Sniper goes through a portal and ends up in Equestria
Major Tyler Garren goes through a portal while on a mission. On accident he has injured Rarity. Now the ponies are after him. He is put in a dungeon below Canterlot and meets a pony who claims he can help him escape. WIll he be able to make it back to earth in one piece?
"Major Garren do you copy?" The male voice from the radio called out, ending the quiet that Major Tyler Garren liked to have while he set up for a mission. "Major Garren are you there?" The voice said again, firm this time. Major Garren sighed and walked over to the radio.
"Major Garren here, getting set up on tower one." He replied back into the radio.
"This is Viper 1-6 we are ready and in postion about 35 yards from the base. We will advance when the tower guards are taken out, over." He said quickly.
"Copy, good luck Daniel." Major Garren replied. These two had done many missions together and had become pretty close friends.
"Yeah you too Tyler. Watch my back." Daniel said back.
Major Garren smiled, he always had his back. He set down the radio and went back to set up. He rushed to put his ghillie suit on. As much as the suit helped him to stay hidden, he hated it. A part of it constantly scratched the back of his neck. It was a small annoyance that he never seemed to get used to, no matter how many times he wore it.
Fuck it. he thought to himself as he picked up his radio and changed the frequency. " This is Major Garren, check in over." He said into it.
"Hunter 2-4 here, ready on tower two." The female voice called back.
"Hunter 3-4 copies, watching tower three" Another female voice replied.
"And Hunter 4-4 looking at tower four, ready to take the shots." A young male voice said.
"Alright Major Garren here on tower one." He said back. He was the oldest of the group and the most experienced, so he was the obvious choice to lead them. He started to repeated their objectives again. " Viper Team is about 35 Yards from the base, but will not advance until the tower gunners are taken out. That's where we come in." He heard a small chuckle from the other male in the group and continued. " Just take them out and watch Viper teams back while they move through the base. I'll take the first shot, commencing the attack. Fire at will after that, Hunter 1-4 out"
Major Garren put his radio down and went prone on the ledge he was on. After setting up the bipod he had on his M110 SASS, he quickly acquired his target. He pulled out his range card and held it to his target. Only about 450yards. Too easy he thought as he pulled the trigger.
The 7.62X51mm NATO round that the M110 uses could only travel a couple of feet because as soon as Major Garren fired something appeared about two yards in front of his barrel. Major Garren fell back and covered his eyes, hurting because of the light that suddenly appeared in his scope.
Major Garren rubbed his eyes and slowly stood back up and stared in wonder. Very near him was a black line, like a fissure cutting through the air in front of him. It was surrounded by a Dark purple light. Major Garren's eyes widened and he picked up his gun and slung it on his back. He heard heavy gunfire in front of him, but at the moment it meant nothing to him. He grabbed his radio and stuffed it into his bag, which he also put on his back.
He walked slowly towards the light and could feel a tugging effect on his whole body, urging him forward. When he was close enough he stretched out his hand. He made contact with the fissure and felt his arm nearly pulled from his socket as he was sucked into it. Then he and the fissure disappeared.
Major Garren reappeared in a dark forest and fell stomach down in the dirt. He looked to his left and saw a creature frantically tending to another. He tried to speak, but he couldn't. The creature suddenly looked in his direction for a moment, scanning the area behind her then went back to the other.
"Im so sorry I brought you here, Rarity". The creature sobbed. Garren, shocked that it could speak tried to move back, but his body wasn't responding to his thoughts.
The downed creature suddenly lit up with a purple glow surrounding its body. The other creature lit up as well with the same light, but only on a protrusion coming from its head. Injured and scared out of his mind, Major Garren fell into unconsciousness.
Nine hours later...
Rays of sunlight shone through the trees and hit Garren's face, warming him up. Slowly he began to blink his eyes as his consciousness came back to him. Garren stood up and immediately fell to his right knee. His entire ached. He breathed in and out and rose again, this time staying up. He now took his first look at his surroundings.
The fuck?He thought as he looked around. The guard towers were no where in sight, in fact the entire base was gone. The forest looked...dark, despite that it the sun was almost directly overhead. He looked down at his right arm to check the time, but found that his watch hands were frozen. He cursed as he dropped it to the ground
Garren looked down around him and saw his things: his pack and gun. Then he remembered, his radio was in his pack. He scrambled over to it and unzipped it and brought out his radio, well a part of it anyway. Then he pulled out a another piece and then another, he radio was smashed to bits. He sighed heavily and threw the pieces to the ground.
Garren watched the pieces as they fell. Thats when he saw the blood. It was a pool of dried blood right in front of him, but it was all the over area. There was a trail of it that led to a thin dirt path. He considered his options. Option 1 was to to follow the blood and possible find the creature it belonged to. Option 2 was to wait here and do nothing.
"Option one it is" He said out loud and began down the blood path. Those creatures had to be going somewhere. He thought optimistically.
He followed the winding path for about 20 minutes. Up ahead he could see the path straighten out and even further he could see a clearing.
With the end in sight he picked up his pace, he didnt want to tire himself out, but wanted to get out of the forest. The forest made everything feel closer. If something came from the trees on either side, he would have little time to react. With that He moved a little faster to the end of the path.
The sunlight blasted Garren in the face and he quickly brought his hand to his eyes. It was darker in the forest than Garren realized. He lowered his hand as his eyes adjusted to the new light. Garren's new environment was vastly different than what he was used to. The world seemed brighter here. The path ended into a large field. Further in the distance he could se e a town with bright multicolored buildings. Pink, yellow, orange, very odd choices for buildings He thought. He looked to his right and saw a small structure. He couldn't quite tell what is was because it was covered in leaves and branches, like it was built into a huge tree. There was a pond in the front with a bridge to cross it.
What made the place odd was the dozens of bird houses surrounding the property. Garren started making his way to the front door. He was about to knock when he stopped himself. What the hell was he doing? He didn't know whose house this was. He crouched and looked around then hurried over to a tree. He was exceptionally good at climbing trees, they had always given him good spots to hid in. Now he was climbing it to break into someones house.
Garren easily jumped from the tree to the roof of the house. He kicked his way through the roof and fell into the attic. It was louder than he had hoped. He got down and listened. After some time of hearing nothing he gave a heavy sigh of relief and fell back. He threw off his gun and his pack and rested for a while. After a half hour of lounging and resting, Garren was brought back to business. He went to his pack and pulled out a water bottle. He took long drinks at it, best to hydrate now then later when he might not be able to. After drinking up he grabbed his M110 and replaced the shot he had fired earlier. He removed the night sight and replaced it with a 3.5-10x variable optic from his bag. As for other weapons he had a standard M9 sidearm and a combat knife he kept strapped to his lower leg concealed under his pants. None would be useful against a group of enemies.
He put both guns to the side and took off his ghillie suit. He sighed and smiled, for the first time in a couple hours he was relieved of the itching.
His moment of happiness was short lived because outside he could hear a large number of voices outside and they were coming towards the house. Garren's heart sank as he heard a door open beneath him. He frantically stuffed the suit into his bag, put the M110 on his back and got down on the floor. He crawled to crack where he could see into the room below.
"It was so lucky that the princess was here in Ponyville." A young feminine voice said from below.
"Yeah, I Dont know what we would have done otherwise." Another, softer voice said . "Have you heard from Applejack yet?
Garren was still peering into the crack trying to see who the voices belonged to.
"Yes she said she was coming back home and that this was more important than the Equestrian Rodeo." The voice he heard first replied.
"That was nice of her" the soft voice said again.
Then a creature came into view. Garren's eyes widened and his heart started racing as he looked down at the cyan creature. It was small, only about four or five feet long, with a rainbow colored mane and tail. The wierdest thing about it was that it had wings. They were small and folded against its body. They appeared too small to make the creature achieve flight, but then the creature extended its wings and jumped into the air, flying around the room.
Another creature walked into the room. This one was yellow with pink hair and mane.This one also had wings. " Oh...um Rainbow Dash could you stop flying around my house?" The soft voice belonged to this pony.
"Oh im sorry, I forgot im not supposed to fly inside anypony's house." She said as she went back to the floor, clearly upset. " What did Princess Celestia give you Twilight?" The Rainbow creature asked.
It took a moment for all this to sink into Garren's head. "anypony". Thats what the one called Rainbow Dash said. Is taht what these are? Some kind of pony Garren wondered in awe.
Another pony came into the room. This one was purple with a dark purple and pink mane and tail. This odd feature on this one was on its head. It had a horn, not very long, but a horn nonetheless. She had bags on either side of her body. "Oh, she gave me this." She said as her horn glowed purple. This must be the pony I saw yesterday. He thought.
The bag on the right side opened and an object engulfed in that purple glow came out of it. "She said nopony's seen one for a very long time." Twilight explained
All three ponies stared at the small object for a while. Garren knew immediately what it was, a 7.62x51mm NATO. It had to have been from his gun. Did I hurt that pony from yesterday? The bullet must have gone through that fissure, same as me He wondered to himself.
Rainbow Dash finally broke the silence, "Just wait till I get my hooves on whoever did this. He'll wish he never came to Equestria." Twilight looked down, seemingly becoming interested in her hooves.
Ok, time to go. Garren thought. A pony looking for revenge, that was his cue to leave. He now had an understanding of his situation. He was in a place called Equestria, which was inhabited by ponies and was lead by a Princess named Celestia.
Garren tried as quiet as possible to rise to his feet. When He still heard the ponies talking about what they would do to the creature when it was found, he grabbed his pack and climbed back up through the roof.
He pulled himself up and positioned himself onto the branch, then turned to face the field. It was a scary sight, about two dozen ponies all in gold armor, much larger than the ones he saw inside the house. Then he got his first look at the Princess. She was taller than the rest of the ponies, with large wings and a horn. A crown topped her head. Her Hair was Multicolored and flowed to side, but Garren could feel no wind. Leaning further out to get a better view the branch snapped.
It didnt break completely, it just lowered about four, but it was so sudden that Garren lost his balance and fell. It wasn't extremely far to the ground, only about 17 feet, but it was enough to hurt like hell. Garren landed on his left arm and cried out in pain. He slowly used his right arm to stand himself up and moved his arm around to check it was broken. Thankfully it wasn't. Garren started brushing of his lower body. When he got to his chest he froze. He had remembered something, the field of ponies looking for him.
Hands still on his chest, he slowly raised his head. He looked onto a field full of ponies all staring at him, eyes wide, jaws slacked. It stayed like that for a while. Them staring at him, him staring back. Garren slowly pulled the M110 from over his head and dropped it then brought his hand to his M9. He would need to run and the 15lbs from his gun would slow him. He could make out a clear path to the town in the distance. Then the Princess shouted "THATS HIM, HES DONE THIS. SEIZE HIM!"
Garren pulled his M9 out and started sprinting towards the town. Two ponies ran in front of him to intercept him. Without slowing down, he raised his gun and fired in their direction. Three shots hit the first pony in the legs, bring him down. The other pony was struck in the head and killed. The other ponies followed after him, trailing a good distance.
Suddenly He slowed down, he still felt like he was moving full speed, but he was getting slower and slower by the second. He looked down at his body and saw it was surrounded by a light yellow glow. He turned around and saw that the princesses horn was also glowing, she was controlling him. The gap between him and the ponies was closing fast. Garren pushed his body to its absolute maximum, each muscle pushed into overdrive. He felt himself start speeding up again.
"Ah I can't controll him. Hes too strong" The prince said behind him struggling. The light around him went away and he barreled full speed into the town.
Ponies in the town screamed in horror as this creature steamrolled through them. Garren didn't mean to, but some of them didn't get out of the way in time. The crowds of ponies throughout the town slowed both him and his pursuers. Finally he saw something that could save him, a train, just pulling into station.
It was about 50 yards away, but the ponies were to close behind him. He fired the remainder of his clip behind him. He heard yells from behind and looked back to see his handiwork. Three more ponies were down, the closest one now 15 yards behind him. Garren smiled Thinking he would make it, but he kept his head turned for much to long. When he turned around he had no time to react. He was greeted by the hooves of an orange pony with a cowboy hat, smashing into his face. He was bucked with such force that that he flew backwards , landing hard on his back. He was knocked immediately unconscious.
A crowd of ponies surrounded Garren's body, examining him. His face was bloody and bruised, a clearly visible hoof mark in the middle of it.
"What is it?" Twilight asked still awe struck.
"A Human." Princess Celestia replied disgusted.
End Chapter 1
Ok so that is my first fanfic. it probably has alot of grammar mistakes. please forgive me about them. Looking for criticism on my first story. positive or negative. If you liked it, thanks. Next Chapter will be up soon now that schools out : )
Garren's eyes peeled open again, but this time they stayed. He had been going in and out of consciousness for several hours. Each time he could only take in a little bit of of his surroundings. The first significant time he woke up, he was staring outside a window. He could tell he was in motion because the trees were moving past the window. It was still bright outside. He guessed he was on a train because was he was near one when the orange pony kicked him. Sure enough he heard a train whistle to confirm his thought. Garren moved his eyes slightly to the left and saw the tall, white pony with the crown looking down at him. She wore a blank expression on her face. The smaller purple pony he had saw earlier peeked out from behind her. She tried to move closer, but the white pony's horn light up with energy and held the purple one back. She turned to her and shook her head slowly. The purple pony nodded and walked away, obviously disappointed. The White pony turned back to him, the same expression still on her face. Then everything went dark, the train went into a tunnel and Garren was out again.
The second significant time he was floating in the air. He was surrounded by the same light as before. It had to be evening because the sky was orange. In front of him he could see two rows of ponies on either side of him.They wore silver armor on their bodies and heads. They were in lines of about a dozen and were going into a huge castle. The door they were going through was small and plain so it must have been a back door. Over to his right he saw the pony with the crown again. Her horn was glowing. As if sensing his eyes on her, she turned and looked at him, with that same look. Her horn glowed brighter for a moment and Garren felt his eyelids become heavy and he was out. Not unconscious anymore, asleep.
Garren was now awake and looked around with his only his eyes, careful not to move his head. He was in a white room that was shaped like a long rectangle and he was at one on the shorter lengths. The room was filled with ponies in lab coats and they looked to be in a rush. They were running back and forth to tables on each side of the room, papers flying everywhere, them running into each other.
"Lets go!" One pony shouted. This one had on a lab coat, but had a badge on his and wore a hat. He must be in charge. Garren thought. "He'll be up any minute now!"
With the order given, most of the ponies stopped what they were doing and left. They went past a wall of guards and went through the only door in the room. Only six ponies remained in the room, two were quickly gathering up the papers that scattered and scurried out, the wall of guards splitting to left them pass. The other four, all with horns, levitated four objects: Garrens bags, M110 SASS, M9 and a small wrapped cloth with tiny metal chain hanging from it. Once they had his things, they too left.
Garren tried to wipe his his eyes, but his right hand could only move a little before it stopped. He tried with his left hand and received the same result. He looked down and saw that his wrists were chained to the wall behind him. The chain, being about 8in, allowed some movement. He saw that he also had a set of chains on his shins, also connected with the wall.
When a guard pony saw Garren trying to move against his restraints, he went outside the room and said something he couldn't hear to figures outside.
"Good, hes got some explaining to do" A gruff male voice said.
Moments later three ponies came in into the room. The guard who took up his position again, a tall stallion who was covered in golden armor and the tall white pony with the crown. The wall of parted fully to allow for them to pass. As they walked closer toward him Garren felt slightly nervous, he didn't think he'd seen the extent of what the white pony could do. Both ponies stopped about five feet away from him. For the next 30 seconds no one spoke, there was only the occasional cough from one of the guards. Garren looked back and forth between the ponies before him, wondering which would speak first. The pony with the crown looked him up and down, examining every part of his body. Then she cleared her throat and broke the silence.
"Well" She said at last. "I would congratulate you on being the first human to make it here alive, but after what you've done this is something that isn't very good for you. So I have questions that need answers, after you've given me enough you will be shown to your room."
Garren had a sinking feeling in his stomach, the way she said "room" made it seem like something much less pleasant.
"So." she continued. "First and seconds questions, how did you get here and why have come?"
Garren just looked at her, amazed that she's think he would just give up information. Feeling a little more confident, Garren put on a smug smile.
"You're not getting any-" Garren started to speak.
"I'm sorry, maybe I didn't make myself clear enough for you" She interrupted. She then gave a small smile and then used a different voice, " I WANT MY ANSWERS NOW AND I'M NOT ASKING. This voice was the loudest thing Garren had ever heard. It blew his hair straight back behind his head and the skin on his face felt like it was peeling back. He could see the air rushing from her mouth as she said it.
Garrens eyes enlarged and ears were ring. He couldn't move his face, he felt paralyzed. The pony started to speak again and the ringing in Garren's ears faded.
"-standing it now?" She asked. "Or do you need me to repeat it and continue this in the royal Canterlot voice? Garren blinked hard a couple times and shook his head to get rid of his shock.
He sighed heavily then gave in. "Alright, alright" He started to confess. "The truth is that I have absolutely no idea and I'm not entirely sure where here is." He said looking down.
"Lies" she said plainly. "How could you not know?"
"Those aren't fucking lies!" Garren said angered. "I just touched a purple light and ended up in forest. I'm not sure what happened. Now who are you and why am I chained to a fucking wall!?"
"Purple light?" She said to herself. "Oh Twilight" She sighed, shaking her head.
*cough* *cough* Garren faked to her attention.
She looked up, regarding him. "No need to be profane." she said. "To answer your question, I am Princess Celestia, Ruler of Equestria. This land is inhabited by ponies and we are a peaceful race...mostly" she said, tacking mostly on the end.
"Mostly?" Garren asked, wanting an explanation.
"Yes, mostly." she said firmly. "Until something like you comes along, threatening my citizens."
"I haven't Threatened anyone!" He tried to argue.
"I beg to differ" She said, sounding a bit more angry. "Three dead ponies and three injured. One of the injured being a very close friend of my faithful student. And I must say you are very lucky that she wasn't added to the list of deceased. So, who are you?"
"I'm-" Garren stopped himself. He couldn't tell her his name. He would have to say something, but have to get around his name. "I'm a Scout Sniper for the United States Marine Corps. Garren said, hoping she'd be satisfied with that.
"Ok and now I what you do on Earth, but I wanted your name." she said. :"And I think you knew that."
Damn it, Garren thought. She wasn't fooled. "I...I'm not going to tell you that, you won't get that from me" He said. . "Now matter how much you use your little loud voice" He finished, tying his best to sound unbreakable.
Upon hearing this, Princess Celestia's horn immediately light up. "Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?" She asked. "I was hoping this wouldn't deteriorate to me forcing answers from you."
Garren remained adamant not to give up his name, but it came at a painful cost. Celestia's energy from her horn went to the chains on his arm. She sighed as she ripped the chains from the wall, then raised the detached chain over Garrrens head.
"So" she said. "Still don't want to answer?"
Even though Garren was clearly trying not to show fear, he was doing a bad job of it. He was sweating hard and breathing had greatly increased, but still gave no answer.
"Fine" she said
She started to slowly pull the chains higher over Garren's head, she was going to stretch him. She gave a sigh as she pulled the chains up. It reached the point where it would go no further without force. As it reached higher Garren started to groan, then even higher those groans turned to screams of pain.
"Princess..." The guard in the golden armor finally spoke. "I think he's had enough"
Celestia said nothing, but kept pulling. Now Garren was really yelling. His arms now much higher.
"PRINCESS!" The guard shouted. Celestia turned and looked at him. "As much as a threat he is, we still don't need him minus two arms
She sighed. "You're right Captain. I guess that's all for tonight, but this was your warning human. Next time i ask a question, give an answer. With that she let the chains drop and Garren fell to the ground.
"Yeah, real fucking peaceful." He muttered through heavy breaths.
"Captain will you please show this human to his room." she said she used her horn to unlock his chains.
Garren stood up straight and eyed the door. Watching him closely, Celestia gave a little laugh.
"Don't try it" she told him. "Although it would be entertaining to see you try to run past us. Now lets go, human."
Garren was thinking about more than what his chances would be of making it through the door. He was thinking that when he was escorted to his "room", that he could see possible exits on the way, maybe even find out where his things were being held.
"Alright lets go" He said, walking forward.
"Wait" The Captain stopped him. "I don't think we should see let him see where we take him." He said as if reading Garren's mind.
"Hmm you're right captain. Celestia said. "Will you take care of it?"
"My pleasure" The Captain said as he walked toward Garren and raised his front hoof.
"Whoa, hey wait wait wa-" Garren couldn't finish because the the Captain brought his hoof to the exact spot where the orange pony hit him. He was out again.
About three hours later...
Garren started to wake up again after being unconcious for the third time. He brought his hand to his forehead and rubbed it.
"These ponies are gonna give me fucking brain damage." He mumbled as he looked around. He was now in a dark square room with lengths of about ten feet. The was a hardened dirt floor beneath him and rough rock walls behind and and to his left. In front of him, he could see nothing, no bars, no door, no wall, nothing. He could see further down to his right a door. No.Way. He thought.
Garren walked forward cautiously with his arm reaching out, not sure why he was in an open room, but then the answer was clear. Garren's hand eventually met an invisible force. On contact with it, a blue wave of energy, like a ripple in still water went across the the open space, then went back to being clear. Frustrated, he began touching other parts of the space, but it was no use.There was an invisible wall keeping him back. He began touching the space to his right and there was the same wall. Angry at himself for thinking it would be that easy, he kicked the space, sending huge ripples across the wall.
"You can do that all month long and nothing would happen." A voice Garren couldn't immediately see said. He looked to his right and could make out a brown pony laying down. He blended almost perfectly with the dirt.
"Why, have you tried?" he said sarcastically
"It's a magic barrier made by Princess Celestia." He said looking at Garren, unfazed by his appearance " I wouldn't waste my time trying that for five minutes."
"Yeah, you're right I guess." Garren agreed. "You don't seem to bothered about me." He said gesturing towards his body.
"Nah, I've seen some humans before." He said like it was nothing. "Speaking about humans, all this must be weird for you."
"Yeah." he sighed.
"Well, maybe I could help." he offered. 'I know I'd give more answers than Celestia."
Garren didn't really feel like talking, but if this pony was offering to fill in the blanks for him, he figured he should at least get some answers.
"Alright. lets start with this princess, who is she? Oh and if she claims your race to be peaceful, why was she up there torturing me for answers?!" he said sounding angry on the second question.
"Princess Celestia" The pony said shaking his head with a small smile as if he had a lot to share about her. "Well, I'll assume you already know that shes the ruler of this land, but there's more than that. She's the older of only two ponies with both a unicorn's horn and pegasus wings. Shes called an Alicorn, her younger sister being the other. There both immortal and have been alive for thousands of years. She's held in such high regard and is so powerful that she has become the deity to the citizens of Equestria. " He explained.
"Does that include you?" Garren asked.
"Of course not!" The pony spat. "I'm in this prison for the rest of my life, I no longer as a citizen. Anyway the reason you got tortured is both your fault and mine."
"I wasn't giving her my name." He said firmly.
"No not because of that" He said impatiently. "Torturing you, which is an angry and aggressive move, is because your presence here is making everyone aggressive and act differently. My presence as well. You and me are radiating human emotions and traits like anger, aggression, envy, hate, revenge. stuff like that.
"That's wrong." He argued "There are more human emotions that, you just named the bad ones.'
"We already have the good emotions. We've had them forever, but I accidentally brought the first of your emotions here some time ago. That and a combination of other things is what landed me here" He said the last sentence a bit more quietly. "Anyway you're giving off A LOT of emotions and it influences more ponies way faster than I do. Even Princess Celestia, as powerful as she, ins't immune to it. That's why she tortured you. She hasn't figured out how to control these new emotions and she's unsure of what to do about it.'
"You seem to know a lot about her." Garren said.
The pony looked down and smiled. "I should"
"Who are you" he asked
"I'm Time Fire, Princess Celestia's first student"
End Chapter 2
Ok so chapter 2 done. yeah it took forever. i know there wasn't any gun use in this one but im still studying up to make those parts sound more believe able. Huge Thanks to ~solarsarcasm~. He really did help me tremendously by answering the questions I had. I wanted to put a link to his page, but i didnt know if he'd be ok with it, but if he wants me to, I will. Again he was a great help and when he reads this I was hoping he'd be willing to provide any help for chapter 3. If you favorited i assume you like it so dont forget to give it a like as well. Criticism is welcome. Hope you liked it.
Princess Celestia paced quickly throughout her chambers. She didn't mentally feel right about what had happened in the room with the human. She had purposefully injured him, and not because he didn't give his name. She expected that he wouldn't give much about himself. She had hurt him because she blamed him for killing and hurting her ponies. She wanted to cause him some of the pain that he had done to them. She didn't know what to call this new feeling, but she knew it could be dangerous. She had nearly pulled the human's arms from their sockets. She would have succeeded, but Captain Wall luckily stopped her before things got really messy.
She couldn't help but admit to herself that he deserved it after what he'd done. She quickly shook her head. Enough of these thoughts she said to herself. The only thing harming the human had achieved was further bad relations with Equestria's new creature. Most of the short questioning had been a failure, although she was able to secure one very valuable piece of information.
The princess went over to her door, opened it and talked to one of the ponies guarding outside.
"One of you please find Twilight Sparkle and bring her to me".
The guards looked at each other, both staying still.
"NOW...please"
One of the guards was slightly bigger than the other and he stared hard at the other. The smaller grunted and took of down the hallway.
The remaining guard stood uneasily in his position. Celestia took notice of this.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine" He assured "Are you?"
"What did you say?" His response took her by surprise.
"Nothing" he said waving a hoof.
Princess Celestia let it slide and went back into her room. She tapped her hoof impatiently even though it didn't take Twilight very long to reach her. She opened the door with a wide smile on her face. Even though this would not be a good visit, Celestia still cracked a smile. She knew Twilight still wanted a chance to study the human up close. Much to her dismay she she would never give her the chance.
"Yes, your Highness?" she said cheerfully. She still had her saddle bags on and they were filled with books.
"Twilight"
"Yes, is this about the human?" Twilight asked excited, still in her good mood.
"What were you and Rarity doing in the Everfree forest?"Celestia asked, ignoring Twilight's question.
Twilight's smile faded and was replaced by a look of sadness and guilt.
"I was...practicing a spell and I needed another unicorn with me to help." she started to cry. "She didn't even want to come, but i wouldn't leave her alone about it."
"Oh, Twilight." Celestia tried to calm her down. "It wasn't your fault. You had no way of know that she would get hurt like that."
"Yeah, you're right"she sniffled."We were so lucky you were there to save her. Thank you so much."she said starting to tear up again.
"Yes, of course, your welcome." Celestia said quickly, trying to get back in the direction she wanted. "Twilight I have ask.."
"Yes?" she asked still sniffling.
"What spell were you practicing?" Princess Celestia already knew the answer, but she wanted Twilight to tell her the truth.
Twilight's face seemed to get real small and she started to sweat and shake. "Well I..I uh...uh...I don't...exactly know what its called." she finished with a nervous smile.
"But you do know what it does, right?
"Well...it may...possibly open up...portals"
Celestia leaned in close to her student. "Now how did you learn to produce a portal?"
Twilight looked down and sighed. "I found notes.'
"Where, WHERE?" she asked, her voice urgent.
"In certain books in the Starswirl the Bearded wing of the Canterlot Archives."
"Do you still have any of them?"
Twilight's magic pulled a small, folded up piece of yellow parchment from her saddle bag and levitated over to her Mentor. "This is the only one I have with me"
Celestia unfolded it and held it to her face.
Dear Reader,
If you have picked up this book purposefully then you have come for a history lesson on the seemingly great Starswirl the bearded. I assure you that what I have to offer is much better than anything in this wing. Scattered throughout this section are more short notes. If you can find them, you'll find a spell so powerful that at this time only I am able to conjure. So, if you think you are strong and determined enough, I urge you to try and pursue this spell. It can open the door to new worlds.
Good luck to you,
TF
**********
"You're a student of hers?!" Garren demanded.
"I was, meaning I'm not anymore. You see, because "was" is past tense, which means it was before the present, which is now". Time Fire said, giving a small grin.
"Yeah you're a real fucking wise-ass, now get the hell away from me." Garren pushed away from the barrier.
"Whats your problem? I'm trying to help you! I can get yo-" Time Fire couldn't finish.
"You're still connected to her! Was this just to get more information from me?
"What?! NO. You're thinking out of anger, think rationally for minute."
"Stop talking talking to me" Garren turned away, taking off his jacket.
"Wait! I can..." Time fire stopped. Garren had rolled up his jacket and laid with it under his head.
The Unicorn Sighed. It would be harder than he thought to get the human on his side.
A few hours later...
Garren awoke to a room so dark he couldn't tell if his eyelids had actually opened. He shook his head and slowly he could could make out outlines of objects. He moved slowly over to the the open space, a small blue wave went out from the barrier, lighting up a small area. Garren backed up and rammed into the barrier sending lots of blue waves around both barriers. He took the chance to look around. He could see Time Fire was still asleep on his side of the wall. He looked on his own side and saw a small bowl of water. As he went over to it he thought something could've been put in it. Garren considered not drinking it, but he hadn't had anything to drink since he was in resting in the attic of that tree house.
The water was cool and refreshing and after not having any for a day and a half, it was much needed. He only wished the bowl was bigger. He internally sighed as he slumped down with his back against the barrier. The constant contact gave steady patterns of light. He admired the patterns as they moved across the floor. It reminded him of of how light looks at the bottom of a pool. He was about to close his eyes when the pattern changed to something much faster. He looked behind him and saw that Time Fire was now awake and leaning against the the wall too.
Garren considered moving, but ruled against it. Maybe the pony was just another prisoner and if he was still willing to help, Garren would need it.
For a while neither of them spoke. Garren's eyes were about to close again when the pony finally chose to speak up.
"Look, um...I know you think I still have ties to Celestia, but believe me when I say that I am no longer loyal to her."
Garren didn't say anything, but moved himself in a more attentive position.
Time Fire took notice and continued. "I know that we could both benefit from working together. No doubt you're looking to get of here. Thats something we have in common, but you're going to have to trust me. Can you do that?"
Garren was stuck for a moment. How could he trust this pony, he only knew so much about him. He knew had to find some way out, but he wasn't sure if putting his trust in this pony was the right move. On the other hand the pony had been here longer than him and might have key information for any kind of escape. He thought it over and decided he'd trust pony, so long as things stayed beneficial for him.
"Ok, I'll trust you"
"Good" Time Fire said, sounding satisfied. "Cause I've got the way out."
***************
Princess Celestia folded up the note and turned her back to Twilight. Twilight moved around to her side to try to see her face.
"Princess?"
"He was...He was." She said shakily. Her horn lit brighter and the top right corner of the note started smoking. After a moment it lit up with fire, it slowly burned and shriveled. Celestia opened her window and the ashes were caught by the wind.
She turned back to Twilight. "He was just giving the spell away. It was actually lucky that you found the notes and not some other pony."
"Soooo its a good thing right?" She asked hopefully.
"No, its not. You should not have done that spell, Twilight."
"I'm sorry" she said with her head down.
Celestia sighed "Well its in the past and sadly, we cant't change what happened. But..."
Twilight eyes widened, a silent way of say "continue".
"Knowing about these notes, I can't let you or anypony back in that wing."
"Wha...what?"
"Its only until I find the rest of these notes, I have to make sure no one else finds these."
"Bu...But this is just... Its not fair!
Celestia raised an eyebrow at her students rising voice.
"I didn't expect you to take it easily, but I do expect you to obey my order."
Twilight said nothing, but the look on her face said it all. It was a look of sadness, anger and confusion.
"Yes, your highness."
She mumbled some unpleasant words as she left the room, slamming the doors behind her.
"Its affecting everypony." The Princess said sadly out loud.
**************
Garren was anxious to hear to hear Time Fires plan. He had hardly gotten started when the guards came through the door. They said nothing to the pony or the human, but one had used his horn to make a small break in the barrier. He had refilled both of their bowls of water, lit various candles around the room and thrown something to Garren. It was a small piece of cloth, wrapped into a tight ball.
After that all of them left except one. For about two hours he milled about doing meaningless tasks to waste time. Garren kept looking back between Time Fire and the guard, wondering when his time watching watching them would be over. To waste some time he tried unraveling the cloth and he DID waste time. He could not get it open, it was too tight and he needed something sharp to slice it open.
Thats when he remembered something. A smile grew across Garren's face, the ponies hadn't searched him well enough. He looked down at his right leg and his smile grew wider. His hand reached down and touched the side of his lower right leg. He leaned against the barrier and rested his hands behind his head, he now had a much higher chance of escaping because, still strapped to his leg, was his 7.5in combat knife.
When the guard finally left, Garren brought out his knife as soon as the door was closed. It he looked at it for a moment. It had a black blade that was finished with something that didn't shine. The top slightly curved downward near the end of blade. It had a great grip, he felt as if he could never drop it.
He sliced the cloth open to find his identification tags, or as he and every else called them, his dog tags. Beneath them he found a small note.
Wouldn't it have been easier just to have told us?!
Garren chuckled at the note and proceeded to cut it to shreds.
"Soooo, your names Tyler?"
Garren got up startled. He sliced at the barrier and effect made was that of a speed boat cutting through water.
"You weren't supposed see that." He said, holding up the knife to the pony.
"Oooo, good job. Thats bound to come in handy. Anyway, I've been waiting too long already, here's the plan."
*****************
Princess Celestia combed through Starswirl the Bearded's section of the Canterlot archives. She had the entire section blocked off as well as some of the wings that were nearest to it. She had to find the rest of the notes. It was bad enough that Twilight found instructions on how to conjure a portal. She only knew one other spell powerful enough that "TF" would leave behind. If anypony found that spell, it would not be good.
However, in her searching, she could only find worthless notes that either trashed her or denounced Canterlot. She began to get frustrated, this was getting her nowhere. She considered that there may not be any other notes than these. She was still thinking when Captain Wall tapped on the barrier. She let him in and smiled slightly.
"Captain, you're just in time to help me." She said
He looked around at the mess of books all over the floor. "Oh...well...I...um."
She laughed and shook her head "Relax Captain it was just a joke."
"Oh, well I have with a message. Its him. He says he has valuable information about the human, but he wants to meet...outside his cell. He made it imperative that we talk in the same room as we did the human."
Celestia's smile melted away. The thought of her old student brought back bad memories.
"I do not like this, Time Fire is an opportunist and a liar . He would never do this if he didn't have something else in mind. But If he does have something to share on the human, we desperately need it."
"He has asked for nothing, just that it be in the same room. As long as we keep tight security, I can not foresee any problems. And if he is lying then we just send him back to his cell"
"I trust your judgement, Captain. But make sure your security is tight. Triple the number of guards in and around that room, reinforce all the walls, put a magic barrier in the room and any other security measures you can think of."
"Yes, your higness. When will we go for him?"
"Give me...three days. Then we'll pull him out."
"Very well." With that Captain Wall left and Celestia quit searching.
Knowing that she would be talking with her old prodigy soon, she would not need to look for his notes.
**************
Captain Wall came through the door and Time Fire looked up and smiled at him.
"So how'd it go" He asked with a chipper voice.
"You'll have your audience in three day. No funny business or I assure you, I will beat it out of you."
"Oh I'm you sure will, Captain. Thank you for being a wonderful messenger."
Captain Wall gave him an evil look then left.
As soon as he left, Time Fire started laughing. "Oh these idiots" he chuckled
Garren was less than amused. "If you give them anything about me, I swear I'll-"
"Relax Tyler. Can I call you Tyler?" He interrupted quickly.
"No"
"Ok. well relax Garren, I'll never make it to that room."
Garren raised an eyebrow.
"Oh come on now, you've never heard of a diversion? This was just to draw some of the security away from the corridors and exits." He said with an impatient tone.
"Ok lets go through this again. Every six months half of the guards are switched with new recruits who just received their cutie marks. Now these guys are just amatuers, but there will still be some of the seasoned pros."
"Ok, keep going" Garren nodded, not bothering to ask what a "cutie mark" is.
"When they come to get me, I'll do my little trick and when they're recovering I'll let you out and we put them in the cells. That door is soundproof so no one will hear them or us. After that we move to finding your weapons. I have a pretty good idea of where they're be, but nothing is certain. Did you come here with like a pack or a bag or something?"
"I had a bag" he answered.
"What do you NEED from it?"
"Just my night optic, couple rounds of ammunition and my water bottle."
"Good, we'll need to move quickly so the less the better. After a while they'll send someone down to see whats taking so long. I'd say maybe eight or nine minutes before that happens. Now how fast can you run with your gun?"
"Its about 15lbs, soooo pretty fast I'd say. Just a little less than my sprinting speed."
"Ok, because as soon as they figure out we're out, we're going to have to run. They'll send dozens of soldiers for us, but they're not the real problem. When we get into the forest, the real problem will be only three ponies.
"Only three?"
Yup, just three, but don't underestimate them. First there's Applejack. That's the pony that gave you that." He said pointing to the mark on Garren's forehead. "I've never seen a pony run so fast for such long distances. Plus shes got a mean kick, wouldn't you agree?"
"Ha" he said not amused.
"Next there's Rainbow Dash. This Is without a doubt the fastest pegasus alive. Shes capable of not only breaking the sound barrier, but going much far beyond that. So if she sees you, its all over. Luckily shes easy to spot in the sky, with her rainbow colored mane and tail, so we could easily hide from her.
"I've think I've seen her before."He said thinking back.
"Its very possible, she really hard to miss." Anyway, lastly there's Twilight Sparkle. While shes not very athletic, she is a very powerful unicorn, more so than she realizes I think. Shes also very smart, the other two will most likely follow her. You have her to thank for you being here."
"That purple rift was her?"
"Yeah, its called a portal. Only her and I are capable of opening them. But unfortunately they give of a lot of energy and Celestia can easily track them. That is why we have to get far away from here. So I don't get caught."
"I see. Now you're sure you can get me back to Earth?"
"100 percent. Now you should try to get some rest, Garren. You're going to need it."
End Chapter 3
Ok another one down. he still hasn't gotten to get his guns back, but he will and there will actually be sniping in "Sniper In Equestria." Hope this didn't take to long for you, Im trying to get them out quicker. dont forget to like :)
Time Fire had much to look forward to. In a few days he would be a free pony. He would finally be able to use his magic again. The barrier that kept him a prisoner also prevented any magic use. Occasionally a guard or two would tease and provoke him. He had been imprisoned for so long, they had forgotten who the most powerful unicorn in Equestria was. It was time he reminded them, he was ready to unleash his power. The human, he now knew as Garren, had seemed to be on his side. When he explained the plan to him, he seemed very interested in it. He only hoped Garren's things were where he thought they were, or else he could lose his trust. He wished he could see Celestia's face as they escaped into the woods. She would be enraged that somepony like him would be back into the world. Time Fire loved thinking about it.
He knew they would be followed and at some point meet some kind of resistance, but he wasn't too worried. The Celestia's guards weren't the strongest ponies he had ever met, they were just figures. Princess Celestia was more than capable of taking care of herself. She had little need for protection, but it would be beneath her to fight a pony, after all she is a Goddess. She frequently sent other ponies to fight battles for her.
Time Fire was almost certain she would send at least a couple of the elements of harmony after them. He was looking forward to meeting Twilight Sparkle. She held his old spot as Celestia's personal student and was capable of producing portals. News traveled very slowly in the dungeons below the Castle, but he eventually heard of what she alone had accomplished. Defeating an Ursa Major single handedly is no easy task. He wanted to test her strength, it would be interesting to see what talent now granted being Celstia's student. He cared little for the other elements, although he did want to see Rainbow Dash in flight. He had heard it was incredible. All the thoughts of what would happen outside made him extremely eager, but strangely tired. He know he would need his rest so he laid down and closed his eyes. For the first time in many, many years he easily went to sleep.
**************
Garren was awaken by the sound of water splashing. He wiped the sleep from his eyes and looked towards Time Fire's space. The pony was soaking wet and shivering, with a large bucket tossed in his area. Standing outside his barrier was a muscular unicorn pony laughing at him.
"Your visit with the Princess is in two days. I can't let you see her all dirty and flea-bitten, so you can count on a surprise bath everyday until then. " He sounded like a highschool picking on a little kid. "So thank me for giving going out of my way to make you look good for her."
"Why don't you fuck off." Garren drew the attention to him and both Time Fire and the other pony looked surprised.
The ponies surprised look went away and he turned back to Time Fire "Whoa, now you've this hideous creature sticking up for you?! This is too funny." He started laughing again. "It makes sense though, cause you'll never do it for yourself."
"Fuck you" Garren said. He wasn't trying to stick up for him, he just hated this pony's type.
The pony walked over to his barrier. "Maybe I should come in there and teach you some manners"
"Come on in" He brought a hand towards his lower leg.
The pony got angry. "Apologize to me or I'm coming in there."
Garren had a hand on his knife and looked at Time Fire. He saw what he was going to do if the pony entered and shook his head frantically for a moment. Garren understood why. If he knifed the pony more would come in and take it from him. Then he would loose a valuable tool for the escape. He nodded slightly at Time Fire and turned back to the pony. He really didn't want to submit to the pony, but in order to keep the escape plan intact he would have to.
"I'm sorry" He sighed
The pony smiled a devilish grin and moved back to Time Fire. "Now thank me."
"Thank you for cleaning me up, Iron Bolt." He used a fake cheerful voice.
Iron Bolt laughed triumphantly and left through the door.
After the the door closed there was a silence in the room. It was apparent that neither wanted to talk about what just happened. That was until Time Fire looked down, shaking his head.
"Same old Iron Bolt."
Then Garren's anger from the encounter spilled over. "What the hell was that?!" he demanded. The pony turned and looked at him with his head cocked to the side.
"Did you know he was going to drench you with you with water?!"
"Yeah, why?" He asked not seeing his submission as a problem.
"Why didn't you do anything?!"
"Ok first calm down Garren, its still early and you were woken up unexpectanly. Second, I wanted to let him get it out of his system. I'm not to worried about it because When we escape I have something special in mind for him.
"You better, I don't like getting treated like that."
"Oh well then you shouldn't have stepped in. I fear that you too will now get "baths." He said with a laugh. "Thanks for understanding about the knife. Its no use to risk losing it, especially just to stab Iron Bolt. Hes not worth it."
Garren nodded, not saying more and went to what he would be doing for the rest of the day. Nothing.
***************
As the day drew to a close, Princess Celestia went to check on Captain Wall's progress of fortifying the interrogation room. There were many ponies working on it. The wood walls had been removed and were nearly all replaced with stone. She found Captain Wall and He explained what they were doing.
"All the wood has been removed and three of the four walls have already been replaced with stone. The fourth should be up later on tonight. I've already pulled as many people as I can to guard the room and to retrieve him."
"Good work Captain." she praised. "I have a new barrier made especially for him."
They both nodded to each other and Celestia went back to her chambers, leaving the Captain to his work.
When she got back to her room she slammed her hoofs on the ground and jumped to a cushion and screamed into it. She had been trying to keep her composure all day, but the thoughts of Time Fire overwhelmed her. She did not want to see him again, she preferred him to stay in his area forever, but he supposedly had important information on the human. She need to learn more about it and had to take any info, no matter where it came from.
She just hoped the measures she and the Captain were taking were enough to keep him from trying anything. She carried this thought until it was time for his audience.
****************
Two days later...
It was the night the two prisoners were to escape and they were both getting ready in their own ways. Garren was stretching his legs while he thought about the last two mornings. Both times he had his rest cut short by buckets of ice cold water being dumped on him. It chilled him to the bone and only strengthened his hatred for Iron Bolt. Whatever Time Fire had in mind for him, he hoped it was painful.
Time Fire had just finished what Garren thought was some kind of pony meditation. He was siting down with his eyes closed and breathed deep, slow breaths. He had been doing this for about an hour and stopped to go over some last minute details with him.
"Ok, so you're things should be in the top research lab. Its down a corridors and up a couple flights of stairs, I'll lead you there. Above the lab is a sort of observatory floor. It has a roof but no windows so there is a 360 degree point of view up there."
Garren grined when he heard that, it was music to a sniper's ears.
"Remember to only grab what you absolutely need."
Garren nodded.
"And run, remember that too. Follow me and don't fall beh-" He couldn't finsh, the door was opening. It was time.
Garren thought the plan was over before it had even got into motion. The guards poured into the room and just kept coming. First 10, then 20 and finally over 30. He saw Iron Bolt and a few other particularly muscular ponies come in last. There had to be at least 35 ponies in the room and they were all incredibly close. Iron Bolt walked up to Time Fire's barrier.
"No stunts, alright?"
"Of course not." He had a sly, knowing grin on his face despite the overwhelming odds. As he was being led out of his cell, Garren noticed something for the first time. It looked like a bright tattoo above Time Fire's left hind leg. It was a vertical hourglass with black sand all still at the top and it was completely engulfed in flames. He continued looking at it until the pony was surrounded by the guards. That's when the ropes came.
Bundles of rope came through the door and the door was closed while they were tied around almost every part of Time Fire's body. A couple on his neck, about ten around each of his legs, some on his abdomen and even a couple on his tail and mane. Whatever the pony planned on doing, he doubted it would be effective against the restraints he now had. Still he kept his grin, which now looked more like a confident smile. Iron bolt went in front leading with the other ponies on either side and behind him.
"Let's go!" He shouted.
The group of ponies moved in unison towards the door. They were a couple yards away from it when Time Fire stopped.
"What are you stopping for?! I said let's go!" Iron bolt shouted.
Time Fire manged to get a look at Garren, he winked quickly then was yanked back to facing Iron Bolt. That's when it happened.
Time Fire slowly breathed in and out then looked Iron Bolt right in his face. The he drew in another, larger breath, only this time when he breathed out it was something different. It was fire. It was a continuous stream of flames that lit up the entire room.The flames were wide and moved out of his mouth with such force that Iron bolt flew back and slammed against the door. The force of the fire kept Iron Bolt pressed against it. After a moment the flames died down and Iron bolts chard, flaming body fell of the door.
The other ponies had just stared in awe and were trying to come to terms with what they had just witnessed, but Time Fire didn't stop there. He lit up his horn and his entire body changed. His mane and tail turned to flame and the rest of his body turned bright white. The whites of his eyes turned red and his pupils changed to little flames. It was so hot the ropes burned off immediately and the fire from him spread to the ponies nearest to him. From there It became a massacre. Along with his body being flame he also breathed fire around wildly to everything that moved. The force sent flaming ponies flying around, crashing into walls and each other. Garren moved back when a burning pony slammed into his barrier.
A couple ponies tried to make a run to the door, but Time Fire saw them. The fire seemed to wrap around them, pulling their nowjn flaming bodies away from it. Finally his whole body exploded, making sure nothing left in the room didn't meet his fire. Garren would've been burned too, but the barrier that kept him prisoner saved his life by keeping out the flames.
It took a moment for the smoke to clear, but when it did a normal Time Fire stood. There was a big smile on his face.
Garren just stood in awe watching him. He had no idea what he was capable of.
Time Fire went over to his barrier and lit his horn blue and a beam of light hit the barrier. Garren stepped through his previous space, still in awe.
"Come on, Garren, we're not out yet."
*************
Princess Celestia stood nervously in the interrogation room. She still had suspicions about why Time Fire chose to come forth with information about the human. She had a feeling that he would just waste everypony's time and efforts. She felt bad because she had the ponies work long hours to prepare the room for Time Fire.
The Captain had done an amazing job with security. All concrete walls, four times the number of guards, a magic barrier, reinforced chains and a steel door that was blast, sound, water,and gas and heat proof. The room had the ultimate protection and they had even finished early.
Celestia knew that even if Time Fire was lying about information, she would still need to know why he gave away his portal spell. She also had to know if he gave up his other spell. The thought of another pony knowing how to acquire a power known only to her and her sister was not a light matter.
Celestia looked around at the ponies in the room. Most of them stood proud and strong, others excited and antsy. If they only knew who was going to come through that door, she doubted any would act how they were now.
Suddenly something changed in the room. Some of the ponies started shifting from hoof to hoof. Some tried balancing on one for a while then moving to the next one. Celestia noticed that the floor had become a little hotter. She looked down as if she could see through the floor. Her heart started to pump and thoughts of what could have possibly gone wrong filled her head.
She didn't want to look appear scared in front of her guards. That could put them into a panic, especially the new ones. She tried to stand as proudly as she could. She silently reassured herself.
Captain Wall sent 38 ponies for him. Nothing happened. Nothing.
**************
Garren decided that now was not to discuss what had happened in there. He just followed Time Fire as best he could through the castle. It was kept surprisingly dark and most of the light came the moon, which seemed brighter than usual. Garren didn't have time to wonder about it though. They were only a couple ponies in the hallways they went through. Some moved out of their way and some stayed. Time Fire couldn't use his magic because it would be much to bright and draw attention. So Garren had to do some close work.
He would pulled his knife out and get behind the pony. Then grab the pony's mouth and keep it shut while he brought the knife into the area in between the two front legs. That's where Time Fire said the heart was. They struggling ponies would slowly stop moving and Garren would hold them and gently lay their bodies on the ground. Time Fire would levitate the bodies and toss them into closets or very dark areas.
"Just up here." He said.
Garren flew up the flight of stairs and found a large room. The lab looked like something from a movie, with bubbling test tubes and large machines that did god knows what. Not seeing any ponies inside, he kicked open the door and quickly moved around inside. He scanned around and found his rifle, the M110 SASS. It still had the silencer, but the night sight had been removed. He looked around and found it on the table with his bag. He grabbed the half empty water bottle and his night sight. He also grabbed a thermal optic. He clipped on the night sight on the rail in front of the day scope and grabbed two 10 round magazines. He almost had every thing he brought.
"Is that all you need?" Time Fire was watching the stairs and waiting for Garren.
"No, I can't find my M9."
"What is that?"
"Its just a sidearm." Garren said impatiently. They didn't have time for him to explain exactly what it was. But Time Fire seemed to know anyway.
"Ohh, that black gun? Yeaahh, that's not going to be here."
"Why not?"
"Because Celestia saw you kill ponies with that so by now she could have it anywhere."
"Damn." Garren wanted his gun back, but it wasn't worth getting caught for. "Ok, lets move."
Time Fire led up another flight of stairs to what he said was an observation level. There were all sorts of telescopes and binoculars all over the place. He took a pair, realizing he had forgotten his.
"We need to go through that way" Time Fire pointed down at a courtyard.
Garren adjusted the binoculars and looked down. There were five guards standing in a line, blocking where they would need to go. Garren pulled out his rifle and got to the edge of the window the barrel of it sticking out. In his scope he could see them easy. His targets were about 180 yards away, a close shot. He looked at flags on the tops of other towers on the same level as him and flags below. They were all down, a very still night. He lined up his cross hairs on the guard farthest to the right. He would take them out one by one,from right to left. He breathed in and out then breathed in again and held it. He was about to pull the trigger when he thought of something.
He was rushing too much. Taking out five ponies on a courtyard would be very obvious. He needed something to lead them away from the area without causing to much damage. He looked around for a new target.
He finally saw something that would much better suit their needs. It was a tower maybe 15 yards high and 50 yards away from the ponies that blocked their way. He saw only one pony inside. Because the tower was high off the ground, Garren could move away from the window and still see the target. He could now fire from near the center of the observation floor. This along with the silencer would mask the sound of the shots and the muzzle flash.
Garren took aim at the pony in the tower. He needed the other ponies away from their path so he aimed for the bottom of the pony's front right leg. He breathed in and held it then pulled the trigger.
The force of the bullet at the close distance made the pony flip and land on his back. He cried out in pain. Garren slightly moved the cross hairs to the pony's head and waited for a moment. He let the pony scream for about four seconds then pulled the trigger again. The screaming stopped.
Garren moved to the edge of the window again and used the binoculars. The five ponies did what he wanted. The left to see what had happened.
"They're gone, lets get the hell out of here." Garren slung the rifle on his back and followed Time Fire again.
Moving through the castle was quicker now. There seemed to be less ponies in the hallways. They turned a corner and the door to the outside came in to view. Time Fire picked up speed.
"Come on. By now they'll have realized somethings wrong."
Garren matched his speed and ran to the door. He opened it and found a pony looking at him. It shocked him to see the pony there as he thought they all went to check on the one he shot. The pony yelled and pushed past them. It knocked them both over and Garren tried to swing his knife. He barely missed his back leg. The pony took off through the castle still yelling. He got up and started to move to the door again, but Time Fire stopped him.
"No, Leave him! Now its time to run!" Time Fire started running across the court yard. Garren followed closely behind. He now held his gun in his hands because it kept knocking against his back. He looked back towards the castle, already lights were on and ponies were coming out of the doors.
"There they are!" One shouted.
"Just keep going! We're almost to the tree line!" Time Fire was still ahead of him.
He could hear more yelling from behind him. The moon caused shadows of the pegasi on the stone ground. Garren turned to the side and saw a pony flying very close to him. The pegasus had its eyes fixed on him with a hoof stretched out maybe two feet from Garren's right shoulder.
"Almost there" He said.
"Oh shit!" Garren yelled and kept running. The pony was just faster. He got his left hoof on Garren's right shoulder. He was still looking at him and was now right next to him.
"Gotch-" The pony couldn't finish. Garren had reached the trees and purposefully ran next to one. The pony crashed into and Oak and Garren kept running. He looked back to see many ponies in pursuit, both in the air and on the ground. He could make one white one that was bigger than the others, with light blue, green and pink hair.
Shit, that princess has to be really pissed off now. He thought as he turned and kept running through the forest.
************
Princess Celestia watched as the two dangerous prisoners disappeared through the trees. Dozens of unicorns, earth ponies and pegasi went after them. Mostly likely they wouldn't find them. She turned back and went into the castle to the interrogation room. Captain Wall was there yelling orders at various ponies who nodded at ran out the door. He saw her and moved to say something, but she held up a hoof, there wasn't much left to be said.
Time Fire had lied about everything. He only wanted guards moved away from their posts. The past three days of preparation had all been a waste. She shook her head and went down to the dungeons. Lots of medical ponies with masks were there. They tried to carry some of the less chard ponies. Celestia looked around the room. 38 ponies had came for Time Fire, none left alive. She found the body of Captain Wall's lieutenant, Iron Bolt. The smell of it was revolting and she couldn't take any more. She went to Captain Wall, whispered in his ear, he nodded and left another pony in charge. Celestia went up to her chamber and looked out the window.
Moments later there was a knock on her door. Still looking out the window, she opened it with magic and three ponies came inside the room and waited for her to speak.
"The human that injured your friend escaped tonight with another dangerous prisoner. I would like to have them back and you three possess skills that could bring them back. I know you would like to see justice exacted upon him for causing harm to Rarity." Princess Celestia now turned to face Twilight Sparkle, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "Do you think you can find them for me?"
The three ponies all smiled and looked at each other, then back to the princess. Twilight Sparkle spoke for all of them.
"Yes."
End Chapter 4
Ok so another one down. I was kinda exicted to writed this one and looked over it kinda quickly so if theres any grammer mistakes, just tell me and i'll correct them. like and fav and all that sh*t
Thorns and tree branches tore away pieces of Garren's clothing and cut small scratches in the exposed skin. The cuts burned, but he could do nothing for them right now. He was already trying his hardest to keep up his pace and the rough terrain wasn't making it easy. Gnarled roots, old tree stumps and uneven ground were making him lose his balance and slow him down. He had to keep moving while he checked the ground in front of him, but couldn't lose track of the pony he was following after.
Time fire was still ahead of him, but now Garren could hardly see him. The moon was especially bright that tonight, but the thick canopy of tree branches prevented most of the light from reaching the floor. Garren turned and looked back, far behind him the Castle was still visible and closer to him were a mass of ponies chasing after them.
The Earth and unicorn ponies were having as hard a time as Garren was running through the forest. It was harder for them because if any one of their four hooves were to tripped on something, the pony would go down. Garren could see winged shadows quickly moving over the forest floor. He looked up and could make out dozens of pegasi soaring above, they were looking for an opening in the barrier that the branches made. For now they had an advantage for the pegasi were stuck in the sky, as long he didn't stop, he would surely lose the ponies behind him.
But Garren was not so lucky. One particular root that stretched out horizontally across his path caused him to trip. He fell and slide on stomach, which caused the whole front side of his body to become covered in scrapes and bruises. He picked himself up and clutched his stomach, there was a long, thin cut running from his lower abdomen to the middle of his chest. He stood up and frantically looked around, he had lost sight of Time Fire.
"Time Fire, where are- Oomph!! Garren was stopped mid sentence as he was tackled from behind. It was an blue earth pony. The two went tumbling forward in a heap, but it ending up with Garren stomach down in a push up position with the pony standing over him. His front hooves were pressed against his back, holding him down.
"I've got him! I've got- Uungh! It was Garren's turn to cut the pony off. He brought his right elbow up and it struck the pony on the bottom of his mouth, this made the pony step back off his back. Garren took the opportunity and twisted around so that he was on his back. He swung a fist and it connected with the side of the ponies jaw. He pulled his knees up to his chest and when the pony came back to restrain him, he pushed out. His kick impacted right between the ponies two front legs, it wasn't the strongest kick in the world, but it sent the pony flying back into a tree.
He stood back up and saw a pony emerge from behind a tree. He crouched and brought out his knife, he was ready to attack. Then a fiery horn lit up the darkness around the pony.
"Time Fire? Is that you? Garren whispered, not bring down his knife.
"Yeah it's me. Now put that away and let's move" With that the pony took off again.
Time Fire's horn stayed ablaze and it helped Garren keep track of where he was going, but it had a downside. His horn wasn't lit extremely bright, but a pegasus in the air could still see it and follow them. However most of the pegasi had already gone back to the entrance of the forest to search for them by hoof.
The two kept moving for maybe 20 more minutes. They were both getting tired and had dropped their speed to little more than a slow jog. At this pace it was easier to find his way over things that he could have possibly trip over. Very rarely he would see the shadow of a pegasus, but they never seemed to take notice of them.
"I think we lost them. lets just keep going for a little whi-" Time Fire had stopped talking and the fire of his horn had suddenly disappeared. Garren kept running towards where he had last seen his light. He thought he might have run into trouble and he was about to bring out his knife when he lost his footing.
His left foot touched ground but his right foot went down past where his left had went and landed on a downward slope. His speed and loss of footing caused him to tumble head first down a steep hill. He rolled continued to roll down the hill for a good 8 seconds, his gun smashing against his back with each rotation. When the ground started to level out, Garren slowly rolled to a stop on his back. He tried to keep his eyes open, but all the running, his fight with the pony and finally his fall down the hill had taken his energy and despite his efforts, his eyes slowly went shut.
************
Twilight walked around the courtyard as she waited for her friends. The sun had risen and and they're were now many ponies sitting around and more were coming. Tired pegasi flew down from above and earth and unicorn ponies came out of the forest. Two unicorns emerged from the forest with an earth pony between them, he looked badly bruised. The unicorns set the injured pony in the shade against the castle wall and Twilight went over to him.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but can I talk to you for a moment?"
"Uhh yeah sure?" He pulled himself into a more comfortable seated position.
"What exactly happened to you?"
"I tackled him, I thought I had him, but something happened."
"What?"
"That human...he's stronger than he appears. He is built very odd too. Where his front hooves should be, he has these five little things that look like twigs. They're small, but when he clumps them together they really pack a punch." The pony rubbed a mark on the side of his face.
"I'm so sorry. Is there anypony else still in there?"
"Yeah I know two unicorns sent help for me then continued after them at a slower pace.
"Do you have any idea where the human and the pony were headed?"
"Not really, but I don't think they did either."
"Alright thank you." The pony nodded and Twilight walked away. Her short conversation with the pony calmed her head. Every since Rarity had gotten hurt she had felt something different. It was something in her head that she had never experienced before, but it made her angry at the human for hurting her friend. It was something past anger though, she thought as if the human should injured for his crime, but that she would be the one to do it. Twilight wondered if her other friends thought the same way.
Twilight then saw Applejack coming down the castle steps and temporarily put her thoughts aside. Applejack had saddlebags on and it reminded Twilight to find her own. She went to where she had left them and magically levitated them to her sides. She was about to turn around when a pegasus landed in front of her.
"Come on Twilight! Are you ready to leave yet? Rainbow Dash was impatient and had wanted to go the previous night.
"Just about. Lets go get AJ."
Applejack was already headed towards the two and Twilight and Rainbow Dash met her in the middle.
"Hey Twi, Rainbow." Ya'll ready t'leave yet?"
"Finally, I think we are." Rainbow Dash exaggerated, it had only been a few hours.
The three ponies stood outside the entrance to the forest as Twilight gave orders.
"Rainbow, you will fly overhead, but stay close. If you see the human you tell use where they are and we've him on together. There is also a unicorn with him, I will handle him while you two try to control the human. Applejack, once we get both of them under control, you can lasso them up and we take them back to the castle."
Applejack nodded and Rainbow Dash saluted at the orders and all three ponies went off after the fugitives.
*************
"Wake up. Wake up!"
Garren's ears were ringing and he couldn't tell who the voice belonged to, for now he would assume it was Time Fire. He now felt hooves pushing on his right arm.
"Wake. Up."
Garren slowly blinked his eyes open, but still didn't move.
"Ah, there he is. Come on we got to get going." Time Fire started walking.
Garren tried to sit up, but cried out in pain.Every bone in his body ached, his cuts stung now more than ever. Time Fire came back and helped him up into a seated position. He now had his first look at himself. He looked fucked up, his jacket and pants were covered in dirt and torn in many places. Through the tears he had many thin cuts, the one on his stomach being the longest one. He rolled back his sleeves and found many more cuts and bruises. His face felt crusty and he rubbed it with his sleeve, it was dried blood from his nose and cuts on his face. Seeing himself like this made him feel weaker and he laid on his back again.
"I'm so sorry about that drop. It wasn't here a couple hundred years ago."
"Wh..what?" Garren asked, interested at what the pony had just said.
"Nothing. Come on thought we really do have to keep moving." Time Fire's horn lit up and surrounded Garren's torso and legs. He helped him on his feet and he took a few wobbly steps and nodded to Time Fire to say he was ok.
The two walked slowly with the pony in the lead. They walked for only about 1o minutes before Garren needed a break. He slumped against a tree and took out his water bottle. There was only about 1/4th left.
"Damn, I'm injured, tired, getting chased by ponies and only have a little water left. Things cant possible get any wo-"
"STOP!" Time Fire quickly shouted. " Don't say that!"
"Say what?" Garren didn't noticed what could have been a costly mistake.
"What you were about finish saying."
"Oh that things can't get any w-"
"YES THAT!"
"Well why not?"
"Because if you say that then it will either start to rain or ponies will jump us from out of nowhere." Time fire sighed as if that was common knowledge.
"But it's a sunny day! That doesn't make any sense!"
"Welcome to Equestria, now finish off that water and give that bottle to me. I'll go find some more water."
Garren quickly downed the last of the water and tossed it to the pony who surrounded it in mid air with magic. Time Fire started going again and after a couple twists and turns he was out of sight.
Garren didn't know how long he was going to be gone so he decided to move to a less exposed area. The trees around him had low branches and could easily be climbed. They also had lots of leaves that would provide more cover.
Climbing up the tree in his current condition was hell for him, but eventually he made it to a considerable height. His back rested against the trunk of the tree and and his legs were on a branch. There were plenty of leaves around him and he was dirty enough that he would blend right in. He held is rifle in his hands and feeling well protected, his eyes being to feel heavy. Garren was used to staying up for very long periods of time, but after the physical punishment he had suffered, it was nearly impossible for him to keep his eyes open.
After a while Garren couldn't take it anymore and decided he would take a look around and see if anything was around him. He detached his night sight from the rail and balanced it on a branch next to him, just in case he had to use it. He looked in the direction that Time Fire had gone and saw nothing of interest, but when he looked back where they had walked he saw something else.
He could see the slightest bit of movement. He pulled up his scope and saw two unicorns ponies slowly walking next to each other down the hill about 130 yards away.
Oh shit He thought as he pulled up his gun. He took aim at the one on the left. He pulled the trigger and sent a bullet through the top of its head.
"AHH FFF!" The recoil of the gun knocked a sensitive bruise on his shoulder that he hadn't realized he had.
The other unicorn looked at his friend who was now sliding down the hill. He frantically looked around and and started running back up the hill. He had made it to the top when Garren was finally back on him. He managed to get two shots on him as he cleared the top of the hill, one on the middle of his back and the other on his left hind leg. The pony screamed loudly for a second then went silent.
Despite his pain, Garren quickly climbed down from the tree and put his slung his rifle on his back again. He moved towards where Time Fire had left. He didn't have to go very far because he ran into him as he was coming back.
"What Happened?" he asked
"Two unicorns coming down the hill. I know I got one, but I'm not sure about the other"
"Are you good to go?"
"Yeah, but did you get some water?"
Time Fire levitated the now full bottle to Garren who drank most of it down quickly. He nodded a thanks to Time Fire and continued to follow him. Now that he was hydrated, he felt a little more energy in his body. He would still need food but for now he would be alright.
**************
Twilight grabbed another piece of cloth off a tree branch. This was one of many that she and Applejack had found in a clear path through the forest. Twilight knew that they were from the human as she had seen him wearing it earlier. Some of the pieces they'd found would have small amounts of dried blood on them.
"There's another one over here, Twi!" Applejack shouted looking over a bush. Twilight nodded and went over to her.
"With all these, I reckon we'll find 'em in no time."
This piece was bigger and had more blood on it. Twilight looked down and noticed odd marks and imprints in the dirt.They were signs of a scuffle.
"Look at this." She called to Applejack. "I talked to a guard who said he tackled the human, but he eventually got the best of him." Twilight studied the marks for moment. They weren't spread over a wide area, but they were long and continued for a very short while past a tree,
"They must have rolled over here." Twilight said as she moved past the tree. "Ah there we are, this must be where be where he laid." she pointed to a deep rectangular mark that matched the humans size. She also could see two hoof marks on either side of the mark. "He must have had his hooves pressing on his back. I'm not sure how he could have bested the pony while he had him like this."
"Maybe it wa-"
There was a loud horrible scream for a couple seconds, then it stopped. The two ponies looked at each other terrified. A few moment later they heard the beating of wings over the canopy.
"Twilight, Applejack?"
"We're down here." they said in unison.
"You have to come see this. I'm coming throughhh!" Rainbow Dash went up and flew down with such force that she managed to push through the tree tops and land in front of them.
"I thought the guard pegasi couldn't make it through." Twilight said
"Yeah, that's because they're not me. Now come on, quickly." Rainbow said, confident.
Twilight managed a small smile as she and Applejack followed her. They both seemed like themselves, if they felt at all how she did they must have been suppressing it really hard.
Rainbow Dash filled them in on the way.
"I was up looking for the human, but I saw two guard unicorns instead. I was going to go down and ask them if they had anything on him or not, but then I saw one of them just drop."
"Just drop?"
"Yeah, I heard the faintest noise and then he just dropped to the ground. The other one looked at him and then started running, but then he went down too! That's where the scream came from."
After a few more minutes of walking, Rainbow Dash finally pointed out where it happened. Just at the top of the hill was a unicorn. His back was turned towards them, so they couldn't see his face.
"Um hello? Are you ok?" Twilight started to go over to him, but Applejack put and hoof on her shoulder. She pointied to a large bloody hole on his lower back and shook her head.
"There's one down here too." Rainbow pointed to the bottom of the hill where the other pony had fallen.
"This is terrible, but it does tell us something." Twilight started
"What?" the two ponies said, looking at her.
"This happened a few minutes ago, so this tells us they're close. They have to be somewhere nearby, we're getting close. All we have to do know is slow them down and I have just the solution. Rainbow, fly back as fast as you can and tell the princess that we have 2 more down. Also request permission for off schedule rain. Have it ready by midday tomorrow. No thunder, no light, just rain. Ask for it to be constant. I think that should slow him a lot more than us."
Rainbow nodded and shot her fastest back to the castle. Twilight and Applejack walked slowly down the hill, careful not to get anywhere near the body at the bottom.
***********
After Garren had given his body water, he hoped that his other needs could go a little while longer without being taken care of. He walked slow and steady behind Time Fire. It wouldn't get them very far, but at least he was still moving. Tiredness still hung around him like a cloak and hunger made its presence known with an occasional stomach growl.
It seemed to him as if they'd been walking for hours without making any progress. Garren had no exact way to tell the time, but he guessed it was about 6 or 7 in the evening. He could still tell where the sun was, even though thick white clouds made a blanket across the sky.
After about another hour of walking, Garren sat down against a tree and shook his head. He could go no further, at least not with some rest. The clouds had blocked the sun and that had made that temperature drop significantly. He shivered and looked up. He doubted that clouds blocking the sun would cause such an extreme drop and suspected something else was at play.
Time Fire seemed perfectly fine in the coldness, but when he saw Garren shaking he offered to make a small fire. Him accepted, but only until he warmed up. A fire would definitely make their position known. The pony agreed and left to find fire wood.
He returned with a thick log only about 1ft long. His horn lit up flames and he touched his hoof down to the log. Fire spread out from it and engulfed the log. He held it there for a moment before pulling his hoof away.
Garren watched him do this and decided now was a good time to ask about his ability.
"Is it normal for ponies to do that?"
"What the fire?" Time Fire laughed "No, not at all." He said smiling.
"How do you know how to do it"
"Observing dragons and phoenixes. It was something that took a lot of patience and waiting, but luckily I have lots of time on my hooves."
"What you said eariler, something about a couple hundred years ago. What was that about?"
Time Fire sighed and looked down. "I told you when you first got here that I was Celestia's first student. That was a long time ago, in fact it was a little over 1000 years ago."
"So you must be immortal like her."
"That's right. And I have absolute no idea how it happened. It was an accident, but its effects were favorable to me. However Celestia didn't really like that I had acquired this power. So she banished me far beyond the Everfree Forest, but I eventually came back and shared some of my secret to any who were willing to find them. So yeah a few hundred years later her new student, Twilight Sparkle finds them and I already told you the rest."
"You said her and her two friends would come looking for me. Why is it so personal for them?"
"You shot their friends leg off, remember? They're not too happy about that." Time Fire said plainly.
"That was an accident. Do you think if I tried to explain myself that they would understand?"
"Its possible that they might, but if we see them the first thing they will try to do is subdue us. If they manage to do that then we'll be on our way back to Celestia and it won't matter whether it was an accident or not. If you can get them just to hold off and listen for a minute then you might have a shot. I warn you though, all their feeling are going to come out when they see you. Now get some rest, if we get far enough tomorrow I can safely open a portal." Time Fire put his hoof back onto the log and the flames absorbed into it. When the fire was gone he laid down and turned his back to him. Garren found a softer area of dirt and finally granted his body its much needed rest.
*************
Time Fire had been up for while when Garren woke up. The water bottle next to him had been filled again and Garren took a drink at it. He saw Time Fire staring above at the sky and walked over to him. He continued to look up, but knew Garren was there.
"Pegasi." He pointed to the now dark, heavy clouds all around them. "They've been at this since yesterday afternoon. I hoped it was just on the schedule, but this is too much, they've been filling these clouds all night. We need to move."
Garren was ready, he now had the strength to jog. After a few minutes they got to what looked like the end of the forest, but it was actually just a large field. They had just started to cross when drops of rain started to hit them. Those drops became heavier and it became a downpour.
"We'll, here's the rain, so I guess things can't get any worse right now." Garren had to raise his voice over the rain.
Time Fire turned to him with a "what have you done?" look on his face.
"I SEE THEM! DOWN THERE!" The voice came from somewhere in the clouds.
Garren heard a noise behind him and jerked his head around. The two ponies, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle were standing about 15 yards behind them. He looked up and saw the pegasus, Rainbow Dash was now visible.
Oh Fuck me. He thought as the light blue pegasus sped down from the clouds. She was coming straight for him.
End Chapter 5
Longest chapter I've written on this site. If you favorite, please go ahead and give it a thumbs up too. That is all.
Garren only had a few seconds to think before the pony, Rainbow Dash, would be upon him. He thought about about running, but he knew he wouldn't be able to get away. He still wanted to try to explain himself, but getting captured would make it a lot more difficult. He would try to get the ponies to see reason and if that didn't work he would have to defend himself.
"Look, I just want to ta- Unngh!" Rainbow Dash was already upon him. She grabbed him around his waist, her face smashed into his stomach. The two went tumbling into the ground. He ended up on top of, holding her down to the ground. He quickly jumped off her and backed away. If he wanted to he could have brought out his knife and reduced his pursuers to two. But hurting another one of their friends would not give any favorable effects.
Rainbow Dash looked confused for a moment at Garren's quick retreat. It quickly went away and she stood up. The pony, Applejack, ran in next to her. They both looked pretty pissed, but Garren still tried to talk his way out.
"Ok, ok look... I just want to talk to you! Can we just talk?!" Garren slightly raised his hands, not in surrender, but hoping that they would hold off from jumping him.
"I just want to say that happened to your friend was-" Hearing "friend" sparked anger in Applejack, because she was the first to come toward him. She took a leap to try and tackle him. Garren side stepped as her jump took her sailing past him. Her legs had to be extremely powerful, judging by the distance she covered. He did not want another kick to remind him of that.
Applejack's jump landed her in an unwanted position behind him. He now had a pony in front of him and behind. He now held out his hands to either side, towards the ponies. He got a glimpse of Time Fire off to the side, he was running around dodging purple blasts from Twilight Sparkle's horn. He didn't know what the blasts did, but he knew it couldn't be good. He seemed to be in a predicament, but Garren had to try to amend his own situation first.
"I'm sorry about what happened to your friend, but I swear I didn't mean to do it! It was an accident!" He hoped that they would at least consider what he said and back down, but they continued to circle him like sharks. Finally they jumped for him at the same time. Garren saw it coming and dropped to the wet ground. The two ponies collided in midair in what he thought was an extremely cartoon like moment. He rolled away before they could land on top of him.
Time Fire had managed to get away from Twilight and was now by Garren's side. If he ran right now, he might be able to make it to the other end of the clearing. Rainbow Dash would be the only one who could catch him, but If he reached the tree line, she would have much harder time flying after him. However, he still thought that he could get them to understand what had happened if they would just listen to him for a second.
"Wait, can you just listen for a moment?" He put his hands out in front of him.
Twilight said nothing, but her actions answered for her. She lowered her head and shot and purple blast from her horn, it was coming right at him. It was large enough that he couldn't jump over it over and close to the ground so he couldn't crouch down. Garren had very little time to react, so he braced himself for whatever the blast would do. But Time Fire showed his speed and jumped in front of him
His horn was was on fire again, and he released a huge, blazing blast of it impacted with Twilight's. It greatly lit up the area that was darkened by the clouds. Rainbow Dash and Applejack had started after Garren again and he was running around dodging theirs attempts at tackling him. He tried not to run as their hooves seemed much better at running through mud than his boots. He tried to stay as close as possible to Time Fire, if he should need help, but it looked like he had things well under control.
His blast of fire was rapidly pushing back Twilight's purple energy. Twilight was very surprised at the power that Time Fire possessed, it was something she and Garren shared. Her power was no match for his, In a few moments the blast got within feet of her. She realized that it was a lost cause to use magic against him, so she lit her horn brighter and she disappeared in a purple flash.
Time Fire's flames stopped and Garren was dodging Rainbow Dash, while looking around for Twilight's reappearance. It turns out that she popped up in a flash in front of him. She lit her horn and Garren ran towards her with his hand close to his lower leg. He didn't want to hurt her,, but if she attacked him, he might not have a choice. Her horn stopped glowing, but she stayed in her place, she had a smile on her face. Garren kept running with Rainbow Dash close behind. He was about 10 feet from ramming into her, when she glanced at something on her left. He looked towards his right and saw Applejack running straight at him. He reached down and took out his knife, she was too strong and getting tackled by her would not be good. He raised it over his head, but before he could bring it down, Applejack quickly turned around and kicked him with her hind legs.
This was the same way he was kicked when he first got here and it had similar results. Garren was knocked off his feet and flew back about 3 yards and slid for many more through the mud. The powerful kick sent the knife sailing through the air. It landed in front of Time Fire who was desperately trying to get back in the fight. He stopped and looked at the knife the back to Garren, he then shook his head at would he would have to do.
Oh he's not going like this. He thought as he picked up the knife with his fire magic.
Garren was still conscious, unlike last time, but he was in extreme pain. His right shoulder and chest we hurting him tremendously. He suspected that he might have a cracked rib or two. His vision was very distorted, he could see two very blurry images of Applejack. It looked as if she was swinging her head around and as the images became one and clear, he saw that she was swinging a lasso around.
He tried to crawl away, but that kick had taken much out of him. He thought it was over for him, but then he saw a flaming metal object coming straight for him. It was his combat knife, and manipulating it was Time Fire. He gained confidence upon seeing him, but it quickly went away when the knife didn't stop coming towards him. The blazing blade touched right up against his neck and Time Fire walked stood behind him.
"Stand up!" he yelled.
With his life at risk, he rose against the pain he was feeling. The pony now stood behind him in complete cover. Except for the patter of rain, nothing could be heard for a while. That is until Rainbow Dash slightly moved forward.
"Don't move! I take Celestia wants us back in her dungeon or she wouldn't have sent you three. So you don't move or I will kill him. Do not try me." To prove his seriousness he put more pressure on the knife. Garren felt as if any movement he made would result in his throat being cut.
He noticed something odd as well, the fire wasn't burning him. He guessed that it was just how Time Fire's energy looked. He took into account how Twilight's and Celestia's energies looked different from each other.
"Hold on now, partner" Applejack said as she took a cautious step forward.
"I said don't move!" Now here's whats about to happen; you three are going to stand in a line right there in view. I am leaving and going through that forest and I'm taking him with me. If I see any of you following me, he dies. Twilight, I want you to tie up Rainbow Dashes wings. IF I see her flying over me, he dies. Don't take me serious and you'll only have one thing to pursue." Time Fire sounded deadly serious and Garren hoped the ponies would heed his warning..
To his surprise, they actually did. Twilight's energy surrounded the rope and started to tie up Rainbow Dash's wings.
"Sorry Rainbow." she said as she completed the knot.
Next they all got into a straight line, with Twilight in the middle as leader.
Time fire started to move backwards and so did the knife. To keep from getting sliced, Garren also had to walk backwards. He wasn't able to see Time Fire and was unable to tell if he had just saved him or was about to kill him.
They kept walking backwards until they had reached the opposite tree line. The three mares were still in view and were watching them closely.
They walked through the forest and Time Fire carefully picked out a path with the least roots and rocks. Garren was walking backwards and if he tripped he could die as the knife was still very much on his throat.
When they were a good enough distance away, Time Fire let Garren get away from the knife.
"What the Fuck was that?!" He asked pissed.
"Sshhh. It was all a part of the plan, now be quiet."
The pony was still levitating the knife at the same level and was still moving at the same speed.
"Are you still with me?" Garren whispered.
"Yes, I told you it was all planned out."
"Well then come on!" He whispered, but had an angry, impatient tone."
"Just a little bit farther. They can still see my fire through the rain and darkness. They need to think I'm still threatening you."
The two walked slowly for maybe three more minutes, until the ponies were very hard to see.
"Alright now." Time fire said in his normal volume. He turned around and returned Garren's knife to him. He nodded and the pair took off again through the woods.
***************
Rainbow Dash tried to stretch her wings under the ropes, but Twilight had tied a secure knot. She watched the pony and the human get farther and farther in the distance. She had lost. As fast and agile as she was, she was unable to get her hooves on the human for more than a few seconds. Watching them get away reminded her that she hated losing. She hated the human, even if he was being taken hostage through the woods.
She anger at this point was the highest it had been since Applejack had first kicked the human. It was then that she saw the creature that had so badly injured her friend. Even since then, she had felt...different. She couldn't quite put her hoof on what it was exactly, but she knew it was something. So far she had managed to keep her new feelings a secret. She did not want her friends to worry about her. Although she did wonder if any of her other friends had been feeling the same way.
Forget about this, Dash. Focus on your current problems. She told herself.
"How long do I have to stay like this?!" She broke the silence that had been present since Twilight had tied her up.
"I don't know Dash, but we can't do anything right now." Twilight answered.
"We can't jus' sit here fer' ever, Twi." Applejack was ready to go after them.
"Princess Celestia wants us to bring them back. That means both of them."
"Speaking of "them", ya think she coulda' given us a bit more about that pony?"
"Yeah! Who the hay was that?!
They both looked towards Twilight, looking for answers.
"Why are you both looking at me?"
"You're the answers pony, Twilight. Don't you know who that was?"
In fact, Twilight did have a slight idea who it was, but their situation could get a lot worse if it was who she thought. She didn't like it, but for now she would have to deny anything thoughts she had.
"I have no idea who that was. Celestia just said he was a dangerous prisoner who escaped with the human."
"Yeah, ah remember. Ah jus' wish woulda' told us how dangerous he was."
"Yeah me too." Rainbow agreed.
There was a long awkward silence following that. Applejack would try to start the conversation that none of them wanted to talk about.
"Sooo...ya think he was telling the truth?"
"About his so called "accident"? Yeah I heard the lies he was shouting." Rainbow Dash was clearly very angry.
"I'm with you, Dash." Applejack agreed.
Twilight stayed silent and went over that night again. She remembered opening the portal with Rarity standing in front of it. Then having her immediately be forced back. She remembered Rarity was in pain, but had no idea just how bad it really was until they exited the forest.
"What about you Twi?" Applejack broke her thought.
"Do ya think he was tellin' the truth?"
"Oh umm...I don't know what to think right now. I just want to get out of this rain and figure out what to do next."
"Yeah too bad that wont't happen for a while." Rainbow said bleakly.
"Whatcha mean, Dash?"
"We packed so much rain in those clouds, that it could last for days."
"Well I guess we have our first move then. We have to go back to Canterlot and get the pegasi to clear the clouds. We'll lose a lot of time, but it can't keep raining like this if its not going to help."
"Why do we all have to go? I can get there in a couple of minutes." Rainbow Dash sounded like her usual confident self again."
"You can't use your wings Rainbow."
"Why not they're gone already!" She was right, the two could no longer be seen through the forest.
"If he sees you flying then we're done for. We can't risk him seeing you. We'll have to walk back. And we're all going because I need to talk to the princess and I don't want Applejack to stay out here alone."
"Sounds good ta' me!" Applejack still sounded like her normal self.
The three ponies walked slowly backwards and when the reached the opposite end of the clearing they turned around and ran back towards Canterlot Castle.
***************
Time Fire watched the fire he had started on a small log. He was almost far enough away so that he could open a portal without Celestia detecting it. It had been two days since their encounter with the three pursuing ponies. Applejack's kick left Garren injured and the lack of food was taking its toll. A good The first night after the fight, the rain finally ceased after pouring down all day.
They both took turns taking watch on the first night, but after going more than 24 hours with no signs of any other ponies, they started to relax a little.
They hadn't said much to each other in the days after the encounter. Garren felt broken because his plan to try to seek reason with them had failed. Time Fire thought it was his fault for trying to take him hostage. He seemed to understand that it was a part of his plan to get away, but still was more silent than usual.
He remembered how earlier he had wanted to see Twilight's magic. Not anymore. Twilight's magical power was strong, very strong. When he saw the blast coming towards Garren, he knew he had to stop it. It had taken a lot from him to push it back towards her so quickly. He knew he might not be able to hold off the three ponies without getting too violent.
Garren motioned for the fire to be put out and he quickly absorbed it. He rolled over with his gun next to him. Time Fire waited until he was pretty sure Garren was asleep. After about an hour he started to move, he would leave Garren just as he had done for the past two nights. He hadn't seen anything in a while so thought he'd be safe. However on this night he was unaware of the three dangers that lurked nearby, watching him.
He went off through the forest, trying to find an opening in the through the trees. Finally he found a clearing large enough where the moon light shone through bright.
Maybe now.He thought hopefully. He walked to the center of the it and looked up at the beautiful night sky. He found the night much more beautiful than day, something he shared with only a few other ponies.
His scanning across the sky eventually brought him to look at the moon. He felt guilty and sad looking at it. Many years ago, before he had been banished, he would make and go through portals almost on a daily basis. Every time he came back to this world, it would be at night. The night became his most active time. It was also a time when another certain pony was most active. This pony noticed that he enjoyed the night better than the day and was drawn to him.
This pony became his first friend. Unfortunately he didn't know that he was slowing destroying her every time he came back from earth. All the new negative thoughts and emotions that were clinging to him, spread to her. One in particular, jealousy, seemed to spread very rapidly on her.
The pony noticed that no one else enjoyed the night as much her and Time Fire.They all enjoyed the day and would rather sleep through the night. She became angry and envious at this and all of that negativity transformed her into something monstrous. The powerful pony had tried to make night eternal. For what she had done, she was also banished by Celestia. And it was all his fault.
Time Fire stared up at the stars and closed his eyes. Luna, where are you? He thought, sadly.
Minutes later he heard wing beats. They sounded to powerful to be Rainbow Dash and he doubted that she would be flying around after his threat. He knew who they belonged to and a smile grew across his face. He heard the creature they belonged to land behind him. He turned around and bowed down to the pony
"Princess Luna." He said looking up.
"It has been many years since I have seen you, Time Fire." Luna said softly. She had very mixed thoughts about seeing very old friend.
Time Fire dropped to the ground and tears formed in his eyes "Luna, I am so sorry about what I did to you. I had no idea that it was happening to you."
She looked at him lying on the ground crying. She wanted to forgive her old friend, she wanted to help him out his situation. But choosing to help him would mean going against her sister again. She know more than others how bad him being here was and decided that she would do the right thing, even if it meant possibly being banished again.
"Time Fire, I...Forgive you." She gave him the old smile, that she always used to. Time Fire felt like his old self again and ran up to give her a tight hug.
He stepped back after the embrace and Luna looked deadly serious again.
"Time Fire, I must tell you something.
"What is it?"
"I'm going to help you get the human back to Earth."
"What?! Why?! If Celestia finds out she'll punish you again. I can't stand to see you get banished again" Time Fire didn't want to see her hurt again as a result of his problems.
"The only way to get solve this problem is to get him out of here. If Celestia gets, she'll keep him locked up. All the while he'll still be influencing the world outside.
"I'm trying to get him out of here, but he got hurt and he's very slow now."
"You must...Wait a moment." Luna flew upwards and seemed to dissolve into the night.
Time Fire looked around nervous.Luna could detected anything close by that walked into the moonlight. If it was Garren and he saw him talking to another regal pony, he would definitely lose his trust, that would be bad. However If it those three mares and Garren was still sleeping, then that would be the second worst thing that could happen behind Celestia herself coming.
He waited in the clearing for a few minutes and feared the worst for himself and Garren. When Luna returned, she confirmed his fears.
"I'm afraid you must leave now. I didn't know you had Twilight Sparkle and her friends following you. This changes things..."
Time Fire interrupted her last sentence. "Twilight?! Is she close by?"
"Yes... Very. And with her involved, I'm afraid I can no longer directly help you.
"Why not?"
"Twilight has helped me tremendously in the past and has become a very good friend. Do not worry though, I will still provide help, although you probably will not see me. Now you must go."
"Thank you, Luna." Time Fire smiled and was about to head back into the forest when she called to him/
"Remember! Twilight is a friend and I would not like to see her or her companions hurt."
He nodded and went back to find Garren.
************* Oh no. Time Fire thought
He stopped behind a tree about 15 yards from where he had left Garren. He peeked out and continued to watch the scene before him. The three ponies had found him and Applejack had already had him tied up. He was lying on his stomach and she had a triumphant hoof placed on his back.
Garren looked angry and yet extremely confused. Time Fire guessed that he probably had woken up with his limbs bound. Rainbow Dash shared his angry look, but mostly because she still had her wings tied to her back.
Twilight was crouching down to Garren's level and was talking to him.
"So do you know where he went?"
"No."
"Did he tell you when he'd be back?"
"No."
"Did he say where he was taking you?"
"No."
"Are you lying to me?"
"Yes."
"Are you ever to tell me the truth?"
He wasn't giving her anything. Time Fire smiled, it was a sign that he still trusted him.
"Quit wastin' your time, Twi. He's not talkin" Applejack pressed her hoof a little harder on his back.
"Yeah your right. Well, I guess we'll just take him back, then go looking for the pony. Now that we have him I guess you can fly again, Dash." Twilight's magic wrapped around the rope and untied it."
"YES! Finally!" she exclaimed, happy at her freedom from the rope.
"Come on, Rainbow." Twilight sounded cheery. Capturing the human had put her in a very happy mood.
She made a "platform" of magic and Apple jack put him on it. Two more ropes were attached to his legs and arms and then wrapped around Applejack and Twilight. They started pulling him back in the direction of Canterlot and he tried to appeal to them again.
"I said what happened to her was an acci- AGGHH Gah." Garren had a rope tied around around his mouth, gagging him, courtesy of Rainbow Dash.
"I don't want to hear anymore about Rarity from you!" She yelled as she flying in circles over him.
"GAHH CRGHH AGGHG" Garren tried to speak through the roping, but it was no use. For now, he was a prisoner again.
When they were a good distance away, Time Fire came from behind the tree. He observed where they had choose to rest for the night.
The log was still hot and he could see the imprints of where he laid. Next to Garren's he found something interesting; his rifle.
Time Fire picked it up with his magic and wrapped the sling around him so that the gun was resting on the top of his back.
He faced the ponies direction and said his situation out loud.
"So I have to rescue him from those three ponies, without getting caught, without dying and without hurting them."
He gave a chuckle and then sighed. Yeah, we're bucked. He said to himself as he trotted off after them.
End Chapter 6
AN: Yeah that wasn't fast at all. But something this thing called life gets in my way and changes around my plans.
Applejack continued to look at the human, she wasn't backing down now. The two had been engaged in a staring match for the last hour. During the time, she had perfected her look.
She had been feeling different since the humans arrival, it was a feeling she could not explain. It made her angrier and more determined to find the one responsible for her friends injury. Even if Celestia hadn't tasked her, she would've gone after them anyway. She felt it was her duty to bring him back in, but it wasn't about justice. She felt as if she should be the one to deliver the punishment to him. She could not explain why, but she did wonder if her other friends shared her confused feelings. She poured all of her feelings and emotions into her stare, unlike the Garren.
He stared back with the dryest, blankest face that Applejack thought was possible. She hated it. How could he look at her showing no feelings of guilt or remorse? How could he look at her showing nothing at all?
She closed her eyes and shook her head in anger.
"Stop lookin' at me." She said firmly.
"Just try to put him out of your mind, Applejack." Twilight said. "In a few days we'll be back in Canterlot and Princess Celestia will make sure that hes secure."
"Yeah." Rainbow agreed. "but what about that bandit?"
"Honestly, I really don't care about him right now." Twilight said plainly. "I just want to get back to the Castle and worry the thief later."
"I'm with you Twilight." Rainbow said. "We can get him later."
For the next hour, despite what Twilight had told her, Applejack continued to stared deep into the human. However, she did notice that he had started to get harder and harder to see. She looked around and could hardly see Twilight. Above her, Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be found. It was like someone had put a blanket of black over the sky, but cut out a circle just large enough for the moon. The temperature had also dropped and was continuing to get lower.
"OW!" Rainbow shouted. Applejack twisted around towards her.
"What happened?" She asked.
"I flew right into a tree!"
"I think we should stop for the night. I'm tired and I can't see two feet in front of me." Twilight said as she stopped.
"I agree."Applejack said. "How about a little light, Twi?"
"Oh sure, but I can't keep it on forever." The tip of her horn glowed with purple light.
Rainbow curled up in on a tree branch and very soon snores were from her.
"You too, Twi." Applejack said still standing. "We should take turns watching him, should he try to escape or that thief comes around."
"You're right." Twilight said. "I'll take up second watch. Wake us if you get tired or you need help."
"I'll be fine. Now you get some rest."
"Ok, AJ. Goodnight." Twilight laid down and within minutes was also asleep.
Good. Applejack thought. She turned and faced Garren with a disturbing smile on her face.
***********
Princess Celestia was locked in her chambers, where she had been for the past two days. She was conflicted and confused, which was very unlike her.
Twilight and her friends had returned two days ago to recruit pegasi to break up the clouds. But they also came to her looking for information about Time Fire. She had simply told them that he was a runaway spell thief. It was the truth, but not even close to all of it.
She had told them only the smallest bit of who Time Fire really was. She tried to reassure herself that it was to protect Twilight. Her student was already powerful enough to conjure portals and there was no telling what else she could do.
If she had told Twilight the whole truth about him, she knew that she would try to seek out and possibly try to repeat some of his spells. She could not have two immortal ponies walking around.
Celestia suddenly looked up. There was a knock at the door.
"Princess Celestia, I need to speak with you." Captain Wall's voice was heavily muffled by the door, by she still knew it was him.
"What do you need Captain?" She asked as she started to get up. She had been ignoring anyone who came to her since Twilight had left.
"I need you to see something." He said.
She opened the doors and stepped out. Captain Wall looked her up and down, she didn't look herself at all.
"After you." She said and Captain Wall led her to the court yard out side.
"What is all this, Captain?" She asked when she saw the construction and movement.
"You asked me to prepare the proper security measure for the humans return. We've gotten everything ready. Harnesses and restraints for his limbs, blindfolds, extra guards, we're ready for him here, but it doesn't really rely on us." He said.
"What do you mean?" Celestia asked him.
"Well all of this would have been in vain if hes not found and well... my men and I have been talking..." He trailed off.
"Talking about what?"
"Its just, how could three mare even have the chance of bring them back?"
Princess Celestia turned to him and got close. "Captain, I believe that you have greatly underestimated them. If there's anyone I know who can bring them back its them."
"Yes, but what about the pony? You saw what he did to my men. Whats stopping him from doing that to them? And if they do somehow get him here, how in Equestria will we contain him?" The Captains voice started to sound angry. He had never sounded angry at her before.
She noticed that everyone had started to act differently, and it had happened ever since the human had arrived.
"Captain, I have full faith in their abilities, maybe you should too. As for containment, I will personally handle the pony when he comes in." She stood proudly and spoke firm, hoping to discourage further anger from him.
"If you believe in them, then so will I. I'll try to prevent anymore talks among the ranks." He said, backing up.
"Thank you, Captain. You''ve done a commendable job getting ready." She praised. Captain Wall nodded and bowed before walking away to give more orders.
Celestia turned and walked back inside the castle.
Lets just hope that I'm ready. She said to herself.
*******************
Garren was tired and confused. Not long ago, he had been woken up, already bound by Twilight and now Applejack was coming towards him. She came in really close and looked him over. He tried to move back, but was restrained.
Seeing him trying to back away, Applejack gave a little chuckle.
"So where did you come from?" She wasn't really asking him, just thinking out loud.
Garren paid close attention to her, but something had caught his eye behind her.
He could just barely make out Time Fire, who was standing behind a rock. He had his rifle strapped across his back.
Applejack was still rambling on and Garren made sure to keep as much eye contact with her as he could, but Time Fire kept trying to get his attention.
He couldn't make out what he was trying to say. He kept switching back an d forth between him and Applejack, eventually she was going to catch on.
Garren was confused. Why doesn't he just torch them? He asked himself.
Suddenly Applejack stopped talking. She focused in on Garren's eyes then turned around.
"Twi, Dash wake up!!"" she shouted.
Twilight was the first up and wiped her eyes.
"What is it, AJ?" she asked with a groggy voice.
"Hes over here!" Applejack shouted again. She was already headed after him.
"Rainbow, Get up!" Twilight used her magic to levitate the pegasus out of her tree top branch.
"Ugh. What happened?" She asked, rubbing her head.
"That pony came back!' Twilight yelled at her.
"He did? Where is he? Wheres he at?" She instantly sounded more alert and full of energy. She looked around frantically.
"He went that way." Twilight pointed. "You can meet up with Applejack and follow him. I'll stay here with him, you guys are faster than me anyway."
Rainbow nodded and then took off through the woods to catch up with Applejack.
Twilight was very anxious and concerned as she looked of in the direction that her friends had gone. Garren watched her closely and noticed that she was paying little attention to him.
Now might be my chance. He thought to himself. With every once of his strength, he rolled off of the magic platform Twilight had made.
He fell off and landed on his stomach. It would've hurt, had the platform not been only a foot off the ground.
Twilight's ears immediately went up and she turned around. Garren could stand up so he was frantically trying to low crawl deeper into the woods.
However, he knew it was useless when he heard Twilight casually walk over over to him. She stood next to him and watched him crawl, she hadn't even made an attempt to stop him yet.
"There is no quit in you." She said. She placed a steady hoof on his back when stopped him. She levitated him back on to the platform and sat down watching him.
"I guess I have to keep a closer eye on you."
Your damn right. He thought.
Twilight continued to watch him, and he watched her back. Having had little sleep and the event of the last few days, Garren found himself taking longer and longer blinks. Despite his efforts he was dozing off. He wanted to stay awake and watch Twilight, but the need to sleep became to great. After a couple minutes he fell asleep and Twilight was able to relax and look away.
About four hours later...
Garren was woken up by the voices of the ponies. Garren cracked an eye open, but remained still.
"Did you you get him?" The voice was Twilight's.
"It was...too dark and he was...too fast, even for me." said an out of breath Rainbow Dash.
"Ah tried...to stay with him, but it was like he could see in the dark." Applejack said.
"Well at least you guys are okay. He tried to leave, we must hurry to get him back." Twilight said.
"We should go then." Rainbow said.
"Yes, lets go." Twilight instructed. The three mares continued on their way as the sun started to rise.
*****************
Time Fire caught his breath as he leaned against a tree. Rainbow Dash and Applejack had run him into the ground. He had to admit that they were very fast and had incredible stamina. If Luna hadn't darkened the sky for him, he would have probably been caught.
He knew he couldn't rest long though, he had to stay with the ponies. I would be dangerous to follow them back, but necessary. He had to get Garren back.
He had an idea that he would try later when it was dark again.
After many hours of back tracking, he was able to find the girls at about midday. They were moving very fast, not quite a run, but very close to it.
They were already crossing the same field, where they had fought days earlier. He and Garren must have been moving at an exceptionally slow pace.
"Come on." He heard Twilight shout. "Keep this up." She yelled to her friends.
Time Fire would have to wait until they crossed the field before following the, or he ran a high risk being spotted. He worried that at their pace, he might lose them if he waited that long.
As they approached the opposite side, Time Fire slowly crept forward. When they reached other side, he bounded across the field to catch up with them.
Unfortunately for him, they would keep up their pace and push him to his limits to catch up and stay with them.
On the way he went over his purposed plan in his head.
Ok so I can't fight hurt, them so I'll have to create a diversion. If I can lead them away from him. I might have a chance. If its Applejack or Rainbow Dash who stays, I can take them easy, but if its Twilight... Time Fire shuddered. Shes more powerful than I realized, I don't think I can get Garren without hurting her. I can still do this, I still have time.
"Alright lets do this." He said out loud to himself.
About nine hours later...
Time Fire dragged his body to a tree. His breathing was heavy and his legs were shaking. He was relieved when they finally came to a stop. The girls had covered an incredible distance. After the first hour they slowed their speed down a bit and paced themselves. Doing this, they could go about three hours without stopping. The girls had only taken three short breaks in about nine hours.
Time Fire knew he couldn't go ahead with his plan in his current state. He would have to rest, it would be safe enough with Luna darkening the sky again. He looked back and saw that Applejack was taking the first watch.
He analyzed the situation in his head.
Ok so if Applejack is watching first that means that Twilight will recover most of her strength from the journey. However, it could always mean that when I create my diversion, Applejack will stay behind instead of Twilight. He chuckled and shook his head. Either one wouldn't be good.
He almost immediately fell asleep. It wouldn't be for very long, but would give him much needed rest.
******************
"Twilight? Twilight wake up?" Rainbow dash shook her awake.
"What is it Dash?" She asked.
"See fer' yourself." Applejack said. Everyone looked up, even Garren managed to tilt his head, they all saw the fire.
It had to to be at least 300 yards in front of them, but in the almost pitch black darkness it was easy to see.
"Its him, it has to be. When did you notice it?" Twilight asked.
"About three of four minutes ago." Applejack answered.
"Ok when you-" She was cut off.
Suddenly the fire rose to great height and tower over the now visible trees around it. The tower then dropped its size and rapidly spread out in either direction in front of them.
"He's trying to block us off!" Twilight shouted. "You guys split up and follow one end!"
Applejack and Rainbow nodded and ran in opposite direction following the walls of fire.
"Be Careful!" She shouted after them.
Twilight was concerned for her friends, but it was really her who was in danger. Less than ten minutes sfter her friends had left, she heard a rustling in the bushes in front of her. Her first thought was that it was one of her friends, she put on a relieved face. When a very surprised, Time Fire jumped through the bushes and landed in front of her, her expression turned deadly serious.
The two stared at each other for a moment, while Garren made triumphant sounds through his gag. Suddenly Twilight snapped back into focus and her horn lit with her purple energy.
"Don't make this difficult." She offered him the chance.
Time Fire looked reluctant, but he lit his horn up in flames. "I'm trying not to!" He shouted.
Twilight jumped back and shot a purple blast of energy around Garrens body. A faint purple bubble formed around him, a force field.
"I assume you now what this is, correct?" Twilight used a serious voice. She thought she had it under control. "You won't get him, hes going to Celestia."
Time Fire sighed. "You still have a lot to learn from her." He said. He shot a continuous blast of fire at the force field. The fire seemed to wrap around the bubble and it slowly flaked away. The whole time Garren's shouts could be heard from inside.
Unfortunately, Time Fire was too focused on removing the field, that he didn't noticed Twilight charging her horn.
As soon as he had completely destroyed the field he looked up and saw Twilight shoot something at him.
The blast of her purple energy picked Time Fire up and slammed him against a tree trunk.
"Ughahh!" He screamed. Twilight must have have realized what she had done because she brought her hooves up to her face.
"Oh Celestia." she said softly.
She tried to run to him, but he rose flames to block her. He quickly limped away and she made no effort to pursue him.
She sat down in the dirt and shook her head. She had not been herself lately. She had felt so angry, so confused inside in the few days. With that blast of energy, she felt like she had let all of her pent up felling about the entire situation out.
What is happening to me? She thought as she cried in her hooves.
****************
Time Fire had moved a nearby river. The water helped to soothe his aching bones and he had slept there through the night. Twilight's blast hadn't broken anything, but it had left him in bad shape. There were bruises and cuts all up and down his body.
The water was heavenly, but he was still weak. However, he knew he had a task to complete and he was determined to do it. When the sun rose, he did too.
hurt and took a long time, but eventually he was able to find catch up with them. Twilight looked sad, but kept moving. The three began to climb a steep hill. On the bottom there was a brown heap and a similar one on the hill.
We can't be here already, can we? He thought to himself.
He waited until the mares were up the hill, until he began. When he got to the top, he could just barely see over the trees.
Sure enough, there were the tops of the towers belonging to Canterlot Castle. They had made it there it record time.
"I'm sorry, luna." He said softly. "But now I have no choice." He sighed ran through the woods to the Castle. He knew that soon It would be over him, but he was going to go out with a bang.
Princess Celestia stood in the Castle doorway.She faced the courtyard, but overlooked it and stared into the forest. A wide smile grew across her face as she saw what she was looking for.
Rainbow Dash could be seen from far away with her colorful mane. Moments later, Twilight and Applejack appeared, but they weren't alone. In between them was a body resting on top of a purple magical platform. It was Garren.
Captain Wall emerged from the Castle and took his place beside her. A face of disbelief was plastered on his face.
"So they actually got him." He said, impressed. "That is surprising." He said it more to himself, but Celestia responded.
"I never doubted them for a second." She beamed. "Get your ponies ready."
"Of course." He began to walk away, then turned around. "But where's the unicorn?"
"If the human is here, than he can't be too far off." She told him.
"Should I get a search party in there?" He asked.
"No need" she waved a hoof. "He will come to us. Just be patient." She said.
The Captain nodded and started commanding his forces for the final preparations.
Twilight and Applejack slowly carried Garren across the courtyard to where Captain Wall had set up. Surrounded by the presence of dozens of guards, he was untied from his previous bonds by Twilight and instantly restrained to new, more secure ones. He was brought to his knees and his chest was tied to a pole that ran into the ground. His arms were pulled away from him and tied to two smaller posts on either side. Rather than facing the forest, his view was the Castle.
Twilight and Applejack walked away from the human and headed towards the the Castle entrance. When they were far enough away, Captain Wall gave the order and all the guards moved in. They formed a loose, four layer circle around him. They outer two layers of guards watch his perimeter, while the two inner layers ensured that Garren would stay settled in his current position.
As the mares came closer, Celestia could see that they had changed. All of them looked incredibly tired, even Rainbow Dash who soared about the sky. But it was more than just needing some rest, they were both physically and mentally exhausted.
Twilight looked the worst of the three. Celestia could tell that she had fastened on a fake smile. She walked up to her and embraced her teacher in a hug.
"I'm proud of you, Twilight." She said as she released her. "I'm very proud of all of you." She said as she looked around, acknowledging Rainbow and Applejack.
"We wer' happy ta help." Applejack said. Though it sounded like she didn't mean it.
"Yeah, It was fun." Rainbow lied. The usually confidence she had in her voice was gone.
"Come inside, Girls. I bet its been a long time since you've had something decent to eat." Celestia said.
"Yes it has." Twilight said and gave more real smile. Celestia went back inside the Castle and was closely followed by the three mares.
About An Hour Later...
"This is delicious! Thank you, your Highness!" Rainbow said before she stuffed down another haycake.
"Rainbow c'mon." Applejack started. "Wheres your...manners?" It took the last bit of her strength to push her words out. She painfully took a small dainty bite of hers, then dabbed her hooves on a napkin.
"Your telling me?! Rainbow asked.
Princess Celestia gave a laugh and smiled. "I'm glad you like it, Rainbow Dash. And Applejack, you don't have to stand on formality here, you must be very hungry."
Applejack grinned as she ripped off her napkin from around her neck and dove into her plate. Rainbow laughed and did the same.
Celestia and the two continued to laugh and talk. They hadn't once mentioned Garren and she hopefully thought that they were already starting to get over the events of the last couple days. However, Twilight hadn't spoke since they were outside. She wasn't even eating, she just pushed around her food and occasionally took a drink of water. Celestia did some quick thinking and came up with something to try to get her to talk and socialize.
"Twilight, I was hoping that later you might accompany me to the research labs. We could learn much together. Would you like that?" Celestia asked.
All eyes turned to her and she looked down and sighed. "With all due respect your highness..." She said. "I just want to go home." She looked up. Her eyes looked wet from the formation of tears. "I want to go back to Ponyville, to my tree house home. I want to see Spike again and have him help me clean up the library after I've filled the floor went spent books. I want, noneed to go see Rarity, to help her, to be there for her. It sickens me that she hasn't seen her friends in her time of recovery. I have to go back... and I have to do it soon."
"Oh, I wasn't aware how strongly this meant to you." Celestia said. Her head was filling with guilt. "I can have someone gather your things and we can send you on your way back."
"Thanks, but no, I will take care of my bags." Twilight said.
"Very well, we can leave as soon as your ready." Celestia stood up. She didn't feel like eating anymore.
"Thank you for your understanding, your Highness." She gave a weak smile and bowed. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to pack." Celestia bowed back and Twilight turned and left the table.
************
Time Fire was fast asleep against the trunk of a tree. He had been there since early that morning. He was only about 50 yards away from the courtyard. In a short walk he could be facing down Celestia and her forces. But he was not ready, he need this rest. Twilight had hurt him, he was getting better, but he would need time. He couldn't spend forever sleeping though, he had no idea what was happening to Garren or if he was even alright.
The air around him sizzled with heat.He was wasn't resting, he was gathering his power for one last feat. But even with him gaining strength, he still had a lingering feeling that it wouldn't be enough. Freeing Garren and summoning a portal would take a huge amount of power. He needed was to speak with Luna, but it might be hard to contact her in the middle of the day.
About 3 Hours Later...
"Time Fire? What are you doing here?... Time Fire!" Princess Luna's words penetrated his sleep and entered his dream. When he heard her distorted words, his eyes shot open immediately.
Luna stepped back, surprised at his sudden response. Time Fire stood up off the branch and stretched a good long stretch. He rubbed his eyes and looked down at the ground around him. The dirt was all black, it was scorched. Some of the rocks and pebbles sizzled and popped when he turned them.
"Whoa." He said.
Luna shook her head. "Time Fire, what are you doing?" She said, slightly angry. "The human is already at the Castle and here you are taking a mid day nap!"
Time Fire seemed to ignore her and continued to stretch and examine the spot where he slept.
"Time Fire!" Luna shouted.
He looked up at her sighed.
"You know, I was having an interesting dream. Well... I guess one could call it more of a nightmare." He said calmly. Luna remained silent and waited for him to continue.
"It was a like a look into the future and the horrid things that await." He said.
"What did you see?" Luna asked with concern.
"I saw Canterlot... and Ponyville and Hoofington and Manehattan and all the other towns and cites across Equestria. But I saw no ponies."
"What was there?" She asked.
"Humans." He said, plainly. "People of all shapes, sizes and colors. But for some reason, they all looked familiar."
"Why is that?" Luna asked. She already had an idea, but she didn't want to say it.
"They were us." He said, confirming Luna's thought. "And we were them. I was human, you and your Ponyville friends, even Celestia was there."
"What does that mean?"
"Long ago, when I crossed back and forth between Earth and Equestria, I carried a part of them with me. It was so different than what we have on Equestria that it had devastating results. I don't think I need to go into what those were."
Felling guilty and sad, Luna suddenly found the ground very interesting and stared down at it.
"Anyway, It took close to a thousand years for it to finally start to diffuse and go away. It was like radiation. And now a human has been here for nearly a week. He's been spewing humanity all over the place. It could take tens if not hundreds of thousands of years to get over this. I think that's what my dream meant. That ponies will slowly, in the mind, become humans." Time Fire said.
"But that can't be all bad can it? You've told me great things that humans have done and can still do." Luna argued.
"Oh of course not. They're not all bad. In fact none of them are really "bad". They, like all sentient beings, are capable of both good and evil. Humans truly have done a great many things. They are such an interesting species, I wish I had more time to study them."
"So whats the problem?" Luna asked, hopeful.
"Despite what they've accomplished, there are many aspects of their personality that are definitely undesirable. I have to get him out today or you and Celestia may never see things go back to normal again."
"What do you mean "you and Celestia?" What about you?" She asked.
Time Fire turned around and sighed sadly. "After today, I seriously doubt that I will see much of anything or anyone. I know that I can get in, I'm confident that I can get him back, but I have no idea if i'll be leaving or not."
"Why would you still go?!" Luna started to get. She had only seen her old friend for a little while and now it was possible that she might never see him again.
"I don't want to back to her dungeon. I don't want to be caged, but I have to get him back, I have to. But I can't do it alone, i'll need your help." He said.
"Ask anything." She told him.
"First things first." He said, with more confidence flowing back into voice. "Where is she keeping him?"
"He's tied down in the courtyard, surrounded by dozens of guards."
"Ehh." Time Fire shugged. "Her guards are next to useless, any more important things?" He asked.
"Pegasi hide in the shadows on the roof, waiting to swarm." She explained. "Captain Wall will be there too, as well as some surprises".
"Surprises?" He tilted his head.
"My sister didn't tell me exactly what she had in mind, but it can't be good." She said sadly.
Time Fire chuckled.."Sounds interesting." He lied. "So what about her, will she be there?" He turned serious again.
"If word reaches her that you're there, she will undoubtedly come for you." She said.
"Hmm it gets simple then. " He smiled confidently "We just have to try to do it quickly. And yes I do mean we."
"What do you need me to do?" She eagerly asked.
"Simple, while I'm distracting them, just try to untie him. That's it, but don't get caught, we can't have us both locked up."
"I'll do it!" She said."Is there anything else?" she asked.
"Oh, give this to him too." He took off his rifle from his back and levitated it to Luna. "Now I should get going." He said. Time Fire turned towards the castle and began walking towards it.
"Where are you going?" She shouted after him.
"I'm going to end this." He yelled back.
Luna watched as her friend reached the end of the forest. He disappeared through the trees and Luna looked away.
Goodbye, Time Fire. She thought ,sadly then dissolved into shadow.
*****************
Twilight walked down the hallway in silence. Her saddle bags were full and on her sides. Princess Celestia was also next to her. The two had walked from Twilight's room in silence. It had been awkward, but they were almost to the exit.
"Ha ooff!" They had turned down a corridor and a thin pony with helmet ran into Twilight and they both fell to the ground.
"I'm so sorry!" He helped her up, then turned to Celestia. He was shaking in nervousness "Excuse me, Your Highness, we need you to come outside...its him."
Twilight and Celestia shared a quick glance then ran after the pony down the hall.
After running down a few more hallways they reached the exit to the courtyard. They could feel an increase in heat before they had even gone through it.
When they opened the door they saw a both amazing and horrible sight.
A giant Time Fire, composed of fire and smoke stood at the edge of the forest. He was huge, like someone enlarged him by 300%. The center of the body was white while the edges turned a bright yellow. Most of Captain Wall's guards had their hoofs up to block their eyes from the intense light and heat. The entire courtyard looked wavy from refraction.
"OOmhg mgh!" Garren tried to say something between his gag, but it wasn't coming out as he hoped. He couldn't even see what was behind him.
"Capture him!" Celstia shouted. The huge body of Time Fire gave a roar like a dragon and with that the onslaught began.
The two outer layers of the circle surrounding Garren, 24 ponies, broke off and charged towards him. He leaned back on his hind legs and when they got close enough, he pounded his front legs into the ground. Flames spread out from the impact like a shock wave. It knocked some of the smaller ponies off their feet, but some of the stronger Earth ponies jumped over the fire and continued their charge.
They handed him a barrage of kicks and hits, but they all eventually fell to the ground, hold their burned hooves. Captain Wall looked to the roof and gave a downward motion.
Dozens of pegasi flew from the top of the castle. Some tried to dive down over him, but the hot, rising air from the heat and the heavy smoke prevented them. Some of the smarter ones flew in from the side, but most of them were swatted away by fiery legs.
A few Earth ponies and pegasus ponies teamed up with a plan. The earth ponies held a rope in place, while the pegasi flew the other end around Time Fire. With three pegasi using this method in a few moments, his legs were tied tight.
Celestia smiled and moved forward. "Its over Time F-" She couldn't finish. Time Fire flexed and the ropes burned off. The ponies holding them were pushed back. Smoke filled the entire area. He saw a dark shadow swoop in and head in the direction of Garren.
Time Fire heard the sound of unicorn magic and braced him self as he looked around. A yellow beam of energy came from out of the smoke and hit him. It was powerful, much more so than Twilight's. It propelled him back into a tree and he broke the trunk in half.
Princess Celestia flapped her wings and all the smoke cleared. "Move the special forces in" she said.
Captain Wall motioned towards the castle and the "surprises" Luna talked about came from the exits. Ponies in thick, shiny outfits came out. Time Fire picked himself up. He wasn't as hot and his light wasn't as intense, he was losing power.
He shot a hot fiery blast from his horn at one of the ponies. It hit against the it, but he kept walking towards him. Time Fire strengthened the blast and eventually the pony fell to the ground.
"Flame retardant, just genius, Captain." Celestia said.
The ponies moved closer with thick metal chains. Time Fire had to concentrate all of his power on taking out the suited ponies one by one, but there were just too many. They kept coming from the castle. Captain Wall nodded towards the roof and more pegasi, now with buckets, dropped water on top of him.
Ponies who didn't have suits on cautious moved in. Time Fire had no opportunity to deal with them. He was turning red from the loss of power and the pegasi's water.
They swarmed him. When he couldn't hold back the suited ponies, the other ones jumped on him. Time Fire fell, and the ponies took the opportunity. They wrapped the chains around him and he struggled against them. He rapidly went from red to orange. He was almost out of power.
Princess Celestia and all the remaining guards all moved towards a weakening Time Fire. Captain Wall was the farthest away from him, but he was coming closer too.
"Covver his horn!" He shouted and one of his ponies pulled out a cloth bag. "That way he can't-"
"AHHHH!" Garren shouted. He swung his M110 like a bat and it smashed against the Captian's horn. The pony fell, unconscious to the ground
A pulse of energy sent Garren flying back and sliding across the ground.
"Who let him out?!" Celestia screamed. Twilight, who had been standing in the doorway watching the scene unfold, moved towards Garren with her purple horn charging.
"Nooo!" Time Fire shouted. He shot one last beam of fire toward them. Twilight tried to shoot a blast to stop it, but she was too late. The beam hit her on her side and she flew back and smashed against the hard wall of the castle. She fell into a crumpled heap at the bottom and everything seemed to pause.
The ponies stopped attacking Time Fire and all heads turned to Twilight. There was a brief moment of silence,but Time Fire had different things in mind.
Now! He shouted to himself.
He broke the silence with a white and yellow blast. It stopped in front of Garren and formed into a rift, like a crack through the middle of the open air. He could feel a slight pull urging him towards it.
Garren glanced at Twilight then gave a salute to Time Fire who nodded back. Ponies were starting to snap out of their previous state and were coming for him...but it was too late.
Garren slung his gun around his back and jumped through the portal. In a flash he was gone.
Seeing his task done, Time Fire powered down completely. He went back to his normal size and the chains now loosely fit around him. The remaining guards tied the chains tight and pulled him to his feet.
Princess Celestia ran to check Twilight, then went over to Time Fire. "You are very lucky she's alive." She told him. "If she was was dea-"
"Cut to the chase Celestia. Are you going to put me back in the dungeon?" He asked, sounding very tired.
She smiled warmly at him, but Time Fire knew better."No." She said, "I'm going to put you under it."
She nodded to the guards and they dragged him away. Celestia watch them take him, then went to help the doctors with Twilight.
*****************
Garren felt the familiar, extreme pulling on his arm as he was sucked through the portal again. He felt his body twist and turn until finally he did a front flip and landed on his back on a hard rocky surface.
"Argg!" He shouted. He was so tired and weak he couldn't move his arms or legs. He moved neck and looked around. No talking ponies, no super bright colors, It had to be Earth.
He laughed and a good satisfying laugh before he finally went silent.
Nine Hours Later...
"I think I found some thing something over here!" A rough voice said. Garren heard many pairs of boots hitting the ground coming towards him.
"God Damn it, Its him." A very familiar voice said. "Check him." Garren could feel fingers on his neck.
"I've got a pulse!" A female voice said.
"Thank god." The familiar voice said in relief. "Lets get him to the MEDEVAC! lets move!"
He felt his body being lifted up and placed on something. He was hoisted into the air and started moving forward. After a couple minutes of being carried, he could hear the sound of a powerful engine and air being chopped and beaten. It was a helicopter.
Garren's eyes peeled open and he looked around. The sun was bright and in the middle of the sky. He looked to his left and saw a man carrying one end of the stretcher he was on. He turned to his right and same the familiar face.
"Da...Daniel?" He asked using his strength.
Daniel turned and smiled at him as he placed the stretcher on the HH-60M.
"I got you, Tyler. Its going to be okay." He smiled at his friend "Everything's going to be okay."
Daniel was seated with his head buried in his palms. The constant soothing beats of the heart monitor was enough to make him feel drowsy. The drive to the hospital, while it wasn't too far away, hadn't helped either. But despite his fatigue, he knew now was not a time for sleep. He shook away his tiredness just as the arguing outside the door picked up again. Daniel tried to tune out the two voices outside and focus on the reason he was here.
Finally the door burst open and a man in a white coat came in. "Jackass." He muttered under his breath. He stood up and the man turned to him. "Daniel, good to see you again." He extended his hand.
Daniel put on a smile and took it. "Hey Dr. Moore. How're you doing?"
He sighed. "I've been better, I'll admit, but lets move to how hes doing." He pointed to a bed where a man laid. "Thats why you're here, no?"
Daniel shrugged. "Pretty Much." He admitted.
"Well then." He walked around to one side of the bed and Daniel followed to the other. "We had him declared comatose two weeks ago as he gave no response to stimuli of any kind. Now after that, nothing about his condition is normal. When we checked his pupils they gave evidence of something like a heroin overdose."
Daniel was taken aback. "You're saying he was on drugs?" He asked astounded.
"Thats what it appeared to be, but then we did a blood test, and guess what? No traces of drugs other than the ones we were giving him. So after that we've been looking for possible answers as to why he's like this in the first place."
He looked to the guy's head which had two big, dark marks on his face and forehead. "What about these?" He pointed. "They look like bruises on his head."
"Right you are, however we deemed that the trauma was't great enough to cause a coma." Dr. Moore then pulled up the mans sleeves. "You can see most of his cuts and scratches healed on their own, although he did need a couple stitches for a nasty gash on his chest."
"Oh, Was it infected?" Daniel asked.
"No, thankfully not." He moved over to a computer and motioned for Daniel to follow. "You see this?" He asked as he pointed to an image on the monitor. "This is a brain scan from five days ago. Now if I only had this to go by, I'd see a completely conscious person."
"A lot of activity?" Daniel inquired.
"He's got a huge amount of brain activity." The doctor expressed. "Not common in comatose patients."
Daniel sighed and shook his head as he moved back over to the side of the bed. He knew sooner or later Dr. Moore was going to get to the bad news.
"Daniel... There asking about him about him again."
Yup, here we go. He thought. "Is that what that was out there?" He asked and Dr. Moore nodded. "Damn. What do they want now?"
"Same as last time." He sighed. "They really want to find out what happened to him on that mission."
"Well so do I." Daniel said like he knew it wouldn't be so bad.
"They saw the results of his scan. They want me to try to give him more stimuli to try to get him up. Daniel...they want to try more painful stimuli." He said.
"Thats absurd!" Daniel exclaimed. "They can't do that can they? Can you stop them?"
"They've been at this since he came in." He started shaking his head in defeat. "I don't know if I can hold them off this time."
Daniel sighed. "Damn." He looked to the unconscious man in the bed. "Come on, Tyler. You have to come out of this."
********************
Twilight Sparkle slid out of bed. The Canterlot hospital bed wasn't nearly as comfortable as the one in her home, but unfortunately it had been some time since she had spent a night there. She wanted so desperately to leave, to get back to Ponyville, but Celestia assured her that there was still work to be done here.
She quickly brushed her mane and scratched at her bandages. She wanted to get going quickly, today could be a very big day for her. Today she was finally going to ask.
A Few Minutes Later...
"Twilight, I do not think that to be a good idea." Luna shook her head.
"I have to know Luna. I need to know." She said firmly.
"My sister will not approve of this." Luna said. "It's not safe and with the other elements gathering in the city..." Twilight turned her away, she knew what followed. "There are not many things that require all six of the elements."
"So Celestia really plans to do it?" She asked.
"Yes." Luna answered. "As soon as Rarity can get here."
Twilight began to get angry. "Thats not fair!" She said louder than an inside voice. " I was the one who got hurt, I deserve to know who did it."
Luna sighed. Inside she somewhat felt that Twilight was right. "Fine." She said finally. "I will ask my sister, but I'm sure she will decline."
"Thank You, thats all I want."
********************
"Fine, You win Twilight." Luna said coming back into the room. "My sister has given you fifteen minutes. I suggest you make the most of it."
"Thanks, Princess Luna." Twilight gave a slight bow before leaving the room.
The Canterlot dungeons had been cleared of dozens of what Princess Celestia called "Unavoidable Casualties". Now only two ponies remained down here. Celestia, or very occasionally Luna depending on the day, and the captured unicorn who she'd been after weeks before. Princess Celestia had been very skimp on his details, only telling Twilight and her friends that he was a bandit who had stolen from her years before.
However Twilight had both seen and felt his power first hand and thought him to be much more skilled than a common thief. What the pony had done a few weeks ago, Celestia thought deserved one of the highest punishments she could give and Twilight at least wanted a chance to find out who the pony was before that happened.
When Celestia opened the door, the first thing Twilight noticed was how terrible she looked. And it was easy to understand why. Celestia wanted him under constant watch by either herself or Luna, but most of the time she had elected to watch him herself. Now she'd been down here for a week without relief.
"Twilight, I don't like this at all." She said, failing to hold in her angered tone. "But I will give you your fifteen minutes, but I will not leave this chamber. If he so much as moves in a matter than I find threatening, I will move in."
"Understood." Twilight said. She thought that it was bit unlike Celestia to say, but said nothing of it. She just wanted to talk with the unicorn.
"He's down there." Celestia pointed a hoof to the far wall of the room.
As Twilight got closer, she saw that the pony's cell was an energy barrier from Princess Celestia. She had made the confines so cramped that the pony had to contort just to fit inside. His head was locked near his legs and his back faced outward.
However Twilight felt herself caring little for his space. It was something she couldn't explain, but in her mind she felt he deserved this for all of the things he'd done. But the pony she'd remembered was not the one she found in the cell.
This pony was obviously very sick. His brown hair had fallen off in clumps leaving dozens of patches of pink skin all over his body. He constantly shivered in his confines even though Twilight thought it was a pretty comfortable temperature. She now realized why Celestia wanted to go ahead with her plan; this pony might not have long left.
Twilight had now been standing silent in front of the pony for a few minutes examining his conditions. She finally took a deep breath. Its now or never. She said to herself.
"Bandit. Bandit!" She called firmly trying to sound authoritative. The pony stirred a bit, shuffling his hooves. After a while he rearranged himself so that his bald pink head was facing her.
The pony gave a few dry coughs before responding. "Is that supposed to be me?" He asked casually.
"Isn't it?" She said keeping her tone." You're a thief aren't you?"
"A thief?!" He asked surprised, his voice dry. "Is that what I'm known as now? My how my status has decreased over the years."
Twilight was confused. "So you're not a thief?"
"Oh no, I definitely am, but I'm just saying there's other things you could call me besides just thief." He said perking up and giving a few more coughs.
The pony was messing around and Twilight didn't have much time. "Celestia says you stole from her." She said and the pony nodded like he was proud. "What did you steal?"
"I stole many things from Celestia." He said proudly. "Many of them right under her nose!" He yelled loud enough for Celestia to hear. "Her knowledge, her scrolls, and the big one: her gift."
Twilight could now understand why she was so angry with him. This pony had taken so much from her and seemed to not have a care in the world. "How did you manage to do all that, you would have had to be very close to her."
"No kidding." The pony said with a chuckle. "Princess Celestia was kind enough to take me in after my parents were literally worked to death by a certain well known unicorn. Celestia taught me many things about magic and for a while I was happy. That was until I went through the portal."
Twilights ears perked up. What did he just say?! She asked herself. "A portal?"
"Yeah a portal." He said in her tone mocking her. "Im not sure how it happened the first time, but I know what it felt like. I was taken to a whole different world. Saw things you couldn't even imagine. But something else happened to me while I was there. I realized my parents had been killed and the pony who did it was not met with justice but with praise for all he had accomplished from standing on their graves. From that point on I dedicated everything Celestia taught me to planning my revenge."
"So then you started stealing."
"I realized that what Celestia was giving me wasn't going to be of help, so I started teaching myself." He said smiling. "The Canterlot Archives, or the restricted area of the Canterlot Library as it was known back then, was very easy to steal from. The forest outside of the castle provided a great training ground. I was able to master many spells on my own and even gained knowledge of portals. After a few months, I was able to open them at will. But the more times I went through, I always came back feeling different. I felt incomplete, I wanted-"
"You wanted more." Celestia voice came from behind Twilight. Twilight was went silent as Celestia came up from behind her. "After everything I gave you, It wasn't enough."
"And I got more didn't I, Celestia?" He spoke much louder now, anger much more apparent. "You knew I was getting too powerful for the things you were teaching me. You have always feared power, thats why you keep her down like you tried to do with me." He couldn't point so he tilted his head towards Twilight instead.
Celestia's eyes glowed with rage. She pushed Twilight to the side and rammed herself against the barrier. "You murdered Star Swirl and imitated my immortality!" She yelled. "Your essence poisoned my sister and twisted her into something monstrous!"
"Stop." Twilights voice came from the foor where Celestia had pushed her. When she saw her, she snapped back into her self and felt incredibly guilty. She helped Twilight up and apologized. Twilight didn't really mind the push though. She was more disappointed her plan had crumbled around her. She had so many questions about what she had just heard that she couldn't ask them all in a lifetime. But she would sure try, however before she would even start she had to know one thing first. "Who are you...really?"
The pony sighed and coughed. "You see Celestia, we've gotten off topic." He turned to Twilight and gave a sly wink. "I'm Time Fire, Princess Celestia's first student."
