> The Little Sister
>  by Z-A-C
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Seth's POV





I peered into my scope through the night-vision goggles I remembered to bring this time. I was in the Everfree Forest, on a mission from God... Well, technically not, but the ponies think so. "Targets are in sight, your highness." I said into the headset.

"How many hostiles?" Celestia asked telepathically. This particular headset was more or less a prototype "two-way" radio system. Working with both radio signals (for Earth ponies and pegasi) and unicorn telepathy. This was the field test.

I surveyed the area. "Just a squads worth. There are probably more though." I did a quick weapons check. Everything was good, so I spoke into the headset again. "What do you want me to do?"

"This is a reconnaissance mission, Ezekiel. Hold fire unless something goes wrong."

"Roger, roger." I adjusted the headset. "What am I looking for again?"

Celestia sighed. "I need to know how many there are, and if they have a headquarters."

I furrowed my brow. "They're just rogues, there's no way there can't be that many."

"I want to be sure. We don't want anymore surprises."

I shook my head. "We're allied with the changelings now. Chrysalis is even their ambassador."

"I know that, I just want to be sure."

"Alright, I hear ya." After a couple minutes, a slightly larger changeling walked out of a tent. "I'm seeing activity."

"What's happening?"

"It looks like the commander is giving orders. They're chittering though, I can't understand what they're saying."

"Keep watching them."

"Will do." 





After about fifteen minutes, I switched his headset back on. "Do you read me, your highness?"

"Yes, what do you have to report?"

"It seems the meeting is-" Just then there was a feminine scream from somewhere relatively nearby. "What the hell?"

"What's happening?" I didn't respond. "Ezekiel?"

"Please stop calling me that." I said in an irritated tone.

"That is your call sign, is it not?" Celestia asked.

"It is, but that's not important right now. I heard a scream from somewhere nearby. What should I do?"

Celestia was silent for a few moments, before sighing. "Stay on mission. My little ponies get lost in the forest all the time. It is unfortunate but, I can't allow you to take a meal from the wildlife."

"The rogues heard it too."

"What are they doing?"

I looked the area over. "Nothing, it seems." There was another scream. "Celestia, I can't just leave her."

"Stay on mission!"

"What if the rogues get her before the wildlife does!? I'm not leaving her!" I grabbed the headset and put it in my field jacket pocket. I could hear Celestia yelling my call sign, but I ignored her.

I slowly crawled out of my Sniper's Perch*, and looked around to see if there were any hostiles nearby. There weren't. Using the trees and bushes, I went cover-to-cover, moving as silently and as quickly as I could.

I was about fifty feet away from my perch when I heard the scream again. It was louder and sounded more frantic this time. "I have to hurry, she might not make it!" I whispered. I was about to pick up the pace when a rogue patrol ran passed me. I hid behind a nearby tree.

Two stragglers from the patrol stopped in front of the tree. I mentally cursed them. "I don't have time for this!" I thought as I unholstered my newly suppressed revolver, and took aim. Then they started talking.

"So, what do you think the screaming is about?" One changeling said.

"I don't know," The other one shrugged. "It's probably just another pony being attacked be a manticore. I really don't see why we have to investigate."

"But the commander said it was different from a pony's scream."

"I don't know how he can tell. All female screams sound the same to me."

"Yeah, same here. Hey, we're falling behind. Let's catch up before they notice."

"Agreed." And they both ran off in the direction of the rest of the patrol.

I grabbed the headset, and put it on. "Come in, Boss."

"What do you think you are doing?!" Celestia yelled.

I smiled playfully. "Disobeying a direct order from a commanding officer."

Celestia sighed. "What do you have to report?" She said in an exasperated tone.

"The changelings have taken an interest in the screaming pony as well. And I was right, there are more than just a squads worth. A patrol of six just passed me." I said as I hid in a bush.

Celestia was silent for a few seconds. "I guess it can't be helped. Did you hear anything from the patrol?"

"One of them mentioned that their commander said the scream was different from a pony's, whatever that means." I hid behind another tree. "I'm following them until I get a better direction. I'm maintaining stealth protocol as ordered."

"Well at least you're following some of my orders." She went silent again.

"Boss?"

"Keep following them as you have been."

"Roger that. I'll let you know if it goes pear shaped. Is my tracker still workin'?"

"Yes, I have your location. I'm prepping a support squad just in case. Be careful."

"Oh, I will be." I said in a cocky tone. "Out."





There haven't been any screams for awhile, this worried me. I stopped following the patrol when they split up, and now had no direction. I thought I was in a familiar area in the forest, but I could just be fooling himself.

I was about to move again until I heard a voice behind him. "Master?" I quickly turned around with my revolver drawn. "Shoot me if you must, just know that it won't do much."

"God dammit Shadow!" I whisper yelled.

"And a good evening to you as well." Shadow chuckled. "Are you here about the disturbance?"

"So you heard the screams too, huh?" Shadow nodded. "Not originally. I was here on a mission from Celestia, it seems more rogue changelings are appearing."

"I see. And you changed objectives?" I nodded proudly. "Since it is your mission now, I may be of service to you."

"I'd appreciate that." I said in a thankful tone. "Anything you know that I don't?"

Shadow smiled. "Always." I crossed my arms and gave him a blank stare. Clearly not amused. And Shadow sighed. "The disturbance started before the screams, I sent Charles out to investigate."

"So, you keep in contact with him? That's good."

"Indeed. I have yet to hear back him, though."

"What have you been doing in the meantime?" I asked.

"Keeping an eye on my prisoners of course. I've captured two wayward changelings. They're in my cave."

"That was fast, they split up only ten minutes ago."

Just then, we heard something running toward us. I aimed my revolver, while Shadow just turned to look in the direction the sound was coming from.

Shadow put a hand on my revolver, making me lower it, and a manticore burst from the bushes. "Find anything Charles?" He said.

"Yes, come with me. We haven't much time."

"That doesn't sound good." I said holstering my revolver.

"Stop talking and hurry!" With that Charles turned around and ran off. Shadow and I not far behind.

We arrived at a familiar clearing after a few minutes of running. "Well, this takes me back." I said in a slightly nostalgic tone.

"Shh, look." I scanned the clearing, and saw a faintly glowing green cocoon. "Seems we weren't quick enough." Charles said, looking at the cocoon.

"Depends on what cocoon it is." I clenched my fists. "Damn, I knew I should have kept following them!"

"Calm down, Seth." Shadow said reassuringly. He looked over to the far side of the clearing. "They've returned."

I nodded. "I need to tell the Boss." They both nodded their heads. "Come in, Tia."

"What have you found?" She said with a sense of urgency in her voice.

"They've captured the screaming pony. She's in a cocoon. I don't know what type it is. We have changelings closing in on it, though." Seth looked at Shadow. "What are your orders?"

"Free the pony by any means. If they're getting this bold, we need to step up operations. I have a support squad on the way. Either hold off until they get there, or if you can, talk them down. But if you have to eliminate them-"

"Do it. Gotcha." I said turning off the receiver.

"What's the word, Master?"

"Reinforcements are on the way. We can either talk them down, or take them out. What do you think?"

"Let's try the first option." Charles said. "No need for fighting if it isn't necessary."

"Agreed" I said, reaching for Flash Jar* that was hanging from my belt. "Cover your eyes." They did and I threw it. There a loud crash and then a bang. And then we ran out into the clearing.

We positioned themselves in front of the cocoon, and took a defensive stance. I drew a small pistol from a second holster and pointed it in the air. There was a loud popping sound as I pulled the trigger. And then a large ball of light settled in the air at the middle of the clearing, illuminating the ground.

There were fifteen changelings in front of us, either holding their ears or rubbing their eyes. "Crap, I really hope this doesn't go pear shaped." I said, in a slightly panicky voice.

There was angry buzzing when the effects wore off. And all three readied themselves for combat. Two changelings growled and stepped forward. I dropped the candlelight spell gun, and grabbed my ill-gotten, but trusty MP5. Taking the safety off and putting it on automatic. A few more changelings stepped forward, and then a few more.

I took aim, and was ready to put my finger on the trigger. "HOLD!" A commanding voice rang out behind the platoon of changelings.

"Commander present!" Another changeling shouted. The rogues immediately stopped and parted ways. Making way for their commander. The commander soon stood in front of the platoon and spoke.

"So, you're the mercenary I've heard about. What do we owe for this pleasure?"

"Tell me why you formed an army, why you captured this pony, and let me take you in to see the princess!"

He tapped his chin in thought. "I may have to pass on that, sorry." He looked passed the three. "And I was just informed about our latest capture. I know about as much as you do."

"He's way too calm..." I said, still aiming at the commander. The other two nodded.

The commander took a step forward, making me and the other two tense up. He noticed. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry. May I approach?"

I thought about it for a second. I looked at Shadow, who nodded. "You may, but if you try anything funny..."

He laughed. "I promise I won't. I am merely interested in what my underlings have captured." Seth put the safety back on, and shouldered the MP5. "Thank you." The commander said as he began to walk forward.

Once he got close enough, he stopped in front of Seth and held out a fore hoof. "I'm Commander Stillbourne, who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

I took the hoof and gave it a quick shake. "Codename Ezekiel, and these are my allies."

"Not going to tell me your real name? Oh well, it's good to meet you all the same! Now," He said moving passed them. "What do we have here?" He peered into the cocoon. "It's not equine that's for sure." He examined it a little more. "Looks more like," He looked back at Seth. "Well, this is interesting."

"What?! How can you see what's in it?"

"Worry not, mercenary. You have to be at least equine to see into changeling cocoons." He looked at it again. "While this does interest me, we have no use for it. You may have it." He turned around and began to walk off.

"How do we open it?" Shadow deadpanned.

Stillbourne stopped in his tracks. "Silly me, I almost forgot." He walked back up to it and cut it with his horn. Making the glowing green goo spill out onto the ground. "There you go! Now, we must be leaving. It would be a shame to waste too much time here." He turned around once more.

And was faced with a squad of elite night and day Guardsponies. "HALT!" The leader of the squad commanded. "You are under arrest under Celestia's order!"

"Oh, drat!" Stillbourne sighed. "Stand Down, my underlings. We are not strong enough to take on the elites!"

I raised an eyebrow. "They're surrendering? N-no fight or anything?" Suddenly, one of the changelings attacked the guardsponies with a spell, which was quickly diffused and the changeling had a spear in his neck before anyone could blink.

Stillbourne shook his head. "And that is why we are surrendering." He looked back at Seth. "The Equestrian guard doesn't play around, do they?"

"No, and neither do I. Now, I suggest you go along without any fuss." 

"I intend to, not that I have much choice. Besides, I'm only strong enough to take on two of them. I'm outmatched!"

"Wait," Charles said. "If you're as strong as you say you are, why didn't you attack us?"

He shrugged. "You didn't show any hostility. You used non-lethal means." He smiled. "It would be a different story if you did indeed attack my underlings, of course."

"Of course..." Seth leaned over to Shadow and whispered. "Make sure there are no ambushes, and check on the captive." Shadow nodded.

A rather rough pony walked up to Stillbourne. "Come on, don't make this any harder than it needs to be." Stillbourne nodded, and the pony took him to the rest of the changelings.

Seth shook his head. "Okay, that was too easy..."

"I'll check the perimeter for surprises."

"Good idea Charles. That makes it possible for Shadow to focus more on her."

"She is breathing. But... You may want to take a look." I heard Shadow say.

That was odd. Shadow never hesitates. I turned around and looked into the cocoon. My eyes widened at what I saw. "A... Human?" I knelt down to get a better look. My eyes widened even more. "There's no way. This isn't possible!"

"Master?" Shadow said in a concerned voice.

"Th-this is my sister. My little sister Elaine. What the hell is she doing here?" I shook my head. "We can figure that out later. Get her out of there, we need to clean her up and check her for injuries."

"I'll take care of her. You check on the prison escort." Shadow said, carefully dragging her away from the cocoon.

I nodded and walked over to the guards. "How's it coming?"

"We're almost ready to head out, sir."

"Okay, make sure everyone stays in check. And that includes your guys too, understand?"

"Yes, sir!"

Stillbourne looked at Seth with a raised eyebrow. "Sir? You aren't a mercenary after all, are you?"

I smiled and shook my head. "Nope. I'll tell you who I am when you're an ally to Equestria."

Stillbourne shrugged. "Fair enough."

"Alright!" A guard pony said. "Let's get these prisoners back to base!"

"I'll see you in Canterlot, Stillbourne. After I take care of something."

"I look forward to it!" He said as he began to move with the other prisoners.

I turned around, and shook my head. "He is way too friendly..." I turned on my headset's receiver. "Celestia, I have something to show you."




Hi, My name is Seth Miller. And that was the day my life, again, changed.
> Chapter Two
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Seth's POV





"I can't believe we forgot about them." I said, rubbing his eyes. I stopped the prison escort, and Shadow and I were walking toward Shadow's cave. "Have could we have forgotten about them?"

"In all fairness, Master, we were pre-occupied." Shadow said. "And then with the events that followed, you were significantly distracted."

I shook his head and sighed. "Still. Do you think Charles will be fine watching her?"

Shadow put a hand on my shoulder. "Do you not trust him?"

"It's not that I don't trust him, I just don't know what she will do when she wakes up." I looked ahead, and saw the cave. "I just hope we're in Canterlot when she does." 

"And why would that be?" Shadow asked.

"I just think it would be easier that way." I said. "The guards wouldn't know what to do, but Celestia would."

"I see know." Shadow said with a slight nod. "Celestia is good at controlling almost any situation."

"Not my exact thought, but that works." We arrived at the cave, and I opened the door. I looked around and then over at Shadow. "At least it looks better than the last time I was here."

"Yes, my mental facilities are a bit more evolved now. I no longer clean and skin my game in the cave. I do that outside now."

"You still drink the blood though?"

He smiled. "Of course. But not as often as I used to" They looked at the two changeling prisoners, and they were wide-eyed and slightly shaking.

I gave a nervous chuckle. "Sorry about that." I scratched the back of his head. "Let's get you to the others."

"W-what will you do with us?" One of them asked.

"Take you up to Canterlot with the rest of the prisoners," I said, shrugging. "You'll be Celestia's problem from there." They looked worried. "Don't worry, you all will be fine." The changelings hesitantly stood up, and were led out of the door by Shadow. I couldn't help but notice the worried and timid nature of the two, and after awhile he spoke up. "So let me guess," I said, grabbing their attention. "You two are young, right?"

"H-how could you tell?" The one on the right said, with a feminine voice.

"Your body language, mostly." I shrugged. "That, and you two are smaller than the others." I said, trying to lighten up the mood. Which didn't work.

"We've just heard...stories...is all..." The one on the left spoke this time, in a more masculine tone.

"About me?" The changelings nodded. "Good ones I hope?" I smiled.

"W-well..." The one on the right said.

I sighed. "Not the case then, is it?"

"That depends." The one on the left said.

I raised an eyebrow. "On what?" They looked at each other. "Come on, you can tell me. I'm not going to hurt you."

"Because you're bound by Equestrian law."

I shook his head. "That's not the reason. Not at all. Besides, I'm not bound by anything. I'm just kind. What have you heard, to make you think I'm like some bad guy or something?"

"We've heard that you come from a different world."

"And that you battled a Hydra by yourself, and won!"

"And that you died, but came to life."

"And that you were imprisoned in stone, but escaped! And when you did... Um..."

I nodded his head. "Okay, most of those are true, I'll gave your story teller that. But allow me to fill in some blanks and correct what needs it." The changelings gave no response. "I am from another world, I'd explain that if I had the time, but I don't. I did battle a Hydra, but I wasn't alone." I gestured toward Shadow. "Shadow here pretty much did all of the work." Shadow shook his head, but said nothing. "And I did die. That was after the battle with the Hydra. Long story short, I fought the Hydra to protect The Element of Kindness, Fluttershy. Who was my marefriend at the time.

"She died from her injuries, I gave my soul to her in an effort to save her. Which turned out to have worked, thankfully. Bet your story teller missed that part, huh?" The changelings nodded their heads. "Thought so. I don't remember much about coming back to life though, sorry." I held his chin in thought. "Oh, right! And I was imprisoned in stone. For Ten long months even! Moral of that story is: Never do mercenary work without both of the princesses' approval." I chuckled. "And then the last one. When I escaped I..." I stopped as the terrified pleas and cries for me to stop played in the back of my mind. I felt his eyes tear up, but I shook my head and sighed. "Sadly that is also true..." I cleared my throat. "It was a dark time for me, and I don't want to talk about it." I looked at the ground and rubbed my eyes. Nothing more was said on the way to the prison escort.





Thankfully, everything went smoothly after we joined back up with the group. And I got back into my normal mood. We managed to leave for Canterlot without any other hang ups.

Shadow was assisting the guards in keeping the rogues in check, Charles was carrying Elaine, and I was trying to figure out what I was going to do. I did find it funny, however, that her introduction to this world isn't going to be entirely unlike mine. It was a small comfort though. Very small

"How about a song, eh?" One of the guards asked. "Kinda make the trip go faster."

"You walked all the way here?" I asked. "No way."

One of the other guards snorted. "Of course not! The sky-chariots are just outside the tree line."

"There's enough for everyone?"

"Yep."

"Good, good." I looked at Shadow. " And you'll be fine outside the forest?"

"Yes. I am not tied to the forest, I only live in it."

"Right." I looked at Charles. "What about you? The ponies might not react to well to a manticore in their city."

"I can handle myself." He said confidently.

"Okay then." I walked to the front of the escort. I turned around, and starting walking backwards. I scanned and took note of the various expressions on the faces of the rogues. Some were scared, some were angry, and some had blank faces. And then there was Stillbourne. I shook my head and turned around. Something was off about him. "So, what song are we doing, if we're still doing it? And by 'song' I assume you mean cadence?"

"Yes sir!" One of the guards said. "You're the commanding officer, how about you choose? Maybe one from your world?"

I thought about it. "I don't remember any appropriate ones."

"What do you mean, sir?"

"Well, there are females present..."

Huh?" One of the guards said. "Haven't thought of that."

There was annoyed buzzing. "Anyway!" I yelled. "Now, before something goes horribly wrong, how about a sea shanty?" The guards, as well as the changelings, looked at each other. "What?"

"Uh sir? You do know we aren't the navy, right?"

I gave him a blank stare. "I've been in charge of the unit for how long? Of course I know! But it's the shanty, or silence. It's up to you, I can deal with walking in silence."

"All for silence?" Almost all of the changeling raised a hoof. "All for the sea shanty?" One or two of the guards and a handful of changelings.

I crossed my arms. “Fine. No song for you!”





We reached the tree line, and loaded up the prisoners. I requested that Stillbourne ride with my friends and I. He climbed up with a smile on his face. I looked at him with a smile of my own.

The sky-chariots took off, and I started to speak. "You are an odd one." I said, smile still adorning my face.

Stillbourne's smile faltered slightly. "Is that supposed to be a taunt?"

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Why would I taunt you?"

"No idea!" he said, and laughed afterwards.

I looked at him for a while before giving a chuckle. "You aren't worried at all, are you?"

"Why would I be worried? Celestia won't do anything to us, right?"

"True, at worst she'll try to get you to ally yourselves with Equestria." I shrugged. "That's pretty much it. Well...or throw in you the dungeon."

"The sun is rising." Shadow said.

"Huh?" I said, caught off track. "So it is. Damn it's late." I shook my head. "Anyway, Stillbourne? You seem different from most changeling commanders."

He laughed. "Yes, well. I am a little more... Old fashioned, aren't I?"

I nodded my head. "Yes, meeting us before battle? That hasn't been done in a while."

"I did that to avoid conflict," Stillbourne explained. "And to show you respect among combatants, should conflict happen regardless of the attempt."

"So, you didn't plan on fighting in the first place?"

"Plan on it, no. But I, as well as my forces, were prepared."

"But your forces were ready to attack us when the Flash Jar effects wore off."

"Do you blame them?" Stillbourne asked with an eyebrow raised. "What happens if you do the same with a wasp hive?"

I nodded my head. "Yeah, I see your point. And that question might explain why you're so weird."

"Oh really? And why would that be?"

I sighed and hesitated. "You were a pony once, weren't you?"

What?!" Charles yelled.

"Well, think about it. 'Stillbourne' isn't a changeling name, and I have only seen what he did earlier when in training with the Guard. But what confirmed it was, he said changelings were pretty much bugs. I haven't met a changeling that would liken themselves to insects." I put on a sad smile. "I'm so sorry."

Stillbourne frowned. "Very good. You aren't just a mercenary, after all." He then laughed. "Actually, you're half right."

"What?"

"I'm half changeling, half pony." My furrowed my brows in thought. "My mother was an exiled changeling and my father lived mostly on his own. He took her in, and after a while, well here I am!"

"You weren't apart of the invasion then, were you?"

He shook his head. "No, I wasn't. I have helped my parents with their land for most of my life. Till recently, that is."

"I see."

"So your intel wasn't entirely correct, was it?"

I shrugged. "All I was told was that was a rogue changeling group in the Everfree. There was nothing saying you were hostile. I just assumed you were."

"And you still didn't attack?"

I looked passed Stillbourne, and saw that they were almost to the castle. "Not every encounter has to be a decisive battle. That is certain." I shrugged. "We're pretty much there so, prepare yourself to see the princess." He smiled and nodded.





"Be nice to them Luna." I said, while looking over the rounded up prisoners.

Luna nodded. "I assured you, you have nothing to worry about."

I smiled. "Thank you, Luna. Is Celestia in her Quarters?"

"She is, but wouldn't you rather oversee the prisoners?" Luna asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I would. But this is important." I gestured toward my sister, who was still unconscious on Charles' back.

Luna tilted her head. "The manticore?"

I gave her a blank look and shook my head. "No, what's on the manticore's back."

Luna raised an eyebrow and looked at the manticore closer. Her eyes widened when she saw her. "I see, very well. I will make sure everything goes how it should."

"Thank you. Shadow will be here to assist you with that." I turned to leave. "I want you to meet her as well, Luna. Will you be awake?"

She nodded her head. "I will be. It's going to be a busy day."

I smiled. "I'll come find you then." With that, I went into the castle with Charles following along.





I knocked on the door to Celestia's private chambers. "Celestia? Are you awake?"

The door opened. "I am, please come in."

"Thank you.” I bowed. “Please allow my manticore to come in as well."

"Manticore?" She looked passed me. "Of... Course."

"I would bow," Charles said. "But I fear I would drop her."

"What? He talks? And who is he referring to?"

"He does talk. And who he is referring to... Well..."

"What is it?" Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Charles, please lay her on the bed." Charles nodded. He walked over and laid her on the bed.

Celestia's eyes widened. "Another human? How?"

"No idea." I shrugged. "And this isn't just any human." Celestia raised an eyebrow. "This is my little sister. Her name is Elaine, and she's the one you wanted me to leave in the forest."

"I see.” Celestia had a thoughtful look her face. “She can rest here until she awakens."

I faked a smile. "Well, it is the least you can do. Seeing how she would be dead if I didn't go against orders and all..."

Celestia looked at him with a hurt expression. "Seth... I didn't know."

I sighed and rubbed my temples. "I know. I know you didn't. And I really shouldn't be upset with you about it, but I am.” I took a deep breath. “Any idea when she'll be awake?"

Celestia's horn started glowing. After a few seconds of humming in thought, she spoke. "Within the next two hours. But this is more in my sister realm of magic…"

Seth nodded. "Okay. I'm going to help Luna with the prisoners, I can ask her to check on Elaine. Will you join us soon? Or are you going to watch over her until Luna shows up?"

"I believe my sister has it covered. I will stay here, and join you after Luna arrives."

"I will stay here as well," Charles said. "If that is okay with you, princess."

She nodded. “Is there anything else before I leave?” I asked. 

“Yes, I would like to meet this Stillbourne. He seems… cooperative.” She took a good look at Elaine, and had a puzzled look on her face. “Twilight is on her way, as well. I would like her to learn how to be diplomatic with any rogue hives she might find.”

“I’m assuming she’ll bring her friends?”

Celestia smiled. “Most likely, but we will see.” I suddenly gave Celestia a blank look. “What?”

“You weren’t overly-cryptic, were you?” Celestia replied with trying to hide a smile. “Oh my god, she’s going to think this is another test!” I yelled. “You know what? No, you can deal with the disaster that’s going to happen this time! I have other things to do.” Celestia had a shocked look on her face. And then I hugged her. “And I thank you for letting my sister stay here.” Celestia hugged me back. “I will have a guest room prepped for her by the end of the day.”

Celestia broke the embrace. “You don’t need too. You have worked hard enough.”

“No, Celestia. My family, my responsibility.” I smiled. “Let me get her settled, before you start offering help.”

She nodded. “I understand how you feel. Now go,” She said switching back to princess mode. “You have duties to perform!”

I bowed while rolling my eyes. “Yes, your highness!” I turned around, and started marching out in a comical fashion. Making Celestia chuckle to herself, and close the door. She shook her head and looked at Elaine. “I wonder how you got here…”
> Chapter Three
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Seth's POV





"Alright listen up!" I said, standing in front of the changelings. "One or two things are gonna happen, and that all depends on you!" I looked over the group for a few seconds. "I want those who are still willing to rebel against Equestria to line up on the right! If you fail to comply, we will use lie detector spells on you and your sentence will be extended!" The changelings looked at each other. "The rest just stay where you are." About nine of them hung their heads and stepped to the right. Stillbourne was not one of them.

"Allies of Equestria step to the left, undecided stay in the middle!" Shadow yelled. Five moved to the left, leaving four in the middle. I looked over at Luna, and she nodded.

"Guards!" I yelled. "Take the rebels to the dungeons. Undecided stay here with me, Princess Luna will take the allies to Celestia for orientation." Luna walked over to allies, and gestured for them to follow. She then walked over to me.

"I will check on your sister while I'm there."

"Thank you, Luna." I hummed in thought. "Hey, what do you want me to do with the rest of them?"

"Keep them here until Twilight arrives. I will be along shortly." She left to escort the changelings to Celestia's chambers.

I looked at the four remaining, and tried to think of something. "So, why are you guys staying neutral?"

They look at each other, and one stepped forward. "We're just not sure about betraying our brethren..."

I nodded. "Understandable. But you have to make a decision, and soon. Our fall back is to but you in the dungeon, so... Yeah, we need to know where you stand."

"So you're forcing us to choose? That's not exactly fair."

"Well. Not really..." I sighed. "We're tryin' to think of something. Just haven't had much luck..." I scratched the back of my head. "Anyway, you have until Luna gets back to decide. I will be staying here until then as well. If you have any questions about Equestria, you could ask me or wait for Princess Twilight. She should be here shortly."

Another changeling stepped forward. "How are changelings treated in Equestria?"

I held my chin in thought. "Well, a couple years back changelings were pretty much hated. But, after the royal pardon, Match and Ganger's marriage, and Chrysalis being the ambassador for changeling kind, things settled down relatively fast."

"So, changelings are accepted now?"

"Mostly," I said with a sad sigh. "There are still a few that dislike you guys but, as far as violence, you don't have anything to worry about." I smiled. "I made sure of that."

"How?" The first changeling said.

"Let's just say that I served some jail time and Celestia had to personally bail me out." I chuckled. "No one fucks with my friends. You'd do well to remember that."

"N-n-noted."





After a few more questions and answers, Shining Armor showed up to relieve me from over seeing the prisoners. I told Shining to go easy on them. I didn't get an actual response. I just shrugged and hung around in the background, watching Shining's methods on dealing with the changelings.

I yawned and sat down. I searched my pockets for what I call "Equestrian Cancer Sticks", which were basically "very weak" cigarettes. "At least it's natural tobacco, and not that chemical rich shit that's on earth..." I reached into another pocket and found my lighter, and lit up.

I found the Captain of the Guard's way of dealing with the undecided less than adequate. I stood up and walked over. Putting a hand on Shining's shoulder, I said. "That's enough, Captain."

Shining gave him an annoyed stare. "What? Can't I yell at them?"

"Not if they weren't part of the invasion." I said sternly. "There are multiple Hives in Equestria, Shining. Not all of them are evil. Don't be racist, Shining, or I'll cut your damn head off."

Shining looked at me with both surprise and concern. "Whoa there, take it easy, Seth."

I sighed and patted Shining on the shoulder. "Sorry brother, I guess I'm still not over what happened at Match and Ganger's wedding..."

"That was over two years ago... Aren't you ever going to get over it?"

"Eventually," I nodded. "It just pisses me of that somepony would try to burn down the church." I shook my head. "I mean, I'm all for burning shit down. Just not places that have all of my friends in them."

"They would have faced life in prison, you know?"

"Yeah." I sighed and shrugged. "I just lost control and... I've been trying to keep my anger in check."

"You've been doing a good job from what I've heard."

"Thanks." I noticed Celestia walk out of the castle. "Gotta go. Be nice to them, okay?" Shining nodded his head and turned his attention back to the undecided. I turned to Celestia as she got closer to us. "What's the word?"

Celestia smiled. "She is waking as we speak, Luna is with the manticore. Both are waiting for you."

"Thanks for telling me." I hugged her.

"You are welcome." She hugged me back. "Now, let us return to my chambers."

"Yeah, hopefully we can get there before she wakes up."





I slowly opened the door, so I wouldn't wake up my sister. I walked over to the side of the bed and told Luna and Charles to back away. I saw Elaine's eyes slowly flutter open. I smiled as she looked at me. "Have a nice nap?"

"Seth? I thought you were dead." She said groggily.

"Nope, just disappeared." Elaine sat up. "Hey, what's the last thing you remember?"

She looked at me with furrowed brows. "Well, I was in the car with my friends. We were passing through an intersection," I looked concerned. I knew where this was going. "And then the passenger's side of the car exploded, and...everything...went....black." After a few seconds, she began to cry. "Oh my god, I'm dead! I can't die, I'm only fifteen!!" She was crying openly now. I look over at the others in the room, they nodded their heads and left. "I have my whole life ahead of me!! Why did I have to die?!" She sobbed.

I couldn't take it. I sat down on the bed and hugged her. She hugged me back and cried into my shoulder. "It's going to be okay, Laney. Just let it out."

She broke the hug. "HOW CAN IT BE OKAY?!?!" She shouted. "How can it be okay if I'm dead?!"

I sighed and tried to think of how to explain it. "Your not dead, per se. It's more like...limbo, for lack of better term." Is what I came up with.

"What have I done to wind up in limbo?" She cried. "I haven't done anything bad."

I shrugged. "Your a Miller. That alone is enough." I joked, but the look on her face told me she didn't find it funny. I sighed. "It could be that Death brought you here. That's what he did with me."

Elaine calmed down a little bit and wiped her cheeks. "I don't understand."

I looked her dead in the eyes. "I didn't move out when you were eight."

She furrowed her brows. "What? That's what mom and dad said."

I shook my head. "Well, they lied. What really happened is, I went into the back yard with my rifle and shot myself in the head. But I guess the Grim Reaper had other plans for me, and brought me here."

"Why would he have brought me here too?"

I shrugged again. "I really don't know. But I do know one thing."

She look at him hopefully. "What's that?"

I took a deep breath and stood up. "I can show the world!" I sang. "Shining, shimmering splendor! Over, sideways and OOF!" Elaine threw a pillow and hit me in the face. "What was that for?!"

"This isn't the time!" She yelled.

"But, I thought that was your favorite movie?" I said innocently. 

"You are unbelievable!"

"That's what they say." I chuckled. She continued to glare at me. "Okay, look. There isn't anything I can say that can make this better, alright? You're stuck here." Her eyes started to tear up again. "But it's not all bad!" She wiped her eyes. "You can make a life here. I mean, I have."

"Are you successful?"

I gave her a blank look. "You sound just like dad... Yes, I am. I'm the Captain of my own military division, and I'm sometimes a political figure. I'd say that's pretty damn successful, if you ask me. I have friends too. Three of them are waiting just outside the door. Wanna meet them?"

"Sure," She said in a defeated tone. "I mean, if I'm stuck here, I guess..."

"Don't worry, you'll like them. Just try not to freak out." I walked over to the door after saying that. He opened it slightly. "Okay, you can come in now. She might flip, so be prepared." They nodded and I turned around. "You ready to meet them?"

She shrugged. "I guess." I shook my head, and opened the door. The three walked in, and the two princesses smiled. "What?" Was all Elaine could say.

Celestia and Luna walked up to the bed, while Charles walked over to me. "Greetings Elaine," Celestia said. "I am Princess Celestia, Co-Ruler of Equestria. And this is my sister, Princess Luna."

"How do you do?" Luna asked politely.

"F-fine?" She looked at me.

"I did say I was a political figure, didn't I?" I laughed. "This is Charles," I patted the manticore on the back. "He doesn't talk much around people he doesn't know. He'll warm up though."

"You're friends with princess ponies?" Elaine said in disbelief. "What?"

"I know this may be a shock to you." Luna said.

Elaine went silent, and gestured for me to come closer. "Yes?" I whispered.

"Should I get up and bow or something?" I looked over at Luna, who raised an eyebrow.

"It might be appreciated." I nodded. "Can you stand?"

"I think so." She sat up, and turned to sit on the side of the bed. I took her arm and gently stood her up. Elaine stretched her legs. "I can stand." I nodded, and let go. Elaine turned to the princesses and curtsied. "It is a pleasure you, your majesties." She stood up. "And yes, this is a huge shock for me."

"That is understandable, all things considered." Celestia said. "Would you like something to eat?"

Elaine's stomach growled, and she blushed. "Yes please."

Celestia smiled. "Please, follow me."

"I'll meet you three there. I'm going to check on Shadow and Shining Armor."

"Shall I tell the chef to make your usual, then?" Celestia asked.

"Please do, thanks." Celestia nodded, and they all left. Charles and I went left, while the others went to the right. Half way to the door my smile disappeared. "That's what I thought happened..."

"What is?" Charles asked.

"The way she got here," I sighed. "She's dead in my world. Well kind of, her body probably just vanished like mine apparently did."

Charles cocked his head to the left. "Then, is she alive or dead?"

"Alive, like I was when I arrived in this world. Hopefully she'll be fine..."

"Do not worry, Seth. I'm sure she will be."





I walked out to the courtyard. "Chow Time!! Breakfast is being served! Shining, escort those four to the Chow Hall and see to it  that the guards behave themselves. Shadow, your with me."

Shining looked at me with an unamused expression on his face. "We're the same rank, you know?"

I nodded my head. "I do. Would it have been better if I asked you instead."

"Maybe." He smiled

"Okay then. Captain Shining Armor, would you please escort these changelings to the Mess Hall, and ensure their safety?"

"Why, it would be my pleasure." He laughed.

I shook my head. "Hey, is Twily here yet?"

"Yeah, you just missed her. She's on her way to the royal dining hall."

"Thank you." I turned around to face the door. "Think I can beat her there?"

Shining chuckled. "You might, if you hurry."

"Challenge accepted!" I opened the door and sprinted towards the dining hall.





I reached the doorway to the royal dining hall and stopped to catch my breath. Normally this wouldn't sap so much of my energy but, I had three missions in a row. Each taking about ten to twelve hours each. I'm taking a nap after this... I thought.

Finally catching my breath, I entered the dining hall. I waved at everypony sitting at the table, and shortly joined them. A servant sat a drink in front of me. "It is nice to see you again, Misuer Miller. Your food should be here momentarily."

I smiled. "Thank you, my friend." The servant nodded and left. I looked at Celestia. "Twilight should be here soon." Celestia nodded her thanks. "So Elaine, what do think so far?"

"It's amazing! Even the corridors are beautiful."

I smiled. "Wait till you see the outside." Just then the door opened. Seth was ready to greet Twilight, but it was Blueblood.

He saw Celestia. "Good morning, Aunty!" He said ignoring pretty much everyone else.

"And a good morning to you, nephew." Celestia smiled. "We have a guest." She gestured to Elaine.

He looked at her and frowned. "Another ape? Great, now there are two!"

"Now Blueblood." Celestia said in a warning tone.

"What?" He sat down next to Celestia. "Can we not make them eat from a commoner's dog bowl? Why must they eat at our table?"

I felt my hands ball into fists. "Blueblood!" I yelled.

"It's Prince to you, Neanderthal!!"

"You son of a bitch!!" I saw a black mass form behind him.

"What did you say?!"

I hid a smile. "You heard me!"

Shadow formed behind him, and put his hands around Blueblood's neck. "Prince Blueblood, do you feel death?" Elaine look like she wanted to scream but she was too shocked to do much of anything. "If you keep insulting Master, and his kin, death will surely come." Shadow tightened his grip. "And I promise you, it won't be a pleasant one." Blueblood almost shit himself. I couldn't help but laugh.

"What is this beast of black magic?!" Luna yelled. "And why is it in our castle?!"

I calmed down from laughing so hard. "Okay Shadow, that's enough."

"But Master..."

"He's all bark and no bite, anyway. He isn't worth the effort."

"It would be no effort on my part." Shadow said confidently.

My expression slightly hardened. "No Shadow. Even though he's a crying little bitch, he kinda deserves to live."

"Yes, Master." He said in a disappointed tone, retracted his hands, and formed in the empty chair beside me.

"Will nopony answer me?!" Luna yelled.

"Sorry," I said. "This is Shadow. He's a Shadowbeast."

"Sorry to have surprised you, your highness. I apologize, I shouldn't have lost my temper, but he is insufferable."

"I agree, but that gives you no right to threaten his life!"

Shadow shrugged. "I merely gave him a warning he won't soon forget."

I looked over at his sister, who was still to shocked to do anything. "Laney? You alright?"

She snapped out of it and shook her head. "What...did I...just see?"

"Another friend of mine." I shrugged. "Don't worry though he's mostly harmless."

She pointed to Blueblood. "Will he be alright?"

I looked over at him, and saw that he was shivering, and that his eyes were as wide as dinner plates. "Don't know, and honestly don't care." I shrugged and looked around. "Where's the food?"

"I don't like your disregard for his personal well being, Seth." Celestia said.

"And I don't like you defending that miserable shit, Celestia. Now we both have more in common." Elaine's jaw dropped but she didn't say anything.

There was a long, uncomfortable silence. It lasted for awhile, longer than anyone would have liked. Then Twilight and Rarity entered the room. "Sorry we're late everypony! I decided to show Rarity more of the castle."

Celestia smiled. "That is quite alright, my former student. Hello Rarity, how have you been?"

Rarity bowed. "I'm doing splendidly! Thank you for letting me have breakfast at the palace!" She said excitedly.

"It's no trouble I assure you." Celestia turned toward Twilight. "And how have you been, Twilight."

Twilight smiled. "Wonderful! Still trying to get used to being a princess, though."

"You will in time, my dear." Celestia said, like a mentor would tell their student, which made sense I thought.

Twilight sat down next to me, while Rarity made her way to the other side of the table, to sit next to my sister. "Hello Seth. I saw that your mission went well?"

"Yep!" I smiled. "Didn't even have to kill anybody! Plus, I saved her from the forest." I pointed to Elaine.

"Ah, you must be Seth's sister! It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Likewise, I'm sure." She nodded.

"If you have any questions about Equestria, be sure to ask."

"I will, thank you."

"Didn't even ask for a name, that's new." I said with a small smile. I was alittle surprised that Twilight knew about Elaine, but I figured Celestia sent a letter.

Twilight's eyes widened. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm Twilight, what's your name?"

"Elaine, you highness."

A light blush spread across Twilight's face. "Oh you don't have to call me that." She gave an embarrassed chuckle.

Rarity made it to her chair and sat down. "Hello Elaine! I'm Rarity, how are you?"

"I'm fine, it's nice to meet you..."

I noticed the tone. "I thought the same thing." I laughed. "But, don't worry she's pretty nice, when you get to know her."

"Really?"

"Yep! Even made the clothes I'm wearing right now. And with no charge too! I had to forcibly pay her!"

Elaine turned her head to Rarity. "You make clothes?"

Rarity nodded her head. "Dresses and formal attire primarily, but I dabble in casual wear from time to time. I would love to design an outfit for you."

"I would love that!"

Rarity turned toward me. "I can't believe you are still wearing that outfit. You must update your wardrobe!"

I looked myself over. "What? Can't a guy wear one of his favorite outfits?"

"That's really your favorite?" Rarity's eye were sparkling.

"Ever since the clothes that I came here in died, yes."

She looked downtrodden. "So it's your second favorite then?..."

"Nope, probably my third. See, there's that military uniform you made, the clothes I came here in, and then what I'm wearing now."

"Ah well, its nice to see my work is appreciated."

I gave her a smile. "Don't worry, it is."

After awhile, Twilight noticed the state Blueblood was in and tapped on my shoulder. "What's wrong with him?"

I looked over and chuckled. "Shadow happened. BlueBalls will be fine. I think..." I looked around. "Hey, where is Shadow anyway? He was right next to me..."

He appeared behind me. "I was just leaving, Master. I'm not hungry at the moment, and I can tell I am not wanted here." I looked over at the two alicorns "So, farewell for now." And he disappeared.

"Okay then... Hmm, Charles is missing too..." Shortly after that, the food arrived at the table. I thanked the waiter/butler pony, and began eating.

Elaine looked at me after taking a few bites. "Hey Seth?"

I swallowed the food I was chewing. "Yeah?" I took a drink.

"Are we staying here?"

"Nope. We're staying at my place back in Ponyville. I have a few more friends to show you."

After that, the table quieted down a little. Blueblood ate in silence, while Twilight chatted with her former mentor, and Elaine was talking with Rarity about dress making. I ate without speaking, and was done before everyone else. I laid my head down on the table, and accidentally fell asleep.
> Chapter Four
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Seth's POV





I looked around and saw that I was in a dark room. I could see nothing but the floor I was standing on, and a table in the middle of the room.

"Please, have a seat." Said a deep, familiar voice.

"What do you want Death?" I said in an annoyed tone. "And why am I here?"

"Take a seat and I will answer any question you may have."

I frowned and walked over to the table. I sat down and crossed my arms. Soon after, the Grim Reaper materialized in the seat across from me. "Well?" I said with a scowl.

Death held up a hand. "Before all of the unpleasantness, how do you like my gift?"

"Your gift?" I raised an eyebrow. "You mean bringing Elaine here? That's your idea of a gift?"

Death shrugged. "Well, I think bringing her to you was the better of the two options. Tell me: Would you really want your dear sister dead?" I had no answer. "I brought her to you to give her a second chance at life, and to give you a choice."

"And what would that be?" I said, unamused.

"I know Celestia has a spell that can take her back, but I also know it takes a lot of energy to cast it. Your choice is this: You can either help her build a life here, or you can send her back to Earth at the cost of Celestia's well being. I could give you my suggestion-"

"Save it." I said rubbing his eyes. "Look, I know your not like the Grim Reaper before you. But I don't appreciate this. I do thank you for bringing her here instead of outright killing her, though. But there has to be a reason for this 'choice'."

Death 'frowned'. "I have no ulterior motive here, Seth. The choice is completely yours."

"But where's the catch?"

"There isn't one. Why do you not trust me?"

I kept my expression blank. "Forgive me if I have hesitations about this." I leaned back into the chair. "I know there's something you're not telling me."

"You are being paranoid."

"Am I? Really?"

"Look, I like you, Seth. I'm not going to try to fool you like he did." He paused and shook his head. "Our time is up. Please take what I said in trust."

"Unlikely."

Death sighed. "Very well. Wake up."





My eyes slowly opened. I lifted my head and looked around. Everyone was starring at me. "Sorry guys, I guess I'm a little more tired than I thought I was."

Celestia stifled a laugh and smiled. "It's quite alright. Why don't you go home and rest? I dismiss you from duty for today."

"Thank you princess, but I think I'm good for the rest of the day. I will be going home though. I just want to check on the changelings before I leave."

Celestia nodded. "The undecided and allied are in the courtyard."

I stood up. "Thank you." I looked at Elaine. "Coming? Or should I come get you later?"

"I'm coming with you. Rarity mentioned she needs to get back soon as well."

"We can leave together from the courtyard." Rarity said.

I shrugged. "I guess that would be fine." I turned toward Celestia once more. "Well princess, I take my leave."

She smiled. "Farewell Seth. I will contact you if needed."

I nodded and moved toward the doorway. I stopped and waited for the two girls to walk around the table. Once they had I escorted them toward the courtyard.

"Seth?" Elaine said walking next to me.

"Yes, sister of mine?"

"I've never seen you so relaxed before. You never were able to fall asleep like that..."

I sighed. "Blame that on mom and dad. I always felt that one of them would steal money or something when I was sleeping. I even slept hugging my fucking wallet before I came here."

Elaine seemed shocked. "We're they really that tight on money?"

I laughed. "No, they just didn't think I deserved the money I worked for. They even tried to get me to give up both paychecks!" I sighed. "But we're good now. I don't see them, they don't see me, or can't rather." I shrugged. "Better subject please?"

"Well... I was also wondering, what happened to your eye?"

"Oh, that's a long story. It'd be easier to just show you."

Rarity gave a nervous chuckle. "Seth sweetie, your not really going to do that?"

"Don't worry, I won't. She will find out at some point though. Just not now." Elaine raised an eyebrow, but said nothing more. She retreated back next to Rarity and walked in silence.

I hummed in thought. "Hey, how about we go to Gloomy Town after we stop by my place?"

Rarity stopped. "You can't be serious?! That's where your taking her first?"

I shrugged. "Well, the way I figure, why not get the worst over with first? At some point she's going to meet them, why not right away?"

Rarity still looked unsure. "Do you think she'll be safe?"

I nodded. "I'll make sure that she will."

"So, what's all the caution about?" Elaine said with a raised eyebrow.

"Gloomy Town is a town of zombie ponies, in the middle of an evil forest." I shrugged. "That's what. I wouldn't worry though, they're actually really nice."

Elaine said nothing, but looked at Rarity. Who gave her a reassuring smile. All three walked in silence from there on.





We walked in front of the group of changelings. I smiled and waved. "Okay, officially I can't ask you guys any questions. Unofficially, I don't care." The changelings looked at each other, and Shining Armor raised an eye brow. "But, I'm not really here to ask any questions." I paused. "Okay, maybe one. Has the undecided made a decision yet?"

Shining walked up to me. "Two are now allied, one is still undecided, and one rebels."

"Wasn't asking you, but now I have an answer. Thank you Captain. Take the rebel to the dungeon, and escort the allies to Luna."

"What about the undecided?"

I looked to the changelings. "Who is the undecided!" I yelled, surprising everyone around me. Except Stillbourne. He just smiled.

A changeling walked in front of the group. "I-I am, s-s-sir." He nervously said.

Seth smiled and clapped his hands together. "Splendid! Your coming with me."

"What?!" Shining yelled. "Captain Miller, I'm not sure you can do that."

I thought about it for a bit. "I don't see a problem with it." I shrugged. "Plus my sister here needs a friend!" Shining looked passed Seth, and saw Elaine. Who smiled nervously and waved.

"Oh, hello there." He saw the other female that was present. "And hello Rarity. How are you two this afternoon?"

"We're doing great, thank you!" Rarity said. "This is Elaine, she will be staying with Seth in Ponyville."

"Hello Elaine. I am Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard. It's nice to meet you."

Elaine curtsied. "It's nice to meet you too"

I motioned to the neutral changeling. "Come on! I don't have all day!"

"Y-yes sir." He said, walking over.

I nodded when the changeling walked up. "Alright, I think we're set. Be nice to them Captain. And give Stillbourne my Ponyville address." Shining slowly nodded with a questioning look on his face. "We are taking the train. Which should be leaving soon." I checked my watch. "Yep, we need to go!" And I high-tailed it to the train station.





A stallion walked up to me. "Hello Seth! How did your missions go?"

"Hey buddy. They were all successful, thanks for asking."

The stallion smiled. "Well, I suppose you wouldn't be seating here if otherwise, huh?"

We both laughed. "That's right!" I said.

"It was nice seeing you, but I have to get back to work. We still on for drinks?"

I nodded."Whenever you're free." I patted him on the back. "Well, I won't keep ya, I'm sure your busy." The stallion just nodded and continued asking ponies for their tickets. "Never did learn his name..." I leaned back, and stretched. "Speaking of names, I haven't got yours."

"M-mine?" The changeling asked.

"Who else?"

"It's um..." He trailed off and looked at the floor.

I motioned for Elaine to say something. "Y-you can tell us." She said.

"I-it's..." He pause for a few seconds. "It's Mime..."

"Hello Mime. I'm Captain of the Special Operations division of the Royal Guard, Seth Miller." I gestured to my sister and friend. "This is my sister Elaine, and the Element of Generosity, Rarity."

"Hello darling!" Rarity said, while Elaine just waved.

"H-hi." He said nervously.

"So, Mime, were you apart of the invasion?" He said nothing and looked at the floor. "Come on, you can tell us. Nopony is going to hurt you."

Elaine raised an eyebrow. "Nopony?"

I nodded. "It's the pony equivalent to 'nobody'. Though, they're used to hearing 'nobody' thanks to me. Hell, even I use it occasionally." Elaine had an unsure look on her face. "Twilight will probably want to teach you about Equestria when she gets back."

"Okay then." She said slowly.

"Anyway, Mime. Were you, or weren't you?"

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Yes. Yes, I was..."  After awhile, he slightly opened an eye to see if Rarity or I were angry. I yawned, and Rarity was quietly talking to Elaine.

"I see," I said, looking Mime in the eye. "Were you lucky enough to land close enough to your Hive?"

He seemed confused by my indifference and Rarity's general disinterest in the conversation. "I was..." He said slowly. "The queen, two others, and I landed a hundred feet from the entrance."

I smiled. "Glad to hear it."

Mime had a look of disbelief on his face. "Can I asked you a question?"

I felt my smile faltered a bit. "Sure, go ahead."

"Were you in Equestria during the Invasion of Canterlot?"

I nodded my head. "I was. Just not in Canterlot."

"Aren't you even a little bit mad at us?" I shook my head. "Why?"

"You were acting on the orders given to you. I can't, nor think anypony should, hold you against that."

"Have you ever hated us?"

"Nope." I looked out of the window, and sighed. "A few days after the invasion, I found a changeling in my village. The ponies were kicking dust in her face, and throwing sticks and stones at her." Mime's face turned to a fearful expression. "And you know I did?"

"What did you do?" Both Mime and Elaine said at the same time.

"I picked her up, yelled at the ponies, and carried her home. Then I convinced Fluttershy to take care of her." I smiled at the expression on Mime's face. "I, as well as the other Elements, protected her from the town until she was able to fend for herself."

"What happened when she got better?" Elaine asked.

"She stayed. And eventually, the town got used to her presence. Now she has her own house, and even a job. She's married too!"

"To a...pony?"

I shook my head. "No, to another changeling. You might know her wife better as Doppelganger, but she goes by Ganger now-a-days."

"She married a female?"

I hardened my expression. "That a problem?" I asked in a deep voice, startling both Mime and Elaine. It even got Rarity's attention.

"N-no, not at all! Just surprised. That was very rare in the Hive."

"Good. I'd hate to have to punt-kick you back to Canterlot." I yawned again. "Anyway, I didn't bring you along for me. I brought you for my sister."

"Why?"

I shrugged. "I figure it will help her get used to life here. I mean you both aren't to different. You know what I mean?"

He nodded his head. "I think so. We're both going to have to get accustomed to Equestria."

"And what better place to start than Ponyville? It's a nice place, you two will like it." Mime and Elaine exchanged unsure glances, but said nothing.

I smiled and looked at Mime. It's nice to see that he's already thinking about allying himself.





The train's wheels screeched to a halt and I stretched arms and legs. "I think we're here." I stood up began walking toward the closest exit.

The train fully stopped and shortly after the doors opened. I waited for my party to walk over, and walked out when they did. I threw my arms out in a Pinkie-like fashion. "Welcome to Ponyville! It's not much at first glance, but it's home."

"One of my dreams was to live in a country town." Elaine said.

"Well, now that dream can be fulfilled. And your room-mate is your dead brother!" I laughed.

"Yeah..."

"Oh, cheer up darling! I'm sure he was just joking." Rarity said, trying to cheer her up.

I shook my head. "Not really. I mean I am an undead after all." Elaine gave him a questioning stare. "But, that's a story for another day. Lets swing by my house, then go to Gloomy Town."

"I'm rather busy today actually." Rarity said, then faced Elaine. "Do come by sometime. I would love to make you a new outfit!"

Elaine smiled. "I'll be sure to, thank you Rarity."

She smiled back. "It's no trouble dear. Ta-ta for now!"

"See ya Rares!" I waved. "Alright, let's go."

I lead them to my house. I pointed out the big tree and told them that's where Twilight lives. Elaine didn't look convinced, and Mime just nodded. A short distance away from it was my house.

I walked up to the front door, took out a key from my pocket and unlocked it. Or that's what would have happened, but the door wasn't locked. I face-palmed and opened the door. "Ganger, I'm back!"

There was a thump from somewhere in the house. my eyes grew wide and I started to hastily take off my equipment. I had just taken my combat vest off, when a large white blur crash into me. Knocking me to the ground.

The blur turned out to be a very happy Great Pyrenees named Sparky, who was trying to lick me to death.

"Okay, Okay!" I said in between laughs. "Down boy, down!" Sparky licked me a few more times, then backed off. I sat up and saw Sparky sitting there patiently. I smiled and hugged him. "I missed you too, boy." Sparky made a noise. "Huh?" I broke the hug and stood up. Sparky pawed in the other two's direction. "Oh yeah, that's Mime and Elaine. She's my sister."

Sparky wagged his tail, walked over to them and sat down in front of Elaine. There was an awkward silence with Sparky just staring at them. I smiled and laughed. "He wants to shake your hand." Elaine raised an eyebrow, and extended her hand. And sure enough, he shook it.

Sparky turned to Mime and licked his face. I laughed and Sparky turned around, wagging his tail. I patted his head. "Where's Ganger?" He gently took my hand in his mouth, and lead me to the master bedroom. I shook my head at what I saw. Doppelganger was asleep on the bed.

I walked over to the bed and told Sparky to jump on it. He did, and the results were hilarious. Ganger screamed and jumped up and off of the bed. There a loud "thunk" sound when she hit the floor. I started laughing and she stood up. "Not cool."

"Well, neither is sleeping when you're supposed to be house sitting." I said with a smile.

"Come on! It was just a little nap!"

"Chill out, I'm just giving you a hard time. Everything go alright with Sparky?"

She looked over at the dog with a slight glare. "Mostly, until you got him to jump on the bed..."

I shrugged. "I'm an ass sometimes." Ganger gave me a blank look. "Anyway, I've brought guests. Care to meet them?"

Ganger shrugged. "Sure."

We walked into the living room. Sparky stayed on the bed. "Alright, introduce yourselves. I'm going to the bathroom. We leave when I get out." And I walked off. I didn't really go to bathroom. I hid behind the wall, and watched how Elaine interacted with them.

Elaine rolled her eyes and shook her head. She looked at the changeling in front of her. "Um...hello, I'm Elaine. Who are you?"

"Names Doppelgänger, but you can call me Ganger for short. Nice to meet you." Ganger then look at the other one of her species in the room. "And I thought you were dead." She said with a smile. She walked up and hugged him. "How have you been?"

He hugged her back. "Good, thanks. I came to Equestria in search of my brother, and ended up joining a changeling resistance force to increase my chances. Never found him though..." Ganger hugged him tighter. "Something wrong?" Mime asked.

"Mimic didn't make it... He was with Double and I, and we were attacked. I'm sorry..."

Mime patted her on the back. "It's okay, I'm sure you two tried your best to save him."

"Double didn't make it either..."

He broke the hug and looked at her in shock. "How did you make it, if he didn't?"

"I'll introduce you to the one who saved me later. But in the meantime! Elaine, your human, right? Are related to Seth?"

"I'm his little sister, actually."

"He's a pretty cool guy, he must have been great growing up with!"

"Not from what I remember. He mostly kept to himself and stayed in his room a lot. And when wasn't in his room, he was either fighting with our parents or at work."

Ganger didn't look like she knew how to respond to that, so I chose that moment to show up again. "Okay, time to go. If you need to use the bathroom, it's the first door on the left." Elaine nodded and left. I looked at the two changelings. "Mime, you can stay here and catch up with Ganger if you want."

"That sounds like a good idea, thank you."

"No problem." I stood there chatting with them until Elaine got out of the bathroom. "Alright, you ready?" Elaine nodded. "Okay, let's go."
> Chapter Five
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Elaine's POV.





A few minutes after leaving the house, Seth started whistling a song. I didn't find it odd, so I just let it go for the time being. We passed the Town Hall, and Seth told me that he would give me a tour of the town sometime later. "Why not right now?" I asked.

"Because Gloomy town awaits!" Seth said, patting me on the shoulder.

"I really don't understand why we have to go there first..."

Seth sighed. "You want the honest answer?" I nodded my head. "Okay. It's possible that the residents of Gloomy Town felt the disturbance in the forest. Eventually, they were going to call on me to investigate. I'm just trying to get it over with, because they would have found out anyway. And without knowing your related to me... I'd rather not say."

I felt my eyes grow wide. "And you want to take there?!"

He held up his hands. "Calm down. It'll be fine. I know the town, their leader is my friend."

"Promise?" I said with an unsure look on my face.

Seth nodded. "Promise. They won't mess with us, they know better than that." I gave little response to that, and Seth started whistling again.

After awhile, he pointed out the path to Sweet Apple Acres. And said we would stop by there to meet Applejack and get a snack, if we could. "Applejack?" I asked.

"Yep." Seth nodded. "Farmer pony. You'll see."

"Okay?" I said slowly.

"Yeah the Apple Family is really nice. Just watch out for A.J's hoof shake."

"Does she have a strong grip?"

"Something like that, yeah." Seth looked around. "It's not much longer now. We have about twenty more minutes after we reach Fluttershy's house." He noticed that I was about to ask something, and held a hand up to interrupt. "Yes, you will meet her too." After that, we walked mostly in silence, save for Seth's whistling.

A little bit passed my brother's friend's cottage, I finally had to know what the song was.

"The one I've been whistling?"

"Yes, what is it?"

Seth smiled. "Pretty catchy, huh? It's Gloomy Town's 'anthem'."

"Oh..." A few more moments of silence. "How does it go, exactly?"

Seth stopped walking. He seemed to be thinking about it. I think it's fair to say that he was caught off guard. 

"Uh... The whole song or...?" I nodded my head. "Well, I don't really remember all of it. But I know the chorus pretty well."

I nodded my head again. "That will be fine then."

My brother sighed. "Fine, here you go:

Somewhere in the Everfree Forest, there's a gloomy town.
It's a place where you will find that cutie marks abound.
One dozen cutie marks per foal is quite a lot, you see.
There's nothing more alarming than a talent catastrophe."


I couldn't help but shiver. "You could have sang it differently."

"It's not me, it's the magic behind the words. Quite literally, in this case."

I raised an eyebrow. "Magic?"

"Yeah, Professor Sparkle will tell you about it when we get back." I chuckled at Twilight's nickname, and we walked down the path to Gloomy Town.





Seth noticed me looking around nervously. "Pretty scary, huh?"

"That's...one way to describe it."

Seth chuckled. "Just be happy that you were passed out when it was night. Its a lot worse at night."

I gave a nervous chuckle. "I'll take your word for it." We reached a point on the path where there was a sign nailed into a tree. "Um...why did it say 'Beware: Zombie Town Ahead'?" I asked in an unnerved tone.

Seth shrugged. " I don't know. Makes sense though, doesn't it? But what's really strange is that the residents of Gloomy Town put that sign up. You would think they would have written something more, I don't know, positive?"

"That is a little strange..."

"Anyway, that marked the halfway point. I should warn you about a few things."

"I thought you said it was safe?!" I said, panic raising in my voice.

"It is! I just don't want you to make any 'rookie' mistakes." I could only raise an eyebrow at that. "Last pony that did... Well, let's just say, he is now apart of the town."

"Oh..." I said, worry heavy in her voice.

"Yeah so," Seth turned to me. "Number one: Don't stare at them. You can look around, but don't focus on one pony for an extended period of time. Two: Don't speak unless spoken to. Outsiders aren't really welcome. And three, the most important: DO. NOT. RUN. If you run," Seth sighed. "If you run I may not be able to help you... Do you understand?"

"Y-yeah, I think so." I weakly nodded.

"Good." He turned around. "Oh, and one more thing."

"Yes?"

"Don't make me kill my friends." He said grimly, without turning around. My jaw dropped. Seth was in a good mood, and then out of nowhere everything turned south. I hope he doesn't stay like this for long.





"Okay, just behind those bushes is the town. Remember what I told you?" I nodded. "Okay." He took a deep breath. "Let's go, stay close."

As I looked at the run down buildings and scattered pools of blood, grabbing one of Seth's arms and staying as close as I could, was the only thing keeping me from running away. I looked up at Seth, but he was too concentrated and didn't notice.

He started to move and glanced over at his sister. "We are going to the leader's house, remember to not stare." I nodded my head. "Close your eyes if you have to."

As we got closer, the town began to stir. And after a few minutes a pony walked up to them and I flinched, which caught the pony's attention. Seth snapped his fingers drawing the pony's attention back to him. "What's going on?" Seth asked.

"I could ask you the same, Green Blood." The pony said. I was going to say something, but Seth stopped her.

"I'm here to see The Mare about what happened last night." The pony looked at me with his only eye. The empty socket started to glow red. Seth nudged me, and I looked away. Shortly after the glowing died down.

The pony shook his head. "Seth, teach that one how things work here."

"Yeah sorry about that. She's new."

The pony gave him a deadpan stare. "That is quite obvious."

"No, I meant she's new to Equestria."

The pony simply nodded. "So, she's like you then? Best get to her house, then." Seth nodded. "It was nice seeing you, Green Blood."

"You too, brother." Seth waited for the pony to leave. "That was close."

"I'm sorry..."

"You're fine. I'm sure I made a few mistakes first time I came here." He shrugged. "No sweat, just don't do it again." Seth started moving again, and I made sure to make more of an effort to abide by the rules.





The way to the leader's house took us through the center of the town. Unfortunately, these are not the most civilized ponies. There were empty carcasses of random animals strewn about, and other such things. Seth seemed used to it, but I wasn't. I could't take it anymore. "Elaine?" Seth turned around.

I was hunched over, with my hands on my knees, puking. The few ponies that were watching, started laughing. Seth patted me on the back. "I know, but you'll get used to it."

I stopped vomiting and wiped off my mouth. "I don't want to be around often enough to get used to it! What the hell is wrong with this place?!" I yelled.

He gave me a deadpan stare. "I told you. Zombie ponies, remember? At least they switched to animals. They used to hunt and eat ponies, but that was forever ago."

"What about that one pony you told me about?"

"They have a weird...respect thing here, and he disrespected the town. Oh, and by the way, vomiting on their property is very disrespectful."

I gasped. "W-what will they do to me?"

"Well," Seth looked around. Most of the ponies have stopped laughing, and went about their business. Some were still chuckling though. "Since they know that you didn't mean any disrespect, they'll probably just have you clean it up."

"How?" Just then, Elaine found a bloody shovel in front of her.

"Bury it, Outsider." The pony with the shovel said in a Stalliongradian accent. "And pack in mound if there is one. Some of us have weak ankles."

"Y-yes sir." I took the shovel and started to dig.

"Dmitry!" Seth exclaimed. "Elaine, this is one of the...nicer ponies in town. Dmitri, meet my sister."

He raised an eyebrow. "You are related to the Green Blood?"

"Green Blood?" I asked.

"Ah, I suppose you wouldn't know our social structure, would you?" I shook my head. "Seth, why haven't you taught her about our glorious town!?!" Seth just held up his hands defensively. "Let old Dmitri tell about it then. You are an outsider. That is lowest on pole, obviously. So low that the title barely even exists." He stopped when he saw that I wasn't digging. Seth tapped me on the shoulder and gestured to the shovel.

When I started digging again, Dmitri continued. "New Blood is next up from outsider. You have to be accepted into the town first, obviously. I don't not know if that is your goal, but I will continue. Next up from that is Blue Blood, like me. Common workers maintaining the town. Next is Red Blood, bosses of Blue Bloods. Managers and such, You know?" I nodded. "Then Green Blood, like your brother here. Military undead, not many of them around anymore. Then there is Black Blood, which is our leader. No one questions her. And those that do, are cannibalized. The only one that is allowed to question her is Seth here." I packed in the dirt, and gave the shovel back to Dmitri with a raised eyebrow.

"Why, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well, they have history. But let us not get into that." I nodded, but didn't say anything.

"We're actually on our way to see The Mare." Seth said.

"Oh really? She has been in her house a lot lately. Though, I don't think your sister can use the same method as you did, If that is the goal here."

"Definitely not. Even if The Mare swung that way, I don't think Elaine would do it."

Dmitri deadpanned. "She does swing that way... She swings both ways! But you have a point. Well, I have more jobs to do. Don't keep her waiting."

"Alright, see ya around." Dmitri nodded and walked off. Seth turned around and saw the concerned look on her face. "What?"

"What exactly did you do to become accepted here?"

Seth sighed. "I think he's given you enough clues for you to figure it out yourself..." Seth began walking.

I furrowed my brows in thought. "Yeah, I'm still not getting it." She said, following her brother.

"Probably for the best." He said, shaking his head. "It's just up here."

We walked up to the house and Seth knocked on the door. No response, so he knocked again. "Who is it?" A gravelly voice said after a groan.

"It's Seth! I have brought a friend."

"Seth!?" We heard somepony run up to the door. The door burst open, and Seth was tackled. I screamed, catching the attention of the pony. "And you must be the friend!" She kissed Seth and got off of him. Seth wiped off his mouth and sat up with an annoyed look on his face.

I looked around. "Uh..."

"Don't worry, I don't bite!" The Mare said excitedly, and then she grew a mischievous grin. Her smile grew as she walked over to me. "Hard."

My eyes widened and then my eyes rolled back and I passed out. Seth was barely able to catch me. The last thing I heard was a sigh from my brother.
> Chapter Six
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Seth's POV





"And so, there is absolutely nothing to worry about." I said to The Mare.

"And you're sure about that?" She asked with uncertainty.

I nodded my head. "Yep! But, I'm not saying that I won't be cautious. I advise you and your town to do the same."

"And I agree with you. But, if there is no immediate danger, I suppose we can afford to relax for awhile."

"Indeed. Well, now that you are filled in. I guess I should be leaving."

"Aww," The Mare said slightly seductive tone. "Why not stay awhile and fill me up as well?"

"....what?" I shook my head. "Alright no, we've talked about this. That was a one time thing, and I was drunk."

She smiled. "But it was the best sex I've ever had. And I know you remember most of it." She said in her seductive voice.

I went silent for a few minutes, before scratching and nodding my head. "Yes, yes I do. And I apologize for ripping your hind legs off."

She laughed. "It's a good thing my limbs re-attach so easily."

"That, and the regenerative factor of your body. That helped a lot." We both laughed at that. "Why are we even talking about this again?"

"Because I'm horny, and the stallions around here don't cut it anymore." She said with a straight face.

"Okay then.... Um...well..." I tried and failed to gather my thoughts. I was so caught off guard that I couldn't move.

"Oh relax." She laughed. Which did little to calm me down. "If you don't want too, I can just service myself." She then sighed. "Like always..."

I shrugged. "Sorry, but maybe sometime in the future."

She sighed again. "You always say that..."

"And I mean it, for the most part. But my sister could wake up any minute, so... Yeah..."

The Mare didn't respond. And there was nothing but awkward silence afterwards.





Elaine's POV





I woke up awhile ago. I now stood still in the hallway. I've heard the whole conversation between The Mare and my brother. And I'm, well...not really sure what to think. I turned around to go back to the guest room, but was stopped by rattling chains. I looked them up and down with wide eyes, and saw that they had sprung up from the floor. I took a slow and cautious step forward and the chains crossed, further blocking the path. I turned back around and saw Seth standing there with his arms crossed.

Surprised, I jumped and fell backwards. "It's not polite to eavesdrop. Haven't our parents taught you that?" He said with a slight frown. I could only stare up at him. I'm not sure why, but he seemed intimidating. Then I noticed that his eye patch was gone. Something was wrong with his stare. He continued to look at me and then shook his head. "I forgot to put the eye patch back on, didn't I?" He asked with a sigh. I slowly nodded my head, and Seth walked back into the living room. I heard Seth and the strange pony talk, and then I was called into the room.

I cautiously entered the room, and came face to face with "The Mare." I cringed and gave a pathetic whimper. "You really do have to get used to the sight of me, child." Said The Mare with a smile.

"Take it easy on her, she heard us talking a bit ago." Seth said, and The Mare's smile fell.

"Oh my..."

My gaze shifted to my brother. "How could you even consider that?" I asked. "Having sex with an animal? Are you some kind of sicko or something?!" I yelled.

"That was a dark time for me, Elaine. I know you have no way of knowing how it was for me back then, so I won't get angry with you. But just try to listen and understand..."

"Understand what? That my brother is some kind of bestiality freak?! How many other things don't I know about?!" I yelled again. "No, never mind, don't answer that. I don't want to know." I turned around. "I'm just going to try to forget that I heard anything. I'm going to lay down, and pretend this never happened." And walked off.




Seth's POV




"She's not taking it very well..." The Mare said.

I sighed. "That's what happens when you are raised in a strict Christian household." I looked over at The Mare. "This is why I didn't want talk about it when my sister was here, dammit!"

"Seth, sweetie, calm down. I'll talk to her."

I raised an eyebrow. "You think that's a good idea?"

She shrugged. "Wouldn't hurt to try."





Elaine's POV





I heard someone walk up to the door way of the guest room and knocked on the door frame. (There was no door). "Go away." Was my response.

"Elaine, honey, I want to talk to you." Her voice is so annoying...

"Oh, it's you." I said with a hint of anger. "Go away, or are you going to try to seduce me too?" I said in disgust.

"No, no child. Just talk. Can I come in?"

"It's your house, do I have a choice?"

"Of course you do!"

I sighed. "Come in."

The Mare walked in and stopped at the foot of the bed. "Thank you." She said politely.  "I know there is no way for you to understand the state your brother was in those years ago. But... Do you mind if I told you a little bit about it?" I just shrugged and continued to lay on my stomach. I had little interest and just wanted her to go away. "When I found your brother, he had just escaped The Night Princess' custody. He came to my town as a refugee."

I flipped over onto my back with a raised eyebrow. "But... I thought he was friends with her and her sister?"

"He is, and was before that. But..." She seemed to search for the right word. "There were some...differences that Celestia failed to work out."

"How?"

"Seth was low on funds, and decided to do mercenary work." She explained, "I think it was after two months, his friends and royalty found out. Celestia saw fit to imprison him in stone."

"In stone? Really?" I said in disbelief. No way this could be true.

"Have you been to Canterlot?" I nodded my head. "Those statues in the castle garden are all of Equestria's most dangerous criminals. And apparently Seth fit under that category." I still had my eyebrow raised. She really expects me to believe this? "You see, murder is a high offense in Equestria. And one of the jobs Seth took on required him to extort money from a pony in Manehattan. It went wrong and Seth ended up killing the pony."

"Did he mean to?"

The Mare shook her head. "It was an accident, and that was the only pony he killed during that line of work. But after investigation Celestia found out it was him, and tricked him into going to Canterlot."

But she seemed so nice... "H-how long was he imprisoned in stone?"

"Ten months." Came Seth's voice from the hallway. "Ten fucking months alone in my own head. Stewing in my own violent thoughts" His voice sent a chill down my spine. He sighed. "Not a good experience, as you can imagine." He then walked away, leaving The Mare to finish the story.

"Who released him?" I asked carefully. This is actually true? What?

"Nopony did." The Mare said in a sad tone. "They left him there. It was a life sentence, you see. But he escaped his stone prison and went on a rampage. Capturing and torturing those who did that to him. First was Celestia, and then The Elements soon followed."

I was shocked. "Why would he go after his friends?!"

"Celestia tricked them as well. And Seth was out for revenge. He has this ability called 'The Cockatrice Stare', that's how he tortured them all." I furrowed my brows. Seth has a special ability? "I'm sure he will show you, if you want. It may be dangerous ,but he has better control of it now."

Seth walked into the room. "Do you want to see? I can fill in some details." I was unsure at first, but I slowly nodded my head. "Okay." He lifted his eye patch and looked directly into my eyes. I felt light headed for a moment, and then everything went black.





Everything faded in to view, and I saw that we were standing in a strange room. One side was dark, the other side was light. "Where are we?" I slowly asked.

"We are in my mind. Here I will be able to show you the events up until now. From when I first arrived, to the mission I was on when I found you. You ready?" I nodded my head. "Okay, I'm only going to show the 'highlights' but be warned, some of them aren't pretty." And then the room went black. A screen appeared in front of us and the memories started to play.





Flashback, Seth's POV: Arrival





I took the barrel and placed it under my chin, tears falling from my face I went to pull the trigger and BOOM there was a bright flash of light and next thing I knew I was falling from a tree, when I hit the ground I hit an exposed root which knocked me unconscious.

I awoke slightly and everything was blurry but it didn't look like it my backyard and it looked like it was night where ever I was, before slipping from consciousnesses again I heard something heavy walking towards me. I thought I was dead.

When I awoke again 1. I was surprised that whatever it was didn't kill me and 2. I was in a clearing in some kind of wooded area and 3. It was day now. "Oh great I'm in the woods and something wants to eat me.......yay." I said nervously, I dont handle stress well. "Wait....wheres my gun?!?!.......heh heh I am heavy weapons guy and this is my weapon....OR IT WAS!!" I then threw a nearby rock against a tree....I told you I don't handle stress well.

"Oh my god....who touched Sasha.....WHO TOUCHED MY GUN!!!" after that fit of insanity I snapped out of it and went searching the nearby perimeter for my things.

After about an hour of searching and double checking I found all my ammunition for both my rifle and my pistol and my tac-vest which was weird because I didn't have those on me when was uh...teleported? "Wait that must mean my guns are somewhere nearby to." I said practically yelling in excitement "I would like to have them in case that thing came back."

Walking on a nearby path I found my holster and the belt that I had it on, they were laying on my Olive-Drap field jacket. "I was wearing this....how did it come off? That creature must have done this, but how did my other things end up here to?" I said to myself, its a bad habit talking to yourself. As for my other things I had them on me, my wallet and its contents, which was it really but not my sun glasses, which after a brief search I found the case in one of the pockets of the jacket.

After about 45 minutes of walking down the path (now wearing my tactical vest, all the ammo it could carry, my belt with my holster on it, and my field jacket stuffed with even more ammo) I came upon another much more smaller clearing, which had my rifle with the sling still on it (which doubled as a bandolier, yay more free pocket space.), my pistol, and the ammo pouches for extra ammo for my rifle. I was ecstatic but approached cautiously just in case it was a trap. Which it was but the creature wasn't there when I found the rest of my stuff, wasting little time I loaded my rifle, slung it over my shoulder, put as many rounds as i could in the sling then in the pouches which were now on my belt, but when i was in the process of loading my pistol it came back and pounced WHAM!! I went down hard, it swiped at me a couple times one of which connected and left a nice big gash on my arm. Trying to ignore the pain I thought "Ugh that's....going to...bleed...nicely."

After that one hit connected it just was batting me with it paws (which still hurt like hell). It had claws but for some reason wasn't using them. "Was it just playing with its food now?" I thought to myself. I did however managed to get three rounds in my pistol (it's a revolver) before this thing attacked me, I pulled the hammer back and shot once to get it off of me, then twice to get it further away but it started running, I pulled the hammer back one last time, aimed, and then pasted out from blood loss hearing a loud bang from my gun, where the round hit I do not know.


Contact


When I came to I was in someone's house several hours after the events in the woods, my wound had been bandaged up but was still bleeding but not as bad as it had been. As I looked around studying my surroundings I noticed that I couldn't move, I felt like death, and I was on the second floor of the house, I also noticed that my shirt and jacket were gone. I wanted to leave but the weakness from blood loss was to great but it could be worse, I could be in that creatures den about to be eaten "It feels like I've seen that thing before" I thought to myself "I'm not sure but...it seems oddly familiar". I looked over at a book shelf and saw my weapons, tactical vest, and all the ammunition but not my jacket. About the time I was trying to move I heard a knock on a door, it open and then voices but not the ones I usually heard (we'll talk more about that later) these were from downstairs.

"Oh hello Twilight please come in" This was the same voice I heard before I passed out.

"Thank you Fluttershy" Fluttershy? Twilight? where the hell am I? "Where is he?"

"Oh sorry....hes um...upstairs i...in my room" I was what?!?! Now the reason that was my reaction is because i'm quite shy around girls i first meet and i don't know these ones at all. I managed to get out of bed and stand up, I went over to the bookshelf and grabbed my pistol loaded it and looked out the nearby window. There was a forest about I don't know 20-25 minutes away?

I heard them talking just outside the door "Hold on let me just check on him" Fluttershy? said I jumped a little but didn't move and just kept looking outside.

"Oh y...your awake" She said "I....I was so worried about you."

I coughed and winced as I realized that i had small cuts and bruises all over.

"Oh no are you okay?" she said worried. "You really shouldn't shouldn't be standing."

"You know what this is?" I said holding up my pistol but not turning around.

That startled her "U..um...n..n..no" she said sounding like she was shaking.

"Really?........Okay then, this is a gun, a weapon or a device of death," I paused waiting for a reply but she said nothing "Before I choose which one it is I need to know now......miss?"

After a few seconds she finally replied "Oh.....I'm....Fluttershy" she said just loud enough that I could hear.

"So Fluttershy I need to know now what you are. Are you a friend or a foe? Then I will choose" I asked in fake Russian accent.

-------

"A tree?.......She lives in a tree? Are you kidding me, really?" I asked staring at the...well tree in front of me.

"Mmhmm its also Ponyville's library" Fluttershy said smiling as she knocked on the door.

Now if talking to ponies wasn't weird enough.....this definitely adds to it.

"Oh Fluttershy, Ezekiel come in come in!" the purple pony insisted with a smile on her face.

"Whoa that's a lot of books" i said looking upon the massive pile of books in front of me "What happened? Did a shelf blow up?"

"I was up all night studying, trying to find anything i could about your species."

"Did you have any luck Grape Glass?"

"No I did.....what?"

"I called you Grape Glass because you remind me of a glass of grape juice. Doesn't she remind you of a glass of grape juice Lemon Drop?"

"what are you......oh never mind. No I didn't have any luck there is absolutely nothing on humans in this library."

"Well that's a shame...uh...do you still have those questions for me? Because I want to go do some target practice."

"With what?"

"This right here" I said as I took my rifle off of my back and propped it up on the nearby wall.


Headaches


Half way to the library I realized I didn't have my pill bottle. I had left it at home. On the way back I noticed ponies looking at me but this time it was concern, apparently from the looks of me you could tell. maybe I should look in a mirror soon. After a few minutes of walking and ponies telling me I should see a doctor I finally made it back. I went up to the room and looked into the mirror and holy shit I looked a mess. bloodshot and baggy eyes, pale skin, the works.....man I looked horrible. I found my pill bottle and headed towards the library-house. when I arrived Twilight looked worried but I told her that's why I was there

"Twilight do you have any books on mental conditions or illnesses?"

"Well yes but why do want a book like that?"

"Have you seen me?" I asked sarcastically.

"Uh...yeah here you go."

"Thanks. Okay......um.....I cant find anything..."

"What? That's strange....um...what are you symptoms?"

"Jittery and paranoid I usually have severe headaches before though, that's why i'm confused and came here."

"I see hmm.....well being paranoid is paranoia......"

"Duh."

".....and being jittery could be anxiety."

"Yes I know but then black outs?"

"Black outs?"

"Yeah and usually every time I come back someone's severely hurt or sometimes worse."

"Oh my, really?"

"Um...well yes I wouldn't joke around about this."

"I see did you see somepony er uh someone about this."

"Yeah I was sent to an insane asylum and went I was released I was given these but the bottles empty now."

-------

"Ah Ezekiel the human I presume." Said the zebra at my doorstep. "May I ask, do you have any room?"

"You mean come in?" she chuckled shook her head. "Um...sure come on in" she came in and sat down at the table. "I'm sorry for the mess. I haven't had a chance to dust."

"Do not worry about your home, its not much different than my own."

"Ok cool so did you need something or just visiting?"

"I was wondering why you live here and not with Fluttershy who thinks of you so dear?"

"I do live with her, I just stay here from time to time." I ignored the part about how Fluttershy thinks of me.

"Then if I may ask, do you have no fear or are you just stupid to live here?"

"Excuse me?"

"I did not mean to offend, I only wish to be your friend." that was kinda chessy.

"Do you always rhyme when you talk?" she nodded. "I see well I'm not offended but it was nice to finally meet you and to answer your question probably both." I laughed and we talked for a half hour and it was started to get dark so she left. Shes an interesting character that one I was starting to get a....headache......Oh no the headaches are starting again good thing I'm not going back into Ponyville tonight. I laid down to rest, hopefully that will lessen the headache.


First Signs


By the time we got to Twilight's my condition worsened and I was extreme agony. My head felt like it was going to explode, so Twilight used a spell to numb the pain. She said they were almost done with my medicine and it will be done in a couple of days.

"But Twilight I don't have a couple of days, If my condition gets any worse then things around here are going to go bad. Really Really bad!"

"I'm sorry but we're going as fast as we can. Some of the ingredients required are rare and we're not even sure if its going to work so I'm sorry but you will have to wait."

"Okay but try to hurry, Once this spell wears off.....I don't know what will happen."

-------

On the way back into Ponyville I heard voices and laughter, it sound like i was in highschool again. "Its all in you head just remember its all in your head don't let it get to you." I said to myself but the voices grew louder and so did the laughter.

"They all hate you! You should know that by now! Why would they like a loser like you!" the voices said followed by laughter

"Just keep walking Ezekiel, they're just in your head they'll go away soon."

"Why even bother going back they're just using you! How can you not see that!"

"Just ignore them and focus."

"Even Fluttershy is using you! she doesn't really care about you!"

I couldn't take it anymore. "She chose to save and showed me nothing but kindness ever since. How dare you say such things about her!!"

"She thinks your another animal to take care of, nothing more!"

"She did at one point but now she knows better."

"How do you know?!"

"I asked her and even though she didn't answer I could tell she thinks different."

"You were sent here to destroy not to make friends!! Destroy and kill are the only things your good at!!"

"VOICES BE GONE!!!" and nothing continued after that. At least not for awhile.


Rescue


"Fluttershy!? you home!?" No response. "Ok then. Not home I guess."

I sat down and well just sat there there. I couldn't think of anything to do. And the boredom was kind of painful. After an hour of sitting, Pinkie knocked on the door.

"Hi Pinkie whats up?"

"Oh not much. Just came to tell you the party its time for the party! Come on lets party!!"

"Yeah I kinda owe you heh heh. Lets go." And we left for the party.

We made it to the party, it was in the park and the whole town was there. There was a stage and DJ PoN3 was setting up her equipment. I went over.

"Hey quite the rig you got here."

"Hey Ezekiel thanks. Glad to see you made it!"

"Wouldn't miss even think of missing it."

"Cool. I think you'll be impressed. Have you listened to my mixes yet?"

"No I'm so used to not having my MP3 player. I honestly forgot I had it."

"Ah ok well then you might even more impressed then."

"Well PoN3 I look forward to seeing you perform."

"Glad to see you interested." I left and let her finish setting up and went over to the snack table.


Death


I went to go upstairs when something started thumping on my foot. I looked down and it was Angel with a concerned look on his face.

"You worried about her?" He shook his head. "So am I Angel, So am I. I'll find her don't worry." I went up stairs, changed, put all my gear on and left. I did have my concerns about leaving now though, it was getting dark and from what I've heard a swampy area mixed with darkness is not and never has been a good idea. When I arrived at the town center it was darker than it was when I left the house and all the others except for Rarity were there.

"Wheres the fancy one at?" I asked

"Rarity sends her concerns but lil' miss clean an' proper doesn't want to get dirty." Applejack answered.

"Figures. So Twilight how are we going to get there?"

"We'll teleport!"

"I'm not a big fan of teleportation But okay. When do we leave?"

"As soon as we make sure we have everything we need."

"Well I have all my stuff, so I'm good."

-------

We've been walking for 10 minutes and we weren't getting anywhere. It was cold, wet and over all really dark. I got my foot trapped in an exposed root and fell.

"Dammit! Ugh......son of a....bitch!"

"What happened?!" Twilight asked concerned.

"I fucking tripped on a damn root and.....oh hey my foots not supposed to be facing that way." Twilight came over to me.

"Oh my! that looks painful." Applejack and Pinkie came over.

"I reckon yer not going to be walking for awhile."

"Owie wowie! That must hurt alot!"

"Would you guys shut the hell up for a moment!" I thought for a second. "Damn no other choice. We need to keep moving but its too dark we cant see that well even with Twilight's spell. I really wish this didn't happen!"

"I don't think any of my spells can fix your ankle. I'm sorry!"

"We should make camp here. I don't like the idea anymore than anypony else but Ezekiel's right, we cant see and we're getting nowhere fast.

"Twilight do you know know medical spells? And don't bullshit me! I need to know."

"Well yes but none that would fix your ankle."

"That's fine. Pinkie Applejack start setting up the tent. Twilight stay here i'll need your help." the other two went to set up the tent.

"Help with what? Unless you want to walk with your foot like that forever I cant do anything."

"I wont have to walk like this just wait you'll see. god damn this is going to hurt."

"What are you.....wait your not.."

"Yep I am! 1....2...3....AUGH!!" There was a sickening crack followed by a boat load of pain.

-------

There was a loud stomping sound, I looked over to where it came from and it was the hydra and it was big really really big.

"I don't care how big you are!" I took my rifle off of my back."You messed with the wrong pony!!" It roared and I shot at it, but that didn't stop it. I grabbed Fluttershy and put her a couple feet behind me. "Back. Off!!!" I fired some more. "Shit Empty!" I grabbed some more rounds and reloaded. "Head shots just remember head shots." I said to myself and shot it in one of its heads, which made a mess but only pissed it off and another two head grew. "Why does it have to be exactly like the mythology?" I fired some more but this time in its stomach. It was starting to slow down and I backed away to put more space between us and continued to fire.

"Ezekiel are you..."Twilight began to say but stopped when she saw the hydra.

"Twilight get Fluttershy and get out of here!!" she didn't move. "Twilight!! Come on!! This is no time to hesitate! snap out of it!!" She was still stuck in place. "Dammit." I continued to back up and shoot. "Twilight! I need you!! SNAP OUT OF IT!!!" she shook her head and started towards Fluttershy when I tripped over her because I to concentrated on the hydra. One of its heads came down with its mouth wide opened. Missed me by mere inches but.....Fluttershy....

"No. no no no."

Twilight went to a slow trot then stopped beside me. "Ezekiel....I'm.....I'm...

Rage was boiling up inside me and it felt like I was going to explode. "If....If you just listened Twilight.....she wouldn't be...."

"I'm.....so....sorry..."

"No its not your fault." I looked up at the hydra who looked proud of itself. "Its the hydra's."

"Ezekiel? Are you..."

"OK!?!?! YOU WEREN'T GOING TO ASK IF I WAS OK WERE YOU?!?!?" I've never felt anger like this before. She stayed silent. "I DIDN'T THINK SO." I looked at the hydra."AUGH YOUR GOING TO PAY!!" It wasn't the crazy German scientist this time it felt more like the Hulk.

-------

It was day time now. I "woke up" laying on what was left of the hydra, Is it creepy I found it comfortable? I looked around and the others were here Twilight was looking me over and the other were looking for Fluttershy.

"Twilight?"

"Your ok!. Oh thank Celestia. Hey guys hes awake!" she called to the others and they both gave out a happy cheer and then continued with they're search. "Ezekiel I..."

"Skip the good morning and tell me did you have any luck finding her?"

"N......no.....sorry...."

"I see. Dammit!!" I slammed my fist down on the carcass. "Yeah you deserved that you....whatever. Well i'm going back to sleep wake me if you find her I don't think I can get up"

"Ok..." I fell asleep for real.

15 minutes later Twilight woke me up.

"Well?"

"We found her but it doesn't look good....."

"Where was she?"

"She was in one of the heads mouths she wasn't actually swallowed."

"Then how doesn't it look good?"

"She lost a lot of blood and when she fell she broke her right fore leg."

"Dammit! Is she conscious?

"Yes but just barely."

"I see. Ok." I tried to get up but I collapsed. "Where is she?"

"Right over there." she pointed.

"Ok thanks." I started crawling over.

"I could levitate you over."

"Please." I noticed that my arm was bleeding.

-------

"Fl....Flutters?"

"Ezekiel? I'm so glad your ok."

"Forget about me and concentrate on getting better."

"Ok I'll try."

"Just stay awake ok?"

"Ok I'll.....try..."

"no-no-no-no stay awake! Fluttershy! Fluttershy!!" I saw no breathing. "NO!! God......damn....it." the others started crying as did I.

"I'm so sorry Ezekiel...."

"Shut up! Its not you fault! Its probably mine somehow."

"How could it be your fault?!"

"I don't know! But It has to be!" I closed my eyes. "Shadow reveal."

"It is a sad day master."

"Is there a way we can revive her?"

"Yes but master might not survive."

"I'll take that chance do what ever you have to do!"

"Ye...yes master."

"What in tarnation is he talking about? And what in the hay is that?"

"I think hes talking about......oh no Ezekiel you can't, you'll die to!"

"I don't care she needs to live. Dark magic, white magic I don't care."

"This is.....I understand....."

"Good, Shadow start whatever it is you need to do. it was nice knowing you guys tell Fluttershy I died to save her ok?"

All of them were crying. "O....o...okay..."

"It was nice knowing you guys......"

"Master it is ready"

I nodded. "Good bye everypony."

Something felt like something was being ripped from my chest and then nothing. The last thing I heard was Fluttershy's voice and everyone crying.

"I'm glad it worked. Shadow.....Watch...over......her......."

"Yes master."

And then I was gone.


Elaine's POV: Present Time


"I think that's enough for now." Seth with glazed over eyes.

"But, I don't understand. If you died, then how are you here now?"

"That will be explained. I'm sure you have a lot of questions but, for now why don't we go back to the real world? Maybe visit Applejack?" Seth said hopefully.

I crossed my arms. "My questions still haven't been answered, though!"

Seth gave a weary sigh "They will be, just not now, okay? I'm always here, so I can show you later." And with that, Seth broke the spell and they were back in the real world.
> Chapter Seven
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Elaine's POV





I don't really know what to think or feel about Seth. I'm happy that I found him, and that he's alive, but is he really? He's died once... I thought. And I know he said he would show me how he came back, but.... Do I really want to know? And then there's the whole sex with a decomposing pony thing. I shook my head. I don't want to think about that, not right now. I looked up at him. I wonder why he didn't share his real name when he first came here? I thought about that a bit more and shook my head. Never mind, I think it makes sense. I wonder when he told them? I looked forward again, and The Mare was staring at both of us with a grin. "What?"

"How was your first time?" She said with a grin.

Seth hung his head. "And now she makes it weird. I was waiting for that..." He said with a sigh. "Anyway, what do you two want to do? Tour the town or go to Ponyville?"

I gave a shocked expression, but tried to recover before they noticed. "She's coming with us?"

Seth shrugged. "If she wants, Twilight was asking about her."

The Mare raised an eyebrow. "Has she now? She's wanting to do more tests, no doubt." She chuckled. "That mare, I swear." She said with a smile. "No, I will not be going to Ponyville. But, I would be glad to give you a tour of my rotted town." I cautiously shook my head. "Well, that's a shame."

"I did want to ask how you became the leader of the town, though." I said politely.

"Ah, well for that, I would have to give a bit of a history lesson." She looked at Seth. "Do you have time?"

He looked at his wrist, which had no watch on it. "Not today, maybe some other day."

The Mare gave him an amused look. "Your going to tell her anyway, aren't you?"

Seth smiled. "You know me so well, that it concerns me."

She smiled back. "I only know what you tell me."

"Which is way too much." He shook his head playfully. "But no, I'll leave the story telling pleasure to you, my dear undead, eyeless creep." I looked at him with a worried expression. Why did you say that?!

"My thanks, my lovely resurrected, spawn of Tartarus." The Mare said back playfully.

They both laughed and Seth looked back at me. "Shall we take our leave?" I nodded. "Right then. Mare, it's been a pleasure."

"It was nice to see you too. And it was nice to meet you as well, Elaine." She gave a genuine smile. "I hope you come back soon. We don't get many visitors."

I was fighting to pick a good response, but Seth saved me. "I'm sure it's in the future! Don't worry about it, we'll be back soon."

The Mare smiled. "I'm sure you will. Till next time, and tell the Doctor to stay away!"

"If I see him. See ya!" And with that, we left. On the way out of town, we passed by various ponies. Some of which I don't think I could forget. Jaws weren't supposed to be missing or hanging from only one hinge, after all. It was nightmarish to say the least, and I wondered how Seth was treating it like an everyday thing. Then again, it might be for him.





We made it out of Gloomy Town about twenty minutes ago. The walk, so far, had been mostly silent. And it was bugging me. There were a few questions that I had that might be able to be answered without that 'spell' of Seth's. The only problem was picking one. I've been trying to choosing one ever since we left.

"I know you have something on your mind~." Seth sung. "Might as well get it off your chest."

"Umm..." I looked around. How did he know?!

"Yes?"

I decided to go for it and picked one. "I wanted to know about the chains I saw in the hallway. Was it you? Or just another weird thing in that town?"

Seth hummed and nodded. "It was me."

I was awestruck and at the same time, frightened. I had a feeling it might have been him, but I was really hoping it wasn't. "H-how?"

Seth stopped and thought. "Don't know." He shrugged and continued walking.

"How can you not know?!" I yelled.

"I just don't. It just sorta happened. And no, today wasn't the first time I was able to do that, I just don't know how I can." He seemed to think about it. "I think it's an undead power or something, not sure..." He said with a small grin.

I felt my curiosity start to get the better of me. "Can I see more of it?"

He shook his head. "It uses a lot of energy, and I don't have much to spare. That's why there's just been a change in our plans." I raised an eyebrow. "Since I haven't slept yet, we're going back to my house. And I'm going to have a nap. When I'm napping, you can do what ever you want. I'd suggest having Twilight give you a tour of Ponyville. Get to know the place, and what-not. Or you can just stay at the house and do what ever. I'm sure Sparky will keep you company."

I thought about that. "I'm sure that he would, but I think a tour is a good idea."

"Cool, I'll drop you off at the library then. Twilight will be thrilled to see you again."

I chose not to worry about that. Like Seth said, Gloomy Town was the worse part. So everything else this world has should be better, right? At least I can hope...

"I have a wonderment." Seth said suddenly.

"A what?"

"I am wondering about something." He looked at his sister. "Have you ever felt anger? Like you just wanted to rip someone apart?"

I gave him a confused look. "That's a pretty random question. What brought it on?"

"Like I said, I was just wondering." He said with a shrug.

A few moments passed with neither of us speaking. "I have..." I finally answered. "It scared me... I-I think I almost lost control."

"What did you do?" Seth asked, not at all surprised to hear that.

"I grabbed the kitchen knife and almost stabbed mom. I was able to control myself once I got to the doorway."

"I may have to check on something, then." He mumbled to himself, but I heard him. "Did you feel anything afterwards?"

"Fear. It scared me to think I could have killed mom." I shook my head. "That was the only time it's happened. I never want to feel like that again."

Seth stopped and looked over at me. "May I see something?"

"What?"

Seth flipped his eyepatch up. "I want to take a small peek inside your mind, if that's okay?"

"What? Why?" I asked in a worried tone. "Is something wrong with me?"

Seth chuckled. "No, I just want to show you something, if its there. May I?" I reluctantly nodded my head, and looked into Seth's eyes.





Seth's POV





We are now standing in a pink room. "Where are we?" Elaine asked, looking around.

"I would think you'd know." I replied.

"It looks like my room."

"Really pink? For the whole room?" I shook my head. "Anyway. In a way, it is." Seth smiled.

She sighed turned back to me. "Please just tell me where we are." She said in an annoyed tone.

" We are in your mind, dear sister."

"But how does it look like my room?"

"Oh, this isn't all of it. And as for why, I have no idea. The entrance for mine is a black and white chamber." I walked over to the door and opened it. "It could be because you spend most of your time in your room?" I shrugged. "Shall we see what's out there?" Elaine nodded her head and followed me as we stepped out of the door. We stepped out into a hallway. I nodded my head and started to search a few doors.

After searching four of the rooms I found the one I was looking for. "Found it!" I yelled.  Elaine gave a startled noise and slowly walked over to me.

"What did you find?" She asked cautiously.

"What I was looking for." I simply said as he opened the door a bit more and walked in. I saw Elaine look into the room with a furrowed brow. "Wow," I said looking around the room. And in front of me was a girl with black hair, pale skin, and fully black eyes. Her make up made it look like she's been crying black tears. "Never figured you for a goth enthusiast, Elaine." I joked.

"W-who is she?" Elaine asked worriedly. Ignoring my comment.

"Don't know yet." I looked at the her again. "Hello? Do you have a name?" She nodded. "Can you speak?" She nodded her head again. "Hmm..."

"Who is she?" Elaine asked again, calmer this time.

"Your demon."  I turned toward my sister, and saw the frightened look on her face. "Oh, don't be so concerned. Every one has a demon, at least in this sense. It seems like you're the Silent Killer type." 

She raised an eyebrow. "Silent Killer?"

"Yep, you know, kills without a sound. There are a few more types of demons. All unofficial names, by the way. But I won't tell you, if you don't ask."

"So," Elaine hesitantly started to speak. "She's mine?" The demon and Seth nodded. She looked at me. "Are there any exorcists in Ponyville?"

I chuckled. "She's not that kind of demon. In this case, she's the embodiment of your anger and hatred. The more of those feelings you 'store', the stronger she gets."

"But I hardly get angry." She said with a concerned look on her face.

"That explains why she is so tame. Mine isn't. On that note, if you try to get rid of her, she will only get angry. And trust me, that's not a good thing." Elaine slowly walked toward her. "Oh, and don't give her a name. That will give her power over you."

She stopped. "But she said she had a name."

I hummed in thought. "I guess she did. Then, in this case, don't rename her. Simple, huh?"

Elaine walked up to her demon. "What is your name?"

This may work after all. I thought with crossed arms and a raised eyebrow. "What are you planning?"

"I just want to try something." She said without taking her eyes off of her demon. "You can talk to me." She said sweetly.

The demon looked over at me for a few seconds before looking back at Elaine. "My name is too complicated for mortal tongue," She finally spoke. "But you may call me Cassie." Her voice was soft and kind. Which was so eerie, it sent shivers down my spine. "I have been with you for one year's time. I am pleased that you a kind mistress."

Elaine didn't seem to know how to respond, and neither did I. Elaine just nodded. "Are you not pleased to meet me?" Cassie said in a concerned tone.

"I imagine she is just overwhelmed." I said. "You seem different though. At least from mine."

Cassie looked at me and then Elaine, who had backed away slightly. Cassie looked back at me. "Why have you brought her here?"

"Time to come clean, is it?" Cassie nodded her head. "I brought her here so she would not make the same mistakes that I have. And to have her understand what you are and where her anger goes. Problem?"

"Merely curious."

"I see." I stroked my beard. "Well to be honest, I didn't really even know you were actually here. But, I got what I wanted. You ready to go, sister of mine?"

Elaine looked at Cassie, who tilted her head. "Yes, I think I am."

"Fare thee well then, Cassie."

"I hope to see you again, Mistress."

I ended the spell before Elaine could respond.





"You okay sis? You're looking a bit pale." Elaine was sitting down on the path, shaking slightly. "Elaine?" I walked over to her with a concerned look on my face. "Elaine, answer me. You alright?"

"I have a demon living inside of me!" She snapped. "How can I be alright!!"

"Calm down!" I yelled back. Having an intimidating effect on Elaine. "Like I said before, many, if not all, people have a demon inside of them. Few find out, and fewer are controlled by them. This won't effect your life in any negative way!" I sat down next to her, and gave her a hug. "You don't have anything to worry about, okay? You can trust me on that."

I managed to get her back on her feet, and we started walking again. "When did you find out about yours?" Elaine asked after a couple minutes.

I sighed and looked up at the canopy in thought. "I think it was about half way through middle school?" I thought a bit more. "Yeah, that's when everything got weird." Elaine threw me a questioning look. "Blackouts, not remembering acts of violence, that sort of thing."

"Can I see it?" Elaine asked out of nowhere.

"See what? My demon?" Elaine nodded her head. I frowned. "Are you sure? If you think Gloomy Town is cringe-worthy, he is a lot worse." I looked over at her. "In fact, I don't think you know what you are asking of me."

"It can't be that bad, right?" I gave a short laugh at that.

"Yeah, right. I don't think you're ready to see him yet. You can hardly deal with your own." I said a bit harshly and looked forward. Suddenly Elaine grabbed my arm, and spun me around. Once I was facing her, she tore off my eyepatch and looked into my eyes.

We were teleported into a dark room. With hardly any light. "Where are we?" Elaine asked with a shaky voice.

I glanced at her with a fierce glare that seemed to scared her even more then the room did. I said nothing and softened the expression on my face. I sighed and snapped my fingers. The lights came on and I could tell that Elaine wished they hadn't. The walls looked like they were made of flesh, and they were stained with what looked to be blood. There were cells to the left of us, which also looked bloody. And what looked to be an operating table in the center of the room. With a body on it. I felt my eye start to bleed, and looked at Elaine.

She began to walk forward, but I put a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. I started to walk towards the body, until it moved. I stopped dead in my tracks, and took on my battle stance. The body sat up and turned its head towards Elaine. And what she saw was pure nightmare fuel. While one eye was still in it's socket, while the other one was hanging from it's. He had no nose, and he was missing most of his face. As for his skin, it looked like it was constantly melting. And bits of bone were showing through in places. He rolled off of the table and landed with a sickening crunch. He started laughing hysterically and began to crawl towards Elaine.

Suddenly he was gone. I frantically looked around, but couldn't find him. Elaine looked at me to find me mouthing 'Don't move' to her. Then he touched her shoulder. She looked terrified and her breaths were shaky. She swallowed the lump that was sure to be in her throat, and looked over. She found a decayed hand on her shoulder. Then she heard his voice. It was scratchy and dry. And what he said scared her a hundred times more then Gloomy Town could ever scare her. "Freeeesssshhhh meeeeeaaaat."

Elaine let out a blood curdling scream and ran over to me. She tried hiding behind me, but I wasn't letting her. I grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled into a hug. "I told you that you weren't ready." I said with a voice that I hoped would comfort her. I looked at where the zombiefied demon was. And he wasn't there. Elaine began shaking more violently. "Elaine?" I looked at her and saw that her eyes were wide, and that she was crying.

I stomped my right foot and a large hooked chain shot up from the floor and wrapped around him. The chain threw him onto the table in the middle of the room, and receded back into the floor. Ezekiel stopped moving and I closed my eye.

Now back in the real world, I grabbed Elaine by the shoulders and held her. "Calm down! We're safe now, we're safe."

Elaine lunged forward and latched onto me. "I'm sorry!!" She repeated over and over again, crying. It tore me up seeing her like this. "It's okay." I said. "We're fine now, let's get you home." But it was like she didn't hear me. She kept repeating 'I'm sorry' over and over. I felt a tear roll down my cheek and knocked her out. I reached up to dry my eyes and my hand was covered in blood. My left eye has been bleeding this whole time. 
> Chapter Eight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Elaine's POV


I woke up gasping for air, and heard a howl next to the bed. I nearly jumped out of the bed because of it. I looked over and saw Sparky looking at me, whimpering. Wait... A bed? I don't remember falling asleep on a... I don't remember falling asleep at all actually! What happened!? Seth walked in rubbing his eyes. It looked like he hasn't gone to sleep yet. I looked out of the window, and saw that it was still day time.

"It's about four, in case you were wondering." He said as he walked closer. He sat down on the bed. "You better now?"

I sat up and nodded my head, which was a mistake. "Except for this headache, I'm fine." I looked over at him. "What happened to me?"

He scratched the back of his head. "Well, you were acting like a crazy person, and I had to knock you out. Probably why you have a headache..."

"You what!?" I shouted.

"I tried talking to you but it was like you lost in your own little world, saying 'I'm sorry' over and over again." He stood up. "That was all I could do! So please, don't yell at me."

"Sorry."

He sighed. "It's fine, just... Don't say that again for at least a day. At least not to me." I just nodded my head. "Good. I have Twilight coming over to take a look at you, just to make sure there's no mental damage but... I'm glad you're feeling well." He yawned. "I'm going back to bed, Twilight should be here within the next five minutes or so." He started to leave.

"Wait." I said. "Do you want me to let her in?"

"No, she told me that you 'Were under no circumstances, allowed to leave your bed.' She nearly yelled it at me." He shook his head. "But no, either Sparky will let her in, or she'll let herself in. Doesn't matter to me. Sleepy time for me now, wake me up in two hours, okay?"

"Okay." And he left. Sparky followed him out as well, and left me alone. I sighed and laid back down, trying to figure out what to think of this new world.

"Do you not remember anything, mistress?" I suddenly heard a voice, which made me sit up again. "Do not be frightened, it is just me."

"Cassie?"

"Yes mistress."

I rubbed my temples. "Could you please not call me that?"

"What may I call you then?" She asked.

"By my name maybe?"

"Are you sure that's okay?" I just sighed and held my head.

"Nevermind, just do what you wish..."

"Do not worry about this strange world, young mistress. I am sure that your brother can guide you." She said with was an attempt t reassurance.

There was a pause. "I'm not sure I can trust him though..."

"Why not? He is you family, is he not?"

"He is, but he's not like what I expected."

"And? What did you?"

"I don't know not some... Zombie fucker. Necrophilia and bestiality at same time? What kind of creep is he?"

Cassie hummed in thought. "Maybe you have learned too much, too soon. I am sure your brother is trustworthy."

"Is he?" I scoffed at that. "How can you be sure?"

"I can sense it." There was a pause. "The one called Twilight is here, but before I silence myself, may I tell you something?"

"Sure..."

"Do not be so judgmental. You don't know what he has been through to change him so drastically. Talk to him and hear his stories, before acting like your mother."

"What did you just say!?" But there was no response. I'm not acting like mom, am I? Before I could think about that any longer, Twilight walked into the room.

"Hello, Elaine." She greeted warmly. "Seth told me what happened, are you feeling okay?" I nodded my head. "I see. I would like to run some tests."

"Are you a doctor?" I replied in a rude tone.

Twilight took a step back. "Well... no, but I-"

"Twilight just do the tests!!" Seth yelled from the other room. "Elaine, quit being a fuckin' baby and let her! You two are being too loud, and I'm trying to FUCKING SLEEP!!!"

Twilight used her magic(?) to quietly close the door. She chuckled nervously. "Now then, shall we?"

"...Fine..." Twilight's horn lit up, and then so did I. "Is this safe?" I asked.

"Yes, I have had to act as a medic a few times. I have cast this spell on Seth many more times then I would like to admit."

I looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Medic?"

She nodded her head. "I've had to go out on missions with him, and... Well, he can be clumsy sometimes." She chuckled. "That's not the only reason though." I was going to ask a question, but a full diagram of the human body appeared above me. "Princess Celestia has sent him off on a few dangerous missions," She continued. "And sometimes he would come back a bloody mess."

My eyes widened. "So, he's-"

"Unstoppable? No, but he might like you to think that." She shook her head with a frown. "Undead? Yes. A jerk? Sometimes. A good friend? Most days. But not unstoppable." She sighed. "Through his career, so far, he has been on forty missions in total. Twenty of those were standard Over-Watch missions, protecting my friends and I. Ten are classified, and the other ten myself, or one of my friends, joined him on. Ten out of those forty he's come home injured. And he's come close to dying on the remaining five." Twilight lightly shook her head and looked at the diagram. "Hmm...It seems there are blank spaces that need filled in, but that can wait." There was a pause. "It seems like you're alright. No trauma of any kind! But I do recommend some rest, though." The diagram disappeared, and she looked at me with a smile.

I nodded and sat up. "You said you joined him on ten missions, and on fifteen he was injured or worse?"

Her ears went back as she sighed. "How many were I apart of?" I nodded. "Only five. But I joined him on the one where he almost died."

Seth almost died? "What happened?"

She looked down at the ground. "I don't like to talk about it, but he was probably going to tell you anyway." She sighed. "It was actually our first mission together, long before I became a princess. We were sent to the Badlands to investigate a new Changeling Hive. Everything was going well, and what intel we had was correct. We were investigating after all, so we didn't have much." She paused and I remained silent. After a few seconds she continued. "They were extremely hostile. As soon as we told them who we were, they swarmed us. We fought for so long that Seth ran out of ammunition, and had to switch to his knife. By that time, I had already tapped into my magic reserves. And I was running out, fast. We got separated, and I got outnumbered.

"By that point my magic reserves were empty, and I was getting beat up pretty bad. I'm not really a hoof-to-hoof combat type of pony, being a unicorn and all. I called for help, and there was this massive roar. I thought it was another enemy, but then Seth barreled through them and stood over me."

"He protected you..."

She nodded her head. "Long enough for me to regain enough magic to teleport out of there. And that took fifteen minutes." She held up a hoof to stop me when I opened my mouth. "I know it doesn't sound like long, but it was intense. Intense, stationary fighting. The last thing I saw before I retreated, was the Hive's Queen behind him."

"You just left him there?!"

She shook her head with a stern expression on her face. "I would never!!" She yelled, causing my to wince. "Besides, He would have killed me if I had. No, as soon as I was able, I provided sniper support for him. I kept the Changelings from getting to him while he battled the Queen. He had to use some pretty crude and desperate strategies." She saw my questioning stare. "Throwing sand in they're eyes and others, but they started using countermeasures. He got angry and won the battle. He killed all of the drones, he spared some of the females or so he tells me. But the last time we went there, the remaining all starved to death..." She shook her head. "Anyway, Seth collapsed and I teleported over to him, and... From everything I have learned, he really should have died while has was protecting me. The stab wounds, magical injuries, the blood loss! There is absolutely no reason he should be alive today. That's the first time I had to act as a medic."

"How did he win?" I couldn't help but ask.

Twilight winced at the question. "He... ripped the Queen's head off." I felt my eyes widen. "He broke the exoskeleton around her neck, grabbed her horn and an ear, and just started pulling. He didn't stop until muscle and tissue tore away and the spine snapped. All the while have spells being thrown at him and being stabbed with horns, on top of all of his other injuries..." She shook her head. "That's the mission where he almost and should have died on." She sighed and smiled. "But I'm glad he didn't, I don't know what I would have done if he did." There was a long awkward silence for awhile after she told her story. Twilight suddenly  took a deep breath and looked up. "But the true miracle is: Seth still likes Changelings."

"Even after all that?!" Twilight nodded her head. "How?!?!"

"I honestly don't know. Us ponies hated them for invading Canterlot, and we didn't see that type of hostility! Not even anywhere close. And yet Seth recovers and is released from the hospital, and the first thing he does is go to our Changelings friends' house and hangs out with them for an hour!" She shook her head with a sigh. "Anyway, you need rest. Try to take a nap and I'll be back to check on you in an hour, okay?" I just nodded my head. "Great! See you then!"






Seth's POV


I woke up to the front door closing. I groaned as I got out of bed. I opened my door and walked into the kitchen. After drinking a cup of water, I walked back towards my room. I heard talking from Elaine's room, so I went over to the door and knocked. "Come in." A tired voice said. I opened the door and walked in, Twilight was having Elaine fill in the blanks on the medical diagram.

"Having fun?" I asked with a small grin on my face.

"Just finishing up, actually." Twilight said and turned to me. "Why are you awake? It's only been two hours."

I shrugged. "I don't know, but it doesn't matter." I gestured to Elaine. "How is she?"

"Why don't you just ask me yourself?" Elaine said in an annoyed tone.

I raised an eyebrow at the tone, but didn't say anything. Twilight cleared her throat. "She fine. Everything looks perfectly normal as far as I can tell."

"Hospital?"

She shook her. "No, she's fine to walk around."

"Cool. Thanks Twilight."

She nodded her head. "No problem. I have to go, will you be visiting when you give her the tour?"

I nodded my head. "Probably."

She smiled. "See you then!" And she left. I turned towards Elaine.

"I'm going to make a few sandwiches, eat, and then we can leave afterwards. Is that okay with you?"

She nodded her head. "Where are we going to first?"

"Match and Ganger's house." I said as I left and walked toward the kitchen. I hope it goes well.