> To hide from your friends among your friends > by QuickType > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Escape to Glorious Freedom > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “YOU are slave! You mine for us!” Jack watched as Piper was struck by the beating stick, her once blonde hair stained with dirt and blood and her once flawless skin now pale and covered with various cuts, dirt and grime. Their masters where a pack of what Jack came to know a diamond dogs, two were holding him down as he watched Piper get struck a second time. “LEAVE HER ALONE!”. He yelled his pale skin dirty from the mine, his black hair in clumps from not washing it. Both of then were 17, trapped in the same world together, the only ones of their kind, and in love. Jack broke free of the Diamond Dogs grip and tried to reach his love but the metal collar around his neck with a chain mounted to the floor stopped him. The commotion caused the whole cavern mine to stop and stare up at the event unfolding, but only for a moment, whips cracked and screams where heard and they started working once more. He pulled and pulled at the chain, he found he had more strength than a normal human, the first month here and he had managed to break it. But they replaced his Collar and chain with ones that were a bit thicker and glowed occasionally. The chain groaned and squeaked under the pressure. “AAAAAGGGGGG!!!!” he yelled trying to reach her, but could only watch helplessly as the stick came down over and over again hitting her over and over making her scream in pain. There was an audible crack from behind followed by blackness. ===================================================================== Jack awoke to the coldness of the mine and to the familiar sound of pickaxes. The mine was far from dark due to the fact the ore, gems and torches glowed brightly. He lay there for a couple of minutes allowing himself the precious resource of rest. he fell asleep for about a minute until he was awoken by the sound of screaming children. “You! Big Strong! Get up!” A Dog screeched at him before kicking him. The diamond dogs looked like gray short haired dogs but they stood on two legs, they had four fingered hands including thumbs, wore clothing and had a bigger jaw then the usual bipedal dogs causing their speech to sound like shrieking most of the time. Jack picked himself up to see the children he heard, being chained to the station next to him. As far as he was aware there were four sentient races ruled this earth that weren't human. Ponies, Dogs, Griffins, and Dragons. The ponies and the Dogs were the only ones to have sub races the ponies having Unicorn, Pegasus, Earth, Bat, and Changeling. The Dogs have many but the only ones Jack and Piper have met where the Diamond dogs and the Golden dogs which also worked in the mines with them. But the children were ponies three fillies, they didn't even with their Cutiemarks yet. Cutiemarks, as Jack and Piper learned showed a ponies special talent. He picked up his pick and started to mine as the fillies complained, they were silenced by a crack of a wip above their heads and with tears they slowly started mining at the wall to. To his left was Crunch (Changeling), and Mandy (Golden Dog), friends he had made during the past year he and Piper were here. “Jack, could you give the newbies the introduction please?” Mandy asked in her sweet voice. Jack turned to the fillys “Ok, my name is Jack and welcome to the mine. What are your names? “ They seemed a bit afraid of him. “Hey its ok, we are all friends here.” “My Name is Scootaloo” the dark orange one said. “I like your Purple hair” Jack said as he swung his pick at some diamonds breaking them off with ease. “Um, thanks?” Scootaloo said “This is Sweetiebelle her mane is usually a mix of pink and lighter pink but she fell in some mud.” She said nodding towards the white unicorn who was sobbing as she worked. “Ok, and who is that?” Jack pointed towards a yellow earth pony with a red mane. “Thats Applebloom.” “Howdy” Apple bloom said before focusing on the task at hand. “So do you have loved ones?” He asked “Yes, and they know the princess personally” Scootaloo said “Did they witness you being taken?” “Sure they did!” Applebloom said “We were at ma farm, brad daylight I think a good 12 ponies saw them.” “So they are going to rescue you?” “Yup!” all three said. Jack and the fillies quickly went back to work as the guard passed. "Well welcome to the mine anyway kids, this pale skinned blue-black haired boy here is the only male of his kind here, and the long haired one on the ground over there is Piper." Crunch said in his rough voice, he was bacicly a father figure to most of the young miners he was as strong as Jack was perhaps even stronger, earning him respect. Then Piper started screaming. Jack turned around to see her on the ground curled in a ball with bulges coming out of her sweatshirt. then Jack felt a pain in his back it felt as if some thing was clawing its way out. The pain was so great he fell to the ground with his vision going red, after two very large ripping noises the pain stopped. Jack felt....more, on his back, he looked behind him and saw large white feathers, looking at Piper he saw she had wings as well. Thats when the real commotion began, there was shouting at the other end of the mine and sounds of cheering and fighting. With the guard distracted Jack swung the pick axe and knocked out the guard, took the keys and unlocked himself. He ran over to Piper and unlocked her as well as kissing her, before going over to Mandy and Crunch and freeing them as well. The fillies were freed next . “Go find your families, don't tell them about us.” “But why Jack?” Applebloom asked “I dont want to be known just yet, only rumors and occasional sightings will suffice.” “Oh, ok?” Applebloom said more confused then ever. Jack turned to Crunch and Mandy “Do you want to come with us?” Mandy’s ears perked up “As long as we bring Max.” “Wouldn't dream of leaving him behind!” Piper said “Ill come too , someone needs to keep you kids in line." Crunch said. Jack flew over with surprising ease, to Max (golden dog) who was chained to a cart, he unlocked the chains around his ankles “Come on!” Jack yelled over the noise. “We need to get back to the others.” before grabbing Max in a hug and flying back to Piper and their friends. Mandy and Max started kissing as soon as they saw each other. The commotion was rising as what was obviously the royal army was freeing prisoners they looked over the edge of the tunnel and their suspicions were confirmed. “So whats the plan?” Max asked after breaking from the kiss. “Well we need weapons if we are going to survive, so lets go to the armory!” Jack said pointing up a shaft. The odd group of friends started running through the tunnel and up a flight of stairs which led to a wooden door. the door opened wide to an armory of loot. They went to work, grabbing backpacks and filling them with knives and the only food in there loafs of stale bread. When Jack made a remarkable discovery twin swords, their origin was easily recognizable they were Katanas, Scooping them up Jack handed one to Piper after they put them on their belts Jack noticed one more piece of weaponry they couldn't leave without. A compound crossbow with a bag of bolts and wax. Jack gave the bags to Max to hold with his stuff “Are we all ready?” Mandy asked. “I think so did everyone grab what they wanted?” “YUP.” they all said in unison. Suddenly a Dimond dog came barging into the armory trying to find a wepion, in a flash Jack pulled out his new sword and cut his stomach open on the spot and left him to bleed on the floor gurgling blood in agony. The others compleately unmoved by this put on their back packs and sattle bag. “Alright, lets fly” Jack said as they ran out the other side of the armory into the commotion below. Looking up they saw that the dragons made a hole in the roof of the cave making a way out. “Piper lets go.” Jack said as he grabbed Max and started taking off. Piper grabbed Mandy and started following with Crunch close behind. Flying came as easy as walking, the equipment did not put any strain on their wings whatsoever. They where free. ===================================================================== Shining armor looked up and saw the odd group, shocked by what he saw he quickly drew a sketch of the creatures in his notebook, and was amazed as with one gigantic flap of their wings they soared out of the cavern. > Shit Happens. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==========================Chapter 2=================================== “This way, there is a old dragons cave over there at the top of that mountain. Its Overlooking a town called Ponyville.” Crunch said souring in front of them. After about 20 minutes of flying they landed at the cliff outside the cave. The town below was about a 5 miles from the base of the mountain. “Ok, am I the only one who is cool with the wings?” Jack said folding and unfolding his wings slowly. “It feels natural, but why did it happen?” Piper asked stroking a wing softly. “Magic?” Max suggested. “Who cares why it happened, I am just glad it did!” Jack said with a large grin. “I dont think Ive seen you smile that big since you kicked that guard in the groin.” Mandy said The company laughed at the memory. “Enough chit chat we need to move in” Crunch said Stepping into the cave they noticed the dragon that lived there had left a note in the floor near the entrance. ‘I leave part of my horde here as a gift for those brave enough to venture here, to my old home.-Leomaris the red’ There was a huge pile of bits, gold bars, gems, and other treasures, near a wall in the back of the cave. “Woo! we are RICH!” Piper screamed Jack and Max climbed to the top of the pile of cash, hooked arms and started dancing a jig on top of the gold. “Hey guys! look what I found!” Mandy said as she stuck her head out of a large crack in the back of the cave, by the Horde pile. Jack and Max hopped down and followed Piper and Mandy into the crack. Before Jack went in he turned around, “Hey Crunch? You coming?” he asked. Crunch sat facing away from him and said “You have fun, Ill keep watch.” “Ok then, your loss.” Jack said before turning and heading into the crack. Inside was amazing, there were glowing mushrooms lighting the whole area in a dim light and in The center of the room was a hot spring, steaming and warm. “by the look of it the water comes from that river we saw running thru the town. It runs under the mountain where it is heated and brought up here and then it flows thru that hole in the wall there to form another river” Piper said “So the water is constantly refreshing itself?” Max asked “You got it biscuits” Mandy said as she gave Max a big kiss on the cheek “Ha!” Jack said “She called you biscuits!” “I keep forgetting, I am the only mature adult here.” Crunch said poking his head in, his blue bug eyes slightly glowing in the dark. “Crunch how old are you again?” Jack asked “47 years old” Crunch said “What time is it?” Piper asked “Based on how the sun is lowering. I say its about 7 pm” Crunch said. Piper yawned “Its time to sleep, after all those hours working in the mine I am surprised we managed to do all that.” “I guess it was adrenaline and the excitement I am starting to feel it to.” Jack stretched “I guess we can just sleep in here, its warm and dark” He said as he layed down on the dirt and stone of the cave. “Tomorrow I am going to go get us some pelts to sleep on” he said as he slowly drifted off to sleep. Piper layed next to him and also quickly fell asleep as well. “I'll take watch” Crunch said as he left the spring leaving Max and Mandy alone with the two sleeping humans. They went over to the opposite side of the cave then their friends and quietly started talking. “So Jack told me that they have dogs where he and Piper come from.” Mandy said “Really? Do they talk like us?” Max asked “No, you know the ancestral dogs that ponies use as pets?.” she said “Ya” “Thats all they have” “No way…” “He said that our kind reminds him of some pets like those he used to have, due to our long fur and golden color” She said with giggle They started to laugh “HAHA! To think we have ancestor like beings in another world!” He said “Could you keep it down?” a groggy voice came from the other side of the room. “Sorry” they both said in unison and giggled afterword. “Good night Max.” Mandy said “Goodnight Mandy” Max returned. =========================thenextmorning=============================== Jack woke up in the dimly lit cavern next to his beloved. With a stretch he went to see if the sun was up. Climbing out of the crack he saw Crunch sitting in the middle of the cave. “Good morning young one.” Crunch said with no emotion in his voice “Where are you going?” “Maybe cause some trouble, get a pelt for sleeping on.” “Have fun, make sure you aren't followed back.” he said as Jack grabbed the crossbow, some bolts, he also grabbed some gold and a loaf of bread. He fastened his katana to his belt. slung the CB to his back in a way so it wouldn't interfere with his wings, walked to the edge of the cliff and jumped. Using his wings to swoop up into a glide he soured over to the town eating the bread as he glided. Dropping low to the ground to avoid being seen by the citizens ‘ I need a map’ he thought to himself he brought himself to one of the houses and looked into the 2nd story window. On the wall was a map of the surrounding area and a map of what looked like the town. ‘ Well that is convenient.’ he thought as he slowly opened the window and crawled inside. There was nobody in the room so he took the map off the wall and put some gold on the floor and exited the house. ‘ now lets see’ He thought as he pulled up the MAP(map not final). Jack decided to fly into the Everfree forest to go hunting. Taking off he swore he heard a gasp from some were. Ignoring it he flew to the direction of the school. Flying over he saw foals walking to school, three of them where looking up at him and waving. Jack recognized them as Scootaloo and friends and waved back before hang a left and diving into the forest. ==============================Piper============================== Piper woke up an hour after Jack left. She left the crack to see Her friends sitting and munching on bread “Good morning.” Mandy said as before she took a bite of bread. “Morning” Piper respond “what time is it?” “Just after 9” Crunch replied before tossing her a loaf of bread “Where is Jack?” she said as she clipped her sword to her belt. “He went hunting” Crunch responded as he turned his head to the mouth of the cave“I hope he doesn't give our position away.” “Which direction did he go?” Piper asked as she stepped out of the cave. “Towards the forest” Crunch said “Thanks papa Crunch!” she said before taking off as she bit off a bit of bread. Piper heard the dogs laughing as he started to take off followed by Crunch saying. “I am the oldest here! and you kids need a father figure!” Piper fully agreed. ============================Rainbow dash============================ Rainbow cursed under her breath her light blue coat and wings and rainbow mane with a cloud rainbow lightning cutie mark did not help her stay stealthy, but she had been following this strange creature for an hour now through the forest and it hadn't noticed her yet. ‘He must not be too dangerous the crusaders know him.' Thats when she heard a roar. ===========================Jack================================== The loud roar almost startled Jack , he quickly unlocked the safety on his bow as he walked into a clearing. ‘Finally after an hour, something.’ He thought as he saw a giant shadow appear on the other side of the clearing. =============================Rainbow================================= ‘Oh, Celestia! that thing is going to be slaughtered by that manticore!’ Rainbow thought as she watched. ===============================Jack================================== Jack watched as a manticore appeared in front of him +ROAR+ It was loud and big, it could easily fit all five of them with room to spare. “Come to papa!” Jack yelled a bit nervous at the monsters big size. It was easily comparable to a teenage dragon. He raised the CB and aimed for its head as the creature started charging straight towards him. He pulled the trigger and sent the bolt flying. and watched as it sprouted right in its left eye up to the feathers on the arrow. The Manticore roared even louder, but halted its attack and watched him with its remaining eye with absolute hate. Jack clipped the CB to his back and drew the sword and screamed “FOR SLEEP!” and charged. The Manticore stood on its back pawn and readied its paws to swipe at him, but Jack pushed himself forward at an incredible speed and stabbed the mammoth of the manticore in the heart. The manticore fell to the side and died as it hit the ground. He pulled his sword out of the beast, stood on top of his kill fully extended his wings pointed his still bloody sword in the air and said “I am Jack! Slayer of beasts!” looking down at the now dead monster. “Sorry, But Ive got a family to feed and we need something soft to sleep on.” Cleaning the blade on its fur he sheathed it and said “ We thank you for your sacrifice.” He laughed a mocking laugh as he tried to take off with his kill only to find it was to heavy for him to take off with it more than a few feet off the ground. Dropping it with a thud he sat down on the soft furry body and thought for a moment. “I guess I could gut it right here, but ill need a smaller knife…..I could ask Piper if she wants to help me carry this...looks like I am running home.” ===========================Piper================================== After flying over what looked like a school. Piper heard a roar over to her left so she started heading in that direction. ==========================Rainbow================================ Rainbow dash sat there mouth gaping in complete shock! ‘Gotta tell twilight! She’ll know what to do.’ She was about to take off when she heard a voice from above. ===========================Jack====================================== “JACK!” Jack heard from above. looking up he saw Piper was descending down to meet him. “Woah! Did you kill this thing yourself?” “Sure did!” Jack said as he took off in a hoover to meet Piper in the air. “let me guess.. you need help gutting it?” Piper asked Jack was at a loss, truthfully he did not know how to properly clean kills, he usually had his friends do it for him. “Yes..” He sighed in defeat. “help me push it on to its back” Piper asked as she landed and got ready to push. “Wait, It has a scorpion tail, we should cut it off” Rolling her eyes Piper drew her sword and swiftly cut off the tail and threw it away. “Anything else?” “It has wings?” Jack said shrugging. There was a sudden rustle in a tree as a brightly colored pony quickly flew out of it. “Dang” they both said at the same time. “Papa Crunch is going to kill us.” Piper said with disappointment “Papa Crunch?” =========================Twilight================================= Twilight woke up and started making her morning coffee, like usual. Spike her baby dragon assistent came down stairs and said “ Hey, Twilight I have a question?” “Yes spike?” “Why am I purple with green back scales?” Does it have anything to do with your coat being purple? or your mane having those pink stripes in it or your star like cutie mark?” “No…” Twilight sighed “why do you ask?” Spike shrugged “No reason, Just thought id ask.” Twilight took a sip of her coffee,as there was knock at a the door. She walked over to find it was Derpy the gray coated and yellow mained, bubble Cutie Marked mailmare, with a letter from Twilights brother Shining armor. “A handsome white stallion with blue hair gave me this and told me to deliver this to you.” Derpy said before dropping the parchment and taking off to deliver more mail. Closing the door she quickly read the letter that came with the rough sketch of two creatures ‘Dear,Twilight We recently liberated a diamond dog slave mine and noticed these creatures flying out a hole a dragon made in the roof, If you or your friends see one of them tell the princess immediately, One has golden hair and the other has hair that is black, both have white wings. We will dispatch troops to you if you see them. - Shining ‘ with his cutie mark of a shield with a star in the middle. There came rapid knocking at the door once again. “Coming!” Twilight called. When she opened the door she saw Rainbow with a panicked look on her face. “Look, Everfree, Creatures, manticore, kill.” She panted. “Ok,Dash slow down and tell me what happened.” Dash quickly explained what happened, while Twilight wrote every word down. and sent it to the princess. “Now what?” Dash asked. “We watch the forest for them to leave.” So the two friends sat and watched the forest from Twilights roof. After 20 minutes they say saw the two winged beings carrying the corpse of the manticore over to the mountain range where their yellow and pink, shy, friend Fluttershy yelled at a dragon that decided to live there. 30 minutes after seeing this, Princess Celestia,Luna, Cadance and Shining armor with two 10 pony teams of guards arrived. “Where are they?” Shining asked “Over near the mountain where the sleeping dragon was.” Twilight replied Then the squadron took off with Shining in a chariot towards the mountain. ===========================Jack==================================== “We were spotted…” Jack said in a sad voice. He and Piper standing next to each other in front of Papa Crunch. Crunch frowned "what was the one thing I told you not to do?" "Don't give our position away." They both said. As they hung their heads in shame. "You are all lucky, I happen to know a lot about illusion magic." He sighed "As the leader of this little family punishment will happen later, but for now push the manticore body behind the gold and get behind the gold with the body, I am going to make us look like rocks." "Yes, Papa" the four teens said at the same time trying not to laugh. They did as told and Crunch flew over them and with a glow of his black horn cast the spell on himself and his 'children' just in time for 3 guards to peek into the cave. Everyone held their breath as the guards passed by them and were completely oblivious crack in the wall leading to the hot spring. "Report!" A strong young voice came from the entrance. "All clear ,sir!" One of the soldiers called back. " They must have made their home somewhere over the mountain, move out!” A voice came outside “Sir! A local dragon says he saw them flying into the everfree forest.” “How recently?” “About an hour ago, Sir.” “If these creatures are strong to take out a manticore within a minute with just a sword, they could take out a town like ponyville in ten, we need to capture them immediately.” ===============================Fluttershy========================== Fluttershy was in the middle of feeding her friend Mr.Bear, when Twilight showed up. “Oh, hello Twilight, what can I help you with?” she said in her usual soft voice. “Good afternoon Fluttershy, we could really use your talent now.” Twilight said. “Goodness what happened?” Twilight quickly explained what her brother and Rainbowdash saw. “That isn't good…” Fluttershy said “I know, I was going to go talk to our Zebra friend.” “Zecora?” “Yes.” “You want my help to go, Incase you run into one?’ “Thats the plan.” Twilight said with a smile. “Ill be happy to help.” ================================Jack================================= They waited for 20 min. after the guards left the cave to be sure. “I think we are good.” Crunch said dropping the illusion. All of them sighed in relief. “Now don't forget about your punishment.” Jack and Piper tenced. “Piper you are going to be cooking for the next 2 weeks after today, Jack you are on ingredient duty, there is a potion maker in the everfree. You must find her and tell her ‘Crunch wishes to untaint his lunch.’ then ask her to show you how to make the manticore anti venom, gather the ingredients and bring some here…and leave your crossbow here.” “AWWWW” they both moaned. ‘I'll go now.” Jack said as he put the crossbow on the loot pile and picked up a small dagger in its place. “Please be careful, Jack” Crunch said as Jack started to take off. “Yes, Papa Crunch.” He said with a smirk. As he flew by what map claimed to be a library Jack gained a shadow, one of the guards. “Halt!” He shouted. Jack thrust up his wings applying ‘the brakes’ and the guard zoomed by next to him, not before receiving a swift round house kick to the gut. He watched as the guard slowly drifted down to the ground. He did not want to kill anypony, but that doesn't mean he couldn't knock them around abit. He thrust himself towards the everfree treeline and started scanning for this potion makers hut. ==============================Shining============================ One of his elite Pegasus guards entered the library gasping. “Whats wrong.?” “Enemy spoted Mams and Sir” He said soluting. “And you let him escape?” Shining asked. “No Sir, I presuied and ordered it to stop.” “And what happened?” “It stopped immediately, But due to the momentum I couldn't stop as quickly and as I passed, it kicked me in the weak spot of my armor, resulting in me having to land, then it proceeded into the everfree, Sir.” “Feel free to take a break, you have earned it.” “Thank you sir.” The guard soluted once again and left. “It seems to be interested in the everfree.” The white alicorn said her light rainbow mane flowing on some unforeseen wind. “I agree sister.” A dark colored alicorn said her mane looked as if there were stars in the night sky. The pink alicorn named Cadence with streak of yellow in her pink hair stayed silent and stood next to Shining “Celestia, Luna” Shining said. “Yes?” Celestia said in a motherly tone. “That was my best guard, he was sitting on top of this library.” “Curses, Sister it was right above us and we missed it.” Luna complained “If its in the everfree, I wish for Twilight’s safety” =================================Jack================================= After a good 20 min of searching Jack found the hut. Landing in front of the tree hut, He folded his wings and knocked on the door. “You come as suddenly as a breeze , one moment please.” a voice came from inside ‘I hope she doesn't rhyme the entire time’ Jack thought then laughed as he realized he also rymed. “Come in come in, so youre lessons may begin.” Jack opened the door and walked in. "Oh, this may seem silly, but I was expecting a filly." " I need you're help" "Then tell me with speed, what do you need?" "Crunch wishes to untaint his lunch, I need manticore antivenom." He said " Then let us not waste time, come inside and I will teach you how to make the slime!" Jack stepped into the shack, and was greeted to smells of random nature. "You already have the first item on your trail, manticore tail." She said as she nodded to the tail Piper cut off resting on the wall. " how long until it expires and I need to get another?" " This potion is not a race, we use the venom as a base." Jack was getting really tired of the rhymes. " where is the next ingredient?" "The next ingredient is in the front of the forest, it is mostly picked by brave tourists. You might take its white hint with a bluish tint." He nodded " be right back" He walked outside of the shack and took off jogging down the path. ≠=====================================Twilight ============================== Twilight walked down the path to zecora's with fluttershy. "We are now entering mantacore cockotrace territory Twilight, so keep your guard up." They heard a scream up ahead. "Who else is in the forest fluttershy?" " What is today?" "Friday" Fluttershys eyes widened and her peuples shrunk. "Applebloom goes to Zecora's on Friday!" They saw a clearing ahead, and they started running. ============================Jack================= Hearing a scream he started running towards the noise ,just in time to see a cockotrace turning applebloom to stone. Enraged he quickly flew over to the cockatrice and grabbed it by the neck. "CHANGE HER BACK!" =======Twilight==== They stopped and watched the cockitrace Finnish its spell, they were about to confront the monster when they saw the winged being come out at an alarming speed and grab the cockatrace and start yelling. =======Jack===== "If you don't change her back." John slowly drew the dagger on his belt. "I am going to start cutting, slowly" He said slightly pressing the tip on its belly. The cockitrace staired at the stone filly, and as soon as her color returned, Jack dropped the monster. It wasted no time in running away. Applebloom gasped suddenly as she regained consciousness. "A cockatrice! Oh, hi jack!" The filly said with a smile. Jack put the knife away smiled back "hey Applebloom are you ok? " "Ya I'm fine, I was on my way to Zecora's, I am supposed to bring her some of these flowers." She said before going into her saddle bag and pulling out a white flower that occasionally pulsed blue. "Yes!" Jack said jumping up in the air " Zecora sent me to find some as well. You have just saved me a trip." He said smiling . "Common let's go tell her what happened." Applebloom's face brightened. "Can we fly there?" Jack thought of the guards that might be patrolling around looking for him. " let me check for guards, be right back." He said before quickly flying up to scan the sky. After seeing nothing but sky and clouds he went back down to join Applebloom. " I think we are good... so sure! Let's fly!" Jack grabbed Applebloom in a hug and took off back to Zecora. ====Twilight==== They watched as the creature named Jack took off with Applebloom. Twilight sat there with a shocked look on her face, she turned to see Fluttershy smiling . "Aren't you worried? Why are you smiling?" She asked "I am just happy Applebloom has made a new friend." "Ya, a friend who eats mantacores, and stares down cockatrace" "So, should we follow them?" "Of course, we still need to talk to Zecora to see what she knows." ≠===≈========================Jack===================== "WOOOOOOHOOOO!" Applebloom screamed as they flew back. " Why don't you want adults or the princess, finding you?" She asked suddenly. "Well, what does Zecora do when she finds a new plant?" Jack said "She studies it and gives her findings to Twilight, if Twilight needs it." "OK, so what does Twilight do to new animals she finds?" "She has Fluttershy use The Stare to convince them to follow them then she runs tests experiments on them with her machines." "What's the stare?" "Well Fluttershy's special talent is animal care, its represented by three butterflies as her cutie mark. The Stare is something she does to help her convince the more defiant animals to listen." " So what happened to these animals after testing?" "Most are released back into the wild, but some are sent to Canterlot for some reason..." "That's why, I don't want me and my love to be ‘tested’ on...she has gone through enough torchure." They landed at Zecora's as Jack asked one more question. "Where is Canterlot?" "Canterlot is on a castle on a mountainside by ponyville, please come inside we have positions to fill." Zecora said standing at the door. They went inside and Jack and Applebloom told Zecora what happened. "My that was a story to tell, I hope dear Applebloom you are well?" "I am better now thanks to Jack." "Alright what's the next ingredient?" Jack asked "For the next ingredient there will be no evil to thwart, you need some quarts, the mountain where the dragon is shy, because dear Fluttershy said Hi." "So I need to pick up a rock from my cave?" Zecora laughed a bit and said " I was at your cave yesternight, I got enough to my hearts delight." "Is that it?" Zecora nodded and then proceed to put the ingredients into a basin in the middle of the room. The potion in the pot smelled of freshly cooked bacon. "That smells delicious.." "It smells terrible." Applebloom said "This brew is popular with those who eat meat, for them this is a treat." "No wonder ,it smells like freshly cooked meat" Jack said "It wouldn't be your doom if you tried some Applebloom." "Why not." Applebloom said with a shrug "Want to sample, some Jack?" "Sure." He said as he took the small cup Zecora handed him. "Together" Applebloom said. "One" Jack said "Two" Applebloom said "Three" they both said as they took a sip out of their cups. As Zecora expected they both had different reactions. "Blegh!" Applebloom cried John stayed silent but shed a single tear. "What is it Jack?, give my potion some feedback." "It tastes like my grandmother's meat castrol, it was my favorite meal, back when I was home.." "You miss your home don't you." Applebloom said with a sad look in her eyes. "No, only my grandmother, she was the only good thing in my life, other than Piper." After getting 20 large bottles of the stuff Jack prepared to go out the door when he stopped and turned to Zecora and Applebloom. "Please don't tell anypony, I was here, or where I live, even...Twilight was it?" Applebloom nodded "We won't tell anypony you were here." The rhyming zebra nodded "I will not say a word about you." And with that Jack took off back to his cave home. =====Twilight==== They watched as Jack took off from Zecora's and went to the west. Twilight walked up to the door and knocked. "Come in!" Applebloom called out. She opened the door and said "Tell me everything you know on Jack." Applebloom and Zecora both raised their eyebrows and said "Who?" =========Jack======= Jack noticed the sun had moved a bit, the whole adventure took him about an hour. Arriving back at home Crunch greeted him at the mouth of the cave. "Welcome home ,my son" Putting down the bag of potions Jack smiled and said "What's up Pops?" "Did you do as I asked? " "Yes, sir" "Good, now go get a bath with Piper, I'll cure the meat" Jack did a mock salute and walked inside, past the pile of shimmering loot and into the crack in the back. Inside he found everyone's clothing neatly laid out and drying on the warm floor. "Hey Jack" Piper said waving from inside the spring. "Wash your clothes and join us!" She said smiling Jack smiled and got to work. ====Pinkie Pie=== "Hi, I am Pinkie Pie I have dark pink mane a light pink coat,I am an earth pony, my talent is party's represented by three balloons as my cutie mark!" Pinkie pie said "We know who you are darling we've known each other for years." Rarity said "Oh, you are Rarity, you are a white unicorn with a deep bluish purple mane, you're talent is finding gems represented by three diamonds, but you really love is fashion that's why we are here in your shop the carousel boutique .!" "What in tarnation is going on?" "You are Applejack you have an orange coat, blonde mane usually kept in a ponytail and a cowpony hat with three apples representing you're talent of making apples on your farm." Pinkie said "OK bye!" Pinkie said. =======Luna====== Luna was walking down the streets in ponyville. "I remember when manehatten was this small" she said to herself as she watched daily life go about. "Mistress" She turned to see her captain of the royal night guard, Dark Wing. In his black armor as his usual uniform, with a green eye in the middle of his chest plate. "Yes, Captain?" "Sargent gold eye has confirmed the suspects whereabouts, Mistress. Should we attack?" "No, keep on surveillance. And hold deny information to other guards other than the ones you put on said surveillance , also do not tell Celestia or her captain and his day guards, understood?" "Yes mistress, I live to obey." then proceeded to walk down the street Most night guards where bat ponies the rest where ponies a few dragons,and dragon pony hybrids called dronies, The night guard armor is usually a night sky blue and all turns the pony gray for stealth purposes. This was normal in military standards, but to see a bat pony in broad daylight is a rare sight. So some ponies started as Dark walked back down the street. ====Jack==== "Soups on!" Crunch called The four of them stood at the same time. " Oh there is a difference in gender for you." Max said slightly amazed "Of course their is Maxy . Don't you see the boobs on the chest like ours?" Mandy said Jack and Piper blushed and looked at each other then blushed deeper, looked away and covered themselves with their hands and wings and proceed to find their clothes. " Hey our clothes look fixed!" Jack exclaimed There 'clothing' that was once withered from a year in the mine now sat fresh as the day they bought them but with holes in the back where still there so they could fit their wings into the clothing, after quickly putting on their clothing they looked at each other. "We are us again, I guess we were used to the grime and dirt from the mine." Piper said "The water must be magic, and it fixed our clothes for us." Jack said "Weren't we wet a moment ago?" "Must be the water." Max said walking up dry as a bone. "Come on let's eat!" Mandy said running out of the spring back into the main cave. They went over and got golden plates from the loot pile and they filled them with bread and manticore meat. They sat down and began to eat lunch. "So." Max said in between bites "Truth or dare?" "Dare.” Jack said. “I dare you to eat a gold coin” Jack got up and popped a nickle size coin in his mouth and swallowed it whole. “Ok, so Max Truth or Dare?” “Truth.” “What is your opinions on cats?” “Fucken hate them.” Max said with no hesitation ==========================Celestia========================== Celestia already knew what her sister was doing, She knew that Her sister knew where these creatures were and she was going to find out. She sat in her student’s library, and watched as Twilight zipped around the library reading books and connecting dots with a push pin board, string and pictures, all while talking at a million miles an hour. Celestia believed these creatures to be an ancient race known as Humans, based on their description. At one point they were as powerful as the ponies but they were ruthless and aggressive, and had constant wars with the griffons and hippogriff tribes, who are still trying to fight each other to this day. But the humans blew themselves into another dimension with magic, Celestia wanted to know why, and how these humans are back? She had erased all traces to them in the history of equestria, to be sure no pony but specific ones could know. But She wanted to see Twilight figure all out, from the beginning to end. By Twilight Jumping up and down screaming “Yes” over and over again told her that her ever faithful student has figured it out. “Princess, we need to find Lyra!” Celestia remembered Lyra she was a unicorn mare with a mint coat, brilliant cyan mane and tail with a white streak, sunglow eyes, and a cutiemark of a lyre. ================================Lyra================================== Lyra was walking thru the streets of ponyville collecting supplies, She figured out where the winged humans she saw went and decided it would be a good idea to go and further her research by observing how humans naturally behave. She was just leaving the butcher with some fresh meat when she was approached by two princesses and twilight at the sametime “Castle bound gauntlet.” both the princesses said at the same time. Lyra knew what they wanted to talk about based on the code phrase. “I am free to serve my lord, but not on the open road.” this was code for “sure I can talk, but not here.” ============================JACK!!!!============================== The evening was approaching and Max and Jack were sparing outside the cave, while the girls watched. Jack dodged an uppercut and swiftly kicked Max in the side, Max grabbed his foot and swung Jack to the cliff,he slid off and hung on to the edge. “I think Max won that.” Jack said admitting defeat climbing back up. Max and Jack shook hands, they went inside as the sun fully set. Crunch lit the fire pit that they had dug in the center of the cave, Jack sat next to Piper and wraped a wing and an arm around her, they kissed and sat there in front of the fire on a stone bench. " Good job on this benches." he said to Max. "Well what do you think me and Mandy did here all day? We dug out rooms in the spring and used the extra stones to make some seats for the pit." Max said "Thats, cool. I had no clue you were good at stone making." Jack said "Well were, dogs what else do you think we are good at?"Mandy said "I am just happy to do my own digging with my Maxy over here!" She exclaimed hugging Max around the neck. Crunch walked out of the spring and said "My children, it is time for me to feed will you grant me your love?" This was normal to them, Crunch regularly asked the lovers of the mine if he could feed on them. The process did not hurt in fact it made you feel good afterwards, as if you were surrounded by puppies that were climbing all over you. They agreed and Crunch sat between the two sets of lovers and started to inhale impossibly deeply, for about five min. All the while they all cooed in eachothers arms. It was going to be a good night. > Stop running > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- =============================Chapter 3=============================== ==========================Lyra=========== Lyra was glad to be out of that conversation, the princesses asked her to do her research by observing and comparing them to already known behavior, and if it seems reasonable to approach, do so... She has been given a week to report back or the guard will capture one or both of them. "What am I supposed to do?" She sighed to herself as she came to the opposite side of the valley then the cave the Humans were reported in. she was given a radio to report back or to call in reinforcements. It was completely dark by the time she got to the site she was to meet Sgt.Golden "Hello?" she whispered. "Passphrase" a voice whispered back. "The dark night is full of delights." She responded, she still thought the Phrase was a bit dumb sounding. "Are you the expert?" the voice said still at a low volume "Yes, are you Golden Eye?" lyra said putting down her saddle bag. "Yes, Here put this on" Golden said putting a necklace around Lyra's neck Suddenly Lyra could see everything with a blue tint but bright enough to mistake it for daytime. "Whoa, I can see in the dark!" "Yes, this makes it easier to observe." Lyra smiled and set up camp, her shift was in the morning ========One week later======= Despite a couple scares with mountain climbers discovering the cave, them bringing another manticore in followed by them hanging its skull over the mouth of the cave, It had been a pretty tame week. While Lyra was sitting there at camp Watching the makeshift family co-existing together, it dawned on her. Humans. Don't. Have.Wings. she quickly scribbled her realization down as she watched Jack 'whose name she learned from listening' came back from hunting carrying a dead deer. She then felt a tugging in her magic and watched as an Object appeared in front of the cave with a loud snap. ==============================Jack==================================== Jack was tired from hunting all day, he had managed to successfully track a deer and lay low bringing it home. He was just putting the crossbow away when he heard a snapping noise come from the outside of the cave. Jack drew his sword as he exited to investigate, he looked down and saw the gray handles of the titanium blade. "No way..." Jack picked up the alpha beast balisong (Butterfly knife) its titanium blade dully glowing in the sun the edge flashing its sharpened edge. Jack grew more excited as he examined the knife, it was in perfect condition, flipping it around he smiled. He had a knife in his collection like this one back home, the flipping reminded him of fond memories as he walked back into the cave. ===============================Lyra==================================== The knife looked to be made of a strange material, items had come across dimensions before like it but no pony had any idea who they belonged to or how they worked, so they are always quickly rounded up and put into the vault beneath canterlot. +Lyra, a disturbance was felt in your area, did something happen?+ Luna's voice came in through the radio. Lyra radioed back and explained what happened. +....and he seemed excited about it, mam+ +Keep watching, one doubts that knife will do much harm, although if he quickly identified it then he might be able to determine what the items in the vault do.+ +My thoughts exactly mam..+ +I almost forgot, you need to report in, is suspect a threat?+ Lyra gave her findings to Luna + No Mam it doesn't seem like it, although I am worried about those hikers, they might spread some kind of rumor, about some wealth to be had for an exotic creature.+ +Keep on your guard, don't interfere unless necessary.+ +One other thing mam.+ +Yes?+ +The Golden Dogs have been pushing massive amounts of rocks out of the cave, I think they are digging.+ +And what of the changeling?+ +He seems to feed on the love of the inhabitants of the cave, they seem to be perfectly fine with this, in fact it seems to be that he is the leader of the group.+ Lyra watched as more stone was pushed out of the cave, off the cliff and down to the valley below. +It may be that they have a limitless supply of love.+ Lyra said into the radio +That makes them extremely valuable, if proven...I’ll have Cadence cast a scan of the mountain in a flyby. Is that all you have to report?+ +Yes Mam+ +Then, do what you think is necessary, continue to observe, Luna out+ +Lyra,out.+ Lyra then saw something that she knew was going to be a problem, Two cream coated ginger maned unicorns were pulling a cart full of nets and traps, heading up the mountain. She heard a whistle coming from the cave. “Look alive, we got potential threats!” Crunch yelled Lyra continued to observe as Max and Jack stood at the ready with weapons. ===========================Jack============================= “Look alive, we got potential threats!” Crunch yelled Max Scooped up the crossbow and loaded a bolt. Jack continued to flip the knife around. but put his other hand on the hilt of his sword. “What is it?” He asked. “Two unicorns, armed with traps. we need to make them leave before they set them.” “Got it, stop the bad Ponies from setting traps.” "Don't kill them, understand?" "YES,SIR." The 'brothers' said in unison as they charged out of the cave. ===============================Lyra=============================== Lyra quickly woke Gold and explained to him what was happening. He got up and watched as the two bipedal creatures ran down the mountain. "Lets see what they know...." he said darkly "But they could die!" "They will be fine, let's watch." he said as the bipeds met their targets. ======================== Jack==================================== "Look here, Flim there is one now!" Flam said "Why, you are right Flam!" Flim said "Hey, back off goldie! This is our creature!" Jack stayed quiet. Max smiled and said "What do you plan to do with it?" "Show it to millions... er I mean take it to a natural reserve to keep it safe..there is a second one isnt there, a mate to this one?" Flam said. "Yes there is, why?" "To preserve the species! they are incredibly dumb." Flim said drawing closer to Jack thinking he has the dog fooled. "So you put clothing on this one?" "Yes, and the other one." Flam said his horn glowing for some spell. Jack flared his wings to stretch them a bit, before folding them back, intimidating the obvious sideshow attraction shams. "NOW!" Flim said as Flam pulled a net from the cart and threw it. Within a second Jack drew his sword and sliced the net into pieces before it even fell ontop of him. Flim's horn glowed as he took the sword away. Jack smiled, he had scammed the scammers, he flipped the balisong out quickly and sliced through Flim's horn cutting it in half, Jack smiled 'Strong metal + sharp knife= Perfection' he thought. The half that was sliced fell to the ground with a dull thud. Jack started to laugh at the half-unicorns widened eyes. "Don't worry it will grow back in a month, fully functional and usable." he said to the hyperventilating Unicorn "Oh Celestia, it talks!" Flam yelled Film ran down the mountain ignoring what his brother had to say. Flam ran after him pulling the cart behind him at an equally fast pace. "And Stay Off Our Mountain!" Jack yelled at them. "Did you really need to cut off, its horn?" Max asked as Jack picked up the horn. "Well...no...but it got them to leave.." "Will it really grow back?" "Ya, thats what unicorns in the mine said....I think." =================================Lyra================================ Lyra was freaking out. It normally took a lot of force to break or cut a horn, but to see this happen so quickly was startling...' the knife went through like a hot knife and butter. "Should I call this in?" Lyra asked Gold "No, I think we should meet our neighbors" "I still want to put the extraction teams on standby." "Do what you want, you are the human expert." +Code yellow, Evac and Harmony teams on standby.+ she said into the radio. "You also called in the elements?" "Precautions." +What's wrong Lyra?+ Twilight's voice crackled in +Where you attacked? Are they evil?+ +Did Flim and Flam walk through town, or around it?+ +Is that why Film only has half a horn?+ +They kinda insulted the one called Jack, then..+ Lyra told what had happened. +Whats he doing with it?+ +Nothing he is just holding it, he might keep it as a trophy, he has done that before.+ +So, he keeps a part of what he kills, as a momento?+ +Yes, and according to starswirl this is normal behavior, it shows strength amongst the group.+ Lyra said showing to Twilight that she is also a reader of starswirl. The radio was silent for about 20 minutes after this. +Just got a letter from Princess Celestia, she says to keep on guard and to be there when you make friendly contact.+ +well,we are waiting for you here, Lyra out+ Lyra looked over at Gold, he had fallen asleep, she could see the lean strong muscles beneath his fur he looked strong and dependable, adorable without his helmet on. Gold woke up and turned to her "Yes?" Lyra blushed and looked away. "Twilight is on her way with the elements, Princess Celestia wants them here for first contact.” +Stand by for flyby + A voice Lyra recognized as Princess Cadance said. Lyra and gold watched as The Alicorn flew by accompanied by four crystal pegasus ponies. +This is bad, their love is infinite, if Chrysalis and her changelings find this they could raise an army so powerful it could wipe out Equestria!+ +There is a changeling living with them.+ +Who does it owe allegiance to?+ +Looks like pupa, mam+ +Then we are safe,for now, Cadance out+ ===============================Jack=================================== Jack sat in his and Piper's room, Max and Mandy had been digging into the mountain to make more living space. Piper laid on the bed sleeping in the cool temperature of the room. Jack watched her sleeping body. 'she is too adorable.' he thought before getting up. He walked out of his room to the spring then to the front of the cave, the cool autumn air filling the room Jack looked and saw Crunch panting silver lines on his black body and Max and Mandy snuggling on top of the treasure pile. "Whats up?" Jack asked Crunch "Refreshing my paint." "Why?" “It shows whose side I am on, I am on Pupa’s side this is so that the ponies that come up here know I am friendly.” Jack thought for a moment. “Pupa is the changeling queen other than Chrysalis?” “Yes, she is allied with Equestria, so must I.” “Wait, did you say ponies are coming?” Jack asked. “Yes.” “Why are we not hiding?” “Because I have my paint, and this is not an army, it's a friendly approach...I would go get a bath if I were you all, you are going to want to look nice and friendly.” Jack only having nice experiences of the ponies in the mine, grumbled. “They have not been to friendly already.” “Play nice…” Crunch warned. “Yes sir.” Jack said before going to clean himself. =============================== Lyra ================================== Lyra sat at the bottom of the mountain with gold and watched the element barriers approach. She rolled her eyes as she saw that Twilight came with Lots of paper and quills. “Do you really need all that?” “Of course, How else am I going to add to Starswirl notes.” Lyra stamped a hoof in frustration. “That is my job, you weren't picked for this job." "I am the princesses protege I am supposed to do this." "I am the second protege, The princesses have always had one focus on humanity after starswirl, in the hopes that the info gathered and reverse engineered artifacts would one day advance pony civilization. Besides you were told to assist in my study, not to take over..." Twilight blinked "Two?" "Yes, but you are not supposed to know, the only reason you do is because the creatures that ten generations of ponies have been studying are here and the princesses need all the help they can get!" Twilight sighed and lowered her head in defeat. "Could I at least assist?" "Sure, but just know, I don't know how they will react to you, so dont do any 'testing' they are the only living specimens we have." Twilight's face became determined "Then lets do this the old fashioned way." ===============================Jack===================================== After everyone was washed Crunch started laying down some rules. "Dont make sudden movements" "Dont be intimidating, try to act as harmless as possible." "If they try to put you in irons, RUN and don't come back." "Act natural,I only knew they were coming because an ally informed me of what he had heard." "And Jack?" "Yes?" He replied. "Apologize, for running around and for kicking that guard." "Why? He was trying to stop me, so they could test." "Just do it." "Yes, sir." Jack said understanding that it was no longer the time for running. He knew they would eventually not try to cut him open, but he did not expect them to change this soon. "I am going to cook up some Lunch, You guys want venison?" Jack said. The three other meat eaters in the cave nodded and expressed their agreement. Jack went over to the rock oven and started a fire beneath it. LINK ===========================20 Min later======================== =============================Lyra============================= The group of herbivores were slowly moving up the mountain path, as they drew near the cave They passed underneath the cliff in front of the cave, they stopped talking as they heard voices. "Hey, Max can you take that pile of guts and push it off the cliff real fast?" They heard a male voice say (Jack) "Sure, but what about the blood?" "Um, Do it quickly and there will be less? Oh but leave the heart here." "Ok." The ponies heard a wet sound and suddenly saw intestines flying off the mountain side causing Fluttershy, Twilight and Rarity to turn green for a moment. Lyra however was amused, It was as if the universe had planed for it to happen just as they were under the ridge. "Jack, Your plan did not work at all! I am covered in blood!" "Fine Ill put an extra stake on for you as you clean up. Ill take care of the floor." ==========================5 Min after that======================= As they approached the cave they could smell the cooking meat. "Ugg, what is that dreadful smell?" Rarity "I reckon, that is what they are cooking." Applejack. ===========================Jack============================== Jack heard voices from outside the cave, just as the meat was done cooking. "OY! Soups on!" he called. The four of them grabbed their share and started to eat. Jack however grabbed his slice and casually walked out of the cave and into the sight of the on coming ponies, pretending not to notice them he sat on the edge of the cliff and started to eat. Taking a slow juicy bite into the meat and pretending to need to forcefully rip the meat by moving his neck swiftly to the side. 'I am so going to eat that heart in front of them, no Ill eat it in front of royalty..' Jack smiled at the thought and chuckled to himself. He glanced over to the side and pretended to notice them. He flew slowly towards them eating as he went, he swallowed and said "What's up?" 'Please dont scream.' The Purple one opened her mouth to speak but Jack spoke before her "Wait, ill tell every one you are here!" before flying over to the cave and yelling "Yo,We have Guests!" ============================Lyra============================= Lyra watched to her amazement as the creatures she had been watching came out to greet them. ===========================Jack============================== Jack invited the group of Ponies into the cave, they came in and sat by the fire and introduced themselves, then Crunch introduced Jack and his meat eating companions. Things were going along great until Fluttershy noticed a certain pile of meat, furs and skulls by the treasure pile in the corner of the room and gasped in shock. Jack had just finished his meat and noticed this and asked "What?" "You killed a deer?" she asked in a whisper like tone. "Ya, so?" Jack asked confused "Do you kill all creatures you come across?" Rarity said suddenly worried for her life. "NO! no, I marvel at the natural beauty of nature, But me and Piper are omnivores and Max and Mandy are carnivores, we must have meat to survive." "I am more concerned about that pile of loot!" Rainbowdash said flying over to the shimmering pile of gold and gems. Jack flew over and sternly said "No, my swag!" waving a finger in her face. "Hi there my names pinkie pie! "Well this is going well, but we need to get going." Twilight said pulling Pinkie away from the dogs. "Alright, have a safe trip back!" Jack said. "You should invite us to that ball... thing that you host in the capital every year." Piper said "Why darling! Do you mean the grand galloping gala?" Rarity exclaimed "Ya and we can dance and chat with your leaders, you know.. make alliances" Mandy said. "I think you should meet them as soon as you can. just to get the major questions out of the way." Twilight said. "So, could you come with us?" Lyra asked. Jack sighed and looked at Crunch who nodded in approval. "When do we go?" "Tomorrow, but to save on time ya'll need to spend the night in ponyville" Applejack said. Jack noticed Rainbow was still looking at the loot pile. "Just one more thing before we go." Jack raizing his arms in the air in front of the loot pile, he spoke "Mesca, muska, Micky Mouse!" "What are you doing?" Twilight asked. "Placing a curse on the loot, Those who take without our premission will die before they can spend a single bit." Jack smiled as Piper began to laugh. "Lets go." He said secretly tucking the heart into a pocket of his Jacket. > Eat your heart out Blueblood! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- =================================Chapter4=========================== =================================Jack================================ =================================Ponyville============================= =Engage the Chapter Motherfucker!!= Jack couldn't help but notice the ponies staring at them as they walked to Twilight's partly annoyed because, Lyra and Twilight wouldn't stop comparing notes and observations along the way. "Just ignore it" Piper whispered into Jack's ear. "I Can't, it's all those eyes, they are filled with fear of the unknown, of us." Jack whispered back wishing Crunch did not stay back at the cave. They came to the centre of town and stopped, all eyes on them. "Can we hurry up all these eyes are freaking me out.." Jack said to Twilight. "Sure, its the library over there." Twilight said pointing with her hoof. =============================Evil changeling hive======================= Chrysalis sat on her throne plotting her revenge, when the doors to her chambers opened. "My, Queen." The messenger bowed. "What is it? You of all lings should know not to interrupt me when I'm plotting." " My Queen, one of the scouts has discovered an infinite source of magic, in two other worldly beings." "Unending? It comes back faster then drained?" "Yes, my Queen." "This is interesting, thank you my subject." The changeling bowed and departed. 'This is excellent news, if I can capture even one of these creatures then I could raise a never ending army, I could take over all of Equis!' The Queen laughed as she thought of this. ===============================JACK=============================== Sitting in Twilights house Jack, Piper, Max and Mandy watched as the notes and drawings went everywhere as the two scientific unicorns unicorns started to 'Organize' their notes. The other ponies fell asleep after an hour of this. Then began the questions. "Why do you eat meat?" Said one "If I cut off your hand will it grow back?" said another. After another three gruling hours of this, Piper turned to Jack. "Oo dii Rah nust fen ni vuth. (Oh my God they won't stop)" She said in Dovah expressing her inner geek. "Hi grozah drun vorey laan.( You probably caused another question)" "Wait, you speak DRAGON?!?!?" Jack and Piper looked at each other. "What are the odds?" Piper said "We had dragons in the mine but they never spoke." Jack said. "What did you say to each other?" Twilight demanded. "Nothing important." Piper said "I am going to tell you about our past to get this out of the way so listen up if you like sad stories." Jack said. Lyra and Twilight took out blank notepads with quills at the ready. ========================First person story segment====================== =Engage the story motherfucker!= I will tell you about our world, it is a twisted place where there are good people and their are bad. I happened to have bad people for parents, they were abusive and rude, Locking me in my room for weeks at a time, beating and starving me. The only light in my life for a while was my grandmother who was the only one that was kind to me, so when I was eight years old a Neighbor heard me calling for help the police came and found my parents high on drugs and immediately arrested them, when social services came and I told them I wanted to live with her and one flight across the united states and I was in Virginia. Where I grew until I was 15 and I met Piper, we were friends at first but after a month of knowing her I worked up the courage to ask her out. Her parents were rich, and were kind to me, they were thrilled when we started dating. A year ago Piper and I were on our one and a half year anniversary date and I was driving us back home when we were struck by lightning on a clear night. We blacked out and woke up in a field full of deep holes in the ground, we shouted for help our bodys sore and stiff, as if we had just ran a marathon and lifted over 1,000 pounds in 5 seconds. We just started wander around looking for civilization, when we were picked up by some diamond dogs, who had just come back from a slaving run, they chained us to the group, where we meet Max and Mandy. We were dragged into the mine, where we learned about the kinds of creatures and beings that inhabit this place, This is also where we met Crunch. He helped us organize some Riots to help in escape, but they always failed no matter how strong in numbers we were, we always lost, and were always punished severely afterword. I learned through what the ponies in the mine said, that ponies were quick to judge and took convincing to change their minds. I was about to give up hope of ever being free, until I met Applebloom and her friends. Then all I had to do was wait, and hope some more. ============================Third person engage!!!!======================== =Engage the reality motherfucker! (Last one I promise)= When Jack finished his story Twilight and Lyra looked shocked. The other ponies voiced their opinions. "I knew mah sister would bring joy to sorrowed hearts!" Applejack said with a tear in her eye. "I bet they never tasted equestrian chocolate!" Pinkie said in a shocked tone. "It sounds like you jumped through dimensional planes, Celestia might know how to send you back." Twilight said "Thats good to know, I'll ask her when I see her" Jack said with a nod. "How many times did you try to escape?" Rainbow asked. "Over 50, I was wiped ,Piper was forced to watch then was beaten in front of me, Crunch was beaten, Mandy and Max were pelted with the diamonds we mined. As punishment." Jack said "The real punishment was when they found out that we were in love the chained us to opposite walls and laughed as we tried to reach eachother." Piper said with a sad tone in her voice. Jack put his arm around her to comfort her. "Don't worry silly billy I Pinkidamia Dine Pie, will throw you a 'Sorryyoucameintoequestriainthewrongplacebystrangecercomstanceshereisacheerup/finalyfreewelcometoequestria/ponyville' Party!" Jack and Piper looked at pinkie with one question on both of their minds. 'did she even inhale?' "Excuse me darlings, I couldn't help but notice that your clothing is a bit torn up, may I fix them for you?" Rarity said ignoring Pinkie. Jack and Piper looked at their clothing, noticing they were a bit torn up from the past week. They took off their hoodies their wings carefully sliding out of the slits on the back. "Shirts and pants too." Piper and Jack shot them a look, Jack sighed and started to explain. =One awkward situation later= "So thats why not until we go to bed" All the ponies in the room where blushing, even pinkie stopped talking. Checking a clock on the wall Twilight realized it was getting late. “I think we should continue this conversation in the morning, I have already sent a letter the Princess she said she would send some chariots in the morning.” Twilight said. “Ok, where are we sleeping?” Max asked. “Well, you and mandy could stay here for the night. Does anypony want to take Jack and Piper?” Lyra raised her hoof “I’ll take them. I have a double mattress in the spare room.” “Actually Lyra, I was hoping that Rarity could take them...so she could fix their cloths.” She said blushing again. “Certainly darling! There is always room in the boutique for friends.” Rarity said with a smile. There was a gasp from the window nearby. But only Jack and Max seemed to notice this. "Lets go get you settled in." Rarity said getting up from where she was sitting. Walking through town in the dimming sun of the evening, the town looked to be deserted, all the shutters were shut and blinds were drawn. Jack could feel the eyes on him, it sent shivers down his spine as they walked to a building shaped like a carousel. As they walked in they were greeted by manikins of ponies. There was giggling coming from the back room. "Sweetiebelle, darling! We have have guests!" Rarity called Three familiar fillies came from the back room with red capes on their backs. They each came and tackled Jack and Piper laughing as they did so. "Hey, girls." Jack said. "How have you been?" Piper asked. "Great!" Sweetie replied in her high pitched "We've been trying to get our cutie marks in cooking!" Applebloom said. Then they all smelled something burning from the kitchen. =============================Pupa============================ Queen Pupa of the Changelings sat on her throne. Her thoughts were interrupted when there came a sharp rapping on her chamber door. "Come in!" She called in a sweet mother like voice, her red eyes and under wing color making her appear fierce at a first glance. A changeling guard came in leading Crunch behind him, they both stopped in front of the throne and bowed. She turned to the guard. "You may go back to your post good sir." The guard bowed a second time, about faced and walked out. "Dearest Crunch, I am glad to see you have escaped the diamond dogs." she said with a faint smile. "Yes my Queen, negotiations did not go well, but I have discovered something of great value." "Please do tell good Crunch, don't leave me in suspense!" "Two humans who each act as an infinite source of love, and two golden dogs whom I believe are the keys. They have befriended me, and in return I am like a father to them, my Queen." "This is excellent news, so when are my grandchildren coming for a visit?" she said with excitement. "Soon my Queen, they must first get past the watchful eye of Celestia, what do you plan to do?." "Make, a deal with them. And smother them in love and affection." Crunch smiled, Pupa has always been loving for her children and grandchildren, and always sweet and kind to outsiders she likes. Yet, her sweetness has never made her blind to a threat of the safety of her hive. After all She came forward to Celestia and proposed an alliance against crysalys to destroy her and her wicked lings. So he knew that Jack, Piper , Max, and Mandy would be more than safe, they would have an army on their side. ================================Jack================================== It was around 10:30 PM Jack being the sneaky person he was, took the deer heart and put it into a brown paper bag and placed it into the fridge. After which Rarity caught him trying to leave the kitchen. "Excuse me dear. What did you place in that bag?" Caught Jack thought quickly. "I packed a snack for the road, but it could spoil if not kept cool." "Oh, that's alright with me but, might I inquire what it is?" Rarity asked. "Let me answer your question, with a question. How would you like to possibly vomit, due to the contents of this bag all over this nice kitchen floor, hence ruining your night, and your beauty rest?" Jack said with a look that screamed 'Drop this subject, and don't look in the bag lady.' "Just write on the bag that it is yours and not to look inside....I am going back to work, goodnight." "Goodnight." Jack said as he picked up a marker from the nearby counter and scrawled on the bag. 'caution:biohazard, for human consumption only!!!! DO NOT LOOK INSIDE!!!!'. Then promptly went back to the guest room to snuggle with Piper. =================================Morning============================= Jack woke up earlier than expected looking over to Piper she was still sound asleep, looking as adorable as ever. First thing Jack did was carefully get out of bed trying to not disturb Piper. Grabbing his mended clothing from ontop of a nearby chest he then proceeded to the kitchen to see Sweetie Belle start to open the bag. Rushing quickly Jack grabbed the bag out of Sweetie's magic grasp. "Hey!" she cried in protest. "You know, you should really read warnings, they could save you." "I just wanted to know." she replied with a frown. Jack figuring nobody would believe her even if she told Her friends said "Alright, i'll tell you, but keep it between us and the crusaders, no one else, got it?" Sweetie nodded in agreement. "Its a Deer Heart." "Why do you need one of those?!?" "Its for a prank, now drop the subject.” ==============================Max================================ Max layed on the carpet by the couch, he had let Mandy take the couch for comfort reasons. “Good morning Maxy.” He heard Mandy whisper in his ear. Max moaned not wanting to get up. “Come on, get up, you don't want to seem like a bad house guest do you?" Lazily, Max got up and stretched his back with several soft audible pops. "Good boy." Mandy said patting Max on the head, Just as the front door opened. In came Pinkie with a huge grin on her face. "Good Morning!" she happily said . "Good morning." Mandy replied Max replied with a groan. "I need to ask you a question of dire importance!" "What is it Pinkie?" Max asked rubbing his eyes. "Well Applejack says you can't eat chocolate, I told her that was silly, only Dogs cant eat chocolate but she then said that you were a kind of dog so I bet her 50 bits that you could to please answer." She said with wide sad eyes. Max now fully awake looked at Mandy, and laughed. "Of course we can, why?" Pinkie pulled a try of mocas out of nowhere and handed them to Mandy, then proceeded to run out of the room yelling "It's a secret !" and bounced down the street out of sight. Then Twilight came down the stairs with a sleepy look. "Was that Pinkie?" "Yes." They both replied. "She brought Coffee." Mandy said holding up the tray of four cups. Twilight grabbed one in her magic and took a sip , before calling spike and telling him he will be by himself for a few weeks. Then went over to the kitchen to start breakfast. ====================Jack============================= Jack poured himself and Piper a bowl of cereal and each of them a cup of coffee. Rarity came downstairs and poured herself a cup. "Good morning." Jack said. "Hello darling how do you like you're refurbished clothing ?" "Their great!" Piper said. " The chariots arrive soon, so we should head over to Twilight's." Rarity said with a smile. With a nod they quickly finished their breakfast and headed out to Twilight's. ===============1 hour later========= ============Twilight's home============= Jack could see the chariots slowly approaching from the castle, five in total each one had a team of 4 day guard pegasi pulling them. They touched down in front of the library, one of them in hooked himself from the carts and said. "Twilight Sparkle? I presume." The white stallion guard said in a strong commanding voice. Twilight nodded and said "That would be me!" In a cheerful tone. "I have been instructed to escort you, the elements and the recon team to the castle. As well as our 'guests'". He said indenting on the word guests. 'Oh, great we have to deal with this naive prick.' Jack thought. "Please relinquish any weapons you may have to me please." a young black stallion guard said walking up, his eyes screamed 'These are amazing creatures!' but his expression remained neutral. "For what purpose?" Piper asked. "You are meeting the princess swi-!" The prick guard said but stopped short. "What the captain means to say is, 'It would put most of the guard and the princesses at ease if you are unarmed." Said the younger one. Jack looked at Piper who shrugged and then at Max and Mandy who were already handing the crossbow over. With a sigh Jack handed over the katanas, but he kept his knife in his pocket for safe keeping. "We do expect those back.." Jack said. "Certainly, but you will need to be approved by a Princess." the nice guard said. They boarded three per chariot. The take off was much like a plane they took a small running start and swiftly took to the air gaining altitude within seconds. =================================30 min later========================== Jack could fly faster than they were going. he had to be stuck on the cart with Twilight and Lyra. The questions fallowed. "How complicated is your digestive system?" "How long does it take you to heal from a wound?" "How far can you see?" "What kind of books are their in your world?" and many more in which Jack quickly explained trying to enjoy the ride. He eventually got to the point where he yelled out. "Nust fen ni strin vok! (They will not shut up!)" before jumping off the chariot causing the scientists to gasp in surprise. Jack started to freefall, laughing at the shocked expressions of the ponies above. Spreading his wings quickly he stopped himself before returning to the convoy, gliding next to them. "Whats up?" He said in a chill voice, before he notated four guards had left the pulls and where ascending back up to meet them in the air. "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!?!?!" Twilight asked. "You both were being a noting with the boring questions so I jumped to entertain myself" Jack smiled again. Twilight rolled her eyes. "Just get back here we'll be there in five minutes." =========five minutes later ========== =============Luna========== At this current time Luna would be asleep but she was excited to learn that the Evasive creatures that she had been hearing so much about where coming for a visit. She and Celestia watched as the chariots approached. They made small talk as they arrived. "I hope dear sister that they are not mad that you sent your best soldiers to find them." Luna said. "I am sure they have forgiven that incident, it was in my haste to stop potential threats to our kingdom." They saw to large figures jump from the approaching convoy. Followed by Twilight screaming " No! The princesses are there watching." causing them both to giggle at Twilight's frustration. The figures witch Luna guessed where the humans opened large wings and started to glide towards them. ============Jack============= As soon as Jack saw the alicorns on the balcony he nodded to Piper and they fell backwards off the chariots once again. Jack laughed as Twilight yelled at them. They opened their closed wings in unison and glided Towards the castle. "Halt!" They heard guards behind them yell. Jack and Piper veered off in different directions at random, and then proceed to dive towards the ground, they wanted to show they are not so easy to control. Jack ended up in a market, dodging movers unpacking a couch as he avoided the ground. Looking behind him he saw three guards were tailing him. He could see all kinds of creatures there doing business, Griffen, Changeling, Ponies, small dragons, hippogriffs, donkeys, and even cows. But mostly Unicorns each one looking at Jack as he glided past them in disbelief or disgust on their faces. Jack quickly stopped to kick off the ground and spiral upwards back towards the sky and then stopped up at the clouds to sit and wait for the guards to come, he had made his point. He then saw Piper do the same and join him on the cloud. "Woah! These are soft!" Piper exclaimed. "How did you know we could do this?" She asked asked. "I took a guess last week and tried it, and that isn't even the best part!" Jack exclaimed as he took a hand full of cloud squeezed it in his hands a little then threw it to the ground, splashing a well dressed Griffin in water. "They are water balloons! " he excitedly said. "Stop!' Came a voice from behind, Turning they saw three guards slowly approaching them on the cloud. "State your business!?" "Were cloud jumpers." Piper said "Cloud jumpers?" The guard said in a confused tone. "Yes, and we are now about to jump off this cloud." Jack said "For what purpose?" "Fun." Piper said before swan diving. "Like she said, fun." Jack said before performing a leap of faith, In the distance an eagle cried out. Piper and Jack landed on the balcony next to the princesses and bowed. Recognizing them from the description Twilight gave them earlier on the ride over. Luna was the first to speak "That was most entertaining to watch!" Her horn glowing for an unknown reason. Jack liked Luna the moment he saw her, but Celestia on the other hand emanated so much power it scared Jack to his core, even with her warm motherly smile he was genuinely afraid of her. It was as if he where looking into the mouth of a giant angry bear, from hell, on fire with acid breath. "Welcome to Canterlot." she said "Thank you mam." Jack quickly said his voice wavering a bit in fear. "We are thankful you allowed us to come on our own terms." Piper said her voice sounding the same. "I must apologize for sending that many guards after you, it was a bit much. But that doesn't mean you are no longer a potential threat, we will be watching you to be sure." Celestia said in a motherly voice. "Yes, ma'am" They both said. "Do come in, let us get better acquainted with your customs." Luna said opening a door to the inside. "Stop right there creatures! Step away from the princesses!" A guard said from above. "It is alright Captain, we were expecting them, your orders are to stand down." Celestia said With a salute he flew away and they went inside the castle. Celestia walked in front of them with Luna in between Jack and Piper. "We may chat more when we get to the tea room." =====A couple minutes of walking later===== The room was covered in pillows with a small table in the middle next to a fire place, despite the roaring fire the room felt lukewarm. Luna went in and sat down at the table. "Come, sit and relax you are in no danger here." she said. Jack and Piper nervously sat at the table. When Celestia sat they flinched, her power overwhelming to them as if she could kill them all in an instant. Celestia's eyes widened a little as if she realized something. "Are you afraid of me?" she asked. All his confidence, his rebellious nature, gone all Jack could do was nod. "I guarantee I mean you no harm young one." with a flash of her horn four cups appeared on the table each filled with tea. "Oh, my bad.. you are a coffee person aren't you?" with another flash of her horn a cream colored liquid appeared in a white mug appeared in front of him. Piper took a sip of her tea and seemed to calm down a little. "Drink." Celestia said Jack wasted no time and took a sip of the liquid, it was sweet with a bitter after taste, he felt calm and perfectly fine, another sip later he felt as if he was not standing next to two ridiculously powerful beings. "Better?" "Yes, thankyou." "That herb is used in political debates, to calm the nerves of representatives that come here." Celestia said "Now could you please tell us your story?" =======Twilight================= =========2 hours later=========== Twilight was freaking out, she was supposed to hoof deliver them both to the princesses! They were now headed to their assigned rooms from the hanger, they were each given a suite along the same hall. The Golden dogs were given one of the rooms at the end and the Humans the other right across After settling in she went to check on her friends, discovering they were all in rainbow's room discussing the events of the past two days. She went in to listen in. "What is your deal Rainbow?!?! They are not spies!" Lyra exclaimed. "They could be, and those dogs could be working for them!" "Their story about the mine, dear? Sure, the diamond dogs conditions where not as rough as they described when I was there, but they were sherly rude, there was no reason they couldn't have captured more ponies and gotten more aggressive." Rarity said. "Ah would have known if they were the lying, they weren't" Applejack said "Fine." Rainbow said slightly bored. "Its ok Rainbow, I am sure there will be a fiction where they really are spies!" Pinkie said. "What?" Rainbow said. "THEN I'LL GIVE THEM CAKE!!!" she exclaimed. They rolled their eyes, it was just pinkie being pinkie. Twilight excused herself as she went to apologize for the Human's behavior. As she walked she imagined her teacher scolding her on her failure to control a rediscovered species. The more she walked the more she got paranoid, she was outright terrified on what punishment her mentor will decide.... As she approached the door she expected to hear the worst, but what she heard instead was intense laughter coming from multiple voices. She opened the door to see the Princesses and the humans laughing like crazy. "So then we walk over to the ponies and he exclaims 'Why the long faces?'" Jack said The party bursts into laughter again. "What did the ponies say in response?" Luna asked. Jack and Piper stopped laughing. "Um, Humanity are the only sentient creatures where we come from, they were on a farm they were used for work." Piper said. "So, they did not talk? At all?" Luna asked. "No, so you could imagine, when we got here we were in for quite a scare." Jack said. "I am sure." Luna said with a smerk. "Oh, we did not see you there Twilight, do come in." Celestia said and Twilight did as told. "I almost forgot to ask, Do you think it is possible to send us home?" he asked a glint of hope in he and Piper's eyes. Celestia's smile fell slowly, she sighed and said "No, I don't know dimensional magic, if i did I would have sent back all the items that have fallen here." Jack sighed "If it can't be helped...we were already planning to stay here anyways, so lets not mention it again." "On that note let us go to lunch if you could get your friends from their rooms, we will meet you in the dining hall." Celestia said On the way to the guest rooms they ran into a white stallion in a vest and tie with blond hair, Jack literally bumping into him. "Sorry." Jack said apologising. "Out of my way hideous inferior peasant, you stand in the presence of Prince Blueblood!" Jack stepped out of the way of the prick and coughed 'Asshole' as he passed. But Blueblood did not seem to notice he just put his nose up and kept walking towards the dinning hall. "That was Blueblood he is the Princesses nephew , the only thing bad about this place." Twilight said. ======Dining hall===== Jack smiled he had found the perfect royal to use the heart on, so he purposely sat next to Blueblood, And Pipe took her seat next to Jack on the other side. "What are YOU doing here?! This table is for respectful honored guests!" He claimed. "They are, and they are more respectful then you will ever be!" Twilight yelled at him. "Auntie Celestia, do something about this brute!" He whined "I believe it is Luna's turn for the decision.." Luna looked up from her salad and said three words. "Deal with it." then went straight back to eating. After they had all eaten their salads the main course came. which was some fancy hay recipe. Everybody there got one except Jack and Piper who got silver tops to their dishes. Everypony watched them as they pulled back the plate covers to find a large cooked steak for each of them. "Barbaric." was all Blueblood had to say. Then Luna spoke "You told us that you ate meat regularly so we had a griffon chef prepare some beef stakes for you." "Thank you, but first, with your permission I would like to perform an ancient custom of my people, for your amusement." Jack said his eyes darting at blueblood then winked at the princesses. Celestia smirked as if she knew what was about to occur. "You have permission." Jack took out the brown bag from his pocket and put it on the table. "This is usually done with a small amount of electricity." Jack said. "If it is required for tradition." Celestia said ringing a small bell with her magic. A maid came into the room with a smile on her face. "You rang Princess?" the young mare said. "Yes I am In need of a small amount of lightning magic could you bring us an amulet from the armory?" "Right away, Princess" She said with bowing before she turned and went. They sat there for the next ten minutes slowly munching on their food as they talked about their future plans. "So, what happens now?" Piper asked. "Well, you will be staying here in the castle for a week, assisting us with certain tasks, and making friends,." Celestia said smiling at them. "After of course, We acknowledge your existence to the population, which we were going to keep a secret, but that show you performed made your existence known already." Luna said Jack nervously laughed and noticed the maid coming back "Yeah, oh it looks like the maid is back." He said wanting to change the subject and get on with his prank. The maid hoofed over the amulet to Jack. Jack, having used such a device before in the mines during an escape, knew what to do with it. He took the lightning shaped metal in his hand and put it into the bag pressing the tip on to the dear heart, he then asked the amulet to provide enough electricity to make the heart pump for a few minutes. A small snapping noise was heard followed by the steady beating of a heart. "Jack? What do you have in the bag?" Twilight demanded. Jack reached in and pulled out the beating heart. "Its the heart of my first deer kill, the custom is to try to eat it in front of political figures." "That's barbaric!" Blueblood said. "And you my good sir are an Asshole." " Did you say eat?!?!?!" Lyra asked "Yes." He said before turning to Blueblood and taking a bite out of the heart like an apple right in his face,spilling some left over blood over said face. =======30 minutes after ======= Jack and Piper where walking through the canterlot gardens chatting about blueblood reaction to the heart. "I can't believe how quickly he darted from the room after that ear piercing shriek!" Piper laughed. "Don't forget how red his face was!" Jack responded with a huge grin on his face. "He nearly threw up once he got to the door!" She said laughing some more. "Hey guess what?" "WhA-!?!" He panicked slightly as piper flung herself onto him locking their lips for a passionate kiss. "I Love you and all your silliness." She said hugging him. "I Love you too." he said hugging her back. > A chapter that has food, a gun, and sk8 boards. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================Chapter5====================== ===========================4 hours after lunch================== Eventually Jack and Piper found their room, after exploring (getting lost in) most of the castle. "This bed is amazing!" Piper said flopping herself onto it. "This bathroom is amazing! Plumbing!" Jack said as he flushed the toilet repetitively. "I think the best part is the indoor waterfall." She said coming into the large bathroom."How long are we staying here?" "Until a week after the Gala, so 3 weeks from today on Monday" He said "Sweet." A knock on the door interrupted them. "Come in!" A cream colored Unicorn in a maid outfit came in obviously a bit startled by the rare creatures in front of her. "The Princesses have instructed me to inform you that dinner will be in a hour and a half." she said. "Thank you." Piper said Once the maid left Piper turned to Jack. "We have an hour to kill, and you have been such a good boy." Piper said winking "Have I now?" Jack said as he went over to the door and peeked out to find a guard posted out of their door. 'The prick must have placed him there' "Hey, you." He said to the stone faced guard. "Yes,Sir?" the guard responded. "Are you able to leave, or are you stuck due to orders?" "Orders from the Prince" He said almost spitting the word prince. "Do you have ear plugs?" Much to Jack's surprise the guard actually had Ear plugs. The guard winked and said "Guests can get loud now and then, If you know what I mean." Jack laughed "So you are cool with it?" "Yes" he said before putting the earplugs on. Jack turned around to see Piper on the bed in her underwear in a seductive pose. 'I am so lucky.' he thought as he went to have some fun. =====================Lyra=========================== =====================30 min later==================== Lyra had just gotten some of what she believed to be human artifacts from storage and was going to ask the humans about them. She grabbed the first things she saw, A black shiny rectangle that glowed if a button on the side was pressed, a gray L shaped object that said 'Colt 92' on the side among other markings and numbers, and she grabbed what looked to be a scooter with no bar but a longer board and bigger wheels. As she approached she saw a guard posted at the door wearing earplugs. 'oh, boy' she thought as she approached. "You are just in time, they just finished." The guard said causing Lyra to blush, as he knocked on the door. "Come in!" they heard a voice yell. ===Jack=== Jack and Piper watched as Lyra opened the door holding some items they recognized quickly. "Hello!" Lyra said blushing for some reason. " I was hoping you could identify and name some of the artifacts I have with me, starting with this." Lyra pointed the Colt at Jack. "Hey watch where you point that!" Jack said swiftly grabbing the Gun from Lyra's Telekinetic grasp. "So it is a weapon." She said scribbling down some notes. Jack ejected the mag and released the bullet in the chamber, not even bothering to check how many rounds were available. " Yes it is called a gun and you should not point that at people." Piper said. "More pacificly it's a Colt 92" Jack said inspecting the now no longer threatening piece of metal in his hand. "I am no expert on guns but it looks clean enough to work properly." he said before placing it and the magazine on a nearby table. "Moving on!" Lyra then held up a Ipod and clicked the button on the top of the device. "This is as far as I have gotten with it." Piper took it from the air and slid the lock screen to gain access. "What are you doing?" Lyra asked looking over Piper's shoulder with amazement and curiosity . "I am going to play some music, that what this device is for, storing music.... that's odd..." "What?" Jack asked. "The battery indicator has an infinity symbol on it." "Forget the music for now, Lyra I can tell you exactly what this is." Jack said holding up what he identified as a longboard. "Please tell." Lyra said with wonder in her eyes. "This is a Gravity 43' Drop Kick, with blazer wheels on it. (Link to board)" "Its a longboard." Piper said. "You guys chat, I am going to have some fun, see you at dinner!" Jack said as he stood on the board and propelled himself through the open door with his wings, startling the guard as he turned and cruised down the hall past the doors. Twilight and her friends were standing in the hall trying to see what the commotion was about and we're equally as surprised as the guard . "What are you doing?!" Twilight yelled at him. "Something stupid!" He yelled back as he brought the back of the board down to help him descend the stairs without stopping. "That was cool, I guess" Rainbow said from above as she started to follow him. "Oh, You want to see cool? I'll give you cool." He said before he noticed the maid crossing an intersection up ahead. Jack jumped over her and let the board go beneath before landing on the other side. "Lame, oh Blueblood is up ahead." she said. 'Is the hand ready to fire?' Jack asked his hand. --Hand is ready to fire, sir!-- his hand responded. Jack also noticed the open window up ahead and the plan came together. 'Fire at will' he told his hand. "YOU, WHORE OF A MOTHER COCK SU--!" was all Blueblood had time to say before Jack's hand slapped him so hard across the face they say even two thousand years later you can still hear the *Smack* echoing around the castle. Then Jack jumped with his board, out the window. ===================Celestia===================== Celestia was sitting in her reading room sipping some tea when she felt a disturbance......Followed by a loud *Smack*. Standing up to investigate she saw a human jumping out a window with the largest grin she has ever seen on a creature's face. She sighed 'Five bits says that he just smacked Blueblood.' she thought to herself. =========================Jack==================== Jack landed on a slanted roof and then onto another all while doing tail grabs and other tricks like grinding corners. He eventually made his way, with the aid of his wings, to the center of the courtyard where he then proceeded to a handstand while riding around. "That was awesome!" Rainbow said. "What, where all those moves you did on the way down?" "Those where tricks, but I like to call it falling with style." Jack said remembering an old movie he watched when he was young. "To the throne room!" he announced pointing a finger into the air and propelling himself forward with his wings. "You don't know where that is?" Rainbow said following him into the castle. Jack stopped. "Not from here, no." He then noticed a cook passing by. "Excuse sir?" Jack called The young chef notably tensed a little upon seeing Jack but kept walking. "I am sorry sir, I have no time to chat, we are having a dinner crisis!" he said quickly as he continued to what Jack guessed was the kitchen. "Whats wrong?" Jack said as he rode next to the trotting pony. "Master Chef, Joly Beak has lost his cookbook! We don't know what to cook! He sent me to pick up another from the store but they had none in stock, and won't get more until tomorrow, and the library didn't have the book to borrow..... I am actually on my way to tell him the bad news." his pupils shrunk a bit. " I could get fired for this..." "What's your name?" Jack asked him. "Clear Taste." "Don't you worry Clear you will still have your job after I am done!" Jack said with a smile on his face after rolling his eyes at the ironic name. "To the kitchen, lead the way!". ==============================Celestia================================= Five minutes after hearing the slapping noise Celestia heard a voice that only confirmed her suspicions. "Auntie Celestia!" Blueblood whined as he burst through the door of the tea room. "Yes?" she said with a sigh as she put down her book. "That brute hit me! I demand he be thrown from the castle at once!" He said showing the bruise on his face. "I will have a word with him." she said. She was growing tired of Bluebloods antics, He had obviously offended the humans in some way. "What did you say to him?" "Nothing! I was just minding my own business in the hall." he said picking up his left back hoof slightly, telling Celestia that he was indeed lying. ================================Max=================================== Max and Mandy were walking around Canterlot taking in the sights when they were approached by a Pony in a dark hood. "Excuse me? Do you happen to know anything about the two creatures in the castle?" she said. "You mean Jack and Piper? Yes lots why?" Mandy said. "Could you give them this?" she said holding up a card in a telekinetic grasp. "I am from the press and I wish to conduct an interview with all four of you. " "We'll be sure they get it" Max said. "Thank you" she said before walking away. "That was odd." Mandy said. "Yes it was, come on let's get back, Dinner is about to start and I made sure to let them know what our diets where.... that last meal was terrible." Mandy nodded in agreement. ===============================Jack=================================== "What is this?!? Clear I asked you to get a cookbook! Not bring guests into the kitchen!" Joly Beak exclaimed in a accent that could be mistaken as a mix between French and British. "It's not his fault. I came because I have a new recipe for you and, I guarantee you have never cooked it before." Jack said . Joly stroked his chin fetters with his talons "A new recipe you say? Where is it from?" "Another universe." Jack said noticing the look of interest on the Griffon's face. "Then show me how to prepare this dish!" He exclaimed with excitement. "I am going to need a chef hat." Jack said. "But of course!" He said as he went into a back room and brought back a hat and placed it on Jack's head. "Clear! Start making dough!" Jack smiled as he ordered another cook to get sauce, this was going to be good. ======45 min later==== Piper and the rest of the squad were waiting with the Royals and what she had learned to be the bearers of the elements of harmony. Everyone was sitting making small talk when the doors from the kitchen burst open and out came the familiar smell of pizza. "Dinner is, served!" Jack announced before he rode over to his seat next to Twilight and Piper, followed by waiters carrying pans of the delicious Americanized meal. "What is it?" Lyra asked "Pizza!" Piper said with glee. "Whats on the menu Jack?" Jack smiled and pointed to four pies nearest to the ponies. "We have veggie lovers with grass and hay for the herbivores." He then turned and pointed to for more pies near Max and Mandy "Meat lovers for the carnivores. " Then proceed to show off four more pizzas nearest to him and piper. "And a meat lovers with some greens and mushrooms for the omnivores!" "How do you eat it?" Twilight asked. "Like this." Jack said grabbing a slice of a meat lovers and taking a bite. "Where did this dish come from?" Rarity asked obviously unsure what to make of the meal set before her. "Well, it is a popular food where I am from." Max shrugged and grabbed a slice and took a bite. "Amazing!" He exclaimed after he swallowed and then continued to eat. Pinkie pie grabbed a slice and shoved it into her mouth and her eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. Twilight turned to the Princess Celestia who simply smiled and picked up a slice with her magic and brought it to her mouth to take a bite. Celestia's eyes widened and looked at the pizza slice with a hungry look. But she kept her composure and said "Twilight Sparkle, it would be rude of you not to try our guests food especially when it tastes this good." Jack smiled as the rest of the ponies (except Blueblood) tried the food and immediately voiced their opinions. "Yeeha! That's delicious!" "Um, thanks for the food." "Awesome!" "I didn't know what I was expecting but this is exquisite! " "I COULD USE THIS FOR PARTIES!" "Humans are awesome!" "It's good! You should write a book on your culture's recipes." Jack laughed stood to bow "Thank you thank you, although most of our food requires a combination of meat and greens so I doubt the creatures here would like or care about that kind of book, I doubt somebody would want to read a book with omnivore recipes, but feel free to share this! ” ===After dinner==== After eating most of the pizza and putting the leftovers way in a fridge. Jack and Piper with Max and Mandy left the dining hall. "Hey guys!" Lyra called from behind them. " The Princesses are about to raise and lower the Sun and Moon! Come and see!" She said before heading towards the throne room, the Four of them following her. Coming into the throne room they found the Elements and the Princesses out on a balcony to the right of the throne. "You're just in time." Twilight said greeting them. Jack watched as Celestia and Luna stood next to each other Luna's head lowered and Celestia's head raised, then slowly with their horns lit Celestia lowered her head while Luna raised her head in time for the sun to set rapidly and the moon to ascend into the sky. Jack could feel the power of the alicorns in front of him and couldn't help but fear it. "I am going to bed." He said wanting to get away from the ponies that could make him a pile of ash in an instant. "Good night, I am going to stay up a bit longer." Piper said before kissing him on the cheek. After Jack got to his room he took a shower and went to bed. =3 hours later= ===Luna=== Luna said goodnight to her sister, took her place on the throne and entered the dreamscape, a dimension with thousands of floating doors each one a having a dream of a creature behind it. She smiled, one of the humans was about to have a dream, she went over to Lyra's dream to ask if she wished to view the dream. She came to a door with a lyre on it and knocked on it with her hoof. The door opened as Lyra poked her head through. "Yes, Princess?" "Jack is about to have a dream, would you like to see it?" Lyra flung the door open and stepped out with a huge smile on her face. "Of course, but I think Twilight would like to see it as well." "Very well" Luna said as she and Lyra floated over to a door with Twilight's cutie mark on it. Lyra knocked on the door, after about a minute of waiting Twilight opened the door."Yes?" Lyra quickly explained the situation to Twilight. "Of course!" "Twilight Sparkle?" "Yes Princess?" "Lyra has already vowed to never talk about the dreams she sees to protect the personal thoughts of those who are dereaming, Will you accept this vow?" "I Do" Twilight said with a bow. "Then come, and let us view a dream of another mind." she said as her eyes flashed. ====Jack's dream=== Jack found himself sitting in his early childhood home house except the furniture was made of phones each saying '9-1-1 what's your emergency' over and over. Jack sat there taking in the room and his surroundings until he heard a scream. "Piper?" he asked no one turning around to find himself in the throne room with Celestia on the throne and his friends on the floor with holes in their chests, dead at her hoofs. "What have you done!?" "What I needed to do, but don't worry you're next." Celestia said with an impossibly large smile on her face. Jack felt the familiar crushing effect of Celestia's power as her horn started to glow. "NO!" He yelled. With tears in his eyes he jumped through a window just as a SONG (link) began. He could hear the singer as if he was right next to Jack's ear. He climbed up into the sky as the singer sang 'Oh take me higher,all the way to the sun!' He then proceeded to dive into the streets of canterlot hearing Celestia yell "Kill Him!" as the song continued. 'Down to the wire fighting's only begun!' Jack tilted his head slightly so he could take quick glances behind him , he just make out something big and gold gaining up on him as he dove and weaved through the streets extremely close to the cobblestone road. 'It's closing in on you, closing in on you Run from the fire raining down on you It's closing in on you, closing in on you Oh, and no way out oh oh.' It had started to rain fireballs at Jack and he could feel his doom ever closer to him. "Why are you running?! Your friends are dead, you have no hope!" Celestia yelled at him. 'I will persevere, I will resist to hear I will interfere I'm not the only son, my will will be done Omniscient begun' Jack did a 180 in the air and flew straight at the cluster of guards and Celestia catching them by surprise with his katana out slashing through them like butter. It's closing in on you, closing in on you Run from the fire raining down on you It's closing in on you, closing in on you And no way out 'Gonna make it through, gonna make it through Divide by zero like a wrecking crew Closing in on you, closing in on you oh Oh, and no way out oh oh' The song seemed to want to encourage him to attempt the impossible and as it said "divide by zero." So once again Jack rose into the sky. Oh take me higher all the way to the sun At the height he wished he dove at his demise sword drawn. I will persevere I will resist to hear I will interfere leveling back out in the streets Jack dodged more fire coming from Celestia. It's closing in on you, closing in on you Run from the fire raining down on you It's closing in on you, closing in on you Oh, and no way out oh, oh He started to climb back up into the sky. Gonna make it through, gonna make it through Divide by zero like a wrecking crew Closing in on you, closing in on you Oh, and no way out oh oh Jack screamed as he was struck on the back in three places with searing hot pain. His ascent stopped and soon he began to fall back towards the earth headfirst. The last thing he saw before hitting the ground was a shop with a blue banner on the front that read "Curiosity Store." ==Luna== Luna, Twilight and Lyra found themselves back in the dreamscape. Luna had tears rolling doing her eyes from what she just saw. "Princess, what did we just see?" Twilight asked. "We just saw Jack's nightmare, this is what I was afraid of. He is afraid Celestia will find something she will take as a threat and kill him and his friends." She responded. "What should we do?" Lyra asked "Nothing, I will inform my sister of this and hope for the best." ===The next day after breakfast=== ===Jack=== The Princesses told Piper they would be announcing their presence to the public after lunch they would then be free to leave the castle if they wished. Jack and Piper were walking down the hall with Celestia. "So once we announce your presence you will be free to mingle with the citizens,they will have a lot of questions to ask." "Thank you." both the humans said. "I have a request to ask." Jack said "Yes?" "Could we have our weapons back?" Celestia's eyes widened a bit before she asked "Whatever for?" "I would feel safer if I knew we had them, besides I have been keeping this knife with me for the past couple of days." he said showing the knife in his pocket. "Very well, you will find them in your rooms when you return.” Celestia said unmoved by the knife. ---------------------------------------------------------after lunch--------------------------------------------------- Jack and Piper were walking around the city taking in the sights and sounds. The announcement was quick, Celestia briefly acknowledged Jack and Pipers existence and to treat them no different than any other pony and the crowed cheered a little and then dispersed back into the busy life style of Canterlot. But that didn't stop ponies from staring at them. Piper didn't seem to notice or let alone care about the looks. That's when Twilight and her friends walked up to greet them, with Max and Mandy just behind them. “Hello darlings! Mandy had the wonderful idea to show her and Piper around, and do some shopping!” Rarity exclaimed. “Which will leave you guys to do whatever you want, bye!” They dragged Piper away shocked at the sudden separation. Just like that Jack, and Max were left alone. “What do you want to do now?” Jack asked “Want to go to a bar?” Max replied “Sure, why not.” ------------------------------------------------------- They walked until they saw a bar that looked interesting, it was called The Iron Crown, the inside looked like any standard bar. Sports posters and flags, tons of alcohol and the smell of food cooking. As they walked in, most of the ponies and other creatures, turned to look but as Max and Jack sat down at the bar, everyone went back to their business. A Griffon bartender walked up to them and asked “My name is Lars and I own the joint, what will it be?” “Give me the strongest apple ale you got.” Jack said recalling a time when he stole some out of his Grandmother's cabinet. “Do you know how to make a Hellhound?” Max asked lars. “Depends, Bloody or Slaughtered?” “Butchered.” Jack had no idea what he was talking about but what came back was a bubbling crimson red drink that was on fire. “The hell is that?” Jack asked in wonder as Max seemed to sip the flames and not get burned. “It's a hellhound, normally it's made with, Its two parts vodka, one part brandy, one shot of whiskey , edible flame magic, one drop of manticore blood, two drops of hydra blood, stirred with a dragon's scale spoon and a bit of peach juice. But I ordered it with extra blood, peach and vodka.” “That sounds like a quick way to get drunk.” “It is.” He said with a smile before he took a swig that left a bit of fire on his lip. They sat there for hours, drinking, talking about the past, and cracking jokes. It was a fun time until the bar closed for the evening, the time being 3am. They stumbled back to the castle, drunk. Stumbling up to the gates in eachothers arms. “Stop!” A guard said at the gate. In his slurred speech Jack said “my good man, do you have any idea who I am?” “ Yes” the guard said but was unheard by the drunk Jack who slipped into another person's persona. “I am the great Wilfred Warfstache, and I am here to conduct an interview with one miss Princess Celestia!” “Sir, the Princess is sleeping, now I could escort you to your room.” The guard said in a calming tone. “Fine” Jack said. As they were walking up Blueblood came storming out of the castle, angry. “Guards! I demand you ar-” “Mr.Jacka- er I mean Blueblood! I DEMAND to have an interview, is its true you are addicted to heroin?” Jack said interrupting the prince. “What is-” “Three times a week you say?” “I don't see-” “And you snort crack on Tuesdays?” “I don't do-” “AND you are a registered sex offender? Good God man!” “Now hold on here a min-” Jack turned to the remaining guards at the gates who were all watching them with looks of joy in their eyes and said “There you have it folks, Prince Blueblood a shell of a man..er pony who is addicted to, heroin, crack and is a registered sex offender…..” “He also molested children.” Max said from behind Jack a little less slurred. “This just in! He is a pedophile too, how did he become this way? Well first kiddos, don't do heroin and don't molest children, this has been Wilfred Warfstache and Max the flying poodle, Good night!” He fell on the ground with a thud. The last thing he heard that evening was all the guards laughing. ==========hours earlier Piper====================================== After being separated from Jack, went shopping with the girls, got something to eat, and generally talked the whole time. They talked about, boys, the Princesses, handbags, the heaping pile of gold in piper’s home, human culture,confectionarys. It wasn't until they started talking about Jack’s past that Piper noticed that it was getting really late. “So what is wrong with Jack?” Pinkie asked in an alarmingly calm tone. “What do you mean?” “He is hiding something, I mean other than parental abuse and being trapped in a diamond dog mine for a year.” “Like what?” Mandy asked her ears perking up to the conversation. “I can't tell but I know something is troubling him, what do you think Piper?” “I don't know, he has yet to tell me if there's something wrong.” Twilight and Lyra exchanged nervous looks as they continued to walk. “I mean we tell each other everything.” Piper said unsure of what to do, she shook her head and reassured herself. “ He would tell me….would he?” “It's probably for the best that you ask, no telling what could be going through his head.” Pinkie said putting a comforting hoof on Piper's shoulder. =================Castle=============================== Piper looked at the time as she entered her room, 11pm she looked towards the bed and saw that Jack still wasn’t back, slowly she got ready for bed and crawled in and quickly fell to sleep. ==Piper’s dream== Piper got up from the moist floor of the mine and looked around at the walls and found she was chained to the floor while all the other shackles were empty. A shrek like voice came from behind her “you, worker filth!” It cried as she turned and saw a Diamond Dog handing her a pickaxe. “Dig!” It screeched before producing a wip from nowhere and cracking it above her head. Slowly Piper began to mine the mountain, “Faster!!” It screeched before hitting her with a club, she threw the pick down quicker and quicker but nothing seemed to satisfy the dog. It kept telling her to move faster and faster until it pulled her from her work and threw her on the ground club raised high ready to beat her. Piper curled into a ball and braced herself, until she heard a voice shout. “Enough!!” Piper opened her eyes and peeked over her wing to see Princesses Luna standing there. “Greetings Piper, I have come to free you of your nightmare, your suffering in the dimond mines is long over. You needn't worry, you are free from their grasp.” “But I am worried I will end up there again, it was horrible.” Piper said fighting back her tears as memories of each day flooded her mind. “Come with me.” Luna said In a soft voice, wrapping a comforting wing around Piper as a door appeared in front of them. Piper entered for the first time and was amazed at all the doors. “This is amazing and all but why did you bring me here?” “I am going to show you the memories of certain ponies who all fear something they know they don't need to but do nevertheless.” Luna said as they glided towards a door with Twilight’s cutie mark on it. “Twilight lives in constant fear of failing, it doesn't matter what the situation, she is always afraid of the possibility of failure, let's take a look.” She said while casually opening the door. Piper and Luna looked down on a sleep deprived Twilight pacing back and forth in her library her thoughts broadcasted around the room. “Friendship problem, I need to write to the princess! But nothing is wrong!” She thought. “A while back, Twilight would write to the princesses every week with a solution to problems he and her friends came across, Not wanting to fail my sister she ended up creating a problem.” Piper watched as Twilight dug out a old doll from a chest and place a spell on it. “She, modified a love spell to make all who gaze upon the doll suddenly want the doll so badly they would fight over it.” The dream continued as the whole town was in a free for all over the doll. Each pony bucking and biting each other just to have a chance at holding the stupid thing. “The problem was eventually resolved. On that day Twilight learned to control her fear, she still has trouble sometimes but it doesn't rule her life…...somewhat.” Piper was confused at what the Princess had said as they sat there in a moment of silence before the Princess laughed nervously and exclaimed “Moving On!” As they approached another door Piper looked past it and saw a door with a human handprint on it. She made a mental note and continued to listen to Luna ramble on about a dentist that used to be afraid of teeth, a coal miner who was afraid of being trapped underground, a filly who was afraid of getting her cutie mark, and a famous singer with stage fright. It was like the whole ordeal was ripped right out of a kids show. Eventually, they made it back to her door, as she re entered her dream she took note how to open the door to the dream scape, she needed to go through the moon.