//------------------------------// // 6 - Friend for life // Story: Reforming the evil // by SkarinOfAtmora //------------------------------// Darkness surrounded her. Weak flickers of light were scattered in the distance, small torches that looked like torch-bugs in the distance. But she was not alone, she could feel it. Luna tried to make her way through the dark, treading carefully as if the next one could be her last. Then she heard it, a scattering sound of legs, each one resonating with a loud thud and echoing to the distance. Something was coming for her. She looked around, blinded by the darkness, and clutched her weapon tightly. She couldn't even see what it was but held onto it for dear life. Then in front, a pair of red glowing eyes, almost 15 feet in the air, lowered their gaze upon her. She wanted to run but her body wouldn't respond. Fear swept through her entire being as whatever monster was there with her came closer with murderous intent. She felt something forming in her throat, words trying to get out. "Time to die you son of a bitch. " when the words left her she realized it was Sam's voice coming from her. Luna was in his dream, in his body, living the dram through his eyes. That's why she couldn't run away when she desperately wanted to. Against all her protests, she could feel Sam's body make a step towards the beast, and another, and another until he was in full sprint. Something glinted in the darkness. A blade being drawn perhaps? Suddenly Sam jumped and brought his arms back, the handle of his weapon creaking in his tight grasp. The blade emerged from the darkness, aiming straight towards her stomach. She braced herself for the inevitable... Luna jolted awake to a sitting position, breathing heavily and covered in sweat. She looked at her trembling hands, still felling the weapons handle on her hands. She looked to her left to find Sam still sleeping and sighed in relief. Another nightmare she was dragged into. There was something strange about Sam's dreams. Luna couldn't control them and was only there for the ride. It was even harder to resist the pull of them and the few times she ended up in Sam's dreams was accidental. To her surprise, Sam appeared to be sleeping peacefully, his right hand only slightly twitching every now and then. The small light provided by her Moon, illuminated the bedroom just enough so she could see his bare torso. Lingering a bit longer than she deemed appropriate, Luna saw a circular scar, at the exact same place the blade almost pierced her in the dream. "By the stars... " she covered her mouth in shock and gently touched the wound on Sam's abdomen. For a wound like that, the blade must have pierced deeply into his body. Luna wondered how anypony could survive such an injury. "Luna? " her eyes met the tired ones of Fluttershy, the yellow pegasus rubbing the sleep out of them "Is everything alright? " she saw where Luna's hand was and placed her own in Sam's right "Another nightmare? " with only a look, Fluttershy knew what was going on which left Luna impressed. It just showed how long they've been together and how deep their bond was. "I was pulled in. I-I couldn't control it... " Luna said shamefully, her hand still resting on Sam's wound. "I know. " Fluttershy smiled warmly before leaning closer to Sam, cooing softly in his ear "It's okay honey, I'm here. The monsters can't get you. " kissing his cheek softly, Fluttershy felt Sam's body relax and his hand gently encased her own "It's alright... " she gently ran her free hand through his hair, all the while cooing soothingly to him. When Sam let go, Flutterhsy retracted her hand and kissed his softly once more. Sitting up on the bed she used her left hand to softly stroke his hair "There were time when he would wake up screaming and wouldn't sleep until the next night. " even through her smile, Luna could hear a hint of sadness in her "Thankfully, that was a long time ago. " "Does he ever tell you about his dreams? His world? " Luna asked, even though she knew the answer already. "I asked him many times but... " she sighed "Well, you know how he is. " "Why? Why is he hiding it so much? " "Sam feels that somehow the mere mention of his world would taint Equestria and he doesn't want that. " Fluttershy responded, giggling quietly when a stray hair tickled Sam's nose and it scrunched up a little "I'm sure he'll tell us once he's ready. " "Fluttershy, he's been here for years. I don't think he'll ever be ready. " "Then we will never know. " Fluttershy shrugged before continuing "But, even without him saying anything, I can see by his behavior and injuries it was a violent world. So if he doesn't want to share, I will not force him. He deserves that much. " "I suppose you're right. " Luna lowered her head and straightened her night gown "I am sorry for falling asleep like that. " "Don't be. You're with us now. " Fluttershy reached over and placed her hand on Luna's shoulder. The alicorn looked at the pegasus mare who was regarding her with a warm smile "I'm glad you're here, Luna, and, I would've invited you to sleep with us anyway. " Luna cracked a smile. "I'm sure Sam would be all for it. " the two mares shared a silent laugh so they don't disturb their sleeping stallion. "Although, it was Sam who suggested we let you sleep. " Luna raised a curious brow before looking down at Sam's sleeping form. "Really? " "Mhm. " Fluttershy nodded and smiled mischievously "He said you looked so cute like that he couldn't bring himself to wake you. " Luna felt her cheeks heat up. "H-he said that? " "It's true. " Fluttershy yawned before speaking again "We should go to sleep, we have a long day ahead of us. " "I suppose you're right. " Luna yawned as well "Good night, Fluttershy. " "Good night, Luna. " as Luna laid down, her back facing Sam, she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist. She didn't have to look for who it belonged to as she felt butterflies in her stomach. Before she closed her eyes, Luna saw a yellow wing drape across her and Sam like a blanket and heard a faint voice from behind. "The monsters can't get you here... " "Where are we going this early in the morning? " Umbra growled as the group walked on the outskirts of Ponyville towrds an unknown location "Tell me at once! " "Keep it down, will you? My head still hurts. " Chrysalis groaned and rubbed her aching head. She won the fight for the bottle of wine she and Umbra found in the kitchen. "We're almost there. " Fluttershy said timidly and quickened her pace. "Isn't this where- " Luna began but Sam shushed her. "Don't spoil the surprise! " "What surprise? " Umbra asked irritated. "W-we're here. " Fluttershy announced and dashed forward. In front of them was a small cottage, overgrown with moss, plants and multiple animal dens attached to it "Welcome to my home. " "Goodbye. " Chrysalis turned around, ready to walk away, when a bluish glow surrounded her and lifted her into the air "HEY! " "We talked about how we can properly start your program and this seemed like a good way to do it. " Sam said as the group was slowly nearing the small cottage, Chrysalis banging on the magical barrier with her fists. "And that would be? " Umbra asked with a raised brow. "Well, um, Sam and I thought you three could get... " she gulped before smiling awkwardly "Pets. " Chrysalis stopped her barrage of the magical orb she was imprisoned in. "Say what now? " "Pets. You know, animals you keep at home and- " Sam was interrupted by Umbra's growl. "We know what pets are you dimwit. " the unicorn glared at him and Sam rolled his eyes. "Interesting. " Luna said to herself "In order to care for others you should start small. And pets require lots of attention so it will be a challenge. " "What if it dies? " Chrysalis asked with a grin. "You get a one way ticket to Tartarus. " Sam replied, making Chrysalis's grin fade instantly. "Each one will pick a pet they will care for during their time with us. " Fluttershy made sure to look at Luna as well which brought a smile to the alicorn. Just then, a white bunny hopped towards them. "Fine, I'll take the rabbit. " Umbra reached for the bunny only to have her hand swatted away with some angry squeals coming from the bunny "You dare? " she snarled at him but the bunny put up it's little paws, ready for a fight. "Angel! Be nice to our guests! " Fluttershy scolded the bunny but he only scoffed in return. "So, we meet again, rabbit. " Sam stood before Angel and the bunny crossed his arms, puffing out his tiny chest "This one's mine. " Umbra and Chrysalis were confused at the scene unfolding and even more so as the bunny hopped up on a stump and Sam crouched in front of him. "What are they doing? " Luna asked with a confused look and heard Fluttershy sigh. "They have this... Competition. " she explained as both Sam and Angel closed their eyes. "You're joking. " Umbra said in disbelief "He is competing against a bunny? In what? " then both Sam's and Angel's eyes opened, the two staring at each other intensively. "Staring contest. " Fluttershy said with a small smile "It's been going on ever since I found Sam in the Everfree forest. " "Who's winning? " Chrysalis asked while observing the white bunny. There was something strange about it... "Angel is the undefeated champion. " Flutterhsy answered and Umbra snorted. "I can see why. He has- " her eyes went wide when Fluttershy clamped a hand over her muzzle and shushed her. "Don't say it! " she hissed at the unicorn who glared in return. "I can't believe it! " Chrysalis was ready to burst "Does that idiot not see that-MMPF! " a strand of magic from her prison made it's way around her muzzle and sealed it shut. Luna looked at Umbra with a leveled gaze. "Will you keep quiet, or do I have to shut you up myself? " she asked coldly, a strand of magic getting dangerously close to Umbra. The unicorn pulled back from Fluttershy with an annoyed look. "Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut. " she said angrily and resumed watching the staring contest. It lasted for about three minutes until Sam's eyes burned so badly that he couldn't keep up anymore. He began blinking rapidly to soothe the pain and Angel just nodded in a simple manner, as if saying Learn your place. "Next time, rabbit. " Sam pulled out one bit and gave it to Angel, the bunny biting into the coin and holding an approving thumbs up. Sam rose to his feet, scratched the bunny behind his ears and turned to the group "Shall we? " he pointed towards the back of the cottage and went ahead. Umbra and Chrysalis looked at each other in utter amazement. "I fear for our future. " Umbra said before following Fluttershy who was hot on Sam's heels. "I'm sure you'll get him next time, honey. " Fluttershy rubbed Sam's arm in comfort and he smirked. "He is a worthy opponent. The day I defeat him a feast will be made to honor that victory! " he said theatrically making Fluttershy giggle. They soon reached the back of the cottage where numerous holding pens were located. Fluttershy stood in front while the others gathered around her. "Um, behind me, there are many kinds of animals, and- " "Let's just take one and get this over with. " Umbra rolled her eyes in annoyance before being smacked upside the head by Luna's wing "Hey! " "You can't just take any animal. It has to, um, like you as well. " Fluttershy rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "Oh this will be easy! Make two villains find a pet that likes them. " Chrysalis said sarcastically. "W-well, you see, um, animals are very good at judging character. And, I think there is a pet for anypony. " Fluttershy added before picking up Angel "For example, Angel here is my pet but also my friend. You have to treat them as an equal. " "That's why we thought this would be a good idea. " Sam continued "You need to learn to help and care about others, instead of just yourself. And what better way than having a pet. They require attention, care, grooming and can become loyal companions. " "Well, go ahead and find a little friend to take back home. " Fluttershy said uncertainly, an awkward smile on her face. "Huzzah! A royal companion shall be chosen today! " Luna's enthusiasm was in full swing. Umbra's and Chrysalis's? Not so much. The two were practically stomping the ground while looking for an animal that would even come close to them. "It'll be fine, right? " Fluttershy said from the corner of her mouth. Sam just shrugged and watched as Luna went about finding a pet. Sure enough, and strangely enough, a bat flew past her. "Too obvious. " she shook her head and looked further "An owl perhaps? No, Twilight did that one. Hmm... " a skunk streaked across her path "Too pungent. " Luna's nose scrunched up in disgust "A mole? No... Too visually impaired to enjoy my visage. " she noticed Sam was looking and playfully slapped her rump "Luckily, you aren't. " Sam looked to the side innocently and Luna felt good about herself. Her head still turned to Sam, the alicorn didn't look where she was going and bumped into something soft. Her eyes then landed on an opposum, hanging from a tree branch "Hmmmm... " she eyed the creature with a scrutinizing stare before squeeing "Eeeeeee! I will name you Tiberius and you shall be mine ickle-diddy-widdle-tibble-kins! " she scoopped up the little rodent and nuzzled it's furry cheek. Upon realizing what she did, Luna's cheeks turned red and she lookd to Sam who was stifling a laugh "I mean, I uh, yes. This one will suffice. " Meanwhile, Umbra was just trying to get this over with and go back home- I mean, to prison. She stomped through the fields around the cottage, her frustration rising by the second. She was just about to grab some random poor critter when she felt something bite her leg. "Ow! Who dares to- " looking down, Umbra saw a black panther cub gnawing at her leg. It wasn't all that painful but still annoying "Get off, vermin! " she tried to shake it off but it only bit down harder "Ow! Quit it! " she grabbed the cub with her hands and brought it to eye-level "Feisty little kitty, aren't you? " the cub was trying to bite one of her fingers but when that failed it began to claw at them "Hmmm... " Umbra inspected the cub from all sides "A black panther. They grow to be mighty beasts, striking terror into the weak. Truly, a companion worthy of a queen! " Umbra laughed triumphantly as the cub was doing his best to tear Umbra to shreds, looking adorable while doing it "A female. Temperamental and ferocious. " Umbra looked at the cub, deep in thought "Listen here! From this day on you are under my care and once you've fully grown you shall stand by my side as the most terrifying beast this pathetic land has ever know! And just as mine, your name shall strike fear into the hearts of our enemies, Thana! " On the other side of the cottage, near a small pond, Chrysalis was looking for anything that wouldn't run away in fear. "I'm not going to eat you, I promise!" her forced smile sent the critters running for their lives "Horsefeathers... " she cussed in frustration and kicked a pebble with her hoof straight towards the pond. Just then, a mother duck with twelve little yellow ducklings in tow made their way into the water. One by one Chrysalis watched the ducks go for a swim until she saw a thirteenth join them. It was gray in color with a dark beak and fairly larger than the rest. Just as it dipped it's little leg into the pond, the yellow ducklings ganged up on it, pecking it with their beaks and scratching with their tiny feet "Hey! " this struck a chord with the changeling and she rushed to the little birds defense "Shoo! Go away!" Chrysalis scooped the gray bird and the ducklings fled in terror upon seeing her fangs "You better run! Picking on someone just because they're different!" she raised the little bird to eye-level and inspected it closer "Sheesh, what the hay happened to you? Your egg got scrambled or something? " the little bird quacked in her hands "Hey, Butterfluff! Get over here! " Chrysalis yelled towards the yellow pegasus who came running. "I-I'm coming!" Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "All of Ponyville knows you're coming. " Fluttershy stopped dead in her tracks and turned red head to hoof "Seriously though, what's wrong with it? " Chrysalis showed her the birdie and Fluttershy's ears drooped sadly. "Awww, poor little guy. Are they still picking on you? " she cooed and gently scratched it on the head. "Why? Because he's different? " Chrysalis hissed menacingly and sent a death glare towards the ducks who promptly left the pond. "Because he's not a duck but a cygnet. " Fluttershy explained but upon seeing Chrysalis's confused expression she elaborated "Baby swan. " "Swan..." Chrysalis said and looked at the small bird in her arms. "Mhm. And in time, this little baby will grow into a beautiful swan." Fluttershy petted it again "Won't you little cutie? " "Just like me... " "Hm? " Fluttershy looked at Chrysalis. "Uh, nothing. I said nothing. " she crouched by the pond and lowered the cygnet into the water "There. Now you have whole pond to yourself. You're welcome. " getting back up, Chrysalis began walking away "Let's go find a damn pet so we can return. " however, Fluttershy remained standing by the pond with a knowing smile. Sure enough, the little cygnet rushed out of the pond and waddled behind Chrysalis. The changeling felt something was following her and turned around to look at the cygnet "What do you think you're doing? " the cygnet quacked happily. "He likes you." Fluttershy said and giggled once the cygnet quacked something. "What's so damn funny? " Chrysalis growled at the yellow pegasus. "He's calling you mommy. " "W-what? " the changeling looked from Fluttershy to the little cygnet "I'm not your mommy! " "You are now. " Fluttershy walked to tuhe cygnet and picked it up "He needs you. " and then promptly dropped into Chrysalis's hands. The changeling eyed the little bird with some trepidationuntil she sighed. "Alright, listen up, Pintsize! If you want me to be your mommy there are some rules we need to establish!" she turned on her hoof and began the short walk back to the cottage "Rule number one, we're staying at this Sam guys place, so make sure you poop all over the house. Rule number two, no sugar before bed time. Rule number three, see rule number one. Rule number four, Umbra is a bitch. Rule- " Fluttershy giggled to herself as she watched the fearsome changeling queen have a conversation with a little cygnet that decided she was his new mommy. She also had to crack a smile upon seeing Umbra getting viciously attacked by her adorable little panther cub. And lastly, Luna was fawnig over her new possum. Which only begged the question, where is- "EEP! " strong arms lifted her up bridal-style and carried her over to the pond. Sam carefully sat down and maneuvered Fluttershy to sit with her back to him. They were on the very edge and their feet and hooves were soaking in the refreshing water. "Things went better than expected." Sam commented and hugged Fluttershy, being careful to not hurther wings. "You worry too much." she rubbed his arm affectionately and Sam rested his chin atop of her head "We haven't been here for a while." "And I have feeling it will some time before we can come here again. " Fluttershy hummed in response "I say we treasure the moment, because I have feeling-" "UMBRA! KEEP THAT FLEA INFESTED FURBALL AWAY FROM PINTSIZE!" "Yeah, that feeling. " Sam groaned and fell on his back in exhaustion. Fluttershy giggled and stood to her hooves. "Duty calls. " she extended a helping hand which Sam gladly took. "YOUR PIDGEON IS PREY AND THANA IS PREDATOR! IT'S NATURE! " "MOONBUTT DO SOMETHING! " "Who's my widdle-tibble-kins? Yes, you are! Yes, you are! "