Step forward child of nonexistent. You who exist, but cannot be, ravage this world with your presence. Rise above the turmoils of this world and become the person you want to be.
The happy days are long gone and yet he remains. Deaths untouched child, left to fend in a world full of magic. The endless possibilities of such a life, yet the world denies his existence. An alternate plane of reality where he does not exist. His very presence disturbs the order of the world, but he persist in the falsehood that is the world before him.
Canterlot, a majestic city built on the side of a mountain and the capital of Equestria. It is a home to the Rulers of night and day, powerful deity’s known throughout the land.
Canterlot is a nation founded in the world of Terra. Such a picturesque city with powerful rulers, no one in their right mind would have believed that today of all days a tragedy would befall one of the sovereigns.
The guards filtered the hallowed halls, in search of perpetrators, that mortally wounded their Princess.
“Search the grounds, let no one leave or enter until we find them,” Yelled a man in gold armor his horn glowing, as his voice projecting through the entire castle. The boys in gold searched every room, and corralled people or ponies, in their case, to the grand hall, investigating each individual.
I could have easily escaped, if not for the fact my target still lives. I hid in the shadows, climbing the outside walls of the castle, night guards flied through the sky. Their armor making them invisible in the night sky if not for the full moon lighting the night. The pale light illuminates the castle and anyone wondering on the grounds would have been spotted.
None of that applied to me, the black outfit I wore closely resembled that of the assassins of the East. From head to toe my body was covered in black cloth, a wooden mask of ebony covering my eyes. Years of experience, stalking my prey has taught me to hid within the shadows, never to be seen or heard, until the very moment my target stops breathing.
On the dark side of a building, I spot the window of my target, for only royals used that room of the infirmary. I channeled the magic coursing through my body, equipping my hand claws I begin the task of climbing the wall.
My arms burned, from the task, but knowing that each inch would bring me to my prey the more I ignored the pain in my body.
After fifty feet, I reached my target, grabbing the edge of the window I pull myself up peeking past the curtain into the brightly lit room. On the bed lay the Princess of the night, her once majestic star filled mane, was now a still cobalt blue. Her dark sapphire blue skin, was a tad lighter due to the blood loss.
The doctor scans the patient with his magic checking for anomalies. He adorned a worried expression, but the more he scanned the woman the worse it became. Two guards and nurse stand in the room. I had to act fast, if I want to get this done properly.
Hoisting myself to the window, I stand on the ledge of the window, my presence masked by the curtain. Bringing my arm back, I break the window with my clawed hand the glass shattering on the floor. I quickly jumped into the room as a beam narrowly missed my head.
I throw my claws at the guards distracting them with the projectiles. I then rushed the nurse slamming my fist into her abdomen, knocking her to the wall. Turning to the stunned guards, I rushed the one on the right of the door. Grabbing his horn with one hand and the other on his crouch, I pushed him towards the wall. Head slammed on the wall, a firm grim on his nether region, I pulled him back letting go as his comrade slammed into him.
They tumbled on the floor, a mess of limbs and legs. I ignored the two and headed for the door, locking it from outside interference. Turning around the guards began to stand, running up to them, I slammed my elbow on one of their helmeted heads, avoiding the horn, the other wasn’t as lucky. My knee met his armored plexus, launching the poor man towards the wall.
Both guards down I turned to the frightened doctor, meat shielding the Princess. Walking to frightened man, I look down into his eyes, they were full of fear, but with determination to do his duty. I smirked under my covered face, he was good man, loyal to the Princess till the very end.
“Tell me doctor,” I made my voice deep and menacing, “hows the Princess!” The poor guy was shivering to the point he would wet himself any moment now.
“Pe-pea-please d-do-don’t hurt the Princess!” he pleaded, teeth chattering from my mere presence. I couldn’t help but smile at the poor guy not many would think of others in a situation like this.
“Relax! I’m not hear to harm the Princess!” I said, turning around to were the nurse laid on the floor. My dagger drawn, I walk towards the woman.
“Wait what are you doing,” the doctor frantically asked.
“Taking care of business,” I seethed. Reaching the woman I slapped her face not to gently, “Your disguise is impressive, but you shouldn’t have disposed of her like that,” grabbing her neck with my free hand I hoisted her against the wall till we we’re eye level.
“You could have just let her live, but you killed her instead!” I growled at the assassin. Putting my dagger against her throat, “Tell me who are you working for.” The woman just smiled.
Her mouth began to foam, and her eyes rolled back, instinctively I let go as her body was engulfed in flames. There before me a black skinned woman with light green hair, a small curved horn adorned on her forehead, and insect like wings sprouted from her back.
“Dammit,” I sighed, “always cyanid pills with these guys!” Turning around I saw the frightened doctor still in his spot with a look of shock plastered on his face. I walked towards the doctor.
“Tell me doctor hows the patient,” I just lost my lead, and I’d be damned if I lost her. I stand over her sleeping form my hand caresses her sleeping face.
“Will she make it,” my tone was delicate when I was with her. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her face! The doctor seeing I meant no harm stepped forward.
“I’m afraid, that she won’t make it if we don’t have a blood donor!” he stated in a voice that spoke years of experience. Very different from the man that I scared earlier.
“Wait! Shouldn’t you have a store of blood in the castle for situations like this,” I hopefully asked.
“We do...but,” he went silent not sure how to continue, “we don’t have any of her blood!”
“What do you mean,” I asked, sounding confused? If they had blood then they could..., “It's because she’s an Alicorn isn’t?” The doctor was surprised at my inquiry.
“I’m afraid so,” he nodded at my analysis, “only Alicorn’s can donate to her, but Princess Luna is not compatible with Princess Celestia.” He turned to the patient, then read the clipboard.
“If only she was the same blood type as her sister or Princess Cadence then we could easily give her a transfusion.” He said, sadly his face returned to his earlier portrait.
I looked down at the woman, she looked so peaceful on the bed. Closing my eyes, I made my decision. Placing the blades edge on my wrist I cut the skin open, avoiding the vein.
“What are you doing,” shrieked the doctor!
“Something I’m going to regret,” I answered the doctor, turning towards him, “check our compatibility!”
“I told you already only...” he began, but I cut him off by pressing the blade to his throat.
“Check or you die,” I had no patients for this right now, and the more time we waste the closer she gets to the after life.
“Okay,” he gulped the blade pressing against his carotid artery. His horn began to glow, my blood suspended in the air. Eyes shut in concentration, opened in adamant shock.
“Impossible!” he whispers, again he scans the sample, sweat forming around his brow. He looks towards me with pleading eyes, “How is it possible!”
“Your asking questions, when your patients salvation is in front of you,” I chastised the man, removing my blade from his throat, “Get the transfuser, or she won’t make it!”
He looks at the situation at hand and he nods. Pressing a call button, “Nurse get me a transfuser, Now!” he roared through the com-link. There was an answer, and feet thundered through the hallway.
Turning around, I made my way to the door, I picked up my claws and holstered my weapons. Unlocking the door, I waited in the corner away from the door and the nurses view.
Five minutes Later:
The door burst open, as a team of three nurses run into the room. An odd machine of magic and steel comes into the room.
“Were do you need it,” one of the nurses asked.
“Next to the Princess! Hurry we don’t have much time left,” Ordered the doctor, turning towards me, “Are you ready?”
I walk to the other end of the machine. The nurses freeze at seeing me, but I ignored them. Taking my knife I slit a small hole through my suit, grabbing a cotton ball and alcohol I cleaned the area. Picking up the needle and tube, I removed the covering enclosing the sterile needle. Stabbing it into my vein, blood flowed through the clear tube and into the machine. I continue to stare at her sleeping face.
“What are you doing,” The doctor looked at the frozen nurses, “hurry before she dies!” he yelled! The nurses snapped out of their trance and began to work on the Princess.
“Do you need a chair,” The doctor questioned, while the nurses had the Princess hooked up and ready to receive blood.
“I’m fine,” I answered back.
“It’s a long process.”
“I know.” The nurses slowly leave, closing the door behind them. Only the doctor, two unconscious guards, a dead shapeshifter, a Princess and I was left in the room.
“Mom! Your embarrassing me,” I complained, squirming under my mothers iron grip.
“Hold still Astral,” she ordered, with her usual agitated voice, “how you get so dirty in such a short amount of time is beyond me.” Her cheeks puffed in irritation.
“Luna his a boy, let him enjoy himself,” My father laughed at my muddied self.
“It’s not my fault!” I squeaked in protest, “Ruffles, dragged me through a mud pile.”
“Hey! It’s not his fault you couldn’t stop him,” my older brother shot back.
“You were supposed to watch him,” I glared at him as he petted the dog he got to pick out, I wanted a cat, but nooo, everyone agreed on the mangy mutt.
“Calm down you two,” my father cut in, on our bickering, “Your aunt Celestia is coming with her family, and I don’t want you two fighting!” He gave us the stink eye, and we could only grumble an agreement.
My aunt from moms side, was visiting in town that week. Summer break started a week ago and I wanted to finish reading my books, since someone got me grounded from the internet. I missed out on a mega anime marathon those two weeks thanks to my brother.
An hour later, aunt Celestia her husband, and daughter Summer came down the hill. Greetings were made, we enjoyed our picnic, the dog ate my share of the pie, and I was ignored, again.
After a while, the dog started moving around tugging his leash wanting to be released, to answer natures call. I tried to get my parents attention, but they just told me he was my responsibility, and my brother was enthralled with our cousin. I would have called him a pervert, since he had that weird look in his eyes, but Ruffles was really tugging at the leash.
“I’ll take Ruffles for a walk,” I grumbled, as everyone gave the okay, or something along the line. Untying Ruffles, we headed around the park trying to find a spot for him to go potty.
We found a copse of trees, were he did his business. I tried leading him back, but he wanted to explore. My experience with this dog was as follows, big dog, plus small child, equals that he was in charge. I just accompanied the big guy, he did out weigh me by a long shot.
He took me around the park until we were at the entrance with the big horse statue greeting the guest. From what dad told me this statue was from his old high school, and was donated to the park. Something about it sinking and cracking, I didn’t pay attention, but it was replaced with a bronze one and this one was sent to the park as a tax write off.
The thing was cracked all over, so it was patched up and painted. Though that was a while ago, since the paint was flaking off and the cracks shown in some areas. Ruffles just sat in front of the statue and watched the squirrels gather acorns.
“Your a really strange dog,” I said, patting his ruffled fur, while feeling the bumps on his back.
The bumps were profound and I started to cry bringing the old hound into a hug, “You were always a hassle to deal with.” I whispered into his ear. “I hated the fact that I always had to take you for walks...or had pick up after you when it was my brothers job to take care of you,” I sobbed, as my mucus splattered on his fur. I grew quite and just cried into his fur.
“I’m going to miss you boy,” I murmured. Pulling away from his fur, he looks straight at me with that big old doggy smile and gave me a slobbery lick.
“Ew! It got into my mouth!” I wiped my face with my arm, all the while I could only smile at the big lug. Getting up I tugged on the leash, “Come on boy let’s go, before mom get’s worried!”
He ignored my order and just sat there looking in the distance. I tugged on his leash again, this time he looked me in the eyes. I would never forget those old brown eyes nor the words he spoke.
“I’m sorry master!”
My eyes grew wide seeing my friend for most of my childhood speaking in clear English.
“You can talk,” I stammered. He continued to look into my eyes, but sirens wailed in the directed of the entrance. I looked on as a car came towards us.
I was frozen in sheer fear at my impending doom, but brown covered my vision and the feeling of being pushed back was all I remembered. Colors of the rainbow flooded my vision, as my body burned with intense pain. Then all was black. Present:
The portal home was shattered to a million pieces and only a small fragment remained. As I awoke from my slumber all I could do was look on, my mother screaming through the tiny glass, father clutching her in a tight embrace. The firefighters saying that they only found a leash, and other stuff that made no sense to me at the time. Then the shard fell to the ground shattering the last hopes of seeing my parents.
Strange, how standing for a few hours with guards pointing spears at me, could bring back those memories. Then again seeing this worlds version of my mother, might be the one to actually trigged those memories, but Fenwick did mention I’d meet her. Kinda wished he mentioned that she was an immortal and a Princess, but that’s gonna have to wait for another time.
“Poke me with that spear again, and I’ll shove it up your ass!” I hissed at the guard, that’s been constantly poking me. He just grunted and returned to his position, when this is done I really am going to shove straight up his ass.
“How many times do I have to tell you, don’t agitate him!” The doctor chastised the guards. Turning towards the commanding officer, “Do we really need all these guards?”
“I’m afraid so,” she said, glaring at me, “after the attempted assassination on Princess Luna we can’t take any chances.” The doctor just sighs and continues with his scans, and silence continued.
An hour passes, and color returned to the Princesses face. The doctor finally finishes his latest scan, smiling at the outcome.
“She’s finally stable,” he tiredly said, turning towards me, “If it weren’t for you she’d never make it!”
“Good to know doc,” I responded. Removing the needle from my arm and handing it to the small man. I made my way to the window. The guards grew closer with their spears, and commanding officer drew her sword.
“Where do you think your going?” She warned, pointing her sword at me.
“Leaving,” I simply stated, “and we could do this hard way or my way! Either way I’m not leaving until shove that spear up his ass.” I pointed my thumb at the direction of the guy that’s been harassing me with the spear.
“You think you can escape,” she mocked, her horn glowing as she took a stance ready to strike.
There were five of them. My old self would never take on these odds, but now that I had magic flowing through my body and I was in control of it. The odds were now in my favor. I channeled the mana, hardening my skin and bones, experience taught me that defense was better than speed or strength. If I can punch a wall without my fist breaking then I can keep on going.
The doctor said something, but my mind was focused on the officer. Dashing forward I slammed my fist into the tiny woman's armored chest piece. She hit the wall and whatever spell she had dissipated, turning around, the soldiers stood stunned seeing the woman lay on the floor unconscious.
“Stop this at once,” the doctor yelled. I ignored his warning and pointed at my target.
“Your last,” I used my deepest menacing voice on him, and I believed he wet himself.
I rushed the guy to my left, as they snapped back into attention. They came in rushing with their spears. I concentrated my mana to my torso, there spears piercing through my suit but going no deeper. Pushing forward the spears bend, the horror on their faces was priceless.
The snapping of wood was heard in the tiny room as the spear ends fly through the room. They stood there watching as I came forward, harding my arms and hands I slammed my fist into the side of my intended target. The force from the blow pushed him into his comrade. Just like the first two they fell to the ground in a tangled mess.
The other guard still standing, rushed in and wrapped his arms around my torso. Moving with the momentum I fell down rolling on my back, my leg pushed on his torso launching him towards the door. Flipping back up the last guard standing was staring at me with abject terror.
“You should have taken my warning to heart,” my voice was calm. I walked up to the man as he stood there like a deer in the headlights. I yanked the broken shaft from his hands. Twenty-seven pokes with his fucking spear, I gave him fair warning but his smile from earlier told me enough.
His scream must have rang out through the entire castle, for moments later the hallway thundered with boots. Taking that as my sign to go, I ran towards the window, passing a stunned doctor. Jumping out, I fell towards the still dark city, as lights began to turn on.
I channeled mana into the amulet around my neck. Water condensed around me, they slowly solidified on my back forming dark blue bat wings. I glided down to the city, with the knowledge that she was safe, and information on it’s way to the multiple branches of Equistria’s military. With that information at least they can arrest the perpetrators, I just hope Fenwick doesn’t break into the fridge again.
Many years ago in the Castle of The Alicorn Sisters:
“Concentrate, Astral!” Fenwick urged, as I stood over the pool of freezing water. My mana training was commencing under the familiars tutelage.
It’s been nearly six months since arriving into this new world. My body has gone through drastic changes, mainly I regressed in age by a few years, making me eight years old again. Fenwick explained the whole process to me, but I had to believe him since he too looked younger, maybe the same age when we adopted him. The tail however, is still something I needed to get used to, crapping is such a hassle now. How he came to my world was another mystery.
Apparently Fenwick is a familiar from my mother of this world, and escaped to my dimension to avoid my aunt’s wrath. Something happened between the two which reduced this castle to ruins, but I blamed that on neglect. Since his return he found out that he had spent a few years in our dimension, but almost a thousand years pass in this dimension.
Our conversations did lead to the question on why he took me here. He grew quite every time I asked, until I got really mad and threatened to leave the safety of the castle. His answer haunted me that day.
“You see that bird in the distance,” he said in his growly voice. I nodded seeing the brown little avian.
“Watch closely,” he grew silent just watching the little guy flying around. Then a hawk swooped down plucking the bird from the sky. My mouth hanged open, just seeing the little bird being devoured by it’s larger cousin.
“I saw your death Astral,” Fenwick said, he gazed at the hawk ripping the innards of it’s prey. “My master Luna...in a desperate, but foolish attempt to save her beloved pet, summoned my spirit and placed it into the dead vessel of her goldfish. For decades since then, I have been the loyal servant of your mother, placed into different vessels.” He looks away, a longing look on his face.
“Years of dyeing and rebirth has granted me the power to see the death of those around me...but the longer I stay with a person, the further I see into their future.” He turned those brown eyes towards me, and I met his gaze with my own.
“Listen well Astral, regardless of my actions you would have died that day,” His voice was full of sorrow, and I couldn’t help but cry knowing my fate. He stood, and walked towards me, leaning in as I cried into his fur.
“Wi-will I still die he-here,” I tearfully asked, hugging the big dog.
“Yes,” there was no emotion in his voice, turning so I could see his face, “but not for a long time.” His smile brought me comfort and all I could do was lean in and hug the old hound.
Present:
The cold water reminded me of the days we trained in the old castle, in the art of mana control, which is apparently was lost in this age.
Wait cold water...realization shot through my mind. Eyelids opened in clear view of a black kitten with raven black wings, and a pissed off look on his face.
“Glad your finally awake,” the cat-bird huffed in his squeaky voice, flying with a cup of water in his small arms. Looking at my alarm clock I noticed the time.
“It’s only nine in the morning Fenwick,” I moaned at my little abomination of a friend.
“I know!” he shot back, going to his little corner and crossing his fluffy little arms. “You need to go shopping soon, and get some poppy muffins this time!”
“Geez! Your still mad I put you in that body aren’t you,” I complained through my pillow.
“Mad! Mad doesn’t even come close...I mean look at me I’m a cat slash bird how do you go about explaining that to anyone!” He yelled. I’m really glad I live out here in the countryside or else these pony people would think I was crazy. A grown man arguing with a cat...do they even have mental ward here?
“I told you I was...huh I don’t think I ever apologized about that...did I?” I thought out loud.
“No! No, you didn’t,” he scoffed. Getting up I headed to the bathroom, passing my little buddy.
“At least you can fly and claw things,” I grumbled passing him, “it was better than the other one!” I didn’t need to turn around to know that he shivered from the experience.
“Don’t remind me...but I’m still amazed how you put this body together.” He said, sounding a little impressed.
He should, since I could only find the freshly dead body of a kitten, but it was missing some flesh on the back. Fenwick needed a whole body to possess, and any injured body would take to long to regenerate, cutting his life expectancy by half or more.
Luckily a dead bird was among the pile of corpses, those trolls could really eat anything. Thankfully I killed them off before they could devour any of the villagers. Anyway, a couple of hours of cutting and sewing the two carcasses together, I had a cat with wings attached. I drew a ritual circle on the ground, placed Fenwick’s soul shard in the circle (only familiars of the casters bloodline can receive the shard) I placed the body on top and chanted the ritual incantations. Ten minutes later I had a sleeping, baby bird-cat hybrid.
Exiting the shower I toweled off and put on my outside cloths. They were extremely plain, but they did the job of hiding my physique. One of the few things that scared me upon arriving into this dimension, was that I was now part pony which sucked, and that the gender ratio for my species was around sixty to forty with women on top. Actually, every other sentient species had woman on top, really weird when I realized that.
Strange how it never changed, because according to Fenwick it’s been that way for as long as he could remember. It didn’t help when I moved out of the Everfree forest and into Ponyville, which I really wished I hadn’t, since it was seven to three in this small backwater town. These women play for keeps, especially when their in heat. Just like PMS, but they’re more violent.
Grabbing my basket pack I made my way outside, of our cottage.
“Coming,” I asked the little hybrid, stopping in the kitchen. He looked around scared that someone might get him.
“N-No, I’m good,” he stammered. For a guy that’s lived longer than I have, he sure was afraid of others judging him.
“Look Fen, how about hiding in the basket...I could even wrap a bandana around you like a cape,” I tried coaxing my friend from his self imprisonment.
“A-Are you sure...won’t you,” he suddenly grew silent. This just made me sigh in frustration.
“Fen I know how you feel about your new body,” I calmly said, to the shivering kitten, “at least try to get some fresh air all right.”
He met my gaze and gave a slight nod, “I’ll try.” He mumbled in his child like voice.
I smiled and patted him on the head, “Thanks buddy...and try not to get stuck up a tree again!” I teased.
He swiped his claws at me but I was out the door before he could make contact. I just chuckled, and made my way to the market. Magic coursed through my body, as my legs kicked into overdrive. The land becoming nothing but a blur with my ground eating strides. Mana control is awesome.
The market was it’s usual busy self. The restaurants pillaged the fresh produce from the stalls, leaving enough for us regular shoppers. The weather patrol pushed the clouds around and the town has started to come alive.
Finishing the produce part of shopping, I head to Sugercube Corner for some much needed snacks. I’m so happy I don’t have normal job or else I would have had deal with the hour long line.
Mr. Cake was manning or ponying the register today, strange how Pinkie Pie was gone to Canterlot for the week. I thought they’d at least hire some part timers since his wife was preggers.
“Shepherd!” Carrot joyfully announced, “Finally decided to get out of your house for once.”
“Don’t remind me,” I grumble, “haven't gotten a nights sleep since the kitten came home.” I lied, can’t have these people finding out what I do for a living. Last thing I need is one of the Princess’s finding me.
“New pet I take it,” he smiled.
“Yup! Found the little guy on the side of the road,” I sighed. Carrot just nodded knowing what I meant. I have this odd reputation about adopting odd animals, since Fen died frequently on my missions.
“So. What’ll it be today,” he asked, going into sales pony mode.
I looked at the display, and ordered a cheese cake, Fen’s muffins, and doughnuts. I love my sugar.
Bits exchanged, and pleasantries said, I headed for home hoping to get some sleep. Running from troops, can really tire a guy.
“Here’s your muffins,” I said to the dirty cat. Unpacking the food I began storing the perishables in the fridge, and hiding the other sweets where he won’t get to it.
Grabbing some bread, veggies and pickled fish, I began making lunch.
“So what did you do today,” I asked through a mouthful of fish sandwich.
“Remember that white rabbit, the one owned by the yellow mare!” he said in his squeaky voice.
“The one that threw carrots at me,” I asked, receiving a nod from my companion.
“Yup, that’s the one,” he said, as a grin formed on his black little kitty lips, “Let’s just say being part bird means I don’t have to land to do my business!”
I almost dropped my sandwich, “Nooo! You. You didn’t...You did!”
I had the most shit eating grin in my entire life. That rabbit caused me a lot of trouble before.
“Oh yeah! Right, between his beady little eyes!” Fenwick smiled.
“Dude! You are the best friend a guy can have,” I teared up, giving my cat a low five.
“I know...and thanks for the muffin!”
“You deserved it, and here I’ll get you another one,” I said, grabbing another muffin. He just smiled and went to gobble it down.
Best thing about having a familiar, he can just about eat anything. I went back to my sandwich, every bite was made ever better, with the thought of that white demon. It was a good lunch.
I lay down on my couch, with the sound of metal songs I recorded with a remembrance crystal. Just about all the random music I remembered from my dimension, are stored in a crystal powered IPod thingy, and yet no one has invented the internet!
Fenwick curls up on my chest the tempo of the song decreasing to a steady beat. My mind clearing and slowly I embrace the safe confines of sleep.
The dead slowly rise from the ground, their rotting flesh exposed for the world to see. I stand above a hill, my hands chained to the pillars on either side of me. The dead make their way towards me, in a horde of decaying flesh.
Many of the faces are familiar in the haze of the azure smoke. Tears fall, as I see the corpse of a child holding onto a basket.
“I’m sorry,” I repeated for the hundredth time. Even though it was a dream my failures would haunt me till my soul burns in the eternal pits of tartarus.
The dead reach me, ripping the flesh from my body, until I am nothing but a skeleton. They fall over leaving me to watch over the battle scarred field.
I awaken to the sound of violins mixed with pianos.
“Why is there strings in my metal playlist,” I grumbled.
“Because...it’s the only thing that can wake you up.” I felt something land on my chest. I stare at my companion, a sad look adorned his face.
“Same dream,” he asked.
“Yeah,” I answered, wiping a tear away.
“What time is it,” I asked, noticing the orange peeping through the shades.
“Almost five, and we have a problem!” He said, his tone had a slight edge to it.
“What is it!” I asked, bolting up from my proned position.
“I’m hungry,” he stated, a grumble echoing through the room. I glared at my friend. “Oh, And troops are running through Ponyville!”
I just stared at my cat, as he started to preen and clean himself.
“Just like Prance,” I sighed, grabbing a bottle of vodka. “I’ll make some pasta for dinner!”
“With the cheesy sauce!” Fenwick yelped with joy.
“Yup!” I said, taking a swig from the bottle. If this was just like Prance I was not going to deal with this sober.
Everything was set and ready. The food was piping hot, the music was an orchestral piece with a cello and piano duet. It set the mood perfectly, Fen sat on the other side of the table with his bowl full of cheesy pasta and broiled fish. Mine was identical to his, with the exception of wine.
I savor each bite, but Fen being the little glutton that he is gobbled down the entirety of his meal. A third of my plate was left until I heard the knocking.
Taking a sip from my glass, I head to answer the door. Checking the mirror, my light blue hair shielding my face from others. The less they see my face, the less likely they’ll put two and two together.
Opening the door I was a bit surprised to see Celestia’s student, and five armed guards. I looked down at the young unicorn.
“Hello, sir my name is Twilight Sparkle, and were collecting all males for a medical examination,” said the purple unicorn.
I look at the time, then to the young woman, and the guards in golden armor.
“Why,” I asked.
“Well, there has been an outbreak of...magic pox!” she smiled, as her eyes twitched. “Everyone is being checked out right now!”
“And the guards are here for...” I twirled my hand for confirmation.
“Oh! There here for...examination purposes!” said the mare.
“Okay...I’ll head down to the hospital then,” the guards were tensing up. “I’ll just finish eating and I’ll be there in an hour or so!”
I began closing the door, but a purple hand kept me from doing so. I look to the mare, her face a bit panicked.
“Is there anything else I should know,” I asked scratching my head. She looked to the guards then to me, her hand retreating from the door.
“No...Ah, just hope you have a wonderful dinner!” she said with that creepy smile of hers.
“Okay!” I closed the door, the guards still looked like something crawled up their ass.
“What was that,” Fen asked, as he floated around the room.
“Some sort of check up,” I answered my friend.
“Really! Can’t believe they’d try something so cliche,” he back floated towards the kitchen.
“I know right! They’ll probably lock me up in a room and interrogate me!” I took a sip of wine, “They have no imagination, at least the changelings would beat me to death, then ask questions.”
“You do have point...so how are you going to deal with them!”
“The usual,” I said finishing the last of my food, “go in, get arrested...the normal shit.”
“Good to know. I’ll just take a bath and head to bed,” Fen yawned.
“Good night buddy,” I petted his head. “It’s gonna be a long night!”
I arrived at the hospital, with eyes constantly watching me. There were guards all over the place, and a gold chariot was parked on the side. They really could have done a better job at concealing themselves.
Entering the building I talked to a receptionist, and was escorted to a room in the rear of the hospital. This was in an empty part of the hospital with no bystander or patients in any of the rooms. This may have been a small town, but the size of this hospital and it's equipment just seemed like a waste of taxpayers money.
The smell of disinfectants and sweat was heavy in the air. The guards were outside of the window and couple of them guarded the hall. Channeling mana into my eyes I notice that a part of the wall had mana covering the entire section. Increasing the mana charge, I bypassed the spell on the wall and the blinding light caused me to tense.
The nurse that led me to the room explains the normal medical examination, takes my blood and leaves. The large source of mana was burning my retinas and thus I ended the mana channeling into my eyes.
With no other option, I sit on the examination table bidding my time until the doctor arrives.
I watch the clock as minute hand passes the six marker, signaling that twenty minutes have flown by. Channeling mana into my eyes, the immense power behind the wall never once moved. I grew antsy as another force of mana joined the blinding gold one. This time it was a lavender aura, just standing next to the vibrant gold.
Getting up I turn my back to the two spys, stretching the numbness from my legs. I swish my ass at them, while touching my toes, giving them a view of my well toned rump.
Hugging the back of my legs, I let my tail swish, back and forth, exposing my nether region. Inwardly I was smiling, but out side I was calm, as if nothing happened.
A knock rang through the room, as the doctor came in.
“Hello, I’m Doctor Specs...what are you doing?” she asked, looking away from her notes.
“Stretching,” I responded, “been in here for half an hour now.”
Getting up I faced the tiny woman. Her horn was lit, as various instrument floated around her.
“Bit much for magic pox,” I said as I sat back down.
“Magic pox?”
“Yeah...Twilight Sparkle said there was an out break of magic pox!”
She looks at her clipboard again, then back towards me. “I’m afraid this has nothing to do with magic pox.”
“Then what is this check up for...exactly,” I asked, sounding worried.
“I’d be happy to tell you, but I’m under royal orders not to,” She gave a reassuring smile.
“Am I being arrested for something...I mean I didn’t do anything, maybe an overdue book, but not something worth arresting for!” I sounded worried, and hopefully she believes it.
“No, it’s nothing like that,” She quickly said, trying to calm me down, “we just need to do check ups for the males in town!”
“Really!” I sounded relieved, “But what’s with all those guards?”
“No idea,” she said, “their just here on the Princess’s orders.”
“Don’t tell me,” I groaned, “ does this problem have to do with six mares and one of them is the student to said Princess.”
“Again, I’m not at liberty to tell,” she said, but nonetheless had the same expression everyone has when it came to these girls. I just sighed, and let my head rest on the wall, my mana scan showed the lavender aura almost falling back. So that was Twilight and the golds one must be Celestia. I would usually do something stupid at this point, but I couldn’t afford to leave this place right now.
“Just relax and I’ll have this exam done in no time,” She said, while the devices rotated around me.
“Fine...but if this is a test for a potential spouses, please don’t put my name down,” I begged.
“Afraid of settling down,” She asked with a bit of an edge to her voice.
“Settling down, is not the problem doc,” I grunted as she wrapped a strap around my arm, “it’s who I’m settling down with, and I’d rather not have one of the elements as one.”
“Really,” she gasped, “most stallions would give anything to be with one of those mares.”
“Probably just to get closer to the Princess,” I grunted again as other devices pressed against me.
“Besides it’s to,” I began but grew quite. My fingers rotated the ring on my left hand, memories flood my mind of those happy moments all those years ago.
The doctor noticed my actions, and she too paused in her diagnoses.
“She must have been important!” she smiled.
“She sure was,” I teared up. I used my sleeve to wipe the fallen tears, “Sorry!”
She waited for me to compose myself. After I stopped crying, she continued her examination in silence. Finishing she left the room with a promise that the results will be done shortly.
The lavender aura left a while ago, only the gold remained. If I remembered correctly aunty won’t go any where till the job was done. That quality earned both my respect and annoyance right now.
Though that’s not what’s really bothering me right now. The hallway and windows have been covered by guards. It’s impossible for them to find out our connection.
Footsteps thundered through the hall way, my aura scan showed seven large mana signatures, coming towards my room. Six of them were Twilight and her friends, but the blue one was oddly familiar.
The door burst open as Twilight and her friends filled the room, a strange yowling coming from the orange one.
“Okay buddy just who are you,” a Rainbow maned mare yelled!
The yowling grew frantic, as the yellow mare with light pink hair was worriedly looking at the back of the orange mare wearing a Stetson.
“Applejack!” My voice was calm, but low with force, “What is that noise!” I asked the orange mare. If that who I think it was, then they should be lucky their in a hospital.
“Hey don’t ignore me,” yelled the cyan blue pegasus, “your one of the guys that hurt Princess Luna aren’t you.”
She extended her wings in a predatory show of dominance. I just looked past her, towards the rope holding cowpony. The noise was ear splitting and the mare was getting worried.
The hotheaded one wasn’t liking my silence, she was going to charge me, but a purple aura held her firm.
“Rainbow Dash calm down!” Yelled Twilight holding her friend back.
“Come on Twilight his gotta know who hurt Luna, I mean just look at him!” Rainbow yelled at the purple unicorn.
“We won’t get it from harassing him!” Twilight shot back.
“I’m afraid my student is right Miss Dash,” a voice rang through the room, as a mare fazed through the wall.
Her hair was composed of pink, green, and blue as it wafted through the air. The magenta eyes stared down at the six mares that burst into the room. Rainbow dash stopped her struggle and joined her friends bowing to the ruler of Equestria. Her white dress never creased when she moved through the room.
Though none of this matter, for a voice sounded behind Applejack.
“You fucking cunt!” a childish voice echoed through the room. “Let me go so I can claw her eyes out!”
“God dammit!” I mumbled. Getting up I walk towards the stunned mares. Grasping the rope, from the orange mare, I lift the rope to see a very angry kitten.
“Really Fen!” I chastised the kitten with my glare. He just humphed and looked away from me.
I just shake my head, tearing the rope apart, he floats to my shoulder staring down the Ruler of Equestria.
“F-Fenwick...is that you?” Stammered the Princess.
In response, Fenwick unsheathed his claws, swiping at her attempt to touch him.
“Claws!” I said, as they dug into my shoulder.
“Sorry!” he mumbled, but kept his claws at the ready.
“Fen where have you been all this time,” Celestia asked, as tears formed around her eyes.
“Not the moon, thankfully,” Fen growled, “and don’t you dare call me Fen! I’ll never forgive you for what you did to Luna.”
“Claws!”
“Sorry! I’m just not happy seeing her right now...or ever!”
“I know what you mean. So let’s head home and get you a nice warm bowl of milk,” I coaxed my little friend. “you’d like that won’t you!”
“Yeah...I’d like some milk right now.” He mumbled.
“Good, now if you ladies don’t mind! I have a kitten that’s hungry, and is up past his bedtime!” I made it to the door but guards blocked my way.
“Ah! Good the guards are here! I’d like to press charges on these mares!” I announced.
“What do you mean your pressing charges on us!” Rainbow yelled in her raspy voice.
“For kitten-napping of course!” I huffed.
“Don’t forget, breaking and entering,” Fen added.
“Break...Seriously, just because your the Elements of Harmony doesn’t mean you can do what ever you want,” I chastised the mares. Looking to the guards, “I would like these criminals be placed under arrest!”
Slipping behind the guards I pushed them into the room.
“I’ll come by in the morning and get everything settled with the Sheriff, until then you girls should spend some time in the jail for doing such a thing,” I said out loud, “guards arrest these criminals!”
I pushed them into the room, making my way to the exit.
“That was a dick move, by the way!” Fen chuckled.
“I know, but these are Equestrians we’re talking about, they’ll be stumped for a few minutes...bit of an embarrassment really,” I mumbled.
“Good thing that we’re leaving!”
“Oh! Why’s that?”
“Before they took me here, some doctor from Canterlot was screaming it’s positive...I believe he was the one that looked after Luna!” Fenwick whispered.
“Tch! Looks like I gotta leave again. A shame really, I was starting to like this town!” I said, while making my way through the back exit.
A commotion broke through the hospital as guards started to storm in.
“Looks like I have to haul ass again,” I smirked, “just like the old days!”
“Just take it easy okay, I’m still just a kitten,” Fen sang, while entering my shirt. His head stuck up from the neck hole, his ears tickling my chin.
“Hold on tight,” I whispered.
“Wooohooo!” Fen yelled, as the land scape was a virtual canvas of black.
The mana that channeled through my body, heightened my senses. Even with the faint glow of the moon, the night was like day to me. I jumped over rocks and ditches, fearing that taking the main road would be laden with guards.
“Keep it down, will ya,” I said against the wind.
“Sorry! It’s been awhile,” He yelled back.
“Hopefully, I won’t have to do this again. This really makes me hungry,” I grumbled.
The cottage was in sight, and I only had an hour or less to pack. Slowing down I let Fen fly around to stretch his wings.
Opening the door I was greeted with complete darkness, turning on the light, my living room was a mess.
“What the fuck!” I yelled, “They got mud all over my couch!”
“Sorry about that,” Fen said, floating to the still intact candy bowl, “that rabbit I pooped on, broke in and started causing a mess. Then those girls came in when I was about to rip his head off.”
“Oh come on! There’s even mud on the wall!”
“Yeah...that was the Rainbow maned one. She tried catching me.” He said, while sucking on a mint.
“I should bill them for this,” I grumbled, “but I gotta get packing...so much for that!”
“Oh! Where do think your going?” a woman’s voice rang through the room.
I froze, slowly turning around I was face to face with the ruler of the country. Her elegant smile was just like aunty, who would catch me eating all her treats with that smile of her’s.
“Fuuuuck!” I groaned.
“You bitch,” Fen yelled, as his mint shattered on the table. With wings out stretch he hurtles towards the Princess.
“Get me out of this box!” Fen yelled, scratching the inside.
“Not yet, and what did I say about clawing someone's eyes out!”
“Damit Astral!” Fen continued to claw the box.
I just sighed, bringing cocoa and doughnuts to the living room table.
“Sorry, about the mess...I mean your students friends did cause this, but still, sorry for the mess!” I said to my guest, who sat opposite to me. Really wished I could do magic, she just waved her hand and the mud was gone from the room.
“I should be the one to apologize,” She smiled, sipping her cocoa. “I will talk to them about their actions later.”
No emotion escaped from that smiling mask.
“So what do I owe...this,” I asked, pointing towards her. “Not everyday I’d have an Alicorn Princess in my living room.”
She just giggles, drinking her cocoa and taking a bite from her donut.
“Just one claw,” Fen yelled, “just let me swipe her once!”
“No...maybe later,” I mumbled the last part.
“Who are you,” Celestia asked.
I turned my attention back to the woman in the room. She still had that smile, but her eye had this ferocity to it.
“Why that’s simple,” I smiled, “I’m Shepherd, Astral Shepherd. The local recluse that lives near the Everfree forest!”
This time her smile was gone. Her eyes hardened as her horn starts to glow. I continued to drink my cocoa and devour a doughnut.
She stops her death glare and turned to one of complete perplexity.
“Your magic is useless on me,” I told her.
“And how would you know that,” her voice grew cold.
“That’s simple! I poisoned the cocoa.” I continued to smile as her face became a mask again, but her eyes showed so much fury.
“You know what happens to those who try to...” she began.
“Murder the Princess!” I took a sip from my mug, “Trial then execution!”
She showed no emotion, just anger behind those magenta eyes. I just smiled at her.
“You shouldn’t worry to much,” I told her.
“And why is that!” Now I was faced with the true ruler of Equestria, and I was impressed by her death glare. This just made me smile even wider.
“It’s simple my dear Princess,” I sing-songed, “you didn’t drink the poison...I did!”
At this point I was laughing as her guise fell. The look on her face was just so hilarious.
“Y-you did what,” She gasped.
“Yes, Princess. In about an hour I’ll be dead and my body will combust in flames,” I said as if it were a normal thing.
“Astral!” Fenwick yelled, breaking out of the box.
Must have used his magic, oh well, this is how it was meant to be.
“Astral you can’t,” Fenwick cried, landing on my lap.
I look down and smiled to my lifelong compatriot. I placed the empty cup on the table, gentle petting his fuzzy head.
“I’m sorry old friend, but I’m all out of options,” I whispered, tears of blood fall from my eyes. The poison was slowly destroying my body.
I look to the Princess, and smiled at seeing her face. She was perplexed at what was happening. Fenwick continued to cry on my lap, as I start to cough out blood.
“Fen,” I coughed, “this is it for me...you know what to do!”
He curled up and cried. My body was burning with pain, a slow agonizing death awaited me. This was one hell of a poison.
“Why!” Celestia asked, before my eardrums ruptured.
I just smiled at the Princess, kinda feel bad seeing her like this, but she was not really my aunt. Picking up the sniveling ball of fur, I place him on the table. I get up making my way outside, I really didn’t want to burn down the cottage.
Though it wasn’t surprising, but it was nonetheless annoying. Guards surrounded the doorway and by the looks of it, a captain was among them.
“Halt,” A guard yelled, as the entire group tensed. A spear pressed against my chest.
I just smiled and pushed forward. The spear pierces through my flesh making a sicking sound through the air. I continue pushing forward until I was close enough to the guard. I bring my fist back, a shield erected around me in hopes of sealing my movement.
I channeled my ever expanding mana pool, a side effect of the poison. More power than I could hope for, but the more I use it, the quicker I die. My fist connected with the barrier, shattering it to pieces.
I proceeded to break off both sides of the spear sticking through my body. The snapping of the spear sent shivers down their spines. Poor deluded ponies, believing that these demigods will protect them.
Front kicking the guard, she flies back, slamming into the guards behind them. The guards fall out of their stupor charging me. Spears embedded themselves into my flesh. The pain was numbing compared to the intense burning sensation.
My fist continued to connect with the bodies, another shield was erected, but did nothing against my hardened fist. Whoever the shield caster was, needed practice. A single solid shield was just a waste of mana. I roared against the onslaught of guards, making my last stand. Just never thought it would be in my front lawn of all places.
A few days ago:
“At least Luna’s fine,” I told the ever angry kitten.
“But what if...”
“Nothing else will happen,” I cut him off, “besides with the evidence against them they’ll be executed.”
He floated towards the window looking towards the city on the side of a mountain.
“I hope your right...wait! Did you say they’ll be executed?” Fen asked, at the top of his lungs.
“Yup,” I responded.
“How did. Why did. Ah, I give up!” He yelled, raising his paws to his head in frustration. “No wonder why Luna never had kids!”
“...And what is that supposed to mean,” I look up from the book I was reading.
“It means...that your just...way to cruel,” huffed the irritated kitten, “I mean you just do what ever you want and...it just ends up with people dead okay!”
“Go on.”
“There was Red Mount, and don’t you dare forget Alvein Pass!” Fen continued to pace around the table shouting names of places and events.
“Hmm. You do have a point...but don’t forget, they did deserve it.” I went back to reading, as the kitten turned his back and munched on candy.
“You could have died,” Fen mumbled, sulking near the candy bowl, “Every time you do something like this...you almost die.”
My ears stranded to hear the last part of his sentence, and I could only respond with the usual, “You forget my friend...I’m already dead.”
Fen curls up into a ball of fur and feathers, and I continue to read in the silence.
Present:
Blood clouded my vision, but none of that mattered. I was quickly losing consciousness, and the tenth or twelfth magic bolt blew off my arm. The guards lay on the ground beaten, Celestia was somehow embedded to the wall of the cottage. I continued to spew blood.
The amount I’ve spilt, littered the lawn and the surrounding soldiers. I heard voices, but my ruptured ears could barely make it out. The poison was in nearing the final phase, and the burning just grew.
The end was near, and I just smiled as the magic fire started to consume me. Soon my body will burn to ashes, then the final effect of the poison will come to affect. I just hope Fen will be happy.
The next day...
The light assaulted my eyes as I awaken from my slumber...how come I never wake up during the night when it’s nice and dark. Bird songs, echoed around my resting place. From the sun’s position, it must be midday.
Getting up I check my surroundings, and luckily my cottage was in site. As I wobbled home, the sun was beating on my naked form.
Entering through back door, I found the house in pristine form. Well, besides the messy living room, everything else was left intact.
A loud growl came from my stomach, protesting to be fed. I start opening cans, and wolfing down every thing in the fridge. Kinda wished I washed some of them, but at this point I really didn’t care.
The fridge was now picked clean and all my canned food was gone. I sat naked in my kitchen nursing an overgrown gut. Channeling mana to my stomach, I quickened the digestion process. A technique I learned after the second poisoning, does the trick for recovery, but the...dammit!
I rush to the bathroom, hoping that I still had control of my bowels.
An hour later, I was back to normal, but if that toilet was alive, it would need some serious therapy. After a quick shower, I began the process of packing and getting the hell out of here.
This place was nice, but there was just no fun here. Sure there was the sudden parties thanks to a certain Pink mare, but other than that...that’s actually it. No epic quest against a dark lord or a horde of zombies, I mean compared to the rest of the world Equestria was a still pond.
I mean...When did I get a crystal ball? I finished packing the upstairs valuables into an enchanted chest, as I was moving the booze into the near bottomless box, light reflected off a crystal ball.
How I never noticed it was a mystery, since it was floating in the middle of the room...Oh fuck me! I quickened my pace shoving just about everything into the chest, switching to different holding slots, as to not damage or mix anything fragile.
Everything from the top to the basement was packed. The enchantments cost a hefty sum, but to lug all my stuff would have taken many loading carts. Something I couldn’t afford to do.
Traveling gear equipped, chest slung over my shoulder. I now make the difficult choice of going through town. There was no clear way through the Everfree and the only way out of this little town was through it. Next time I’m going to have to pick a home with multiple exits...well in case I have to move again.
As I make my way to town, a small dot was flying from the distance. The small projectile was headed towards me at an alarming rate, lowering the chest down I was ready for a fight. Until the black ball of fuzz yelled, and slammed into my face.
“Assstral,” Fenwick cried, “I thought you died.”
“Fen,” I groaned through his fur coat, “let go!”
He floats backwards holding back tears, “Sorry!”
I just stared at him annoyed he was here. “I thought you’d be with Luna by now?”
He raised his paws in defense, “I know...it’s just...I have your ring,” he changed the subject by turning around and presenting my ring wrapped around his tail.
“Fen we talked about this,” I chastised the kitten, “we agreed that you’d go back to mo...Luna when I died, and I thought I hid that in the chest!”
“I know, but how did you come back to life? I was sure you died last night,” He asked, as I put the ring back on my finger.
“Your right,” I told him, “I did die!”
I hefted the chest on my shoulder, and continued my way to the town, walking past a wide eyed cat.
“But how,” Fen asked, landing on my free shoulder. “I saw him, before you burst in flames!”
I walked in silence, letting him snuggle against me. My plan was falling apart, and I had hoped he would return to Luna before I resurrected. I hoped he would choose that path before...oh you have got to...how are they this fast?
Over the horizon, a stream of thunderclouds was heading towards Ponyville. Behind them a golden chariot was following in their wake.
“Never thought those Wonderbolts, would ever go to the front lines,” I grumbled.
“You did injure most of the elite guard yesterday!” Fen informed.
“Those where elite guards!” I groaned, “What type of country is she leading?”
“Tell me about it. The guards back in the day could take on a group of trolls, but they’ll be lucky enough to fight off a bear,” Fen huffed.
“This is not the time for that,” I said, quickening my pace. If I can just get past town to the road on the other side then I was free.
“Ah Astral,” Fen announced from his perch, “your not going to like this, but...I think Luna’s on that chariot!”
“WHAT!” I scream, “I thought she was still in a coma!”
“From the pulse I’m getting, she’s defiantly awake,” Fen mumbled.
Great, now I have to deal with this...why isn’t it ever easy. I slowed my pace, as I was nearing town and the last thing I needed was everyone thinking I was up to something. Especially, when I was barely breathing, stupid phoenix poison.
“Dude! Are you out of breath!” Fen gasped.
“Shut up,” I wheezed, “it's not easy running, when you just came back to life.”
“You gonna tell me what happened or not!”
“Shouldn’t you be with Luna?”
“Don’t change the subject,” he yelled.
I was lucky that no one was on the streets, as I make my way through town.
“I’m sorry,” I said aloud, “but you left me no choice.”
“Wha-what do you mean I left you no choice,” he was getting angry now.
“Fen...We both know you want to see Luna.”
“But...but what about you?”
“What about me,” I snarled, “I have no reason to see her.”
“Your her son!” Fen declared, stomping his claws on my shoulder.
“You forget Fen. I may have her blood flowing through my veins,” I calmly said, “she is not my mother.”
Silence descended the two of us, with the only sound of my footsteps crunching on dirt. The walk pass town hall was eerily quite and the lack of another person was disturbing.
“If she’s not your mother...then why are you crying?” He whispered.
“Fen...it’s hard enough leaving you, but...what the hell!”
In front of us was a draconian boy wearing an odd assortment of pans and a wooden spoon. He looked like a knight made out of kitchen utensils, he stares at us with this wide eyed expression. He turns around screaming, with pots and pans clanking.
“That was weird,” we both said in unison.
I was about to start walking, until I was assaulted by an odd yellow wall.
“Your all right! I thought something happened to you,” said the wall. Backing up a bit, I see Fenwick was clutched in the hands of the local animal warden, and the yellow wall was her cleavage.
“I’m all right Fluttershy, just...where are you going?” he asked, while I was making my way around the woman.
“Leaving of course,” I said without turning around. I had no time for this, those clouds are getting way to close.
“You can’t just...ah Fluttershy can you let me go please!” Fen pleaded, “Thanks!”
“You can’t just leave,” Fen yelled, flying in front of me.
“Are you going to stop me,” I glared him down, and he shivers in mid flight, “Fen...please move.” I hated doing this to him, but I don’t have much time left.
Tears filled his eyes, he floats to the ground. I walked past him without turning back. His sobbing filled the streets, and again I was glad that the streets were vacant, besides the butter yellow woman. Actually, the whole empty streets thing has been bugging me, usually there’s at least one person that walks through these streets. Not to mention the clouds where empty of any pegasi.
“Fluttershy!” a raspy voice was heard over head. I look up to see a rainbow haired pegasus flying towards me.
I simply sidestep the diving mare as she crashes to the ground. I stare at the pile of limbs and feathers, and continued on my way.
“Stop!”
This time a flash of purple blurred my vision, and a shield of lavender blocked my way. Four other women came rushing through the alley way, with the two tone pink one having a spastic attack.
“Rainbow are you okay,” The Stetson wearing cowgirl asked, rushing to her fallen friend.
“Just what did you do to our friend,” A white skinned woman demanded, her horn glowing.
“Nothing,” I answered. Charging mana into my free hand, I sent short pulses to disrupt the mana barrier. The shield crumbles like broken glass at the simple technique.
Free from the blockade I continued forward, but was stopped by the Pink one’s antics.
“This is one big doozy of a doozy’s doozy!” She said as if she were riding a jackhammer. She continued to move around in odd spastic movements, eventually moving up a wall on her back.
Impressive as it was, I still had to leave before they came. Taking a step forward Celestia’s student stood in my path, her horn glowing a vibrant lavender hue.
“Your not going anywhere!” She yelled, with the angriest look I’ve ever gotten from a woman. I walked up to her, as her horn grew brighter, and just flicked it.
The magic dissipated, leaving a woman with the most painful brain freeze face. I just walked around the stunned woman and continued on my way.
“Please don’t go,” Fen whispered, as he landed on my shoulder.
I continued in silence with the odd contingent of women following me. Fen would continue to nuzzle against me, but with more force when we passed the library. The streets remained void of people and it continued to be that way even when we reached the end of town.
I stopped, looking at the road and the scenes beyond the hills. Fen floats in front of me, eyes staring into mine.
We said nothing, only a nod from the kitten signaled his resignation of what is to come. He floats aside letting me pass, the road ahead was now free of obstructions, but why I couldn’t step forward was the mystery.
There were times I was beaten with both my legs broken, but now it seemed harder to move. It was as if my body was turned to stone, but left my mind to scream orders through a torn connection.
“I’m glad you girls sent that letter,” a voice rang from above. I stressed my neck to look above, and there floating in the air was the last person I expected to see.
“Cadence!” Twilight runs forward, hugging the woman as she lands.
“Fenwick...I need you to do something for me.” My jaws stressed through the magic grip she had on me.
“Yes!” Fen yelped in excitement as he flew to my shoulder nuzzling my cheek.
“As you wish!” Fen’s childlike voice was gone, and was replaced with that demonic voice. Clouds of smoke covers his body, growing ever larger by the second. The blue cloud moves forward as a giant paw slams onto the ground. The Alicorn stands frozen at the site before her, and the magic holding me grows weaker.
Another paw comes forward, it’s claws extending ripping gashes in the ground. Soon a head comes forward, and bit by bit the cloud forms to a fearsome winged predator. With one mighty roar, Fen shock wave causes the very earth to tremble, and the woman’s magic ceases.
The azure coated jungle cat bares his fangs at the Alicorn. The women inturn trembles before the site of Fen’s battle form.
“Remember!” I said aloud, “Just detain her, I don’t want a repeat of Coral Grotto!”
“I’ll try not to crush her skull,” his jaws barely move, but his voice rang. While his fangs gleamed in the sunlight, the Alicorn and unicorn both looked on in sheer terror. After all Fen was a monstrous cat the size of a house, with enough ferocity to match a rampaging Ursa.
As I walk past the stunned women, I turned my head towards Fenwick, “Before I go...don’t mention our relationship to anyone!”
“I hear and obey.”
“I’ll never understand how you change so easily,” I mumbled.
“It’s because you put me in a child's body,” Fen shot back.
I just shake my head and continued to walk forward. Leaving a group of stunned woman with a giant ferocious predator. I should feel bad about it but one of them’s an Alicorn. Still it is Fen, and he was or is still Luna’s familiar...I’ll just let them settle it. This thought process was giving me a headache.
I barely made it a few feet until a bright flash blinded me. When my vision cleared, there before me was a group of guards with pink armor and gold inlays. I didn’t know wether to laugh or go die in a ditch somewhere. Their faces showed with so much seriousness that their armor with the heart shaped pauldrons and matching chest piece just made them look ridicules.
“Princess!” They yelled in unison. The winged soldiers flew in the with crossbows loaded and aimed. The magic users raised shields, with horns glowing.
“Hey Fen!” I said aloud.
“Yeah!”
“Did I do anything to piss off karma?”
“Hmm...besides defying the laws of nature, and punching Celestia into a wall,” I hear the ground shift as Fen paws the ground. A habit he does when in thought, “Honestly, I thought you dyeing was the tipping point.”
I just sighed at his answer and looked forward at the small group of guards, “Look, I’ll make it easy...get out of my way or...or we’ll do this my way.”
I notice one of the pegasi guards had this cocky look to him, but it seems the unicorn woman had the answer I wasn’t hoping for.
“What makes you think you can take us on!” She stated by drawing her sword, and pointing it at me.
“God fucking dammit!” I grumbled. I laid the chest on the ground dialing a set of numbers. Opening the chest I puled out a wooden club the size of my for arm and round shield.
“Why is it, that I never get to talk to a guard that doesn’t have a horn on their fucking head or thinks that their Celestia’s blessing from the sky’s,” I yelled, as each syllable grew in volume, “just once, I want to deal with a group o guards that isn’t full of these...Ah why is it that everyone’s just in my!”
“Umm, Astral...you okay,” Fen asked.
“Yeah...No! I’m not okay!” I stomped the ground in response, “I just came back to life and I gotta end up fighting!”
“Well...you are you after all,” Fen chuckled or growl laughed, him being this close was kinda hard to tell, “and besides you might want to be quick about it!”
“What are you two...” The guard was cut short, as I pumped mana to the ground, I hurtled towards the woman slamming my shield against her helmeted head.
The others stood watching, while the woman fell limp to the ground. I took advantage of the moment and slammed my club into the armored chest of a guard. He was pushed back, falling onto the floor. They finally had their minds back in game and engaged me in combat.
The two unicorn guards left lunged at me with their spears. Side stepping the first spear, I parried the other with my shield. Stepping forward, my club met the guards shoulder, forcing them to the ground. A scream was heard above, a winged guard was flying towards me.
I met his charge, with my shield raised I jumped forward meeting the guard. His face slammed into my shield, while spear stabbed into my torso. The troll leather shielded my flesh from the impending spear. Though I may have escaped a flesh wound the force behind the spear will leave a sizable bruise.
I was pushed back from the impact, but unlike the guard I was still standing. Turning around I stared at the last guard, “Last chance...let me go or they’ll die!”
He slowly turns his head staring at the group of mares and beast. He grips the spear, and slowly let’s it go. He moves out of the way giving me a clear path to my chest.
Making my way to the chest I stop in front of the guard and slammed my shield into his face. He crumbles to the ground unconscious.
Fen raised an eyebrow, while the others stood slack jawed. I ignored them, placing me gear back into the chest.
“Should I even ask?” Fen grumbled.
“I like even numbers.” I replied.
“You won’t get away with this,” yelled the pink Alicorn, “you’ll have the entire nation hunting you down!”
I stared at into her purple eyes, the unwavering determination behind those eyes, just mad me laugh.
“What’s so funny!” screamed the Alicorn her three toned mane of violet, rose and gold frizzled at the edges.
I just smiled at the mare and turned, leaving a time bomb of emotion.
“If only...” I mumbled.
“Astral, watch out!” Fen yelled.
“Huh?” Chains of blue wrapped around me, encasing my body. “What the?”
“Thou has done a heinous crime!” A voice yelled, I was hoisted into the air, as my chest crashes to the ground. I was brought face to face with the one person...god why is she holding me upside down.
“What does thou have to say!” she boomed!
“First...don’t turn me upside down. Second lower your fucking voice,” I yelled the last part. “I’m this fucking close to you and my ears are ringing!”
“Watch thy tongue,” She slaps me in the face, as her face tinged with red.
“Your not the boss of me!” I shot back.
Her cheeks were puffed in annoyance, “We are thou ruler...” a black paw covers her mouth.
“Luna...enough of the Royal Voice,” Fenwick moaned, in his adorable form. Her eyes shrank seeing the little bird-cat.
“Ah! Fen...I’m about to vomit,” I looked to the ground seeing... “you know what, never mind!”
“Luna!” Celestia called from the ground. “Please come down!”
“Dammit!” I mumbled.
Luna looks towards Celestia, then Fen, and finally glared at me. Nonetheless she lowers us down, me not to gently.
“Fuuuuck!” I screamed, as I plummet to the ground, but the sudden stop felt like my innards were going to burst from my mouth. She then continued to drop me on the ground, slamming my face to the dirt.
“Just like Collin Wood,” I moaned through the dirt.
“At least she went easy on you,” Fen whispered.
“Fenwick! I command thee!” Luna ordered, in a more manageable level.
Fenwick looked towards the blue mare, crossed his arms and turned around, “No!”
“Wha-what!” She screamed, “Thou art my familiar, and we command thee to...where are thou going?”
Fen floats towards the chest laying, landing on top he dials a set of numbers. The chest glows a vibrant pink, he opens the chest and dives right in.
“Fenwick!” Luna yelled.
His head pops out from the box staring at Luna or I hoped he did and said, “No!”
He goes back in, the sound of items being moved. I could hear Luna growling at the actions of the tiny creature.
Fenwick soon pops out with a black branch clutched between his paws. A blue shield forms around him, but when touched by the branch it dissipated.
“Fenwick I order thee to stop,” Luna ordered.
Fen ignored her and landed on my back, the chains faded away leaving me free to move.
“Thanks Fen,” standing up, I dusted myself off. Turning my gaze towards the flabbergasted Luna and Celestia. “Fen!”
“Right!” he dropped the black branch into my open hand, and rest on my shoulder.
“So...” I began while taking a stance, “how do you want to end this.”
Luna’s horn began to glow a deathly hue of blue, but Celestia stepped forward. She turns to her sister, “Luna...let me handle this.”
Luna looks towards her sister with the most hateful glare.
“Fine!” she spat, but nonetheless kept her horn aglow.
Celestia nods to her sister and turns her gaze towards me, but this her eyes caught me off guard. It was the same eyes aunty had when she saw me playing with summer. They were eyes I haven’t seen, in such a long time.
“You were the one that gave blood to Luna...weren’t you?” Celestia’s question shocked Luna, her magic almost stopped...almost.
I remained silent, gripping the piece of wood. I stared into her magenta eye, and she stared into mine.
“Sister what does thou mean!” Luna whisper-shouted, then turns her gaze towards me, “tis impossible.”
I shivered under that gaze, it was the same stare when did something bad.
“You okay Astral,” Fen whispered into my ear.
I just grunted a response, but those eyes.
“Your relation to Fenwick raises questions!” Celestia smiled but it never met her eyes, “and your uncanny resemblance to Luna...”
“He does not look like me,” Luna cut in. Which kinda killed a little part of me.
Celestia looked between me and Luna, “Again, your resemblance to my sister, is disturbing.”
“Ah! Astral...this may not be the time for it, but what ever you plan on doing, you might want to do it,” Fen shivered, gripping my shoulder with his claws. “Luna don’t!”
Before I could react a beam of blue engulfed both Fenwick and I. The world grew hazy as I slowly lose consciousness.
“Oh! Then why are your hands covered in sugar!” she gripped my arm pulling me into my room. “I want you to stay in your room, and don’t let me catch you playing on the computer!”
She turns and closes the door leaving me to cry on the floor.
“Didn’t do it,” I whispered, slamming my fist into my bed. Closing my eyes I drifted to sleep, crying as I did.
“Why can’t we get the cat,” I pointed to the kitten clawing at the caged. My brother was hugging the big dog, as my father followed the shelter worker.
“Astral we talked about this...” Mom would say.
“No, we didn’t!” I shot back, “We always do what he wants!”
I pointed to my brother and the big mutt, that he chose, just like everything else.
“Astral Shepard! Behave or you don’t get to play with the dog,” my mother warned.
“No!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. Mom glared down at me and crossed her arms.
“If you want it that way then you are grounded!” She stared me down, until tears formed around my eyes.
My brother placed his hand on my shoulder, “Geez, Calm down cryba...”
He never finished as fist met his face.
“Astral!” Mom screamed.
The snow fell on the ground as I said goodbye to my friends. I walk down the desolate road. The once green trees were asleep for the winter.
I jumble the keys the cold biting my hand. With a click I twist the handle as the door opens. The house was empty, except for the big ball of fuzz sleeping in the living room.
I head to my room, shutting the door behind me. Unpacking my bag I began working on the homework assignment.
An hour passes and I was on my computer watching the latest video, until I hear whimpers outside my door. I opened it and was face to with the mutt as I called him.
He was whimpering and pointing to the bathroom door. I just glared at the dog and opened the door to the room. I checked the toilet and lifted the seat up for the mutt.
Something about the dog was really weird, who ever trained him to use the toilet must have spent much time with him. He pushes me out of the way and sits on the marble throne.
I turned around and went back to my room.
“Luna let him sleep...his growing boy!” My father’s voice echoed through the walls.
“I know, it’s just that...it’s almost noon.” The door slowly opens, I peeped through the covers to see mom step in.
She slowly walks to me, “Astral...sweetie.”
Parting my hair to see if my eyes were open, but they were not.
“Mom!” my brothers voice perforated through the house. She sighs and leaves to deal with him.
I close my eyes hoping to fall asleep again, but the sudden weight on my bed made me open them. A big fuzzy wall blocked my view of the door.
“Stupid dog,” I grumbled, turning around I stared at the plain white walls, “get out of my room.”
The dog just grew closer his body heat warming the room. His steady breathing causing me to fall asleep again.
“My you boys have grown!”
“We sure did grandpa,” my brother yelled in excitement. He runs up to hug the crusty old man.
I just stood there looking at the old man, his wiry eyes moving from my brother to my mom and aunty. The small gathering was up in grandpa’s cabin, dragging me from my room and the only things keeping sane.
Dad and uncle were getting the food ready, cousin Summer was with granny. My brother was playing with granddad and again I was by myself. I picked up my swim gear and said I was going to the lake, walked down the worn path.
I set up on the sandy shore, drinking my cola watching the water splash against the sandy beach.
After some time passed I went for a swim. Then I spent the rest of the time floating on my back just staring at the changing clouds.
I stare at the calendar and at the empty house...well, besides the dog sleeping on the couch. I looked at the note before my hands.
Your dad will be late today. So I’ll need to pick up your brother, and remember your grounded!
Love,
Mom
“I didn’t do it,” I wiped the tears away, crumbling the note. I grabbed a few things from the fridge, ate and went back to my room.
I was about to close the door, but a furry head prevented me from closing the door.
“What do you want,” I yelled at the mongrel, but he just looked at me with those puppy dog eyes.
“Stupid dog,” I grumbled under my breath as he pushed his way through.
I sat down watching a few movies, to pass the time. The dog sits next to me watching the movie play.
“Fight it Astral,” Fen’s voice echoes around me.
“I...I’m trying...but these memories...”
“I know, but you have to fight it!” Fen screamed.
“Astral...are you all right,” Mom asked, across the table.
“I’m fine,” I said through a mouthful of peas.
“Al-alright then,” she went back to her meal as dad and my brother went to talk about the game.
“Astral use the divine tree!” Fenwick screamed against the onslaught of memories.
“Hey Ruffles,” I greeted the dog as he sat next to me. Together we watched as my brother and father play catch in the backyard.
“I wonder...if I disappeared...would they even miss me,” I whispered to the dog. His attention never left the two, and it just made me chuckle.
I get up from the ground and head for the house.
Another transition, but this time I felt the magic waning. I take control of my mana and channel it into the hand holding the branch.
It’s been hours since school ended and yet...here I wait. The students were long gone and my club mates left for home. Only a handful of teachers remained, but soon they would leave.
I turned up the music, as the drum solo was reaching it’s end, and soon they will all mix together to create the emotion I was feeling. Complete and utter disappointment.
I was just fooling myself that it would be different...this time, but it never was.
The sun was receding in the distance, as a car stops in front of me. I get up and enter the passenger side of the vehicle.
“I’m so sorry Astral,” Mom began, “I was so busy that I lost track of time and...”
“It’s fine mom,” I cut her off.
“Astral are...” she stops talking to me, as she sees my face and continues to drive. I looked out the window as the buildings blurred.
“Astral!” Fen yelled.
I channeled every once of mana I had into the branch. The memories slowly fade to white. Soon colors return and my vision slowly adjust to the sunlight.
There before me, stands the rulers of Equestria. Celestia was holding her sister, in her arms and Fen was barely holding on to my shoulder.
“Wha-what happened,” he was holding on for dear life, as he aslmost stumbles off my shoulder.
“I-I don’t know. Ah!” I screamed, I look down at the ever growing branch, stabbing into my skin. I ended the mana supply before it consumed me.
The branch stopped growing, but the roots needed to be removed. Gritting my teeth, I pulled them out as the pain rocketed to my brain. I let out a grunt to protest against the pain.
“S-son,” I froze hearing her voice. Raising my head, I gaze at the teary eyed look alike.
“Son,” She repeats again, but with more conviction. Celestia loosens her grip on Luna shocked at what apparently her sister is saying.
Luna steps forward, “Son.” She says again.
The word was like rusty rode stabbing at my heart. The blunt jagged metal forcefully impaling itself through my chest. “Son.”
Her teary expression sending shivers down my spine. We stand face to face, just mere inches from one another.
“Son.” She whispers, “Thou art my son.”
I don’t know what to say, I just stood there looking into those cyan eyes.
“Mo...” I stopped myself, I had to...no I must remember that she was not my mother. Just someone that is her, but not.
“It’s all right,” she wraps her arms around me, engulfing me into a tight hug.
“Mo-mom,” I cried into her wafting mane.
“Get your hands of the Princess!” someone yelled above.
A loud crack echoed through my head, as intense pain filtered through my every being. Luna let go, moving back with a wide eyed expression. Without support I fell to the ground, staring up at the rainbow maned woman.
The amber liquid numbed the pain, but the constant racket kept me from enjoying it.
“Will you all shut up and let me enjoy my drink!" I yelled at the bickering women. “This is supposed to be a library for crying out loud!”
The rainbow maned woman just glared at me and the rest had either I want to kill you look, or I don’t know whats going on anymore. With my head nearly cracked open none of that really fazed me.
“Watch thy tongue Astral!” Luna warned, while wrapping my head in bandages.
“Sorry,” I grumbled, “just not used to being attacked and nursed...well, not in the same time mind you.”
“Maybe if you hadn’t beaten up the guards so much, this wouldn’t have happened,” Fen curled up in the lap of Fluttershy.
“Like they would have faired better against you,” I retorted, “and besides...they had it coming.”
“And what is that supposed to mean,” Twilight demanded, stepping forward from the group of bickering women.
“It’s simple miss Sparkle,” I glared into her eyes, “those guards as you call them...failed at protecting Luna here, and the least they could do was die with what little dignity they had left!”
“What gives you the right,” This time the pink Alicorn stepped forward, her gaze was nothing short of I’ll kill you the moment she turns her back.
I downed the rest of my drink as the mind numbing effects took over. “It’s simple Princess! These royal guards...as you call them. Have no, and I do mean No Fucking right to bear the name or the uniform of this country.” I yelled every last syllable.
“Astral Shepard!” Luna pulled my ear, forcing me to lower my head, “That is not how you address a Princess!”
“Ow. Ow. Ow. Okay, just let go already,” I pleaded to my assaulter, there was only so much alcohol can do.
“Good, now hold still.” Her mood change from angry to happy was extremely disturbing.
“Do you even know what your doing,” I asked, as she redid the wrapping for the fourth time.
“Does thou doubt thy mother,” she huffed in frustration.
“That’s so unfair,” I moaned, as I overheard Fen laughing.
“Hahaha! Can't believe you fell for that,” Fen laughed, almost falling off Fluttershy’s lap.
I glared at the tiny kitten, “Just what did you show her!”
“Nothing much,” he grinned, “just maybe...everything pertaining to your relationship to Luna!”
If the glass I was holding wasn’t made of diamond then it would have shattered by now.
“You rotten little,” I gritted my teeth in frustration at the familiar.
“Eh. Whatever,” Fen said while floating towards me, “besides it was to get you back for selling me out.”
This time it was my turn to look shock, “Wha-what are you talking about.”
“Don’t give that Astral!” the kitten was staring me in the eyes, “you think that memory spell was one way don’t you!”
I was about to retort against his accusation, but the slap he gave me cut me before I could say anything.
“You planned on giving me back to Luna, in the first place!” he screamed, tears falling from those golden orbs of his, “You planned this all out didn’t you! The hospital, your death, and even getting rid of the guards that were against Luna!”
I sat there in silence, seeing the full blown anger of someone I considered to be family. Every word that he said was like being torn apart by blunt blades. “That was your plan all along!”
He floated to my shoulder, nuzzling the side of my cheek, “Please don’t go!”
“I’ll try,” I whispered.
“Ahhh! You two are just...so cute,” Luna engulfed both of us into a tight hug.
“Mom! Blood. Blood. Blood!” I yelled, as blood flowed from the top of my head.
“On No! Hold still,” She frantically wipes the blood away, and finally wrapping the bandage properly.
“Hold on! Did that little fella just mention ya took down guards trying ta hurt Luna,” Applejack questioned...loudly!
“Can you please not yell...I’m kinda suffering from split head syndrome!” I hate head injuries, “But yes there were a bunch of solar fanatics trying to get rid of Luna here!”
“So ya took them down yesterday!” Applejack asked a bit lower, this time.
“Most of them, but honestly dyeing yesterday...well, let’s just say it was hard to tell the difference!” I didn’t want to say that it was just luck they would show up, but thanks to Celestia being there my workload was cut down a bit.
“What about my brother,” I turned my gaze to Twilight as tears fell from her eyes, “My brother wouldn’t have gone against Luna...and yet his in the hospital because of you!”
I stared into those lavender eyes full of hate, “Casualty of war!”
“Y-you monster!” she lunged at me but the strong cow pony held her back.
“Woah! Hold it together Sugercube.” Applejack pleaded, as the purple unicorn swiped blows that would never land. “I’m sure he’s got a good explanation for wha he did! Don’t cha!”
She glared at me waiting for an answer, but Fen was the one that gave it.
“Trust me when I say this Miss Sparkle,” He said, while he floated between me and the enraged unicorn. “If I had my way, I would have all the guards executed for failing to protect the ruler of Equestria, and believe me...your brother suffered the least of his wrath.”
Fen grew closer to the teary eyed woman, “if hadn’t drank that poison he would have massacred those guards...in fact he saved those guard, cause if I had gone out there none of them would be alive today.”
Twilight face went from anger to fear in the matter of seconds. Fen must have given her the stare. “So be happy that your brother is alive.’
The collection of women shivered upon hearing the voice of a child proclaiming death and carnage. Fen turns around and continues to rest on my shoulder.
“Tis true then,” I heard Luna whisper. Turning my head to her direction, tears fell from those beautiful cyan eyes. “It was a mistake to return.”
“Don’t you dare say that!” I gritted my teeth at her proclamation, “It was never your fault to begin with.”
She turns her gaze to me a smile forming on her lips, but those eyes were so full of confusion.
“His right!” I turned to the new voice that entered the room. Celestia ducks under the doorway to get in. She walks to Luna, pulling her into a hug, “There’s nothing and I mean nothing more painful than losing you.”
I look on as Mo-Luna and Celestia continue in their sisterly affection for one another. Don’t really know what Fen showed her, but it’s just to early to start calling her mom, even though it feels so right too.
“Twilight!,” the draconian boy from earlier came rushing through the door, “their almost here!”
“Spike! I thought I told you to go with the others!” Twilight glared at the young boy, almost bringing him to tears.
“Speaking of which,” I cut before she actually makes the kid cry, “what exactly is coming?”
“Oh, right! You were dead so you didn’t here the news,” Fen in front of me with a big grin, “remember those trolls you killed off.”
“Ye-yeah,” I raised an eyebrow at the tiny kitten.
“Well, let’s just say that they were part of a larger gathering,” his grin turned to a full blown smile, “and their coming here!”
I turned my gaze to the two rulers of this country, “trolls...your struggling against trolls!”
Before they could respond the rainbow one yelled a response, “we wouldn’t have a problem if you hadn’t taken out the guards!”
I turned my gaze back to he rulers, “You...needed Elite guards...to fight off trolls?”
I look at their expressions and I knew that I wasn’t getting a straight answer.
“I’ll get my club,” I said before they could try to think of a way to salvage what little respect I had left, for the safety of the country.
“And what makes you think we’ll let you get a weapon,” Cadence stepped between me and the chest.
I stared into those purple eyes, as my free hand pinches her horn. I give a slight twist, causing her to fall to the ground. For all the power one can muster with that horn, just a slight knock on the are will have the user on their knees.
“Astral!” Luna-mom yelled.
I ignored her...I was tired, just so tired. I really didn't want to deal with this. I don’t even know how I’m still dealing with this. Reaching into the trunk I withdrew a spiked club the size of a baseball bat.
I turned around with Luna blocking the door.
“Don’t!” Her horn glowed deeper shade of blue as her wings errected in a predatory, but foolish manner.
I stared into those cyan eyes and I just sighed at her attempt, “if you’d seen through Fen’s memories. You know that won’t stop me!”
I hoped she’d make this easy. “Yes,...I’ve seen through Fen memories and...I don’t want you fighting!”
I just smiled under glare. “I hate to this Lu...mom, but your no longer the boss of me.”
That felt good...really good.
“I’m still your mother young ma...colt!” she caught herself, but Celestia must have heard.
I laughed to keep Celestia from thinking further on the subject, “Colt! I hate to say this, but I’m way past the whole age authority bullshit.”
Turning to the window, “Besides...”
Taking up the hammer, I threw it through the window, as I ran after it. Jumping out the window, I rolled as I hit ground.
“MY WINDOW!”
“ASTRAL!”
The club was hoiseted over my shoulder, as the streets be came nothing but a blur. Navigating through the town, I found the market and other stores were boarded up, with the doors heavily sealed with bags of sand.
Looking towards a large gathering of winged soldiers. They gather dark clouds just over the horizon. Reaching the edge of town I slowed down to catch my breath.
“Hey!” a raspy voice yelled above me.
Looking up I saw the rainbow maned woman flying over me. I turned my attention back to the swarm of soldiers. Strange how they plan to bombard trolls with lightning.
I move forward keeping an eye over the ever growing dark cloud.
Though my silence must ticked off the woman, “Hey! Don’t ignore...”
I just tuned her out as I moved closer to the group of aerial warriors. I was really hoping they won’t use lightning on these guys.
Rainbow girl started to get impatient and this time flew in front of me screaming about something involving my ass. I just stared into those magenta eyes waiting for her to finish.
“You might wanna head back now,” I said while she was gasping for breath.
“No way!” she managed to yell this one out.
“Suit yourself!” I moved to the side of her, walking to the now gigantic cloud of energy.
“Why You!” again I ignored what ever else she was going to say.
Getting closer to the cloud of death I spot a blockage of troops. They were organized behind a walled circle as tall as house. Magic users lined the top of the dirt fortress.
“Didn’t know they had an earth user,” I mumbled my contempt. Next to healers, they were the most dangerous magic types to deal with.
I decided to observe them, at this distance I blended perfectly under the shadow of the trees. Luckily, Rainbow decided she had enough and headed back...I hope.
The ground started to shake with dust rising in the distance. The squad of winged soldiers clustered near the giant cloud of thundering death. A red beam of magic erupts from the fortress of dirt.
Then lightning erupted from the heavens. Roars echoed past the walls as magic users fired bolts of fire, and lightning.
The smell of burnt flesh perforated the air, vanquishing the once clean air.
“Dammit!” I cursed their battle strategy. “Don’t they know what happens when you set trolls on fire!”
Screams from humans could be heard, yelling for more fire power to be released against the enemy over the wall.
“Looks like I’m up,” I shook my head at the botched operation. Hoisting the spiked club of steel and wood I make my way to the other side of the dirt construct.
The bird people were above firing lightning as chariots started leaving the castle, dropping blast of magic as they retreated. A troll circles from the side of the dirt fortress.
It spots me, letting out a roar and going into a full charging. Gripping the twenty pound weapon with both hands, I lowered my stance and waited for the beast to get with in range.
With in seconds he enters my striking zone. Charging my weapon, I slammed the metal covered wood on top of the maddened beast. His head caves in as I’m pushed back from his charge.
“My timings off,” I grumbled.
More started to come around the walls of dirt, and screams for help was heard from in sides. The winged soldiers dived down picking up the grounded guards.
“At least I won’t have to worry about them,” I said while trolls charged towards me. I look towards the mass of fur and flesh, their three eyes filled with rage. Many of them had spots of black on their brown coats as the strong smell of burnt hair assaulted my nose.
Meeting the bulk of the group, I pointed the spiked tip and rammed it into the first troll. The blow pushes him back into the group of feral beast, swinging the club, I land a body blow to a troll coming from the side.
Channeling mana through my body, I ended my defense stance and went into a full assault.
The club comes down on a troll, ripping it’s shoulder apart. Within the span of a few seconds four trolls laid dead or incapacitated. The witnesses slowed their approach, hearing the moans of their fallen brethren.
Stepping away from the fallen trolls, careful to keep my distance from those razor sharp claws. Both sides filled with trolls roaring and slamming their fist on the ground.
I kept my sights on both sides of the burnt smelling rot, until one side started to part. A troll with grey fur stepped behind the first line of young muscled trolls. This troll simply towered over the group, it’s red eyes observing me.
As it turns it’s head to give off orders a black collar adorns it’s neck.
“Oh fuck me!” I said aloud, the collar was an indication that someone is in control of these things. This was one those times I regret killing these guys. Sure they are blood thirsty beast, but they did it on on a need to survive.
“Why! Why isn’t this every easy,” I mumbled, I focused on the giant of a mountain troll!
Taking deep breaths, my mind cleared, now I have to thinking of a way to not just hack and slash these guys. The aged troll barked orders and the younger tolls charged.
“Not much of a choice!” I grumbled under the thunderous charge of the foul smelling beast.
Pumping mana into my legs I rushed forward. As I neared the group I sent a flow of mana to the ground. I hurtled over the charging group, landing I made a beeline for the head boss.
Stopping in front of the wall of claws and fur, I halted my charge the point of the club facing the white beast. Charging mana into the weapon and my upper torso, I lunched the thirty pound piece of metal and wood at the leader of the pack.
With his exit blocked by the crowding trolls he was held in his place doomed by the incoming club. The club impales it’s into the trolls torso, the mana imbued weapon releasing it’s charge driving through the mass of flesh.
The crowd of troll looked on as their leader falls to the ground, blood leaving his body.
“I’m sorry!” I said to the downed beast as the mass of feral beast went into a frenzy. Charging my voice I let out a shriek, sending a waves of ear shattering noise, causing the trolls to cover their ears, quickly but surely moving away from the area.
“Really hate doing that,” I rubbed my throat the soreness kicking in. Walking up to the downed boss, I pulled the club out of the smelly corpse.
Grabbing the collar I ripped it off it’s furred neck. The gem faded causing the runes to fade. The script was not any that I’ve seen, used by a unicorn enchanter nor was it anywhere near minotaur standards.
It was oddly sloppy but functioned nonetheless. Pocketing the enchanted device I headed back to the tree house, my headache was just to much to deal with right now.
Though I spoke too soon, a flash of white blinded me.
“My retinas!” I screamed in agony.
“In the name of Celestia we order you to lay down your weapon!” A voice screamed from above.
“My fucking retinas!” I continued to rub my eyes. I could only see blobs at this point, and coupled with my splitting head I was really getting pissed.
“Put your weapon on the ground,” Whoever this was I will make sure my club’s going to...
Something exploded behind me sending debris into my back.
“Ah! Now my ears,” I used the club as cane to keep from falling over, one hand rubbing on the side of my head.
As my vision cleared I troops surrounded me, a grisly old man was shouting orders at me as his horn glowed.
“What!” I yelled, pointing to my ear, “I can’t hear you!”
The group of guards circled around me, their spears at the ready. Which is odd since they were all unicorns, which begs to question why they needed spears?
The guard continued to mouth off something and pointing to the ground.
“What!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, gonna need some honey and lemon after this.
A guard moves in slowly and in my vision. I stand still waiting for them to get closer. When they were in striking distance my free fist rocketed to their face, knocked to the ground.
The guard in charged ordered something and the guards came charging. Gripping the club with both hands, I swiped it into the pointed mass of spears. Breaking one but missing the others. The spears stopped just mere inches away from my face.
The old guard walked up towards the little circle of death, “I said...put your weapon down!”
His horn glowed a dark shade of blue.
“Yeah...” What little mana I had left coated my body, a precaution in this situation, “How bout we just walk away...Oh fuck berries!”
My gaze fell on the incoming person or persons. The look on her face was enough to almost make me wet myself. It was same face that I’d meet, that I knew I was in trouble.
“Astral!” Luna’s voice caused both the guards and to drop our weapons, nursing a pair of ruptured ear drums. Was this for using that screech attack on the trolls...I might just have tinnitus after this!
Luna lands a few feet from the group, each step cracked the damp earth.
“You are in so much trouble,” her voice was full of venom. The guards moved out of her way, while Celestia looks on not quite sure what to do.
She stands before me, then a fingers clasp onto my ear, “Your coming with me right now!”
“Okay. Okay, just let off the ear pulling!” I pleaded under her iron grip. Dam if only I wasn’t tired...or if she wasn’t a Alicorn I could bear this.
“Do not talk back!” she used that amplified voice thing and I could feel the ringing starting.
Celestia walk towards the group of guards, all the while mom drags me back to town.
“Seriously! Why!” I screamed, while nursing my ear. We neared the edges of town and then, only then did she let go.
She crossed her arms still angry at me. We remained silent as we headed back to the house tree...library place.
“Why!” I finally said in this annoying silence. “Why are you doing this?”
“Doing what?”
“Please don’t do this,” there is just no way she would be okay with the whole me, thing, “why are acting like I’m your actual son!”
She remained silent keeping her gaze straight ahead.
“I you’ve looked through Fen’s memories then you should what I’ver done...hell just that alone warrants any chances of me being your son.”
“That’s nothing compared to...”
“Compared to what!” I cut her off, “that you just wanted some attention and so you little tantrum.”
She turns around glaring at me with those...eyes, “does thou count, plunging the world in forever night a tantrum.”
Her voice shook the windows almost shattering them.
I stared into her eyes, “You and I both know it wouldn’t have lasted...and compared to what I’ve done...”
I grew quite turning my eyes away from her. Until I felt I myself in that comforting embrace.
“We’re both big fools,” she nuzzles my cheek, wrapping her wings in this ever-growing embrace, “but I’m still mad at you.”
She ended the embrace, turned around and headed for our destination.
“Please I done more dangerous adventures compared to this little spat,” I grew agitated, since her actions made no sense.
“I know...but that not why I’m mad at you.”
“Then what is it,” I moaned through her constant evasion. “What has got you so angry?”
She turns her head a smirk forming on her lips, she continued to walk forward letting the silence annoy me...just like what mom would do. Then again she technically is my mother but...No! Just no! This headache is enough and thinking about inter-dimensional child custody is just making it worse.
As we entered the dominion of the crazed purple woman, we were greeted by the weirdest site imaginable. For some odd reason all six of the element bearers and a pink Alicorn Princess are tied up with this odd green rope. Fen was sitting a top said Alicorn’s rear drinking, what I believed to be a can of apple soda.
“What happened here!” Luna stepped forward only to have said green rope attack her. I pulled her back before she was ensnared by the living rope.
I hear muffled voices and taking a better look at the hostages, their mouths were gagged by the green thing. Turning to Fen, “So what happened!”
He took one last sip from the red can, “ They opened Sea Green's compartment.”
Fen went back to drinking the soda all the while I was dumbstruck. I mean why would she have...oh god this was for S&M night.
“Let me deal with this,” I sighed, stepping forward the green rope came at me.
“Pickles,” I said aloud. The rope stopped it’s charge freezing in mid air. Then in seconds the rope receded curling up into a small round coil.
Fen whistled, while the women groaned in relief...I hope.
“Can’t believe that safe word still works!” Fen continued to drink the can of soda, spilling a few drops on his chairs dress. Wait!
“How did you know...you were watching us weren’t you!” I pointed at the kitten.
“Yup!” Was all he said.
“And I do have to say...she used that butter like a champion!” Luna added, magicking the woman back up right.
“Dammit Fen! Even that,” I yelled my contempt at the kitten.
“Hey! If you two had done it in the bedroom instead of the kitchen then I might not have seen you two going at!” He shot back and honestly I had no response to that. I went ahead and place back the club and rape rope into their compartments. I was going to give the soda drinking cat the cold shoulder until a thought popped in my head.
“Wait a minute! We were trapped in that spell for like a few minutes...how did you have time to tell her all that...Fen?” I questioned the familiar while he floated to Luna’s shoulder.
“Ah! To be honest...I don’t know, that’s usually how the spell works.” Fen nuzzled up next to Luna, “Besides, your with Luna again so does it really matter?”
“No, it’s just...” Wait, somethings not right here. Fen is way to calm for this, and Luna is way to accepting... “No. It can’t be.”
I stared at the smiling kitten, Luna quizzically looking between the two of us.
“Finally figured it out,” Fen smirked, rising from Luna’s shoulder.
“Y-you ratted me out!” I gasped. Fen continued to float around Luna. “H-how. Why?”
“It’s simple Astral! What ever my mistress wants...She get’s,” His voice grew deeper and his eyes glowed. I stared back at Luna a smile adorning her face.
“No. No. No!” I stepped backwards until the wall kept me from moving back, “This is just like my birthday.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t say it was that bad!” Fen announced above me.
“Ah, does anypony know what’s going on,” a confused Applejack asked.
“Shh! It’s just getting good,” Pinkie sat crossed legged, eating a bowl of popcorn. While the rest of the group looked on in utter confusion, and I receded into a fetal position.
“Calm down Astral,” Fen cooed from his perch on Luna’s shoulder. I looked up to the smiling familiar, “And if you must know...she’s known since my return.”
He started to purr as Luna smiled and petted the loyal subject. My mind was blank just thinking of the fact that my entire life was planned and orchestrated by none other than the supposed woman that birth me.
“This is all make sense now,” I mumbled, I mean how was it that she could so quickly accept me and...
“Oh! My God...Was the whole assassination thing planned,” I yelled at the two perpetrators, “was me coming here also in your plans!”
I stood up to stare in those familiar eyes, but the person behind them showed only confusion. “Was me coming here a part of your plan.”
My whispered sentiment sent her aback, and honestly I'm down right pissed. If she had planned all this out then there was no way in tartarus that I’d...I don’t really know what I’ll do, but I could not. Will not be used like this.
Clunk! The world around me went dark and the sight of the oaken floors greeted me.
“Sorry Astral!” I heard Fen’s voice above me, “Whoops!”
“Okay...this is actually bigger than my cottage.” I walked around the room, no doors or windows, just a circular room with a bed and table. “I wonder where they put my chest?”
Ting. I turn around as food appears on the table. I walked up to the table and removed the silver lid. A sandwich with a side of fries lay on the silver tray.
“What! No hot sauce,” under the mistreatment of no sauce. Taking a bite of the sandwich, “Dam! Thats some good shrooms!”
The cucumbers and roasted mushrooms played with the odd creamy sauce. The fries themselves were perfect, crunchy without being too greasy.
A door appears on the wall, I ignore it since whoever it was...who am kidding this sandwich is amazing.
“Hey Astral! Luna says to...Ah! Why are you naked,” Fen floated in front me a quizzical look on his face.
I swallowed what remained in my mouth, “You know I don’t like wearing dirty cloths!”
“Still...is that fries!” Fen drooled.
“No!” I moved the plate away from his greedy little claws. “These are my fries!”
Fen gave me those heart broken kitten eyes, but I held firm. These were good fries.
“Astral honey...why are you naked,” Luna walks in, with some of her bat winged guards.
“He hates wearing dirty cloths,” Fen answered, swiping at the bowl.
“Well...I’m sorry but can you put some clothes on!” she looks away, covering her eyes.
“Then get me some clean clothes,” I demanded, after finishing off my food, “and where’s my drink!”
“We’’ll get you that later but first put something on,” Luna begged, constantly peeping and covering her eyes. Though I don’t know why her guards are looking away, I mean it’s their job to keep watch over me.
Piling my clothes on the bed sheet I tied them into a sack. Taking the pillow cases I tied the ends together to wrap around my privates or tried to, tails are really annoying.
“So where to?” I asked as Luna was somewhat able to stand my clothing options.
“Can’t you just wear your old cloths,” she pointed to the sack of clothing.
“I could, but...”
“But what?” she raises an eyebrow.
“They’re dirty!” I answered back, she pinches her nose in frustration.
“Never mind...well get you some clean cloths alone the way.” She sighs and turns around, “Let’s go.”
I just nodded and followed Luna. Fen rested on her shoulder as the two guards followed suit.
We passed hall ways, and guard patrols. The looks some of them gave me was on the verge of contempt and utter bafflement, but honestly it may have something to do with the scars on my body.
It wasn’t long till we stopped in front of a door with a picture of a spool of thread and scissors. Luna knocks on the door and a orange glow covered the door.
“Cooome in!” someone coaxed as the doors open. We enter the room and to my surprise the place was filled with various bolts of cloth and a mannequin the size of Celestia.
I whistled at the different varieties of cloth and the sowing machines that lined the center of the room. A mare wobbles up to the Princess, her whitened mane an indication of her age.
“Princess Luna! Its so good too see you,” She greeted by hugging the moon Goddess, “are you here to finally get something to show off that ass of your!”
From what I saw the old mare was smirking as Luna tried to hide her blush.
Composing herself Luna was able to come up with some excuse, “N-no Threader I...we are here for him!”
The mare turns her gaze towards me, “Hmm...A bit young don’t you think!”
Luna was nearly going to faint from embarrassment, while Fen was holding back his laughter. All the while I was starting to love this woman.
“Your to kind my dear...but I’m older than I look!” I winked, as the mare smiled.
“So then if your highness isn’t here for a new dress...then what can I do for you,” she turns to me, measuring tapes floating around her.
“Ahem! If thou would please to fashion him with something to wear,” Luna announced, but the addition of the royal ‘We’ was kinda throwing me off.
“And can you make me something to show off my ass,” I added as I continued to stare at Luna. Sadly she turns around heading out the door, but the guards are still here.
“Gladly!” Threader’s horn glows and bolts of cloth started to fly around me, “Anything you want specifically?”
“Hmm...Just a shirt and pants,” I answered placing my bag on the floor.
“Ohhh! No underwear,” she smirks.
“No thanks! I kinda plan on free-balling today.”
She turns her head in confusion and I believe one of the guards broke protocol by raising an eyebrow.
“You know...just letting it hang without constraint,” I pointed to my crotch and the old mare just laughs.
The sowing machines came to life, cloth was cut and measured. The only time I took my eyes away from the unicorn my clothes were cleaned and pressed.
I whistled at the clothes, the navy blue short sleeve, hugged my body, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. The pants she made did the same, but luckily she made it without zippers, just a simple button that hooked and tightened. She really knows what she’s doing.
“Would you like some shoes,” She asked, levitating a few boxes to me.
“No thank you!” After seeing the first two choices, I had to decline, “I’ll just barefoot!”
“You sure,” she waved the open boxes near my vision.
“Most definitely...why is that one covered in gems?”
“Don’t know,” she puts the shoes back in their respective place, “so if that’s all for the day...this mare needs her sleep.”
She moves behind a curtain, the sound of a door opening and closing. I just smiled and picked up my belongings.
“So where to,” I asked the guards. The mare to my left steps for ward while the other opens the.
“You are to meet the Princesses in the grand hall!” she turns and headed out the door, I follow and the other guard brings up the rear.
The trip down to the hall was boring, the guards just stood straight faced like statues. Though I was happy that I didn’t have to deal with these guys, but that one noble really got under my skin.
A few minutes ago:
“Who let this popper in,” said the asshole with the blonde mane. I ignored him and nudged the guard forward.
Apparently he doesn’t when to just let things be, he grabbed onto my shoulder demanding something about respecting authority. I didn’t really pay attention, my fist met his face and he was knocked into the wall.
My escorts and other individuals looked on in utter shock.
“Let’s get going,” I continued down the hall the guards following.
Present:
The Grand Hall was...a giant wast of space. I mean theirs nothing here but decorative stain glass and paintings of old dead people. Wait! Is that?
I stopped in front of a picture, of a Unicorn Mare. Her flowing silver mane complementing her white complexion.
“Na-nana!” I gasped. I take a better look at the woman, her emerald eyes following my movement, “No way...It is her.”
“I’m glad somethings remained the same,” I turn my gaze and Celestia walks towards me. How such a large woman can walk so silently is beyond me. She looks me over, a raised eyebrow adorns the single magenta eye not caught in the wafting mess of her hair.
“Why aren’t you wearing shoes?” She asks.
“They were out of my size,” I answered, turning my gaze back to the painting.
“You have her eyes...you know,” Celestia stands next to me, observing the painting and I.
“Yeah! Kinda wished I had her ass instead,” oh how wonderful my life would be if I had them. Those awesome firm bags of pure fun...I really wished granddad never told me about how they met. That guy knows how to drag a story.
“Ahem,” a blush forms on Celestia’s cheeks.
“Oh what do you have to be embarrassed about. You clearly inherited her lushes ass, and I’m stuck with these!” I emphasized by slapping my ass. I really wanted that ass.
She avoided eye contact, and turned, “Come, your mother will meet use in the throne room.”
“Tch,” Mother my ass, she stabs me in back by planning this whole thing and expects me to follow through...dammit it was just like her. She is such manipulative...ahh! Why. Why, couldn’t she just have been the complete opposite. Would it kill ya god to just give me that!
We enter the throne room, another place I thought was a waste of space, and there next to the throne were the mares I so loathed to meet and some guy in an arm cast.
As we got closer most of them glared at me, but the worst of it was from the pink Alicorn. I really wonder why she’s so pissed at me. It’s not like I killed her puppy or something.
“So what’s this all bout?” I asked as the silence and death glares were annoying me, “And where’s Luna?”
“Luna’s been...detained at the moment,” Celestia dismisses the guards and joins the rest of the group, “she'll be joining us shortly!”
“All right,” I walked pass the group and took a seat on the throne, and pulled a thinker pose. Most of the mare’s and the other guy looked on in pure surprise. Celestia however just smiled and watched.
The rainbow one was fuming, miss I gotta kiss Celestia’s ass every bloody minute was about to explode in a fire storm. The pink Alicorn was on the verge of exploding and stallion with a blue mane was perplexed at what to do.
“You know Tia...you could get a comfier throne,” maybe I shouldn't egg these guys on...nah! Celestia seems to enjoying this, so why bother.
The doors to the throne room burst open, as the I the guy punched earlier stomps in.
“Aunty!” He screamed at the top of his lungs. God he has such a whinny voice. “I was assaulted by the most heinous of criminals...You!”
He stops short of reaching the group, pointing an accusing finder at me. “Guards! Guards! Arrest that pony.”
A group of guards rush in, weapons drawn. They almost reached the throne if not for Celestia casting a barrier, that or the amplified voice thing.
“Stop!” her voice shook the very room, the guards grind to a halt, but kept their weapons at the ready.
“Aunty! He assaulted me!” Again with this guy.
“Enough Blueblood,” Celestia commanding voice gave everyone the shivers, turning towards me, “Is this true Astral.”
“Yup! Punched him square in the face!” No point in lying to a demigod...who’s my aunt. I wonder how she handles when someone that’s close to her dies...cake. Yup cake.
Celestia sighs the ever present situation worsen as the blonde unicorn dude demanding something about my head on a spike or something. An odd shimmer moves across the room and how they not see that.
“Damn...Really wish I had some Molotov's Cocktails right now,” I said thought aloud, gaining the attention of room.
“And pray tell what would you do with alcohol,” Celestia smiles.
“What can’t you do with booze...no seriously what can’t you do with booze!” I don’t think their taking me seriously...maybe it’s the drool. Though that annoying shimmer was getting closer.
“Astral...” Celestia sighs, but no one paid attention to her. All their eyes were on the sack flying through the air.
If you haven't read the a/n in the previous chapter. Then that will be the last chapter, I do not plan on canceling the story straight up, but I will rewrite to third person. The story will change a bit from its original poise, but that's the only thing I can do to make the rewrite more enjoyable.