//------------------------------// // Helfire, Dark Fire Pt. 2 // Story: A Demon In Ponyville // by Terciel1249 //------------------------------// A Demon in Ponyville Ch. 13: Hellfire, Dark Fire 2 Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to MLP or its related characters. Edited by hunterman3 Twilight moved cautiously down the worn wooden steps. Applejack marched closely behind her followed by the rest of their friends. The girls’ hooves echoed loudly on the wooden surface. Unlike the previous circles, the air became warmer. The isolation and the cold were disappearing as they continued to move further away from the last circle. Twilight threw Applejack a confused look. Both mares were unsure of what was causing this change of climate, but this warm feeling put the entire group on edge. Through darkness they traveled until the six ponies broke through the gloomy night into blinding white light. Blinking rapidly, Twilight was blinded for several seconds. When her sight returned, Twilight was treated with a very unusual sight. Spread before her was an unassuming cafeteria. Several long tables with foldout stools lined the center of a long room. The floor was composed of a cheap white tile and the walls of faded tan. On the far side of the room, a long food assembly line was embedded in the wall, separating the kitchen from the dining area. But that’s not what disturbed Twilight. What worried her was the naturalness of this scene. There was nothing out of the ordinary with this room. No glimmering phantoms of great pain. No cold air stealing the heat from their bodies. The only positive was no Dark Matthew to spread his dark influence on them. This was just an ordinary cafeteria. Ok, maybe not so ordinary, Twilight thought, scanning the room. Twilight’s violet eyes caught sight of a single pony. Sitting silently at one of the tables at the far end, was a small colt. Barely older than Applebloom, the colt’s fur was a dark charcoal grey and a spiked mane of white. He had no cutie mark, but the tiny wings on his back proclaimed him a Pegasus. Rainbow Dash muttered, “How many costumes does this guy need?” The small child didn’t even notice the six mares. All he did was sip loudly on his juice carton. The loud slurping filled the room and further annoying the Mane Six. The colt looked at the juice dispenser in annoyance, shaking it a few times to make sure all the apple juice was gone. With tentative steps, Twilight and company approached the new version of Matthew. Matthew decided he was tired of the carton and simply tossed it over his shoulder without a care. Rarity spoke up, “That is not an acceptable behavior for a pony your age.” Pegasus Matthew turned to look at the group. His brown eyes were shocking. They weren’t filled with the same mirth or sarcasm his other versions had. They spoke of loneliness. Fluttershy felt her heart ache. That was the failure of ponies. Pony children had eyes that took up way too much of their face. It’s like their eyes could see through time and space right into your very soul. Younger Matthew raised a single eyebrow, “Why?” “Why what?” Rarity asked, confused by the question. “This is my mind, so it’s not like I’m littering or anything,” young Matthew responded. “Beside the box disappeared after I threw it.” All eye looked away from the colt, to where the apple juice container should have landed. To their surprise, there was no cardboard carton lying on the floor. Pegasus Matthew patiently waited for all six pairs of eyes to return to him. “Why are you here?” “You were poisoned and all of us are attached to you to help filter it from your body,” Twilight answered. “No, you misunderstand the question,” young Matthew stated. “I asked why you were here. You would have had to get through the Gatekeeper and travel through two circles to get here. What I’m asking is why did you break into my head?” No one spoke. All of the ponies were surprised by the response. “We wanted to know more about you,” Fluttershy offered in a meek whispered. A blush rose within her cheeks. At least this Matthew isn’t as scary as the last one. Young Matthew’s face scrunched in concentration, his brow furrowing. “That makes sense,” he muttered to himself. “But I’d hate to be you six when I wake up.” “Why?” Rainbow Dash asked, her suspicion rising. Young Matthew held a hoof to his chin in mock contemplation, “Let’s see… Instead of just staying in the outskirts of my mind, you decide to break through the door and travel through two circles to look into my personal life without my permission.” “Oh, right,” Rainbow Dash blushed, seeing the fault in the group’s judgment. I blame Twilight. Pegasus Matthew looked around at the mares, watching them for their reactions. Applejack used her hat to cover her face. Twilight rubber a hoof against her other foreleg as she turned away. Rarity hid the redness in her cheeks with a foreleg. Fluttershy simply hid behind her mane. “So, what do you want to see?” young Matthew asked with sigh. Either they would remain here or they would continue unabated to find whatever they’re looking for. If young Matthew could contain them here for long enough, maybe his body would wake up and he can avoid them digging further. Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but Pinkie Pie beat her to the punch, “I want to see your friends.” One corner of Pegasus Matthew’s muzzle rose, “Sure thing.” The scene shifted, the human Matthew stood patiently outside a door labeled MESS HALL wearing a worn black apron. The Matthew in front of them appeared to be the same from the Mane Six’s last encounter. The black writing on his left arm was outlined by red and irritated skin. Matthew absentmindedly scratched the marks. “Where the hell is he?” Matthew muttered under his breath. From around the corner, another figure approached. Derek slowly walked up to Matthew with a worried look. The shorter human looked up at the dark skinned boy with anger. “Do you know how late you are? We were supposed to work in the kitchen half an hour ago! DO YOU KNOW WHAT MAMA K WILL DO TO US IF SHE FOUN-?” “Mama K will do what now,” a kind and deep female voice called from the doorway. Matthew slowly turned to face her, a hefty woman with a deep complexion wearing a pristine white chef coat and black slacks. The look in her eyes was of warmth, kindness and strength with just a hint of mischief. “Hi Mama K,” Matthew said, putting on the biggest smile he could muster. “Okay, that’s creepy,” Pinkie Pie said, looking at Matthew totally fake smile. Mama K smiled to him, “Why hello to you Matthew and Derek.” Derek looked into the older woman’s eyes, feeling the icy grip of fear. Both of the humans prepared to enter, but Mama K held up a hand, “Before you to enter my kitchen, you better get whatever's botherin you Derek out. Because there is no way you’re bringing that moppy attitude into my kitchen. You two talk, then you can come in.” With that, Mama K slammed the door in finality. Derek looked to Matthew. Matthew crossed his arms over his chest, “Well?” Derek took a moment to think, “How’d you do it?” “Do what?” “That blast thing, how’d you do it?” Derek stated a second time. Twilight noticed a shifting in his gaze. Matthew took a deep breath as the vein in his head began to bulge. The last two days have been trying on Matthew’s nerves. People were avoiding him like the plague, the other hybrids were giving him dirty looks when they thought he wasn’t looking (And I totally was!), and their base commander had placed a shoot to kill order on him if he performed any action considered disruptive or deviant. Which added to Matthew’s stress as the base’s Security Forces continued to remind him of the fact. “Alright I’ve had just about enough to this,” Matthew’s anger continued to grow. Moving towards Derek and grabbing him the by the shirt, “Now listen to me. If you’ve got a problem with me that’s fine! I don’t give two shits about you or anyone in this damn base! If you want to go home and cry about getting your sorry a** being handed to you on a silver platter then be my guest!” Matthew tossed Derek back, his increased strength causing the taller boy to fly ten feet back and stumble. Derek barely managed to stay standing, “Now take that weak shit out of here or I’ll give you something to fear.” Derek was mad now, his face turning a dark red. Derek marched right up to Matthew. Both boys stood chest against chest, Matthew looking up at Derek with the same amount of hatred. “Wow, you were really short as a kid,” Pinkie Pie commented with a wide smile at Pegasus Matthew. “I’m not that short!” Derek poked Matthew in the chest, “Well f*** you too buddy!” Matthew began to speak but the loud voice of Mama K said, “Good to see you boys getting along.” Matthew and Derek looked to the woman standing in the doorway. “I knew you two would become friends sooner or later,” Mama K said with a wide smile. “We are not friends!” Matthew and Derek snapped at the same time. “So says you,” Mama K shook her head, wearing an amused smirk. “Now get your butts in here, I’ve got a cockroach the size of a bus and I need you to kill it.” Matthew and Derek shared one last hate filled glare before joining Mama K in the kitchen. “So let me get this straight,” Twilight said with a deadpanned expression, “you two became friends after he just spent days or weeks beating the snot out of you.” “Sure did,” Pegasus Matthew said with an amused grin. Gasp. Pegasus Matthew and Twilight turned to the rest of the group. All of the ponies were focused on Matthew and Derek standing in a large kitchen, surrounded by stainless steel appliances. In front of the two boys stood a monstrosity Twilight never wanted to see again. Standing over seven feet tall, eyes of glowing red bearing six hairy arms with sharp pincers and a gaping mouth of interchanging digits. The light from the bulbs reflected sickly off of this mutant cockroaches’ exoskeleton. The cockroach snarled at the awestruck Matthew and Derek, flecks of green spittle and goo flying in every direction. “So that’s what he meant by the cockroaches,” Twilight muttered to herself. Matthew jumped to the left when the mutant cockroach lunged for him and Derek. Derek was not so fortunate, the cold clingy pincers wrapped around Derek’s arms effectively pinning them to his sides. Matthew hesitated for a second, looking around the room in quick succession to find some kind of weapon. Grabbing a frying pan of dull metal, Matthew jumped onto the creature’s back and proceeded to bash the thing’s head in. Twilight and her friends stood in silent horror, the sound of hollow metal repeatedly crashing into the bug’s flesh with a sickening result. Green goo and body parts flew in every direction. The kitchen became covered in glowing green bits of bug parts, leaving a shocked Derek standing next to Matthew. Matthew’s pulsed raced, his heart singing its own music as it pumped adrenaline through his body making him tingle from head to toes. Derek and Matthew continued to look down at his bloody handy work, the metal pan still held tightly in Matthew’s hand. From the next room, Mama K entered her eyes registering the mess her kitchen was in. “Thanks boys, I was afraid I’d have to bring out the big boot again.” Matthew and Derek turned to her, not sure how to react to this news. “This isn’t the first time?” “Oh hell no child,” Mama K laughed, “I’ve had to kill these things at least once a week. But don’t you two worry about little old me I have my own brand of bug repellent.” “What’s that?” Derek asked, almost afraid of the answer. “Good old Smith and Wesson!” With that Mama K left the two alone with some parting words, “Now clean that gunk out of mah kitchen! I got guests waiting for their grub.” Standing in silence, Derek turned to Matthew not sure on what to say. “Thanks man.” Matthew tossed the pan aside, taking a deep breath. “No problem.” Looking at the dirtied counters, walls, floor, pans and ceiling, Matthew added, “Where do you want to start, floor or ceiling?” A large piece of bug cranium took the opportunity to fall from the ceiling to land on the floor with a particularly loud squelch. “Ceiling.” The scene faded, Pegasus Matthew motioning with his hoof, “And that’s how we became friends.” All of the ponies turned to face the small colt with an expression that clearly asked ‘Are you crazy?’ Noticing the looks, Pegasus Matthew offered a sheepish grin, “How about we look at something else?” With a wave of his hoof the scenery changed back to the combat ground, Matthew and Derek exchanging furious blows. “I’m gonna win today!” “No you’re not!” “Yes I am!” “No, I am!” “Are not!” “Are too!” “Will you two shut up!” a very angry girl yelled with a Scottish accent. Matthew and Derek turned towards the source, finding the red hair girl slowly walking by. Her hair shone like a wildfire, her pale skin and freckles revealing her to be a ginger. Standing the same height as Matthew with her hands in her pockets, Shannon marched past the pair with her shoulders slouched to show she was not in the best of moods. Matthew snorted, “Well look who finally decided to show up, bitch ginger.” “Dude,” Derek said wearing a look like he just realized something very important. “What?” “She’s totally a bitch,” Derek stated. Matthew looked to Derek with an unbelieving expression, “Dude, we’ve been here for almost a year now and it took you this long to realize that?” “Yeah well, shut up,” Derek shot back with a smirk. To Matthew’s surprise, and horror, Derek approached Shannon. When he was face to face with Shannon, Derek asked, “So do you purposely try to be a bitch so people would like ironically or are you just a bitch on the inside?” Applejack turned to Pegasus Matthew, “Ah thought it was just you, but ah can see that the majority of you humans forget these little things called manners.” “Oh trust me Applejack, you haven’t seen the worst of it,” Pegasus Matthew responded with a dark scowl. Turning back to the scene, Shannon looked at Derek with enough hate in her light blue eyes Applejack believed she would melt Derek’s face off. In a blur of movement, Shannon moved. To the ponies’ surprise, it wasn’t Derek that found himself being thrown against the ground with his legs over his head, but Matthew. “What did I do?” Matthew called out. “Dude, come on,” Derek said, looking at Matthew like it was the most obvious thing. “Did you believe she’d actually try to fight me? I mean look at me. . . I’m a beast.” Matthew righted himself, catching sight of Derek’s face receiving a close and personal encounter with the ground. Matthew heard Derek’s muffled groan from deep inside the earth. Matthew opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. “I can’t think of anything to say. That’s just funny.” Shannon made to leave, but Matthew called out to her, “Wait you.” Standing up, Matthew marched straight up to Shannon and looked her straight in the eyes, “You’re really good. Who taught you to fight?” “My dad, who taught you to fight?” Shannon restored in annoyance. “My mom,” Matthew answered with the same condescending tone. The pair continued to stare at the other, the look in their eyes striving for dominance. Derek finally pulled his head out of the dirt, catching sight of the two in their silent struggle. Fluttershy looked from one to the other trying understand the two and why they continued to stare the other down. Finally Matthew spoke, “We should hang out.” Shannon nodded, turning away to leave Matthew standing alone in the dirt covered field. Derek walked up to Matthew, asking incredulously, “Why did you do that? I don’t want to hang out with her. She’s nuts!” Matthew turned to Derek, “Hey man, we need a girl to even out our group.” “Why?” “Because all the other guys will think we’re gay if it’s just you and me hanging out. Plus, she’s not that bad.” Derek face flushed red, “No they won’t.” Matthew looked to Derek, his dark eyes filled with amusement, “You sure about that?” “No,” Derek repeated before something dawned on him. “Wait a minute,” Derek turned to Matthew with an accusing poke, “You just want to hang out with her to watch me get my a** kicked, isn’t it? You know she doesn’t like me. So that gives you ample opportunity to see me get my get whooped by a girl.” “Maybe.” The scene faded, Fluttershy looking to Pegasus Matthew, “That was nice of you.” The colt shrugged indifferently, “I know. I can be very kind when the mood strikes me.” Rainbow Dash snorted, “I don’t know. You’d think there’d be no room for friends with an ego that size.” “Says the pony with an ego bigger than mine,” Pegasus Matthew snapped. “I do not have that big of an ego!” “Are you kidding me!?” Pegasus Matthew responded with a laugh. “Your ego’s so big it could swallow all of reality in a single bite.” “At least I can back up my ego,” Rainbow Dash said, “I haven’t seen you do anything that great!” “Except for save your sorry a** from a hydra and an army of bugs,” Pegasus Matthew responded with a smug grin. Applejack shook her head. To be completely honest, she knew those two would clash eventually. Egotistic ponies tend to do that. Applejack looked to Rarity. The white unicorn absentmindedly brushed her hair with a quivering hoof. “Ya’ll right Rarity?” “Yes, fine,” Rarity said absentmindedly as she continued to watch Matthew and Rainbow Dash bicker. Turning to look at Fluttershy, Applejack was surprised to see her watching the two with a calm expression. Surprised, Applejack approached Fluttershy inquiring, “Ah thought you’d be the one trying to break these two apart.” Fluttershy shrugged her shoulders, “I think it’s cute. There becoming fast friends.” “We are not friends!” Both Rainbow Dash and Pegasus Matthew yelled at her. The pair turned to each other, confused. “That was weird.” Surprised again, Pegasus Matthew and Rainbow Dash grew angry, “Stop copying me! No I’m not! Yes you are!” Finally having enough, Twilight placed herself between the two Pegasus, “Break it up you two. Break it up.” Rainbow Dash quietly simmered, staring daggers at Pegasus Matthew. Matthew returned her glares, crossing his mall legs over his barrel to show her just how grumpy he could be. Pinkie Pie smiled widely, deep inside she knew these two would be great friends. I mean just look at how Matthew and Derek became friends. These two will be buddies in no time. Pinkie Pie asked Pegasus Matthew, “Could you show us more of your friends? I really want to see them!” Matthew opened his mouth to speak, “I guess so. But I’m kinda running out of friends to show you.” “That’s ok,” Pinkie Pie nodded knowingly, “Not everybody can have as many friends as me.” “How many friends do you have?” Matthew asked in curiosity. “One thousand, three hundred and fifty two friends,” Pinkie Pie answered nonchalantly. Pegasus Matthew did not appear convinced, “And you remember ever single one of them?” “Of course,” Pinkie Pie bounced into place, “I can even name them in alphabetical order…” What came next truly stunned Matthew. Pinkie Pie listed not only their names, but their favorite colors, treats and hobbies. For what felt like an eternity, Pinkie Pie ran through all one thousand, three hundred and fifty two ponies without taking a single breath. When she finished, Pinkie Pie halted her bouncing to look at the jaw dropped Pegasus mouthing the words, “How?” “Oh wouldn’t you like to know,” Pinkie Pie giggled, ruffling Pegasus Matthew’s mane in a friendly manner. Instead to trying to understand the pony in front of him, Pegasus Matthew decided to change the subject away from this nightmare of a headache. With another wave of his hoof, Pegasus Matthew changed the surroundings into a dark room. Twilight assumed it was a basement with the small window allowing a sliver of light to illuminate the dusty interior. The girls gasp at the sight of two men with their backs to the ponies. Between them was a screaming girl around thirteen with pale skin and short black hair. Her green eyes were filled with fear as she continued to try and scream through the man’s hand. “Shut up,” the second man yelled, striking her with the back of his hand. Tears spilled down her face but she refused to be silent. A loud crashing filled the room, Matthew’s body slamming through the roof of the basement to perform the world’s worst belly flop on the cold concrete. Pulling himself up, Matthew rubbed his bloodied face, “Note to self, Derek is not allowed to test his new abilities on me ever again.” Looking towards the befuddled crooks and girl, Matthew asked, “What the hell’s going on here?” Instead of answering one of the thugs rushed Matthew. Matthew ducked under the man’s arm with ease. Matthew didn’t anticipate the elbow the man threw as he spun in reverse, catching Matthew upside the head. Matthew backed off, weaving between the man’s fists waiting for an opening. To other man’s surprise, the girl’s foot caught him in his groin. The man screamed, clamping both hands to his boys. Then the girl spoke, her voice cold and devoid of emotion in contrary to her face, “Tear.” Matthew and the second man stopped when several chains of silver shot from the shadows surrounding them. Wickedly curved hooks latched onto the unlucky man standing over the girl. The man screamed when the hot metal pierced his skin. The chains pulled the man harshly away from the girl, holding him in the air. With a deep breath the girl’s expression relaxed, becoming empty of all emotion. With a flick of her wrist, the chains moved forcing the man’s arms outward in a Saint Andrew’s cross. The girl’s eyes never left the man. Her face remained devoid of any emotion when more chains tore through him, plunging deeper into his skin. Red blood poured from the man while his screams filled the air. More pressure was placed on the thug’s arms to increase his wailing. To Matthew’s, the second man’s and the ponies’ horror, the girl didn’t stop until the man’s arms were forcibly ripped from his body. Blood shot from the man’s shoulder blades, strips of useless meat hanging from his destroyed joints. But the girl was not done yet. Standing above her would be killer, the pale girl raised her hand high above her head. A single chain and hood shot from the dark roof to plunge deep into his chest. The man gargled in pain, blood spilling from his mouth. He could feel her icy links around his heart before a quick tug tore it from his torso. This disturbed girl turned to face Matthew and the second man. Holding out her hand, the bloody organ fell into her open palm. The man turned to Matthew, both wearing horrified expressions and said, “I’m out.” The second assailant was never caught, even though he did leave a trail of urine in his wake. Matthew watched the man go, unsure of whether he should give chase. Instead, Matthew turned to look at this pale girl in front of him offering Matthew the heart in her hand as if to give him a gift. Matthew, in his infinite wisdom, said the first thing that came to mind, “Hey.” “Hey.” “So, you alright?” Matthew asked, eyeing the girl as if she was the craziest thing he had ever seen. “Yes,” she answered, motioning with the hand still holding the heart. “Thank you.” Matthew looked hesitant. He really didn’t want to touch that heart, but the way she was offering it to him made him worried about what would happen if he refused. Reaching out his hand, Matthew wrapped his fingers around the still warm organ. Fluttershy gagged, her eyes watering at the sight that would imbed itself into her cranium for the rest of her life. “I’m Matthew,” Matthew said through gritted teeth. “What’s your name?” “Mari,” the girl answered before the scene around the small group dissolved back into the cafeteria. Applejack turned to Pegasus Matthew, asking angrily, “What in the hay was that all about?” “That’s Mari Dahlia. After I helped saved her from those men, she joined up with my unit and we became good friends. She can be a little extreme, but she’s pretty cool when you get to know her,” Pegasus Matthew responded. The Pegasus scratched the back of his head, deep in thought. Maybe not the best choice of memories to show them. Matthew’s ears perked up, “Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile.” “What?!” Pinkie Pie screamed, pushing her face into Pegasus Matthew’s. “Well,” Pegasus Matthew said hesitantly, “I think I did see her smile once.” Derek stood in front of Mari on the training grounds He stood in a fighting stance with both hands held at the ready. Matthew stood at the side, an amused look on his face. “Remember, try to easy on him.” Derek threw Matthew a dirty look, “What makes you think she can beat me? I’m like two feet taller than her.” Mari remained the silent, emotionless and cold. With a loud yell, Derek charged straight at Mari with nothing held back. To Derek’s surprise, and Matthew’s amusement, Mari stood still completely still. Waiting for Derek to be get into range. With a swift motion, Mari’s right foot struck catching Derek off guard. Mari’s foot didn’t go for his side or chest. Instead, said appendage went straight between his legs. Matthew’s raucous laughter filled the air. Derek lay curled on the rough sand with Mari’s foot on top of Derek, proclaiming her victory to the world. Applejack could just make out the corner of Mari’s mouth lift ever so slightly. “And these are yur friends?” Applejack asked incredulously. “Yeah, why?” “They’re kinda jerks,” Applejack said as softly as she could. “Well of course they are,” Pegasus Matthew said with a smile, “They’d have to be if they wanna be friends with me. I mean have you met me. I can be a dick sometimes.” “More than sometimes,” Rarity pointed out offhandedly. “Nobody asked for your opinion,” Pegasus Matthew pointed out. Turning back to Applejack, Matthew continued, “One the plus side, we got better as time passed.” To the ponies’ surprise, and Pegasus Matthew’s, the scene changed around them. Bright light filled the scene as Matthew and Derek were found running along a quarter mile track. Sweat poured down their faces as they were driven under the desert sun. In the center of the field stood Lara wearing an amused smile standing next to two younger men holding a pair of German Shepherds on short leashes. Derek asked Matthew, “Do you know why we’re doing this?” Matthew shook his head, “No idea. Maybe cause you developed some weird a** powers.” “My powers are not weird!” “You’re powers are…” Whatever Matthew was about to say next was lost when Lara yelled, “To slow ladies! Pick up the pace!” Matthew and Derek pushed faster, their muscles burned under their skin as they continued to push harder. Still unimpressed, Lara turned to men next to her, “Release the dogs.” Matthew and Derek turned to face each other, surprised when they heard the sound of barking coming from behind them. One look confirmed their fears. The two large dogs were now hell-bent on chasing the young men. Sharp white teeth glistened in the sun’s light. Matthew and Derek kicked their run into overdrive, trying desperately to outrun their hunters. “You psychotic bitch!” Matthew screamed when he passed Lara. Lara only smiled at him offering a small wave. Fluttershy looked absolutely furious. Her normally calm eyes held a fury that no one in their right minds would try to face. “Why?” Fluttershy asked, her voice dripping with repressed anger. “Why would anyone do such a thing?” Pegasus Matthew turned to her, worried the look of the fury that Fluttershy would soon unleash. Before he could answer, Matthew’s human counterpart yelled to Derek, “All we got to do is keep ahead of them!” Derek looked to Matthew before he responded, “No, I’ve just got to keep ahead of you.” Delivering a sucker punch to Matthew cheek, Derek released a whooping laugh while Matthew tumbled to the ground. “You bastard!” Matthew screamed as Derek left him in the dusk. All eyes turned to the Pegasus. All Matthew could do was shrug, “Okay, they may not be the best of people, but we got along. Isn’t that what counts?” Seeing the looks of absolute rage, Matthew responded with, “I guess not.” Before more could be exchanged, an ominous chuckle filled the room. “Not him,” Pegasus Matthew muttered, turning to see one of the doors to the kitchen was open. Looking back at the ponies in front of him, Pegasus Matthew knew what they were going to do. “No!” Standing defiantly on his bench, the young colt addressed the full grown adults, “None of you are going any further!” The loud banging of Matthew’s hoof on wood signified he meant business. The Mane Six were not impressed. Rainbow Dash raised a skeptical eyebrow, “And what are you going to do about it?” “I’m going to stop you.” The six mare exchanged glances, grins beginning to spread across Twilight’s, Rainbow Dash’s, Pinkie Pie’s, Rarity’s face. Pinkie Pie joined in the smiling, asking, “What are we smiling about?” Fluttershy and Matthew gulped loudly. Matthew’s pupils shrunk to pinpricks before everything started to blur into a rainbow of colors. “How did I get myself into this mess?” Matthew grumbled to himself. Looking down at his bound limbs, Matthew found himself hogtied with his back on the cold wood of the cafeteria table. The Pegasus struggled valiantly, but Applejack’s knots were too strong for his small legs to break. After several minutes of struggling, Matthew released an angry growl. “Yeah well I didn’t want to spend time with you anyway! I’ll have a great time all by myself! Just leave me alone without a way out of these god d*** ropes! I can see why that son of a bitch likes you! You two make a great couple! He likes his woman rough!” After twenty more minutes of screaming, Pegasus Matthew went quiet. The only sound in the cafeteria was the small child’s occasional sniff. 000 Fluttershy turned to Twilight, berating her friend, “Why’d you do that Twilight? He wasn’t doing anything wrong.” Twilight answered, “He was preventing us from moving ahead. We need to find out what Matthew is hiding.” “Wait,” Fluttershy pointed out, “when did he try to hide anything?” “Remember when he said he was a soldier and fought for his people?” Twilight asked rhetorically. “At the time, nopony thought about that simple fact that there was no evidence to prove his story.” Fluttershy bit her lip, realizing were Twilight was going with this, “So right now, we have a powerful pony with that can blow up an entire city and I have no idea whether we can fully trust him.” “What do you mean?” Fluttershy countered. “I mean he may have saved our lives, but he may be playing us,” Twilight pushed. “Right now, we need to find out just who is Matthew.” Fluttershy remained silent. Personally she didn’t want to believe it. The look in that small colt’s eyes said a different story. They spoke loneliness. Twilight marched silently forward, her mind focused on the true reason she distrusted Matthew. It was those red eyes. The same eyes she say when Matthew confronted Chrysalis. The anger and rage Twilight could feel from those eyes still sent a shiver down her spine. There was something wrong here and Twilight didn’t want to think on what would happen if Matthew turned those eyes onto her or her friends. Twilight pushed the fear to the furthest part of her mind, hiding the burnt corpses of her fiends that filled her mind.