(This chapter is no longer part of this story. Due to respect of my old co-author i will not remove the work we made, some of this will make its way into the new version of the story but most wont. I am removing Firebolt from the fic and making it better :) but feel free to read the two year old chapters and see how i improved :D )
Chapter 2
Arcus kept staring at the moon and its magnificent light. It made him feel good for some reason, calm, relaxing..
"Arcy?" said Pinkie.
"Yes?" replied Arcus.
"You said the shadows were a race, right?" asked Pinkie.
"Well, in a way. You see, they’re a virus at first. They take over bodies and use them as puppets. The puppets will infect others and when there is an outbreak, they will activate," he said.
"Activate?" Pinkie asked, tilting her head.
"Yes, there IQ becomes better and they do what they are told. They turn into an army. We would call then infected soldiers, but if an infected soldier eats a lot or is kept alive for a long period of time, then their DNA completely changes. So they are not human anymore, they’re a new race," Arcus said.
"And their called the Shadows?"
"Well no. That's what we call them though," replied Arcus. “If this ship gets here. It might have fully mutated infected soldiers. We call them, Elites."
"So, they just go on their own?"
"No, they are controlled by someone. I don't remember his name, but he is on that ship."
Arcus looked away from the moon and started feeling light headed. "Arcy, what's wrong?"
"I don't know... I feel light headed all of the sudden."
Pinkie stepped back from Arcus with a worried look "Are you going to be ok?"
Arcus fell to the floor, slowly fading out of consciousness.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"CHARGE!" yelled a voice.
Arcus found himself running towards a group of infected soldiers. Their bodies glowed a deep red. There was about a million of them. Arcus was wearing power armor, also carrying two pistols.
As he turned his head, he noticed about a hundred other people charging with him. They too were wearing power armor. He remembered these men. A few of them will make it back to base by the end of this night.
The sound of cannons going off filled the air with smoke and a metallic taste of gunpowder. Arcus felt a sharp pain to his chest. He tripped and fell noticing a lot of blood. His armor had a big hole in its chestplate. The pain was intense. He looked at his surroundings. Some of the units were injured from the blast as while.
He faded out again
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Arcus came to again he screamed in pain. Arcus tried to get out of bed from the pain, but an orange hoof pushed his chest down.
"Hold it partner," said the Applejack
All of the sudden, Firebolt flew into the room. "Are you ok?"
"What happened?" asked Arcus.
"I don't know. I think you passed out," Firebolt replied worryingly at his friend.
When Arcus looked around, he noticed he wasn't in Firebolt's home but he was in what looked like a tree house.
"Don't lie to him," said Applejack.
"Alright fine, you didn't pass out...You started glowing red. and you had lots of energy around you,” Firebolt corrected himself.
“Ah had t’ buck you in your head t’ make you stop," replied Applejack.
"Do all humans do that? Your cutie mark and your eyes changed colors," asked Firebolt.
"Cutie what?" Arcus replied, confused.
"Your cutie mark. Do humans have them on their arm instead of there flank?" asked Firebolt.
"You mean this?" asked Arcus, rolling up his sleeve revealing a lot of markings.
"They’re...something I was born with. They change color due to my emotions. When I'm angry it goes red. When I'm using my powers it's blue. When I’m healing its gold," said Arcus.
"Nice," whispered Firebolt.
This got nothing but glares from Applejack. Arcus stood up and faced the two ponies. He then turned to Applejack and put on a smile.
"Look, I'm really sorry about that. I must have had an episode."
"Why don't you tell us about yourself then partner?” asked Applejack, now sitting down, awaiting a story.
Arcus’s mood changes from Applejack’s question. "No."
"Hey, if you’re gonna to stay here, you have to prove that we can trust you. That stunt you pulled makes you look really dangerous," replied Applejack.
"Fine... When I was five. I opened my eyes for the first time. You see i was born brain dead. My mom died from childbirth. My dad didn't want her death to be in vain. He did everything he could to save me. He was working on a project to make super soldiers. So he put me into the project so I could live. But...things happened... The point is I escaped. I raised a family. It was all perfect. “
Arcus’s teared up a bit and turned away. His hand slowly turned into a fist. "It was taken from me...The war started."
Applejack sees the stress in Arcus so she tries to change the subject.
Applejack walked closer to Arcus. "Did you have any colts or fillies of your own?" asked Applejack.
"They’re dead."
"What happened to your wife"? asked Applejack.
Arcus places his hand over his face and he begins to tear up, "Shes dead too...They’re all dead, everyone that I ever cared about is dead."
Applejack placed her hoof on his shoulder. "Its ok sugarcube its not your fault."
"Well enough about my problems, back to the shadows," Arcus said, wiping tears off his face.
"The what?" asked Applejack.
"The Shadows."
"What are the shadows?" asked Firebolt, getting closer to Arcus..
"They are a zombie like creature made from a black goo substance. They land on your body and control you. They infect you with its virus and then they walk around infecting each other by saliva transfer into the bloodstream.”
"What the hay does that mean?" asked Applejack.
"Umm, they infect by biting." replied Arcus.
"Well, why didn't ya just say that in the first place?" replied Applejack.
"Go on," said Firebolt.
"What makes them worse is that they can be controlled. First they are an outbreak then they turned into an army."
"That's mighty awful," replied Applejack.
"Yea, I know."
"When were ya born?”
"I was born in the year 2029.”
"What happened to your family when everything was taken from you?"
"Look, let's talk about your family instead," replied Arcus.
"Well, ah live at the farm called Sweet Apple Acres, west of Ponyville and I live with my family. My big brother is Big Mac, my little sister Applebloom, and my granny is, Granny Smith"
"At least you have a supporting family. My mom works all the time, so half the time I raised myself " added Firebolt.
There was a moment of silence as everypony stared back at each other.
"I'm going to go. Ah don’t think your trouble," said Applejack
"What do you mean?" asked Arcus.
"Well, Twilight told me to see if you were any danger and ah think you’re safe," replied Applejack.
"And why is that?"
"You see, I'm a representative one of the Elements of Harmony."
"One of?"
"I represent Honesty and I can tell you’re telling the truth."
Applejack got up and headed towards the door. "I got my eye on you partner."
As soon as Applejack leaves the room he turns to Firebolt.
"So, I think we should get to know each other better."
"Why do you wear a hood and a mask?" asked Firebolt.
"What do you mean?"
"When you...landed on me, I saw you had a mask covering your mouth and nose. You also had a hood on your head. Why do you dress like that?"
“Because I was...look never mind about that. That isn't that important."
"You said we should get to know each other better and I asked you a question," argued Firebolt.
"Ok I will tell you. You see, I wasn't wearing a mask, it was a Rebreather. I was in space at the time. I was trying to warn a planet about an oncoming attack but the attacker caught up to me. They fired at my ship. This sent my flying out into space and I was sucked into a wormhole. I popped out here but there is a chance that I might have been followed here. So now I have to warn your leader. If this ship that attacked me lands here, it will spread its bio-virus and infect all the ponies."
"Wow...umm, that's a lot to take in."
"Do you understand why I need to speak to your leader?"
"Princess Celestia, thats our leader."
"Yea, her."
"I understand...Hey why don't we get something to eat."
"Haven't you heard what I said. I need to see Celestia."
"Don't you remember what twilight said. We have to wait two more days. We will board the train and meet with the princess."
"So, you hungry for something?"
"What would I eat? I don't eat hay."
"Good point. Oh, I know we can go to Sugar Cube Corner. They have cupcakes and stuff. I bet you would like them."
"You do remember that I don't eat right?"
"Can you eat?"
"Yes, but I don't need to."
"But how do you survive?"
"Lets not worry about such things." Arcus replied in a joking manner.
With that, the two walked out and headed to the location of Sugar Cube Corner.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Arcus and Firebolt were walking down the street. Firebolt noticed that he was getting stares from everypony.
"Does this bother you," asked Firebolt.
"Does what bother me?" replied Arcus
"Them...everypony is looking at you."
Arcus turned around and he notice that he was getting eyed by everypony. Arcus started walking up to a group of ponies.
"Hello. Now before you run off, I want to know. Do I look bad?"
A few of them ran off. But The ponies that stayed stepped back a bit from the human.
"No, just different," replied one scared pony.
"Is it a coat condition?" asked another pony.
"No, it's not a condition. I'm not a pony I'm a human,"
With that Arcus turned and walked up to Firebolt, "Well they seem nice."
"They were scared of you. How was that nice?"
"They could have threw stuff at me, or they all could have ran off but some stayed."
"Your really happy about things considering you want to warn the princess about this attack."
"Well like you said, I'm staying here for two days. Might as while enjoy it."
As Arcus and Firebolt were walking, Arcus noticed the train station which had a pink colored train docked.
"Why is that thing pink?"
"What thing?" replied Firebolt as he looked side to side.
"The train, it's pink."
Firebolt looked at the train. He put on a smirk. "Because most of the population here is female and I guess they like pink trains."
"Now noticing it. I've only seen about twenty males during my time here."
"I don't know why, but this place is cool to me. I wouldn't have stayed here if I didn't like it."
When the two arrived at Suger Cube Corner, Arcus was the first to walk in. He looked around and there are only six ponies in the building, but Arcus had seen them all before. He walked to them and he picked up a chair and places it down at their table. This made the group of ponies turn to Arcus. Firebolt then joined them too.
"Oh hello...human," greeted Twilight.
"It's Arcus and good morning. I was wondering if I can learn more about you all."
"I thought we were going to get cupcakes," commented Firebolt.
"I told you. I don't eat," Arcus turns to the girls at the table. "So...tell me about yourselves."
"I would love to darling but I have to get started on a new line of dresses," replied Rarity. With that, she got up from the table and left the room.
"Ok so I know she makes dresses. What do the rest of you do?"
"Well, I'm Twilight Sparkle. I own the library and I'm Celestia's faithful student," said Twilight.
"I'm Rainbow Dash thee one and only. I'm going to be in the wonderbolts, the best fliers in all of Equestria. I'm on the weather team in Ponyville too." said Rainbow Dash.
"I'm Applejack, and we know each other all ready,"
"I'm Pinkie Pie and I throw parties like the one that's happening for you tonight, and I work at Sugar Cube Corners as a baker," said Pinkie with a joyful smile.
“I'm Fluttershy...” The yellow mare trailed off for a moment, “And I work with animals and I love all creatures big and small."
Twilight looked at Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, you’re opening up to the human...I mean Arcus. I thought of all ponies you would fear him?"
"Well like I said. I take care of all animals, big and small. A human is no different than a bear," replied Fluttershy
Rainbow dash faced hoofed at this "Fluttershy, there is a big difference between a human and a bear."
"Not really. Bears are lonely at times and all they need is love. Look at this human. He looks super lonely," replied Fluttershy
This made everypony look at Arcus. He gave a poker face in return so the ponies had a hard time seeing how Arcus felt about that comment.
"Why don't you tell us about yourself Firebolt" said Twilight.
"What is there to tell? I'm a loner. I’ve been told off by the royal guards countless times. I'm not really important," said Firebolt.
"Bullshit," commented Arcus.
This makes everypony turn to Arcus in fear "Everyone is important no matter what. So what if you can't join this royal guard. That doesn't mean anything. It shows you need practice, not to quit, and you’re not a loner. Loners don't follow humans and let them stay with them," ranted Arcus.
This made Firebolt face lit up a bit. "Thanks."
Arcus turned to the other ponies. All of them have faces of approval. "Now... About this party."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------
Eight hours later
---------------------
"It sucks that Fluttershy and Applejack are not going to join us." Arucs said, looking around.
"Yes, but they both got work to do" said Twilight.
"Are you sure I should be at a club. I think we should be packing up for the trip tomorrow."
As soon as Arcus and four ponies walk into the nightclub they are blasted by a heat of music.
Firebolt put on a smile and turned to Arcus, "Relax it's a party."
With that, all the ponies trotted into the club leaving a very confused human.
"But the ship that followed me can be here any day now. We're all in danger"
"Relax, there hasn't been a conflict for about a thousand years. Nothing is going to happen!" replied Twilight
When Arcus walked into the club. He saw a bunch of strobe lights going on and off.
'This is my welcome party...This feels more like a bachelor party,' thought Arcus.
Suddenly. The club goes silent. All the ponies drop their conversions. They all stare at Arcus. Arcus felt awkward.
Suddenly Pinkie pie jumps up to Arcus and puts him in a hug. "Arcy. Welcome to your welcome party!"
"This party is for that thing?" yelled a random pony.
"While duh!" replied Pinkie Pie.
The party soon goes back to life. Arcus felt super awkward. He walked in and headed to the bar. There is a gray pony standing behind the bar.
"What would you like?" asked the bartender.
"Whatever has alcohol in it." replayed Arcus.
The bartender nodded and Arcus turned around to look for the ponies he just met but before he could find anypony the bartender came back with his drink. As soon as Arcus is handed the drink he slugs it down. He looked for where Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Firebolt were. He only managed to find Firebolt.
Arcus looked around and saw three ponies on stage. One familiar pinkie pony, a white pony with a blue mane and goggles, and a pony dressed up who had goggles. Then Arcus turned his head and he is faced with a purple pony.
Arcus decides to break the ice, "So, you’re a pretty good dancer?"
"Would you care to dance?" asked Twilight.
"Sure," Arcus replied with a grin.
As they walked to the dance floor the the music changed to a fast basted song. Arcus felt the rush of excitement that he had never felt before. The lights, the ponys, the thrill of it all.
Arcus did not know how to dance, and even worse, he didn't know how to dance with a pony. So, all he did was was trying to copy the moves she was doing.
When they both stop they both smile at each other. "You’re a shitty dancer," said Arcus.
"You’re no good yourself," said Twilight.
"Thanks," Arcus walked to Firebolt who was at the bar getting drunk.
"How's it going?" asked Arcus.
"Well. I still can't get any mares to look at me," replied Firebolt.
Arcus reached for the glass that Firebolt was holding. Arcus slugged down his drink and pushed Firebolt to the stage.
Firebolt was heading towards the stage where some group of mares were chatting. Firebolt was highly confused by Arcus’s actions.
"What just happend?"
Arcus ordered another drink. He took in the flashing lights.
"HI!"
Arcus fell off of his seat. He looked up and saw a pink pony right up to his face.
"Pinkie, you scared the crap out of me."
"What does crap mean?" asked Pinkie.
"Um, nothing. So you hosted this party?"
"YesIalwaysthrowpartysforponiesthatarenewtoponyvillewaityournotaponysothisisawelcometoEquestriapartyandIhopeyou-"
Arcus covered Pinkie Pie’s mouth and smiled. "Take a breather and slow down, and yes I'm enjoying your party,”
Arcus removed his hand from Pinkie’s mouth and he noticed she wasn’t smiling anymore.
"What's wrong?"
"Why are you sad then?"
"I'm not sad. I just said I'm enjoying the party."
"But your eyes, There...really sad."
"Look we will talk about this later."
Arcus felt really strange at this point. Something felt off. There was something deadly wrong. This wasn't right Arcus, felt something very wrong.
Arcus suddenly zoned out when he started hearing a faint sound. He could just barely hear it from the loud music. It sounded like screaming and explosions. Arcus knew what was going on. He noticed it was in the area where Firebolt was flirting at. Firebolt was hanging at the corner of the building beside the doors with two mares.
He found himself running to Firebolt. This crowd was too dense to teleport. When Arcus reached Firebolt, he hit him. This made Firebolt go flying into the stage.
Then the wall behind Arcus exploded and shrapnel was sent in every direction and this shoved Arcus onto the ground. The wall landed on him, nearly crushing him.
Arcus knew if he didn't act then, the wall would have killed two ponies including Firebolt. The ponies started a panic in the club.
Fire ignited from the wall where Arcus was standing, spreading to every corner of the club. Twilight ram out and saw a huge ship the size Cloudsdale.
"What the hay is that thing!?"
The ship was massive, large steel cannons protruding from all sides of the large metallic mass in the sky. The engines on the ship were the size of some pony houses. It was hovering just above town square, large and a very intimidating presence.
Twilight saw a pony badly wounded from the explosion and she suddenly vomited. She saw houses on fire, ponies running about. She was frozen in shock, but snaped out of it. Twilight went back in the club searching for Arcus.
"ARCUS!?”