> Along Came a....Venom? > by MonsterCat2212 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: Enter Barry Taylor > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barry walked into the Airport his suit case filled with clothes and what he was cosplaying as. Barry turned back to his girlfriend who was smiling widely, "have a safe trip Barry!" She said kissing him. Barry gave a smile and walked off not wanting to miss his flight. "MAKE SURE TO CALL!!" He heard his girlfriend yell, Barry entered the plane sighing. "All passengers please strap in and enjoy the flight to London." Barry grabbed his seat belt and strapped in, placing his head against the window he looked out of it to see the plane was moving. 'What's the worst that can happen?' He thought before falling into a deep sleep. <|> Finally arriving at London Barry stretched. His body was sore from that ride, looking at his phone he had some internet. Dialing Sarah's phone number he called. "Are you ok?" She asked concerned for Barry's safety. "Of course I'm ok, Sarah are you ok?" Barry asked raising an eyebrow. "Y-yes I'm fine please make sure to call me! You know that I worry!" Sarah yelled into the phone Barry laughing on the other end. "Sarah it's London! What's the worst that can happen, oh got to split! Love you Sarah!" Barry said hanging up the convention was starting! Barry quickly entered going into the bathroom to change into his amazing Agent Venom cosplay, Barry exited looking in the mirror. "Perfect!" Exiting the restroom Barry walked around people in different cosplays. Barry saw multiple SpiderMen and SpiderGwen's. He even saw a symbiote SpiderMan in the mix, Barry was amazed at how much people put into these cosplays. "Hey Agent!" A voice said behind Barry. "Wha cool Merchant cosplay! You've got the voice and everything!" Barry complimented. "Thank you, but I've noticed that you don't have any...fake pistols?" The Merchant asked as Barry sighed, Sarah said the Airport wasn't going to allow Barry to have anything that even resembled a gun. "YA I'm kinda missing those! Hey you wouldn't have a pair I could borrow for this convention?" "I do there high quality! But for rent I'd say just for you.....fifty each take it or leave it!" The Merchant said to Barry. Barry thought that was a steal of a deal! Quickly paying the hundred dollars he held onto the pistols, putting them in their holsters Barry began to feel lightheaded a sudden case of dizziness washing over him. Barry fell to the ground unconscious. <|> Twilight Sparkle was currently inside of her brand new Castle discussing with her friends about where is the map sending them next. "Hopefully this time it's someplace with a monster!" Rainbow Dash said she had been itching to fight something again since the Bug Bear attacked a few weeks ago, AppleJack looked at Rainbow Dash with a confused expression. "Ya'll know the map might send us somewhere anywhere in Equsteria right, one of those places has to have ya monster Dash." "YA I know! That's where I want to go!" "Darling after that dreadful Bug Bear attack I don't think I can handle another monster," Raity yelled annoyed with Rainbow Dash's daredevilish persona. All there cutie marks began to glow brightly as all of them floated to a location on the map. "The map wants us in the Everfree Forest? Why we've defeated the Plunder Vines, NightMare Moon, and...Celestia how many things have we fought in the Everfree!?" Twilight exclaimed as everyone walked outside. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" "Girls that might be the reason! Let's go!" Twilight shouted as everyone ran toward the massive bloodcurdling scream. 5 minutes ago... Barry awoke his senses returning. "Where am I?" He asked his vision still blurry. 'Oh so your finally awake?' a voice said. Barry looked around his area for the person that said that. Barry was confused why did he feel stronger? Barry looked at his hands to see sharp claws come from his finger tips, Barry never added that to the cosplay! "HOLY FUCK!!" He shouted, Barry covered his mouth. He had never out of the blue used that kind of language before. Barry looked at himself once more everything was normal aside from the claws. "RAARRAAGGGHHH!!!!!!" a massive roar was heard. Barry quickly spun around coming face to face with a HYDRA!?! Barry shivered in fear almost peeing. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" he screamed as he ran and ran trees burning around him. Barry looked behind himself only scaring him more. "HAVE NO FEAR YOUR-" A voice was cut off as the Hydra smacked it's tail into the strangers stomach. Barry walked toward the stranger only to see it was a human like pony!?! "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?!" He asked himself as other stranger creatures appeared in a bright flash of magenta light. "RAINBOW DASH!" One with purple hair and pink streaks said. She wore ruby red glasses a skirt and a school girl vest. What Barry assumed was Rainbow Dash groaned in pain, Barry watched as a yellow pegasus stepped up. "How DARE YOU!" She shouted angered. The mare flew up onto one of the Hydra's snouts continuing the verbal attack. "JUST BECAUSE YOUR BIG, SCARY, AND INSTINCTIVE DOESNT GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO BE A BULLY!" Barry watched one hand on his hip. "Well how about that God it's like looking in mirror!" He shouted as the Hydra quivered slightly, the Hydra ran back into the forest disappearing into the darkness of the Everfree. Barry watched the yellow yet brave pegasus descend her nature themed clothes apparent. "Amazing job Fluttershy!" The purple mare said turning back to the unconscious Rainbow Dash. "I must agree! great job darling!" A marshmallow white mare said her clothing was fancy to a degree. "Ya'll did great! But Twi? What is that?" A orange mare asked her clothes where more country themed and reminded Barry of his father. "I don't know? But I'm gonna take a guess that the map wanted us to save what is it?" Twi said looking at Barry/Agent Venom. "Barry, Barry Taylor." Twi and the others jaws hit the floor, Twi looked at Barry her curiosity taking over. "Y-you c-can t-t-talk!?!" Twi asked as Barry rolled his eyes. "I should be as surprised as you are! Ms..." "Twilight Sparkle. And this is AppleJack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and...where's Pinkie Pie?" Twilight asked the others, a pink blur sped behind Barry jumping onto his back covering his eyes. "Girls! Girls! I caught a monkey!" Pinkie yelled sitting on Barry's head. The human/alien growled trying to grab Pinkie. "GET OFF ME!!" He shouted angry at the pink mares action. A tendril suddenly wrapped around Pinkie's waist dropping her onto the ground roughly. Barry watched as the tendril disappeared into his 'cosplay' Barry looked again and saw that his body had looked more like Agent Venom. "HOLY FUCK!!! HOLY SHIT!!!" He screamed as Rarity slapped him. "Watch your mouth you brute!" Barry shook his head trying to get rid of the pain. "I wanna go home!" > Ch1: New Friends/ Regrets? (Edited!) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barry and the Mane 6 went back and forth for hours! They where sharing information to eachother, Barry telling them the history of Earth and Twilight telling him the history of Equis! Nighttime finally fell upon the gang and AppleJack said, "uhh ya'll I think we should head home. I don't feel like getting eaten!" Barry nodded in compliance at the orange earth ponies statement. "YA I like my head where it is." "Ok we can go, but wow! Earth compared to Equis is light years ahead in technology," Twilight exclaimed wanting to know more. Barry smiled as he rubbed the back of his neck, "that's kinda as fair as I went but comparing magic to technology it would be an interesting competition!" Barry said wanting to see what would happen if Equis's unicorn magic merged with Earth's modern technology. Barry took his attention off the girls and back to himself. Looking at his claws and spiky attire. "Wow I'm never getting used to that!" "Speaking of which darling what are you wearing?" Rarity asked looking at Barry's Agent Venom suit. "Oh umm it's kind of a long story." He rubbed the back of his neck. Barry yawned, running away from a Hydra and back to a small town can do that. "Wait hold up! If this is real then maybe..." Barry grabbed one of his hand pistols and aimed it at a tree away from the town. Pulling the trigger a massive BLAM was heard. Barry stared at his new found weaponry slack jawed. He really was Agent Venom! Twilight looked at Barry perplexed as to what he did, "oh sorry! Hehe." Barry laughed nervously rubbing the back of his neck. Placing his weapon back in it's holster. "Ok well I gotta go back to the farm bye ya'll!" Applejack said walking back to the orchard. "Yes Applejack. I have to head back home to there are a number of orders I need to finish my this weekend!" Rarity shouted running back home to Sweetie Bell and to her incomplete dresses. Rainbow Dash was next, "I've got to head home too! I am weather manager after all!" She exclaimed taking off like a bullet to Cloudsdale. "OHHH I've gotta prepare for the 'Welcome to Equstria' PARTY!!" Pinkie yelled taking off as nothing but a pink blurry streak. Barry sighed as he looked at Twilight. "What do you have to do?" He asked. "Well I've got to get Spike to send a letter to the princesses. But nothing all that important tomorrow, if your ok with it you could stay at my place." The alicorn motioned toward a massive castle Barry's jaw dropping and his eye twitching underneath his mask. "That's y-yours!?" Barry asked staring at the massive glowing castle that some what resembled a tree. "Mmmhhmm!" Twilight smiled at Barry's reaction to her humble abode. "I'll take that as a yes?" "Yes! Of course!" Barry said excitedly. Twilight opened the door to her Castle Barry entering and looked marveled by the scenery. "Wow your construction crew must be amazing!" Exclaimed Barry. Twilight gave him a sheepish grin and said, "It wasn't built. It grew." Barry looked at Twilight, "no wonder this place looks like a tree so much!" He laughed taking in the information Twilight gave him. "SPIKE!!" She screamed the drake tumbling down the stairs in a hilarious fashion. "Take a letter. Dear Princess Celestia, today the map sent us to the Everfree Forest where me and my friends found a tall spiky bipedal creature. The creature's name is Barry and like ponies he is a sentient being with a mind, why the map sent us after him. I don't know but I'm going to find out. Your Faithful Student Twilight Sparkle." She finished. "Aaaand done!" Spike said rolling up the scroll. Enhaling deeply he burned the scroll much to Barry's confusion. "Why'd you burn it?" Barry asked as Spike smiled. "You see Barry Spike has a special kind of dragon Fire. Almost like magic! He burns something like a scroll and it is sent to the princess almost instantly!" Twilight explained. "OHHH almost like an email I get it!" Barry said understanding why Spike burned the scroll. Spike yawned as he walked back upstairs falling in his bed fast asleep again. "Speaking of sleep I better get some," Barry yawned as Twilight directed him to the guest bedroom. Barry lay in the bed his symbiote deforming around his body showing what he was wearing before he put on the cosplay. Twilight smiled as she closed the door looking at the sleeping Barry. <|> "Huh where am I?" Barry asked, rubbing his head he looked around. He was in his room alone? Usually Sarah was there. "Oh no SARAH!!" Barry shouted jumping out of bed, jumping down the stairs he heard the sound of sobbing. Looking at the couch he found Sarah their crying her eyes out. "B-Ba-Barry!" She said between sobs. "Sarah I'm right he-" Barry tried to place his hand on her shoulder but saw it faze through her. "Barry!!" She screamed again, but this time Barry felt the world shift and fade. Looking around once again he saw Sarah once again this time her belly bulging!? Barry looked around and saw another figure, "R-Raven!?" He shouted looking at his former best friend. "Hey honey!" Sarah said smiling as Barry watched in horror. "Hey dear! So how much longer before little Allie is born?" The human asked. "Well the doctor said two more months! I can't wait!" Sarah said happily. "I wish Barry was here for this..." She said a small tear rolling down her face. "Hey cheer up. He abandoned you, I swear I won't do that. I swear." Barry felt sadness build in his chest as he watched the two lovers share a loving kiss. "SARAHHHHHHH- "HHHHH!!!!!" Barry screamed getting up, his entire body drenched in sweat. Looking around looking at a clock on the wall he saw it was 12:30 AM. Rubbing his face he looked at his hands which where shaking. "No! Why! Why, why why!!!" He shouted in rage. Tears streaming down his face. Curling into a ball he began to rock back and forth the vision scaring him. "Why Sarah, I would never abandon you!" Barry screamed as the door opened with a click. "What happened Barry?" Twilight asked half asleep. "N-no-nothing. Just a bad dream," he lied looking down as he laid back down. "Ok well any description or clue as to-" "No." Barry cut Twi off. He didn't want to talk about it. "Please I have a right to-" "NO!!" Barry shouted snarling, Twilight was taken back. "Fine we'll talk later." The mare said huffing and walking back to bed. "Sarah I will find a way home. I swear on my life," Barry vowed. It was a vow that he was going to keep. > Ch2: Information/Explanation > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barry slowly stood up, groaning he walked outside to see Twilight there. "Barry tell me what's wrong," he didn't respond. "Please I want to help." "I had a bad nightmare." "What happe-", "nothing!" Barry responded cutting the alicorn off. Twilight just stared in concern. "Barry I just want to help you," The human sighed. "Fine maybe later, I don't want to talk about it now!" He said as Twilight nodded in nervous agreement. Barry smiled. Letting the symbiote's tendrils wrap around him, he opened the door taking off into the small town. Barry jumped off an edge of a building firing a web strand onto another, 'there is something speeding towards us' Venom informed. Quickly Barry looked up a pure black diamond headed toward him, catching it with one of his hands the diamond itself filled his entire palm. "What the heck is this?" He asked confused as to where it came from. The gem suddenly started to glow and a message sounded in his head: “I am the protector of the innocent, warrior of the weak, call upon me for assistance and I shall come. Call for the Gravity Shifter and I will make those who harm others beg for mercy as they are crushed at my feet. Hold this gem close to thine heart and I shall be at your side as a fellow warrior!” 'Gravity Shifter?' Venom asked in Barry's mind. The human/alien shrugged, "how am I supposed to know what a "Gravity Shifter" is!?" He asked Venom. "Think it's a trap?" Barry asked Venom. 'Can't be our spider sense would have tingled by now,' Barry nervously did as the diamond told, holding it up to his heart that Venom helped expose the diamond once more began to glow. A red and black portal swirled into existence in front of them, a golden earth pony stepping out of it and smiling at him. “Hello there,” she greeted, looking at him with her red eyes as her blonde mane softly waved in the wind. Barry stared at the new figure, looking at the diamond and back to her. "Ummm...hi," he said nervously. Barry was kept at high alert he and Venom weren't exactly willing to trust a person....pony they just meet, mainly one that appeared from a red and black portal! “So, who are you and why’d you call?” she asked, still smiling. "Umm the names Barry, Barry Taylor. Or might as well be now Agent Venom," Barry said. "My reason for bringing you here...I was curious to see if this black diamond was a trap or a death sentence." 'This must be the Gravity Shifter the diamond told us about,' Venom put together in his mind. 'Really!? I never figured that out!?!' Barry responded sarcastically in his mind. “Well, I’m certainly no trap, but death sentence depends on whether you’re evil or not.” She said it so happily that it was almost disconcerting. “I’m Kat, by the way. I’m gravity incarnate and the hero to many worlds.” "Well not really villain. More heroic," Barry said stepping back slightly. "Gravity incarnate? Sounds awesome. Nice to meet you Kat." Barry greeted back still nervous around Kat. “Oh if you’re a hero that’s fine. So… Agent Venom, huh? I suppose that makes you the second venom I’ve met.” "Second?" Barry asked confused, 'second?! There's only one of us!' Venom hissed. Kat nodded, looking around. “Oh yes, I met another Venom a long time ago. He was quite nice, even gave me a symbiote of my own. Haven’t checked up on him in awhile, maybe I should pay him a visit soon. I’m sure he’d appreciate it.” "Another symbiote!?!" Barry was shocked! A second Venom! Another symbiote!? 'This is nuts!' Barry thought holding his head rubbing his eyes and face/mask. "Wait? Which Venom? Controlled or out of control?" He asked curiously. “Lee was rather a controlled symbiote. He and his host were very nice to hang out with. I consider him one of my best friends, actually.” Barry raised an eyebrow, "who was his host?" “His world’s Twilight,” she answered with a shrug. "Huh, Twilight with the Venom symbiote......I can see it," Barry said putting a finger to his chin. "Hopefully I'll get to meet Lee somewhere down my crazy adventure here." “Well, that would only happen if you found his token. The multiverse is finicky like that.” "Oh so that's what this is!" Barry said holding up the diamond, putting it near his waist small tendrils wrapped themselves around it pulling it into the Agent Venom suit. "I'm pretty sure that worlds Twilight must have a lot of fun with another Venom," Barry said smiling. Kat let out a nervous laugh. “Uh yeah… sure… though I’m pretty sure they have the hots for each other if you know what I mean.” Barry thought for a second, "how would that work!?" He asked as Venom shivered on his body. 'He is not us! We would never have the....hots for our host!' Venom hissed growling in Barry's mind as the human chuckled. "Venom did not take kindly to that." “Well, he can shove it,” Kat said happily. “He should be nice like Cancer.” 'We should kill you where you stand!' Venom hissed again, Barry rolled his eyes. "Who's Cancer?" Kat smiled as her jacket began to squirm before parts of it turning a blood red. The sludge let out a strange sound. “She says that your venom isn’t nice either.” Barry jumped back instinctively, getting into a SpiderMan pose he stared at the "jacket" closely. "H-how!?" Venom asked using Barry's voice. “That’s Cancer, my symbiote. She likes talking like that. Personally, I think I watched too much Addams Family while she was growing up.” "How many did Lee spawn!?" Venom questioned worried about what he'll spawn. Carnage was bad enough! But another one of his own spawn made the symbiote quiver around Barry's body. “Several, actually. I wanna say about… seven? Something like that. Sounds right,” Kat said, hoof to her chin in thought. "S-se-SEVEN!?!" Venom shouted as Barry returned for the conversation. "I'm gonna take a guess that Cancer is under control considering you don't look like Carnage?" Barry asked. “Cancer is my precious little girl,” Kat cooed, nuzzling some of the symbiote. “She’d never do anything evil, like that mean ol’ Carnage.” Barry and Venom both stared an eyebrow raised, "ok then. Well kinda does make sense, you have a good heart. Symbiote bonded with you, so your not a killing machine." Barry put a finger to his upper lip, Venom began to slide around Barry only exposing the rest of his body aside from his right arm. Barry stared at Venom, "you okay Venom?" 'No we are not!!' Venom responded. “Something wrong?” Kat asked. "I think Venom is still trying to cope with the fact he could have seven spawn," Barry answered grinning at his symbiote. Kat got a very deceiving smile at that point. “Should I mention that Lee also made a pony form… and just so happens to be a mare?” Barry felt Venom slide back slightly off his hand, only covering his wrist and arm. 'No more!' Venom pleaded in Barry's mind. This information terrified the parasite. “Too far?” "Ya TOOO far," Barry said grinning as Venom formed back around his entire body. "But as of Equis wise, nothing exciting has really happened. Aside from the fact I was chased by a Hydra, but over all....nothing." “Well, that’s good. Not enough of our kind get peaceful worlds to live on.” Barry pouted, "I guess but peaceful is boring! I haven't gotten to use my..I mean our powers fully!" Barry said crossing his arms. 'With us nothing stays peaceful for long.'  Barry nodded at what Venom said and turned back to Kat, "our kind?" “You know, Displaced? Humans and other creatures stranded on different Equestrias? Ringing any bells in there or am I talkin’ to a bone head?” "Well I guess I was Displaced about..a day ago. And I'm not a bone head!" Barry said defensively as he huffed. Kat sighed, dragging a hoof down her muzzle. “Seriously, it’s like I’m always stuck with the newbies,” she muttered to herself. “Look, you and I aren’t the only ones that got sent to Equestria. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of others like us that had the exact same thing happen to them. So, no, you and I are not the only humans around. You can call another one up whenever you want to as long as you have their token.” "Other humans, cool! At least I'm not alone in one dimensional Displacement, and I'm gonna take a guess about 95% were tricked by a Merchant." “Eh, more about eighty-five, ninety. The point still remains. And before you question it, no I’m not naturally a pony. It just draws less stares and I can be rather inconspicuous.” "Huh the stares do get annoying at times," Barry said smiling. "Wait a second...ah shit! I have to go talk to Twilight!" Barry shouted nervously. "You can tag along if you want!" “Sure! I love meeting Twilights! It’s fun to see them mentally break as I destroy their entire worldview.” Again, she said this with a completely happy tone. "You scare me," Barry said running off the building. Firing a web line onto another he took a massive swing over shooting about two buildings and landing on another. He looked behind him, seeing that Kat was literally flying behind him, barely even moving except to see the sights. "Ok that is awesome!" Barry said smiling underneath his mask. About a minute later he knocked on Twilight's castle door, "give me a minute!" She shouted from the other side. Barry smiled again as the door opened Twilight's eye raising at the new mare. "Marefriend already?" She asked Barry. The human blushed. "Hell no!" “Sorry, I’m already taken,” Kat said with a smile. “Hi there, Twilight. I’m Kat and I’m from another universe.” "U-universe?! As in universe, universe!?!" She asked her eyes twitching but shining. "I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!" She shouted grabbing a notepad and pencil. Barry shook his head, "that's Twi for ya." Kat giggled. “I’ll answer and all questions you have. I don’t mind spreading knowledge. Plus, you’re a good friend of mine on many worlds.” The alicorn's eyes only widened, "other worlds?! Other ME'S!?!?" Barry held his hands as the bombardment began, "what's the other Equis like!? Are there any differences in that Equestria and ours!? Does Barry exist in that reality!? Do the Elements of Harmony still exist!?" “Other Equis’ vary from place to place. There are infinitely many differences. Barry does not exist outside of this one. The Elements exist in almost any and every universe where Equestria exists,” Kat answered in succession. Twilight bit her bottom lip as she scribbled down the notes and answers. Barry uncovered his ears, "wow that was...smooth." He said. As soon as the alicorn finished she looked back up at the two Displaced, "umm excuse me Miss but may I talk with my friend Barry for a moment?" 'Oh no,' Barry thought. Kat nodded. “Of course, it’s your world after all and I am but a humble visitor. I’ll just peruse your library while I wait.” She walked off into the castle, already knowing where she was going. Twilight grabbed Barry's arm and dragged him into the main hallway, "you promised. Now tell me what's wrong." "Fine I had a vision of....my girlfriend Sarah." Twilight stared again. "What was the vision about?" "It showed...what would happen if I don't make it back to Earth..." "I-I-I'm sorry I-I shouldn't have stuck my nose where it doesn't belong..." "No no you were only trying to help, and it kinda did." Barry said Venom hiding back underneath his clothes, "I'll go find Kat," he said walking down the hallway, only to knock down a small bottle with a star in it, opening the jar which spat out a girl in greek armor. “What the fucking hell,” she wiped off her knees and stood up, “Fucking Displaced…” She glared at Barry. "What the heck!?!" Barry shouted back flipping onto a wall, "where the hell did you come from!?" He asked as he looked at the bottle. “Another bloody fucking universe,” she said, her british accent a clear, Londoner accent. "Uhh hi?" Barry said sorta cautious around the obviously british female. 'Someone you know?' 'Hell no!' “Yeah, yeah,” she said, waving her hand, “Now, I’m going to be blunt. What. The Fuck. Do you need?” "Well I kinda sorta accidentally knocked down a bottle and you popped out," Barry responded as bluntly as the british woman. "Barry, Barry Taylor." “...That’s just lovely, an accidental summons,” she growled, “Fuck you too Essence.” Barry raised an eyebrow. "What's an Essence?" He asked confused. “A taco,” she answered sarcastically, “She’s a Void Dweller, my Displacer to be exact.” "Well that's just lovely," Barry said jumping off the wall. "A Displacer? Never heard of a Displacer?" The woman just face palmed, “You’re a Displaced, right? Human In Equestria? Able to summon other humans?” "I guess. I was Displaced as Agent Venom," Barry answered shrugging. “A Displace-r,” she put emphasis on the r, “Is the one who Displaced you. Mine just so happens to be a lunatic, cat-lady, madness incarnate, musical goddess.” "I guess I was Displaced by a Merchant from Comic Con," Barry said putting his index finger on his upper lip. "Come on we'll continue this conversation while I'm looking for Kat." “Whatever, the sooner I get back, the better. I hate dealing with you lot,” she said. "Well you're just a nice guest!" Barry responded sarcastically. “Trust me, I don’t want to be here more than you don’t want me here,” she said, growling and showing actual fangs. "Think we're scared of fangs?" Venom answered his own jagged and sharp fangs showing from his pure black mask. 'Not now Venom!' Barry thought. She looked at him, “That happens when I’m angry, so, no. However,” she reached her hand over towards them, causing the temperature to increase dramatically. Venom instinctively backed away from the heat growling. "Don't tempt us!" He shouted his hands close to his handguns if push comes to shove. “Pshaw, you’re not worth it. Besides,” she waved her hands, “I can turn into a mini-sun. Bullets can’t do shit. In fact, I don’t even need to do that either,” she grinned, “Because, I spent YEARS dodging much faster things.” “You know it’s rude to fight in another pony’s castle,” Kat’s voice said from above. They looked up to see her reading a book on the tall ceiling, looking ‘down’ on them. Alex gave a deadpan stare, “You really think I give a shit? I can just have it fixed when I’m done. Besides, I can pull the floaty trick too,” Alex lifted up off the ground, flew around a bit and landed. When she landed, a piece of paper fluttered to the ground, Don’t. I will not fix your messes the majority of the time. Alex scoffed and shredded it. Barry raised an eyebrow, as he snapped back into control. "You really don't like others huh?" He joked Alex giving him a bad feeling from just being near her. “Well, let’s see,” she snapped her fingers, giving a look of mock realization, “I was cursed to repeat a two year time loop for several hundred runs, during which 4 billion people died in under two hours every time, then, at the end, I watched my only sister die. Oh! I’ve been gender-swapped, 3 billion people of my world are scattered across the Omniverse, AND my sister is gone. So yes, I dislike Displaced. I mean, you people are the reason behind ALL of that.” Kat just looked at her. “You remind me a lot of my brother.” "Jeez didn't have to specify about why you hate Displaced. I literally just turned into one yesterday!" Barry said Venom just hissing in his mind. “Ooooh. Consider yourself lucky, I hate you just a little less,” she held up her thumb and index fingers, slightly close together. “As for… Ceiling Kat here, I dunno who your brother is, but if he hates Displaced, we might get along.” “No, you wouldn’t. He’d hate you no matter what your stance is. Anyway, I do believe I owe a lavender mare her science session. If you wish to tag along, you may. If not… well, at least don’t destroy her home. It’s a lovely castle.” Kat got up and walked along the ceiling until she was out the door. Alex rolled her eyes following close behind, “This is JUST fucking great.” Barry followed behind Alex, "Me and Venom are sensing a lot of hostility between you two." Barry joked again trying to lighten up Alex. “Go fuck yourselves,” she said without turning around.  Barry at that small sentence felt an -- urge? "Why do I feel like fucking myself. Literally?" He asked himself. Barry blinked a couple of times. "Ok I'll be back." He said Venom hiding his blush underneath the mask. Alex watched him run away, “I wonder why they always actually do just that…” “I’d tell you, but then, well, that’d be cheating,” Kat called back, though she was still on the ceiling. “Just don’t be rude to the pony who lives here. It’s unbecoming of a lady.” Alex looked up and gave her a middle finger, “I may have the body of Virgo, but I couldn’t give a shit less about being lady-like.” Twilight was in complete concentration, "almost...done.." She whispered as she bit her bottom lip. Her lab coat and safety glasses on, "can't mess up now." Kat levitated down to the floor, not making a single noise. She tapped lightly on the wall, careful not to make too much noise, yet just enough to be heard. “Miss Sparkle?” "What?" She asked not taking her eyes off the two ingredients. "Kinda busy right now," she whispered back letting the green liquid drip into the pink. Alex frowned, “It’s more ponies…” Baby Eris climbed out of Alex’s hair to sit on her head, cooing. Alex sighed, “I see you’ve woken up.” Kat looked at the draconequus for a moment, before looking at Alex. “Keep her under control. If you don’t, then well… just don’t let it happen.” Alex waved her hand at Kat dismissively, “Don’t touch her, I’ve grown quite attached, she’s been my only companion in Equestria. I mean, considering I apparently accidentally murdered Artemis and Solaris’s mother.” "Who's Solaris and Artemis?" Twilight asked scribbling down notes about the potion she was working on and what the current effects were. “I guess they’d be my world’s version of Celestia and Luna. They’re both male,” Alex said, catching Eris, who had fallen off her head. “And they’re only like four or five.” “Much different from here, I’d wager,” Kat said. “They’re thousands of years in this timeline, as well as many others as I’m sure you’re aware.” She turned to Twilight. “Now Miss Sparkle, I am willing to wait to answer your questions, but only so long.” Twilight finished scribbling the notes down and looked up, turning to a fresh new page. "Do Princess Luna and Princess Celestia exist in certain universes, how vast is the multiverse, and how would Somepony become "displaced"?" She asked raising an eyebrow. “I can answer those last two,” Alex said, “First of all, you ought to ask the question about the Omniverse, that’s far more interesting, and second, some passerby Void Dweller, basically people who don’t live in a universe and have immense power, decides to send a person to another universe, or, depending on the circumstances, for the good of them and their world. Depends who you ask though,” Alex shrugged, “I’ve got mine on call,” she held up a phone, “I don’t recommend it though.” Kat spoke before Twilight could go again. “Don’t, ask about the Omniverse. Trust me, it’s much more confusing than you want to hear. For your first question, yes, Tia and Lulu only exist in certain universes, but that number is infinitely large as well.” Twilight scribbled the notes as fast as they talked. This was interesting! Looking up she asked, "because I like confusing things I'll ask. How is the Omniverse more important than the multiverse and what is an Omniverse?" Alex sighed, “You asked for it, I guess,” she tapped a few buttons on the phone before a ringing sound came out to be answered by a woman’s voice. “Heello? Alex, what do you need?” asked the woman. “Twilight here has some questions,” Alex said, holding the phone towards Twilight. Twilight stared at the phone, 'amazing piece of technology!' She thought grabbing it. Holding it to her ear she asked, "What's the Omniverse and how is it more important than the multiverse?" “Easily answered. The Omniverse is the collection of a massive amount of Multiverses, as such, it’s a bit more important. It’s governed by DEATH. Any other questions?” the woman answered, sounding unusually rational. "N-no t-t-thank you?" Twilight thanked nervously. She gave the phone back to Alex, 'multi-multiverse's!? That's amazingly insane!' Twilight thought. “Yes. Yes it is! Just like me!” the woman laughed, having read, or predicted, Twilight’s thoughts, “What about you, Kat Shifter? Or Barry, one sec,” a snapping sound came out of the phone as Barry appeared, still mid-stride, “Or you, Barry Taylor , or you, Agent Venom?” “However,” Kat said tersely, “The Omniverse is not meant to be traveled between by normal people. It’s infinitely vast and nearly impossible to not get lost in. Only someone truly insane would ever leave their own multiverse. So, Miss Sparkle, I would urge you to forget the ramblings of a void dweller. Especially one of the most… infamous ones there is.” The phone scoffed, “Darling, you DO know who I am. However, I’m not all that infamous. I will question how you know of me as well,” she paused a second, “And besides, being mad doesn’t make me terrible. I have in fact travelled out of my home Multiverse. Central was never my forte.” “As I said, one of the most infamous,” Kat said. “I know of you from a certain friend of yours and I will go no further than that.”  “Aaron can be a little exaggerative, Ms. Shifter. Now, I may have trouble following the rules, but I was created by DEATH to embody Madness, so I would think you’d understand why. I do so hate it when people aren’t nice,” the woman sighed, “Then, for those of you who don’t know, I am Essence.” "Oh that's Essence. Gotta YA ok," Barry said crossing his arms. Venom snarled. 'How many can hear us!?' He shouted in Barry's mind in pure frustration. “Please hang up the phone, Alex,” Kat said. “I don’t wish to hear this one anymore. Nor should anyone else. Her madness is as much in her head than anything else. To you others, stop egging her on.” "Yes please! I've only been here for two minutes and my head fucking hurts!" Barry agreed with Kat. “Oh, right...Aura...Let me just,” the sounds of whirring and clanging came from the phone for a moment or two before the pressure subsided completely, “Better?” Alex sighed, “You lot try dealing with this bullshit all the time, I haven’t had relief from this headache is ages.” Kat sighed. “I’ve had enough of this.” She reached over and clicked the phone off. “I don’t know if you’re fully aware of this, Alex, but that one can never be fully trusted. She’s too dangerous and too unstable. I would suggest you stay as far away from her as you can. It’ll be better for you mind, your health, and your life.” Kat had a split second before Alex’s clawed and fiery fist connected with her face, “I may have to deal with the bullshit,” Alex pulled her fist back, “But when 7 billion people suffered, and four billion were killed, where were you? NOWHERE,” Alex’s body was engulfed in flame, “I spent HUNDREDS of time loops, trying to escape, only to have my parents murdered and their blood cover me and my sister, who was eventually killed, and guess what else? I watched four billion people die in my head EVERY. SINGLE. SECOND. So, do I trust her?” Alex punched again, “Hell yes. She may be crazy, but I don’t doubt her heart. What I doubt,” Alex glared at Kat, “Are the millions of Displaced that Essence hasn’t made. You’ve proved you can travel the multiverse, you’ve proved you can save worlds, but mine was just left to ROT,” Alex spat, the flames turning white hot. Kat readjusted her face, cracking her neck slightly. “Worlds die every fraction, of a fraction, of a fraction of a second. Not every world can be saved, nor its people. You were given a second chance, but a deep, deep cost. If there is one thing I’ve learned by going through the Void it’s that you can never trust a void dweller. No matter what they do for you, how kind they may be, the truth will always be they’re only in it for themselves. They can, and will, turn on you whenever it suits them. You may be blind to that now, but one day, you’ll know the truth. I do not envy that day for you.” “Bitch,” Alex said, “So are you lot. Pure of heart,” Alex spat, “Heroes,” Alex snickered, “You are FAR from that. If trusting Essence makes me a fool, so be it. But,” Alex poked her in the chest, “You should realize, there are bad AND good Void Dwellers. The Merchant? Or, hm… Is Aaron your friend?” Alex laughed, “If this how you behave towards them, I’d be surprised if he considered you a friend.” “He’s an acquaintance,” she asserted. “A… tool, you could say. I am not pure of heart. And I certainly am no hero. I. Am. A. Soldier,” Kat nearly screamed at Alex. “I do what is needed to be done to save the lives of the innocent. Not to erase the sins of my past, but because it is the right thing to do. Can I save everyone? No, I can’t, no matter how much I wish I could. But I will do as much as I can with everything I can to do it. You wish me not to lump dwellers together then take your own advice and do the same for Displaced. If not, then get out of this business.” “Four billion,” Alex said, “I do not lump all Displaced together, I happen to be friends with Liberty Prime, a giant robot. You wanna know what happened the last time I trusted anyone like you, Ms. Soldier?” Alex spat, “I was locked in a time loop. Essence has given me FAR more reason to trust her than many of the Displaced I’ve heard of.” “If you want to make me feel bad, then bring a number big enough to make me cringe. I’ve killed and saved far more people than that. I’m not asking you to trust me, sweetie, I am simply warning of you of events to come. When you get your cul burned, don’t come crying to me.”Kat turned around, smacking Alex with her tail before trotting over to Twilight. “Apologies for that scene, Miss Sparkle. Shall we continue our discussion?” Alex flipped off Kat, “Four billion. Oooh… Well guess what? FUCK you. Got it? Not a number for cringing, boo hoo. I will tell you this,” she grabbed Kat’s tail, turning into her form of power. “I couldn’t give a SHIT, how many you saved. I sent out a call, HUNDREDS of times. I even found your token, KAT SHIFTER. Or, should I say, Allison. And you chose to ignore me. Don’t believe me?” Kat’s token dropped from the air, along with untold others. “Each day I was in that time loop, I tried another token and another and another. NOT ONE answered. Not until I got Essence’s. I didn’t know it was her’s, but it was the very last one at my disposal, and she answered. If that’s not a reason to trust her, I don’t know what is. I respect you, Kat Shifter, but I despise your kind. Auric, Jason, and all the others.” Alex shifted back to a human form, “So it’s your fault, and all those others for not answering my pleas. I said I haven’t lumped them together, and I haven’t. Four billion. Three billion survivors lost in the Multiverse. And that’s not saying how many other species lived in my universe. So, you want to talk numbers?” Alex growled, “Then think about the civilizations that died because you and your kind ignored me completely, even the allegedly pure ones ignored me. Barry!” Alex growled, “Say, ‘Our contract is complete’; if you want to talk, use that jar and summon me. I do not have your token here, and as such, I do not blame you, her however,” Alex’s glaring intensified, “I despise.” Kat stood there for moment, looking unfazed for a moment. “I will not try to justify the actions I have done, nor the actions of others. But there is another thing you should factor into your hatred: we have lives too. Our own fates, destinies, problems, and losses. I, personally, have been in the midst of a war for the past ten odd years in a different multiverse. The others I cannot speak for. And one last thing.” There was a flash of green light and before Alex knew it, she was on the floor with a heavy boot on her chest and a human woman staring pure anger and rage into her eyes. “Never. Call. Me. Allison. Again. That is not a name you have any right to use, so you’d best your forget you ever knew it, or there will be consequences.” Kat stepped off of the other girl before returning to her equine form. “I know, lives or no lives, not one bloody Displaced answered, and guess what I’ve learned about going to other universes? NO TIME PASSES,” Alex said, “So that excuse doesn’t hold, now, seeing as I am COMPLETELY done with your bullshit,” Alex snarled, “I’ll be heading home.” She smacked a few buttons on the phone before a portal appeared, “Next I see you, I won’t hesitate to kill. You tell that to the others too. If I ever see, or hear, from another Displaced aside from my sister, they’re DEAD. I will find a way to kill them,” Alex said before walking into the portal, “See you in hell, Ali-bitch,” Alex’s portal vanished along with her. Kat shook her head. “She has no hope in this life. With that out of the way, shall we continue on to lighter subjects?” "Y-YA sure?" Barry was sure confused, "now I'm glad I've only been Displaced yesterday!" He said as he looked at Kat, "What about you? I know you've been Displaced longer than me so YA, in any case she has the temptation to attack you! I'll probably have my own token by then." “I’m a soldier, Barry, I’ve been attacked more than most would in their lives. I am trained to fight such threats and, right now, she’s no threat to me. Power alone isn’t enough to stop this old bird.” "Suit yourself," Barry said. Twilight however was confused beyond anything, "I-umm what?" “If you have a question, Miss Sparkle, speak up. I will answer them to the best of my ability. I’ve been traveling the Void for nearly thirty years now, so I’d like to think I know more than the average Displaced,” Kat said with a cheery smile. "O-ok, what's the Void?" She asked curiously. "I also have a question!" Barry shouted. "Is it possible for a Displaced to return to Earth?" “Yes,” Kat nodded. “However, it’s not always the how to get there that’s the problem. As for the Void, it’s essentially the space in between the multitude of universes.” Barry sighed, 'at least it's possible!' He thought. "I still don't understand. I've heard of the Multiverse theory and how there are multiple universes, but NEVER have I heard about multiple multiverses! And this Void!" Twilight stated. “That’s because it’s nearly impossible to travel between multiverses. It requires certain energies and other elements that are hard to create. I only found a rift that took me to another and used tokens to link my way back here. The Void, though, well, we’d be here all day if I were to go into the mechanics of it. If you want, I could get you a copy of my thesis I did on it for my doctorate.” "That would be much appreciated!" Twilight said excited like a foal on Hearth's Warming Eve. "But how would said Displaced return to Earth?" Barry cut in. “That’s not something I can easily tell you,” she admitted. "Please just try to explain!" Barry wanted...no NEEDED to know how to get back.   “Well, first you have to find your Earth,” Kat told him. “You see, it’s quite possible you’re not even in the same universe as the Earth you came from. Not all Displaced are from the same Earth, after all and the differences can be very jarring.” "Ok, is there any possible way to pinpoint your Earth?" “Um… no. It’s not that easy,” she told him with a sad expression. “There are ways, but a majority is simply trial and error. The best way to find your way back home is to find the being that Displaced you and have them send you home. Or, at the very least, open a gateway.” "I was Displaced by a Merchant that most likely is still on earth. I can't get back home." Barry said sitting on the floor his head hung low. "I can't stop it." “Well, not exactly true. Do you remember when I said the how wasn’t the important part?” "What do you mean not important?" Barry asked looking up a glimmer of hope underneath his mask and in his eyes. “Finding and getting to your Earth is the easy part, the hard part is getting to the right point in time. You see, time flows differently between the universes and even in certain parts of the same universe. You could have been gone less than a second on Earth by now or have been gone for over a hundred years. Not only do you need to travel between dimensions, dear boy, you’ll need to travel through time as well.” "So if I'm lucky, this is in a different universe! So I can stop Raven! YES, YES, YES!!!!" Barry screamed in glee as he began to jump up and down in pure happiness. Twilight giggled at this making him stop and blush. "Anyways that's good to know." Kat chuckled a little herself. “Any more questions?” Barry looked at Twilight who answered, "no thank you Kat! That was all good information!" Twilight said smiling. Barry looked at Kat, "will we ever see you again?" He asked knowing he made at least a new friend today. She nodded. “If you ever need a friend, whether in battle with a foe or with yourself, just use that diamond from before and I’ll be there for you. Despite what that Alex said, I’m always there for my friends if I can help it.” Kat pulled out a thick, hardcover book and passed it to Twilight. “My thesis, as promised. Maybe you can find some way to get Barry home. Although, there is one other who might be able to help… if you can get him to that is.” "If I find him I'll tell him Kat sent me, plus who am I looking for?" Barry asked shaking Kat's hoof. "Ya who?" Twilight asked with Barry not taking her eyes off the book pages. “Discord,” Kat said simply. "D-Di-Discord!?" Twilight said shocked and confused. "What's a Discord?" Barry asked. "He's the Chaos and Disharmony bringer in Equestria! But why Discord!?!" Twilight asked again. “His powers are against the laws of physics. Chaos magic is one of the few types that can warp the world to the owner’s pleasure. If you can get him to cooperate, Discord might be your best chance of getting Barry home. It’s a long shot and may take time, but it just might be your only true hope.” "Makes..sense I guess." Twilight answered as Barry's eyes glistened. 'He might be our only chance.' 'I know, but I need to find him first!' Barry nodded his head. "You're the best! That info will be great for my way home, hope to see you again! Oh and if you see Lee tell him --" "WE WILL DESTROY HIM!!!" Venom shouted growling he was still angered by Lee. Kat quirked her eyebrow. “Lee is a very close friend of mine and I would hope you two will respect that.” "I will, if me and Venom see Lee I'll keep Venom down. But if you see him, tell him I said hi!" Barry said crossing his arms as the black diamond slowly rose from the suit grabbing it he nodded. "See you in the next universe!" “Farewell to you, all three of you,” she winked at Barry, though it was intended for Venom. “I have a feeling we’ll meet again someday, but until then, may you fall in whichever direction you please.” A portal opened up behind her and she back flipped into with a final, “Ta ta!” before disappearing. Looking outside Barry saw it was nighttime, the human smiled as Venom hissed in his mind. 'We hate her.' Barry rolled his eyes. "At least she was good company! Twi I'm headed to bed!" The alicorn looked up from her book and smiled. "Night Barry!" The human walked into his room, Venom retreating underneath his clothes. 'Today was quite informative and entertaining. Hopefully I see her and Cancer again.' Barry thought before falling into a deep sleep. > Ch3: TOOO Many Berry's! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barry smiled, wiping some sweat from his face. "Done! Now this should be a good token!" He shouted as he held up his own token, it was a wristwatch with a touch pad that said ‘transfer or summon.' He pressed transfer and the watch disappeared. 'Now what?' Venom asked his host. "Now we wait..." Suddenly, a voice was heard in Barry’s head. “Hey, Agent Venom, my Ponyville’s getting overwhelmed by Berry Bubble replicas. Want to help me take them out? The Warrior of Light awaits your call.” 'Warrior of Light? Sounds like a egotist.' Venom joked his mind. Barry knew his symbiotic companion was growing aspects of his personality. "Hey shut up," Barry said as he raised his own wrist watch in the air. Making sure he had his weaponry he jumped into the spiral vortex. Sora’s POV I looked up from the watch in my hand to see a spiraling vortex of energy. “Don’t worry, Berry,” I said, looking at the Earth Pony at my side. “If this guy’s anything like I what I think he is, we’ll have those mirror clones rounded up in no time.” I looked up and stepped to the side just in time for black, white, and spiked human to come flying out of the vortex. 'This the right place?' Venom asked Barry. "Hell if I know! I've never jumped universe's before!" Barry shouted at Venom. “Yeah, Venny,” said Berry, glaring up at the new human. “Take it easy on him.” I looked down at Berry, my eyebrow raised. “You talking to someone there, Berry?” Berry nodded. “U-huh! The voice in his head, of course!” I blinked, stunned for a moment, before looking back up at the new human. “Sorry about him,” I said. “Name’s Sora. I assume you’re Agent Venom?” 'The pink one can hear us?!' Venom shouted in Barry's mind. 'Can't everyone nowadays!?' "The one and only! Call me Barry, Barry Taylor." He said smiling as he looked up, "now you have a...Berry problem?" He asked. “Yeah,” I said, scratching the back of my head. “You see, Berry here went to this magical lake called the Mirror Pool and now-” “FUN!” Sora and Berry winced as no fewer than five Berry Bubbles surrounded the symbiote. “Who are you?” “Are you fun?” “Is wearing that suit fun?” “Is that gun fun? What about that one?” “Hey guys, there’s an ice-cream store over there!” *GAAAAASP!!!* And just like that, the mini-storm of Berrys had whisked themselves elsewhere, leaving a very frazzled Barry behind. Barry felt the symbiote slide off his face, looking to his side he saw the parasite stare him down with a toothy smile. "We're going to enjoy this more than we should." The human just nodded in agreement, Barry raised a hand up. "I'll answer questions on what I am later!" He shouted as he ran toward the Berry infested town. 'Venom mark that Berry yellow and the others red for my spidersense!' Venom obeyed. Grabbing his weapons he sat on a wall, "good lord..." He said as he stared, all he saw was pink, pink, and PINK!!! It irritated him.   Jumping down he began to slash away, most of the mirror Berry's disappearing only more coming. "HOW THE HELL!?!?!" Barry and Venom shouted in unison. Gripping his pistols he began to fire away making sure not to injury the real Berry. "FUN!!" One Berry shouted jumping on Barry's back. Whenever the symbiote or Barry himself tried to grip his tail more tried to subdue him. "FUN!" "FUN!!" "FUN!!!" "FUN!!!!" "FUN!!!!!" “Having fun?” I asked, slicing through a couple Berrys as I smirked at Barry. The human's eyes turned bright red, jumping up he growled as he turned to me. "Shut up! Or I'll shoot you!" He shouted as Barry jumped forward once again, this time turning his hands into gooey like swords. Impaling multiple Berry's the one's that tried to tackle him where ripped apart by Venom. "Now I'm having fun HAHAHA!!!" He shouted as he jumped onto a wall, crashing through a window he came back out with a dresser slamming it into the ground creating a small shockwave. I blinked at the destruction, sighing and shaking my head. “I’m probably going to have to pay for that.” “Don’t worry,” said the real Berry. “The town gets a rebuilding stipend from Canterlot every month from living so close to the Everfree forest. We haven’t had to use it too much lately, so we’ve got enough to repair a few blocks if we need to!” I groaned, placing my head in my hands. “You know, that makes entirely too much sense. Still…” I looked up and cupped my hands over my mouth. “OI! BARRY! TRY NOT TO DESTROY THE TOWN TOO MUCH! PONIES STILL NEED TO LIVE HERE WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER!” Barry rolled his eyes, taking a momentary break he shouted back. "YOU DON'T THINK I KNOW THAT!? I LIVE IN PONYVILLE IN MY UNIVERSE!" Barry turned back gripping a Berry and slamming it head first into the ground. 'Our first real taste of fighting comes in the form of...a male Pinkie?' Venom asked his host. 'I know but I'm having a blast!!!!' Barry shouted as he fired multiple web lines into two buildings, creating a net he jumped onto it. The net sprung him forward his feet knocking most of the mirror Berry's out of existence. Finally landing on a building on the opposite side of Ponyville he smiled,  '100 down. 100 more to go!' He thought grinning. “Hey, try to capture a few of them instead of destroying them,” I called, tossing a firaga over my shoulder to incinerate the five Berrys coming out of the ice-cream shop. “Just ten or so. I’ve got some tests I need to run.” Barry groaned, "fine." He mumbled, jumping up he put his pistols near his waist small tendrils putting them in their holsters. Landing back on the ground, Barry formed massive claws. Slicing and dicing his way down the Berry's one by one. By the time he finished only eleven were left. "That good enough?" He asked crossing his arms. “Perfect,” I replied. “Now to actually capture them.” I took a deep breath, cupping my hands over my mouth again. “HEY, BERRYS! LOOK AT THAT FUN PEBBLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!” The Berrys instantly crowded together, staring down at an ordinary pebble. I smirked over to Barry. “Your web, if you please?” Barry rolled his eyes again, forming a fist and aiming at the Berry's. Out of the white square on the top of his fist came webbing easily encasing the Berry's. "That'll only last 4 hours so make your experiment fast! And non explosive, loud, or fire related!" I nodded, looking around until I saw the mare I was looking for. “Hey, Twilight! Could I get you to take these clones over to my place? I’ve got a large cage in my basement that should hold them once the webbing wears off.” Twilight raised an eyebrow, trotting over as she lit her horn. “Okay, but why do you want these clones in the first place.” “Just a couple of experiments,” I said. “They don’t have hearts, so I want to see how they react to heartless and the keyblade.” Twilight nodded, levitating the mass of pink and webbing (“Fun! Fun!”) and walking off. I turned to Barry, holding out my hand. “Thanks for that. Can’t tell you how long that would have taken without you, and I probably wouldn’t have been able to capture nearly as many Berry clones.” "Hey! Your welcome! But please, don't let Twilight know this but here," Barry said as a small cyan blue glob of goo formed in his hand. "Overnight Venom....kinda reproduced and I was kinda hoping to find Rave a home and a host! If your willing that is?" Barry asked hopeful. I raised an eyebrow, looking down at the blob. “Depends. What exactly does being a ‘host’ entail?” "I'm Venoms host, aka, his primary source of life, the reason he's still not insane, and not really a host more of a friend figure than a host and parasite relationship." I studied the blob closely, briefly switching over to my heart-sight. Sure enough, the heart of this creature was as pure as an infant’s, and it possessed more of a cooperative nature than a parasitic one. I blinked my eyes back to normal and smiled at Barry. “I’d be more than happy to give Rave a home.” The cyan blue symbiote immediately jumped from it's father's hand, jumping onto me it felt...cold the first time around. "Don't worry you'll get used to it." Barry said smiling at the new figure of me. The symbiote had stretched to cover my whole body beneath my clothes, continuing down to cover my hands and up to cover my neck. It was a light blue with green highlights running throughout. It soon warmed up, matching my skin temperature, and I found to my surprise that I could still feel through it. “Okay,” I admitted, “this is actually really cool. Does he do anything else?” "Well, aside from, tendrils, weapon formation, mind reading, if you go to the home planet for purification than YA lots of other stuff like, claws, teeth, super strength, and some of Venoms powers etc." I blinked, glancing nervously down at the apparently rather powerful symbiote. “I think I’ll just stick to the basics. Although…” I held out my left arm and focused. Rave responded to my mental signals and flowed down to that arm, quickly forming a shield. “Oh yeah,” I said, summoning Mysterious Stalker and going through a few drills. “I could get used to this!” I dismissed my blade and coaxed Rave back into his suit form. “So, I don’t think we have any more disasters going on right now. Want to hang out around town?” "As much as I'd love to I promised my Twi I'd be there for lunch on a hill with the others," Barry said raising his watch arm. With that the same vortex of energy opened. "If you ever need us. Just call and we'll be there!" Barry said giving me and Rave a two finger salute before jumping into the vortex disappearing. I quickly summoned a keychain and threw it in after him. “You forgot this!” The portal closed and I scratched the back of my head. “Hope he got that.” > Ch4: Time to Start... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “No not again!” Barry shouted as he looked around, he was in the vision. “Raven come on hurry up! I learned from Barry never to trust anyone to go alone to Comic Con!” Sarah said smiling, she was was a princess while Raven was Boba Fett, Barry felt his heart sink. “Why?!” He shouted he was having mixed emotions, hatred, rage, and sadness. He wished he could no more! Why would Sarah believe he left her! He loved her, more than anything. And to have his first love slip away from him, it broke him. The dream shifted and the displaced was in his Agent Venom suit with Raven underneath him, “you bastard!” Barry shouted rearing his fist back and punching Raven in the face. The human spat out his tooth holding a bloody grin, “you lost everything because of the merchant!” Raven said. Barry picked him up and slammed him into an invisible wall, “SHUT UP!” He shouted headbutting Raven before throwing him againsthem the ground once more. “Why should I? You know I'm right, this is the world YOU created for leaving!” Raven said. “The world is a dark and mysterious place Barry, you where lucky! Now join me! Help me rule this pathetic nation! Barry! Barry! B-” “Barry wake up!” Twilight yelled as the human jumped up, panting he groaned. Before sobbing into his hands. “These visions! There getting worse! And I can't stop them!” He said as Twilight sat next to him, wrapping an arm around him she pulled him into a friendly hug. Barry paused at first but cried into Twilight’s shoulder. “Just let it out, I'm not going anywhere,” she said letting Barry sob. The Next Morning… Barry stayed silent as he ate breakfast, Twilight concerned for him while Spike just ate looking confused. “Soooo anything you wanna talk about?” Spike asked, it was storming outside raindrops hitting the roof as thunder crackled in the outside air. “No.” Barry said simply. Spike raised a brow but shrugged it off, “so mister hero? How’s it been going?” Spike asked him as Barry winched, ‘the love of my life left me, she's having a child with my best friend, and I’m having terrible nightmares about it! It's been going fucking great!’ Barry thought growling. “It's been going…..fine…..” He lied as Spike looked at him, with a raised eyebrow once more. “It doesn't seem like it's been going ‘fine’,” Spike said. The displaced stood from his chair walking to the door, Twilight opened her mouth to say something but no words came out Barry disappearing into the rain. Barry sat on a building his mind was focused on who was that creature using Raven’s body? ‘We’re digging into our memories and nothing! Not even a vision of him on earth!’ Venom said almost surprised. “Dies it really matter? The love of my life is gone…” ‘Not yet, we can still fix this. If we’re lucky the time on earth should be slower than Equis’s!’ Venom explained. “And what if it moves faster? They could already have a child already, if not more!” Barry said as Venom sighed. ‘Than we could at least be there for the offspring…’ Venom said as they looked at the empty rainy town. Barry leapt high into the dark sky firing a web line onto a building and swinging from it. “But those should be my kids, me and Sarah where together since Highschool!” ‘Barry let it go,’ Venom said as Barry snarled. “LET IT GO?!? WE WHERE TOGETHER FOR YEARS!! IM NOT LETTING SOME BACKSTABBING FRIEND TAKE WHAT I LOVE!!!” Barry shouted Venom growled. ‘WHAT WOULD BE THE POINT?!? IF WE GO OUT SEARCHING FOR A WAY AND GOING TO A CHAOS GOD FOR HELP WE COULD DIE!! WORST OF ALL BE SENT TO ANOTHER UNIVERSE WHERE SARAH DOESNT EXIST!!!’ Venom responded. “Me and Sarah….we where meant to be together till the end! Why would I let that go?! It's the bastard of a Merchant that sent me here! And for what?!? He took everything from me!” ‘But in that same darkness you made friends! Friends that have comforted us, and are worth fighting for!’ Venom said. Barry leapt from a wall, front flipping he slid on the wet ground before backflipping onto onto another and his chest out as he leapt onto the top of Twilight’s castle. Jumping off it he landed on a crystal tree branch, the crystal’s at the top helping keep him from the rain. “You don't know what it is like to have something you love stripped from you, and don't even talk about your hosts!” Barry said growling. ‘Than you’re right we don't, but we can tell you this Barry. If Sarah loved you than why would she cheat on you? She knew you would come back, but she cheated on you on us! So tell me what's more important, seeing a cheating girlfriend with your best friend. Or trying to at least not become mentally insane?!’ Venom said. Barry thought for a moment, why would Sarah cheat if she loved him? And why with Raven? Barry felt sadness rise in his stomach once more, ‘answer the question!’ “Not becomeing mentally insane! I get it she didn't love me! I understand now okay?!?” He asked sobbing into his claws. ‘Now pick yourself up and start over! Learn from this, become something more! Now tell everyone, everything after tonight. Ok?’ Venom asked as Barry sniffed. “Ya, I understand now. I feel better, I feel almost great!” He said smiling for the first time in days! His day now light as he entered the castle, the Venom suit off. “Twilight gather everyone together, it's time I finally told you about me!” Barry said the rain slowly letting up.