?” “Of course, where do you want to go, oh red one.” Rain said. “Your treehouse, I’m sorry, but it’s the only place.” Ocarina said, “And don’t ever mention that ever again.” “Hehe, whatever you say, sweetcheeks.” With that, Rain Whisper took off in the direction of her treehouse. “Hmmm....” Ocarina growled, “What’s different?!” Once they arrived at the treehouse, Ocarina made sure nopony was around. “Rain, I think something’s wrong with me.” She whispered “Why do you say that?” Rain Whisper said, lying on her back and looking at her hooves in the air. “Well, yesterday, I found out that Octavia isn’t my biological mother...” Oca said. Rain Whisper looked at Ocarina while upside down. “What? How?” “She told me, but that’s irrelevant. After that, I ran. I was so mad I ran.” She continued, “I was then caught in an alleyway by that stallion we met at the club, and he wasn’t very happy to see me after I clocked him one. He tried do... Do things to me.” “Okay...” Rain said, “Do you need my help?” “Well, no.” She said, “I can’t remember anything after that. Like, I woke up in my bed after that.” “...Oca... did you...?” Rain trailed off “That’s the thing, I can’t remember.” Ocarina bit her hoof, “But you saw those... ponies. They were ripped apart. I mean, yeah, I’m strong, but nopony could just rip somepony apart.” “So... what do you think happened?” “Well, I couldn’t have done that, and I don’t think the ponies wanted to kill themselves,” Ocarina thought, “Maybe somepony came to my aid?” “Like who?” Rain asked. “I-I don’t know, I’m picking at straws right now.” Ocarina stomped “Well...if somepony really did help you, and did that much” Rain said, shuffling in the place she stood and trying to sit Ocarina down. “What are you going to do?” “I’ll-I’ll ask Octavia, she may know about someone.” She paced back and forth. “Why don’t you sit down... and try to relax for a second.” “Relax? Relax! A murderer killed three ponies that just happened to be next to me.” Ocarina said loudly, “If I survived a homicide! Not many ponies can do that! Something’s different about me.” “Just...” Rain walked over to her and forced her to sit down. “Calm down for a second.” “Okay...” The blue mare said, “I should really ask Octavia about this.” “Well you can’t do that when you’re so tense.” Rain said, going behind her and massaging her back a little. “You’re right.” She said, closing her eyes. When Quiet Ocarina closed her eyes, a blur of images flew in front of them. She gasped and her eyes shot open. “You know, this might feel a little better if you’d lie down.” Rain Whisper said, “Fluttershy taught me how to do this.” Ocarina laid down quietly. Rain finally got to work on her friend, trying to relieve every bit of stress she could for now. “Are you going to be alright?” Rain asked, leaning down to her friend. “Yeah...” She said, her legs going limp, “I need to ask Octavia about this.” “Alright, do you need me to come with you?” Rain asked, pressing down a bit more firmly on a kink in Ocarina’s shoulder. “Nah, I’ll be fine.” Ocarina said. “Okay, just don’t forget I’m here.” Rain said, kissing the back of Ocarina’s neck. “I won’t.” She giggled before walking to the door. “Wait, Rain?” “Yes?” Rain asked with a giggle. “Does the name Cyber Burst mean anything to you?” “Doesn’t really ring a bell.” Rain Whisper said, scratching her chin. “Okay, just wondering.” Ocarina said, finding her way home. > Detective Work Mk. II > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So, you think somepony saved you from them?” Octavia asked. “Yes! I couldn’t have done that.” Quiet Ocarina replied. “They were too... Mangled.” “Well, I’m not one to doubt you, but that’s a little strange.” Octavia said. “Well thanks, that makes me feel SO much better about myself.” Ocarina retorted. “That’s not what I mean. I believe you, but not many other ponies would.” The gray mare said, trying to calm her down. “Right.” Ocarina said, “One more thing?” “Yes, Rina?” Octavia asked. “Does the name Cyber Burst mean anything?” “Hmmm,” She thinks, ”No, never heard that name before.” “Please mom, Cyber Burst, that name could be the key.” Ocarina pleads on her knees, “It doesn’t have to be related.” “Hmmmmmmm...” Octavia mumbled, deep in thought, “Wait.” “What is it?” Ocarina lighted up, “Do you know it?” “...Rarity.” Octavia said, “In the old days, when the war was still going on, Rarity mentioned a friend of hers by that name. He was an adventurer, but he’s retired now. Rarity said that he could do some of the strangest things.” “Thank you!!!” Ocarina hugged Octavia, kissing her repeatedly. “It was nothing, seriously.” She said in between kisses, “Rarity might still be in touch with him.” “I’ll go to Rarity next then.” Ocarina pulled away and runs out the door, only to pop back in, “Umm. Where does Rarity live?” “Rarity owns the Carousel Boutique, it’s a custom clothing shop near the library.” Octavia explained. “Thank you again!” Ocarina said right before she whizzed back out the door. Octavia just chuckled, “The energy in that kid.” “Rarity?” Rain Whisper called into Carousel Boutique. “Are you in here?” “Yes! Of course darling!” Rarity called from upstairs in a hurried tone. “Just... give me a moment.” “What’s wrong?” Rain Whisper asked, walking up the stairs slowly. “Uh, nothing, my dear!” Rarity chuckled, “Nothing at all!” Rain Whisper knew how Rarity could be and rolled her eyes, opening the door to reveal Rarity with a pair of scissors above her mane. “What are you doing?” Rain Whisper asked. “Taking care of this once and for all!” Rarity shouted, snipping a single tiny piece of hair from her mane, then bending down and glaring at it. “Grey hair... my worst enemy... you are no match for Rarity!” she said, striking a pose as she said her name. “All of that was just over a grey hair?” Rain asked flatly. “What do you mean ‘Just a grey hair?’” Rarity asked. “Those things are dreadful!” “Yeah, sure.” Rain Whisper said. “Anyways, I need to ask you something.” “What is it darling?” Rarity asked, looking at Rain. Rain Whisper took in a breath and spoke. “I like a pony, but I don’t really know how to tell them.” She said, “I thought, ‘cause you’ve been with other ponies, you could tell me how I’m supposed to do it without messing up.” “Oh, darling, you’ve come to the right pony.” Rarity said with a proud smile. “Now, the key to any stallion’s heart is-” “It’s... not a stallion...” Rain Whisper said with a blush. “It’s a mare?” Rarity asked, seeing Rain’s blush, “Sweety, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about, if that is what you are comfortable with, who is anypony to judge you?” “I don’t know... It’s just... I don’t know if she likes me the same way...” Rain said, rubbing her other leg. “Well why wouldn’t she?” Rarity asked. “Because she’s my best friend...” Rain said. “You mean Quiet Ocarina?” Rarity asked, writing everything down in a notebook with her magic. “...Yeah...” Rain said, sitting down. “You’re afraid she only likes you as a friend?” Rarity asked. “Yes, and I’m afraid if told her, it would ruin our relationship.” Rain said, trying not to look Rarity in the eye. “If you two truly are friends, she wouldn’t let that happen, or let you think that.” Rarity said. “My advice is just to tell her how you feel.” “And what if she doesn’t feel the same way?” “You aren’t supposed to think like that until it happens, no matter how much you think you are prepared, you really won’t be when it comes time to do so.” Rarity said, “Don’t rush it though, try to show her that you care before you tell her.” Rain Whisper hugged the mare in front of her, “Thank you Rarity.” Rarity blushed, “It was my pleasure, darling.” When the two parted, Rain Whisper went back down the stairs and opened the door to leave. Quiet Ocarina smashed her lips directly into Rain Whisper’s as she was walking in the door. They both stood in silence for a moment. “Ummm...” Ocarina said, shuffling her feet, “I need to talk to Rarity.” “Oh, uh, sorry.” Rain said, blushing from the contact. “I’m right here Ocarina, didn’t mean to interrupt you two though, I saw you coming.” Rarity said from the stairs. “What the hell, Rarity, Why didn’t you say anything?!” Ocarina shouted. “You two were so cute when you were embarrassed.” Rarity said with giddiness. “Shut up.” Ocarina said, then remembered why she was there, “Wait, don’t shut up, are you still in contact with Cyber Burst?” “Why yes, why does that matter?” She asked. “I need to find him!” Ocarina stammered, “He could be the key to everything.” “The key to what?” Rarity asked. “EVERYTHING!” Ocarina shouted. “Ok. He lives in Canterlot, at Sweet Apple Acres. The co-founder, actually.” Rarity explained. “Thank you!!!” The blue mare hugged Rarity, then ran out the door, “C’mon Rain!” Rain Whisper stood in place for a few seconds then looked at Rarity, who winked at her and shooed her off. Rain Whisper quickly followed her friend, catching up to her rather quickly. “Where exactly are we going?” Rain Whisper asked. “Well, first, we’re going to my house,” Ocarina said, “Then, we’re going to the train station!” “Alright then, let’s go faster!” Rain Whisper exclaimed, grabbing her friend by the side and teleporting to the front of her house. Just as the two landed from the teleportation spell, Rain Whisper held her head in one hoof. “Ouch, I probably shouldn’t have done that...” Rain said, rubbing her temple. “So I guess we’re not doing that to the train station?” Ocarina asked “I’ll try, but we might be ripped to shreds in the space-time continuum.” Rain Whisper said. “I was just kidding, I don’t want you to hurt yourself.” The blue mare said, “Now, I need to get something.” Quiet Ocarina walked in the front door of her house. Octavia was nowhere to be found. She walked into Octavia’s room to find the pendant on the bed with a note. I expect you’ll want this for your trip. Sorry I couldn’t say goodbye, I had a concert to perform. I love you as much as I’d love my own filly. -Octavia Ocarina placed the note to the side and picked up the pendant, the metallic string too small to fit on her neck. She tried to fit it onto her hoof, where it fit perfectly. “Thank you, mom.” Ocarina said as her tears welled up, but none fell. She walked back outside with the pendant securely on her leg. “You might want to hold on.” Rain Whisper said as magic built up around her horn. “I said I was kidding, don’t kill yourself.” “And you know I don’t take kindly to doubts.” Rain said. “Now grab on.” “Fiiine” Ocarina said, placing a hoof on Rain Whisper’s shoulder. With a flash of light, the two mares vanished and reappeared at the train station, where Rain Whisper almost fell over from dizziness. “Told you I could do it!” Rain said triumphantly. “Sure sure. Let’s go!” The earth mare said. The two mares walked to buy their tickets. The train would come in ten minutes, which gave them time to talk. “So. You ever been to Canterlot before?” Ocarina asked “Once, with my mom when I was younger for her to talk to Luna.” Rain said, “What about you?” “A few times, for my Mother’s concerts.” She said, “Not much besides that.” “What’s it like now?” Rain asked. “Well, the Castle is still the same.” Ocarina explained, “Actually, Canterlot was one of the lesser destroyed cities of Equestria, so it’s pretty similar to what it was before” “Oh, that’s good.” Rain said, scraping her hoof around awkwardly, thinking about what happened at the Boutique. “So, ummm. Why were you at Rarity’s?” “I, uh... we were talking about somepony.” Rain replied quickly. “I bet that pony is something special.” Ocarina said, “Oh, look, the train’s early.” The train pulled into the station, few ponies stepping off because of the time. “You have no idea...” Rain Whisper mumbled as they both got on the train. “...She’s just a small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world.” Ocarina sang, “She took the midnight train going anywhere!” “What song is that?” Rain Whisper asked, “I’ve never heard it.” “I-I don’t know.” Quiet Ocarina stammered, “It just came to me.” > Train rides can be hazardous to your emotions. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rain Whisper was laying her head in Quiet Ocarina’s lap, starting to fall asleep for the night. “Hey Oca?” Rain asked, “You awake?” “One of us has to be.” She replied. “Um... I wanted to say sorry for what happened at Rarity’s today, I hadn’t meant to do what I did.” Rain said, burying her head deeper into Ocarina’s lap. “It’s okay.” Ocarina said, looking out the window, “It’s as much my fault as yours.” “Thanks,” Rain said quietly, smiling to herself a bit, “You know, for an accidental kisser you’re pretty good at it.” “Heh, I’ve had a few boyfriends in my time.” Ocarina winked. Rain looked up at Ocarina, “Oh, do tell.” “I’m not going to tell tell you about my relationships!” Ocarina laughed. “You’re no fun.” Rain said with a smile and a giggle. “Go to sleep!” Ocarina said, pushing Rain Whisper’s face with her hoof. “Tell me a story!” Rain giggled. “Once upon a time, there was a place that never rained.” Ocarina waited a few moments, “The end.” “Wow.” Rain said, “You suck at telling stories.” “And you’re nineteen years old.” She retorted, “You don’t need a story.” Rain Whisper stuck her tongue out at Ocarina and then turned away, closing her eyes. “It’s not that I want to stay up, it’s just that I don’t want to fall asleep.” Ocarina thought, gritting her teeth, “Those things I saw earlier, they may return.” “I think they have a fold out bed if you want to lay down too.” “Nah, I’m fine sitting up.” Ocarina said. “Well too bad, you need to sleep.” Rain Whisper said, jumping up and pulling something out from under the seats, which became a quite large bed, which she quickly laid down on, patting the spot beside her. “No, it’s really okay.” Ocarina replied, “One of us needs to make sure we don’t miss our stop.” “We arrive later in the morning and if we’re going on an adventure for an adventurer, you need your beauty sleep” Rain said, pulling Ocarina onto the bed beside her and hugging her like a teddy bear. “No arguments.” “You’re really demanding, you know that?” Ocarina said, looking down at the mare. “You’re really persistent, you know that?” Rain fired back, looking up at her with a grin. It was now Ocarina’s turn to stick out her tongue. She lay down looking the other way. Rain Whisper still had a death grip on her, giggling at the mare. “Um. You can let go now.” Ocarina said pleasantly. “No I can’t, you’re so warm and cuddly.” Rain said, beginning to nod off. “And you’re cold as hell.” Ocarina said, gently trying to get out of Rain Whisper’s grip Rain Whisper’s body began to heat up by stealing Ocarina’s body heat and leaving her cold when she turned away. “Again, no fun.” Rain said. “Rain...” Ocarina warned. “No, I’m gonna stay warm all alone on this side of the bed.” Rain Whisper said with a hurt tone at the end of her sentence. “Fine, I generate my own body heat anyway.” Ocarina retorted. “Fine.” Rain said, trying to hide her emotion, “I don’t care.” “Hey, what’s the matter?“ Ocarina asked, rolling towards Rain Whisper. “Nothing, you wouldn’t care.” “Don’t ever say it’s nothing. You create a paradox.” Ocarina said, hugging the mare, “And I do care.” “I- I...” Rain said, turning to face Ocarina. “Yes?” Ocarina nudged. “I...” Instead of finishing her sentence, she hugged Ocarina. “You like me as more that just a friend, don’t you?” Ocarina asked. “Mmhmm” Rain Whisper nodded into Ocarina’s fur. Ocarina could feel Rain’s heart beating in her chest. But she had to turn it down. “Oh Rain, I’m so sorry.” Ocarina said, “I don’t love you that way.” Rain’s heart fell like a dead weight in her chest. “I’m so, so, sorry.” Ocarina said, “I hope we can get through this as friends.” Rain Whisper didn’t speak, but she turned away and sniffed, then after a few minutes, she fell into a dark pit that was sleep. “I thought about what’d happen if I told you that.” Ocarina sighed, “And this was inevitable.” After a few hours, a voice echoed through the quiet train car. “Don’t...” “What, Rain?” Ocarina said, looking out the window into the barren landscape. “Please, I’m sorry.” “Sorry for what, Rain?” Ocarina giggled, slightly confused. “Can’t we still- We aren’t?” Rain mumbled. “We aren’t what?” Ocarina said, looking back at the mare. “But...” She whispered, pain lacing every word she spoke. “Where are you going?” “I’m not going anywhere, Rain.” Ocarina said, placing one hoof on Rain’s shoulder. “No!” Rain shouted. “Don’t go!” “Rain? Wake up!” Ocarina said, placing her other hoof on Rain Whisper, who had tears drenching her cheeks. “Don’t leave me!” Rain now flailed in her sleep, tears began to stream down her face. “Please!” “Wake up, Rain!” Ocarina shook the mare. “No!!!” Rain Whisper screamed, snapping awake and sitting up with her hoof out, like she was trying to hold somepony back. She seemed to be locked in that position. “Rain?” Ocarina said, “Are you okay?” Rain looked over at Ocarina through tear-filled eyes,then tackling her down and death gripping her. “Don’t leave me.” she said between sobs. “Please, don’t leave me!” “Why would I?” Ocarina said, hugging the mare back. “You’re too awesome.” “Please... don’t leave me...” She said as she wailed into her friend’s shoulder. “I won’t.” Ocarina petted the mare’s mane. Rain Whisper finally calmed into controlled sobs after a while, never letting go of Ocarina. Rain finally pulled away to look at Ocarina, still with glazed over eyes. “So, are you okay?” Ocarina giggled. “It’s not funny.” “That’s not what I’m laughing about, I’ve asked you probably six times.” “Asked me what?” “Seven times, are you okay?” Ocarina asked once more “No...” “I guess we’ll just have to hug ya’ better then!” Ocarina tackled Rain Whisper. “I didn’t think you liked mares, Ocarina” “That doesn’t mean I can’t be friends with them!” Ocarina said. “I’m sorry.” Rain said. “Why?” “This.” She said quickly. Rain Whisper leaned in towards Ocarina and kissed her, not pulling away. Ocarina was the one to pull away. “I know you like me, but you’re going to have to restrain some of this.” Ocarina said, looking her over. “You know you like it.” Rain said, giving her another peck on the lips and falling back down into her pillow. “That’s the thing, I don’t.” Ocarina said, irritated, “So stop.” “Fine, be that way.” Rain Whisper said, “No need to get so mean about it.” “You’re messing with iron here.” Ocarina said, “Don’t get burned.” “I think the word you’re looking for is...” Rain Whisper’s mane caught on fire, changing her eye color to a burning orange. “...fire.” “No..” Ocarina got nose to nose with the mare, “I mean iron.” Rain pushed back when Ocarina got nose to nose with her, getting slightly irritated. “How does iron burn?” “Everything burns at a high enough temperature.” Ocarina said, “How do you not get metaphors?” “Because they suck.” Rain said with a giggle. “Well get used to it.” Ocarina said, slumping down on the bed. “I’ve gotten used to it.” Rain said, “You get used to me.” “I shouldn’t have to get used to something that’s been around all my life.” Ocarina said, shocked at the mood change. “Then why do you get so angry when I do this?” Rain said, stealing yet another kiss and turning around as if to avoid getting bitten. “Because you know I don’t love you like that.” Ocarina said again, stomping one hoof. “How do you love me then?” “Like a sister.” Ocarina said, “You’re the closest thing I have to one.” “Well, you’re gonna have to live with a mare who loves you more than that for quite a bit...” She said, disappearing under the covers. Then popping her head out and licking the mare’s cheek. “No..” Ocarina said, getting nose to nose again, “You’re going to have to live with somepony who doesn’t love you the same way you got that?” “Hmm... let me be you for a second,” Rain said, rubbing her nose against Ocarina’s when she had gotten nose to nose with her. “Deal with it.” “Fine, find somepony else to share this room with.” Ocarina got off the bed and strutted towards the door. “Oh no you don’t,” Rain said, grabbing her just before she left and dragged her back into the bed. “Sorry sis,” she said, curling up around Ocarina. Ocarina wriggled out of Rain Whisper easily, “Stop it, you’re really going to be burned.” “Oooo, I’m really scared.” Rain Whisper said. “Does that count as my Burn Notice?” “I’m going to leave you if you don’t stop it this instant.” Ocarina shouted. “You gonna jump off the train?” “That is... an option.” Ocarina said quietly. Rain stood up and grabbed Ocarina by the back, before she could protest, they had teleported off of the train and into a dark winter storm. “Let go.” Ocarina growled. “Take it back.” Rain said with hostility in her voice. “No!” Ocarina said, “Let go of me. I will not have you force me to take anything back.” “Do it!” Rain Whisper screamed, a giant pillar of rockshot the two upwards, above the snowstorm. “NEVER!” Ocarina screamed back. “WHY DID YOU SAY YOU’D LEAVE?!” “BECAUSE YOU’VE CHANGED!” Ocarina screamed. A red aura began to circulate around the two pillars and the two ponies. “I HAVEN’T CHANGED!” Rain Whisper roared. “YOU’VE CHANGED YOU...” “Do you really believe that?” “I... NO!” “Then set me down.” “You think y-you can just leave?” Rain Whispers voice deepened and came out in a crazed growl. “No, but I will if you don’t set me down right now.” Ocarina said. A bright red pony appeared next to Rain Whisper, as well as a purple one on her left, they seemed to be speaking in a different language, screaming at Rain Whisper. “Who are they?” The blue mare asked. Rain Whisper darted over towards Ocarina, pushed her off of the pillar into the snowstorm and followed after her, the pillars seemed to detonate at once, after Rain caught Ocarina, a bright flash surrounded the two, and then they appeared back in the train car. Rain Whisper on the floor, asleep. “What? Wha?” Ocarina looked around the room, disoriented, “Oh.” She looked down at the mare beside her and placed her onto the bed. “What am I gonna do with you?” Ocarina asked nopony in particular. “Looks like I’m not the only one who has nightmares they don’t want to see.” She said. > CONFLICT!!! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rain Whisper awoke to find herself no longer crying in Ocarina’s shoulder. Yet she still gripped her like she was. After the nightmare that had occurred the night before, she hadn’t let go of her. While she was sleeping, she had dreamt of Quiet Ocarina, only a Quiet Ocarina that hated her. Hated her for who she was. What she was. When she looked over at the back of the mare that she still held for dear life, she licked at the sharp incisor teeth that accompanied her other teeth. She hadn’t told her, nor would she. She didn’t want her dream to become a reality. “So, you’re awake now.” Quiet Ocarina said, “Your breathing quickened.” “Yeah, I am.” Rain replied, “Did I wake you?” Ocarina giggled, “No.” Ocarina looked with a smile at Rain Whisper, “We’re almost there, Canterlot.” “How much longer do you think?” Rain Whisper asked, loosening her grip. “About... Ten minutes.” Ocarina said, returning her view to the window. “Hey, Um... Could we talk, about last night I mean.” Rain asked. “For all I care, it never happened.” Ocarina said, “We’re still friends.” “How long did I keep you awake when I was crying?” Rain Whisper moved around in place. “Honestly, you didn’t keep me awake at all.” Ocarina replied. “My fear was strong enough to do that.” She thought, keeping her tongue still, “Not of her, I can deal with her.” “Oh, okay.” The white mare whispered, smiling a bit when she closed her eyes. “How are you feeling?” Ocarina asked. Rain opened her eyes to look at Ocarina, revealing a purple left eye and a red right eye that faded quickly into the normal light blue. “I feel fine.” “Are you sure?” Ocarina looked back with confusion on her face. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Rain Whisper asked, twirling her tongue around in her own mouth. Ocarina studied Rain Whisper, “Well, she did use a lot of energy.” “No reason, just, I thought you’d be a little hurt from me...” Ocarina trailed off, and bit her lip. Rain’s eyes fell, but she didn’t show any emotion. “I can deal with it...” She said, “There are other ponies...” Ocarina tackled Rain Whisper, hugging her tightly, “That’s what I like to hear!” Rain gave a weak smile, but hugged back wholeheartedly. “C’mon, we’re about to land on the platform.” Ocarina said, pulling away and walking to the door. Rain Whisper followed eagerly, putting the bed under the seats again. The train slowly pulled into the station. Many ponies pushed their way onto the train. It took a few minutes for the two mares to get off, but there’s no challenge great enough for this pair. They both looked around for a map. Once they found one, it was easy to find the biggest apple orchard in Equestria. The front gate was a reasonable size. “You know, just by looking at this gate, I can tell that these ponies don’t care about their wealth.” Ocarina said, “I mean, they’re humble.” “My mom said that before all of this, the streets were filled with snotty, high-horse ponies.” Rain Whisper said. “Well, not these ponies.” Ocarina continued, “If they were, their gates would be much bigger.” “Let’s stop talking about their gates and go where we were going.” Rain chuckled, pushing Ocarina. “Okay, okay.” Ocarina giggled. Cyber Burst was walking from the hill he always went to to raise/lower the sun. Thinking about Roseluck. “I mean, I know she liked me, she told me when we met,” Cyburst said aloud, “But I didn’t know she liked me THAT much.” “...Well, it just goes to show that mares are weird...” Phoenix replied. Cyburst looked ahead of him to find two mares walking towards the big house in the distance. “I wonder what’s up?” He said, “I chose this place because it was quiet.” “...Cyburst...” Phoenix growled. “What’s up with you?” He replied. “...The blue one, look at her ankle...” Phoenix said. Cyburst squinted to see what Phoenix was talking about. The blue pony did have something on her ankle. It was not round. It had an irregular look to it. The color. The shape. Even the string it was connected to. It‘s almost like- Cyburst’s eye’s flared with anger. He teleported towards the two. Suddenly, Ocarina felt a weight on her back. Her legs collapsed and she fell face first into the dusty road. She was about to get up when she felt a cold blade touch the back of her neck. Ocarina’s eyes went wide with fright. “Hey!” Rain Whisper yelled at the figure that appeared from seemingly nowhere. “Get off of her!” She said, trying to push him off. “Shut up!” The red unicorn shouted, kicking the mare square in the stomach. The stallion grabbed ahold of Ocarina’s leg and pulled it back. “WHERE DID YOU GET THIS?!” He shouted. “I-I” Ocarina stuttered. Suddenly, a light blue bolt of electricity struck the red stallion in the side, when he turned to see from whom, the mare he had kicked had electricity surging out of her body. “Off!” She shouted. “Or what? Ya’ gonna hit me with more electricity?” The red stallion spat. The mare’s mane and tail caught ablaze and she threw herself at him, slamming into his side where the lighting had connected. “So you're not just a one trick pony?” He raised an eyebrow, “This could be interesting.” “Get off of her so you can see more tricks!” Rain shouted, now raising the earth from under her to reach his height. The stallion teleported under her. “Or what?” He whispered before kicking her stomach again. The mare started to feel the pain and tears welled up in her eyes. “Or...I’ll...” she trailed off, not knowing how to threaten the stallion, she didn’t want to show any weakness, but a tear dripped from her right eye. “Too late!” The stallion shouted. The stallion continued with the kicks, throwing Rain Whisper into the air. Right when she stopped moving upwards, the stallion teleported above her and slashed downward with his sword, shooting her back down. Rain Whisper landed with a loud thud, a few cracks were heard. The mare stayed still for a few seconds, but eventually got to her hooves. She looked at the stallion again, wobbling back and forth. “...Rain Whisper?” A southern voice asked with shock. Rain Whisper looked back to the house she had been attempting to enter. Where an orange earth pony stood. “Applejack?” Rain Whisper asked quietly, before falling back down, unconscious. “What in tarnation is goin’ on here?!” Applejack shouted. The sound of metal hitting the ground echoed. “A-Applejack?” The stallion stammered, “I-I” “Cy, ah’ve neveh’ seen ya’ raise yer’ sword to anypony!” Applejack shouted, running down the walk, “Why’d ya’ do it fer’ Rain Whisper?!” “I-I.” The stallion continued. “Well?” The orange pony looked at him, “Get on with it.” The Stallion’s eyes welled up. to the ground.His knees collapsed and he fell to the ground. “Well, that’s two new things ah’ve seen today.” Applejack said. An electrical current began to surge around Rain Whisper, but instead of light blue, it was purple. Rain’s body twitched once, then a flash of light appeared, when it died down, her father was there, next to her. The stallion looked up, and rubbed his eyes. Mirage had changed since the last time he was seen by Applejack, and the Stallion, a grey beard covered his face and his once ash grey coat had become lighter, along with his mane and tail. “B-but.” The stallion stammered some more. Mirage nodded towards the orange mare. “Good to see you again, Applejack.” He said, then he turned to the red unicorn that was still on the ground, studying him. “B-but.” The stallion, still, stammered. Mirage bent down to the stallion, narrowing his eyes. “Stop saying but and speak.” He said with a hostile voice. “But you’re dead?!” The stallion pointed an accusing hoof. “I assure you, I am very much alive.” He said. “Now, you best tell me what happened to my daughter, and her friend, boy.” “But I saw you die!” the stallion said, pacing back and forth, “Zombification? No, he’s not rotting. Necromancy? No, he has free will.” “Answer me, boy!” Mirage shouted, lighting up with electrical current. “Oh, I knocked her out.” The stallion said absent mindedly, “Hologram? No, he’s tangible.” An electrical sphere appeared around the stallion, closing in on him. The stallion threw his sword down, sticking it into the ground. All the electricity was absorbed through the blade. “Lightning rod.” The stallion said, still pacing, “Mutant? No, it’s an exact copy.” Mirage tackled the stallion, pinning him down, forcing him to keep still while not letting him break free. “Oi, let me go.” The stallion struggled. A bubble appeared around the two, locking them in it together. Mirage stared the stallion down, looking into his eyes without blinking, “I did die.” He said. “How do you know that?” He asked, starting to choke the stallion with the lack of air in the bubble. “I cannot say” The Stallion said, “And trying to kill me won’t get you anywhere. Animated dead? No, still has free will.” The bubble dissipated and Mirage landed on top of the pony. “Tell me what I want to know.” He said, “I am not any of those things, I had an internal discharge when somepony sent an electrical current through my body, reviving me.” “Well, why didn’t you say so?!” The stallion said, “That explains everything. Except...” The stallion studied Mirage closely, as in, face to face. “You’re aging.” Mirage’s eyes clouded. “I... I know.” He said, “I’ve passed on my traits, all of us have, it’s giving us the luxury of staying with our loved ones through death.” He explained, getting off of the pony and looking back at Rain Whisper, who was being carried inside by Applejack. “If we can go somewhere more secluded, I will tell you more.” “So she has your... stuff.” The stallion said. “AHEM!!!” Quiet Ocarina cleared her throat loudly. “What is it, Ocarina?” Mirage asked, turning around. “Well, he jumped on me first.” She explained. “Oh! That’s right.” The stallions eyes lit up. He teleported to Quiet Ocarina and looked at her carefully, walking around her. “Hmm..” The Stallion studied Quiet Ocarina’s Cutie Mark. “Ummmm...” Ocarina shuffled away, “Little too close, big boy.” “Oh sorry, just... nevermind” The stallion changed subjects, “Where did you get that anklet, I might ask?” “What’s it to you?!” Ocarina said, bringing her hoof to her chest. “Nothing.” The stallion chuckled, “Sorry for jumping on you.” “Yeah, that was kinda creepy.” The mare said, “But there’s no harm done.” “Good! My name’s Cyber Burst.” The Unicorn said, “What’s your name?” “Y-your Cyber Burst?!” Quiet Ocarina asked, “Woah!” “She’s gonna be alright if anypony was wonderin’!” Applejack yelled from inside. “Yeah, yeah, why? Is that strange?” Cyber Burst said, a glass of water floating next to him, “Oh, call me Cyburst, or Cy.” “Well, I didn’t expect you to be so...” Ocarina trailed off. “So what?” Cyburst said, taking a drink. “So...” Ocarina said, “so young.” “Pfft!” Cyburst laughed awkwardly, spitting out water. “What?” Ocarina said. “Nothing!” Cyburst said quickly. “Cy? Are ya’ even listenin’ to me?” Applejack called again. “What? Sorry Applejack, I wasn’t listening.” Cyburst said, shuffling sideways, “But I bet that mare was hurt pretty bad. Better go check on her.” Cyburst ran towards the big house. “He’s...” Ocarina trailed off, “Something.” “Well, would you look at the time!” Mirage chuckled nervously. “I’d better get home for dinner! You girls have fun!” Mirage seemed to power up, then vanished into thin air. Quiet Ocarina walked up to the big house to check on Rain Whisper. > The slightly awkward day afterwards > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Apple Seed, can you go check on Rain Whisper?” Rain Whisper opened her eyes, immediately she felt a pain in her head, followed by her back and stomach. Above her was a red stallion, looking off in another direction. Despite the pain, Rain Whisper moved away from him quickly, backing into the corner wall at the edge of the bed. “You’re awake.” Cyburst said, “You’re breathing quickened, by about twelve BPM.” “I... What do you want?” Rain asked in a panicked voice, starting to cry from the pain. “Hmm?” Cyburst looked over, seeing her frightened state, “Oh, crap. Look, I’m sorry. Here.” Cyburst stepped closer to Rain Whisper, earning a swift kick to the chest. “D-Don’t hurt me...” She whimpered. “Ow, look! I don’t even have Silverbolt.” He said as he rubbed his chest, then he raised his hooves. Rain Whisper tucked her legs close to her chest and stayed in the corner, eyeing the stallion like he was trying to trick her. “I said I was sorry.” Cyburst said, his horn started to glow, “Just stay still.” “Why?!” Rain shouted. “What are you doing?!” “Healing you.” He said, a red aura surrounding Rain Whisper. Glass shattered in the doorway. Apple Seed stood there with a look of shock on her face, her red mane seemed to shimmer in the sunlight from an overhead window. Along with a light cream colored coat, they seemed to contrast perfectly with each other. “Cy, What are you doing to her?!” “Trying to heal her with my magic,” He said, “But she won’t stay still!” “Honey,” Apple Seed said, turning to Rain Whisper. “stay still, Cyber Burst is a good Stallion, you can trust him.” “But-” “Umm, I kinda did scar her for life about an hour before.” He said. “Not. Helping.” Apple Seed growled through her teeth at Cyburst. Cyburst crossed his front legs. “Yeah, yeah.” “Just trust him for a minute.” Apple Seed said. Rain Whisper sighed and held back for a few more seconds, before letting the aura embrace her. “Okay, this may hurt.” Cyburst, “A lot.” At first, Rain Whisper felt nothing. A slight sting as her cuts and bruises faded and closed. Then, it felt like a train hit her at a hundred miles an hour. She felt a snap here and a crack there. It felt like hours, but the pain finally stopped. “I...” She stammered, frozen in place. “Help...” “Sorry about that.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck, “I broke a few of your ribs earlier and had to reset them before healing them.” “Yeah... I noticed...” Rain said softly. Cyburst pulled Rain Whisper for a hug. “I’m so, so sorry.” Cyburst said, “It’s just...” Rain whimpered from the pressure on her chest, but tried to hug him. Then, she felt tears on her shoulder. “Why are you crying?” Rain asked. “I should be the one crying.” “I really couldn’t even start to explain why.” Cyburst said, “Just too many things all at once.” “Um... Cy, I’m gonna need you to step out for a second, I might have to double check some... things of hers... that... uh... y’know...” Apple Seed said. “Oh, of course.” Cyburst said, pulling off and walking out the door, “You’ll know where I’ll be.” “Wait, what?!” Rain asked. “Don’t worry, I’m a nurse in Canterlot.” Apple Seed said. “But-” “This might be important, Rain.” “Stop talking to me like I’m a kid!” Rain Whisper said, crossing her front legs. “You’re no older than me.” “I’m twenty-two.” “I’m nineteen.” Rain said, “Almost twenty.” “Well then, until then, I’m going to treat you by the age you act.” Apple Seed said, rolling her eyes. “So for now I’m going to treat you like a kid.” Apple Seed came outside a few minutes later, sitting down next to Applejack and Quiet Ocarina. “How is she?” Quiet Ocarina asked, “Is she gonna be okay?” “She’ll be fine. Everything is fine.” Apple Seed said, “Cyburst did a great job with his healing spell.” She said, looking over at the red stallion in the distance. Cyburst was laying down on the hill, ‘watching’ the sunset. “Ya’ know, Ocarina, the stallion’s a little older than me.” Applejack said. “Really?!” Ocarina said in shock, “How’d he age so well?” “Nopony knows.” Applejack said, “Look at the family photos on the mantlepiece.” Ocarina went back inside to check above the fireplace, one of the many places the Apple Family kept photos. She started to look at some of the older ones, ones with Granny Smith and Big Mac. After about three or four pictures, Granny Smith and Big Mac stopped showing up. “That’s when the war started.” Applejack said from behind Ocarina, “Ole Granny Smith couldn’t hold ‘er own.” “What happened to Big Mac.” Ocarina asked. “He was lost with ‘er” Applejack said, holding back tears, “But look after that. That’s when Cy came.” Sure enough, Cyburst started to appear in more and more pictures. As the pictures got younger, the Apple Family got older, except for Cyber Burst. His appearance never changed in any of the pictures. “That’s amazing!” Ocarina said. “Ah’ know, right?” Applejack said, “He’s the thing that keeps me going. He never complains about the work he has to do. He always thanks me after every meal. He’s never missed a birthday, neither.” “Wow.” Ocarina could only say in awe. “Oh, Luna...” Rain Whisper said from behind the two, holding her side, “What are you girls doing?” “Oh, nothing.” Applejack said, “You should say laying down. Cyburst’s good, but things break easily.” “I...” Rain swallowed. “I’ll be fine.” She said. “Suit ‘yerself.” Applejack said, walking back outside. “Rain, look at these photos.” Ocarina said, beckoning Rain Whisper with a hoof. “What about them?” “look at Cy in all these photos.” Ocarina moved out of the way. Rain Whisper studied the photos for a few seconds, studying Cyburst in all of them. “Why isn’t he changing?” “Exactly.” Ocarina said, “Rarity said he could do some pretty impossible things, but not aging?” “He has to age, everypony does.” Rain said, going to look at him outside. “He’s no Alicorn, and even Alicorns don’t live forever.” “I think he’s something more..” Ocarina squinted at the Stallion. “Like what?” Rain asked. “I don’t know.” Ocarina said, “But he doesn’t age, that in itself is amazing.” “Yeah, it is.” Rain said, getting an idea. “Let’s go talk to him!” She said, running outside for a few seconds, then stopping. “Oh, you shouldn’t run, your wounds.” Ocarina ran after her. “Fine.” Rain said, making water come out of a stream and cascade around her hooves, levitating her over to the hill that Cyburst was on. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Cyburst said, looking at the sunset. “Yeah, I didn’t think somepony like you would appreciate a sunset.” Rain Whisper said. “It’s one of the only things I still can.” Cyburst said. “What about Applejack? You like having her around don’t you?” Rain Whisper asked looking over her shoulder to try to find out where Quit Ocarina was. Cyburst chuckled, “Yeah, I appreciate her too.” “Do you have something for her?” Rain Whisper asked, seeing the look on his face. “What? No.” Cyburst looked at Rain Whisper, “As a friend, not... like THAT.” “Uh-huh, sure.” Rain said, juggling a bit of water in her hooves. “You know, you have got a strong power there.” Cyburst said, “Use it wisely.” “What do you mean?” Rain said. “There haven’t been any threats since the war ended.” “That’s what you think.” Cyburst said, looking back to the sunset. Rain Whisper got in front of Cyber Burst, staring him in the eye. Cyburst saw her usually light blue eyes were replaced by a purple and a red. “Did you ever meet my father in the war?” “I can neither confirm or deny that.” Cyburst said, studying her eyes, “Have you gotten that checked out?” The purple eye had a bright glow, but Rain Whisper blinked, when her eyes opened, the discolored eyes were gone. “What checked out?” she asked. “That’s creepy...” Cyburst said to himself. “It’s about time you showed up!” Rain called from over Cyburst’s shoulder. “Oh, was I interrupting something?” Ocarina giggled. “No.” Cyburst looked at the blue mare, “How are you feeling?” “Me? I’m fine.” Ocarina said, “Why wouldn’t I be?” Cyburst looked closely at Ocarina. Ocarina looked into Cyburst blue eyes. She turned away after a few moments, blushing. “Hmmm.” Cyburst said, raising an eyebrow, “Okay then.” The sun had set over the far off mountains, darkening the night sky. The moon rose over the group of ponies. It was a crescent at the current time. “We should head back to the house.” Cyburst said, “Give Luna less things to think about.” “Alright, I’ll see you guys back at the house.” Rain Whisper said, taking off towards the house. “I should make sure her wound don’t open back up.” Cyburst said. “Go get ‘em, tiger.” Ocarina said, tapping Cyburst rump. “Gah!” Cyburst ran to Rain Whisper. Ocarina chuckled. Cyburst looked back up at the moon. “You’d better not be doing this.” He said. > Midnight Cravings *Sexy* > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warning: This chapter is rather borderline, so I'm warning you now if you couldn't already guess from the title. If you have any problems with hot lez pony action, please skip to the red text, or shove it up your ass, whatever you prefer. Rain Whisper was up late, it was after everypony had gone to bed. She was walking about in the barn, the moon was in the middle of the sky. She looked up at it and tried to count the craters on the surface, but quickly lost count. The mare sighed, she couldn’t sleep, but didn’t know what she wanted to do when she was awake. She thought she could be able to entertain herself until morning in the barn, but she quickly found out that there was nothing in the barn other than some stacks of hay. Suddenly, an idea formed into her mind. She ran up the stairs towards the hay loft and smiled when she got to the top, jumping off of it and landing in a pile of hay, breaking her fall. She repeated for a few minutes until she was once again, bored out of her mind. Rain was rolling around in the hay for a few minutes, trying to think of something else to do when she suddenly heard the barn door open, a pony stood in the light of the moon, holding something in its hoof, it seemed to be a bottle. “H-heeeey...” Apple Seed said with a slur in her voice. “Have you *hic* tried the cider?” “Apple Seed?” Rain Whisper asked, seeing her wobble towards her. “Are you alright?” “Oh, I’m fine *hic* sweety...” Apple Seed chuckled a bit, “Might be just a *hic* little bit tipsy...” “Shouldn’t you go to bed?” Rain asked, smelling strong apple cider as the mare stepped closer. “Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Apple Seed asked with a grin. “I couldn’t sleep.” Rain said simply, lounging in the hay she had found a bit of comfort in. “Well neither could I!” Apple Seed laughed, “Not with all the cider!” “How much did you drink?” Rain asked with a chuckle, letting the drunken mare lie down beside her. “Just a bit.” Apple Seed said, holding the bottle up to Rain, “You want some?” Rain Whisper rolled her eyes and took the bottle. “Maybe just a little.” After about three full bottles, the two mares were just as drunk as the other, saying random things and wrestling around for the bottle, which was dirt dry. Apple Seed ended up finding her way on top of Rain Whisper, overpowering her for a few seconds. “Y’know, you’re pretty strong for a mare.” Apple Seed said. “You’re a mare too, silly!” Rain snorted, trying to hold back laughter. “You’re also pretty cute for a mare...” Apple Seed said, nuzzling Rain Whisper’s neck. Even in her drunken state, Rain Whisper blushed hard. “Are you kiddin’?” Rain asked. “I’m damn sexy!” “That’s exactly what I was thinking.” Apple Seed said, starting to kiss Rain Whisper’s neck, using her tongue a bit to moisten it. “W-what are you doing?” Rain chuckled, wiggling from the contact. “Turning you on, duh.” Apple Seed said, kissing up Rain’s neck and nibbling on her ear. “K-keep doing that...” Rain squeaked. Apple Seed chuckled and began to kiss back down Rain’s neck and onto her chest, then stopping for a moment and kissing her square on the lips, aggressively digging deeper into her mouth. Rain Whisper returned with just as much force, battling each other’s tongues out of their own mouths to taste another. As they explored each other, they didn’t realize how much noise they were making. Both Rain Whisper and Apple Seed each explored each other’s bodies to the fullest extent, smacking at each other’s flanks to rubbing between each other’s hips, each feeling wetness on their hooves when they did so. As they engorged each other with their lips and tongues, they could taste the sweet apple cider they had shared minutes before, they each ignored each others loud moans that could possibly wake somepony in the house. Apple Seed had now picked up Rain Whisper and slammed her into the side of the barn, not hurting her, but still aggressively doing so. The two never parted lips as they moved around the wall of the barn. RED TEXT “Careful, you don’t want to wake up the neighborhood.” Cyburst said, leaning in the doorway. The two stopped almost instantaneously, slowly parting lips and getting off of each other. “Um...” Apple Seed trailed off, looking into the deep blue eyes of Cyburst. “Did we wake anypony else?” Rain Whisper asked, kicking at the ground and not looking Cyburst in the eye in embarrassment. “I don’t think so.” Cyburst said, chuckling, “I think you’re in the clear.” “I... uh, sorry you caught us like this.” Rain Whisper said, wobbling a bit from the alcohol. “Don’t be.” Cyburst waved a hoof, “You shouldn’t be sorry for something you love. Now, I had thought maybe Apple Seed liked mares, but you Rain, it’s surprising.” “Yeah, I’ve heard that a bit...” Rain Whisper said, bumping into Apple Seed. “Go to bed.” she said. Apple Seed looked over at her and kissed her again, still very aggressively, but pushed herself away after a few seconds, as she left, she wrapped her tail around Rain Whisper’s neck, sliding it around it slowly and lustfully. Then walked past Cyburst to get inside. “Um... I’m guessing you’re going to make jokes about this tomorrow?” Rain asked. “Maybe.” Cyburst grinned, “That’s my choice, isn’t it.” “Yeah... anyways... I should probably get to bed, you won’t be hearing from us anymore tonight.” Rain said, walking past him with a mischievous grin, “We’ll be quiet.” “Likewise.” Cyburst said, bumping into Rain on his way out. “Cy.” Cyburst stopped walking. “Watch the moon.” “Luna?” Cyburst thought. “When the moon is full, a beast will walk Canterlot's streets.” “What do you mean by that?!” Cyburst thought, irritably. “Watch the moon.” “Luna!” Cyburst shouted. “What?” Rain Whisper said, turning around to look at Cyburst. “Huh, oh sorry.” Cyburst shook his head, “Nothing.” As Rain Whisper walked away, Cyburst studied her. Except for the wobbliness, nothing was wrong. Cyburst thought about the Cyan Cylinder that appeared three days ago. “hmmmmm...” Cyburst thought, “That was also at night. Cyburst looked about the moon. It was smiling back down at him. it was to the left. it had just started it’s waxing process. “Phoenix, when was the last new moon?” Cyburst thought. “...Three days ago...” Phoenix replied. > The (Awkward) morning after > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ocarina awoke to find she was sweating. Her sleep was filled with the same gruesome image. The alleyway she was caught in three days before. The mangled parts of the three stallions. She’d need to talk to somepony about it, and she knew exactly who. She got out of the bed and walked to the door. She had a first floor guest room. She walked into the kitchen to find Applejack and Cyburst making a large amount of pancakes. “How did you sleep?” Cyburst asked. “Ah’ slept fine.” Applejack said. “I was asking her.” The stallion replied. Applejack looked back to see Quiet Ocarina standing in the doorway. “I, also, slept fine.” Ocarina lied. Cyburst turned around and squinted at Ocarina, who shuffled back “You keep doing that.” Ocarina said, “Why?” “No reason.” Cyburst said, turning back around. “Well, Ah reckon that Apple Seed would be waken’ up soon.” Applejack said. “I don’t.” Cyburst mumbled. “Well why not?” Applejack asked in an annoyed tone. “Let’s just say it was intuition.” He said. “Okay...” Applejack replied, “Oca, can you be a dear and set the table?” “Sure!” Ocarina replied. Ocarina place some of the plates on the table. Enough for all of the ponies in the house. What’d you expect from the Apple Family? “Fuck...” Rain Whisper said, coming from Apple Seed’s room with her head in her hoof. “Look who’s finally up.” Ocarina said, “Wait, was that the room you were in last night?” “Uh, yeah, I was talking to Apple Seed last night...” Rain Whisper looked up at Cyburst, who was giving her an amused look. “And I fell asleep in there.” She said, scratching her head and noticing that the band that held up her ponytail was gone and her hair was in an absolute mess. “Likely story.” Cyburst said, levitating a plate of hot pancakes to the table. “That’s what happened!” Rain Whisper said defensively. “Whatever. Look, pancakes!” Ocarina said, pointing with her hoof, “Aren’t you hungry?” “A little.” Rain said, sitting down beside Applejack, who scrunched up her nose. “Um... that smells like... uh...” Applejack said, looking over at Rain Whisper, but not speaking anymore. “I guess she ate more than a little last night.” Cyburst said, levitating more pancakes. “Very funny...” Rain mumbled, poking at her pancakes. “What?” Cyburst said, “I wasn’t making any type of joke. I saw you taking some of that apple cider.” “That’s not what it sounded like.” Rain said with an angry tone. “Didn’t it?” Cyburst said, grinning as he sat down next to her. “I thought it did.” Ocarina said, sitting to Cyburst’s other side. “Okay then, so. Who likes syrup on their pancakes?” Cyburst said, picking up the maple syrup. Rain Whisper got up, stomping off into her room and slamming the door behind her. “Now, did I somehow make her mad?” Cyburst said. “What’d you see last night exactly?” Applejack asked. “Nothing too important.” Cyburst said, “Just Rain Whisper eating some Apple.” “Excuse me?!” Rain shouted from her room. “Sorry, plural. Apples.” Cyburst said, putting a hoof over his mouth. Just as Cyburst ended his sentence Apple Seed wobbled out of her room, her red mane sprawled out everywhere. “Morning.” She said simply. “Why, good morning Apple Seed.” Cyburst said, levitating a fork with a piece of pancake, “Did you sleep well?” “Yeah, how about you guys?” Apple Seed said, smiling at Cyburst awkwardly. “Oh, my night was just delightful.” Cyburst said, biting the pancake bite. “Ah’ slept fine.” Applejack said, “But ah’ thought ah’ heard somethin’ down at the barn.” “I slept nicely.” Ocarina said, looking at Cyburst. “Yeah, did you hear anything, Apple Seed?” Cyburst said, biting more pancakes. “Uh, I figured it was just some animal.” Apple Seed said, looking around nervously, “It made some pretty weird noises, though.” “So. do you want some pancakes?” Cyburst said, “They're all nice and wet from the syrup.” “Uh, sure.” Apple Seed said, sitting across from the others. “Well, take your fill.” Cyburst said, finishing off a pancake. “Yeah.” Ocarina said, “fill.” “Well, I think since they got up last,” Cyburst said after the last pancake was eaten, “Apple Seed and Rain Whisper should clean up.” “That IS the rule of the house.” Applejack said, “Ocarina, can you go get Rain Whisper?” “Yeah.” Ocarina said. “Can cyburst come with me?” “What?!” Cyburst said, “I’m pretty sure she doesn’t want to see me, of all ponies, at the moment.” “Aw, okay then.” Ocarina said, walking towards Rain Whisper’s room. “Rain?” She said, knocking on the door. “Yeah?” Rain called from behind the door. “You have to clean up the dishes.” Ocarina said, “Along with Apple Seed.” A flash of light appeared next to Ocarina, Rain Whisper appeared next to her. “Okay.” She growled, walking back into the kitchen. “Apple Seed.” Ocarina went to her room, “You too.” “I’ll be out in a sec!” She called in a cheery voice, almost polar opposite of Rain Whisper’s attitude. “Okay!” Ocarina said giddily. “Now, where did Cyburst go?” Cyburst was nowhere to be seen. “Oh, I really need to talk to him.” Ocarina said. Apple Seed walked out of her room and happily bounced up beside Rain Whisper, giving her a swift kiss on the cheek, then helping her out with what she was doing. Rain looked back at Ocarina and blushed, seeing that she was there. “Whatever.” Ocarina said, “Did you see where Cyburst went?” “I... I think he followed Applejack outside.” Rain Whisper said, trying to hide her face. “Really, interesting...” Ocarina said, she trotted to the door. Ocarina walked out the door to find Cyburst walking with Applejack. “Those two ‘ave a lot of energy, don’t they?” Applejack asked. “Yeah, they certainly do.” Cyburst chuckled, “I hope they can put it to good use.” “Why do ya’ say that?” Applejack said. “Because...” Cyburst trailed off, “Because things will be changing.” “What?” Applejack asked. “Oh nevermind." Cyburst replied. “Cyburst!” Ocarina yelled, “Can I talk to you?” “Sure...” Cyburst said, walking over to the Ocarina, but then looked back to Applejack, “I’ll buck all the trees on the south hill after I’m done with this one.” “Are ya’ sure?” Applejack asked, “That’s a lot of trees.” “Yes, I can do it if I try.” Cyburst replied, slightly irritated, “Now, why did you want to talk to me?” “Can we talk somewhere a little more...” Ocarina shuffled, “Private.” “Ummmmmm...” Cyburst’s face turned a little deeper shade of red, “Okay.” The two ponies walked into the barn. Ocarina locked the door on the way in. A bead of sweat dripped down Cyburst’s brow. They sat down on hay bales opposite of each other. “It’s about why we came all the way to Canterlot.” Ocarina said, shuffling a little more. “Okay.” Cyburst edged her on. “I came here to see...” Ocarina looked into Cyburst’s eyes, “You.” “Look, I’m sorry but-” “Something happened to me four days ago.” Ocarina continued. Cyburst felt a weight fall of his shoulders. “Four days ago, it was my birthday.” Ocarina explained. “Happy belated birthday.” Cyburst interrupted. “Thanks, but that’s not important.” She said, annoyed, “What’s important is what happened that night.” Ocarina explained everything, how the she punched the stallion, how Octavia told her she wasn’t hers, how she was caught in the alleyway, and how she awoke in her bed after that. “So you remember nothing after that?” Cyburst clarified, “Zip, zero, nada?” “No, but there’s something else to.” Ocarina said. “Hmm?” Cyburst raised an eyebrow. “After I woke up, my bathroom was coated in blood.” Ocarina said, “And there were claw marks of something went into my window.” “Well, that sounds like something was in your room with you.” Cyburst lied. “Oh, that’s a relief.” Ocarina said, slipping off the hay bale, “I thought you’d say that I did it.” “I highly doubt you’d be able to rip three stallions apart.” Cyburst said, ”I think that you just need a little more rest. The shock of the moment may have caused temporary amnesia.” “Ok, thank you so much.” Ocarina said, walking to the door. “No, thank you.” Cyburst thought, “You’ve told me quite the story.” “Phoenix, what does this sound like to you?” Cyburst asked. “...I think you know, already...” Phoenix replied. “Yeah, I think I know.” Cyburst grinned. “Quiet Ocarina can BeastOut, but instead of Falzar, she’s got Gregar.” > Cyburst spills some irrelevant beans > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Stay away from me!” Rain shouted, stomping out of the house. “What’s your problem?!” Apple Seed asked, chasing after her. Rain Whisper stomped past Cyburst, looking up at him with discolored eyes, then turning back to wherever she was heading. Cyburst just stood there for a moment, thinking about what he just saw. He walked up to Rain Whisper. “Was there a lover’s quarrel?” Cyburst asked, winking. “I DON’T love her!!!” Rain Whisper shouted with a slightly disembodied voice. “So, how do you feel right now?” Cyburst asked, looking straight into her eyes. “Angry.” She said, staring back. “Is that it?” Cyburst said, putting a hoof under Rain Whisper’s chin. Rain Whisper snapped at Cyburst’s hoof with sharp incisors. “Yes.” She said with tears welling in her eyes. “Sorry.” Cyburst said, pulling his hoof away. Rain Whisper’s red eye glowed, turning the other the same color. The small mare pushed past the stallion with tremendous force, leaving a red aura trail behind her as she walked. “Oi, I’m not done with you!” Cyburst said, trotting after her. “I’m done with you.” She said, sitting down on top of a large hill. “Sorry,” Cyburst said, “But does this hurt?” Rain Whisper felt a sharp searing feeling down her back. She looked back to see Cyburst holding his sword in the air. The mare jumped back and hissed at him, the red aura that surrounded her grew brighter. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes’.” Cyburst said, looking at the sword, “It’s not supposed to.” “Get that thing away from me!” Rain growled. “Why?” Cyburst asked, “I only touched you with the back of the blade.” The mare backed away in a stalking motion, watching Cyburst carefully. Cyburst teleported on top of the mare and pulled up her cheeks, revealing her large canine-like teeth. “Now, that makes sense.” Cyburst said, examining Rain Whisper’s teeth. “Stop!” Rain Whisper said, struggling against the pony, “Get off of me!” “Okay.” Cyburst teleported back in front of the mare, “Can I ask you a question? A really personal question?” The mare stayed in her laying position, the aura died down and her purple eye returned, engulfing the red one. “Have at it.” She said, calming down a bit. “Which one are you?” The stallion asked. “What do you mean?” The mare asked, acting innocent. “Oh, come on.” Cyburst said, sitting down, “You can tell me.” “Fine.” The mare said, looking around. “I- I’m a Lycan.” “There we go.” Cyburst said, standing back up, “Do you want me to explain how I figured you out?” “My dad and mom think I’m a vampire though...” Rain said, avoiding the question. “That’s irrelevant.” Cyburst said, “It’s a simple yes or no.” “Sure.” She said, glaring up at him. “Good.” Cyburst said, unsheathing his sword, slowly, “As you might’ve already guessed, this sword is made of silver, hence the name, Silverbolt. I touched you with the back of the blade, which would only be cold for a regular pony. Thus, figuring out you’re supernatural.” “So you named your sword, and you talk to yourself?” Rain said, standing up and circling him. “Who is it you talk to? You have an animal inside that I should know about?” She asked. “First, everypony names their sword.” Cyburst said, closing his eyes, “Second, two animals, I talk to. Third... That doesn’t really matter.” “I told you.” Rain said, getting back in front of him. “Now you tell me.” She demanded. “Fine, I guess you’re right anyway.” Cyburst sighed, then chuckled, “I guess we all have our secrets.” “We do.” Rain said, sitting down in front of him. “Okay, first things first, I can’t tell you about one of the ponies I talk to.” Cyburst looked into her eyes, “Sworn to secrecy, mind you. The second... animal I talk to isn’t really an animal at all. It’s a very advanced computer program that was created to fight another very, very strong computer program. The name of the computer program I have inside me was originally named Falzar, but it goes by Phoenix now.” Rain Whisper stared at Cyburst, “You have a very... odd secret.” “And you’re incredibly overpowered, you can’t even imagine how much power you have.” Cyburst said, pulling Rain Whisper close, “You may not even be able to access it all right now.” Rain Whisper acted like she was embarrassed, “My parents never let me go out when there was a full moon, I’ve never even seen myself as a Lycan.” “Now that... May or may not be good.” Cyburst said, his cheek touching Rain Whisper’s. “Should I try it?” Rain asked, acting like it may be a good idea. “I’m... Not sure.” Cyburst said, “The longer you don’t see the full moon, the stronger you’ll be, but you’ve had what... nineteen years of not-seeing-ole-Cynthia, you may already be too powerful to be stopped.” “When is the next full moon?” Rain asked, bouncing happily and not listening to Cyburst’s warnings. “Hmmm? Oh, about...ten days, I think.” Cyburst said, looking up, “I’ll just say it’s your decision, but be warned.” Cyburst got nose to nose with the mare, holding her shoulders. “If you go berserk,” Cyburst said, “ I’ll do everything I can to stop you.” “I’m not gonna go crazy.” Rain laughed, “And why did you call the moon Cynthia? Do you talk to the moon as well? Can you make it become full faster than ten days?” Rain bombarded the stallion with questions. “You just don’t get it, do you?” Cyburst said, turning around, “You don’t control the beast, the beast controls you. Oh, and I can’t talk to the moon, but I can make it full faster.” “If you promise to make the moon full, I’ll promise to contain myself.” Rain said. “That’s not a promise you can make.” Cyburst sighed, and lay on his back. “Oh, come on,” Rain said, laying beside him, looking at him with puppy dog eyes, “Please?” “No!” Cyburst said, Getting back up, “It’ll eventually happen, even I couldn’t prevent it. You’ll just have to wait for ten days.” Rain Whisper crossed her forelegs, blowing her loose hair out of her face, “Fine.” She said. “Plus I want to see you squirm with anticipation!” He said, jumping on top of her. “That’s no fun.” She said, “I’ll just ask Luna then.” “She’ll say the same thing.” Cyburst said, trying to find Rain Whisper’s weak spot. “I’m not ticklish.” Rain said, “You can ask Ocarina.” “Now that’s really no fun.” Cyburst said, flicking her nose. Rain Whisper felt a light pressure from his hoof under her neck, and squirmed just enough for him to notice. “Oh, you cheeky little liar!” Cyburst said, softly poking the same spot. Rain giggled a little, but tried to stifle it. “It- It hurts!” She lied, “It doesn’t tickle.” “Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight.” Cyburst said, starting to poke it faster. Rain chuckled loudly, trying to squirm out from under him. “Stop it!” “Oh I haven’t had this much fun in ages!” He said, showing no signs of letting up. “Someone’s gonna think the wrong thing though!” Rain tried, laughing every time he touched that spot. “As much as I hate to say it, you’re right.” Cyburst said, getting off her. As Rain looked around, she saw a rabbit in the distance, looking at them wide eyed. “Heh, heh...” She said, turning around and starting back to the house. “Rain...” Cyburst said behind her. “What?” She asked, turning around. He was face to face with her again. “Be careful.” Cyburst said, “It’ll be harder to stay inside at night the closer the full moon comes.” “Don’t worry,” Rain said, turning around to hide a grin, “I’ll stay in.” “That’s not what I’m trying to say.” Cyburst said, “Make your own decision, but make sure it’s YOUR decision.” “Okay.” She said, moving faster back towards the house. Cyburst sighed. “Two mares,” Cyburst said, “One’ll threaten the world, one will stand by watching.” “The only problem is I don’t know which one’s which.” > Shit storms and bloody forms > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quiet Ocarina awoke in the guest bedroom she’d be staying in for the last eight days. She could hardly keep still. Her nightmares were getting worse and worse. First they were just images of dead ponies. But then, other things started invading her mind. Emotionally hurting images that brought questions to her mind. Why hadn’t Cyburst returned any of the affection she’d been giving him? What connection did he have with Applejack? Why’d he follow Rain Whisper when she was angry? She got out of bed to find yet another small, almost unnoticeable trail of blood. One would only see it if they were looking for it. It lead back towards the barn, like they always do. It directly lead towards a small potato cellar, one that hadn’t been used for at least a year. Well, until now. She found, yet again, a dead pony corpse down there. She was surprised that it hadn’t been stinking up the whole barn, but she wasn’t complaining. For all she knew, somepony was framing her. “Oca?” A voice called from the door of the barn, “Are you okay?” Quiet Ocarina quickly turned around, just Cyburst, “What? Yeah. I’m fine. Just stretching my legs.” “By going into a barn?” Cyburst questioned. “Yeah.” Ocarina said, quickly, “The smell of hay. Keeps me going.” “Okay then.” Cyburst said, walking away, “There’s food on the table, if you want any.” “I’ll be sure to pop in.” The mare said, slowly walking behind Cyburst. They both went back to the Big House, finding their way to the table to eat. Rain Whisper, Apple Seed, and Applejack were already eating. “There ya’ are! Where was she, Cy?” Applejack asked. “In the barn.” Cyburst said simply, watching Ocarina out of the corner of his eye. “Yeah, just running around in the barn.” Ocarina said, taking an apple off the table. “Aaanyway, how are you feeling, Rain?” Cyburst said, looking towards the white unicorn. “Do you guys smell that?” Rain asked, ignoring the question. “Smell what?!” Ocarina asked,“Oh, you mean my new perfume?” “It’s not perfume, your perfume smells good.” Rain said, getting up from the table. “Rain, you never answered my question.” Cyburst said calmly, “How are you feeling?” “Like a dog.” Rain answered, walking up to Ocarina and inhaling. “Why do you smell so different?” “Well if you think it’s that bad,” Ocarina said, “I’ll just take the perfume back today.” Rain Whisper raised an eyebrow, then turned her head in a different direction, inhaling again. “It doesn’t trail to your room...” she said. “It trails to the barn.” “I sweat up a storm in there.” Ocarina said, shaking slightly, “Some of it must’ve came off. I’ll go clean it up right now.” “Stop it, you two.” Applejack said, “Sit down and eat your breakfast.” “I’ll be right back.” Rain said, ignoring Applejack too. The mare trotted outside, walking towards the barn. “Hey!” Applejack shouted, “Get back here!” The mare opened the barn door with her magic, inhaling again. “What is that...?” Suddenly, a rope went around Rain Whisper’s hooves and pulled them together. “Ah’ won’t have ya’ not listening to the mare of the house.” Applejack said, dragging the mare back, “When ah’ tell ya’ to do somethin’, you better do it!” “For Luna’s sake, Applejack!” Rain shouted, “Let me go look!” “Not until Ah’ teach ya’ some manners.” Applejack said, tightening the rope. Suddenly, a magical pair of scissors cut the lasso that bound Rain Whisper together. The mare quickly got out of her bonds. “Do you want me to finish my breakfast?” Rain asked, levitating the plate over to her. “Fine!” The breakfast disintegrated from the plate from a quick burst of magic. Applejack tackled the smaller mare. “Ah’ don’t know what they teach youngin’s in Ponyville anymore,” She said, “But wasting food that Ah’ worked so hard to get is not okay in mah’ book. Cy, get mah steel cable.” The smaller mare’s body began to heat up spontaneously, burning Applejack more every degrees her body temperature rose. Rain Whisper levitated into the air, while Cyburst walked to look at Applejack. “Why the hell would you do that, Rain Whisper!?” Cyburst shouted, “You hurt Applejack!” “I didn’t know they still allowed ponies to get whipped!!!” Rain shouted, “I don’t know what they’re teaching her here, but that’s not okay in my book!” Rain mocked. “She didn’t whip you.” Cyburst said, levitating Rain Whisper close, “She was trying to get you to stop... Whatever you're doing! And you burned her!” Rain looked over towards Ocarina. “Then if you won’t let me go in there, tell me.” She shouted at her friend. “What smells like blood?!” “Nopony else can smell anything!” Cyburst shouted, anger radiating from him, “The only thing that’s happened is you accused Ocarina of smelling weird and running out here. To Applejack, that’s an act of defiance! If you want to stay here, you’re going to have to follow her rules!” Rain turned her head back to the barn and swung open the cellar door with her magic. “Go look then!” Rain shouted, “If you don’t believe me, go look!” “There’s nothing in there!” Cyburst said, “That cellar hasn’t been used for over a decade!” Cyburst levitated Rain Whisper closer to him. “Look, I know it’s almost here, but you need to control yourself.” Cyburst said so only Rain Whisper could hear. Rain leaned in closer. “I know that the little computer inside of your head knows that it’s there, why don’t you go check for yourself if you’re so sure.” Cyburst encased Rain Whisper in a force shield. He walked over to the cellar and peered inside. He turned around and stomped right up to Rain Whisper. “Nothing’s there, Rain.” Cyburst spat, holding his head,“Dammit, just... you’re staying right there for the rest of the day.” Rain Whisper glared at the pony as he walked away, smashing into the side of the force shield. “Well fuck you then!” she shouted. Cyburst picked up Applejack, who was still covered in burns, “Don’t worry, I’ll get you fixed up right now.” “P-please.” Applejack stuttered, before passing out. Cyburst looked back at Rain Whisper, then closed his eyes and shook his head. The night had come faster than the mare had expected, the force shield was expanded so she could sleep in it overnight. As the mare looked up into the moonlit sky, she thought of what Cyburst had told her. “You don’t control the beast, the beast controls you.” He said “If you go berserk, I’ll do everything I can to stop you.” She remembered him threaten. The mare stood up in her cage. “I can handle myself.” She said aloud, “He doesn’t know what I can and can’t do.” The mare looked up at the moon again, focusing her eyes on it. “Let’s try... this.” The unicorn focused all of her magic onto the gleaming beauty that lit the night sky, fighting against gravity to move it like Luna did, she knew there was such little chance she could replicate something so delicately, but she had to try, she had to prove to Cyburst, to everypony inside, what she was capable of. The mare now used anger and frustration as a weapon against Luna’s moon. Rain thought of the anxiety she had from waiting for the moon, the stupid moon, just to become full. The mare focused all of her emotions around what she was trying to do, her horn glowed brighter than ever before, her head pounded like she was being hit with a sledgehammer, her nose began to bleed, seeping into her mouth, the mare spit the blood like venom, seeing that the moon was almost totally encased in her magic, just as she thought of giving up- The pressure stopped altogether. The pain in her head, gone. The strain on her magical capabilities, gone. The brightness of her horn, gone. The mare had just noticed she had closed her eyes, so she opened them, looking up at the moon, which had been fully encased by her magic. It tilted just as she wanted, it felt like the weight of a book in her magic. The mare smiled devilishly. The moon tilted, losing its crescent shape and becoming a sphere. A full moon. The magic from the Rain Whisper’s horn faded, just as the moon’s magical field faded. The moon now seemed to stare back at Rain Whisper, showering her with a beautiful light show. “It’s-” The mare felt a burning feeling in her eyes, as a reflex, she looked away, thinking it would go stop. It did not. Rain’s very bones felt as if they were breaking. It felt like Cyburst’s healing spell, only it broke the bones, then repaired them, only to expand. Her mind clouded with pain, her body told her to scream, so she opened her mouth, all that emerged was a blood curdling roar, then an animal-like, low growl that came from her throat followed. The pain continued, leaving a convulsing and twitching Rain Whisper inside of a force shield. The sound of glass shattering could be heard. A pony rolled in the dark. “No, no, no, no, no.” A voice cried, “Mon dieu.” The pony walked up to the force shield. “This wasn’t supposed to happen tonight.” It continued, “The moon isn’t even full.” The pony’s eye looked up to the sky. “Well, guess Cynthia had other plans.” The voice said, stepping into the light. It was Cyburst. A shattered-glass covered Cyburst. “It wasn’t my doing.” Luna said, “I hadn’t moved the moon for a while now.” “How long’s a while?” Cyburst said. “Three hours.” Luna giggled. “Oh yeah, that’s a really long time.” Cyburst said, pulling out some glass. The mare inside of the force shield got to her feet, looking up at the moon, then her hooves. “It didn’t work?” She asked no one in particular, looking at her body, which hadn’t changed. “Of course it did.” Cyburst said, pulling out more glass, “It’s just a matter of time, time I could use to move the sun.” The mare latched to the side of the force shield, staring down at Cyburst with newly acquired golden eyes. “Don’t move it!” She growled, with rising hostility in every word she spoke. “I moved the moon, I get to see this.” “I’m not going to.” Cyburst said, taking out a shard from his eye, “As long as you can control yourself.” “I ca-” The mare fell over, twitching around again and struggling to get to her feet, she spoke, but it was not her voice that Cyburst heard. “It... hurts...” she said, flailing inside of the force shield. “Come on...” Cyburst said, “Prove me wrong.” The mare turned her body, looking down at Cyburst as she slowly began to stand on her hind hooves, which had extended into dog-like legs. She inhaled and exhaled loudly, growling in between. “Come on!” Cyburst said, shaking the glass out of his mane, “Keep control...” Her fur turned from its usual white to a darkening grey with several white streaks going down her back, which had now hunched over a little more than usual. The paws started to form on her hind hooves, then the hooves she had pressed against the force shield, which the now over six inch claws dug through. “You can do it.” Cyburst edged her on, “I know you can.” Her mane seemed to disappear into her back completely, her ears pointed backwards and her front arms extended tremendously. Her eyes became smaller, but still remained the bright glowing color. “Take over and control yourself.” Cyburst said, putting his face to the shield, “Your mother did.” Her muzzle extended and her teeth grew to a size that doubled a shark tooth, her horn was completely gone, all of her teeth sharpened and her mouth hung open, where she began to salivate like a hungry predator. A black nose appeared on the end of her muzzle, becoming wet as soon as it appeared. Her tail copied the color of her fur and grew longer, fingers began to replace the front paws, so they could be used to grab objects and climb. The mare leaned back, looking up at the pale, bright full moon. “Come on!” Cyburst shouted, “You don’t even have the worst of beasts” A devilish roar awoke the entire city of Canterlot. Her transformation was complete. “TAKE CONTROL!!!” Cyburst said, smashing his head against the shield. The giant wolf went to the far end of the force shield, opposite of where Cyburst was, she hunched down, almost like she was going to lie down, but then Cyburst saw her begin to rear back, like she was about to charge him. “Let me out.” She growled, charging at the other side and smashing the shield to pieces as she collided into the side, throwing her into the ground, where she quickly got up. “Are ya’ in control?” Cyburst said, looking at her closely. The wolf stared at the unknown pony, the new mind raced to come up with an answer of what to do. “Simple yes or no question.” Cyburst said, “But it decides everything.” The ears of the creature flicked back and she looked behind her, where a few tired ponies emerged. The creature now turned back at the less aggressive group of ponies, who she swore she had a name for, and crept closer, staying directly in the moonlight where they could see her. “Nopony move.” Cyburst said, “Not a muscle.” The creature crept closer, circling the group from a safe distance, but a distance where she could react, or attack if needed. After a few seconds, she could smell the fear emanating from them, she decided to take a closer look. “Just don’t move.” Cyburst said, “And she probably won’t hurt you.” The legs of the orange pony shook harder and harder the closer she got, she didn’t see the movement as a threat, but when the cream colored one took off back to the den she came from, sparked her immediate attention. “Dammit Apple Seed.” Cyburst said, still unsure. The giant wolf slowly moved towards the house, going between the two other ponies close enough to rub her fur against them. Cyburst teleported in between the wolf and the house. The creature stepped back when the pony suddenly appeared in front of her, but tried to go past him to find the other pony. Cyburst stuck out a hoof to block her path. “Nope.” He said, “Stay right there.” The wolf raised an eyebrow and tried his other side. Cyburst shifted hooves, covering the Lycan's path again . “Still no.” He said. The wolf raised a paw in front of the pony, putting a gentle paw on his shoulder. “Can you do it?” Cyburst said softly, “Can you stay in control?” The grip tightened on his shoulder with enough force to break a bone, which the creature used as leverage to throw him into the side of the barn, then ran through the house in a frenzy to find the other pony that had run. Cyburst teleported in front of the wolf again. His left foreleg hanging. “Come on Rain Whisper.” Cyburst said, “This is your last chance.” The wolf grabbed the pony’s horn in a swift motion, not aggressively to hurt him, but with a curious gentleness, she pulled them face to face, staring into his eyes. The unfaltering eyes of Cyburst. “I don’t want to.” Cyburst said, looking into the wolf’s golden eyes with softness, “I really don’t want to have to hurt you.” The creature dropped the pony and took off in the other direction at tremendous speeds, out of the house and towards the Canterlot gardens. Cyburst got up, standing on all four hooves without any pain. “Luna?” Cyburst said, “How are you at holding up two cosmic objects?” “I could do it.” Luna said, “Not for long, but I can do it.” “Good, I’ll only need until the morning tops.” Cyburst said, grinning, “I hope I can stop her from doing anything... stupid. Phoenix?” “...Anytime...” Phoenix said, “The controls didn’t even complain.” “Well, that’s one less thing to think about.” Cyburst said. “FIFTY PERCENT!” Cyburst shouted, “RELEASE!” “...You’ve never had to do that.” Phoenix said. “I know, I like to.” Cyburst laughed. > Cybeast released > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cyburst red coat turned into a dark orange. His forelegs grew hands and claws. His horn grew back into his head and his ears flicked back. A beak covered his forehead, almost like a helm. His back legs changed shape, growing from hooves to talons. Wings sprouted from his back. Not angelic wings, but sharp, red, lustrous wings. His Cutie mark moved from his side to the top of his head. He got up onto his hind legs, which supported him fully. He looked at the two shocked mares. They were more curious than scared. “...I’m sorry.” Cyburst said, hanging his head, “I’m sorry you had to see me this way.” “Why?” Applejack said. “Because I don’t want anypony so see this form. This horrendous form.” Cyburst said, “Not ever again.” “Now’s not the time to think about that.” Applejack said, hugging the Avian hybrid, “Ya’ have to catch up to Rain Whisper.” “Yeah.” He said, “You might want to let go first.” “Hmm? Oh.” Applejack said, backing away, “Sorry.” “Don’t ever be sorry unless you’ve done something wrong.” Cybust said, bending down. Then, He shot off like something not of this world. Cyburst went to the Gardens, looking for the Lycan. Rain Whisper was found scaling the side of Canterlot’s prized castle, ruining the careful decorations for tomorrow nights Grand Galloping Gala “So, Rain Whisper.” Cyburst said, flying along side her, “Do you believe me now? That you don’t control the beast?” The Lycan turned her head to look at the flying biped, but ignored his question and kept climbing. “What do you plan on doing once you reach the top?” Cyburst said, looking at his talons, “Not much up there, I would know. It’s also a rather long fall too.” “Forget it.” She spoke in a guttural voice. “Now, that’s the thing.” Cyburst said, putting his arms behind his head in mid flight, “If I forget about you, you’ll be able to destroy all of Canterlot without any form of protest.” The mare reached the top of one of the smaller towers, looking around for a moment, then growling, launching herself onto another tower and climbing. Cyburst shrugged and flew up considerably. Once Rain Whisper reached the highest spire, she found Cyburst standing on one leg on the exact tip. “See? Not much up here.” Cyburst said, eyes closed, “Only the dark, beautiful sky.” The mare swung up to the top and kicked the stallion off of the tip, knowing he could fly. Cyburst grabbed part of the spire right under the mare’s foot and swung himself onto the top of her head. “Quit it.” The former mare said. “You first.” Cyburst said. The creature extended her claws and dug into the side of the tip of the castle, grinding her way down it until she stepped down onto a balcony, throwing a telescope off of the side in frustration. “Hey!” Cyburst said, looking down at the telescope, “Those are expensive, you know. I almost bought one, almost.” The Lycan ignored him and stepped down onto her front paws, keeping a better balance on all fours. “What’re you gonna do now?” Cyburst said, laying on her back, “Scare some chickens?” The Lycan looked around the room, seeing an empty bed and growling in a frustrated tone. She went to the side of the bed and began to sniff around on it, finding a scent and following it to a door on the other end of the room, which opened to a narrow set of stairs that winded down. “Knock knock.” Cyburst said. The Lycan pushed the Avian creature off the top of her head and dove off the side of the balcony, smashing through another wall into another room that led to the main rooms. “Oh come on.” Cyburst said, getting back onto the Lycan’s head, “Stop breaking things. That’s considered going berserk.” The Lycan was now very irritated and grabbed the creature atop her head, smashing him into the ground, then picking him up again, throwing him into a wall, then kicking him through it. “You’re more ignorant than I previously thought.” Cyburst said, coughing up blood, “You still haven’t noticed.” The Lycan walked off again, in search of somepony. Cyburst landed back on her head. “You still haven’t finished my joke.” Cyburst said, chuckling, “Knock knock.” “The Door.” The Lycan said, slamming a door behind her. “Aww. You know it already.” Cyburst said, flicking the Lycan’s nose, “But you still haven’t noticed.” “You don’t get hurt.” She said. “I wouldn’t have thrown you through a wall if I hadn’t known.” “Dang, you just know everything today.” Cyburst said, pulling on the Lycan’s ears, “Have you figured out why I haven’t hurt you in any way yet? Well, except for your pride, but who cares about that anymore?” The Lycan found who she was looking for, Princess Luna, who talked calmly to a Royal Guard. who was amongst a roomful of others. “Shh. She might see us.” Cyburst said, placing a claw to his mouth and whispering, “Let’s just go find somepony else. You still haven’t answered my question.” “I want her to see me.” The mare got up on two paws and roared, attracting the attention of every guard in the room, as well as Luna. Cyburst looked at Luna and tapped his claw to his mouth, “It wasn’t for your protection. It was for theirs. Still haven’t answered my question.” “Luna.” Rain said, walking up to her, but being blocked by spears from the shaky guards. Rain Whisper looked them up and down, looking each one in the eye. “Let ‘er through.” Cyburst waved a hand, “She probably won’t try anything.” The guards pulled back their spears. Cyburst ran his claws through the Lycan’s fur, “You’re so soft. Softer than in your pony form.” “Thanks.” The Lycan said unconsciously, taking one of the guards helmets off and crushing it between one of her paws, then dropping it at his feet. “Do you break everything, or just the expensive things?” Cyburst said, pulling on her ears again, “Why don’t you answer my first question?” “Why, why in the whole world of why’s haven’t you hurt me yet Cy?” Rain growled.. Lycan got back on all fours and walked over to Luna, who the guards had also moved away from. “Because there is twenty years of bloodlust trapped inside me that I don’t want to spend on you.” Cyburst whispered into her ear in a very serious tone. The mare turned around and looked the stallion in the eye. “Save it.” she said. “You never know.” “Oh, I do.” Cyburst chuckled, getting off of the Lycan and landing, his talons making no sound, “I do know, because there is something else that’s prowling the streets right now that is way more powerful than one simple little werewolf. Something so powerful, it could only be awakened by a great enough emotional reaction to anything. That bloody smell you found on Ocarina? I smelled that three days before you did! If you think I’m here just to stop you, then you’ve got many things to learn.” The Lycan grabbed the avian creatures shoulders going beak to muzzle with him, “So do you.” She said, going back to Luna. “You do realize she loves you.” Cyburst said from behind the Lycan. The Lycan stopped, still with her back to Cyburst. She seemed to shrink a few inches. “Luna loves all the night creatures.” he continued, “If it was her choice, she would have made it a full moon the day I figured you were a Lycan. Do you know why she didn’t?” “Why?” She asked. “Because I asked her to.” the Avian-hybrid whispered to her. “Why would you do that when you knew this is what I wanted?” “Like I said before, because there’s something else prowling the streets that’s far stronger than a lowly werewolf.” Cyburst said, narrowing his eyes, “You should listen to your elders.” “If I can do what I did earlier...” The Lycan stopped, growing back. “I shouldn't have to.” “Can you even contemplate what I’m saying?” Cyburst said, holding his head, “Something is going to appear within the hour that will, ahem, wreck your shit.” “It should be no problem for Luna and You.” The Lycan said, turning towards to Luna. “Should it?” “Well, if one of us weren't holding up the sun AND the moon, yes.” Cyburst said, “But she’s concentrating so hard right now, she can’t even speak.” “Fine.” The Lycan looked at Luna’s horn, which glowed with immense power. “The monster coming here doesn't feel emotion, it was created from bug fragments, not insects, but computer bugs.” Cyburst said, his body starting to flicker, “It doesn't care who it’s host is. It doesn't care who it hurts, as long as it hurts something. Falzar has been fighting it for centuries, with no success. Do you know who I’m talking about yet?” “The same thing that is inside of you, but the one in Oca.” “It’s good to hear those gears turning.” Cyburst said, chuckling a little, “It’s not the exact same, but close enough.” “It’s name,” Cyburst said, “Is Gregar.” > Clump chapter > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yeah, I'm just going to post everything I've made of this story so far, well, all competed chapters anyway, as one giant chapter because I don't really have ideas for this story anymore. As if on cue, a bright light shot past the castle. The color of which was cyan. “GROOOOOOOOOOOO” A growl was heard from below. The Lycan shrank immensely when the bright light covered her, leaving a dark grey wolf that slowly transformed back into a pony, back into Rain Whisper. “Losing confidence?” Cyburst said, chuckling even more. The mare looked down at her hooves, and then at her disheveled mane. “Dammit.” She said. “I thought it’d last longer.” Cyburst got in Rain Whisper’s face, “Not if you’re scared.” “I’m not scared!” Rain shouted. “It was the light.” “That scared the crap out of you.” Cyburst said, his body almost waving. “N-no!” The whole room started to shake. A purple aura appeared around Rain Whisper, then built up at her side, taking the shape of a larger pony. An ash grey and purple stallion appeared with glowing eyes and wind that seemed to circulate around him. “What was that?” Mirage asked, looking at the two ponies and avian creature that remained in the room. “Hmhmhmhmhmhmhmhm.” Cyburst laughed, “He’s climbing the castle walls.” “Who?” Mirage asked looking around, “How the hell did I get here?” A mare was launched out of the side wall, the castle moved under her to cushion her landing. Gaia looked around with sleepy eyes. “Where am I?” She asked, “Where’d Aero go?” “He’s almost here!” The Avian said, almost bouncing up and down with happiness. Two more ponies rose up from the ground, one with a dark blue aura surrounding him, accompanied by an identical fur color but with a red mane, the other remained on fire for a few seconds, then the flames doused. Night Flash and Aero. “The fuck?” They asked in unison. “It’s about to show itself,” Cyburst laughed, bending his knees, “I haven’t had this much fun in decades!” Water leaked out of the walls and gathered in the middle of the room, making a small blue pony appear. A purple hole in the air dropped another mare on top of the blue one, her fur a glowing lavender with a hot pink mane that moved and sparkled like Luna’s. “Thalassa? Clock Star?” Rain asked in confusion, looking at the other four ponies that had randomly appeared. “What are you all doing here?!” “GBeast is here!!” Cyburst said, then he vanished. are they going to say anything. The far wall heaved, cracked, then fell, revealing a creature that wasn’t from this world. It stood crouched, as if it were about to pounce. It was a dark blue, with a armor like breastplate that was a slightly lighter blue. just under that were two more armor-like breastplates, but instead of blue, they were crimson. It had a tail that ended in a two chinked, very sharp point. It had arms with gauntlet-like wrists that held two blades right above it’s claws. Everything except for it’s eyes on it’s face was covered by something similar to a lion’s head, if the loin was blue and it’s mane ended in five razor-like points. The front of the mane was bright gold, while the back was blue. It’s lower legs were covered by the same material as it’s wrists, the top looking like the mane, and the bottom ending with three claws. It’s shoulders had blade-like pads that shined in the moonlight. GBeast looked around the room, noticing everypony looking directly at him. He uttered a low growl. “Are we supposed to fight this big motherfucker?” Aero asked, spreading his wings and flying up to eye-height with the creature. “Can’t be that hard, can it?” GBeast grabbed Aero by the head and thrust him face first through the ground. “GROOOOOOOO!!!!” He roared, the whole room shook from the power. Aero looked up as blood streamed down his nose. “Is that all you’ve got?!” He shouted, catching ablaze and kamikaze attacking the Creature. GBeast grabbed the pegasus again and kicked him through a wall into the side of the mountain. GBeast leaped through the hole and slammed his fist into Aero’s face. “Aero!” Gaia shouted, making the mountain come back and throw the creature into a wall that collapsed on top of it, along with a sharp pillar of rock that hit it in the shoulder. GBeast Broke his claw out out of the rubble and lifted himself out. He looked at Gaia, then to Aero, then back to Gaia. He launched himself at Gaia, slamming into the pony’s side. GBeast grabbed Gaia’s neck and squeezed. Mirage broke in, shocking the creature in every accessible metal surface on its body, electrocuting it to the point where Gaia could escape. GBeast looked at Mirage before using his arm like a hammer, throwing the ash grey stallion off. GBeast’s claws raked the stallion’s side, leaving deep gashes. The stallion rebounded and threw small electrical charges that stuck to the creature and exploded. GBeast snarled at him, before his claws and head shot out from his body and grabbed him, sinking claws and teeth alike into Mirage’s flesh. Mirage gritted his teeth and looked at the other ponies, seeing them desperately trying to help with powers that did nothing to the bloodlusted creature, even his daughters electricity seemed to be brighter and more powerful than his. He looked back at his bursting flesh and dying electrical power, he could feel one of his ribs snap, followed by another, and another. The pain grew increasingly unbearable. He looked back to his daughter that was now right next to him, trying to speak to him, he couldn’t hear her, his heartbeat was the only thing he could hear. He put his wing out to his daughter, cradling her face and looking into her eyes, which was soaked with tears, then spoke his last words to her. “Happy Birthday, Sweetie.” He felt his body bend and crack more as she slipped out of his wing, telling the others and eventually escaping, Luna remained for a few seconds more than the others, nodding at Mirage then smiling, he remembered his father, he remembered Blackblood, he remembered Celestia, he remembered Black Mirage and finally, he remembered Vinyl. He prayed tha- Mirage’s eyes closed, his body fell limp and the weight of the creatures jaws closed around his body, then he was dropped, in two pieces, onto the ground, where he didn’t move, where he didn’t breathe, where he didn’t speak. Ever again. E. GBeast looked around the room. Nopony could be seen. There was a scent in the air. The scent of the few ponies who were nowhere to be found anymore. He sniffed the air. There was another. A different scent one he hadn’t smelled in a long time. He Roared and launched himself in a seemingly random direction, just to catch something in mid-air. He clawed at the unseeable object. which created a large gust of wind. “You’re Smarter than I thought.” Cyburst said, becoming visible, “Do you know why you couldn’t see me?” GBeast stared at him. “You’re not much of a talker, are you?” He asked, placing a hand on his chin. GBeast didn’t twitch. “Whatever.” Cyburst shrugged, “It was a mirage.” GBeast was like a statue. “Heat creates mirages.” He continued, “Do you know what heat is?” GBeast’s head cocked to the side. “Heat is the transfer of energy.” Cyburst said grinning. Cyburst crouched and lunged straight into GBeast. The both were launched through a wall and over Canterlot. GBeast bit one of Cyburst’s arm, making him let go. GBeast caught himself on a building, where he looked at Cyburst and roared. “Roaring won’t intimidate me!” Cyburst said. GBeast’s head and claws detached from his body and flew at Cyburst, who slapped them down easily. “You can do better than that!” Cyburst said as GBeast got his limbs back. GBeast opened his mouth and shot a bolt of lightning out at the Stallion. The bolt hit Cyburst straight in the chest and sent him to the ground. “There we go!” Cyburst said, getting on his two legs, “Let’s get down to business!” Cyburst flapped his wings, sending a whirlwind at the Cybeast. Red feathers sliced GBeast’s sides. GBeast picked up a large piece of the ground and hurled it at Cyburst. Cyburst stopped his barrage of feathers and flew to the side, but GBeast foresaw his reaction and stabbed Cyburst in the chest. Cyburst grabbed GBeast and threw him off. “Ok. I can’t seem to get a good read on you.” Cyburst said, “Time to speed up!” “...Are you sure?..” Phoenix thought, “...It’s bloodsoaked as it is...” “I know, but if I’m going to save this city, no... this world, I have to.” Cyburst said, body flickering again. “...Ok...” Phoenix thought, “...Be careful, GBeast is already at full power, and he doesn’t need to save his somepony...” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVhRb8v0_Qs “Shut up and get ready.” Cyburst shouted “ONE HUNDRED PERCENT, RELEASE!!!” Cyburst shouted, before an orange light ascended from his body into the heavens. Applejack was glad to see Rain Whisper come back, but then was shocked to see the six ponies following her. “Ah’...Ah’ don’t know what to say.” Applejack stammered, “Where’d y’all come from?” “Applejack... It’s bad.” Gaia said, remembering the orange pony from so long ago. She looked over at Rain Whisper, who had her head buried in Luna’s back, which was now dripping with tears from carrying the unicorn. “What happened? Where’s Quiet Ocarina and Cy?” Applejack said, a worried look on her face. “What do you mean where is Quiet Ocarina?!” Rain shouted from Luna’s back. “She was here!” “Ah’ thought she went with Cy to help you?!” Applejack said, “Where could she be?!” “She...” Rain Whisper looked back to the castle, where a bright orange light went straight up into the sky. “No...” “Rain... don’t...” Clock Star said. “I know what you are feeling, don’t do it.” “Might as well get my birthday present.” Rain said, vanishing. “It was ‘er birthday?” Applejack asked. Luna nodded slowly. The castle had another bright flash, Rain Whisper reappeared on top of it, being slowly engulfed by a red aura. Her body was at the point of discharge, arcing out red electricity to any conductor. The mare spotted the two large beasts fighting. GBeast was jumping from building to building, sending large pieces of them down onto Cyburst, who was breaking them and sending orange, bird shaped flames back. Cyburst eventually shot at GBeast and threw him into a mountain. Something shined from GBeast’s left wrist, but it was too far away to see. Rain Whisper would have to get closer. Electrical current appeared under Rain Whisper as she stepped out onto air, floating her above the fight and getting her to a good position, as a large red field appeared around her, her body slowly changed, giving her large wings and depleting her horn, her fur turned to a darkening grey until it turned completely black, her mane and tail lost their blue coloring and changed with her fur, her eyes turned into the same color of red that surrounded her and colored her mane and tail. The pony that stood in her place was her grandfather. Black Mirage had awoken. GBeast had thrown Cyburst off and blew flames at him. Cyburst landed on the ground and rolled to avoid them and let out an air-cutting screech that ripped at GBeast’s skin. GBeast launched down and sent Cyburst flying at the castle. Cyburst went through a few spires near the outside before losing momentum and slamming into the main spire. Cyburst looked at the new arrival, then back at GBeast. He couldn’t decide what to do. “Oca...” Black Mirage said. “Why...?” “I’m sorry, but how do you know that name?” Cyburst asked the pony. “OCA!” Black shouted, appearing in front of the GBeast. “Why did you do this?!” GBeast got on his hands and kicked Black Mirage through the same pillars as Cyburst and, in turn, Black Mirage landed right next to Cyburst. “That’s not Ocarina right now.” Cyburst said, looking closely at the new pegasus,“The mare doesn’t even know that she’s fighting me. Answer my question.” The pegasus ignored Cyburst, flying back towards GBeast and grabbing it and lighting up the entire castle with burning electrical power that actually damaged the Cybeast. GBeast looked at the pony and roared. “You wake up. Wake up now.” Black said, not stopping the electrical power that pulsed into GBeast. “She’s not even conscious! She cannot hear you!” Cyburst shouts, flying at a breakneck pace at GBeast. GBeast sliced down Black Mirage’s sides with his claws. Once at the other side of him, Gbeast sent electricity through his mane and at Black Mirage. The electricity was immediately absorbed and the wounds healed, the small pony launched itself back at the Cybeast, smashing him into a wall and locked it there with the earth. Ice built up around the showing skin of the Cybeast then shattered, leaving numerous cuts which were then fried shut with electrical energy, smoke even emanated from the body of the pony as it discharged into numerous locations on the body of the Cybeast. GBeast roared with rage and broke the earth around him. His body turned a light green and he charged straight at the pegasus. The pegasus rammed its body into the Cybeast, making it fall onto its back, despite the pony’s size, it was extremely powerful and seemed to have no limit to its energy. As GBeast hit the ground, large parts of the ceiling fell on top of Black Mirage, burying the pegasus for a short period of time. The pegasus flew atop the Cybeast and landed on its chest, staring down into it’s eyes. “I told you to wake up.” It said. An even powerful storm of electricity barraged the armor on the Cybeast, cracking it in numerous places and eventually breaking most of it off and shocking the bare skin and fur. GBeast grabbed the pegasus and threw it to the far wall, then shot out his head and claws, which sunk into the pegasus. The pressure of GBeast’s jaws snapped ribs of Black Mirage. “You will not take me too!” Black shouted. Bright red lines began to outline everything in the room, even the living beings, the lines seemed to shudder and shake, then all of them struck down at GBeast at once, throwing it around and smashing it into things without mercy, Black’s body faded through the restraints and restored any wounds, just as they finished, Black’s body caught on fire again and it slammed itself repeatedly into GBeast, exploding small glowing yellow fragments that embedded themselves into GBeast’s skin, only to explode again. Cyburst flew into GBeast and threw him out of the wall and onto the other side of town. Cyburst turned towards Black Mirage. “What the hell do you think you're doing?!” Cyburst shouted. The body of the pony shuddered as it stared at Cyburst. “Finishing this.” Black Mirage raised a hoof and the clouds above grew dark, then began to flash red inside of them, all striking down onto Black Mirage. Cyburst threw himself onto Black Mirage, grabbing hold and sending them both into the ground. “That’s not your job!” Cyburst shouted his feathers bristling, “Don’t you get it?!” “It’s not my job, its Revenge!” Black shouted. “IF YOU AVENGE YOUR FATHER YOU’LL KILL YOUR BEST FRIEND!” Cyburst shouted as he shoved Black Mirage’s face into the ground. Rain Whisper’s eyes stared into Cyburst’s, then the eyes returned to red. “Take care of it then.” She said, throwing Cyburst into a wall to get up. “What do you think I’ve been trying to do, play with a god?” Cyburst said, “You may have solved something though.“ “It sure looked like you were playing with it, I was the one who took care of it.” She said, discharging a bolt of electricity into a nearby wall. “That’s because you were trying to kill her.” Cyburst said, “If I killed her, I’d lose my...” Cyburst stopped and looked away. “I know.” Black said. “I’d lose my....” Cyburst said, looking at the ground. The pegasus turned to the Cybeast. “She did what I could not.” He said in a new voice and tone. “If it was up to me, I’d kill her, but she will not allow it...” He said. The pegasus turned around and left the room in search for her father. Cyburst flew through a hole and went towards GBeast. “...What are you going to do?..” Phoenix thought, “...You can’t win a fight by not killing her...” “That’s not true.” Cyburst said, “I’m going to try what Rain did earlier.” “...But that did nothing...” Phoenix thought, “...Why do you think you will make a difference?..” “Rain wasn’t saying the right words.” Cyburst said, landing right next to GBeast, who growled at him, “And I think I might know the right ones.” “Quiet Ocarina.” Cyburst said, looking down at GBeast. GBeast jumped up and bit into Cyburst’s shoulder, his claws mangling Cyburst’s chest. “I know you might not think this is true.” Cyburst said, falling to the ground, “But I have something to tell you.” GBeast didn’t stop. GBeast broke through Cyburst’s rib cage and grabbed his heart. “I’m your father.” Cyburst said. GBeast stopped. Cyburst’s ribcage returned and his flesh regenerated. The last thing Cyburst felt were tears before losing consciousness. E. Cyburst opened his eyes to see the sunset on the far side of Canterlot. The city itself was being repaired rather quickly. Most of the Castle was back in place, except for the newest hole. Canterlot’s streets would need repaving, but that take at the most a day. Cyburst looked back to the sunset. The only half of the sun was visible. The sky was a dark orange close to the sun, and got progressively more into a light purple the farther it spread. Cyburst turned his head to see a rather quiet GBeast by his side. Cyburst noticed that the cloth-like cover had moved away from it’s mouth, revealing a blue pony muzzle. It’s mouth was in a ageless frown. It’s eyes were rather full with tears, but none fell. GBeast was looking down at the motionless grass below her right hand. “Hey.” Cyburst said simply, pushing himself up into a sitting position. “Hey...” GBeast said, but it was quieter. Like the pony who originally owned the body. “So you’ve found control over Gregar?” He said, scooting closer. “For the most part.” Quiet Ocarina said, still looking at the ground. “Okay enough of the small talk.” Cyburst said, scooting close enough to kiss the mare, “You have questions. So, ask them.” “Why’d you abandon me?!” Quiet Ocarina said, jerking her head towards him. “It’s a long story.” Cyburst said, looking away, “But I didn’t abandon you.” “Well, give me the short version.” She pushed. “Basically, you were stolen from me and Candy Corn a day after birth.” Cyburst said, his eyes welling up, “Not even enough time to know who’s your mother.” “Was she, I mean Candy Corn, my mother?” Ocarina asked. “Yes, although she didn’t survive the encounter with the bastards.” Cyburst said. “Oh...” Ocarina said, pointing to her hole body, “Why did... This happen to me?” “I-I think that’s my fault.” Cyburst stammered, “You are my daughter, so it kind of makes sense that you can BeastOut. I guess Falzar had enough memory data of Gregar to unconsciously make a copy of it.” “I’m not really sure what that means...” Ocarina said, looking back down, “Then what’s this anklet?” “It was a present from me.” Cyburst said, looking at the pendant. “I gave it to you before you were taken.” “Okay. Why didn’t you search for me?” The blue Cybeast asked. “I’m sorry.” Cyburst said, looking into her eyes with tears in his, “I assumed you were dead.” Quiet Ocarina hugged her father for the first time. Cyburst wrapped his arms around his daughter tightly. “I’m sorry.” Cyburst said, streams down his cheeks, “I’m so, so sorry.” “It’s not your fault.” Ocarina said, patting his back, “I turned out fine.” “Yes. Yes you did.” Cyburst said, chuckling a little, “Who do I have to thank for that?” “A mare that goes by the name of Octavia.” Ocarina said, pulling away, “She’s a Chellest for the symphony.” “I’ve seen a few of their shows.” Cyburst said, wiping his eyes, “She’s pretty good.” “Yeah, but I’ve never really been into instruments.” Ocarina said, turning towards the twilight, “I’m more into singing and dancing.” “Heh, the dawn of a new generation.” Cyburst chuckled, then his eyes widened, “Crap! I forgot all about Luna!” Cyburst stood up and crouched to take off, but didn’t. Instead, he opened a hand for Ocarina. “You want to see the princess of the night?” Cyburst asked as Ocarina grabbed his hand. “I think I already have.” She said. They both walked down the mountain towards Sweet Apple Acres. Cyburst and Ocarina arrived at the farm to find everypony waiting for them. Applejack was tending to Luna, who was cringing from the exertion. The elementals were mourning a loss. Apple Seed just sat, staring into the distance from shock of the whole situation. Once Cyburst opened the gate, he turned back to his normal self. “Hello everypony.” He said, “What’s the worst thing at the moment?” “Luna.” Applejack said. “Ah, right.” Cyburst said. Cyburst walked up to Luna. The mare of the night looked up to the stallion. Cyburst nodded and they touched their horns together. In a flash of purple light, Luna was up on her feet again. “Thank you, Cyburst.” She said to the Stallion, “I didn’t know how much longer I could last.” “Well, I had to.” He replied, “I was the one to put you in the situation. Now, what next?” “What are we supposed to tell Vinyl?” Aero asked, holding Gaia up. “The truth.” Cyburst said, “There’s no point in lying.” “I will get her here.” Clock Star said, beginning to glow. With a flash of blue light, Vinyl appeared in the middle of everypony, confused and dizzy. “I- Whoa, what?” She asked, looking around. “What’s up guys?” She said with her normal, cheery tone. “Good news, or bad news first.” Cyburst said, “I highly suggest good first.” Vinyl frowned. “Good...” She said cautiously. “Well, I saved Equestria, again, from total destruction.” Cyburst said, holding the unicorn’s shoulders, “And the bad news... I think somepony else should tell you. A familiar face would be better than an unknown one.” Aero stepped up to Vinyl, putting a hoof on her back and giving a teary smile. “Vinyl...” “The coin’s in the air.” Cyburst whispered. Rain Whisper appeared in the air, dropping down next to Vinyl and Aero. “Dad’s dead.” She said coldly. “The coin drops.” Cyburst whispered again. Vinyl stepped away from her daughter, an incredulous look on her face. “What?” “And it’s her fault.” Rain said with a hostile tone, looking over at Quiet Ocarina. “That’s not entirely true.” Cyburst said, trying to ease some tension. “Shut the fuck up, Cyburst!” Rain screamed with pain lacing her words. “If she is so calm now, why didn’t she stop before she ripped my father in half?!” She shouted. “She wasn’t aware of that until now.” Cyburst said, “And it wasn’t her who did that, it was Gregar.” “I-I” Ocarina stuttered, looking at her hands. “Wash my father’s blood off your claws!” Rain shouted, “Then say you’re sorry!” Rain’s horn lit up, flashing quickly and teleporting away, leaving a burned circle where she was. “So young and innocent, that one.” Cyburst said, as serious as possible, “I don’t think she get’s it yet.” “What have I done?” Ocarina said, curling into a ball at the front gate. Vinyl vanished. “Hey, it’s not your fault.” Cyburst said, rubbing the Beast’s back, “And it will never be.” “But.” “No buts, it’s not your mind that killed Mirage, it was Gregar’s.” Cyburst said, then he got back up to look at the group, “Now, what else has to be said?” “Nothing.” Night Flash spoke, “We lose ponies every day, there is no reason for us to exaggerate this.” “Well, I’m glad you feel that way, Nighty.” Cyburst said, “Everypony else feel this way too?” “We love, we lose.” Clock Star noted, “It’s life.” The five remaining elemental ponies vanished. “Well color me surprised, they really did all feel that way.” Cyburst said, “That’s too bad.” “What do we do now?” Applejack asked. “Well, I want to see Octavia to give her my thanks.” Cyburst said looking at Ocarina, “But first, I need to say goodbye.” “To whom?” Applejack asked. “You.” The stallion said, walking up to the mare. “Oh...” Applejack said, looking down at the ground, “Well see ‘ya then.” “Applejack...” Cyburst said, putting a hoof on her shoulder. “And you’ll always have a room in the Apple Family.” She continued. “Applejack.” The stallion said again. “What?” The mare said, looking back up. But before she could respond, something touched her lips. She looked shocked at first, then fell into it. But Cyburst pulled back and winked. “Good bye!” Cyburst laughed, before running away. “Wait what?” Applejack said, “GET BACK HERE!” “Nope.” Cyburst said, levitating Ocarina, who was still in a ball, away from the farm. All Applejack could do was chuckle. And there we go, now, I'm putting this story on hiatus due to lack of interest. If I can get at least ten people to say they want it continued, I'll write more of it. There is said it, I don't feel like I have enough followers.