//------------------------------// // Chapter 24: Facing Fear // Story: Time to go // by MasterHunter55 //------------------------------// Time to go Chapter 24 Facing Fear Skull Trap was slightly disappointed. His unholy darkness was hoping that he would arrive at the town during their time of celebration, but the large group had left the city and it's daily routine seemed to have gone back to it's usual disgusting hustle and bustle. Skull Trap ended his scrying spell, removing his gaze from the small pond, the reflection of which he had been using to spy on the absolutely horrid pony town. The scene of the pool was usually a nice one, small animals would drink from the clear water, as the fish swam around without care. The sun would shine through the brisk green of the nearby tree leaves on the reflection of the mirror pond. This was not the scene today. Skull Trap's spell had killed everything near the pond. The fish of the pond he had come into contact with were now floating belly up in the shallow water. There were a few rabbits and squirrels floating in the water as well, and some were on the edge of the land, feet dangling in the pond. A few ducks also sprawled out on the surface of the water, their wings spread out in all directions. Black leaves fell from the soot black trees and littered the bodies of the dead animals whose life force Skull Trap had absorbed. Skull Trap rarely smiled, but seeing the bodies of animals scattered about what was surely a serene paradise was something that humored him. Skull Trap looked back at the path of destruction and death that lay behind him. Dead trees and animals scattered his pathway, which was now a barren wasteland of dirt and black leaves. The jet black monster once again turned his head in the direction of the small disgusting pony town, and knew that the time of his arrival was near at hoof. His black hooves carried him quicker now than they had, and Skull Trap would be at the town by the end of the week. ><>< Hunter wished suddenly that he still had thumbs to twiddle. The alicorn's bed felt soft as ever as he sat curled up on it, his legs brought up to his face, and his multicolored quilt was draped over him. There was nothing he could do but wait until morning at this point. Luna had interrupted a dream about a beautiful trip to a river with Pinkie, Rainbow, and Applejack. Strangely human looking apple trees hung over the river, but the ponies with him didn't seem to have noticed. Hunter was once again in his human form and was sitting on one of the many trampolines that were set on small islands within the flow of the river. The river itself was very wide, enough to fit seven good sized trampolines side to side across, and it was very calm. Apples littered the black fabric of the springy toys, and Pinkie was sure enjoying herself. Hunter was watching Applejack climb the tree nearest his trampoline and sitting next to Rainbow Dash, munching on some apples, when he looked over to see Luna hopping from trampoline to trampoline to get to him. “Fancy seeing you here.” Hunter had said, chuckling at the sight of the night princess jumping on trampolines. “You sure have interesting dreams.” Luna had told him, smiling as she arrived at his trampoline, her force upon it making Hunter jump a little. “I didn't even know I was dreaming until you showed up.” Hunter had told her honestly, “but now that I think about it, I can't imagine this ever being real.” Luna had gotten straight to the point, telling him that she had another opportunity to enter the dreams of a human, and that he might want to join her for this one. The gray topped Hunter had asked her why, and she had only given him vague answers. “You will surely find it interesting.” Luna had said. This hadn't told him anything, in fact, he could have found anyone's dream to be interesting for any number of reasons. Yet, Hunter had gone with her anyways. As soon as the once again human had accepted, Luna's horn had gone blue and his dream began to run together. The colors of the bright summer day began swirling around like they were going down a drain, until the pair were standing in nothing but blackness. “So whose dream are we going to be entering?” Hunter had asked Luna. “Someone you know. You have been entering their dreams a lot lately, and they seem to know you well.” Luna told him as her horn once again flashed blue, another spell having been cast. “Entering their dreams?” Hunter asked her, “You mean they've been dreaming about me?” “Yes.” Luna had said flatly. As color had once again returned to the space around them, Hunter thought about the people that would be dreaming about him. Secretly he had hoped that they were not going to be entering his mother's dreams. Then they were suddenly standing in a hallway, the floor was a white tile, the walls and ceiling were gray steel, and the whole place was lit from an unseen source. Something was running towards them in the distance. Hunter had continued the small talk, “So you have no idea whose mind we're in?” “Nope.” Luna had replied simply. “What if this is a nightmare?” Hunter had asked, realizing that the figure might be running 'from' something. “It's not.” Luna had replied, once again keeping it simple. “How do you know?” Hunter had asked her seriously. “There aren't any lights, and they aren't flickering. This place is just bright.” Luna had responded. Hunter decided not to argue. Luna was the princess in charge of dreams, so she probably knew a thing or two about them. The figure in the distance didn't seem to be very large, although they appeared to be human. Hunter decided that the figure must be the one having the dream. The medium sized figure in the distance was running really fast, and was growing rapidly. It was a girl, Hunter quickly realized, as her head's shadow was long and it bounced with each step, as if she had long hair. Hunter knew few boys who had this style of hair, and he knew they wouldn't be dreaming about him, at least not often. So that cut off half of his list of people to decide who was dreaming about him. The girl was wearing jeans, and a yellow top. She ran with great urgency, and Hunter wondered if he was related to the reason in some way. “So,” Hunter continued, “Come here often?” “No.” Hunter thought that Luna could use a jump start on humor. Hunter looked over his form, he hadn't been a regular human in days, and it seemed foreign to him already. He was half tempted to fall onto his hands and walk around that way, but he kinda missed fingers, and wearing his gray hoodie. The figure was easily seen at this point and Luna nudged the human next to her to look up. Hunter turned his gaze from his hoodie to his cousin running towards him. His jaw fell slightly ajar at the sight of her. Sarah was still as he remembered her, quite stunning as girls go, but he was more surprised that Luna had taken him to her dream. “Sarah?” Hunter said quietly to himself. Of course it would have been her that was dreaming about him, she was most likely worried sick about him. Sarah was the one person, that cousin, that he was unable to tell. Now he would be able to tell her in person, although through a dream. Sarah didn't seem to recognize who he was as she ran, her face looked exhausted, and her eyes looked on the verge of tears from the apparent over exertion. Hunter stood up straight and smiled, he was happy to see her after all this time. Sarah ran straight up to them, stopping only five feet away, and promptly threw up. Luna moved a hoof up to block any splatter, and Hunter just tried to keep himself from laughing hysterically. As soon as his favorite cousin was done shooting bile from her diaphragm, she looked up from her bent over position at Princess Luna. Princess Luna sure wasted no time, “Who are you?” She had asked straightaway. “I thought I was dreaming,” Sarah had said, facing her head back towards the ground as she panted, “Now I know for sure, talking horses are a dead giveaway.” At least Sarah was still a logical person. Just like Hunter had hoped she would continue being, good for her. “You are dreaming,” Luna had replied, “But we are truly speaking.” At this Sarah looked up at Hunter, and Hunter was able to see his favorite cousin's face up close once more. Her brown eyes were the color of dark chocolate, and her freckles were still prominent as ever. “Can you believe this hype?” Sarah had asked him. Hunter was kind of at a loss for words, so he couldn't do much more than give a simple reply, “yeah.” Sarah stood up tall at this, finally catching her breath, and spoke to Luna directly. “Alright then horse, who are you then?” Hunter could tell Luna had taken slight offense to this as she responded, “I am no horse, I am a princess pony of the night, my name is Luna.” Hunter thought she could stand to downplay her being royalty a bit. “Where are we?” Sarah asked after a moment of tense silence. Luna once again took the opportunity to reply, “You tell us, we are in your dream after all.” Hunter wondered when he was going to get to speak to his cousin. He decided to take the chance and spoke up. “I thought your head would be a little more exciting myself.” Hunter had chuckled at his own joke. “Well excuse me if a talking pony isn't interesting enough.” Sarah had responded indignantly. Of course, he knew that she was going to take slight offense to the first thing he said. “That's not even the half of it.” Hunter decided to respond seriously, better than making her think he was laughing at her. Hunter also decided that now was the time to show Sarah exactly why he had gone missing. Hunter missed being a pony already, and wanted to switch back. So, the alicorn imagined himself as an alicorn again, and soon he was standing on all four legs, and was moving his wings slightly on his back. The first words out of Sarah's mouth had been, “What the heck?” That was exactly what he was expecting her to say when he told her that he watched a kids show. The fact that she said it when she saw he had become a part of said kids show, was slightly disappointing. Hunter remembered that Sarah knew nothing of My little Pony. This would be completely new to her. “Yeah, crazy ain't it.” Hunter had chuckled. “You're a horse!” Sarah had said, louder than was necessary. Great, now she was going to be stating the obvious in a string of small questions, just like he knew she did from time to time. “Yes.” “A pony!” “Yes.” “With wings!” “And a horn.” Hunter decided to point out, reaching up to brush his hoof against the horn on his head. “So a unicorn?” Sarah had asked. Hunter corrected her, “I believe the term is alicorn actually.” Hunter moved aside as Sarah left her puke puddle to sit down. Hunter snapped back to reality as he didn't want to think about the rest of the conversation. He sighed heavily, realizing that he had just forced his cousin to think about the hardest decision of her life. She didn't think that Hunter had made the right choice when presented with the same option, so he slightly doubted that she would join him here in Equestria, but she was loyal, and he knew that they shared a great connection. Hunter knew deep in his heart that she would come, he always seemed to lead her, and wherever he went she always followed. Still, doubt nagged at his mind that maybe this time she would choose her own path. The alicorn fell to his side, his head falling on his red pillow, and his blanket still covering him. It was still the middle of the night, and he was tired again. Worry picked at his mind as he imagined the conversation that he was going to have to have with Sarah again. Luna would contact him again when she knew that Sarah had made up her mind, but how long would that take? If Hunter kept on about it, he would go insane long before Sarah had her answer for him. So for now, Hunter closed his eyes, and allowed the wisps of dreams to overtake him once more. ><>< The rest of Hunter's week went without many events. Rainbow Dash would take Hunter to the gym for his daily workouts, after which he would be too thoroughly exhausted to do anything. Hunter spent much of that down time teaching Dash how to play Xbox, and everything seemed to be going well. Every morning would be spent busting clouds, or laying around, depending on the weather for that day. Hunter was just sitting on his couch, Rainbow Dash next to him, killing her over and over again. “Why won't you die!?” Rainbow was yelling from his side. “Over shield” Hunter responded simply. Then there was an urgent knock on the door. Hunter paused the game and volunteered to answer it. Hunter hopped over the arm of the couch. Once the alicorn reached the door and opened up the cloud wall, it revealed a very distraught Fluttershy, already covered in tears. “Oh my goodness.” Hunter said quietly, catching the crying Fluttershy who had slumped forward into his forehooves. “What happened Fluttershy? Tell me what's wrong.” Fluttershy just wouldn't stop crying so Hunter carried her over to his couch, walking on his two back hooves. Rainbow Dash leapt off the couch, allowing Hunter to set her yellow friend on it. “Fluttershy, what happened? Did somepony yell at you? Tell me who it was and I'll kick their flank!” Rainbow Dash was jumping around, punching at an invisible enemy. Fluttershy was whimpering at this point, and was able to whisper a quiet, croaky, “no.” Dash and Hunter looked at each other with concerned looks before they turned back to Fluttershy on the couch, keeping the same faces. Soon Fluttershy was just gasping slowly, and took the chance to speak. “There's somepony scary in the Everfree forest.” “Are you sure you didn't just get spooked by someone wandering out?” Dash asked. “yes. This pony came out into my cottage clearing and... and...” At this Fluttershy started chocking again, so Hunter brought his hoof up to place on her shoulder, hoping to comfort her enough for her to continue. “and... then he... Well I was trying to tell him hello, asking if he was lost, but then I saw the trees.” Fluttershy told them. “The trees?” Hunter asked, “What about the trees?” “They were dead.” Fluttershy told him, still crying a little. Hunter wasn't sure what that meant, so he had to push her, “What do you mean they were dead?” Fluttershy finally stopped gasping and continued, calming down due to Hunter's presence and his hoof on her shoulder. “Every tree he came within a small distance of just turned black and died, their leaves falling. That wasn't the worst part, one of my bunnies was going to welcome him, and when it got close to him he... he...” There was nothing Hunter could do at this point to comfort Fluttershy, she was openly sobbing again, wetting one of the couch's pillows with her tears. Hunter stood up and looked at Dash, who had a confused look on her face. “We better check this out.” Michael walked out of his bedroom suddenly, holding his gun in his hand. He had spent the whole day cleaning and polishing it. The gun wasn't the cleanest when his father had given it to him, and he had been neglecting it in favor of either Trixie, or the daily events. “Michael,” Hunter turned to the room, talking in a dramatic voice, “Good thing you've cleaned that thing, we may need it.” “NO!” Fluttershy said suddenly, “You can't run into that pony!” “If we don't he might hurt somepony else.” Hunter explained, “Or even more of your animals.” Fluttershy was whimpering, and then nodded her head, burying her face in the pillow to sob some more. “What's wrong?” Michael asked, having been completely oblivious to the entire situation. Hunter turned off the Xbox as he filled Michael in to the situation. When Hunter reached the part about a mysterious pony walking out of the woods and harming Fluttershy's animals, the alicorn heard Michael load his gun. “Let's go see him then.” Michael said sternly, hopping onto Hunter's back. “Fluttershy, gather the other elements. If this ends up being a bigger threat than we can handle, we're going to need the power of the elements to take him down.” Hunter picked Fluttershy's chin up with a hoof, looking into her eyes as he explained. “alright...” Fluttershy slowly wobbled her way out of the house, and as everyone left the house, flew steadily towards Ponyville. “Rainbow Dash you might as well stick with us, hopefully Fluttershy gets to Twilight or Rarity's first, and they will be able to get the group together.” Hunter flapped his wings a couple times, prepping them for movement after a long workout day. “If something goes down, are you sure you're ready for it?” Dash asked, a worried look on her face, “You're already sore from your workout today.” Hunter took off into the air, only hovering a few feet above the porch. “I'll be fine, working out every day makes it easier.” Rainbow nodded and they took off towards Fluttershy's cottage. Hunter was leading, but he almost took them off course, having forgotten the way, and Rainbow Dash took over. They flew at a fast pace, hoping to catch this mysterious pony from the Everfree forest before he could do anymore damage. Soon they were hovering over the familiar thatch cottage, and Hunter could see multiple animals running around frantically, knocking over fences in their attempt to escape something. Soon enough, the blond stallion spotted the jet black spot on the ground near the edge of the forest, and then, the streak of black trees that followed behind him for miles. “What is this guy?” Hunter thought to himself. The alicorn had never heard of, or seen anything like it, not even in any of the games or books he had played and read. From where they were, Hunter saw that the black pony was only standing there, as if expecting some kind of force to come and try to stop him. So this mystery pony was expecting them. Dash quickly led them to the ground in front of Fluttershy's pond and stood in a charge ready stance. Hunter followed quickly after, Michael jumped off his back with haste when they landed, pulling his gun up and cocking it, making sure it was ready for shooting. Hunter looked over at the all black pony, whose hair was spiked backwards in an anime style fashion, and it made him look like if he were to headbutt you, you would be sliced right in half. His tail resembled his mane, spiking backwards. If it were any longer, it would make a trail wherever he walked. The black pony gave the three a smile. A terrible smile, one that Hunter knew had evil intentions behind it, and made his whole body quiver as his fur stood on end. “What is this guy?” Hunter thought again to himself. Not many ponies would have this effect, not to mention the trail of death behind him. Something was definitely wrong about him, that much was obvious, but as Hunter stared at him he swore he could see the black seeping off his hooves and into the ground. “Who are you!?” Rainbow Dash finally yelled. Rainbow's voice was on the outside very strong, showing courage, but if you listened close, you could tell that she was just as confused and off as Hunter was. Something about this mystery pony made them all shake and worry. The pony didn't seem to react, taking his time to respond and slowly lifting his head up to meet Rainbow's gaze. Dash stared straight ahead, still looking him over as his eyes rose to look at hers. When their stares finally connected, Rainbow's stomach lurched and she suddenly froze. The eyes of the mysterious pony were a deep black. Looking into them gave the impression of looking into some deep black cavern, and if you were to fall in, you would be swallowed up, never to be seen again. At this, Dash's breathing became shallow and irregular, her knees felt weak, and she suddenly felt like going home and wrapping herself in her blankets, never leaving home again in fear that the darkness would find her. The alicorn next to her had noticed that she was suddenly acting strange and bumped her side with his. “Hey! Pull it together! We might still have to fight this guy, and I get the feeling it's going to take both of us to take him down.” Hunter reassured her, trying to get her back to reality, and back to the courageous mare she was, just moments before. Rainbow cut her gaze from the pony's black eyes, looking at Hunter's green ones as they looked at her in concern. The rainbow mare gulped, her breathing returning to normal, and she shuffled her feet, regaining strength in them. Dash sighed heavily, removing the anxious feeling from her body. Hunter decided it was his turn to try confronting this pony, “Who are you!? What have you done to the forest, and my friends?!” The pony suddenly had a surprised look on his face, and pointed to himself as if there was someone else that Hunter could be yelling at. “What is this guy playing at...” Hunter said quietly. “Who does this guy think he is.” Michael said angrily, aiming down his sights at the pony, who didn't seem to care in the least. Then the black pony laughed. Once again the three were assaulted by the most terrible senses they could have imagined, and the laughter made their skin crawl, as if bugs had suddenly taken to eating them alive. Hunter actually smoothed his hooves over his forelegs, trying to brush the feeling away. “Will you stop laughing and tell us why you're here already!” Michael yelled, getting tired of this creepy pony standing on the edge of the Everfree forest. “My name,” Spoke the black pony from across the field, in a smooth voice that dripped like thick syrup, “Is Skull Trap.” here the pony took a pause, as if wanting the name to settle in their minds before continuing, “and I am here to bring you to the darkness.” “That's so cliché.” Rainbow Dash spoke up, “Whenever someone evil comes to town it's darkness this and darkness that. Don't you know Nightmare Moon tried to cover the world in darkness already and we stopped her?” “Nightmare Moon was weak, her imprisonment making her a pebble among mountains.” Skull Trap spoke, his voice never breaking or wavering, just continuing on in a slow alluring tone. “She sought to plague the world in night, but even night has the moon, the stars. When I bring the darkness, there will be no light, and nopony will survive.” There was a moment of silence before the effect of Skull Trap's voice left Hunter and he was able to speak again, “What's the point of taking over if everypony's dead?” “I do not wish to rule over you disgusting worms.” Skull Trap said, humor in his voice, “only to end you.” “Why?” Hunter asked again, this time determination and anger filling the word as he realized that this 'Skull Trap' was more and more delusional by the minute. “Partly for the fun.” Skull Trap said, the humor still present, “but mostly for revenge.” The three looked at each other. This black soul was out for blood, and they had to stop him, but they had no idea who he was, or his capabilities. This was going to be a battle full of surprises, and they weren't prepared. Then they heard movement and voices behind them. Soon the whole of the mane six stood at their sides, and Jordan walked up to join Hunter and Michael at the front. “What's going on?” Twilight asked at once, trying to assess the situation. “This pony showed up out of the woods, and he's evil.” Dash told her, summing it up. “His name's Skull Trap and he wants us all dead.” Michael added. “What? Why? Who would ever want such a thing?” Pinkie asked, sounding thoroughly concerned. “Because he's evil that's why!” Dash interjected, “We have to stop him with the elements.” “That's why we're all here.” Applejack told her, “Let's go girls!” The six stood across the field from the black pony, staring him down as he waited patiently for their futile efforts to stop him. “What is your purpose here!?” Twilight asked. The purple mare wanted to ask this mystery pony herself, before she went turning ponies she didn't know into stone. “To kill everyone in town and absorb their essence.” Skull Trap told her honestly, and plainly. “Oh.” Twilight said, slightly taken aback. Twilight knew that she had to stop this evil right now before he could hurt anypony. Her horn began to glow, and the elements flew out of a case that had been sitting on her back, attaching themselves to each of her six friends. Then for the first time in the whole time he had been there, Skull Trap moved, right at the six. Skull Trap's sudden movements caused Michael to react quickly, taking a shot at the speedily advancing pony. Skull Trap was sent to the ground and Hunter thought he was dead for sure, and this caused Twilight to stop the spell, leaving the six on the ground confused. “What was that loud bang?” Twilight asked, wondering why Skull Trap had suddenly decided now was the time to take a nap, and looking over at Michael, whose gun was still at the ready. “That was me. I shot him.” Michael told her. “Shot him?” Applejack asked, “With what?” “A bullet.” Hunter told them. They still looked confused, and Hunter decided that he might as well explain basic gun theory to them, now that their assailant was dead. “Look,” Hunter began to explain, moving his hooves to show how a gun worked, “Bullet goes in gun, gun is fired, sets off gunpowder in bullet, causes projectile to shoot out of the gun barrel at mind boggling speeds, projectile hits target and causes intense damage.” The six had been paying strict attention, and all gasped at the same time. “You mean you took him out just like that?” Rainbow Dash asked surprised. “Yeahhhhh.” Michael said, drawing it out as if waiting for some kind of negative reaction. The ponies sat silent until Dash spoke again, “Wow that fast! You just got him just like that! What other cool stuff do you guys have!?” Michael wasn't able to respond because Hunter stopped their talking with a harsh “Shh”. The group looked at the body of Skull Trap, at which Hunter had just been pointing. Skull Trap moved onto his stomach and slowly got up off the ground, anger plastered on his face, and his horn was mostly gone, except for a few pieces of it still poking up out of his forehead. “You...” Skull Trap said, actual emotion in his voice, “Will pay for that.” “That can't be good.” Hunter told Micheal, “Better get back.” Skull Trap reared up on his hooves and looked like he was going to do something powerful when he landed. The gang got into battle ready stances, and prepared for what he was about to do. Then Skull Trap landed and nothing happened. “What?!” Skull Trap said angrily. “NO!” If Hunter didn't know any better, he would say that Skull Trap had lost his cool. “I may not be able to use my magic, but most of my spells still work!” At this Skull Trap galloped at intense speed towards their group, and Hunter jumped in front of the group, after pushing Michael towards the back, and bringing Jordan up to the front with him. “Power the elements, Jordan and I will keep him away so that you can turn him to stone.” Hunter said in a commanding tone. “Wait! I didn't sign up for this!” Jordan said, slightly scared by the thought of fighting Skull Trap. “Too late.” Hunter told him as Twilight started the spell. Skull Trap was now very close and it was time to begin. Skull Trap stopped his gallop and jumped, trying to make his way over the two flyers. It was a stupid thing to try, ponies with wings were not ponies to be jumped over. Jordan was above Skull Trap in a second, and Hunter jumped up to punch Skull Trap from beneath. Jordan got a solid kick to Trap's face, but unfortunately for Hunter he was attacking the part of Skull Trap with all the appendages. Hunter got hit in the face and sent to the ground, where he recovered, and Skull Trap hit the ground near him. Once Hunter had shaken off the shock of being clobbered, he walked quickly over to where Jordan had landed. Skull Trap also shook off the hit, and glared at the ponies in front of him, blocking him from the six mares who were charging their spell. Hunter knew it wouldn't take long, he just had to keep Skull within range of their elements. “Very well.” Skull Trap said, “If it's a fight you want. Then it's a fight you'll get.” Then Skull Trap spread his wings. Hunter wondered how he could have missed the wings against his sides, but now that he saw them, he realized it was going to be harder to keep Skull Trap in range. Hunter hoped he wouldn't be fighting some kind of immortal god. Jordan didn't give Skull Trap time to use the wings he had just shown off. The brown pegasus jumped forward, and punched him in the face, backing up a little and standing in a defensive stance. Skull Traps' head was looking at the sky from the force of the blow, and when he looked down, he was smiling and there wasn't a scrape visible on it. Jordan didn't have time to gawk before he was kicked in the stomach. Hunter grabbed Jordan before he flew past, and laid him on the ground. Then he watched as Skull took off into the sky. Hunter chased quickly after him, trying to catch up so that he could show him a thing or two. Hunter was about to catch up to him when his black form disappeared. Hunter stopped working his way up into air, hovering in the air, and looking aimlessly around in the clouds to find Skull Trap. “How could a pony that black hide in these white clouds?” Hunter said in frustration. His heart was pumping fast and he knew that Skull Trap would have the element of surprise. Hunter tried to calmed down and closed his eyes. He tried doing some zen like thing, and focused on his hearing. Hunter could only hear wind, but he could also hear the faint beating and gusts of wind. The beating grew louder, and louder. Hunter opened his eyes, doing a back flip and kicking Skull Trap in the top of the head. Skull Trap tumbled for a bit, apparently unable to control his movements after the shock of being hit suddenly. It didn't last very long however, and he was hovering in the air below Hunter. The gray alicorn was just surprised that it had worked. Skull Trap was not so surprised as angry that these ponies were having the upper hand on him. Skull Trap went for the direct approach and attacked Hunter, throwing blows at him. Hunter decided it would probably be best to try and not get hit. Taking a defensive stance as Skull Trap approached. As soon as Skull Trap reached Hunter's space in the air, he started throwing punches and kicks. Hunter was struggling to avoid the blows and it didn't take long before he was hit in the side. The blond stallion was sent to the side in the sky, and Skull was already there, and hit him on the head. Hunter used his wings to slow himself as he fell, but decided that an air battle was not the way to go. The alicorn realized that he had to get the black alicorn down to earth, so that Twilight could get him with the elements. Hunter landed on the ground a little faster than he had wanted, which made his hooves hurt. Hunter's hooves didn't hurt so much after Skull Trap elbowed his back. Hunter didn't have time to do anything as Skull Trap started kicking him in the side. Blow after blow took it's tool on Hunter's body and he was unable to get off the ground as each kick sent him a little further across the field. Then Skull Trap stopped kicking Hunter in favor of grabbing him by the neck and holding him in the air. “I didn't think I would encounter any resistance.” Skull Trap said with a smile, “but once I have the power of the few hundred that live in this town I will be unstoppable.” “You know you can't beat the elements.” Hunter choked. “I know that I can.” Skull said, venom in his voice. “and I'll do it with your help.” Hunter was confused by that, and could only hope that Skull didn't have some kind of mind controlling spell up his sleeve. He didn't have to wait long as Hunter suddenly saw a black shadow crossing the foreleg Skull was using to hold Hunter by his neck. As soon as the black touched Hunter he could feel something happening to him. The shadow never covered him, it only made contact, and it started to take power from him. “Now that I feel it, you have much untapped power.” Skull Trap chuckled deviously, “But not for lo-” Skull Trap couldn't finish his evil rant, as a cyan hoof has stuck him across the face, sending him off to the side. The blow had forced Skull to release Hunter, who was now rubbing his neck from the ground. “I didn't think hooves could have such a crushing grip.” Hunter said to himself, before looking up at Rainbow Dash who was standing in a defensive stance, staring at Trap who she had just kicked. “Thanks.” Hunter said, standing up onto his two back hooves. “No problem.” Rainbow said angrily, as if not really paying attention to which emotions flowed into her words, instead allowing the emotions she felt towards Skull Trap to just fall out with them. Skull Trap quickly got up onto his hooves, staring them down. “You will die! The darkness 'will' consume this world!” “And you 'are' a blowhard!” Dash told him, still keeping the stance. Skull Trap kept his face calm and didn't move. Hunter decided that if he was going to plan his next move, he might as well plan his. “Rainbow, you need to go back and charge the elements.” Hunter told her. “You know that work.” Rainbow replied, “The only one here with enough experience to fight him head on is me, and you or Jordan will get killed trying to keep him in range.” Hunter didn't have a response for that tactically accurate outburst. Hunter knew that he couldn't replace her, so if Rainbow was doing the fighting, then the elements would be useless. The only option was to hope that Rainbow could overpower him and win the day. “Are you sure you can beat him like that? He's strong, and he has dark power to boot.” Hunter told her. “To be honest, it doesn't matter if I'm sure I can. It only matters that I try.” Dash replied. “Besides, you have powers of your own, isn't there something you can bring to light to vaporize him with? Does Michael's gun only have one bullet?” “Michael is a crack shot with that pistol, if he wanted Skull dead he would be, something of Skull's prevented the bullet from hitting him anywhere vital.” Hunter explained before he started to mull over his options. “Enough talk! I shall consume you all!” Skull yelled from a few feet away, running towards Dash. Jordan wasn't out of the fight yet, and gave Skull a surprise kick from the side, and jumped back to join Hunter and Rainbow. Skull wasn't stopped for long, and Jordan only had time to give Hunter a quick “sup” before Skull took a swing at Jordan's face. Hunter had been watching Skull's movements up to this point, and took a familiar maneuver. Grabbing Jordan's legs, Hunter pulled the pegasus out from under the blow, and spun around with Jordan in his grip. Jordan was forced once again to be the weapon, and slammed into Skull from the side. Skull didn't fall this time, digging his hooves into the ground to stop himself. Skull looked up to see Jordan flying right at him. Both of Jordan's hooves made contact with Skull's face, causing his lip to bleed, and Jordan was pulled back by Hunter yet again. Hunter continued the signature move by spinning and hitting Skull with Jordan from the right side. Skull Trap collided with a tree, sending pieces of bark in all directions and the birds in the branches to fly off. Hunter set Jordan down roughly, and then helped him up. Jordan rubbed his back where he had made contact with Skull Trap. “I don't like that, just so you know.” “It's so effective though.” Hunter argued. “I would rather get hit in the face, then get saved, only to become your own personal whacking stick.” Jordan said, whipping Hunter in the face with a wing. Hunter rubbed his face, “Hey, save that for the enemy.” Hunter pointed over to Skull Trap who was now getting up off the tree. He didn't have much chance to move before Rainbow Dash was upon him, hitting him against the tree and then kicking him. Skull Trap only took these two blows before grabbing one of Rainbow's legs and hitting her against the same tree. “C'mon Rainbow!” Hunter called. He hated seeing her get hit like that. Rainbow flipped her way out of Skull's grip, and during the flip managed to catch Skull Trap under the chin. Dash quickly made her way into the sky, where she knew that she would have the most advantage in speed and agility. As soon as Dash made it a good way into the air, she looked below her, expecting Skull to be there, chasing after her. Much to her surprise, he was not. Skull Trap was actually making his way over to the rest of her friends, Michael was brandishing his gun, hoping to deter Skull Trap from advancing, and Hunter and Jordan were attempting to get in his way, but Skull Trap continued to knock them aside. Dash made her way quickly to the shortening gap between Trap and her friends. Hunter once again stood in Skull's way, blood was trickling down his cheek from a small cut above his eyebrow that he had received when Skull Trap back handed him easily to the side. The blond stallion, rubbed the sweat from his forehead, and gingerly touched his side, where one of Skull's unexpected kicks had sent him out of the black alicorn's way. Hunter was powerless. His punches and kicks were weak and he knew it. Skull was as strong as Roid Rage without the muscle look, and just as agile as Rainbow Dash. Hunter had no hope of ending this villains rampage, he just had to help those that could. As Skull Trap once again got within striking distance, he attacked from the left. Skull moved a hoof up to block, but Hunter wasn't attacking from that side, instead bringing his other hoof up to complete the trick. Skull Trap moved to block that as well. Hunter's eyes went wide, and Skull Trap punched him in the stomach, holding the gray alicorn's hoof up to gain easy access to his ribs. Hunter coughed blood onto Skull Trap's foreleg, which was now deeply entrenched in his abdominals. Skull Trap held him there as long as he felt like, and then let go of his right hoof, and hitting him over the head. Hunter got a mouthful of dirt as his face collided with the ground. “Stay out of my way.” Skull said coolly. “Insect!” Skull Trap kicked Hunter in the side, moving him from the space between the five mares, and Michael, and off into the pond. “Hunter!” Twilight gasped. “Who do you think you are!” Twilight yelled at Skull Trap. Skull Trap laughed maniacally at this and continued his advance, “You're worst nightmare.” The five were ready to fight, but Twilight knew that their basic knowledge of fighting wouldn't be enough to hold off this evil alicorn. Dash landed in front of Twilight suddenly, making Twilight step back a little. “I'll hold him up!” Rainbow yelled back, “You find a way to stop him!” “You think you can stop me do you?” Skull Trap asked, “ Very well, you shall be the first to die.” Rainbow charged forwards and began the assault. Jordan had made his way over to the pond, and had retrieved Hunter from the shallow water, setting him on the ground, and patting him on the back and Hunter hunched over, coughing up water, dirt, and some blood. As soon as Hunter could breathe normally again, he looked up to see Rainbow trading blows with Skull Trap. Every once in a while Rainbow would get hit, but it looked like she was landing more hits than the black alicorn was. Although, he noticed that every time Trap landed a hit, Rainbow would have to take a small amount of time to recover, or would slow down slightly. Dash was not going to last long, he had to do something quickly. Jordan helped Hunter get up off the ground, and the five closed the distance between them. “Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked, trying to assess all his wounds at once. “I'm fine.” Hunter lied, brushing Fluttershy's hooves away so that he could concentrate. “What are we going to do?” Rarity asked, “This 'Skull Trap' is stronger than anyone we've faced before, and he doesn't seem willing to stand there while we turn him to stone.” “I have to alert Princess Celestia.” Twilight said, “We have to get her down here before he becomes too powerful for even her to defeat.” “Rainbow won't last long enough for Celestia to make it all the way from Canterlot, we have to do something else as well.” Hunter told them. “Isn't there something else you can do?” Applejack asked. “I'm pretty beat up.” Hunter told her, “Even if I was in top condition, I wouldn't stand a chance, and I can beat Jordan in a fight so that's out of the question.” “Yeah right!” Jordan argued, “I'd like a rematch before you go spouting crap like that!” “Now's not the time to be having petty arguments!” Twilight said, “Rainbow's running out of time, and we need to think of something fast.” The ponies sat silent for a second. “Maybe we could throw him a party!” Pinkie interjected, “Maybe then he'll change his ways!” The group only stared sternly at the pink mare. The group was once again silent for a short time until Twilight spoke up again. “Hunter, you did that energy blast thingy-” “Kamehameha.” Hunter interjected. “Right, that.” Twilight said, “Why don't you just do that? It would vaporize him for sure!” “Against water sure, but he has his own dark powers protecting him, I doubt my wimpy version of the blast would leave a scratch, especially considering my current condition.” “Is there any other tricks you could pull off?” Twilight asked, “Something like the kame what's it.” The gray alicorn looked over the group at Rainbow fighting with Skull. The fight wasn't going badly for either party yet, but they would have to hurry. Hunter thought for a minute before grumbling, “There is one thing I could try...” “What is it?!” Twilight asked. “I don't know how it was done specifically, but I can try. I need most of you to go into town and tell everypony to help out though.” Hunter told them. “How will everypony help?” Pinkie asked, “Are they going to all attack Skull Trap?” “In a way, just have them raise their hooves to the sky when you see me in the sky.” Hunter said. Twilight was as confused as the rest of her friends, but Michael had a pretty good guess at what was going to happen. “Alright, Fluttershy, you stay here and write a letter to the princess, have Michael send it, and Jordan you stay here to fight Skull Trap in case Hunter isn't ready to do whatever it is he's doing by the time Dash gets...” She cut off at this point, as if not wanting to continue. “You know what to do everypony. Move!” At this Fluttershy ran to her cottage to get some paper, the rest of her friends taking off down the road, and Jordan, Michael, and Hunter were left to watch Rainbow Dash fight Skull Trap. “You're going to try a spirit bomb aren't you?” Michael asked seriously. “Heck, I can do a kamehameha, I might as well try.” Hunter said. “If you're Kamehameha is small, then wouldn't your spirit bomb be as well?” Jordan asked. “The spirit bomb comes from the energy of others, not my own personal stores. Technically it can grow and grow, as long as the energy source you take it from is limitless, and the user can hold it for that long.” Hunter explained. Jordan was slightly impressed by Hunter's technical knowledge of something from a cartoon show, “nerd.” “Thanks.” Hunter said, and stretched his wings. His back was sore, when he moved them, but he needed to get into the sky, hopefully in a place where Skull Trap would be looking directly into the sun if he tried to look at him. Hunter flapped his wings, taking off into the air. Jordan followed after, helping him up, and soon they were high in the sky, backs to Celestia's sun. Hunter put his forelegs up, and channeled his energies, attempting to form a ball. Soon enough a green orb formed on the tops of his hooves, and it was growing slowly. Hunter stopped reaching from his own reserves of energy, and thought about how to make it grow from the planet's energy. As soon as his own energy cut off, the ball slowed it's growing speed, but it didn't stop. “Does it collect energy on it's own?” Hunter thought to himself. Then the ball of energy started growing rapidly. Hunter almost lost the sphere, but steadied himself, and allowed it to grow at it's alarming rate. Twilight must have seen him in the sky, and was now having the ponies of Ponyville join in. This power was immense. Hunter wondered how Goku could have handled such power so easily, and he could feel it slip every once in a while, but held on with all his being, keeping it in the air. The sky was cloudless today, and Hunter could clearly see the pair of fighters trading blows. Rainbow must have seen them up in the air, and slowly forced the fight higher into the air, punching Skull higher and higher. Once she even got a lucky stomach punch, and Skull Trap flew twenty more feet into the sky. “Perfect.” Hunter said to himself, “Just as long as he doesn't notice until it's too late.” Hunter watched painfully, and then triumphantly as Rainbow fought on. Jordan had pointed out Fluttershy leaving the cottage and then giving the paper and quill to Michael, who scribbled a few things on the paper, and then blew on it. The paper's ashes flew past Hunter's face as he held up the bomb, and he dared not turn his head to watch it make it's way to Canterlot. Fluttershy left Michael on the ground to join Jordan and Hunter in the air. Hunter knew that the spirit bomb would be done any second, Rainbow just needed to hold on, just a little longer. “What is this thing?” Fluttershy asked, her jaw hanging in the air. Hunter wasn't exactly in a position to respond so Jordan spoke for him, “It's called a spirit bomb, it's a large mass of energy collected from the life in Equestira.” Jordan said seriously. Fluttershy looked up at it in awe, but then looked down at the fight between Dash and Skull. Dash was on her last leg at this point, and it looked bad. Skull Trap took one more hit in the face, causing blood to spray into the air, but then he grabbed Rainbow's hoof, and made his way behind her, grabbing her in a hold. “Rainbow!” Fluttershy squealed. “Crap!” Hunter yelled, “We have to save her!” Jordan was already on it. Jordan knew that the bomb was just like the elements, it may be ready, but Skull Trap would be able to avoid it if he tried hard enough. Jordan flew quickly towards where Skull Trap was holding Dash. Hunter faltered in the air. The gray alicorns wings cramped, and he almost fell out of the sky. Fluttershy grabbed him and held him in his stance as best she could. “You can do this Hunter! We all believe in you! I believe in you!” Fluttershy's words of inspiration were like Rainbow's and Hunter's wings once again shot into action. Hunter felt that the bomb was ready, and he couldn't hold it much longer anyways. Hunter saw Jordan fly up to Skull Trap. Jordan kicked Skull Trap in the side, Rainbow joined in by getting a lucky kick to Skull's groin, and Jordan flew behind Skull Trap. Trap still held Rainbow, but his grip was loose. Jordan grabbed Skull in the a choke hold, holding Skull's hooves in the air, and making it impossible for Skull to move. Jordan flew as best he could with Skull Trap in his grasp towards the spirit bomb. “What is he doing?!” Hunter said out loud, “He just traded one friend for another he can't expect me to...” “Expect you to what?” Fluttershy asked. “NO!” Hunter yelled at Jordan, “We aren't doing things this way!” Rainbow was now by Hunter's side, and replaced Fluttershy, helping Hunter stay in the air instead. “It's the only way! You know he could escape!” Jordan yelled. Skull Trap was trying his hardest to break free of Jordan's hold. Jordan knew this hold well, he had held even Roid in this hold for a good fifteen minutes. Skull Trap was also trying other options. Black shadow had crept from the black alicorn's body, and was now making contact with the entire front of Jordan. Jordan wouldn't be able to hold the alicorn for long, his strength was being sapped quickly from the increased amount of contact. “Throw it now!” Jordan yelled. “I can't! You need to move first!” Hunter responded. Hunter had only just met Jordan, but he was already a great friend of his. Jordan had a wife, Lapis Cavas, and who knows if he had children. He was the drummer in their band for Pete's sake! “No!” Jordan said, losing strength in his voice as Skull absorbed him. “Throw! It! NOW!” Hunter didn't have time to think of other options. It was throw this now, or let Skull take Equestria. Celestia was late, and the elements were not available. With a squeeze of his eyes, and the last of his strength the giant ball of green energy flew towards Jordan, rapidly closing the distance between Skull Trap and Hunter. Skull Trap was now struggling to the extreme, and Jordan was having trouble holding on with his strength being lost. Soon enough though, they were surrounded by light, and Jordan didn't have to hold on. Jordan let go and saw Hunter off in the distance being held up by Rainbow Dash. “We'll have that rematch... some other time.” Skull Trap was loose, but he was immediately contacted by the force of a thousand suns. The energy caused Skull Trap to be blasted into Jordan, and Jordan was soon laying flat across the back of Skull Trap as they were blasted by the giant ball of green. Skull Trap was not done yet, he spun around, forcing Jordan in front of the blast and his back to the terrible heat of the energy. Jordan had always wondered what a spirit bomb would be like, but he hadn't thought of what a spirit bomb would be like if one was on the receiving end. It burned against every piece that touched him, but he embraced it. There was no way to fight it, so he let it take him. The brown unicorn felt himself slipping, and moved backwards into the energy. The feeling around him had moved past pain into a kind of... Ecstasy. The energy pushed on him from all sides, and soon his body was coming apart. Jordan watched as piece by piece he became part of the spirit bomb. “Take my spirit.” Jordan thought to himself with a smirk on his face, “Take it and like it.” Then Jordan was gone. Skull Trap made contact with the Everfree Forest, colliding with the ground, and the weight of the energy stacked on top of him. For the first time in his black life, he was blinded by the light. Skull Trap was scared. ><>< Rainbow Dash brought Hunter to the ground after watching the spirit bomb dissipate. The amount of energy had been impressive, and she knew that there was no way that Skull Trap could have survived. As soon as Hunter was on the ground, he punched the ground with more force than he should have been able to. “DAMN IT!” Fluttershy backed up slightly at the outburst, but then as she heard the alicorn sob, she put her forelegs around him for a small hug. Hunter didn't react to Fluttershy's presence. He only continued kneeling on the ground, hoof in the dirt, and tears falling off his face. “Damn it, damn it, damn it.” Hunter said quietly to himself. Michael had seen the group land, and ran over to the three ponies. Fluttershy stopped hugging Hunter, and allowed Michael to move forward instead. “What happened?” Michael asked Rainbow Dash. Dash hung her head and responded quietly, “Jordan was killed in the blast.” “What!?” Michael gasped, “How?!” “He sacrificed himself to keep Skull Trap in position.” Rainbow said, head still low, and eyes starting to tear up as well. Michael tried to console his friend with a hand on Hunter's side, but Hunter didn't seem to react to him either. Just then the rest of the mane six ran up the road. “What happened? Is he gone?” Twilight asked, panting. “We don't know.” Fluttershy said quietly. “Of course he's gone!” Dash interjected, “There's no way he could have survived that!” “We better go to the blast site, just to be sure.” Twilight commanded, repositioning the big crowny thingy on her forehead. “You could see that energy all the way from Ponyville town square.” Rarity said quietly, following her friends to the clearing in the trees that the spirit bomb had created. “Be ready girls, that alicorn might still be around here somewhere.” Twilight said cautiously. Twilight and the group made it to the edge of the clearing, but they couldn't see a thing, as dirt still hadn't settled. Twilight waited for a few minutes as the dirt cleared, and eventually they had a clear sight of the blast site. The sight was extraordinary, and the site was humongous. Trees had been disintegrated for a hundred feet, and those lucky enough to be on the edge of the blast had only had every leaf and their bark scorched off. The group of friends made their way past the scorched trees and in the clearing without any. The ground was now only black dust, and soot that stuck to their hooves as they walked. “This soot is going to be hard to get out of my mane...” Rarity said to herself. Twilight stopped the girls with a “shush” and a hoof out. Twilight looked at the center of the blast site, where she hadn't seen anything at first, but now saw that the ground was moving. “If he's still alive then we need to charge the elements, now!” Twilight commanded. Twilight began the spell of harmony, and Skull Trap popped up out of the ash just as Twilight's eyes began to glow. Skull Trap was incredibly weak now, and he was unable to walk a few steps away before falling to his knees. “This...” Skull Trap whispered, gathering the last of his dark energy into one hoof, “Will not be the end... the darkness, will... go on.” The rainbow wave erupted from the six, flying into the sky, before arching downwards towards Skull Trap. The black alicorn shot a black orb of shadow from his left hoof, watching it move quickly across the ground for a second, before looking up at the rainbow. Skull Trap was hit by the wave, but didn't move from his position on his knees as it turned him to stone. The black shadow made it's way quickly though the decimation and then over the field. The shadow went completely unnoticed as it traveled up Hunter's hoof, and into his horn. Twilight and her group drifted down to the ground. Twilight trotted over to the statue and looked it over. Skull Trap looked pretty beat up, even as stone. “Twilight Sparkle.” Said a royal Canterlot voice from overhead. Twilight looked up to see her mentor flying down to the blast site, a smile overtook her face as she said, “Princess Celestia!” “What happened here!?” Celestia asked. For one of the only times in Twilight's life, her mentor seemed shocked. “Hunter used a large ball of energy to destroy Skull Trap, although it didn't quite finish him off, so we had to turn him to stone.” Twilight explained. Celestia seemed worried by something as she examined the statue. “Are you sure this statue is him?” Celestia asked. “Of course it's him Princess.” Applejack spoke up, “We just watched him turn to stone. Why?” “This statue is merely stone. There is no life inside.” Celestia told them. “Maybe he was closer to death than we thought.” Rainbow said. “Maybe.” Celestia reiterated. “Let us return to your friends near Fluttershy's cottage. I do not believe I've met them before, and from what I could see, they were part of this battle as well. Hunter was it?” “Yes, Hunter is the gray alicorn.” Twilight told the princess as they walked back to the cottage. “I was not told of an alicorn.” Celestia said sternly. “You weren't?” Twilight asked, “I would have thought...” Twilight trailed off. Did Luna just forget to tell Celestia about Hunter? Celestia would have found out sometime, so maybe Luna decided not to tell her for some reason. As soon as the group was led out of the clearing by Celestia, Hunter and Michael were visible on the edge of the field, near the pond, Hunter's hoof still set in the ground. Celestia walked over the grass quietly, and the six followed behind the same way. As soon as Hunter was reached, the princess stood over the gray alicorn silently, letting the wind speak for a moment. Then she spoke, “Were you the one who destroyed the forest?” Celestia asked. “It was only partly him.” Michael answered for him, “The trail behind it was Skull Trap.” The princess looked sternly at the baby dragon, “I was speaking to Hunter.” Michael decided to just speak when spoken to. Celestia repeated her question, but changed it a little, “Did you cause the destruction on the edge of the forest?” “Yes.” Hunter responded simply. “How?” Celestia asked. “A spirit bomb.” Hunter said. The others could tell that he was struggling to speak through his emotion, as his voice cracked once. Celestia didn't bother to question what that was at this point, seeing that this alicorn was apparently distressed. “What's wrong sir?” Hunter didn't bother to respond for a minute before looking up with puffy eyes, and a tear lined face saying, “I just killed my friend. What about you?” Celestia was slightly taken aback by this, and her eyes went a little wide as she was not expecting that. Hunter got up from the ground, standing himself on all fours. The six said nothing, all of their heads hung, or staying quiet as they looked on at Hunter and Celestia. “My deepest condolences...” Celestia said compassionately. “Screw your condolences.” Hunter replied coldly. “If you had been here just moments earlier then Jordan would be alive! Or are you just a little slow with all that godly power of yours?!” “Hunter!” Twilight said, surprised at Hunter's disrespect, “You're talking to-” “It's quite all right Twilight.” Celestia interjected, “I received your letter, but I did not open it until just moments ago. For that I am truly sorry.” Hunter scoffed and sat down, still crying to himself as Michael patted him on the side. “Now what?” Hunter said gruffly and with a sharp tone. “I will take care of the statue of this Skull Trap,” Celestia said, “and I will leave you to take care of your wounds.” At this Celestia flew back towards the clearing and was last seen by the group taking off, statue in her magical tow. Up until Celestia mentioned it, Hunter hadn't realized how severe his wounds were. Each sob racked his body with a new wave of pain, and he was having trouble seeing clearly. The last thing he could do before passing out was warn someone. “Michael. Hospital.” Hunter said simply, before falling over into his arms. Michael did his best to keep Hunter from hitting the ground, but Hunter was much larger and heavier than he was, so the best he could do was slow his descent. Fluttershy trotted up and started checking on him, seeing if there was anything she could do to help before they took him to the hospital. For one of the only times since they had become friends, Fluttershy took charge of the situation. “Michael I need you to go into my cottage and get my first aid kit.” Fluttershy said quietly, yet commanding. “uhhhh.” Michael responded. The dragon had never been in Fluttershy's cottage, so he would have no idea where it was. “Just ask angel to get it for you.” Fluttershy continued. Michael decided that was good enough for him and ran for the door. “Rainbow Dash, go to the hospital we're going to need a stretcher to move him.” Rainbow Dash responded with a quick “You got it!” As she took off towards the city. Michael and Angel returned with a big metal first aid kit, and they handed it to Fluttershy, who opened it up and started going to work with bandages and band-aids. Covering as many bruises and cuts as she could. The rest of the group watching in slight amazement at the speed at which Fluttershy was working to patch Hunter up. After a few minutes a couple of earth pony stallions in hospital uniforms carrying a stretcher between them. At this point, Fluttershy had already bandaged and fixed up everything she could with what she had, and the hospital ponies were slightly impressed. Hunter was slowly lifted over onto the stretcher and the group watched as he was carried away. Michael following after. “Now what?” Dash asked the group. “That question sure has been asked a lot today.” Pinkie said. “I suppose we should start working on the funeral arrangements for Jordan. Did any of you girls know where he lived?” Twilight asked. None of them spoke up. “Guess I'll have to ask Hunter when he wakes up.” Twilight said. The six stayed to talk about funeral arrangements, but not for long, seeing as how today had been a long day, and none of them really felt like talking anyways. “Man.” Rainbow Dash said. “And this day started off so well.”