Champion of Equestria: Dark Desires

by Buddy Hooves

Chapter 8: Ten Thousand Hooves

Author's Note:

Yep. I used the name of this song as the title of the chapter, as this song was one of many I listened to while writing this. Feel free to listen to it the while reading this chapter. May have to play it a few times, so it syncs up with the good parts.

The wind howled through the night, carrying the sound of thunderous buzzing with it. Hundreds of buzzing changeling wings hovered in the air, waiting for their scout unit to return from their important mission. The Queen had sent almost all of the hive out on this task, and failure was NOT an option. They all waited on the edge of the Everfree Forest, where the Apple family farm ended. The commander of the changeling army, the one the Queen trusted to see this through, blinked in surprise. They had been waiting for well over half an hour, and the troops were getting restless.

Then he got a message from the hive mind, and a wicked grin spread across his face.

"Spread out! Hide behind the trees and bushes. Stop whoever is coming.... Or die." He commanded icily.

Around him shuffled hundreds of changelings around him, eager to follow the order they were giving, least they were punished. All changelings shared the hive mind, so no secrets were kept and everything was exposed to their fellow bothers. So as soon as the scout unit gave their message, and the commander gave an order, they sprung into action. The creatures hurried into the brush, hissing as they hid. Soon the rustling quieted and the forest was silent again.

The changeling commander peered around a thick trees and looked up the trail. It was too dark for any ponies to see, but for them the faint moonlight was like sunlight streaming between the trees. Every detail was clear and sharp to his searching gaze. They remained unnaturally quiet, their black figures blended easily into the night. An owl screeched, cutting through the silence. No one relaxed until the bird flew past. Then some of the insect-like ponies shivered in the cold night, one snapped a twig under a hoof. The commander hissed in anger, and the changelings shrank back, motionless.

The commander forced back his impatience as the minutes slowly turned by, until almost another half an hour passed by. He did not let the others get up or warm themselves up. Even he denied himself those luxuries too, and stayed behind the tree, watching the trail.

Get ready! He heard from the hive mind. We're coming in hot.

The commander's whole body was vibrating, the tip of his front hoof moved in small circles. It had taken careful planning and much pain to bring himself to this moment. It would not do to lose contol now, Queen Chrysalis wouldn't allow it.

Soon, dark figures emerged from the darkness and advanced down the trail. Four of the scout unit flew toward the ambush, their magical aura holding an unconscious mare, one of the bearers of the elements. As they came to edge of the forest, they landed on the ground, panting like crazy, while laying the mare carefully next to them. The commander soon stormed from his hiding place, a furious snarl on his muzzle.

"What is this? This isn't the pony we were after!" He yelled.

"We ran into complications." One of them spoke up. "We lost two just to get this mare."

The commander was about to voice his distaste, when another one squeaked, "It's the stallion's marefriend."

He paused for moment by this development, placing a hoof on his chin as he pondered on this. "And is no doubt on his way to rescue her as we speak." A wicked grin spread across his muzzle as he realized their plan hadn't failed.

"Everling listen up! Here's what we're going to do...."

Mark and Big Mac ran through the apple fields, trying to catch up to the changelings that ran off with Applejack. Apple trees flew by them as they ran for all they were worth, following the changelings blood, scent and magic signature to track them. Mark sneered in pain, the bite wound on his wither was throbbing, and his blood felt it was on fire. But he couldn't stop now, he wouldn't. Applejack, the mare he had grown fond of, the one he had finally made his and had united with in the bonds of love, was taken away from him. Nothing would stop him from finding the ones responsible and making them pay for it.

Not even the princesses.

How dare these changelings! Come and steal my marefriend during our most intimate night?! I'm going to torture them slowly! First I'm going pull off their wings, then I'm going to cut off their horns. And when I snuff the life from their eyes, they will know not to mess with the Champion of Equestria!

Big Mac couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he ran with the stallion next to him, the one his little sister chose as her special somepony. Here he was running at full speed to save her, despite the wound he suffered earlier. He really loves her. He thought with a smile. But as Big Mac took another look at him, he was shocked by what he saw. Mark's pupals were blood red, while the white in his eyes were turning a sickly green. But the strange change only lasted for a moment, before they quickly turned normal again.

"What is it?" Mark asked him, now giving him the curious look.

"Nothing." Big Mac replied, shaking his head for a second before returning his attention ahead.

Both said nothing as they continued to follow the path, nearing the end of the apple orchard. Pushing himself to his limits, Mark galloped ahead of Big Mac as the slipped through the fields and down the valley towards the Everfree Forest. Every step was agony, yet it did not matter right now. Nothing mattered except Applejack. He stumbled once, but Big Mac wordlessly caught him, as they shared a nod before moving on.

Near the beginnings to the Everfree Forest, they spotted the changelings standing out in the open. Ten feet ahead of them, like an offering to the stallions, was the unconscious Applejack. Both them came to a sudden stop, looking at wonder while they panted for breathe. Mark studied the scene before them with suspicious eyes, as his past experience as a royal guard told him something wasn't right. I don't like this. If they're giving up, they look way too calm about it. And why is everything so quite?

Big Mac started to step forward to pick up his sister, but Mark placed a hoof on his chest, stopping him in his tracks. "Don't." Mark muttered. "It's a trap."

The changelings ahead of them began to tilt their heads, hissing with laughter as they looked at the stallions. Mark and Big Mac stiffened, their eyes flashing from side to side, as they readied themselves. At first nothing happened, but then a faint buzzing sound started to build behind the trees and the bushes. As the noise grew, the stallions eyes grew to the size of saucers, as many blue solid eyes became visible from the darkness of the forest. Forsaking their hiding spot, the changelings flew out and stood beside the remaining scout unit, baring their fangs and ready to strike.

"We have ta fight them?" Big Mac muttered, completely overwhelmed by the number of changelings.

Several green bolts of magic flashed from the changelings horns toward the stallions, illuminating the trees with a sickly light. But before the bolts could strike the stallions, Mark charged his own horn with magic. A shield of magic incased around them, protecting them from the changelings blasts. Once the smoke cleared, he brought the shield down, glaring at the bug ponies with pure anger.

As the changelings started to advance toward them, a sneer spread across Mark's muzzle. He quickly picked Applejack up with his magic aura, bringing the unconscious mare to them, before gently placing her on Big Mac's back.

"Take her and get back to the farm as fast as you can!" Mark hollered over to him.

"But ya can't...."

The changelings were beginning to in circle them.

"No time to argue! JUST GO!!"

The red stallion stared at Mark for a moment, seeing the determination in the grey unicorn's eyes. Big Mac gave him a quick nod before dashing off, carrying his younger sister on his back.

Before any of the changelings could even begin to change after him, Mark shot several magical bolts at them. Catching a few of them off guard, and stopping a few of them from taking off after Big Mac. The injured ones moaned in pain, while the rest hissed and circled Mark.

"Don't worry about them! He is the one I want!" One changeling screamed, he was slightly bigger then the others.

Mark howled before charging the army of changelings head on, catching them off guard by this strange act. Most ponies would be scared of facing a changeling army, and the unicorns that would face them, chose to use their magic to stay at a distance. But this stallion was rushing right at them, before they even began their attack. This pony was different then most.

Mark scored a derect hit on a changeling's face, sending it spinning a few times before falling on the ground, out cold. He followed up with a gut punch on another one, making it fall to the ground, curling in a ball as it tried to breathe. But at this point, the other changelings were on guard, ready to take to the offensive. Several of them lashed out at the unicorn, throwing punches and aiming to bite their fangs into him. But Mark weaved and dodged their attacks, before returning their efforts with a few punches of his owns.

But the seer numbers of the changelings starting to overwhelm him, as another one would take the place of their falling comrades. Mark keeped up his attacks the best he could, but even in his raged induced state, even he realized the futility of his situation. Damn, I can't keep this up forever. There's just too many. He then hissed in pain as the bite wound throbbed. But I have to try! And hope I buy enough time for the oth...

But before he could finish his thought, the changelings struck again, this time catching him off guard. Several landed soild blows on him, and one even managed to sink it's fangs into his right arm. Mark howled in pain before turning around to deliver a hard punch right between it's eyes, knocking it out cold. But before he could retaliate, he saw a row of them charging up their horns with magic, pointing them straight at him.

"Oh shit."

Mark screamed in pain as the blasts hit him at full force, sending him flying a few yards before skidding to a halt on the ground. He moaned in pain as he tried to stay conscious, as his head was spinning and his whole body hurt all over. Shaking his head to clear the cob webs, he struggled to stand back up on wobbly legs. Their combined magic attack really put a hurting on him. He panted in pain while more changelings circled around him, ready to finish him off. He knew if he didn't do something quick, he was as good as dead.

"Quick, press the attack! Get to him before he can recover!" The changeling commander hissed.

Then a thought popped into his head, and he couldn't help but smirk as a plan began to form in his mind. Charging up his horn, Mark held the spell as the changelings began to draw closer to them. Once he was sure they were about to attack him, he released the spell. "Solar Flare!" He shouted. A flash of blinding light erupted from his horn, blinding all the unfortunate changelings who were surrounding him. He then used a quick teleportation spell to get several yards ahead of them, so he could plot his next move.

Ever since he became a pony, Mark has been able to cast magic, thanks to the Sombra cursed crystal he found on earth. As he learned more about magic thanks to the tutoring of Twilight Sparkle, he learned how to harness the hidden magic with in. After the Gala, and during his free time studying magic while working with the royal guard, did he become aware of the ranks in magic. Supposedly, magic had been ranked into five types, to help keep track of potential threats.

D Rank--- Everypony and most things in Equestria had magic, they just couldn't cast spells like unicorns could. This was where pegasi and earth ponies were ranked, as well as young unicorns who couldn't cast spells.

C Rank--- This is were most unicorns, such as Lyra or Rarity were ranked. They knew a few basic spells, such as levitate and illumination, but not much else. Using their magic for too long would wear them out.

B Rank--- Was were talented unicorns were ranked, as they could cast more spells longer without worrying about straining their magic. Unicorns who graduated from magic school, or skilled self taught ones such as Trixie fit here.

A Rank--- Where only the few gifted unicorns who had mastered magic or were stong with it ranked. Starswirl the Bearded, Starlight Glimmer, and Twilight before she became an alicorn, were some of the few who ever got this far.

S Rank--- The rarest of magic. Only creatures such as alicorns or Discord were ranked this high, as their power was impossible to measure. There were whispers of a rank higher then this, but the only counted record of it being true was when Twilight fought Tirek.

As a human, Mark would have been Rank F, as he didn't have an ounce of magic in his body. Once he was teleported to Equestria as a earth pony, he rose to Rank D, but in rare moments of danger, showed a power of magic that almost went up to Rank S. After spending some time in Ponyville, as well as learning magic from Twilight, he brought his magic skills between Rank C and B. As he could unleash powerful magic for short periods of time, but be drained afterword. And then the Gala happened, and he almost merged with Sombra.

He wasn't the most powerful unicorn, but he wasn't no pushover ether. A painful lesson these changelings were about to learn the hard way.

After catching the changelings off guard with a flash spell, and teleporting ahead of them so he was facing them, it was time to act. Charging up his horn with as much magic as he could, he prepared to unleash his ultimate attack. The changelings that weren't still effected by his "Solar Flare" attack, quickly spotted were he was and prepared to rush him before he could finish the spell. But by the time they flew into action, it was already too late.

"Let's see you dodge this... "

Pointing his horn at the hoard of changelings, Mark unleashed the spell. Suddenly, a massive stream of magic bolts flew right at them. Those that couldn't escape the attack were hit with wave after wave of energy blasts. But Mark wasn't finished yet, as he poured more and more magic into the spell, unleashing hell upon the changelings. Then, with one final push, he conjoined the attack into one massive blast. Changelings screamed as they were burned into ashes, even some of the Everfree Forest lit on fire as a result from such an attack.

Mark stood on wobbly legs, as that attack had took alot out of him. Once the smoke settled, he looked at what he had done. A large area of land was charred and smoldering, with burnt chitin corpses scattered inside it. Part of the forest was burnt from the attack, but thanks to the wildness of it's magic, it looked like the fires were dieing before they had a chance to spread. But as he looked around, he noticed that there were still more changelings surrounding him. LOTS more.

Mark's magic barrage had took out dozens of changelings, but that was only 1/5 of their numbers. As he looked around at the ones able to dodge his attack, he realized that there were in fact hundreds of them. He had barely made a dent in their numbers and he was already getting tired.

"Damn it..." He muttered under his panting breathe.

His vision was beginning to blurr and his muscles were starting to feel weak. I... Didn't think I used THAT much of my magic already. He thought as his mind felt like it was put in a dryer on 'spin' cycle. His bandage wither started to throb again, causing him to look at the wound. Blood was beginning to stain the bandage, and fresh blood dripped from his other bite wound he got while fighting the changelings. Then, a realization hit him as the pieces in his mind finally clicked into place.

Their bites. They are poisonous! Mark cursed at him self for not realizing that was why he was tiring out so quickly. This isn't good. At this rate, I'll be too weak to fight back.

At this point the changelings circled around Mark like a mob, blocking any chance of him to push through them. The commander stepped out of the crowd and examined their target. A satisfied smile appeared on his muzzle as he looked at the tired Mark, who was now favoring his wounds with a pained expression .

"You are one tough stallion." The changeling admitted. "You were able to hold your own for so long, despite being poisoned by our venom. No wonder the Queen wanted you so badly."

"Eat... A dick."

"But your time has run out. You will come with us one way or another." The changeling commander then pointed at Mark with one of his hooves as he icily ordered, "Sic him."

And then the changelings swarmed Mark.

---

Big Mac ran back to the farm as fast as hooves would take him. He wanted so badly to rush back there, and help Mark take on those varmints, but he couldn't. Getting Applejack back home save was his top priority now. Mark had jumped in blindly to face those things, to give them a chance to escape, and Big Mac was gonna honor that sacrifice. They had just broke through the orchard of apples, and could now see their family house in the distance. The lights were on in the house, and he could see a concerned Granny Smith and Fluttershy waiting on the porch.

"Your back!" Fluttershy exclaimed, excitedly. Both her and Granny rushed over to him just before he reached the porch steps.

"Ya had us worrying ta near death!" The old mare gripped to her grandson. She then spotted Applejack laying on his back, who was still out cold. "Is she alright?"

"Eeyep." Big Mac answered tiredly, too out of breathe to say much more.

"Let's get her on inside so's Ah can get a look at her." Granny said.

As the group started to help the red stallion carry Applejack inside, Fluttershy couldn't help but noticed one important detail. Mark was nowhere to be seen.

"Big Mac... Where's Mark?" Fluttershy softly asked, her blue eyes full of fear.

Big Mac said nothing. Instead, he calmly continued to carry his sister the house. Once inside, the two mares carefully pulled Applejack from his back, laying her on the couch in the living room. It was only then did he give them the answer as to Mark's absence.

"There were a horde of those varmints wanting for us near the Everfree Forest." He calmly explained. "Mark stayed ta fight them off while I got AJ back here."

Both mares looked at him shocked by what they both heard. Fluttershy put both hooves up to her mouth, muttering a small "Oh my." Granny just shook her head, a troubled look on her face.

"I gotta go back and help him." Big Mac declared.

"Oh no."

"Now wait just a dang gone minute..."

"He needs me Granny! I have to...."

"We NEED ya here, Macintosh." Granny protested, standing in front of him and jabbing a hoof into his chest. "What if those things come back? What if Applejack needs medical care?" The old mare's eyes began to water. "What if Ah never see ya again if ya go?"

Suddenly, Big Mac felt a gentle hoof land on his wither. He looked to see Fluttershy standing next to him. Her long pink mane was covering up part of her face, but he could see the tears rolling down her cheek. "Don't go." She softly spoke. Seeing that was the final straw. He couldn't abandoned his family right now, nor could he stand to see Fluttershy, the mare he spent such a magical night, scared like this.

Wrapping her in a loving embrace, Big Mac used his hoof to wipe away her tears before nuzzling her softly. "I won't leave ya. I'm staying right here." That earned a comfortable sigh from the yellow pegasus, who held him tightly.

Granny Smith gave him a warm smile, which he simply returned with a small nod. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't leave his family and mare alone again. He could only give a small sigh as his gaze turned to the window, his thoughts on the gray unicorn who risked everything to save his sister.

Ah hope ya'll be okay, Mark. Applejack will skin me alive if anything happens ta ya.

---

Wham!

"Uunnngh."

Thoom!

"Huurrcckk."

Crack!

"Aaaaahhhhhggghhhh!!!!"

Sounds of hooves landing on fur and flesh filled the now early morning, as well as Mark's painful screams. The changelings had now ganged up on him, overpowering him with seer numbers. And thanks to fatigue and the venom running in his vains, he was too weak to overcome such a number of foes. Punch after punch, blow after blow, to Mark it felt like ten thousand hooves were beaten on him at once. And with as many changelings he was facing right now, it might as well have been true.

After what felt like an eternity of him getting whaled on, the changelings then suddenly stopped their assault on him. But that was then followed up with several of them firing their magic right at him, sending him once again flying into the air from the force of the blast, before hitting the hard cold earth. The commander of the changelings raised a hoof up, ordering them to stop. They then waited to see what the stallion would do next, before pressing on.

Mark moaned in pain. Everything hurt. He could still feel the throbbing sores from ever blow that landed, could feel the blood run down from his nose and mouth, as well as the dulling pain from the venom in his system. He was beaten, he knew that. Even at his best, there was little chance that he could hold his own against hundreds of changelings like this. And these things planned this out perfectly.

Waiting until he was drunk and just layed down with his marefriend, attacking them in the dead of night. Kidnapping Applejack when the ambush failed, and using her to draw him out to their allies. Catching him off guard. And then the final nail in the coffin was that they had managed to bite him twice, feeling his system with their venom and sapping his strength. Now he was too weak to fight back, or even to defend himself.

He tried to stand up, to face his defeat head on, but his legs lacked any strenght to support his weight. Sending him sprawling back on the ground with a pained grunt. He was out of steam. Opening his weak eyes, he saw the changelings standing around him, ready to finish him off.

Looks like this is it for me. He thought with a sigh, closing his eyes to welcome his fate. But at least... Applejack is... Safe....

As conscious started slip away from Mark, flashes of memories played out in his mind like an old film reel. A few quick flashes of his childhood appeared, mostly of his time in 5th grade. How he was picked on continuously by the bully Mike and his small crew, Jeff and Matt. It was the worst time he ever had in all his years in school, as his was always picked on, his school work was suffering and his father was breathing down his neck. Wanting him to stand up to the bullies. It got so bad that he sign Mark up for karate class, to learn how to fight and defend himself, though he only keeped up on the lessons for about a year before quitting.

I understand why he did it. He just wanted me to learn how to stand up for myself.

Then more memories played out in his mind, though this time they seemed to be some of Sombra's. He was a young stallion now, focusing all his time detected to learning all the magic he could. Closing himself off from the few friends he had, not bothering to separate his time from his studies. His former teacher would visit him often, pleading that he would quit studying and spend some time to relax. But Sombra would hear none of it, continuing to dive further in studies, and even refusing to see his former teacher after that.

If only Sombra would have listen to him. Things would have been so different then.

More and more memories continued to flash through his mind, becoming almost too fast to keep track with. His memories and Sombra's becoming mixed in the chaos, making it hard to tell the difference between them. All of their victories, all of their failings, land open on display to him. Him living a simple but filling life, learning morals from his parents and trying to be the best he could. Sombra grew up lonely after his parents died, so he focused on studying as much as he could, to make something of himself. To honor his parents memories. The similarity between the two struck a cord with him, as he realized that they were both the same at one point. Both wanting to do the best they could to make those closest to them proud, while at the same time trying to proof themselves.

To be the best.

He was starting to get a headache at this point, which wasn't uncommon since he did just lose to fighting a horde of changelings. The fact that he was unconscious and could feel pain proved that they didn't kill him yet. But why was that? He then he noticed that several times they pointed out that they wanted him, but he couldn't understand why.

Was it cause he was once a human? Couldn't be, since only the princesses and his close friends knew that. Was it because of the powerful magic he once used at the Gala? Possibly. But most of that untapped power died down, but he was still a powerful unicorn. He tried to think deeply in it, but the headache intensify. How could he concentrate when his head was throbbing like a fucking rotten tooth?

But you don't need to think right now.

It was so damn hard to concentrate.

You don't need to think when in the heat of combat.

He could feel something building inside him, like a building fire deep inside him.

You are a skilled unicorn.

He could feel a familiar ball of energy deep inside, one he hadn't felt since the Gala. But the energy felt different, like it had changed just as he has.

A king.

Could he tap into this well of power, and use it to defeat these changelings? But with everything that happened to him lately, could he trust this power? When he didn't know how to control magic, this was the power of magic he tapped into to help his friends. But as cool as it was to pull off anime moves, finding out that the power's was Sombra was troubling.

But it is nothing to worry about. In fact, you need not worry about a thing. Not one thing. You since mastered the ability to use magic, and have become a skilled unicorn to rival even the most skilled spellcaster. So using the vast well of Sombra's powers should be child's play to you at this point. After all, Sombra is part of you now.

And while the changelings might be a problem, they are nothing you can't handle. What you should really handle is Applejack, because while she is wonderful in bed, her and friends are going to come in pretty handy, so you should stay on their good side.

Also, why are you wasting your time with those princesses? For crying out loud. Their supposed to be the most powerful in all of Equestria, yet they send others to handle all their problems. At least Twilight isn't afraid to get her hooves dirty.

Hmmm. For an evil sounding voice in my head, it sure was making a lot of sense.

So just do your job.... Be the boss, do things your way, and rip the throat out of anypony who forgets how powerful you truly are!

You know, I was letting things slide a little. After all, I was the Champion of Equestria now. One of the most powerful stallions to ever live! Hell, I was able to kill a black dragon, a dragon, when nopony else could. I had nothing to worry about. So what if Sombra slightly merged with me? He was a powerful king once, and now all of his power is all mine. And I'm going to show these damn bugs who they was fucking with!

As the changelings started to close in on the unconscious unicorn, the commander flashed his fangs with a wide grin. Queen Chrysalis would be pleased with their results. The mission was a success, even despite the losses the suffered to bring this stallion in. Maybe she would reward him for this, perhaps a rise in rank or allowed to drink his fill in love from the pod chambers. Just as he was savioring the victory, two changelings reached down to pick up the grey unicorn.

And then everything cumbled right before his eyes.

Mark's eyes snapped open as the two changelings started picking him up by his arms, a viscous sneer on his muzzle. Before they could react, Mark sent them flying into the air with two powerful magical blasts, straight from his hooves. That caused all the changelings to freeze in shock, as they have NEVER seen a unicorn use magic without their horns. Mark faced the changelings with pure determination, as his pupals turned red and the white in his eyes started to glow green.

"Kaioken!!!"

A sudden burst of firey red magic covered his body, refueling him with energy and a will to push on. He still felt the numbing pain of his wounds, but it didn't matter to him right now. No. The only thing that mattered at the moment was taking out as many of the changelings as possible. And he wanted to start off big. Putting his hooves together, he began to charging up for one his favorite attacks.

"Ka-Me-Ha-Me.... Haaaa!!!!"

Shooting the energy wave straight at them, caught the changelings off guard, before they could react to the attack. The sound of the screaming changelings caught in the blast was drowned out by the roar of the attack. Mark just grinned wickedly at the sight, pleased that he took out many of them with the attack. When the attack was finished, and the smoke was clearing, he was tickled to see he had made a huge dent in the horde.

The changelings were frozen in fear, amazed at the sudden burst of energy from their target. Who was beaten and unconscious just moments ago. They looked around at each other, unsure at what to do next. Then they heard the orders of their commander, snapping them out of their fright.

"Don't just stand their you fools! Get him! That type of attack will wear him out."

"You think that's the limit of my power?" Mark laughed, hearing the changeling barking orders. "That was just child's play compared to my other skills. Allow me to show you TRUE POWER!!!

Flowing his magic into horn, he burst out with wicked laughter as he prepared to unleash his wrath. Suddenly, the ground rumbled as crystals burst from out around the changelings, surrounding them. Other crystals came out, hovering above Mark like shiny crystal spears, ready to strike.

"Quick, scatter!" Changeling commander shouted.

With blinding speeds, the crystals flew straight at the changelings, just as they started flying into the air. Most of them was able to escape the attack, but a few unfortunate ones weren't so lucky. The changelings cringed as they heard the sickening sound of chitin crunching, knowing they're brothers didn't survived. And through it all, Mark laughed wickedly.

"That will teach you worthless insects not to fuck with me! I'm one of most powerful unicorns in all of Equestria. I was knighted a Champion, I defeated a black dragon. I'm friends of the bearers of the elements and princesses, and you have the gall to attack me?! Suddenly, the magical aura died around Mark and his eyes returned to normal. "I'll show you not mess with me or to hurt my friends. When I'm done with you, you'll never... Why can't I feel my everything.....

Mark fell to the ground with a loud THUD, unable to continue. The sudden burst of power wore off, and his injuries as well as the venom in his system finally caught up with him. He was beaten.

The changelings hovered in the air for a few unspoken minutes, unsure what to do next. They were afraid that this unicorn would attack again, just like he did the first time they thought he was beaten. But minutes ticked by, and nothing happened. Finally, the commander flew forward, determined to see this mission through to the end.

"You three," He pointed at a few random underlings. "Make sure he is beaten this time."

The three changelings flew down cautiously near the fallen stallion, scared of what might happen if they got too close. Taking precaution, they fired up their horns, shooting light magic bolt at the pony. With just enough force to render him unconscious incase he was faking. But when the blasts hit him, his body reacted by moving and shaking by the force, but he didn't stir. He remained motionless. Relieved by this discovery, they moved in to finally collect their prize.

While this went on, the changeling commander looked around at his surroundings, taking in the destruction under the last moments of the night sky. A small section of the Everfree Forest was burnt, with a huge scortch area infront of it. There was a huge circle of crystals encircling around like a prison. And corpses, changeling corpses everywhere. When they started this mission, he started with several hundred underlings at his command. Now there was only a few hundred left.

At first, he was eager to please his Queen by completing this task, to prove himself a capable commander. But now, after witnessing the power this pony had, he was worried about the safety of the hive. How did Queen Chrysalis plan to control such as him? "I hope she knows what she's doing." he muttered under his breathe.

---

Applejack was first aware of the creaking, back and forth, back and forth. The persistent sound made her open her eyes and stare at the ceiling. A soft blanket was draped over her, concealing her usual nakedness. She was back in her home, in the front room, laying on the coach. Beside her, sitting on her favorite rocking chair, was Granny Smith. Her head lolled, eyes closed. A pair of knitting needles and a ball of wool thread rested in her lap.

Though Applejack felt drained of willpower, she made herself sit up. That helped to clear her mind. She sifted through her memories of the last few hours. What happened? My head hurts like crazy. Her head throbbed from the small hangover she had, plus the attack she suffered earlier. Then things clicked in her head. Mark! What happened while I was out? Is he okay?

Granny Smith stirred and opened her sparkling eyes. "Oh," she said. "You're awake. Good!" Her voice was rich and warn. "How do ya feel?"

"Well enough. Where's Mark?"

There was a long delay as Granny Smith examined her hooves.

"Granny?"

She sighed before facing her granddaughter. "I'm sorry, youngin. He's been taken."

Comments

[Buchernov2012]

Well well well look whose here! EhemYou probably don't know meehem. Yes I'm here to write a comment for the last 2 stories that you wrote. The last story was awsum and my words can't describe them, but the other fans of The Champion Of Equestria already did that. While we are at it, I can't believe that this story has so few views/likes. The other one currently has 370 likes, somewhere there. This one has 12 likes... Huh, what do you mean it's 13? Oh yea, I liked it. My subconsciousness told me that there's 13 likes. I know that people forgot about your story, but seeing as you ask questions and no-one answers them. It looks like as if you talk to yourself What does even get you motivated to write new chapters. Anyways, I will try to upload this story to some group so it should get more views/comments/likes. If you read this, that means ur awsum and Peace!

[Buddy Hooves]

7261181

First of all, THANK you for the complement you gave. It's nice to see someone notice this story. As for why readers forgot about me is caused I wasn't on here for almost two years, so I can't really blame them. See, my father died near the end of the first story, zapping any mojo I had to continue. Then, while I was away from this site, I was dealing with loss and my crazy oldest sister. To sum up a bad story, her and her 'boyfriend' swooped in like vultures after playing the caring card and stole from us. Mostly all my dead dad's things.

So yeah, I had a reason to be away for awhile.

But, I came back here. Mostly to keep from going insane. And when starting this story, I had it to where Mark was away for awhile dealing with things too, as a way to work things out. Plus explain why I hadn't continued. But yeah, I was (and stillam) afraid everyone will pass this up because of the gap of time. Just like other good stories on here.

You asked what keeps me going.... The drive to write. To create a story, look back and go 'yeah, I made that.' And hope others enjoy your work as well.

Thank you very much, and sorry I rambled on here.

[Buchernov2012]

7261922 I'm sorry, I really am. I understand the feeling when someone dies and takes all their treasure. My father died when I was 10, he didn't have any money, only loans that my mother had to pay for him. Last year my grandfather died and his 'good wife' took all his belongings, a house, money, farm, everything. She didn't share with my uncle, nor me and my sister, just took it all to herself. My uncle is really sad because of that, he knew from the beggining that she would take it, but he didn't do anything. So yea I understand your feeling, and sorry that I rambled too

[Buddy Hooves]

Hey guys, just leaving a small message on here. I'm taking a break on here to focus on drawing a comic with my cousin, so it may be awhile till I pick back up on this. Truth is, ever since I was a kid I drawed my own comics, now I may get a chance to publish my work for everyone to read. It's kinda cool.

Let's just hope we can work past getting the issue published as well as copyrighting our work so we don't get ripped off, or sued by anyone.

[Sylicath]

Excited to see what happens.

[CyberneticBlackjack]

Dead. Fucking Luna's teats!! I wanted to read another great one!

[sinewystatue382]

hay continue it