Chapter One Silver Wings

"You almost ready Twilight?" Sunset had been standing next to the portal tapping her foot to an invisible beat. She had decided to wear her normal outfit, Her leather jacket hugged her and kept her warm in the winter air. It was around two weeks before Christmas and the snow had already lightly powdered the ground. She probably would have worn more, but knowing that she was about to get a full coat of fur had changed her mind. Pondering about that she wondered if her jacket would even stay on her, from what Twilight had told her she ended up with clothes when she came through the portal, and she could vaguely remember something similar years ago when she first came through.

"Yeah almost! I'm just making sure I have all my notes!" Twilight scanned the insides of her bag before giving a nod of approval. Closing her bag she looked to Sunset. "So you said I most likely will show up as a pony right?" at a nod from Sunset she continued. "Then shouldn't we enter the portal walking on all fours?

Sunset shook her head "trust me no matter what way you'll enter you're going to land on your butt." She laughed at the slightly worried look on Twilight's face. "Don't worry you'll be fine I'm sure your pony self will have placed pillows or something.

"I guess your right." looking at the portal she gulped. Mentally preparing herself she looked to Sunset. "Okay I think I'm ready."

"Let's go then, don't want the Princess to worry if we're late." The red haired girl was about to enter the portal but noticed Twilight hesitating. "It'll be fine just wait and see." She gave a reassuring smile and took Twilight's hand. pulling her towards the statue.

Twilight blushed and nodded following Sunset through. A light flashing and the stone rippling around them as they entered. Once through the stone became solid once again. For a moment all seemed normal. Then the portal cracked and shattered.

Sunset and Twilight fell out of a giant stone wall that was covered in moss. The surface rippled as they came through but soon after returned to its solid state. Twilight was the first to get up groaning at the rough landing. She began to look around confusion written on her face. "Um Sunset" She spoke while cautiously glancing around at the trees in front of her "I thought you said the mirror was in her castle? This is a forest." Her curiosity growing she looked up, the trees were hundreds of feet high it was difficult to tell exactly the size but they caused most of the days sunlight to be blocked. The canopy was thick, vines stretched between branches thickly grasping at tree trunks and growing almost everywhere.

The red haired girl looked around as she got up dusting herself off. "I did...." She looked back behind her and inspected the stones surface. Pushing her hand against it to test if the portal was still there, but at her touch all she got was the cold feeling of rock. "This is weird, she said the mirror was in her castles library...." she did a quick look around. "And what else is strange is that we came from here." Gesturing to the wall with and outstretched hand. "The portal is definitely suppose to be a mirror." glancing over she noticed Twilight was walking towards the forest. "Hey wait we don't know whats out there!"

Twilight looked over sheepishly "Sorry I thought I heard something" glancing back around she looked into the forest. Sunset walked over to her and listened. There was a noise, dead leaves crunching and dirt moving.

"Let's check it out maybe we can find someone to talk to, since were not ponies we're probably still in your world." Twilight nodded to her and they walked forward into the jungle.

They had walked for a couple of minutes before they reached a clearing in the trees, the light piecing through was almost blinding. Shielding their eyes as they walked towards its source. Once in the clearing and their eyes adjusted they saw the cause and both immediately stopped moving. Sunset's mind raced, the light hadn't been that strong naturally, it had been reflecting off of something. She gulped trying to make sense of the "something" in front of her.

Twilight for her part only gasped which turned out to be a mistake, the creatures head jerked to the side looking right at them. For a second everything seemed to freeze. "Twilight I don't think we're in your world....." It turned proudly towards them and reared back, opening up it terrifying maw the thing let out roar that shook the trees. Flaring its wings in a display that only could have had one message 'run' . "Run!" Sunset yelled, they bolted and ran back into the trees.

Twilight glanced back, the monster was charging after them but was having trouble getting through the dense forest with its massive size. It roared again in anger and shattered a few of the smaller trees before continuing its chase. The girls kept running at full speed, fear fueling them to go faster than ever before. Twilight saw something out of the corner of her eye and shouted "There!" Sunset looked to see a cluster of trees close together leading into denser forest. They ran down the new path as the creature who had been gaining ground, rammed into the wooden obstacles, yelling furiously as it realized it had lost its prey. Both of them ran for a few more minutes determined to get as much distance as they could from whatever that thing was.

Once they were satisfied they came to a stop falling against the base of a particularly large tree. Panting Sunset put her back against it as Twilight collapsed onto her butt. "What was that?!" Twilight shouted before taking another gasp of air.

"I don't know, I've never seen a dragon like that in Equestria and we aren't ponies but we're definitely not in the human world." She put her head in her hands trying to think. "Something must have happened to the portal, there's no other explanation."

"What would have caused that? The princess was able to go back and forth without any issue!" She was trying to stop panting her body shaking from both fear and exhaustion.

"It must have been during the games..... or maybe when I was evil? The portal was probably slowly breaking and the magic holding it together was stable until now." The former unicorn was trying to wrap her head around what was going on. This was insane!

"Y-You mean this is my faunt?" Twilight had finally stood up, looking over Sunset.

"Twilight we've been over this you didn't know what would happen none of the girls blame you for it and I don't blame you for it, and I don't blame you for this either so stop thinking like that okay? Besides I might be just as responsible if not more so." Twilight tried to argue but the look on Sunsets face said no arguing.

"Fine I'll let you be right for now but this topic isn't over... So whats the plan?"

They could hear the distant sounds of roars and other creatures calls. That probably wasn't the only dangerous thing out there. Above her she could see the sky starting to turn to night and shades of orange and purple coated the clouds. "It looks like its getting dark we should stay here for the night."

Twilight had gotten up finally catching her breath. Nodding her head she asked. "Any idea where we are?" she walked over and sat next to Sunset.

The former unicorn thought for a second trying to make sense of things. "Well most likely we aren't on either of our worlds even if that does sound crazy, as I said before the portal was probably damaged during one of the magic incidents at school , I just hope the other Twilight isn't to worried about us." Sunset sat up straight after saying that a smile on her face. "That's it Twilight! I almost forgot I still have my journal I might be able to contact her!" She reached into her bag pulling out the old journal and a pen. Opening it up and finding her last entry she began to write.

Twilight if you get this me and Human Twilight are probably on a different world, something must have happened to the portal. We're safe for now but this place is dangerous. We'll try to figure out more on our end tomorrow try to do something on yours.

Your friend

Sunset Shimmer

"What do we do now?" Twilight asked from over Sunset's shoulder. Her look of worry was trying to be kicked aside by her attempt at a brave face. Sunset smiled at her friends strength.

"lets get some sleep I brought a blanket in my bag, let's hope by the time we wake up Twilight has gotten our message." She reached into her backpack again putting away the journal and pen and pulling out a silky grey blanket. she sat close to her companion covering them both as much as she could. "And don't worry okay I'm sure everything's going to be fine."

Twilight looked at Sunsets reassuring smile relaxing a little. "I hope you're right." She said leaning up against Sunset.

With Dreadful thoughts in mind they closed their eyes. Listening to the sounds of the forest and the unknown creatures that lurked inside.

Eventually both girls fell asleep as night washed over the forest.

Chapter Two Discoveries "Edited"

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Chapter Two Discoveries

It was early morning, the birds were chirping, the sun was rising, and in the distance you could faintly hear the sound of two screaming girls running from a giant monkey.

"AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" ........... what tranquility.

Sunset

"Hurry its gaining on us!!" We were running through the forest after a very angry wake up call. I had heard Twilight screaming which had jolted me awake before shortly joining her with my own scream of panic. Apparently the tree we slept against already had an owner. Said owner was now charging toward us and it didn't seem satisfied with only getting us to leave.

I jumped over a large dead tree looking back; the monkey wasn't to far behind us and it was getting closer by the second. Looking at its eyes I saw nothing but hate, I forced my gaze forward, this had to be some form of karma for my past, I just really wish Twilight wasn't involved.

"I'm running as fast as I can!" she yelled back at me irritably. Twilight looked like she was struggling to keep up, I always told her that gym was important, beginning to imagine the worst case scenario I tried to think of anything that could save us but unfortunately nothing came to mind.

"Well run faster! We need to find a way to lose this thing!" I was frantically searching for a way out, just as we exited the trees there was a large cliff face. For a second I thought we we're going to be cornered before I noticed a small cave entrance. The entrance was covered in vines like the rest of this Celestia forsaken forest, but there was just enough of a gap to get between them.

Quickly I grabbed Twilight by the arm and threw us inside, just seconds after the beast smashed into the side of the mountain, it roared in outrage scratching at the entrance a few times before realizing it had lost its prey, turning it went back into the forest.

"That w-was waaaaaay to close" Twilight said from behind me trying to catch her breath for the second time in twenty four hours. I nodded in agreement, this place seemed to love trying to kill us.

"Meow"

That's weird I got back onto my feet, cupping my hand to my ear listening. The cave was small, I had to crouch down so I wouldn't hit my head on the ceiling. "Twilight do you hear that?" I whispered.

Twilight got up and walked towards me crouching as well. "Is that a cat?" she asked her face scrunching up, most likely to adjust to the dark cave.

"Well its either that or a giant lion that's going to try to eat us." Twilight almost seemed to freeze in place, I watched her tense up a clear look of worry across her face. "Don't worry I'm sure it'll be fine, and besides it has to be better than that monkey thing right?" I grabbed her hand pulling her deeper into the cave, hopefully towards something less crazy.

Twilight

This has to be the worst day ever! I was really looking forward to learning all about Equestria but now magic had to be less reliable then Rainbow at doing her homework! Just look! here I am in some cave walking towards a mystery cat. At least Sunset's here with me, she had grabbed my hand and started pulling me along breaking me out of my fear induced trance, She strode forward without a second thought.

I really wish I was that brave. Shaking my head I readied myself for whatever came next.

We walked in silence for a couple minutes slowly making our way towards the noise when we came across a smaller entrance in the cave, the sound of cats meowing was coming from it along with a dim light.

Sunset put a finger to her lips signaling me to stay quite, she walked forward and looked inside. pausing for a moment before looking at me making a hand motion to take a look.

Slowly making my way towards her, and preparing to run, I gazed inside. What I saw might have been one of the oddest things I had ever seen, and I've seen Pinkie eat fifty cupcakes in one sitting. The center of the room had a torch illuminating a small hollowed out room with different pieces of wood scraps all around. What looked like fireflies buzzed in the air, but what had to be the strangest part were the cats. All of them standing on two legs walking around, a few of them seemed to be holding staffs and some even had small pieces of clothing.

"What the....." Was all that I managed to say in my confused state.

One of the cats noticed us and waved then it seemed to motion us to come inside with a paw. Me and Sunset looked at each other, her shrugging in response, neither of us really knowing what else to do we made our way into the room.

"Um hi?...." Sunset said "We're uh lost could you help us?..."

"What are you doing? there cats! you can't honestly think the'll understand do you?" I said thinking she might have started to lose her mind.

"Hey where I'm from animals may not all be able to talk but most can at least understand the intent behind the words. Maybe these cats are like that?" I wasn't sure how I felt about that new piece of knowledge; something to think about later, but it was worth a shot I guess.

One of the cats looked to an older looking feline meowing a few times, the elder of the two nodded its head.

The cat ran over to the entrance meowing while using its paw to beckon us to follow.

Sunset

We had been walking for maybe an hour or two through the forest. Every once in awhile the cat would change direction leading us through more caves. I vaguely remember hearing a human story about a rabbit leading a girl down a hole in the ground but I couldn't recall if it had a happy ending hopefully ours would.

The cat had lead us onto what looked to be a dirt road of sorts, closer to just being a path worn into the grass. It stretched in either direction and upon looking closer I noticed cart tracks like the ones they used back in Equestria. That was just one more thing I had to adjust to in the human world, the technology was so much further advanced than ours. Cars were just one of the many amazing things the humans had.

Convincing my worlds Twilight why this technology in its current form was a bad thing to introduce to Equestia took some time.

We walked down the path for awhile until we excited the woods. The path was steep and went a mile or so. To my surprise it led to a small village hanging onto the edge of a port. The houses lined the water and some where even on stilts above it. People walked around going about their daily activities, trading goods. Bringing in fish off of boats, selling from stands. It all seemed so strange to me. This village looked so peaceful, did they know about the creatures out there? There was only one way to find out.

I looked at Twilight giving her an encouraging smile, partially to reassure her, partially to calm myself. Then I walked down the hill towards the town, ready for whatever happened next.

Chapter Three The Dimensional Beast "Edited"

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Chapter Three The Dimensional Beast

Sunset

Out of all the possibilities that could have come to pass when we entered that portal back to Equestria this had to be so far down on the list that the number it was represented by could not be counted to in ones own lifetime. Now you might be thinking. but Sunset it couldn't possibly be that bad? Well you would be wrong! I was putting up a really good strong face for Twilight's sake but over the past eight hours since arriving at 'Moga Village' we have had our hopes of returning home crushed, stomped on, then crushed again.

Let me give you a quick recap of our terrible situation, first we find out that as far as this dimension is concerned humans cannot use magic if there is magic here it's just they don't know how to use it other than there weapons apparently being forged with monster bioenergy in them. Second the technology is so primitive here that it may take a thousand years for them to get to where either of our worlds is. Third and this is just the most lovely part of all, this worlds main and really only occupation consists of killing giant monsters. Every other job is essentially to support said hunting. To think that people here would be crazy enough to go head to head with one of those beasts out there!

So here I was hoping with all my might that Princess Twilight got my message, so far there wasn't a reply...... Now enough of my ranting, currently we were being brought to the village elder, after explaining what had happened to us and answering many many questions, varying from if we were crazy to if our hair was naturally these colors, we were told our best chance at finding any answers would be to see the elder.

The hill we were climbing led out above the rest of the village, it was green and lush heading towards farmland. Reaching the top I turned to look at the village below and the bay it connected to, the water glistened in the afternoon sun that danced across the waves, it all looked so peaceful compared to what was outside it's borders. The People seemed happy enough. It was strange.

The "People of the Land" as I've come to call them mentioned that there are humans in this world although they look slightly different apparently. They also Mentioned those humans had been the ones to introduce Equestrian/English to The People of the Land a long time ago. I wonder if the different worlds were connected or have been influenced by one another somehow?

So far I've gathered that this worlds original inhabitants seem to be these people and they either were born or adapted to be more like the hostile creatures. Pointed ears sharp teeth varying sizes and even some with scales and gills. They didn't seem to be very clear as to how, why, when, or if this information was accurate.
The Chiefs son answered a lot of questions but each question only seemed to strike up another. For now figuring this all out would have to wait as we approached our destination.

Leading towards the farmland were a few straw roof huts with a larger one in a small field, our cat companion led us towards the larger building, after we arrived our guide signaled to wait then went in leaving us to stand outside.

After a few minutes or so of waiting and trying to cheer up Twilight with small talk of the things she might get to learn about while we are on this world, the eventually cat came back out, it ushered us to enter before it ran of back down the hill, most likely to get back to its cat cave before night.

We entered the hut and were greeted by the smell of burning logs, the center of the building was a big stone platform raised up with a large hole in the center where a fire was going. The rest of the hut was decorated with bones and cauldrons both of varying sizes. It kind of reminded me of the zebra the Princess had told me about, she told me that her name was Zecora and was a witch doctor, based on the description probably lived in a building much like this one.

Sitting on the edge of the stone fireplace was a very scrawny old man who like his son was a Person of The Land, he was dressed in tattered brown clothes and had a small staff in his hand. His eyelids and brow sagged so much it was hard to tell if he had his eyes closed or not.

"Welcome young ones, I am the village elder, my name is Sapi, I have been informed of what has happened to you by that young felyne." He bowed his head and waved his arm towards two chairs on the side of the room, we walked over and as we sat down he continued. "I know you must be confused but I must ask you something first. It is quite the urgent matter, what did the monster that attacked you look like?"

"There was a large monkey with a big cone on its head" I said

Twilight chimed in "it was red and had two large front teeth." She gave a very studious look like she was reciting a paragraph from a paper she had written.

The elder chuckled "Yes yes that would be the Congalala, it is a very common species around these woods, but that is not the monster I ask about. There was another yes?"

I nodded my head "yea when we first got here there was another it was um....." I thought for a moment recalling that terrible creature. "I-it was big, really really big. There were four wings on its back but they didn't look like they were used for flying, I mean they looked like giant razor blades! and it's entire body looked like it was made of metal. We barely managed to make it into the woods before it got to close."

"This is not good" Sapi looked down in what appeared to be wary and thought. "This is not good at all." He got up from his spot and hobbled over to a wall with a large picture on it. The paint seemed old but the image was easy to make out. It was of several creatures all of them fierce facing towards the center of the painting, in the center there was a depiction of a warrior in a suit of armor holding a large shield. "The creature you encountered is no mere monster young ladies, it is in a far greater class, one where all of the rarest and most deadly end up. That metal beast was the Harudomerugu, an Elder Dragon, and it is not a good thing that it is here, this omen only means my worst fears have become reality."

"W-what does it mean?" Twilight said worry written all over her features.

"For the past two months I have gotten reports of people seeing things they should not be able to see, black spots will appear on the ground or in the sky out of no where, and with them a glimpse into another realm, never the same twice. I fear this in not only the reason you are here but also why that Elder Dragon is in our forest." The Elders voice carried a tone of terrible realization.

"What could possibly cause all of this?" I asked completely baffled

"Two horrific tales exist in our world one is told to children as a reminder of what we must never become again. The other is a secret passed between leaders."

I sat closer to listen, on the edge of my seats. Whatever this was it could determine the future for me and Twi.

"The first belongs to a land long ago. One where our building reached to the sky and the dragons were in our command. We had advance, us people of the land our quite intelligent you see. Using this intellect we were able to out do the creatures of the land taking them under control using them as tools or to defend our structures. Then the horrible truth of what we had become emerged with a weapon. The Equal Dragon Weapon to be exact. Scientists combined technology and biology to create a living weapon out of other dragons. To create one hundreds of dragons had to die. The creature was designed to kill living longer the more blood it shed. To this day I only know of one body found in a set of ruins."

Horror crossed my face, never could I think of something so horrid.

"What happened! how could a society so powerful turn to basically prehistoric times?!" Twilight asked trying to cover her disgust with her curiosity.

"The Dragon War happened. Dragons against our people and the humans much blood was shed until The Black Dragon Fatalis sliced the continent in two in its rage ending the war. It is said that, that particular Fatalis might still be alive but it would have become it's second form or sub class the White Fatalis by now. After all That war happened so long ago.....

...The second tale though seems to be much closer and much more impending."

I looked to Twilight and she looked back at me we were in shock at the information already presented to us but I think we both knew that here and now we had to decide by ourselves to go forward. Looking to the Elder we both nodded with determination in our eyes.

"Then I shall continue. There is a legend so old that time itself has forgotten it, passed down through generations of leaders, only to be known as a fairy tale. It speaks of a creature that crawls through mountains, tears through sky, and sleeps upon the moon. The legend says for if it ever wakes and returns to the world below its power alone will rip our land apart." He looked off into the fire. "This monster is unlike any other it was born in the night sky and rains fury on the world. Our people long ago were only saved by one, he was said to be the first hunter, he took the very horn from the dreaded Fatalis to forge a sword that could cut even stone and he ripped off its scales to make a shield to withstand any blow, with these weapons he faced the dragon of night, it is said he wounded the beast in its chest and that it fled back to the moon, its return has most likely caused other monster to flee and its power could be the reason you were brought here, I do not truly now its strength but I fear for what the future holds."

Chapter Four Discussion "Edited"

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Chapter Four Discussion

Sunset

This was beginning to seem hopeless and my walls were crumbling. We had left the Elders house after he said he needed more time to come up with a plan to defend the town. Supposedly there was a another village they had contact with that was going to be coming in a caravan and they were bringing defensive weapons. After we had left we were given a small hut to stay in, it wasn't much though. There were two beds in a small room that connected to the main living space which only held a table and two chairs. They said it was under construction and that we could borrow it for the time being.

The people were extremely nice and treated us like honorary guests, that was the bright side to all of this, and the darker much much darker down side was what we came to know as our only chance at leaving. I figured it out quickly and knowing Twi shes probably thought of it already as well. We had asked the old man if it was possible to go through the portals the creature had opened and his response was disturbing, from what they know anyone who touches the portals starts to get exhausted and if they stay near it to long they fall asleep and never wake up. A permanent coma, the chief wants to kill the beast so they can find a cure if possible, but that still wasn't the worst of it. I really shouldn't have asked but I was just to damn curious, I had asked what happened to the hunter who fought the thing, they said he disappeared, he vanished without a trace never to be seen again. Which meant the beast itself must be the key to traveling through the portals. We would have to wound it to even have a chance at getting home, and that's if we didn't just vanish into nothingness instead. With the Princess not responding though this was probably our only hope at returning to our world.

"Twi..." She didn't even twitch as a I called her name. "You probably know what we need to do right?" At this I got a small nod. "Then how are we going to do it, I need help here it's not like we can just waltz up to the thing and stab it! I have no idea where we go from her so please help me........"

She didn't even look up when she spoke. "I.. I don't like it"

"I don't like it either Twi but we're stuck in this situation."

"No! T-That's not what I meant.... it's just well um" Her hand started to shake so she clenched it into a fist. She looked up and her face was a mask of determination and all at once my hope came back. "I have a plan but you're going to have to trust me."

Looking at her I realized just how wrong I had been. All this time I had thought that she was relying on me but that wasn't true at all It was the other way around. With that in mind I smiled. "What you got in mind?"

Twilight

A Month Later

This was the best course to take I just hope it doesn't get us killed. "Sunset duck!"

She dove beneath another swipe of its tail but failed to completely avoid the attack. As the beasts tail made contact she was blown back a good three meters landing in the grass. I ran to her side scanning her body for injuries. "Sunset are you okay?!" I got a thumbs up in response which gave me a sense of relief. It seemed the chain armor she had been lent took most of the blow.

Hearing it roar I turned to face the beast, anger flowing though me. If getting stronger was the only way then I wasn't going to let this lizard beat me. I held up my duel swords and charged it. Watching it's joints for movements, I tried combining what the hunters had told us about basic fighting and my own knowledge of assessing your enemy that I remembered from a old war textbook. From what I could tell this creature was wary it hadn't charged us blindly and would back up when we both came at it. When we would go for its sides it would jump at us hitting us back and if we attacked from behind it used its tail, that left only one option.

I dove under its head as it tried to bite me and jammed my blades upwards, I yelled out in a triumphant grunt as my swords made contact, the bone blades sliced through its flesh cutting its neck open. The beast fell to the side as I pulled my weapons out. I looked down and as I watched the life fade from its eyes I had to remind myself that I needed to do this. To get stronger I had to hunt. I had to get stronger to return home and to help this world. I had to kill to eat and survive. That's the lesson I learned from being here.

We had been travelling with the hunters for three weeks now, after getting permission to be apprentices under their watch we were each given our gear and we all left the town. Sunset had been given a training great sword, they told her it was lighter than a normal one to build muscle and technique, the blade was a simple steel one with a long handle. Her armor was chain mail and the first week she had walked around in it had been tough on her. Luckily her naturally athletic body helped her get use to it. My own armor was a simple leather get up with tough fur padding, and my weapons were two bone blades that almost looked like claws. We had asked the elder what we could do to repay him for the gear but he told us that it was a gift in hopes that things go well on our journey.

After the first week things had gone bad fast. We came across a village to the east the had just been destroyed by monsters fleeing. The sight had been enough to steel my resolve and change how I saw this world. I didn't hate the monsters who did this I hated the one that caused them to. Houses burned down, bodies eaten or burned remains barely recognizable. When we came across the children though... I had been consumed by my anger. The bodies were huddled together in a small burnt down shack most likely hiding from the monsters while their parents tried to save the village. The site made my stomach churn.

We had set our course for hunting grounds further south hunting along the way and learning how to fight. It had been three weeks of travel and training when we decided to stop. We found an area full of small dinosaur like monster and decided it would be safer to hunt when daylight came around, just as we were about to head out and find a camp ground the Great Jaggi showed up. The hunters decided that me and Sunset should do the honors and get our first large monster kill.

We carved it's body and went on our way leaving the scraps for the little monsters. Later that night I laid awake looking up at the stars. "Hey Twi" Sunset whispered to me.

"Yeah?" I rolled over to look at her. We were about thirty feet from the main hunter group, each area had its own fire. The hunters said two fires deters monsters because they think its a village or something.

"You did amazing out there today" She held out her hand in a fist, and I did the same doing a small bump gesture. It made me giggle despite myself.

"You never change do you?" I smiled at her.

"No but your sure do. I can't think of a time I would have ever expected you to be good with swords! You're like a freaking warrior princess our there or something."

"Warrior princess? Really?" I cocked my eyebrow at that smirking.

"Don't sell yourself short, you really are amazing." She looked me right in the eyes and I couldn't help but blush.

We'll um... heh you are to!" I rolled over facing away from her.

"Thank's Twi sleep tight, we have a long day tomorrow."

That was strange... for now I'll ignore it, we had a mission after all. I closed my eyes hoping to make sense of it in the morning.

Chapter Five Two Steps Back "Edited"

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Chapter Five Two Steps Back

Twilight

The sun shown just barely over the horizon draping a soft light across my face rousing me awake. Yesterday had been my first kill on a real two star monster. It was both invigorating and terrifying at the same time. Here I was a million miles from home slaying beasts to save a world and to return to where I came from, but killing had always been something I shied away from. My father and brother had gone hunting in the past and I had seen the kills; I wasn't overly joyed with seeing the dead dear or wild boar but I had grown use to it. I guess I would just have to get use to this to.

As I got up I noticed Sunset still asleep. She looked.... tranquil. I couldn't help but think my mind was going somewhere else with that so I shook my head and walked towards the center of the camp where a bunch of logs had been placed for seats. Sitting there was the three hunters we had started traveling with. There was Cheka the only female hunter from Moga Village. She sat closest to me with her back turned, she was very muscular for having such a small frame. I could see the dense muscle around her arms from years of wielding her bow gun. Her hair was a dark brown and her skin was tanned. When she heard me approach she turned and I could see her deep brown eyes. I gave her a polite wave and took my seat on the log next to her.

Across from me and to my left were the Totoa Twins. They were hunters from a village in the north called Shoti. They both used long swords and tended to be very playful towards one another and any poor soul that got friendly enough. Both of them had reddish hair cut short and pale skin. Their eyes met mine as I reached for a plate for breakfast it almost gave me a heart attack. They had very light pale blue eyes that seemed to make you freeze whenever they even glanced in your direction. The one to my left 'Tikia' spoke first.

"How did..." He took a bite

"...you sleep?" His brother Tokia finished.

I spoke while filling my plate. "Pretty good, the sleeping bags are comfy. What did you say they were made of again?" I took a bite of the Jaggi stew. Despite still questioning myself over how right I was to kill it the thing tasted... well, "Great" heh.

"A creature called a Blango, it is an arctic ape monster." Tikia replied.

"Our region has many." His brother said.

Rolling my eyes at there ongoing finishing each others sentences joke I went back to my thoughts. Here we were in a new land, a very dangerous one at that, and no matter how much I tried to not believe it I felt accepted for the the first time in my life. Here I fit in, the schematics the planning and all the scientific documentation probably helped. If I could meet with my other self on making a portal to here: after we hopefully get back to our worlds of course, maybe I could even see myself coming and going regularly. I got a little giddy at that thought. A whole world to explore! New frontiers around every corner! It may be dangerous but here I was free, free from all the criticism on how I acted and what I said. Honor was what mattered here above all else. With that on my mind I finished my plate and got up. Putting my plate in the fire dish rack to burn off the germs, I went back to my gear and grabbed the duel blades that had become my new partners in combat and survival. The chief had told me that each blade had its own soul just like me and to bring all three souls together in harmony would be the first step to mastering them.

Deciding to start my practice for the day I equipped my armor pieces. They were weighted so that my body would grow stronger. Supposedly eating the meat from the monsters helped to build denser muscle and that would allow us to fight just like the other hunters. With that knowledge on my side I went to the field near our camp and took a stance. I steadied my breath until I could no longer feel any tension in my limbs. Feeling for my blades I tried to understand them, which direction they would like to go, how they would like to dance with one another and me in turn. Smiling I started, my right arm raising with my left going back I did a side flip twirling them around me in a wide arc, as my foot made contact with the ground again I continued my spin on my knee and foot switching between them to propel myself forward in a quick low dash. I finished with a front flip rotating the blades in my hand to face downward mid way bringing them down quickly. Right before they reached the ground I gave the one in my right hand a spin facing it up again. Putting my blades pommel together to form a sort of staff stance I twirled them around me in a figure eight. I had quickly lost myself to an adrenaline rush so when I saw the tree in front of me I didn't register my own actions. With a Hard stomp I propelled myself forward throwing the sword in my right hand and spinning to release the one in my left, both made solid impacts into the tree digging halfway in, right before I finished my dash I landed a solid punch in between them breaking the tree in half. As I continued past the stump I had created, my hands went for my swords grabbing them neatly before I came to a halt.

"Woot woooooot!" I heard Sunset call from a safe distance.

Calming myself I made my way over to her. Her face seemed to be a mixture of impressed and giddy. I smiled and gave her a fist bump.

"Girl that was amazing! If Rainbow or AJ saw that they'd piss themselves!"

"If I saw me do those things before we came here I might as well." I chuckled at how ridiculous this situation really was.

"Well I ate already want to spare?" Sunset asked looking confident.

"Sure I'd love t......" I was cut off by the sound of a loud crumbling sound.

Looking over to the north west mountains a large crevasse was forming in the ground coming right towards us. Looking closer I could see a large monster flying above it forming the crack with its wings.

"RUN! ITS A KUSHALA DAORA!!!!!" I heard Cheka yell.

"YOU TWO..." Tikia started

"...RUN TO THE RUINS!" Tokia finished.

I had already started to gather my supplies with Sunset. Calling out to them in worry. "What about you all!?"

Cheka smiled as she armed her bowgun. "We'll meet you at the next village you have the map! The ruins are a short cut just don't go to deep!"

Sunset was already heading for the mountain ruins far in the distance. I looked back at our friends hoping that this wasn't the last time I would see them. Turning on my heals I bolted after Sunset catching up easily to her and her heavy great sword she was still adjusting to. We would probably not reach the ruins for another two days so when we were far out of range from the fight we slowed our pace to conserve energy.

Two Days Later Outside of The King Ruins

We had camped out for a few hours every twenty or so miles just like we did with our caravan so we made it in pretty good time. Sunset had been quiet and I knew she was worrying about or hunter friends. So when we had reach the cave I pulled her aside to try and cheer up.

"Hey Sunny?" I said to get her attention. She looked up at me quizzically.

"Yeah Twi?"

"I know your worried but they'll be fine they are professionals after all and if their weapons don't work I'm sure the Twins could pun the monster to death!" That got a laugh out of the former unicorn.

"I know but worrying is kind of my thing and it use to be yours until you became Twilight Monster Slayer" She stuck her tongue out at me and winked playfully.

"Hey I had no idea carrying giant oversize weapons around would be a confidence booster either!" We laughed together as we made our way inside the ruins.

Sunset had lit a torch using a flint and steal from her hunters pack. The light glittered off the walls reveling them to be more metal then stone. The ruins looked more modern then the current villages we've seen. The writing on the walls looked similar to runes from a spell book then words. We we're about to reach a dead end when the floor suddenly became a ramp, we slid trying to grab onto anything but soon it let us out above a giant pool of water. We fell so quickly that we didn't even have time to scream splashing into the crystal clear underground pool.

Pulling our self's from the water we made our way to the center of the not so dark caves floor. The walls were covered in some sort of gem that glowed a dark blue. revealing the middle of what seemed to be some sort of control center. Before we got a chance to look around more a portal suddenly sprung to life right above us.

We both jumped back drawing our weapons. The room went silent as we waited to see what might come through or be shown. Several seconds passed before the portal flashed and a body dropped from it. As the body was about to hit the floor it pivoted landing on its hands and feet like a giant humanoid cat. Meanwhile up above the portal closed.

I looked closely to see who this new person was as they stood dusting off their pants slowly coming to their full height, they were huge! It was definitely a human but with how little light was here it was hard to make out the face. I could see a red cloak and as they came closer they wore silver armor and what appeared to be a crown. When they came into full view I could make out their features. They were male and had lightly tanned skin with hard looking muscle underneath. He had shaggy black hair and red eyes that seemed to shine. Even with how far he was from us I could tell he could easily make Applejacks brother look average in size. What probably stood out the most was the way he carried himself. Like strength was a birthright to him. He looked down and address us.

"Little one's I am known as King Sombra! and I would like to know where I am and what this form I have taken is?"

While I looked confused at this "King" I heard a thud and laughing, looking over I saw Sunset on the floor in hysterics.

Glancing back at Sombra and seeing his questioning facial expression and thinking on how I could explain this I just shrugged. Could this adventure become anymore weird? I guess i'll just have to wait and see.

Chapter Six Three Steps Forward "Edited"

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Chapter Six Three Steps Forward

King Sombra

This had become quite the day. As I recall the revival altar I had in place seemed to work. The spell took much to long but had been beneficial. I seem to remember the spell being interrupted by a power flux in the form of a teleportation spell gone wrong it seemed or something similar. The spell continued though it seems the return location was misplaced by that interruption. Now I seem to have a new body so the spell must have had some kind of alteration woven into it.

I looked down at myself looking over my new limbs and stance. When I fell I could sense something off in my psyche that was telling me to land on two legs instead of four, I settled for a crouched landing. The Two what I could only assume to be females in front of me had been looking at me with curiosity before I had introduced myself but now the red haired one was laughing and the purple haired one seemed to be unsure of the reason. I was about to interrupt when the red head spoke first.

"Y-you hah! You have got to be kidding me? Right? King Sombra as in ruler of the Crystal Empire Pre Nightmare Moon? The Dark King? The one my friend Twilight and her crew helped blow up? That King Sombra?"

That had not been what I was expecting but she struck a nerve of mine with that last comment. "Now listen here child! I am still the true King of the Crystal Empire and I will not let my standing be insulted by such a small creature!" I walked up to her towering at my full height. "And I will see to it that you be punished for such insolence!" I raised my arm up ready to bring it down but I suddenly felt danger and stopped myself finding a blade neatly tucked under my jaw.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you King." Her words had a sting of blood lust that had me shiver, I was impressed.

"And who may I ask are you?" I questioned her as she made her way in front of me never removing the blade. She pressed forward driving me from her friend. Only when she was satisfied that I was far enough away did she bring the blade from my throat and answer me.

"I am Twilight not to be confused with the one from your world assuming you and Sunset come from the same place." She smirked at me probably feeling confident at her little victory. I could see the resemblance to the purple one from Equestria but it ended at the hair. Even her eyes despite being a similar color shined with a different light.

"Well met, then I shall remember you and your boldness. Now tell me where are we and who is this one who dares mock my defeat?"

"I'll answer that" The girl who had been laughing spoke up. I had noticed through the entire exchange that she seemed at wonderlust toward Twilight's actions, probably both surprised and pleased with her friend. "I am Sunset Shimmer former student of Princess Celestia and ex villainess."

"Former Student?" I asked curious.

"Long story short, crave for power lead to my own self banishment." She seemed quite easy going about this information enough to even speak of it casually.

"Well Miss Shimmer I would hold thy tongue when addressing those of greater power, and you Miss Sparkle I suggest make sure she does, your little stunt shall have no repeat and I understood?"

"Yes sir... King of Nothing." Twilight replied with a mock bow.

"Why you insolent!...." She just walked past me as if nothing had transpired. She looked back to me before giving me a shrug and then carried on her way deeper into the cave.

"Wow.... I have no idea when she got such massive balls but I think I like it." Sunset said apparently forgetting present company before following after her friend picking up what looked to be a massive sword on her way. That thing had to way at least three hundred pounds minimum. Maybe I should act on the side of caution around these two.

Sunset

Okay if I could see the purple princess's face right now this would be priceless. This whole situation has gone so far out of hand that she would probably eat a book.

"Hey Twilight?" She turned her head to look at me while guiding us through the dark tunnel. "I was wondering something?......"

I was hesitant to ask but I felt like keeping anything from her was bad when we needed each other now more than ever. She waited patiently for my reply.

"Well when we were fighting that Great Jaggi the other day you seemed to get really into the fight and today you both protected me and looked like you were going to launch yourself into battle back when we split with the hunters. I was just wondering if you um... enjoyed fighting and well.. I guess killing?"

Her smile that had been laced on her face this whole time slowly faded and she looked forward. It had been a minute and I was starting to worry when she turned back with a serious and grave expression. Never would have thought I'd see such strength in just someones eyes. I had not even seen a look like that in Celestia in the years I grew up studying under her wing.

"Sunset if I told you that I did not get some kind of enjoyment from all of this then I would be lying and I just could not do that to you." She smiled for a moment when she said that and I felt my cheeks pinken. Her face went back to stoic as she continued. "I have an understanding of both the scientific and magical worlds and I have only learned more and more since we came here what all of that meant to me. This whole world and mine and yours do not live in harmony but get affected by it. Harmony is not a constant just like evil is not a constant. There is no black and white wherever you look. We paint this world are own colors, I just happen to believe I can play a part in driving this fight towards a peaceful outcome. I will take my strength were I can after that. I am not going to let those around me make me feel weak anymore, not after all of this." She shook her head and gave me a look that shook my core, She seemed to glow with a invisible power and confidence that I was lucky enough to bear witness to. "Instead I am going to use this newly acquired skill and go where the wind takes me."

"So does this mean your not coming back to school?" I asked shocked.

"Yup!" She laughed and kept leading me and our newly found traveling companion further towards something deep in the massive cavern.

As we got closer to whatever it was the entire place slowly started to activate it seemed like one big machine. One by one large balls that hung from the ceiling lit up the cavern. Soon we could see the other end, and what we saw made me gag.

Hanging from the ceiling, surrounded in the glowing balls, suspended by large metal chains was the most horrid creature i could imagine. It looked vile it's whole body looked like decaying rotten flesh melded with metal plates. The wings were so large that they looked overgrown, to big for the creature despite it being on a similar size to the creature that split us up from the group. The creepiest part had to be the blood seeping from it onto the ground. It was so slow and rhythmic each drop of the crimson substance leaving a ripple in the pond it had formed beneath itself.

"The Equal Dragon Weapon." Twilight said as she stared at it in horror. Even Sombra looked to be turned off by such a beast, the look on his face was strange though, anger? I was going to asked why he was mad when Twilight cut me off.

"Everyone this is very important so listen carefully." She said in a whisper. "First lets find a way out of here."

We did what she said and when she thought we had gotten far enough away she spoke again still in a whisper.

"Okay this is going to sound crazy but I think it's alive."

"Um Twilight I don't think you saw the same giant blood soaked rotting dragon that we did." I said.

Sombra spoke up "I agree with the purple one."

"Really?" Me and Twilight had said that at the same time both of us looked to each other for a moment then back to the king.

"Yes really." He spoke irritably. "I don't know what kind of dark arts were used to create such a demon but that things rotting body should be a sign of the blood having already dried and drained away. The state of decay it's at it should be almost completely dry, but it was still bleeding steadily and almost looked muscular. Tis a wise idea if we avoid the beast all together."

"Exactly" Twilight replied looking back into the cave as if it would sneak up on us. "I saw a small door bellow it on its right that was dimly lit. If we can make it to that door I think it might lead to an exit it seemed to go upwards to probably further out of this forsaken place."

"Alright" I said. "Lets go quiet mode and slip past, if anything even slight goes wrong we bolt for the door, agreed?" With two nods we headed back into the chamber.

We were as silent as possible the only sound being the shuffle of our clothes and the dripping of the blood. I took this time to really examine the creature. I could see what Sombra meant there was in fact muscle on its limbs partially hidden by rotting flesh and the mixture of patches of fur and scales. This thing must have been alive for so long based on what the chief said. It definitely looked like it hadn't left. The chains not only wrapped around it but seemed be welded onto the metal and even some of the flesh on its body. We were getting closer and closer to the door when a small earthquake started up. It only lasted for a couple moments but the damage had been done. With far to much speed the creature shattered its cage and was in the center of the cave, meanwhile we bolted for the door. I was momentarily reminded of the encounter we had with a certain giant monkey as the thing slammed into the door behind us. We had barely managed to avoid being crushed by the falling rocks as we kept running through the corridor which seemed to become more metal the further we went. The metal soon changed to smooth rock then into dirt eventually exiting the side of a tall mountain. We could hear the creature bashing away far beneath the earth so we kept running following a path that led into another mountain range, this one covered in snow. Once again we returned to our traveling speed when we had put enough miles and a couple mountains between us and the beast.

Day had eventually turned to night and we tried scouring for some kind of shelter from the snowy downpour that was soon becoming a blizzard. We had ran and then walked for so long and the gear had become increasingly heavy with the weight of my sword still not being an accustomed thing to me. To my utter surprise Sombra was the one to grab my pack from me giving me nothing but a look before he walked further ahead. Deciding to think about it later I looked further up to find Twilight waving to us pointing somewhere. When we reached her I could see she was pointing at a small cave. We all quickly made our way inside. We started to unpack and set up a fire getting a camp site established quickly.

A thought made me laugh as I surveyed the quick set up and the single tent that we had put together. Looking to Sombra a small amused smile graced my lips and I shook my head. Camping with the King

Chapter Seven Within The Tale Lies The Truth "Edited"

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Chapter Seven Within The Tale Lies The Truth

I was but a child when I learned the horrors of the world around me. My father, he was an evil man. Upon my birth he believed only one thing. "All of the world no matter how big or small shall see you as I do. For I fear the future that you represent and the end that I will receive. No light will find me for the crimes I have committed and I shall never except one if it does. You child will be pained by this world as I have, there will be no exception. Therefore I shall teach."

This was a time where the world thought itself better. Monsters believed they were almighty and Alfs believed our self's gods. When we had first seen the capability of the creatures around us as a resource to be harnessed, that... that was our true end. It first started with taming and torturing creatures like the strong Barroth for farming means. Digging fields with their mighty heads.

Then it grew from their. With new tranquilizers being developed by the the scientists we were able to capture many different species for building, travel, and even sport. As time went on so did our lust for development. By age twelve I had learned that my grandfather and the engineers under him had been the first to harness an element from a monster to fuel their machines. Before my generation had learned that these could be created artificially at lower cost this had been the main way for over a hundred years. That had involved the monsters being attached to machines and tortured to release their energy, the Alfs at the time thought it meant nothing more that a perfect form of payback for the countless ancestors lost to the creatures hunger. But this was only the start.

I had been one of the first to developed the technology to create elemental energy nodes that used resources to forge the reaction. Which lead to the creatures in the harnessing chambers undergoing criticism for where they will end up. They were much to weak you see, never would be much use to the builders or even the farming community. That is when the military industry had a very useful idea.

For years weapons had changed shape and form to fight off the outrageous power of the creatures of the wild. The shape had indeed changed and so had the wielders but the concept had always been the same. An Alf and a tool to fight. That... that one thing it was important for some reason. In these dark days with the world crumbling beneath us as the wild turns to chaos. With the mighty powers of the Elder fighting for dominance of a new land. With everything that has become of the Alfs in the years leading to the fall. I know that one thing to be true. The courage is what mattered.

The monsters had no hatred for us, we could kill thousands of them but as long as we fought with a spirit, with an honor. They would think it a battle worth dying for. Now in this rage they have lost their minds and we have lost our civilization. So here I stand the last scientist of the Wyvern Machine Soldier Project. I stand tall and write this with the last of my pride as an Alf foremost! We will live in harmony with the Dragons! They were mighty and we brought them to their knees and with every ounce of my being do I believe what we lost was insignificant to that which was their soul.

A Sword of Honor was a script I read long ago back when I first entered the academy. I learned that there was a way for warriors to live their lives, these creatures around us have that way of life so ingrained in them that no matter what we have done they will gain back who they were. This raging war will end long before anyone has read my words, but I know they will be back to their true wonderful ways by then. We can still see that in the eyes of the Elders, the immensity of their gaze as they fight their fellow monsters is not wild but sorrowful acceptance and I hope that they will forgive us for what we have done to their people but for now to part ways from this letter and the message it brings. Clad in my new armor with a bow on my back I will return to the world what it means to be a hunter!"

Sombra

This has been an interesting development, I only just got enough energy to return again. Those bastard ponies who saved that empire from my well deserved wrath. They had been in my thoughts for awhile but I had recently come to the decision that a peaceful life away from the species that cut me down would probably be better than trying to control them. That was the plan peaceful life somewhere in a warmer climate to. Now this happened, teleported to another world. Finding out that purple pest was not in fact the same one from before. I do not understand the multiverse as well as the previous Magus from the Dark Arts order but this was perplexing, it took great amounts of energy to traverse the planes of existence. Whatever was causing this truly must have been powerful. They had explained the situation as much as they needed to. This was looking to be very interesting. I could not restrain the smirk of excitement that grew on my face.

Returning my attention to the scroll that I had found and it's intended words I reflected on what the hidden message of it all was, what was the author of this letter really trying to convey. Was it to reassure himself of the things he had done for some kind of validation or was he perhaps trying to let the reader choose a similar path of change. No name to speak of so he was not trying to change his own image so going along that line of thought this could be a box of hope so to speak. It did register in my own mind. I thought hard on those words and could relate to the dragons of this land just as much as I could relate to the greedy Alfs.

With no magic to aid me all I had left was my wits and strength, to survive a hellish world. My smile returned again as I felt the memories of a similar time flood my mind. Looking over to the girls who I had come across in the cave I had to admit to myself that there situation was as much theirs as it was mine, after all this creature threatened the very existence of the dimensional conflux. I guess I will lend them a hoof.

Standing up from my sitting position at the wall of the cave I walked over to them. Twilight sharpening her blades gave me a glance then continued at her work. She gave off a comfortable confidence and carried herself with a grace that was almost unnatural. There had been ancient stories of warriors finding a new them when they picked up there very first weapon, but this was different than that exaggerated lore. This was real developed spirit. I can only assume the motivation. At that thought I looked to Sunset who smirked and patted the ground next to her.

Taking the invitation I took my seat. I looked once more to the girls in front of me and decided a path to take. "I do not believe your familiar with the concept of necessary sacrifice or evil for the sake of evil. I lived the personification of both of these concepts and it seems this worlds past is almost a reflection of my own downfall in certain lights." I pulled out the letter from earlier and began to read it out to the two of them. Twilight became fixated on me as I started and Sunset lost her focus on all but the words. As the fire licked at the smoke above it a forgotten tale was told once again. I recalled why stories were passed down. It was to change the future.

Twilight

As he read I couldn't help but feel the words cut him deeper than he let on, I was fixated on the words and the person telling them. When it came to an end I had even more to think about than before. This world just kept becoming more exciting and interesting. The word "Adventure" stood out in my mind and I laughed a little to myself at that I had never been the adventurous type in the past. This world has changed me.

"Sombra if I didn't know any better I'd think you were a narrator." I said giggling at his unsure reaction, Sunset laughing as well.

"Yeah your voice is kind of sexy when you stop and listen to it and aren't being threatened by it" Sunset said both me and her dropping to the ground laughing as he just stared at us mouth slightly agape.

"I do not know how to respond to that." He said chuckling a little. " I honestly do not think anyone in my life has had the will to joke with me, it is refreshing."

"Who's joking? You really do have a good voice." I said sitting up straight. "Honestly you are talking to an ex villain." I said pointing to Sunset she gave a slight wave from the spot on the ground where she recovered from the laughter. I smiled at the scene then pointed to myself. "And someone who got taken over by dark magic. All for the sake of greedy science. I don't care who you were, you're here with us and based on the fact that you haven't tried to leave or kill us your not really interested in your own past right now." I stood up and walked over to him holding out a carving knife handle out. "It's not much but it's a weapon enough to get to the next village, your with us now and we would be happy to have you"

Several moments passed before Sombra grinned at me then he reached out grabbing the handle of the knife. "You are either the bravest or most idiotic girl I have ever met and I think I would like to stick around and find out which." He said before laughing deeply.

WARNING SOME MLP MOVIE SPOILERS WILL BE PRESENT AFTER THIS POINT IN THE STORY

Silver Spoon -Pony World-

This was beginning to become way to repetitive "sigh."

"Being a blank flank must be such a tiring thing for you three maybe you should just move to a new town and save yourselves the embarrassment!" Diamond Tiara said to the three members of Ponyville's resident Cutie Mark Crusaders.

I had begun to wonder how much this whole friendship thing mattered to Diamond and it kind of hurt to think about, was I just a toy like these three? To my own best friend? I frowned at that.

"Shut up ya darn know what happened to all of us in Canterlot with the Storm King's invasion! We are to tired to be dealing with your horseapples!" Applebloom spat at her

Diamond gasped dramatically "Oh wow with a mouth like that no wonder you don't have a special somepony!"

"Have you ever even been on a date?" Scootaloo asked

"No one is worthy of dating such an amazing pony such as myself." Diamond said with much confidence.

"Um girls?" Sweetie Belle said pointing down.

Looking down as well I saw something on the ground shine around us in a circle and then the ground gave out.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...

Sombra

I had put the knife on my belt and was feeling pretty good, when was the last time I had talked genuinely with another being?

My thoughts were interrupted when a portal opened on the ceiling of the cave right above me.

...AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Before I could react I had become King Sombra the cushion.

"Ow is everypony alright?" Applebloom called out getting up from the pile.

One by one all the girls started getting up only to fall back down on top of Sombra as their new bodies didn't register to them.

"What's happening?" Silver Spoon asked looking at her body.

As each of the girls looked at their new forms they all seemed to agree on something.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!'

"SILENCE!!!" I yelled, all the girls became quiet instantly as they looked down to see me beneath them trying to not just throw them off of me, I dug my way out of the pile to stand before them.

"Now that I have your attention based on what the red haired one said you are from Equestria correct?" I asked.

They all nodded to me. I sighed internally this was already complicated as it was.

"Um hi." Sunset said getting the girls attention they looked over to her and Twilight who were both standing to my right. "My names Sunset I am also from Equestria and this beside me is Twilight Sparkle from a parallel world, heh and I guess the easy way of putting this is you um well fell through a portal to a different world..."

"Oh Sunset! Princess Twilight mentioned you to us when we were taking magic lessons from her!" the purple and pink haired one said as she tried to figure out how to stand. She appeared to be one of the fastest to figure out their new body, only second to the silver haired one who had already began walking and trying to help one of the others up.

"Oh good you know the Princess, this will be slightly easier to explain then."

One long complicated explanation later

"Sombra!?" The new arrivals yelled.

"I know right?" Sunset chuckled as she lightly punched me in the arm, I guess this was part of her way of trying to make me feel welcome.

"But Twilight told us you got blown up!? Also ain't you evil and whats it?" The one I learned to know as Applebloom said.

"Yes I was destroyed it was quite painful as well, but so be it. I am a powerful Magus and have many ways to return from the dead, as for the evil. Tell me what would you do if you were hunted your whole life for being born differently watching as even your own birth giver cursed you until their death while you lived on unknowing what you were. My entire life was full of ponies trying to kill me and the Crystal Empire got the closest with their guards at the time being trained in better combat to handle the griffin armies that battled their fronts. If I had not gotten lucky I would have died but long story short anger and hatred had overcome me and I took it out on those who would have me killed. Can you say for certain that you would not have done the same?"

She stared at me right in the eyes looking at me for awhile I noticed several of the other doing the same with some trying to pretend they weren't. Even for such inexperienced ponies they sure knew how to size someone up. "Now when I returned after the banishment I did not know what else to do other than fight. Now that I have had time to think I realize the ones who scorned me are long dead and the world has changed and with it so shall I."

Twilight stood up and spoke to everyone "I think its time we all went to bed we can think about this in the morning and hopefully make it to the next village in a couple days. Now I know you five weren't expecting any of this to happen, when we get there we can find someplace for all of you to stay. We have a mission and we must complete it or even our own worlds may be in danger. When day breaks we are going to set out so rest up."

No one argued and everyone found a comfy place to rest. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo grouped together I could hear hushed whispers and looks of worry. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara did something similar. Twilight and Sunset got to work on the fire to keep it burning through the night.

I stood up and walked to the entrance. "I'll take first watch all of you get some rest."

Third Person

Sombra sat at the mouth of the cave his cloak draped around his body for warmth. He looked out at the blizzard raging on, the snow already piling up outside their makeshift shelter. Tomorrow may not be a day to travel if this kept on through the night. Lost in his thoughts on the past days events only to be brought back by a quite voice from behind.

"Um Sombra?" said Silver Spoon getting his attention. "I woke up a little while ago it seems like its been a few hours, would you like me to take over?"

Looking to her he noticed the hesitation in her features. "That is alright I have very little desire to rest right now." He said colder than he had intended to. Unfamiliar with these social interactions he tried again. "If you cannot sleep you are free to join me."

He was surprisingly satisfied when she came and sat against the cave wall beside him. She stayed quite for a moment, looking out into the blizzard. He noticed that she shivered slightly and had her arms wrapped around her body for warmth. The fire was to far into the cave to give much help, opening up his cape he grunted gesturing for her to get closer.

"Um that's o-okay I'm fine!" She all but shouted hastily avoiding eye contact.

"I am of little knowledge when it comes to these knew bodies resistance to the weather but even I someone much more use to it then you; can admit to the temperature out here being undesirable, I am not about to shed my own comfort for your stubbornness though so either join me or go back to the fire." He gave her an irritated eye roll and held out his cape again. She looked for a moment before sighing and climbing in next to him.

There was a few moments of silence as she adjusted to her new position finding a spot where his armor would not make her colder. She had her head near his shoulder and leaned against his arm, admitting that this was comfortable was somewhat embarrassing but she could put up with it. After all she had a question to ask the King.

"Sombra..." She said trying to gain his attention. "Do you think things will work out? I mean with this quest and everything I don't really know all of you very well but this whole situation makes me worry, even if it's not directly for us your fighting to save us. I just want to know that you'll all be okay when everything is said and done."

He didn't respond right away making her wonder if he had heard her before he replied. "I do not know." This brought a frown to her face, "but I have high hopes, those girls are stronger than they let on and I will not be taken lightly in the face of all this. If you are indeed so worried though maybe you should consider joining us. After all nothing says you cannot fight your own battles." He gave her a look of confidence before looking past her into the cave. Her eyes followed his until she saw Diamond.

Her friend looked a bit peeved and had her hands on her hips. "So here you are! I woke up without my cuddle toy so you could go and play love maker with the villain!" Silver blushed and went to move but Diamond stomped over and climbed into Sombras cape on the other side mimicking Silvers position. Sombra for his part only watched with amusement.

"Ah much better, you better wake me up next time got that?" The silver haired girl only looked dazed for a couple seconds before she smiled and nodded.

They sat their for awhile just enjoying the company and the site of the snow falling down before the tiara clad girl spoke up. "You know he's right, we can fight to..." She paused for a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing. "I mean we can't just let them go off and we sit around like a bunch of damsels in distress! That whole cliche is so dumb! I may not like our situation and I really don't want to fight but I don't want them to die fighting knowing I could have done something to help even more!" She panted calming down from her rant only to see a predatory grin upon Sombras face.

"W-what's that look for!" She backed away from him slightly, worry crossing her face. His grin turned into more of a comforting one at this clearing his voice before speaking.

"I just thought that your drive was very admirable and that speaking your mind in such a way seemed very brave." He said chuckling at her silence.

"Yeah Diamond, he's right that was amazing!" Her best friend cheered bringing a growing blush to her cheeks.

"We can bring this up tomorrow though, no point in worrying about it now." The king said before another bout of silence fell, this one however was full of peace.

They sat there enjoying each others company for awhile before Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon both drifted off to sleep. The wind howled harshly, biting at the cave entrance attempting to cut into any warmth that was there, but the feeling in Sombra that seemed to grow strong fought back against the elements around him. Never had he dreamed of such a place where he could be so easily accepted. Long lost thoughts of pain drifted into the back of his mind and an image replaced it, Twilight handing him the knife that sat on his belt. It brought a grin to his face and he focused again on keeping watch. Now with very enjoyable company.

Chapter Eight This Heat "Edited"

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Chapter Eight This Heat

Twilight...

This... was...

I had been swinging my blades so fast I had not noticed the burning aura around my body. It started out small, a warmth of anger and pain, hesitation had been thrown out the window by this intense heat. All my emotions soon joined in, they came on display in front of me forming something indescribable, setting a path for me. No thoughts, only what was and what I must do. The beast before me charged with such force I could only redirect its path along my blades forming them into a staff like stance. Breathing deep I followed the blow letting myself be drawn far down the snow path. I had never even seen the attack, before I knew I had countered leaving another long graze near its neck. When it looked to me, when it looked! Feelings passed... so much passed by me like a wave crashing down. This battle was long from over and we both knew it. Clashing once again... and again, and again and again and again and again!!! My blades had become aglow as well, burning in my grip as I slashed, the same spot, that was the only way. If I didn't I would never hurt it.

I had awoke to a scream. when I found them like that... blood! Anger, heat. Sun had taken to their side, and I attacked. The burn was to much and I got the feeling it would never fade. It charged again I let it's horn's get close before I spun on my feet my new stance putting me on it's side, and I swung. Sparks formed at the failed attempt at cutting its hard scales. A few more passes at me had come, all blurring together like a dance. I had seen something light up on it's horns a few times that worried me. It was a deep bloody red, almost like electricity. We were told that was the element Dragon and only the strongest creatures could wield it. It had already breathed fire at me a couple times, which I had barely been able to dodge. While I was contemplating this the creature had stopped it's attack, for a brief moment it held a low stance. Then it roared and took to the skies.

I watched it fly higher and higher, the sky turned darker with it's presence and with it something was forming. Suddenly there were crystals of ice that fell as they appeared getting larger the closer they got to the ground. I weaved to and fro, occasionally deflecting the projectiles off my blades. This continued on for several minutes before it dived back down, I had only barely dodged the slam, as I was getting up my spine tingled. Quickly noticing the blue electrical current around its horns and when it brought its head down I could only watch before the blast hit me. For a moment I was sent flying, sliding back I struck my blades into the ground to slow myself. It charged again it's horns now glowed red. I jumped out of the way but I was to slow and it had struck my right leg. There was a burning sensation as I tumbled to the ground. I could see the mark it burned through my armor and the singed flesh on my right caff. That was all the time I had to analyze my situation before it charged again.

I couldn't run, time seamed to slow. I planted my left leg deep into the snow and brought back both of my blades. The moment it reached me I pushed off flying under it and swinging with all my might and will. I heard a satisfying crack and tear before I fell. It passed over me and with a mighty crash I heard it fall. The last thing I saw was the girls and Sombra running towards me before I blacked out.

The Next Village

Twilight had woke to the sounds of hushed talking. The first thing she noticed was the softness of the bed. Sitting up she stretched and yawned, rubbing the sleep from her eyes she noticed her surroundings. It appeared to be a small medical room, pots full of herbs and glass vases full of chemicals were on the walls. Her mind wondered to the fact that she was not wearing her glasses. She hadn't been since her first week here. Apparently they had a very good understanding of the senses in this world and had developed remedies to help return sight. Glasses were only worn to help prevent loss of sight from reading since the potion was not recommended to be taken very often, apparently to prevent a dependence.

She was about to stand up when the door opened. "Twilight!" Tikia said rushing to my side.

"You're okay!" Tokia continued as he joined his brother. Twilight noticed Cheka enter after closing the door, Cheka gave a small wave and a smile joining her hunting companions at the bedside.

Twilight smiled ecstatically at her friends behavior "You are to! I was so worried about you all after we left! What happened?"

Cheka rubbed the back of her neck and gave an awkward glance to the twins who nodded back. She cleared her throat before speaking. "Well you see it charged at us and we were super ready to beat its scaly ass but um..." She paused before looking down. "It flew right over us! We all were so confused but it just kept flying off into the distance! By the time it was gone and we realized it wasn't going to attack we tried to find you two but you were long gone. So we decided to meet up with you here, your friends told us what happened! If we had known you could put up a fight against an Alatreon we would never have even bothered trying to send you away from a damn Kushala!" She took a deep breath then smiled weakly at Twilight.

"Wait Alatreon? That's the name of the thing that attacked us?" She got out before her mind caught up. "Are Sombra and the girls okay!?"

"Relax Twi..." Tikia gestured to the door

"...They had a broken arm and some cuts nothing fatal." Tokia finished.

"Yeah they said that it was nothing major but before they could stop you, you ran off chasing that Elder Dragon! I can't believe it you beat something that some hunters would only dream of finding let alone killing!" Cheka laughed out. "Supposedly from what the researchers said after they retrieved its body, it was close to the end of it's life and was trying to get a good fight in, very aggressive creatures tend to do that. It's scales were probably weaker and it probably didn't have all of its strength to use it's elements properly, explains why your bone swords were able to pierce its scaled at all."

"Were just happy... Tikia started

"...That you're okay!" Said Tokia

"Thanks guys I'm just glad everything worked out." Twilight said while she inspected her scared over leg.

Cheka noticed her looking and said "The doctors, said your leg should be healed up plenty but the scar will stay, Dragon attacks seem to leave scars easily. I would love to stay and talk to you about your fight but we have to leave. There was a message left for us by the guild saying we were to return to provide relief effort for another village north west of here. When you're ready your friends have a surprise for your at the lodge down the road north of here. This is Sonta Village the lodge is called Oto In, it was great seeing you again Twilight hopefully when this is all over we can spend more time together!"

She hugged Twilight and they said their goodbye's before leaving. Twilight got up and found her stuff in the corner but couldn't find her weapons. After double checking that she had everything she went out the door and exited the building. Finding herself on a stone road she took north to find her friends.

When she entered the lodge she was greeted by the sight of Sombra polishing the strangest looking hammer she had ever seen. The thing was huge! With black steel and a huge gun hammer on the back it looked like a revolver had been morphed into a tool for bashing. The hammer had to be custom fit for his unnatural size. She had made it over to him and when she was closer she noticed his left arm had a massive scar on it, in fact she noticed a lot about him. He was only wearing some black slacks and a dark tee shirt, his normal armor nowhere to be seen. Seeing him like this was almost jarring. Gone was the King in his place was a tough looking young adult. It was strange.

Sombra noticed Twilight's approach and set aside his weapon. Standing up he went over to her and smiled. "It's good to see you're all right."

"Same for you if you don't mind me asking where did you get the hammer? And is your arm okay?" She asked curiously.

He Laughed at her look of wonder "To answer your questions, the arm came from trying to protect Silver and Diamond that beast was tough I'll give him that but they only got cut's from the impact with the cave wall so I guess I did my job, the hammer on the other hoof was a gift from the blacksmith in town, he called it the Gun Hammer and said that I might be the first to be able to wield it properly do to my size, after the week we have been here I've definitely been able to to train and strengthen myself to use it better and the longer I eat this worlds food I am sure I can master it."

"Oh that's great to here! I can't thank you enough for saving them! You kno... DID YOU SAY A WEEK!?" She suddenly yelled.

Chuckling at her behavior he nodded. "They said it had to do with entering the Demon Blade state for the first time taking a lot out of a hunter. Now would you like me to take you to see the others?"

After Twilight got out of her state of shock she agreed to follow him, they went around the lodge to what was supposedly a training ground set up for passing hunters. it was a massive building almost like a coliseum mixed with an indoor high school gym. He took her to a locker area just inside the gym and stopped in front of a full size armor locker.

"This is a gift the town has payed for in full using the creature you slayed, it is yours." He said before opening up the locker to show a full set of armor and two blades. The armor was almost like a dress but cut short with black scales running down the entire length. The horns had been used to accent the joins and the headpiece was built almost like a crown. The swords at quick glance were almost completely made out of the horns with the handle being wrapped in the creatures hide.

"Are those my..." Twilight began.

"Yes they took your old swords and remolded them." He said to her. "What are you waiting for? Put it on I will wait for you by the entrance."

She did as he said feeling the knew armor over her for the first time felt strange. Almost like when the monster had looked at her, a wave of power, but now instead of trying to crush her that power was lifting her up. The blades felt light in her hands as she gave them a few test swings. Soon she excited the locker and found Sombra waiting for her. He beckoned her to follow and led her into the gym and what she saw almost made her jaw drop clean off. There stood the five new members of their group and Sunset as if they had been waiting on her, and based on Sunset's smirk they had been. The thing that made her jaw drop though was the gear all of them were wearing.

"The guild heard about our quest and decided to fully fund it, and after what you did for all of us the girls wanted to chip in their own effort and have been training nonstop, their armor and weapons just got finished yesterday by the smithy and I have got to say that woman may be the best smith I have ever seen." Said Sombra from behind her.

She started at the left side of the room inspecting their new outfits one at a time, Sunset was first her blue and orange armor had a royal feel to it matching the great sword she held that looked almost like a fin or tail. It didn't take long for her to figure out the monster it was made from. She had studied hard before leaving on their journey learning all known monsters on the continent. She had to be prepared for anything they came across. Sunsets gear was made out of the water monster Lagiacrus a very impressive set. Next in line was Applebloom her gear was made out of the Baroth its ridge like shell being easy to discern. Her weapon a switch ax a transforming weapon made from the same material, she looked quite fierce. Scootaloo's was a mixed weapon and armor combo, a Rathalos long sword with Rathain armor. The armor made her appear to be like a warrior princess. Next and probably the most stunning was Sweetie Belle, white fur and orange claws played across her very provocative looking armor. It could have easily been mistaken for some king of underwear if it was a bit shorter. Her very well endowed chest and hips didn't help the case much. Her weapon, a lance, was made from the same monster, the snow wyvern Barioth. To her side was Diamond wearing Rathalos armor and wielding a Rathian heavy bowgun, a quite intimidating combo. She was only out shined in fearsomeness by Silver Spoon who wore a very revealing set herself, just like Sweeties it showed off her curves, she didn't have as big of a chest but her butt made up for that quite a bit. Her gear was made from Diablos a creature known for its destructive power, how they took such a bulky monster and made a set that was so beautiful was beyond her, the bow she held also made from Diablos had two large horns forming its shape. Taking in the sight of all of them she couldn't believe her eyes it was outstanding.

Suddenly as she watched the group a voice spoke to her, it simply said one word, "come." The rest of the group didn't seem to hear it as they talked among themselves, Sombra had walked up next to her and got everyones attention "To Twilights recovery!" he shouted and raised his hammer giving a mighty cheer, everyone followed along and soon they were all cheering together. But even through all the excitement Twilight couldn't shake the foreboding feeling she got from that voice.

Chapter Nine Working Hard "Edited"

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Sombra stayed behind in the training hall attacking some of the dummies. His hammer felt right in his hands. He felt odd though, being so comfortable in this new body. It was almost as if these creatures were born to wield weapons. The beauty and power they held when combined.

After landing another solid hit at the base of a target he sent in spinning in place, as it spun he timed another strike to its center sending it comically flying into a far away wall. Taking in his good work he sighed and hefted his hammer. Not quite satisfied with where he was now. Lost in thought he barely heard the faint clapping from the corner of the room. Where his gaze landed upon a small elderly Alv woman.

"Why the long face?" She asked walking towards him at a rather strong pace despite what her age might suggest. "You sure did a number on that dummy."

Setting his hammer down and leaning his weight upon its handle he gave the woman a polite nod in greeting before he replied. "I have witnessed Sunset shatter these with hardly a sweat." He looked off at the last training dummy he had hit. "I need to get stronger and I need to do it much more quickly."

"Oh now don't go getting your panties in such a bunch young man." The old woman had somehow snuck up on him and without so much as a warning swept his leg dropping him unto his rear.

"Hey what is the meaning of this?!" He defiantly roared standing to his full height.

"Oh come now." She said. "Even me a weak old lady could topple a giant like you." She looked him in the eye and the power that radiated from her gaze almost made the king flinch. "Strength may matter but so do a lot of things in a fight, and all of that comes with time. Rushing yourself will do you know good. Its about quality not quantity."

The king could only stand there, her words spoke true. He knew that. "Thank you for your advice miss?..." He paused not knowing her name.

"It's Quaerit" She sated as she walked toward the exit. "Seek wisdom young man." Was the last thing she said as she disappeared into the corridor.

Twilight and Sunset

"That was the Dumbest thing I have ever seen Twilight!"

"I know I'm sorry! I just saw them and I-I couldn't help it..." The purple girl replied burring her face in her hands.

"I get that but what if something happened to you?" Sunset walked over and sat next to her wrapping her arms around her. "I don't think I could handle this situation without you here."

"I'm sorry Sunset I really am, I won't go all one hero wonder on you again. After all we're a team."

"Yeah we are and now we're a very large team." She chuckled before letting go of Twilight.

With her back turned she didn't notice Twilight frown from no longer being held, the nerdy girl shook her head and stood up. For the rest of the evening the two of them planned strategies for what was to come. Coming up with ideas for how they could best use the different weapon classes at their disposal. Eventually turning in for the night.

The CMC

The Cutie Mark Crusaders had been on many random adventures and had gotten themselves into quite the danger over their years over crusading but this had to be one of the most frightening exploits they had faced yet. The three of them had forgone their armor and replaced it for their night clothes, all three chatting among themselves. Sweetie Belle noticed the absence of their former bullies and voiced her curiosity.

"Oh they went to train with Sombra." Applebloom replied while she undid her hair for the night.

"Why would they do that?" Scootaloo asked scrunching her face in confusion.

"Somethin 'bout how they wanted to be able to protec't themselves next time somethin like that dragon happens." The farm girl stated.

"Makes sense I guess after all we need to do that to, I say tomorrow we work hard to catch up." The former pegasus said pumping her fist into the air.

She was met with two enthusiastic cheers before they all decided to call it a night.

Sombra and The Girls

Sombra left the training hall having made his leave for the practice grounds outside of town that he had selected. Thinking back on Quaerits words as he did so, what she said had much merit but putting it into practice would have to wait he had to meet up with Diamond and Silver for their sparring. Training inside was fine but they would be hunting outside in many different terrains. He planned on getting them use to this sooner rather than later. Climbing over a nearby hill he found them already at work in a slowed down sparing match. Letting them know they should get accustomed to their gear before trying to speed things up.

Just as he had guessed Silver Spoon had an easier time adjusting to new things. She had a grace to her attacks that allowed her to be nimble with her bow. Practice arrows at the ready with dulled cushioned tips to prevent accidental injury but hard enough to leave welts.

Meanwhile Diamond showed her superior strength wielding her heavy bowgun, using the shield attachment to reflect arrows and gain distance. She was shooting blanks that were designed to replicate special ammo types, without dealing the same amount of damage but getting across the danger to the opponent.

He watched the sparring match for awhile before starting to intervene and give advice. After another hour of training he had called it a night and they decided to head back to the in.

As they walked Diamond spoke up. "Thank you again for saving us."

"Yeah and helping with our training!" Silver added in.

"If your going to thank me thank Sunset as well, she's the one who told me all about the ranged weapon techniques that her and Twilight learned from one of their teachers." He sighed and added to that. "She would be the one out here training you to if she didn't need to practice so much herself and all the while she has been watching over Twilight keeping her very busy.."

They agreed to thank her as well later and then continued their walk.

"As for me saving you you can thank me by working hard so I don't have to do it again." He stated.

He stopped walking when he noticed the girls were no longer beside him. Turning around he noticed them beaming with confidence.

In unison they replied "You can count on us!"

Chapter (Eleventyten) Eleven A Quest

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There was fire, lots of it. It roared endlessly covering so much of the landscape, a true inferno some might call it. blazing in the distance like a hellish storm. Lightning cracked with a furiousity that shook you to the bone. Miasma in the air burned at your lungs and the smell of sulfur was everywhere. Yet despite all this there were trees, not just a hand full of them either, but an entire forest of them. They peaked the heavens loosing themselves in the clouds. The fire held back by an invisible force around them and because of this the forest seemed to be a tropical oasis in the middle of hell. Looking back you noticed that the only thing you could see in the distance was more scorched earth, fire tornado's, and an everlasting storm. That's when you heard the voice calling from the deep dark trenches of the woods. It had no words but yet it held a message very clear. "Come" It was not much of an ultimatum in this case taking in the situation.

Without anywhere else to go and no clear path you braced yourself through the fire and into the evergreen. The first thing you noticed was an intense cold and wet atmosphere. Shivering slightly you rubbed your arms and looked around. There were vines everywhere hanging off of the massive trunks. The ground was moist and rotting, the tree bases covered almost completely with mushrooms, and scurrying around them were various tiny mammals that almost looked like flying squirrels. Running around picking at the spore plants most likely carrying them to their burrows. The only light to guide them coming from some slightly luminescent plants that seemed to be growing with abandon. Letting out a breath you didn't know you were holding the affect was almost instant. All the little critters ran skirting away into the dark holds of the forest. Then came the silence, without the movement it was almost haunting. Seeing your breath form in front of you, you decided to make your way towards the voice. Making your way among the undergrowth and fog you looked up to get your barrings, the only problem was that because of the height of the trees and the low hanging fog you couldn't even see the lowest branches.

You had been walking for several minutes the only company being the occasional sound of a bird further within, that being the only sign of other life since the critters. Eventually you came across a rather large fallen tree, it appeared to be blocking your path so you made your way over it wanting to stay in a straight line towards the voice. It took awhile but you managed to get to the other side and what you saw made you catch your breath. It was a lake almost a mile long, glistening with an un earthly glow. Taking a few steps toward it you tripped falling in. The cold water stung your senses and you broke the surface swimming ashore. Hacking up water and taking a moment to warm yourself back up you continued around the large lake being cautious of it as you could not tell how deep it was.

Once on the other side you continued on your journey, you had entered the woods once more and walked for awhile. You started to wonder how long it had been since the lake. Time seemed to be drifting by you without warning and before long you came to the base of a hill. The slope was pretty staggering but not one to be thwarted you climbed. Climbing higher and higher for who knows how long, until you reached what appeared to be a tree branch from one of the enormous tree not to far from the hill. Realizing how high you must be you looked back to see nothing but clouds. The haunting thought of this being a path to heaven going through your mind, shaking your head of the ridiculous thought you continued on.

Several minutes had passed since you had gone past the branch, or at least it felt like minutes, and the air was thinning making breathing a lot harder. The lighting seemed to flash more violently wherever you were heading making you second guess yourself but that's when you noticed it. The top of the hill had come into view. Sprinting the last bit of distance you came to the top right before making a halting stop, the hill had turned into a cliff. Catching your breath and backing up a bit you looked down into the giant cloud of mist that formed in the middle of what seemed to be a massive crater.

It was an intense feeling looking into the mist, almost like if you leapt you would never hit the bottom. Nursing that thought you decided it would be a good idea to go back down the hill. Turning as to leave you heard something that made you stop in place. The voice had spoke again but this time much much closer. The vibration from it shook the ground and nearly sent you flying into the abyss. falling onto your rear you scooted away from the cliff as fast as you could right before a massive dragons head rose from it. In almost an instant it made eye contact with you making your blood feel like ice. The look in its eyes was so intense it felt like the world stopped moving. Then without even moving its mouth it spoke two words. "Find me."

Village In

Without warning eight hunters were woke without warning that night, from an impending nightmare that would turn reality.

Chapter Twelve A Tale

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"Okay so we're all in agreement." Twilight sat at the head of the table, her expression mirrored everyone present. She looked frazzled and confused, being woken up so abruptly had left everyone in a daze, but no one dare go back to sleep after they had been awoken from something so bewildering. "That was no mere dream. That was a summons!" After telling them about the voice she heard yesterday this dream only added to her troubles. She slammed her hands down on the table and stood walking over to the window looking out at the slowly rising sun. It reminded her of home, of simpler and easier times. Reading by the window seal with Spike laying in her lap. His hind leg kicking as he napped in the warm light. It almost brought a smile to here face, almost.

"Yeah but Twi" Sunset said from here spot at the table. "A summons to where?"

Back in Moga Village

"Oh so you want to know more about are world hm?" The Elder spoke in between puffs from his pipe. "Now why would you want to go worrying about stuff like that?"

Twilight felt nervous, she had come here alone because she couldn't sleep, but she thought that maybe she might be able to learn something from the Elder. Maybe she could figure out a way to get her and Sunset home. "Well you talked about the legends earlier and I wondered if there were any others? Maybe there have been people from other worlds here before?" She spoke hopeful but uncertain, like a child asking for a new toy.

"Hmmm" The Elder stroked his beard and took a long drag from his pipe. Letting out the smoke in a long stream that seamed to flow forward. "There are two more legends that might interest you but I do not believe either will help you much."

"Oh please sir! Anything you have might help!" She said desperate to figure even something out about their situation.

"Very well than, listen carefully then." Sitting down in front of Twilight she could see his eyes shine in the fire, they weren't tired like she expected. No they were very much full of light. "Long ago there was a legend told among every tribe and village, and long before that it was a tale of wonder so engraved into our society that it might as well be truth. This predates The Great Dragon War by so long no ones for certain at this point where or when it originated."

Twilight was entranced, with every word her curiosity grew.

"There was once nothing, nothing but a group of people and five dragons. They existed in a land eternal with everlasting day. The people ever curious asked the dragons why there was no beginning, and why there was no end. The dragons opened their mouths but instead of words there came water. It flowed and gushed and covered the land, and the dragons swam into it. One dragon sunk deep into the sea and it became the land, one dragon looked to the sky and became the mountains, one dragon crouched low and became the lakes and it scattered its scales to create the rain, one dragon fell into a deep sleep and became the forests, the last dragon climbed into the sky and became a star of sapphire blue shining brightly in the sky."

"So the dragons became an island?" Twilight asked confused.

"Correct, and the people continued on wondering why the dragons did this until finally a young man grew curious. He climbed into a simple boat and set off to find the island using the Sapphire star to guide his way, and find it he did. You see when he returned to his people they asked him if he had found the dragons. The man replied that he had found them. They asked what the dragons said, and instead of replying he simply handed them something. He handed them five scales one from each dragon. When they went to ask him what they were for they found that he had disappeared."

"But why?" The nerdy girl found herself asking.

"No one knows for certain but the people found that they could use the scales, they set off across the ocean using them to create islands for them selves. And out of appreciation for the Sapphire Star that had guided the mans journey, they created a shining moon to keep it company. With the creation of the moon, day and night began and so did time, the people began to know death, but they also grew to know life."

The Elder finished the story looking into the fire taking a puff of his pipe, Twilight let the story sink in and found herself wondering if it held any truth, the beginning of everything? That was almost to much for her to imagine.

Her musing got cut short by the Elder as he raised up his hand. "Now I said there were to stories did I not?" The older man spoke with a grin. "This one is particularly my favorite."

"Oh right yeah!" Twilight said re focusing her attention.

"This next one is not as convoluted or as intense, but it does hold so much mystery to it and a lot of truth. For you see if you set sail South East from a town called Nashaloga which is directly south of the main capital of Shana you will eventually come across a fog thicker than sand and impossibly vast."

"A giant fog bank in the middle of the ocean?" The girl wondered allowed.

"Very much so, giant might not even be a large enough word to describe it."

"You've seen this fog bank?" She asked him.

"Once when I was young, it still exists. I hear word of sailors getting lost in it all the time and some even using it as a means to find their way home." He chuckled to himself before continuing. "But you see the fog is not the interesting part, one sailor found its source or so they say. Catching but a glimpse of it through a part in the fog when his ship was lost in the very thick of it. They say the moment his eyes rested on the site he commanded his crew to turn the ship around and sail away."

"But what could possibly drive him to do that?" She wore a face of confusion. Puzzling over the story.

"Fire, a land scorched to the last pebble. He said destruction and fire were all he could see, except for one other thing." The Elder took a puff of his pipe and laughed as he continued. "He said he saw the most beautiful forest he had ever gazed upon, right smack dab in the center."

"A forest?"

"Indeed, and after his crews discovery the fog, it gained a name."

"A name? What's name?" Twilight asked.

The Elder smiled and replied. "They call it.........

Present Time

".....The Land Forgotten" Twilight finished recounting what the Elder told her.

"So that's where the vision was." Sombra stated. "The only question remaining is do we accept this summons."

"I don't know guys this sounds sketchy." Scoots said from her spot next to Sombra.

"Yeah this could be a potential trap or maybe even a trick to throw us of course." Stated Silver as she finished braiding Diamonds hair, having been woken abruptly like the rest of them they did not have time to freshen up.

"Come on guys!" Applebloom spoke up. "This seems like something important. Are we really just going to ignore it and up an move on?"

"Well I think we should leave the decision up to Twilight." Sunset said as she stood up.

"Me?!" Twilight shouted out.

"Yes you." Sunset walked over to the head of the table and gestured to the group. "I think we can all agree that Twilight should be the leader here right?"

A series of mhmm's and yups were her reply, no one denying that Twilight had the most experience so far dealing with the monsters nor that she was the most knowledgeable among them. She had leader written all over her and they all knew it.

"See Twilight weather or not you believe it you've become the commander and chief of team dimension dropouts. So what do you say? What's the plan?" Sunset said as she turned to Twilight. Everyone looked to her and she thought on it for second before smiling confidently at her friends before replying.

"Let's do this!" She said excitedly. "let's go to The Land Forgotten!"

Chapter Thirteen A Fishermen's Tale

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Chapter Thirteen A Fishermen's Tale

Twilight

Several days had passed and our group had gathered the necessary supplies for the trip, we had gotten a small travel caravan trailer which Sombra had insisted on pulling all by himself. "Training" was the only reasoning he had given the group, we had all been skeptical about it but no one wanted to argue with the ancient king. With enough basic and medical supplies to hopefully get to the sea baring town we set off. Other then random monster encounters and the like we didn't have to much to worry about.

The trip through the forest's, mountains, river, and the plains leading to the sea outlet was going to be long and our group did not know what all of it would entail. We had been briefed by the Hunters Guild and gotten full permission from the dispatch committee in the area. When Silver had questioned why we had been given so much without question we ended up learning that the Elder from Moga Village was behind it, he had convinced the Hunters Guild to give full support for our mission. Being quoted as saying "Either were out a pretty penny or we don't die." Which in hindsight may have shown either his level of confidence in us or he was just trying to silver tongue his way through the councils defenses.

He had sent a letter as well congratulating us on forming such a large hunting party and wishing us luck on our journey. After finding out that I had taken down the Altreon he had requested that I be given a seal when we reached our destination. The seal was supposedly given to hunters who have proven themselves and even though what I did was mostly due to circumstance and was closer to a fluke then actual skill, the mark would help us on our quest. He was putting a lot of faith in us and I was determined to prove him right.

So there we were out on our first adventure as a full crew. The five young girls looking to prove themselves and help save the world. A hot headed and earnest ex villain, an ancient king who showed to be one of the Princesses greatest threats, and then you had me. I was nothing but a simple nerd before I came to this world. Now I was a leader, a fighter, a killer of an Elder Dragon, and so much more, but most importantly I was a hunter. Someone the people of these lands looked to in times of need and even in just day to day life. I felt like I belonged to something much greater, the winds of change blew on me and I flew along with them. Strapped into my gear that came from one of the most feared creatures known to this world, I could only feel two things. Bewilderment and sadness. This world truly was amazing. Every day I learned something new and I never wanted to stop, but this beast was a force of nature. How was I suppose to take pride in killing something so beautiful.

We had just crested the first mountain ridge that protected the village we had been staying in. The road was rocky and slowly turned to nothing more than grass fields cutting through the natural canyons and forests that this area was known for. Looking down from our high perch I could see the forests part to reveal a great lake that shimmered like crystal. It reflected the snow capped mountains and the tall pine like trees. The flowing river far to our left came down from the tallest peak. Fresh melted snow making its way down into the waters far below, cutting though landscape.

In a small way it had reminded me of home. The week before we went into the portal we had gone sledding with the girls in the mountains. That small comparison was enough to remind me of everything we left behind. No guarantees were there for us to ever return home, though normally thinking such things would make me depressed I found myself not caring as much nowadays. For even if we couldn't return the friendships we've formed and the time we've spent will still be there.

Turning around from my lead position I looked to Sombra, he was pulling the carriage which housed our supplies. Silver was the only one aboard it, sitting on top of its canopy post at the front. She had opted to use a spy glass to keep an eye out for anything ahead of us or looking to stalk us along the way. Taking a closer look at Sombra or rather noticing the obvious for the first time since we left, I was dumbstruck. Slowing down I aproached him and walked alongside the carriage. "Sombra just out of curiosity" I took a calming breath before breaking that calm I had just obtained. "Where in the hell in your armor?!" I yelled out. This had caused a couple of the girls to jump, but Sombra had just kept a neutral expression and kept on moving.

"Do not worry." He spoke reassuringly. Something that kept throwing me off about what was supposedly an evil ruler. "My armor will not be readily available until we reach the next town. They had mentioned a special smith who worked closely with hammer users. They gave them the needed information and told me to wait until we arrived."

I viably relaxed, but not as much as I would have liked to. All this meant was that Sombra would be even more vulnerable until we arrived at the next location. My discontent must have been fairly obvious because Sombra stopped pulling the carriage, walked over, and in a very caring gesture put his hands on my shoulders. I felt so tiny compared to his massive form. Almost completely forgetting just who this man use to be in that moment. His gaze was strong but caring. "Do not worry for me Twilight. I have survived much more formidable opponents then anything this world could possibly throw at me."

I had to shake myself out of my stupor as Sombra walked back over and started pulling the Caravan again. I could here Sunset chuckling, before she called out. "Was that before or after the princesses whooped you?" Quickly causing everyone to burst out if a fit of laughter.

Sombra for his part didn't actually seem very mad. "Just you wait girl I will get you back for your sees less taunting!" Which only seemed to cause everyone to laugh a bit harder, and after awhile even Sombra cracked a smile.

Silver

Watching Sombra act like that with Twilight was unusually uncomfortable. I had briefly voiced my unrest when Sombra had put his hands on to Twilight, with a quiet 'Lucky' Which I had thought no one would be able to hear. Scarily enough though right at the moment I had spoken I saw Sombra briefly glance back toward me. So now here I was trying to shrink to the size of a dinner plate and go about my duty in hopes of going unnoticed by the king for the rest of the trip, but fate as cruel as it be probably was not on my side.

Sombra

We had been traveling until mid afternoon, passing through several valleys and ranges. The unique landscape gave us a harder time then we would have liked. Climbing the many hills and weaving down the paths had worn the group out. The only ones who showed little sign of fatigue were Twilight and Sunset. Each of them had helped push the cart as we reached larger hills. Other than that I had kept the handle to myself. I needed to increase my strength. If this journey was going to go as we hoped we all had to become stronger. Luckily it would take months to reach our destination. This gave everyone plenty of time to train and learn how to hunt.

Stopping at another of the many large lakes that were spread through the mountains had been a last minute decision. The path we were about to get on would take almost a full day of travel before we reached another flat land with fresh water. Mapping our path and reading the geography had been left to Applebloom from what she had told us she had learned the trade from her grandmother. I myself knew the skill but it had been many a year since I used it. Best leave it to those with fresh minds.

After setting up camp we had the leaser of a sunny day and nothing better to do. I had dug out one of the fishing rods we brought along and set myself on an old looking stump that was near the water. The grass gave away to an almost sand like dirt and the water shined an azure blue. Very few clouds dotted the sky letting the suns raze shine down. What a perfect day for fishing.

Casting my line with a worm I had dug up nearby, I settled in and relaxed. A few minutes had gone by and out of nowhere I heard a loud "wooooohoooooo!" and five girls ran past me, running even further until they were down the lake side. All clad in what looked to be bathing suits. I had no idea where they had acquired the attire nor did I feel like questioning it. This species had a special need to cover their genitalia do to lack of natural cover. Even not being native I had learned to appreciate many different species attributes in my travels and I could see the appeal these girls new forms as well. I found myself wondering since Twilight was human already what she possibly thought of mine and the others looks.

"Girls wait up!" Twilight yelled from behind me while Sunset chuckled next to her. Both had also changed into swimwear and quickly ran to catch up with the others. They had all gone about fifty meters down to where the water had the least amount of grass or weeds creating an almost outlet like spot into the water.

They all swam around awhile laughing and playing. Watching them had brought a smile to my face and memories long berried back to the surface of my mind. I was reminiscing when I felt the bite and the pull on my line. I barely had a second to brace my feet in before my legs got stuck halfway down in the dirt from being dragged toward the water. Grunting against the strain I had to wonder what this pole and line were made out of.

The girls must have noticed the commotion because they all had gotten out of the water and ran over. "You got a bite!" Sweetie yelled out as the got closer.

"I have noticed!" I grunted fighting to not let go of the pole or to get pulled into the water.

"What could possibly be giving you this much trouble muscle man?" Sunset chimed in most likely laughing at the ridiculous situation.

"I do not know but I'm about to give it the fight of its life!" I clamped my front foot down and brought my back foot out of the dirt. Slowly and methodically I strained my way backward. It felt like forever before I even managed to make it a couple of feet. After a couple of minutes I was starting to think this was an almost impossible battle, a few more minutes passed the tension high,

"You can do it!" Twilight had yelled to me, that's when all the girls had started to cheer me on. Soon enough a flood of memories hit me all at once, long forgotten but cherished. I could see the beach in front of me the very one I played on when I was just a kid, and I heard his voice. My best friend yelling at me to put my back into it. With a ferocity I didn't think I possessed I ripped back on the pole and threw my entire heart into this one swing. Pretending like I was bring my hammer down I turned and swung. Whatever it was that was on the end of the line got ripped from the water. rising above them and being hidden by the bright sun. It was dropping fast and I barely had time to jump out of the way before it crashed down onto the shore.

"Holy mother of..." was the first thing anyone said after the smoke cleared. It came from Sunset in utter shock. All the girls were staring at my prey. I to was stunned, what lay before us was the largest shark I had ever seen. It must have been at least twenty feet in length and had razor like spines going down its body. It looked like it must have landed on its head the fall most likely killing it on impact by the pool of blood that was forming around its upper half.

"Now how in tarnation is there a shark in a fresh water lake?" Said Applebloom as she poked the thing with a stick she found.

Diamond walked up next to her "Yeah that seems pretty preposterous if you ask me." she said before looking over it quizzically.

"Well I might have the answer." Twilight spoke up walking to the center of the group right in front of the nose of the shark. I had gotten off of the ground and walked over to hear her out. She had gotten into a sort of lecture posture and pointed her pointer finger up in front of her in a sort of gesture. "These mountain ranges supposedly all have connecting bodies of water underneath. Like huge tunnels and cave systems with flowing paths that lead to one another. Most likely it came from the largest lake which we would be reaching in a week or so if we keep up a good pace. I think the lake was called Titans Waterway. Apparently when it was first discovered they had seen the largest known Plesioth ever recorded. Plesioth are fish like monster that stands on two legs. Nicknaming the giant Titan and naming the location after it in turn. No one has see the creature in many years though and so it almost became like a legend."

"How in the world did you know all that?" Asked Scootaloo baffled at our leaders know how.

"I may have spent almost all of the last couple of days studying on the history and culture of the areas we would be traveling on... Heh heh.... no biggy....." She said slightly blushing and rubbing her arm, probably from embarrassment at the attention she was being given and being called out on her studying habits accidentally.

"Well that's Twilight for you, but that still doesn't explain how a shark can live in fresh water. I mean I know were in a different world and all but it looks just like a shark from either of our worlds which in both are salt water creatures." Sunset pointed out.

"Well its actually not quite a shark and don't judge me for the name because I did not come up with it. It's a sharq with a Q and while some of there species are salt water they have been known to live in almost every different region in some form of subspecies. The fresh water apparently must be a larger variety even though that makes very little sense" Was Twilight's explanation, I must give it to her. She truly was very studious, and it was quite impressive to see her knowledge in action.

Afterword we had decided to cook the beast. I had quickly taken to de scaling it and while I was at it I took off whatever pieces I thought we might have been able to use later. Spikes and teeth were kept. As well as some of the hide like skin. I had even kept some of the bones as I began flaying it. Using a large hunting knife I made clean work of the beast. Taking large metal poles and going about skewering chunks of the meat while some of it went into a pot for a stew. I could not get over the large scale of cooking that the chefs had taught me back in town. Using what knowledge I already had made the whole process simple though. The girls had all gone about setting out seats and changing back into there normal under gear, and while I finished up cooking they had opted to lounge around relaxing after the long and eventful day.

"Hey Sombra?" Sweetie called out. I turned away from the roaring fire, and the skewers hanging above on a rotisserie rack. Giving her my attention. "You seem really good at fishing and cooking fish and stuff but weren't you a unicorn? I thought pegasi were the only ponies known for eating fish."

Her question must have made Sunset realize something as she jumped in next. "And your from the crystal empire and there aren't any known cold water fish out there, its to baron you would have to go all the way past the yak territory to go fishing and back then wasn't Equestria at war with the yak?"

Everyone seemed very curios, even Silver who had been avoiding me since I heard her earlier. I had to chuckle so I decided to ask something to confirm my suspicion. "Well let me ask you this. What do you know about me?"

This caught everyone off guard but Sunset coughed to get their attention. "Well... You were the most notable and also the last ruler of the Crystal empire before the two sisters froze it in time. They..." She hesitated and I could tell it was because of the things she read about me were not very pleasant.

"Go on do not hold back." I said giving her a reassuring smile. A expression I was beginning to enjoy.

"Alright." She shook her head and started back up. "They say you grew up in the empire and overthrew it with your dark magic. You ruled with an iron hoof and took from the people crushing any opposition and imprisoning those who would fight back. When the sisters heard of your tyranny they fought against you and when they could not prevent you from destroying the empire they froze it to save the lives of the ponies. The Crystal ponies still cannot remember anything about you but that was the only information in the history books."

She stopped and looked to me expectantly. I gave a low chuckle and look out to the water. "So that is the legend of my rule." I laughed a little more and kept my eyes on the water. "You see the truth is I only lived in the empire for three years, and for those three years I ruled it."

"Three years?!" Silver called out. "How is that possible. I thought you ruled for decades or something?"

At that I burst into laughter. "Decades? *pffft* Girl I was only eighteen when the empire froze! Hahah"

"Eighteen?!" Sunset all but collapsed, and the other girls all looked unbelieving. "How is that even possible?"

I chuckled some more genuinely enjoying their reactions. "Well I guess I can tell you all the story. My real tale."

Chapter Fourteen The Great Ocean

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Chapter Fourteen The Great Ocean

Sombra

"I was just a child when I learned I was different. You see unlike what everyone believes I was actually born and raised in the southern west."

"Wait isn't that the term used for the Great Ocean?" Silver asked?

"Yes it is, although the ancients simply called it "Sea Terra" an apt name for a place so riddled with islands." I replied tending to my cooking.

"But that ocean, just like the entire western world is suppose to be a death trap for ponies! That's why no explorer that has ever gone there ever returned." Sunset exclaimed looking at me like I must have been a ghost.

"That is true, for a simple reason really. No one can make it past the first obstacle to enter. Its almost impossible. Now I'll explain everything so no more questions until the end alright?" After everyone agreed I continued. "Now the Great Ocean is a place of untold mystery and surviving there is nearly impossible for most but ponies and other races manage it somehow anyway. Even the natives and those born there must fight daily to live, but that's the very reason they are so strong. The ocean is unforgiving incredibly more so then the Lunar and Celestial oceans near Equestria and on top of that the magic there is wild. Some believe it is the truest point of power in the world, or possibly its a leaking point. No one is sure just how large our world really is. The map is completely gone and made up. Even Equestrias map is false. It portrays the lands of ice to be the top and the desert and ocean to be the bottom of the globes map, but I can tell you it goes much much further. Even Sea Terra is not the furthest point west or south and traveling further is like traveling into a lions den which we call the "Lost World". For past the Great Ocean is a barrier even more powerful then the trails between Equestria and Sea Terra. Legends have said that the Lost World is only accessible by the strongest warriors and those with the greatest wills." Looking to the waters I sighed recalling my home. "The mysteries and events that I have experienced during my years in the Great Ocean would take much to long to tell, but the events that led me to Equestria are quite simple. You see I was young and naive thrown out by my birth giver because of my demon like appearance, she had cursed my name as she cast me away sending me out on the sea on a small boat with almost nothing. The village hated her for bringing such a creature into there home. They believed I was the reason the crops did not grow and any small issue in town became mine to take blame for. Soon enough this led to my exile. At the time I was eight, barely a colt."

"That's awful! Silver cried out. Diamond and her had both started to cry, everyone else was either in a similar state, sorrowful ,or angry.

"How could they do that to a child!" Twilight demanded. Furry on her face.

"They were paranoid, it was not till later that I learned that entire island had been targeted by a group of pirates. Learning of the islands weakened state they used it to their advantage. Killing everyone and robbing the place dry." I looked to see their reactions to this information. I was pleasantly surprised to see not looks of disgust but instead pleased expressions or simple rightful acceptance. Maybe these ponies were not as delusionally peaceful as I had presumed. The youth must have something to do with that for the newest girls, they probably have not been brainwashed by Equestion society yet. As for the other two I could already tell this world was their reason for understanding.

"I sailed until I was almost certainly dead, with no way of controlling my course I had lost all hope. So close to the end I could not believe it when I had been discovered by a fishing vessel. Taken to their island I was even more amazed. I had never seen such a large landmass. Mountains and forests spread beyond imagination. If I had never seen the other side I would not have believed it to be an island at all. Learning that there was a temple that took in castaways my fortune could not have been better. So when I questioned why they did not look frightened by my appearance I was baffled to find out that this island was further west, my village almost as close to Equestria as possible for Sea Terra. They told me things here were far more frightening then me. This place is where I spent many years.

I grew close to the village I even had a best friend who I fished with constantly. You see every species in the west eats meat. Without it we would never grow strong enough to survive the creatures and weather that exist there similar to this world. I learned my magic from a traveler who believed it ironically suited me." Sighing I smiled. "Those were great times, but I wanted to learn more about the world. So with a teary goodbye I left. Venturing North East I sailed through many island chains and learned that the weather had no correlation to the location of the world. See before I sailed down crossing the frozen mountains into Equestria I was on an island that almost resembled a desert, The warmth gave way to cold and I reached land. Sneaking my way through what looked like destroyed arctic civilizations I learned of the Yaks war. It was not until I reached the empire that things went wrong. I say the empire came closest to killing me but it was not do to their power. It was because I lost myself there.

For when I came upon it a great snow boar which was impossibly large for it to be natural with tusks the size of cannons had torn its way into the empire, It had killed the rulers and guards destroying the castle and if left unchecked would kill everyone, they had nowhere to run with the cold outside the bubble. So when I took it down the ponies gave me the position as King. They had no one to rule them and had no where to turn. I did not want it for I was not done traveling but without someone to guide them I knew they would perish to the cold. I took on the role, pretending to be much older. It was surprisingly simple since despite being fifteen at the time my strange appearance made me out to look around mid twenties.

For three years I fought against war invasions protecting the people. The crystal heart that the Princess used to stop me was actually just an ancient defense tool that I had locked away to prevent it from landing in the Yaks hooves, but despite all my effort to help them. The fear set in, I had saved them but this did nothing to stop rumors. Maybe I had been the one to set the beast upon the empire they had said, maybe it was all planned from the start. I looked like a demon so why was it not possible. Fighting against me they got lost in delusions almost killing themselves in the process. My rule became cruel trying to find a way to help them while being distrusted brought upon my rage. I acted in anger and the princesses showed up. They could not beat me so they decided to freeze me in hopes of being strong enough later, but when I met their attack with my own they accidentally froze the entire empire. I was eighteen then and immediately had been destroyed upon unfreezing. So technically I am still eighteen. I had originally planned on returning to the west after exploring Equestria, but things obviously did not go as planned." I looked to the girls all of them digesting the knew information. "Here I am free from all of that. Thanks to all of you I have experienced the first genuine companionship I have had in three years. Everyone I ever knew was dead I came upon that realization very shortly after I unfroze. When I had resurrected I did not know why I had even bothered. There was nothing left for me in the world, but thanks to all of you I now have a reason to live. For thank I could never thank you all enough."

Later that evening

We were all gathered around the fire pit. Full stomachs and happy conversation all around. And the barrel Sunset had bought before we left turned out to be full of ale. Even though none of the girls would have been old enough to drink back home there were no such laws here. So everyone had been drinking merrily and I had felt relieved. After telling everyone about my past, I had expected them to think I was lying or at least be doubtful. They had even gone as far as to apologize to me for what the princesses had done, as if it was even remotely close to their faults. I understood though, we were here for each other with almost no chance of survival if we were being realistic. Why would I lie? They trusted me and I wanted to keep that trust.

"Sombra?" Sunset got my attention from her spot next to Twilight. We had taken fallen logs and spread them around in a U shape near the fire. Her and Twilight shared one with me with Twilight in the middle. The log to our left had Diamond and Silver with Silver furthest away, and to our right on the final log were Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo in order from closest to furthest.

"What is it?" was my response.

She leaned forward to look at me "You told us that there was a barrier or something preventing those who wanted to go to the Great Ocean and the rest of the world, what exactly is that barrier?" Everyone quickly turned their attention to me obviously curious themselves. After all what could possibly cut off Equestria from what basically was the rest of the world.

"We'll each is different depending on the direction, I don't know what the barriers on the Eastern and Southern sides of Equestria are like since I never went near them. Although I have heard they are just as tough as the ones I went through. As far as what those barriers are, the one in the North is an allusion created by the magic from the outer world colliding with the arctic storms. It will make you see things and guide you off course. Unless you are already use to wild magic you will become completely at the wim of the allusion and will die to the ice storms." They looked a little put off by that image but I continued. "As far as the west. There are some things you just have to see to believe." They all looked disappointed at that, with a chorus of resounding "awe's" so I decided to give them a hint and a promise. I stood up and took off my shirt showing them the scar that had followed me to this body. It went from my right shoulder all the way down to my left hip with the widest part being about four inches. "Girls this scar right here." I said widening my arms to show it fully. "It is proof of just how hard it is to cross the barriers. Their are other worldly magics at work holding them in place. No one is quite sure why they exist but they are the reason Equestria is called the safest place in the world. I got this when I got to close to the Western barrier and the guardian of that border barely let me live, but if we make it back I promise I will take you all through that border and show you my homeland. After all I am much stronger now then I was back then, and by the end of this I am sure we all will be more then strong enough to cross. Is that good enough for now?" I asked.

Twilight stood raising her glass high and cheering. "To more adventures after we save the world!" She exclaimed loudly. Obviously the drinks having gotten to her a bit. Even so everyone stood and followed suit cheering along with her, and I joined in as well.

As the fire roared and the sky shined with stars. Our quest had only just begun.

Chapter Fifteen Rainy Day

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Chapter Fifteen Rainy Day

Sunset

Rainy days can make you feel many things. They can make you feel lonely, make you feel distant, and to some they can bring happiness. Those people though might just relate to the weather, having a storm inside their soul. Some might have a calm patter of raindrops and some might have a raging storm. I feel like I fall under both of those. My soul always feels like its changing. At first when me and Twilight had arrived I felt like a wind was blowing within me threatening to blow out my fire. As I grew to understand this place though it felt like that fire grew and my inner rain turned to a storm. So I guess you could say I feel like I'm going at full throttle.

When we had found the dead Elder Dragon and Twilight unconscious the storm inside me changed. It felt like a storm above an icy sea. There was no hope and no mercy to the small ship I called my heart. Today though that ship felt like a full fleet and as I looked to our newly appointed leader I couldn't help but feel like I could take on the entire world. Any fight that our future held I would stand tall next to her, she was like a beacon in the storm so to speak, letting me understand my path.

To be truthful after I was defeated I didn't ever feel like I truly belonged with the rest of the girls. They were all so tight nit and upbeat. Living in that light, as edgy as it might sound, just wasn't for me. I chose to be a villain and it was by no means an accident. The happy go lucky life that Equestria had was almost nauseating. I was an orphan and saw the true colors that that rainbow like land was made of. No sympathy came to those that did not live brightly. Anypony that was different or scary was shunned. The orphanage was no different. Less then living was the best way to describe how it felt, the adoption rate was so small that most kids moved out on their own without ever knowing a true home. When I showed a strong affiliation for magic I was taken in by the Princess. 'The strong will succeed' I had thought. So when I learned about the chance of gaining more power I tried to rush it. I wanted to change things. The rest that led up to my downfall was no delusion to be honest. I just didn't want to say that though, I might loose the only life I had left. Now I had a new life and it didn't matter anymore. I will save this world but if given the choice to return.. well... I'd like to stay right where I am. Thinking of a future traveling with Twilight and the others, slaying monsters and adventuring around this amazing place. It made me giddy! I laughed softly to myself as the rain came down washing away my cares and making me feel renewed.

Applebloom

The thunder rolled far in the distance, the clouds having set in that morning. Lookin' round the only thing I could see was a grey haze. Rain only just started falli'n a bit ago. We trudged through the muck, hoping to find some cover before the storm got here. The mountain we were on had a pretty steep drop and I didn't wanna think about being here when the winds picked up.

"Guys look!" Silver called out from her post.

Everyone had to squint to see what she was looking at but whatever it was was flying around. Far in front of us in the sky looked to be a some kind of large monster. It was flying around in circles and sometimes scarily enough looked to be getting closer. I saw Twilight bring out her own spyglass. Having forgot bout' my own I took mine out and the others did the same. What I saw amazed and frightened me. It's body was almost coated with wind, its milk white body had weird spines going down it and it had fierce feelin 'bout it.

"Is that a sea horse?" Sombra asked to no one specifically.

"Oh no." Twilight tore through her pack pulling out a book that had some weird emblem written on the cover. After a quick search she almost looked pale. "This is just are luck." She muttered angrily shoving her book back into her pack.

"What is it?" Diamond asked looking nervous, but even I had to give her props. She had her big ol' gun at the ready. Even if she was scared she was willing to fight.

"Its an Amastu, an Elder Dragon and one so powerful its probably the reason that storm is coming." She responded pointing at the weather. I looked through my spyglass again getting a close look at the creature.

White boney spines went from its pony like head to its fish like tail. The spines bunched more around the head like coral and it had clustered right on its back. Two fins came down from its body kinda like a dolphins. It swayed around kinda like a kite in the wind to, it coulda almost have been pretty if it weren't for how terrifying that feelin it was given off was.

"We have to find shelter and hope it goes away. There's no way we could hope to fight it as we stand right now, and the terrain in not in are favor either." Twilight ordered and we all agreed. Rushing down the path trying to stay out of it's site we eventually found an alcove at the top of one ridge. It was almost perfect, higher up so we wouldn't have ta deal with the rain wash and deep enough that the rain was missing us. It went bout a hundred feet in I'd reckon. We put the caravan between us and the entrance as a way to buffer the wind and we settled in for who know's how long. Making a small fire with a smokeless type of wood from a weirdly named plant.

Sweetie Belle

"This is kinda fun." I said out loud to no one in particular.

"And how exactly is being stuck in a cave wet and dreary fun?" Diamond said sarcastically, she definitely had calmed down since coming here but her old ways including her harsh tone and mean look were still kinda there.

"Well I mean isn't kinda like a camping trip?" At her questioning look I decided to continue. "We'll just like near the lake were all near a fire and roughing it. Why can't we make it fun? There were plenty of stories I've read about a group of adventurers around a camp fire telling stories and singing songs."

"That's all good and well but does anyone here know any stories to top Sombra's from the other night?" Diamond said back chuckling to herself. It hadn't have come out meanly so she was probably trying to actually make a joke. It threw me off a little that she didn't keep the back and forth up like normal until we ended up in some kinda group brawl.

"We'll I don't know about any stories but Sweetie can sing super good!" Scoots chimed in making me blush.

"I can't sing in front of this many people Scootaloo you know that!" I bopped her on the snout in defiance but she just laughed back giving me a have hearted 'sorry' as she smiled. The fire flickered and everyone had gone quite, right up until Twilight jumped up excitedly.

"I got it!" She exclaimed. Everyone patiently waiting for her to elaborate. "Ahem, well I happen to have read a couple good stories and tales while researching and stuff so I think I might have a good story!"

Everyone seemed to get exited at the idea of a monster world story so we gave her the floor so to speak. Soon she started.

A Warning to The Wise

Across the furthest ocean, crossing the largest desert, walking across the coldest tundra, cutting through the densest jungle, and finally climbing the highest mountain. There you will find it. No one will ever believe you if you do. For no one has ever made the journey, if they have no one has ever known. Or maybe, just maybe, they never returned. To make this venture you must steady your heart, because I warn you. Each step you take brings you one step closer to death. It is not glory that waits you upon that peak. Not a prize worth taking have you. A god sits upon that throne. If you ever find yourself wanting to find them, reconsider. You are not prepared. Through any means head my warning. I write this for your own sake. You may be strong, you may be courageous, you may have even conquered the world. But the world may still conquer you...... and for any reason none of these words mean a damn to you and you seek to ignore me like a child. Remember to look him in the eyes when you shit your pants.

Twilight

...........

"What the fuck was that ending?" Scootaloo exclaimed right as I burst out laughing.

"Yeah Twilight where in blazes did you find a story like that?" Applebloom asked looking very confused. The room was full of different reactions. Sombra looked amused. Sweetie was giggling. Bloom and Scoots were both baffled, obviously both at the ending, Silver and Diamond were simply enjoying the expressions the other girls were giving. Sunset simply looked contemplative. Like she was trying to figure out why someone wrote it in the first place. I couldn't agree with her more since I had a similar reaction at first.

"Well I found it in a book called 'Legends of A Drunken Hunter'" I reached in my bag and pulled out a copy. "Look I even bought it!"

"But why?" Asked Silver.

"Well the stories in here might be outlandish but most of them sound realistic..... almost, this story as well as several others in this book sound way to crazy to just put down, I mean it's just completely baffling and entertaining. Then when you get to the end the writer says one last thing to get in your head." I flipped to the last page pointing to it and reading aloud. "To those who have read through this crap, thank you for reading. Maybe you've gotten a good laugh. Could be you're just bored. Who knows what would bring you to finish such an awful book. Just whoever you are, please believe me when I say that every single word of this book, every tale it holds, they are all truth. I am reaching the end of my years and have no regrets. I drank and I traveled. I laid with the most beautiful girls from around the world. Fought monsters that have never even been discovered. I saw things no one would ever believe. So as a last gift, to the crazy, the mad, the adventurers that don't give a damn, seek glory! I left hints within these pages to find the wonders of this already wondrous world. The start to your fun lies across the furthest ocean. They say it's impossible to cross. No boat can make it without being destroyed, no air ship can fly far enough to reach the other side. No land connects to it, but trust me. There IS land, all you must do, ride the lightning."

"What could that mean?" Sunset asked looking over my shoulder.

"Who know? But one line of the book spoke of the place were going to. I think that maybe it's connected." Looking down at the cover I kept my eyes on the several symbols. "Look here. There are many symbols, the four at the center belonging to The Four Swords of the Guild, The north means 'respect for nature' the west 'life as a community' south for 'crafting from nature' and east means 'prosperity from nature' which are the ideologies that the guild follow because of the Ancient Dragon War, but here you can clearly see many more almost burned away. Like her put them there then got rid of them. Based on the condition it probably is a one of kind copy that just got swept up in a book shop. I just got lucky and was the one to come across it. I can't stop wondering though, what could the other symbols possibly have been?"

With no answers and to many questions, I put the book away. We spent the rest of the night chatting and planning. Waiting for the next morning in hopes that the storm would have passed.

Chapter Sixteen Silver Lining

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Chapter Sixteen Silver Lining

Silver Spoon

Journal entry, N: 1, Date unknown, Time: Noon, Mood: ...

I have decided to start keeping a journal as of today. Twilight was kind enough to give me a blank book, turns out she keeps a lot of those with her. It makes me wonder just how much of our caravans weight was book related... but enough of that train of thought. I started writing to keep my thoughts together and in case I die on this very dangerous mission I hope that maybe someone someday will find this and tell my tale. My name is Silver Spoon, and not to long ago I was a pony.... no seriously! Me along with the rest of my hunting party are not from this world. We come from a world far different than this filled with magic, but to go into that would take forever. The one exception is our leader Twilight. She comes from another world too but she was human just like we are now. So where to begin... well I guess I'll just start with my feelings. Up until we came here I lived a really normal life, my best friend Diamond Tiara and me always went around causing havoc, shes good at being a bitch but I love her anyway. We never really struggled for anything, both of are families being wealthy. So despite how its seemed to the rest of the group this whole ordeal has been a major pain in the neck! Working out! Getting Dirty! Camping! None of this was even remotely on my to do list back home. And I know very well that saying all this makes me seem like a priss or some kind of brat, but it's not like we could just form to this world in a day just any way. We adapted to it but not by choice. If things had gone differently me and Diamond would probably be way less into this whole..... hunting thing, but let me ask you this. You have nothing, no way to go home, no hope, and someone suddenly throws their live in front of yours to protect it. What option do you have but to help them? Sombra and Twilight both saved our lives, we agreed to do everything we could for them. It was humbling really, waking up early and training, being disciplined and lectured, wearing our bodies out on the daily, forcing ourselves to eat meat... okay that one was really hard. We did it all for them, but soon enough it became for us to. We talked and talked about how we felt about the whole situation and somehow figured we loved it here. Training at first sucked but it soon became addicting. Swinging around giant weapons was exhilarating, and despite the meat thing being hard to get past at first we found out this worlds food was amazing! Plus in the end, and I'm sure everyone feels this as well. This world was different, like a constant adventure the possibilities were endless! We were a family now, and I think everyone here found themselves just where they needed to be. Me and Diamond's parents were never home. We would spend months without seeing them and when we did they didn't care. Appleblooms parents were dead, Scootaloo was an orphan, Sweeties parents were never around either and her sister was always busy. Sunset was an outcast, Twilight a shut in, Sombra was literally a target for our homes military. So with us bunch of throw away's, being stuck in another world might be just the right place for us to call home. /i]

"Hey Silv's" Diamond said as she glomped onto my back. I sighed closing my journal, she had gotten even more cuddly then normal towards me, she was always like this she even called me her 'little treasure'. So her behavior was something I came to except. Even when I thought about our future I was sure that if she found someone I would be dragged into forming a herd. Not that I really would have minded, she's cute and all and if she would be willing to share me with anyone they must be special. Sometimes I thought she wanted to be my special somepony and the thought made me blush, but after this long and she still hasn't offered I pushed that idea aside. After all we're perfect just the way we are, what would be the point in messing that up?

"Yeah Ara?" She used my pet name so I used her back, we had started using them after we got our cutie marks. It made us feel closer and I liked that.

"You think that story by the drunk guy is true?" She asked as she draped her arms over my shoulders using me like a living stuffed animal. It always made me blush when she did this back in our world. It always looked like she was trying to mount me and in this world her chest poked into me making it just as embarrassing. Thinking about it made me blush harder so I shook my head to clear my mind, thinking about her question helped me focus on something else. It was interesting to think that if his story was true then this world had a place just like where Sombra was from. Somewhere unreachable, unknown to the rest of the world. Seemed like it was pulled right out of a fantasy novel.

Resting my hands on her and pulling them to my chest I tried to come up with something. "Could be, I mean from what I know this world is ridiculously big, the continent were on is huge but they say its one of the smaller locations. Since everything here is so dangerous and just going out of town can lead you into some form of trouble I don't see how its impossible for some secret place to exist out there."

"Yeah you're right." She said twisting herself to the side pulling me down with her. It was early morning and everyone was just mulling about the cave. Me and Diamond were on the far backside where we had set up our sleeping bags. No one really payed us any attention but I was still embarrassed by her lack of situational awareness.

"D-diamond.." I stuttered out as she pulled me against her.

"Yes 'Spoon'?" She said putting emphasis on that particular part of my name. Something she never seemed to get tired of doing.

"Ugh.... never mind." I said giving in and letting her have her fun. After all I kind of liked being her cuddle buddy, she was always so warm.

Sunset

"Aren't they adorable?" I asked to Sombra, he was polishing and maintenancing his hammer. Which in context sounded pretty raunchy. Heh..

Looking up from his work he looked in the direction of Tiara and Silver. He looked for a bit then a grin spread across his face. "Quite cute indeed."

"I always wanted a friend like that." I whispered quietly to myself.

"What about Twilight?" Apparently not quite enough.

"Well um.... you see the thing is me and Twilight weren't really that close until we came here, and even then we still haven't talked a whole lot like normal friends." I replied looking for the right words. It was really confusing to think about, what level of friendship did me and Twi have? This all sounded like some Equestria stuff though so I decided not to worry about it. Being away from the magic and colors really changed your way of thinking.

"Why not though surely you two are close." He looked at me with quinine curiosity. His eyes were always so piercing, I would love to see what he looked like when he was a pony. Although I do really like his human form to. I shook my head gently to get away from the chain of thought.

"Well I guess we have just been really busy?" I wasn't quite sure if that was the reason.

"May I suggest something?" He turned away from his hammer giving this his full attention, I gave him a nod and he continued. "Since we're now all going to be traveling together for the foreseeable future why don't we all get to know each other better?"

I coked my head to the side not sure what he meant. "I mean I'm with you on that but how do you suppose we do it?"

"I'm not sure exactly but if we bring up the proposition to the group perhaps someone would have an idea." He stood walking over to the center of the cave and I followed.

When Blades Fall

I was alone, darkness all around me, the thing had separated us. I needed to make it back to them, I was there wall I was their distraction I was their cannon fodder, it was my job to stand in front of them. Without me who knows how long they could hold it off. So without second thought I ran through the smoke, it smelled heavily like sulfur, imagine a bitter egg mixed with burning logs. I could barely breath and was running out of time before I would have to take another breath, just how far was I thrown? How far did the smoke extend? When I emerged on the other side the site bore into my soul, my companions lay on the ground. It had taken them out after it threw me, the beast must have sensed my power and through up the smoke for cover. Pick off the weak then take out the strong. I had no way of knowing just how much they were injured and I didn't have time to figure it out. A long tail flew down through the canopy the blade that made up the tip clashed against my armored fists, my trusty gauntlets did not fail as a I parried the strike sending the elongated tail into a nearby root. The massive hardwood claiming its prize as the creature could not pull free. I took my opportunity, running forward I leapt upon its tail and kicked the ground hard the tree root shattered and the tail retracted, as it got closer I heard its gnarling cry. Upon breaching the canopy and past the intertwined vines I saw the monster for the first time. Its head was just like a snakes but its body resembled that of a wyvern, like a Nargacuga and a Najarala crossbreed. As the sword tipped tail reached its body I used my momentum leaping off and flew straight at its head. Putting all my might into a single hit I struck its jaw. The sound of bone cracking echoed threw the dense jungle. This new place already was giving us a challenge.
~ The Drunken Hunter, First day into the unknown.

Chapter Seventeen A Rivalry Begins

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Chapter Seventeen A Rivalry Begins

When you least expect it life will throw you into the pit, sometimes you may already be at the bottom and not realize until you feel like cold ground come to meet you. Its harsh but life is often unkind to those who do not fight it. So from a young age I have made it my goal to always take up my fist to the world around me. We live in a world full of wonder, glorious beasts exist all around. Mountains, plains, forests, expansive oceans, and so much more to see. You could go your whole life and still discover something new. That was something I was jealous of, that others would see things that I never would. On that note I can explain the very reason I set out to travel the world. I wanted to see it all.

~ The Drunken Hunter, adventure comes to those who seek it.

Twilight

Sunset and Sombra had approached the group asking if anyone had any ideas how we could all become closer. I was not expecting this to be the outcome of such a simple question. We all sat in a circle on the floor, I was in between Silver and Sunset, next to Sunset was Applebloom then Scoots and Sweetie after her. After Silver was Diamond then Sombra. The suggestion came from Sweetie, I couldn't tell if it was innocence or some kind of cunning plan but she looked joyfully smug. So here we were about to play a game of Truth or Dare. How could this not go wrong?

"So lets start, I'll flip this stone here." Sweetie said standing up. "If it lands on the rougher side we'll start with the youngest, and if it lands on the smooth side we'll start with the oldest. Then from there we'll go counterclockwise around the room. Sound good to everyone?" When No one argued she flipped the stone. It landed on the rough side so we ended up starting with the youngest Scootaloo.

Sweetie sat back down and Scoots began. She pointed across the room to Diamond a playful grin across her face. "Truth or Dare?"

Diamond held her head high, "I choose dare."

Scoots smile grew devilishy big right before she delt out what was probably the most cunning and horrifying dare of all. "I dare you to spend the rest of game naked!"

"B-b-but! That's not fair!" Diamond had gone frantic, back in there world this would have been normal but they quickly learned the specific details about their new bodies. I think all the ponies actually started to find their human forms to have more of a sex appeal based on the conversations I've had with them before departing. Even that wasn't to big of a deal except for the fact that Sombra was sitting right next to her.

"A dares a dare! What are you... chicken?" The evil way she spoke the last word sent a chill down my spine.

"No! F-fine... i'll do it." and with that she stood and slowly and hesitantly started to remove her clothes. One by one a shirt, sweat pants, a bra, and panties met the ground. By the end of it her entire face was like a tomato. The main person of interest to all of this was Sombra who proceeded to reach into a pocket located on the inside of his vest like shirt and pull out a flask. Which he then proceeded to chug from almost desperately. I had a feeling this was going to be a long night.

"I'm going to go get some wood for a fire, continue without me." Sombra stated as he stood leaving the cave.

"Alright up next is Sweetie." I said trying to move thing a long and get the attention off of poor Diamond. Everyone knew the rules so no one had objected but it was still a little scary that something like that was right out of the gate.

"Silver!" Sweetie jumped up pointing to him rather intensely, smiling like a mad woman. "Truth or Dare!"

Silver for her part held herself tightly, briefly she glanced toward Diamond which only caused the poor girl to blush even harder. "I think I will choose truth." A smart choice after what she just witnessed, or that's what I would like to have said if it weren't for the prize winning look that Sweetie gave. As if this is what she had been expecting.

"Alright then, heheh then I have a question for you!" She paused for what must have been dramatic effect. "Do you like Sombra?"

...

There was a long pause as we waited for her answer.

"U-um yes...." Was her barely audible reply.

"Hmmmm, what a shame cus hes going to be mine." Sweetie stated sticking her tongue out.

That's when all hell broke loose.

Silverspoon jumped from her seated spot frantically, "Hey! n-no fair I had my eyes on him first!"

Scoots and Applebloom stood up as we'll both of them giving a defiant glare toward there friend who only smiled back innocently. "That's not fair Sweetie we agreed to let him choose!" Scoots was the first to speak, Bloom following her up.

"Yeah this is cheatin!"

Sunset stood up next surprising me slightly, she looked almost happy with a challenging smirk. "I'm not ganna stay out of this after all he's a prime target! Wouldn't you say Twi?"

I was a little embarrassed getting called out like that but I had to admit he was on my mind as well, so standing with the rest I nodded towards Sunset who looked over to me her eyes were confident and I matched that fire with my own. "Agreed, as the leader I'm not going to let everyone else get a jump on me either."

Diamond jumped up after her. "Yeah same here!" It was at that moment that she realized he position. Showing giving full view right in front of everyone. She quickly ducked down holding herself in embarrassment.

Sweetie despite being challenged by everyone looked as though things went exactly as she had planned. My suspicions were confirmed when she spoke up. "Their you have it, the race is on to win his heart." She winked toward a ever frustrated Silver. "You have quite the competition." She slowly walked over to her and without a second to waste leaned down and kissed her on the lips. The kiss lingered for a moment and her eyes had gone wide. As she pulled away smiling gently at Silver she pulled her hair back presenting herself proudly "and don't worry if I win I don't mind sharing."

"S-s-sweetie!" Silver stammered out, but her look quickly turned to confusion as she gave a small sniff in Sweeties direction. "Have you been drinking?!"

The girl in question chuckled and went back to her spot. "Bravery Juice." Was her only answer.

Things had eventually settled down, but this was just the beginning to tonight's escapades and only the start of what seemed to be the largest love rivalry ever hear of.

Sombra Right Outside The Cave

"I need more whiskey." I decided to actually go and get wood for a fire now. Don't want to make them think I overheard them, that would only make things escalate. So for now I'll just see how things turn out. Humming a tune I made my way down the path loosing myself in the memories the song brought to me. "Far far above hmm hmmmm."

Chapter Eighteen Truth or ****

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Chapter Eighteen truth or ****

Sombra

I had just gotten back from retrieving the firewood, the girls hid their conversation from earlier well. All of them had gotten themselves something stiff to drink making me worry about tonight's events. They had already crossed several lines and this could only get worse. I went and grabbed my own drink before sitting down and for the first time question'd how much alcohol we had brought. Part of the wagon was supplied by the guild and for some reason it included not only one but two barrels of ale and two small barrels of whiskey. They must think that all hunting had to be accompanied by drinking, it did taste great with a plate of meat after all. Sitting down I looked over to notice that Diamond had not switched spots, probably to either avoid being in my line of site or so she wouldn't lose her spot to another. Poor girl was probably embarrassed to death. She noticed me and looked away, her skin was very soft but the muscle that had built up underneath had began to become taught. Looking back at the rest of the group I noticed just how much attention I was getting. Best to move this along. "Alight who's turn is it?"

Applebloom raised her hand and smiled. Pretending to fain ignorance I raised a brow, "What about Sweetie?" My question got an instant reaction and before Bloom got outed Silver Spoon Jumped to the rescue.

"S-she went while you were gone" The silver haired girl spat out quite uncomfortably. I let it go not wanting to actually let them know I had heard them.

"Right so um Twilight truth or dare?" Bloom asked. Our leaders face did not portray a single tell of worry.

"Let's see we had one dare and then a truth so how about I go dare to!" Twilight seemed rather confident. I wondered if the ale was helping or she just naturally was this brave.. "Keep things interesting ya know?"

"'Right! um... let's see" Bloom put on a face of concentration that was quite cute. Her nose scrunched a bit and her eyes crossed slightly. "How 'bout this? I dare you to show us some'thin with them swords of yer's." A rather tame dare after all that had happened but I was quite curious to see what she could do myself. We had been downed when she fought the Altreon and she had done her training in private after she woke. The only one here who knew of her skill was Sunset and she had not said much when I asked her. After we arrived at the town and made sure Twilight was okay I wanted to know how she would be able to do something like take down an elder. She was distraught and worried at the time but a smile grew on her face and she simply said 'Twilights a badass, back home I'd have never believed what I've seen her do in this world.'

"Alright one one woman show coming right up." Twilight went to her equipment and picked up her duel blades, almost immediately her appearance changed. She was in a simple tank top and pajama shorts but it didn't matter. Those swords made her aura feel demonic. I seemed to be the only one who felt it when she wore the gear from that beast. Perhaps a part of its soul still lingered.

We all turned to the main part of the cave, the fire was illuminating around Twilight who stood stalk still in the center. Her eyes were shut and her breath still. Almost like a switch was flipped that put her into combat mode. Raising her right arm level she brought the blade downward again following with the other blade making a circle with them before bringing them together in front. Twirling her hands until the hilts touched. She swept her left legs out and on the ball of her heel lunged forwards lowering her center of gravity and swinging her right leg in front of it coming to a crouch facing us. Her blades spun in a figure eight and moved so quickly that during the moment her body switched positions they hummed in the air. For a moment we felt a gust of air push out from her. Then without warning she began to glow a heat rising from her body as if she had just gotten out of the shower. Her eyes opened for the first time since she started and with it came a demonic glow of power. For that brief moment she was a monster in her own right. I could only imagine the fear that her friends back home might feel to see her now, but as for me I would compare her to a goddess.

The energy faded and her smile grew as she relaxed. Everyone applauded and Sunset ran to hug her. "You mastered it Twi I'm so proud!" She exclaimed and she wrapped the performer in a tight embrace.

"Yeah heh I't took a lot of work and I still can only hold it for so long but I can activate it at will now." Twilight was blushing slightly, if it was from the praise or from the close contact I could not tell, but it did bring a smile to my face.

"So what even does it mean when you get like that Twi?" Scoots asked a look of confusion plastered on her face.

Sunset backed away from Twi, the girl in question turned to Scoots. She gave a huff and the aura returned only to vanish a second later.

"It's a part of my soul, almost like the energy from inside me is leaking out as it courses through my body. All of the weapon type users can actually aquire this power in different ways but its easiest for the duel swords. The techniques that I have practiced are similar to martial arts and strengthen all parts of my body, this allows me to bring out my power that I have inside. There aren't many accounts of other weapon users that aren't G rank or higher using this power or something similar." Twilight finished her statement and walked over to put her swords away.

"What's G rank?" Sweetie asked.

"Theres a ranking system for hunters." I said knowing this myself. "The ranks go from low to high then G. After that is Myth then Kai. After that is Unknown, and then King. The last four are not common knowledge to most because there aren't many of them. Twilight having beaten an Altreon would be ranked G or just beneath it for her efforts by the hunters guild. The Rest of us are unranked as we have not hunted anything with the exception of Sunset if I am correct you're low rank right?"

She nodded "Yeah we only hunted small fries on the way and when I reported to the guild when we got back that was where I was placed into." The fiery haired girl confirmed going back to her seat, Twilight returned to hers as well.

"What could possibly place you any higher then G rank?" Diamond asked as she held her knees to her chest trying to cover herself. She wasn't as nervous as before, the drinks probably having worked their course.

"We'll G rank is for those who hunt very difficult monsters either Elders or smaller classed creatures that have become to strong to deal with and Myth is awarded to those who are intuitive enough and skilled enough to hunt outside the map. Similar to Equestria this worlds map apparently is incomplete but there's a big difference. Part of the unknown part of this world is actually map'd and then part of it isn't. The part that is mapped and how to make it to those places as well as other secret locations is knowledge that is awarded and given with the title, hence the name Myth.

I paused taking a swig from my flask before continuing. "Kai from what I was told means power, and it's relevant to what Twilight was talking about. You see the ability to use ones own power is not easy. We all have energy inside of us that comes from our soul. In Equestria we use the energy from around us to cast magic but we can also use this inner power just like here. That power is much stronger and that strength along with our soul can grow. One must become physically and mentally strong to wield it, this rank represents those that have gone beyond even what Twilight can do and those above it most likely are even greater. I can only imagine how strong those hunters must be.

"Wait before you tell us the last two I want to know something." Silver asked, I nodded for her to continue. "How did you find all this out I mean some of this stuff sounds pretty secret and I can't believe you just found it in a book somewhere. "

"You're right, the truth is I met with an old lady back in town. She was kind enough to teach me about some of the finer points about hunters, I can't say for sure but something tells me she isn't someone to pick a fight with." I chuckled and with this she seemed satisfied so I returned to my explanation.

"Unknown is similar to Myth, these hunters are allowed to hunt monsters that have no description in even further reach's of the unknown world. Other then that there is nothing special that I know of them. The King rank on the other hand is very special. It's not a rank given by the guild but one that's taken from it. Any hunter can claim that rank for themselves but the way to do so is not told. The rank itself almost means nothing because you don't know if they got it for doing something note worthy."

"That's interesting, I guess maybe we'll find out what it is on our mission." Sweetie said.

"There's one other thing the old woman did mention that's got me curious. She said there's technically one more rank, although it's only ever been awarded to one person."

"What's it called?" Twilight asked leaning forward, her thirst for knowledge always there.

"I don't know, she said that she wasn't told what it was or who it was given to. I can't even begin to guess what kind of person would hold such esteem from the guild." I took a swig from my flask again and took out a small pouch of rhenoplos jerky. Always did like snacking while I drank.

The girls decided to make popcorn going about setting up a pan and some variety of kernels we had. After they finished setting out some bowls of the fluffy snack we returned to our game.

Next up was Diamond barely covering herself at this point, I couldn't help but enjoy the view although I tried to keep my mind off of her. Most likely she would be quite embarrassed in the morning.

"Alright m-my turn!" Said Diamond happily tipsy. "Sombra! T-twuth or dare!"

I was wondering when my turn would come and based on the conversation earlier I think I knew what to go with to be safe. "I'll go with dare." I braced myself for whatever she might throw my way.

"Hmmmmmm I dare you to...

And that's when the rumble started. It shook the entire cave and didn't stop, it went on no sign of stopping and if anything it was getting louder. No one said a word as the deafening sound of rocks shaking took over. It had caught all of us by surprise and before anyone could react the cave entrance crumbled trapping us. Twilight was the first to break into action.

"Everyone get your armor and equipment and get to the cart quick! We can't assume this is just an ordinary earthquake!" She was already at her stuff throwing all of it on in a blink of and eye. Each one of us did the same running to our different sections of the cave. I had managed to grab my bag and hammer before all hell broke loose. The entire cave shook one more time as the very beast that we had been seeking emerged from a portal in the ground. For a moment I thought all was lost but then as quickly as it had come it opened up another and flew through the ceiling and vanished. The sound of rumbling finished and all went quiet.

The beast was hard to make out, it's body was so dark that the very outline of it was blurred. I couldn't say for certain what I had seen but it sent shivers down my spine. For a moment everything was okay and then without warning the entire room was covered in portals. They looked different then the ones from before and what else was they were moving. Twilight was at the cart with Silver and Sweetie who had made it back first. The rest of the girls were caught off at the far side by a wave of portals and as for me I was backed into a corner with no where to go.

Twilight had a look of panicked thought on her face but it quickly turned to one of determination. "Everyone listen closely!" She called out everyone giving her their undivided attention. The portals were getting closer and there wasn't a moment to waste. Twilight took a rock off the ground near her and tossed it into a nearby portal. The rock vanished without a trace. "Alright from what I know the portals that have been hurting people have been impossible to enter. These must lead somewhere, get as close as you can to each other and leap as far towards the cart as you can! I don't know what will happen or if we'll end up anywhere near each other but it's are only hope! No matter what if we don't find each other and were all still on this world meet back at Titan Lake! Understood?!" Everyone gave an affirmative.

Sunset, Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Diamond all jumped together holding onto one anther as they did so, just as Twilight's group had a portal sweep underneath them. Running as fast as I could and as far as I could in my tight corner I lept towards the others aiming for a portal in between both groups. "See you all on the other side!" Was all I could get out before I was engulfed.

A rough journey

Though years of practice I have attained my strength. It wasn't always easy and to be honest is still never is or will ever be. The world out their is so big and we know almost nothing about it. The monsters that exist here are able to get so big without ever being seen. What exactly does that mean? It means the world is big enough to hide them, and when I say big I don't just mean it's bigger then we think. A part of me thinks that you could spend half your life and not make it around the whole thing. That would make sense at least to me, and if I'm right I couldn't be happier. A world that big means endless adventure. We find new species every day and have no idea where they come from. I've personally explored four different continents and almost have never seen another human or one of the ancient people. The few occasions that I have would be stories all their own. I've barely scratched the surface of this world. Funny way of putting that too, considering there might even be more to explore below. I plan on seeing it all to, and if I don't that just means I was right.
~The Drunken Hunter, To seek the unknown.

Chapter Nineteen Surrounded By Dreams

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Surrounded By Dreams

The trees grew so large. They took over the sky making the very night appear to be swept up upon their branches and leaves. I could probably stare for eternity but never truly grasp the strength they seemed to possess. Nature's true power shown a glimpse of itself to me in this place. Energy or power who knows what it was, but it was everywhere in this place. I could not tell you what it spoke to me, that spirit, or maybe was it spirits? of the world.

I was in a meadow surrounded by large trees, the ground covered in a damp thick moss. Mushrooms grew around the creeping roots, and vines hung from the curtain like branches.

Everything here was so massive that I had felt like I might have shrunk, but no I was still normal size based on the firefly like bugs floating around brightening up the area in the places the starlight would not reach.

A low rumble moved through the forest, drawing my hammer I was reminded of the Dragon of Night. It had separated us and I would not let it peck me off like this.

Nothing happened...

The rumble seemed to be an earthquake but something was off, almost like it came from above ground not under. As wary as I was I decided that staying here would do me no good. I set off towards the direction that rumble came from. With any luck It would lead me to a mountain that had a land slide instead of a giant beast.

I had been walking for what seemed like forever. The rumble had not happened again so most likely it was not a monster. Trees never got to close to each other so my path was decently straight. Along the way I spotted several deer like species and even a few nocturnal bats. Knowing that these creatures thrived here so well made me feel at ease. They seemed pretty calm but I had learned not to let my guard down.

Moss turned to grass and grass turned to stone, this was looking good for the chances of a mountain or hilly area being near. Soon the trees were only husks and the remnants of a fire were evident. Scorched earth like this didn't just come from any type of fire though.

After a few more minutes of walking I came to the end of the trees and the night along with the forest faded as day break began. Part of me always remembered that blasted Sun Princess when morning came, Luna had been far more understanding but Celestia was in a state of angered delusion when they first came to me. She would not listen and attacked before a word was spoke. Her sister had warned her to not act rashly as she charged me. If only I could see the look on her face at the knowledge of me traveling with her former disciple.

When Sunset had mentioned that last bit of information I had almost spat my coffee. A great breakfast topic if there was any.

Being pulled from my train of thought I took in my new surrounding, and sure enough I could see mountains in the distance. The ground got dryer and darker as it enclosed around those broken peaks leading me too believe it could be a volcano. Looking left and right I saw the forest go on for miles, then as it reached the end of my vision it began to curve. It must have circled the entire area with this destructive force sitting in its clutches.

Another rumble, I didn't believe it even happened at all after this long. Once again it didn't feel like it came from bellow even though my mind thought there might be an eruption, my instincts told me it wasn't that simple. I needed to get a closer look at those mountains.

Two hours of walking and I arrived. Still another fifteen minutes or so from the base of it, but I could see the whole thing up close now. Several large mountains with a chain of smaller peaks leading away on one side. They were a dark black, lava rock for sure. The one issue I was having was making sense of the two largest peaks. One was closer and the other I could see directly behind it. They were almost identical, and if my eyes weren't playing tricks on me the damn things almost looked like wings.

An even closer look was in order I suppose.

Another hour of walking and climbing and I finally had made it to the highest peak. The view was amazing for sure, I could see the entire forest surrounding me. Several patches in the canopy led me believe there were either lakes or monster territory around. To the west I could see storm clouds forming and to the north I saw the trees make way for desert. More trees to the east but as I looked south I was in luck. The forest was completely parted and lead to another set of mountains, it was weird but it appeared that there was a gap in between them as well. If I could survive long enough to make it there I might get another barring.

A rumble again, this time I felt it in my bones. I was certain of it now the source were these mountains. Looking around I saw the center of the peak I was on was hallow. The hole dropped straight down into the wing like structure. Across from me I saw the other identical peak it looked almost exactly the same but something glinted in the sunlight that caught my eye. I didn't want to climb all the way down so I judged the distance. It was about a twenty or so foot jump, which I didn't know if I'd be able to get a hold if I hit it part way down. They did seem to get closer together but I didn't want to take any chances.

Getting my rope out I attached it to my hammer. With a mighty swing I flung my weapon right over to the other side. The weight would support me partially if I couldn't get a good grip on the rocky surface.

Backing up as far as I could with the rope tied around my waste I ran. At the last moment I leapt with all my power, and for a brief moment I felt like I was flying. As soon as I made contact with the side of the peak I started sliding. Digging my fingers in and drawing a bit of blood I managed to slow the decent until I came to a stop.

I took a brief moment to catch my breath then started to climb.

What I found shocked me, it was an iron block and inscribed on it I read.

Welcome weary traveler, you have come far. If you are reading this you are currently in one of two places, the first is a desert in the middle of a giant forest called Mokala Forgotten. The second is the great ocean fifteen miles off the coast of The Tempered Bay. Now don't panic but you are on top of a monster called Dire Miralis, so don't go planting any flags. Now the walk or swim can be pretty intense if you're at either location under supplied or without a boat. I have good news though, every month this big guy right here likes to take a stroll from one spot to the other. Don't know why couldn't care less. All I know is this, if you want a free ride and can jump off the base of his tale wait until the full moon and it's that easy. Good travels!
~TDH

Chapter Twenty A Serpents Bite

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"Cluster together! Sweetie take front Silver to my right!" Right out of the frying pan and into the fire.

It had all happened so fast, we had just gotten our barrings. We were in a golden desert. There were dunes in every direction and the sun shined with not a single cloud to block its rays. We had fallen maybe thirty feet thanks to the portal dropping us out in the air. Thankfully the sand was soft. Far off in the distance birds circled in the sky, the wind barely blew at all so it almost seemed like the world was frozen. We had figured out which way the sun was setting giving us a target direction. We would go South toward the birds. Right after that we found the cart.

It luckily was only a dune over but sadly it was completely destroyed. We were picking through the wooden rubble finding anything still intact. That's when the sand started to shift. At first it was slow just a bit of a trail that moved along but it was hard to not to notice in the silence, it began to circle us making two passes around the cart. We each drew our weapons and prepared for combat. It's first attack came so fast striking out of the sand right at Sweetie, her shield absorbing the entire strike. It recoiled and retreated a few yards giving me a good view of it. It was definitely the largest snake I had ever seen.

The creature was maybe forty or fifty feet long, the plates along its back stood out on either side running up its spine. While its neck was stretched out like a cobra. The fangs coming from its jaw were like swords and its fin like tail swerved around its body so fast ready to trip us up in an instant.

In one swift motion it flung its tail out in front of it, sending pieces of it that landed around us randomly. They almost looked to be giant seeds. Not long after the snake opened it's mouth sending out a screeching roar. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the pieces it had thrown begin to shake. Barely a moment later they exploded sending us back with a loud shock wave.

I decided to press my luck charging forward and entering my trance. I could quickly feel the energy from within taking hold and in a swift motion spun on my heels twirling my blades around me as I passed by its side. I got a few good cuts in but the creature was quick to react. It slithered along the ground circling around me cutting off my path. With no way out I was at the monsters mercy. Raising its head and then bringing it down it buried beneath me, I had only a second to bring my blades out to block as its whole head collided with me casting me into the air. With a landing as graceful as fish launched onto the shore I bounced and then slid across the sand. Fortunately I landed near Sweetie and Silver. Quickly coming up with a plan I drug myself to my feet hoping this would work.

"Cluster together! Sweetie take front Silver to my right!" Coming here though the portal felt like we were being tested. "Right out of the frying pan and into the fire! Let just make sure were not the ones for dinner."

It flung its tail at us again the shards from it coming off and impacting Sweeties shield. Just like before it was getting ready to roar detonating the shards. It had surprised me the first time but not again. Reaching into my pouch I pulled a flash bomb throwing it as fast as I could. "Everyone close your eyes!"

The girls acted quickly and without needing to see it I could hear the bomb go off and the creatures pained snarl. Quickly opening my eyes I rushed forward. "Sweetie give me a boost!" She looked back to see me running at her and caught on fast to my plan, throwing her lance to the side she put both arms in her shield. I leapt up and as I landed on the impromptu launch pad I pushed off while she pushed upward launching me at the monster.

Bringing my swords down onto its spines I spun my body around pulling back with all my might. To my delight its body rocked back with it, revealing the soft underbelly. "Silver pierce arrows!"

"Right!" I heard her yell, not a moment later I heard the monster roar in pain and after a brief pause it fell to its side dead. Once It had collided with the sand I managed to climb off of it and get a really good look. It was sure a hell of a rush and now we had some more resources to make up for what we lost. We probably couldn't take to much but some shells and a couple fangs but that would be enough. Probably was edible to, pulling out my Hunters notes I read through until I came across the snake wyverns section. A very short list but there it was, Najarala. "It says here that the meat can be grilled and tastes just like Gargwa. I guess the whole reptiles taste like chicken thing travels between worlds."

"Sound yummy! I'm starving let's eat soon!" Sweetie said enthusiastically.

I turned to them tucking my notes away. "Good job girls, first time in action and you passed with flying colors."

"Yeah that was intense! Nice shot Silver." Sweetie said raising her arm sheathing her lance onto her back she proceeded to give the bow user a congratulatory hug. The sound of armor cracking could almost be heard through the bone breaking glomp.

"T-thanks S-Wee-tie! Yo-u c... blr can let go now!" She relinquished her grasp on the poor girl and smiled sheepishly. Standing back to give her some space. "Honestly though that was scary, I just tried to remember what Sombra had mentioned during training. 'Relax and think of your opponent as an equal and they become smaller then they really are' was something he said a lot during practice, its what he told us several times when we spared him. Which honestly it was a bit intimidating to go up against what was basically the greatest threat to our country heh..."

"Well what he says is definitely a good way of thinking in this world, but remember never underestimate your opponent. That goes double for yourself as well. If you underestimate your own abilities you'll never know what you can really do." I replied in my best teacher impersonation, getting a bit of a laugh from Sweetie.

"Well said warrior! And might I say what a good fight that was."

The strange voice came out of nowhere. looking around I noticed a silhouette atop the highest dune, the features were completely hidden by the sun behind them.

Raising my hand to block the light I asked. "Who are you?"

Chapter Twenty One Breaking Your Limits

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Forgotten paths hidden in plain site, ancient ones that have existed since The Black Dragons reconning. Kingdoms never heard of, powers unknown to the world. Whole maps uncharted unmeant to be marked in the history books for the sole reason that the unforgiving nature they pose shrouds them. These were the things that I sought and you can be damn sure I left my mark. The Hunters Mark.
~ The Drunken Hunter, On proving merit.

Her dark brown hair swayed low almost completely to the ground, now to say it was long would mean more if her height didn't factor in. Standing a mere four feet two inches. She was smallest of her tribe, but despite all this she was a fierce warrior. She was an Alf belonging to one of the most notorious bloodlines said to descend from The Ancient Ones. They were powerful beings, rumors spread that they had the blood of monsters running through their veins. Uncharacteristic strength stamina and speed for any sentient being. She flew through the tree's on her way to one of her favorite spots. Her dark green eyes scanned the forest as she lept from one branch to another, one of her favorite ways of getting around. Second only to where she was heading.

The brown leather gear she wore was sleek, a soft padded undershirt with a corset style mid guard. Two broad pads covered her shoulders drapping down slightly front and back. Shorts made from a thicker cloth were wrapped at the knee to prevent snaring. Brown leather boots went almost up to her knee acting as foot and leg protection. A simple set for sure, most hunters would believe her to be a novice but one quick look upon her back would beg to differ. Scales that almost shined in the light shone from her sword and shield. The blade was double sided only a foot in length lined through the center in a weaving pattern with the glowing scales. Her Shield was a large contrast to her sword, and quite literally so. It's massive circle frame covered her back going all the way from the top of her neck down to her waste. The same scales were embedded in the center forming three circles closer to the center, the edge of the shield was a lined with a tough leather hide to prevent the metal from rusting.

She had taken to wearing a large straw hat to protect herself from the harsh desert climate that she had just come from, Her tanned exposed body had fared well but the extra protection helped immensely. Reaching down she pulled a leather drinking pouch from her hip, taking a swig before continuing on her way. Hours later making it to the base of the large twin mountain that she had come to know as her favorite ride. Gazing up she noticed something out of the ordinary at the top. Taking out her binoculars she was baffled at what she saw. Probably one of the largest humans ever was at the very top, although with her height judging tall people was difficult. To top it all off the guy had to be doing some of the most bizarre training she had ever seen. He was at the center of a rope spread between the two highest peaks. Balancing on one of his hands with what looked to be a hammer held atop his feet, and if her eyes weren't playing tricks on her she could swear he was doing push ups.

A bit of climbing later and I had reached the top. The man from before had switch to doing pull ups, the hammer still there now tied to his feat to create and anchor weight. His shirt was off and his tanned upper body was covered in sweat. At least I assumed he was tan, the hair that covered his arms and chest was a bit immense. His muscles were large but he was by no means disproportional, the body of a fighter. Long black locks made their way down to his broad shoulders. He stopped moving rather abruptly turning to face me and giving me the first good look at his face, strong jaw and a warriors expression. His deep red eyes were piercing, like this man had seen the world burn and couldn't care less. The strong will held me in place for a moment. His voice breaking me free. "Are you just going to stand there and stare at me all day?"

His question threw me off and made me realize how long I had probably been there. "Oh.... Um sorry bout that. I had seen you training from below and since I was already on my way up here I decided to get a closer look." I gave a small friendly wave before introducing myself. "Nice ta mecha! My names Sol'trabem."

He pulled himself up back onto the same peak I was on, undoing the rope from his feat and standing up. Towering over me I had to crane my neck to just look at him. Reaching down and picking up a small cloth from his belonging's near by, drying his hair a bit and draping it over his shoulders. "Interesting name."

"What do you mean?" I tilted my head.

He thought for a moment before replying. "Where I had grown up that translated to Spell. And the land I lived in after had a dead language that translated it to The Sun Beam. My name actually is quite the opposite of that last one. It's Sombra, or Shadow in that dialect."

"Oohhh that's really cool, do you know a lot of different languages? " I loved learning about different places, it was part of the reason I traveled so much.

"A handful, once I had learned one the others became easier. With a love for adventure it helped me out a lot. Besides I couldn't hear so many great stories if I didn't understand them." His smile when he said that made my heart freeze. I had heard words very similar from my father. Sadness gripped my heart the echo rippled through my mind and my vision blurred, when it cleared again It was nearly ten years ago. My father stood before me his strong jaw brought with it a calm smile, in his hands were the weapons I held so dear. He spoke but I could not hear the words. I remembered them well though, 'The clan is in your hands, I love you Sol.' "Sol?" The sound broke me out of my memories. A single tear found its way to my cheek. "You okay?"

I could only imagine how I looked, so I stuffiness my upper lip and gave a calm smile looking at this new face. It seems I had gotten myself back onto the path of trouble. This vibe I got shook me to my core and my smile almost became mad. Before I could stop myself I attacked, lunging forward drawing my blade and throwing my shield into the air. His reaction was spectacular, hammer to far away and the most confused face imaginable. I couldn't have asked for a better surprise attack. I brought my blade down with both hands straight toward the ground right in front of him. His hands hadn't move an inch 'tch' disappointing. Right as the tip struck ground the pattern on the blade shone and I released a torrent of air propelling myself straight up, twisting my body with my feet toward the sky. I immediately made contact with my shield crouching and kicking off. The scales in perfect sync, a stream of air propelled me even faster.

The entire sequence of events only transpiring in the time it would take to blink once. My blade swung back and I guided it in a sweep aimed right for his neck. Not even half an inch away from making contact I heard the sound of a small explosion. His whole body turned, my attack no longer coming from behind but now from in front; the blade almost digging into his throat. In that fraction of a second I caught a glimpse of his eyes. Unbiding, powerful, and for some reason full of happiness and excitement. A complete turn around from his look a moment ago. My senses heard the faint sound of hissing air and my instinct told me to run. The flow of power changed and my sword was batted away. His stance changed again so quick that I could only barely catch it this time. His right fist was curled at his side his left hand an open palm that had knocked away my weapon. "I apologize" My eyes darted back to his face a cocky grin spread across his cheeks. "I haven't really learned how to hold back yet, please don't die." It was the last thing I head before his stance changed again. His left hand came back and his right extended, again another explosion. His right hand stopped a moment before impact and for a moment nothing happened. Then the power and air followed...

I blacked out for a moment but when I awoke I was souring through the air the ground hundreds of feet bellow me, over the wind I heard Sombra yell. "Hey you! Catch!" Looking for the source I saw the twin peaks and my shield in his arms, he was getting smaller by the moment as I got further and further away. With a quick motion he spun my shield throwing it, sending it flying my way. With no other choice I waited for the moment it came by, with all my might I reached out grabbing the handles on the back. I spun several times but eventually came to a stop and not a moment to soon the ground was coming in fast. I aimed the scaled at the ground slightly turning toward where I was flying, with all my might I let out a blast of air to stop my decent and gritted my teeth as the shield slammed back into me. Dust and sand flew everywhere and when they cleared I was laying on the ground sprawled out but most defiantly alive.

Standing up my knees were shaking bad and I was sore all over. "What in the Rath shit was that!"

Chapter Twenty Two The Reasons To The Why

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Night had fallen over the twin peaks, no star shown in the sky the only light coming from the moon that was hazed by cloud cover; that and the fire at the edge of the woods. The small camp was nothing to celebrate. A few logs for seats. A hammock made from vine and leaves brought in from the lusher outer woods. The fire pit in the center was dug into the ground with large stones laid around it. A half a dozen fish were cooking over said fire, procured from the same woods as the hammock. Sombra and Sol'trabem were each seated, Sombra tending to the fire with a long stick while Sol asked him questions.

"So let me get this straight? That was your solution to swinging your hammer better?" Her baffled expression only grew with his simple nod. The warriors shoulders sinking as she failed to grasp at what would be the most ridiculous hammer user in history's reasoning for developing a completely new fighting style.

"All of this training happened in three weeks? and you did it all to hunt the Dragon of Night of all things!?" Another nod. "Why? How even?!" Her mind just couldn't comprehend this strange man.

"Well I grew to understand that this world had magic, a different kind that is. Magic may not even be the right word for it? Ki? Power? Energy? Hacks? Not entirely sure. Either way I didn't just come up with it in a month, I had been thinking of how I could apply this for years just with no luck in succeeding. It just so happens that the strength increase from eating the fauna and training in search of that power has helped me adapt my ideas to practical use."

"First of all." She cut him off. "What do you mean this world? Second what in the Great Jaggras Ass are you talking about, how did you even do that back there? I'm one of the fastest people in my tribe! Second only to my late brother, and let me tell you he was quick as a Narg and as agile as a Mitsune. But you Mr have just blown that out of the water! So I want to know how."

His brow furrowed realizing what he had just said, the isolation he had during training should not have made him this talkative. He had noticed it back on the peaks as well. Less then a month without companionship should mean nothing to the king who spent a years traveling alone. Yet here he was having a blast. It was strange but so was everything that's happened up until now. Deciding he no longer cared he looked at her for the first time, not that he hadn't looked at her before but he wanted to take her in as a whole. The air she gave off was calm, like a flowing river or a gentle breeze but just like both she had a dangerous force that followed her. Potential to become a raging flood or a powerful thunderstorm. He admired her for that, but her kindness had been the thing that brought upon his curiosity. A warm smile, a gentle presence, a caring and interested look. It almost clashed with her brass personality. With all that he made up his mind.

"For your first question. If I tell you, and I will. You won't believe me." He wore a shit eating grin, a challenging expression for sure. Almost and evil look. It threw her off and made her gulp but she would not back down.

Standing up on her log looking down at the still sitting man, she pointed at him and put on her own bravado. "Try me tough guy!"

He had spent hours regaling the tale to his new companion. From both his past history to everything that had transpired since coming to the world of monsters that she called her home. She had stopped him at several points to ask questions but not once did she laugh. By the time the story was done the moon had reached its highest peak and Sombra had noticed a slight break in the clouds revealing it to be waxing gibbous. He had arrived around three days after the Dire Miralis had returned to this spot. Now with only a few days to spare before the creature moved again he had to train even harder. Returning his attention to Sol he waited, having finished the whole story moments ago there was nothing left to tell.

She did not give any kind of major reaction during the tale. A small chuckle at his companions actions here, a question there, but nothing that would give him any hint that she didn't believed him. 'Maybe' He thought to himself, 'maybe that's her way of showing me that she does believe'. He gave a soft smile and gazed into the fire, remembering the shared dream he had with the rest of the party. Those fires, the dense forest, the beast in the mountain. 'How long would it be until we made it there?'

"So what's next on our journey Sombra?" Her question broke him out of his thoughts and he had to take a moment to process what she had said.

"Our?" Was his only response.

"Of course! How could I not tag along after hearing such on interesting story! I want to see everything myself, and besides my original goal was to find out the source of all the chaos anyways. Thanks to you I have a direct path." She spoke with such confidence that he had no choice but to just go along with it.

"Fine by me I could use someone who's more familiar with these lands anyways." He reached out his hand toward her. "Welcome to the group."

She reached out her hand and met his giving it a strong shake before returning to her spot. "Happy to join!" She pulled out an unreasonably large flask out of what seemed to be nowhere, and with a wicked grin said, "How bout' we celebrate?"

"Hot damn that's the good stuff!" Sol barked out as she took another swig from her cup.

Sombra himself had moved onto his second glass and could feel the familiar burn. "This is delicious, what's it called?"

Standing up with pride she put a fist to her chest, "This my deer new comrade is my special Gammoth Snow Berry Scotch! I used some of the best ingredients I found exploring the Frozen Seaway. This particular barrel has been brewing at one of my base camps at a quest town for about two years now."

"So tell me" He asked gripping his glass in both hands, "why are you after the beast?"

Her response was slow her mood dropping slightly. "Several people in my village were hit by the creatures ability, they are all in a deep sleep. I was told the legend by our chief and asked to set out as the last remaining hunter of my tribe."

"I am sorry that you were given such a harsh task, hopefully we can help one another." His smile was soft and helped her mood.

"What about you big guy?" She pointed an accusing finger at him. "You never told me what that power was"

"Well you know of the Kai hunters correct?" She nodded. "Well my ability is similar to that, I managed to drag out a small portion of my power a week ago and have been refining it ever since. The power itself is just a breathing technique as I said before I have been developing it for awhile but the muscle strength that I required to use it only came from the training and nourishment I received in this world. I use it to flow blood quickly through my muscles, then I use each muscle group at once in one motion. The noise you hear is my joints coming in contact with each other as I release the built up power."

She was amazed by his level of thought, the process to it didn't seem to complicated. That's when she got an idea that made her giddy. "Hey Sombra?" She asked.

"Yes?"

"Would you be able to teach me that technique?" Her eyes were glistening with excitement. He was unsure wether or not it would be a good idea especially with the danger it posed to the different muscle groups within the body. One wrong move and a tendon could tear.

"I have to warn you this could be very dangerous, and I don't mean you could just get hurt. I'm talking about lossing you're ability to fight for the rest of your life." A very serious look crossed his face and he looked her dead in the eyes. "For the sake of helping you I am willing to teach, but for the sake of your mission you must understand the risks."

She stayed silent, the only noise coming from the crackling of the fire and the crickets near by. The fate of her village rested upon her shoulders and she had no idea if she could accomplish her goal. Unlike the rest of her people who were not affected by the monster she was the only one to actually see it. A small glimpse was all it took to make her realize that nothing she had faced in the past would even compare. The power it wielded was to unnatural and its very essence put off a powerful aura. What ever it was it was not something that could be taken lightly by any level of hunter. To make herself prepared even if the chances only barely increased she would take the risk. Turning to Sombra she met his caring eyes with ones of determination. "Train me."

"If that is what you desire then I will turn it into your justice. But be ready, I will not go easy on you." His excitement shown through his warnings and with it put a fire in her belly.

"I wouldn't let you go easy on me if you tried!"

And with that the two turned in for the night, with morning would come a new challenge for Sol. She was nothing but determined.

Chapter Twenty Three Thunder God

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With only days before departure Sombra planned on getting the basics drilled into Sol so that they could do real training while traveling. Sombras concern for his missing companions? non-existent, confident that they would pull through and that everyone would meet at the randevou point. Him and Sol had been going over it all morning and she seemed to get the first stage down. Now was the crucial part, she had to keep her breathing state constant even under pressure. The breathing technique expanded the lungs capacity and strengthen'd them similar to strengthening an arm muscle. Getting the body use to taking in more oxygen and pumping blood faster. The result along with rigorous full body training would be the ability to go beyond normal limitations. Normally the outcome of this alone is powerful but by adding in Ki and infusing it into the body one can take it even further.

As they trained Sombra told Sol stories of his past and of the world he came from, she in turn told him more of the lands he now traveled. When presenting her with the knowledge of the book they had come across. Her response was interesting.

"Well their are rumors of a hunter like that. Mostly stories, the plaque on top of the Dire Miralis is one of them." Was how she started pausing her training. She dropped down from the tree she had been using to do crunches. Wiping the sweat from her brow and taking a drink from her water pouch she continued. "It was said he was the 'Hunter the guild held in highest esteem' or so they say. He even got the right to claim the highest rank, his secrecy and habit of traveling off the grid means that the announcement ceremony was never held and since the only other hunters to receive the rank are long forgotten no one even knows what the damn things called."

The former king sat silent the new information answering many of his unasked questions, all except for one. "So in this book there was a line. 'The start to your fun lies across the furthest ocean' and it said to reach there you must 'Ride the lightning'? What could that possibly mean?"

She was silent for awhile a look of fear in her eyes that he had never scene. The air felt chilled as she spoke only two words, "Thunder Eternal..."

Traveling East, as far as the land will take you. There lies the lands of the gods. Go past their territory and if you make it out alive you will reach the sea. Do not go North for the cold will crush you, do not go South for the sea will break you, and for the sake of your will do not fly above. Past this is the islands of the eternal four fearsome Elders that have commanded respect even among their kin. At the furthest Island you will find Thunder, wisest of the four. If you can earn the blessing of lightning the world will be beneath your feet.

"That was a story my village elder had told us. Those lands are not to be taken lightly by any hunter, Trust me Sombra. Outside of going off grid you cannot get more dangerous." She took a shaky breath. "The strongest hunters go their seeking glory. There are only a total of eight or so quests put out near that place each year. Most are always failed several times until a hunter of the highest four ranks shows up and even then there have been cases of them either not returning at all or never hunting again. The few that do not hold those ranks that succeed are highly rewarded by the guild with new status and honor. The whole region to even reach the place is nothing but defense fortresses and towns made up of hunters and smithies."

She let out a sad sigh and rested her head on his shoulder. "That's where my father went, I haven't heard from him since." The small girl wanted to cry but she would not let herself. She was a hunter! and for her to show such weakness in front of Sombra would be very embarrassing... at that thought she jumped from her new found pillow blushing furiously. "S-sorry!"

Sombra for his part only placed a hand upon her shoulder. She was slightly taken aback but the look on his face calmed her. He held some odd feeling of power and strength that reminded her of an Elder Dragon. It put her at ease. "Your father was brave and if he has you to return to I would like to believe he will." His words were but kindness but with it her sadness melted.

The training continued on grueling as it were, Sombra had altered the regimen to fit her smaller size. Sure by the end of it she would never be able to wield as much strength as he did but that was not the goal. Her light and agile frame would work perfectly and her already flashy and random fighting style could be hammered and tempered with her growing ability. Things were looking up for sure but time would be the one to tell if it would be enough.

With a day of practice they turned in for the night to rest.

Days had passed the two working together to hone their skills and prepare for the journey. Thanks to the help of his new companion, Sombra was able to make out where he had to go. About halfway between here and Tempered bay they would have to get off of the Dire Miralis and head East for another three days. That would lead them right to Titan Lake and hopefully to his friends. The sun was about to rise and the moon had reached its full beauty that previous night. The creature would supposedly stir not long after day break. The mystery behind its travel was unknown and from what he had learned about it from Sol, Sombra was even more confused. The creature was an Elder Dragon but not just any. Dire Miralis was a black dragon. Supposedly only three known species of them exist. They themselves are beyond powerful and many a hunter would not dare confront them. This one in-particular is known for destroying ecosystems and islands just by being near them. From what Sol said the one they were stood atop of at this very moment was completely docile and never attacked anyone. No one knows why but what they do know is at some point the one and only Drunken Hunter had taken it for a ride and the thing didn't mind. Now any passerby that isn't to afraid and wants a free trip does the same.

As the first light of day hit the monsters back, the ground shook.

"Far away the heroes must travel.
To a land of past and a history unraveled.
Seeking the elder unhindered by time
The knowledge they seek lay at the end of the climb.

Thought only lore, a myth truly feared.
Those that pay the price permanently adhere.
Others like it will never be the same.
For both hunters and elders run from his name."

Twenty Four More Legends

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Far off on the unknown path
One thousand miles to the forgotten throne
Each step I take leads me one step closer
To that place the one had set in stone
Gods did tred upon it's ancient soils
For no man or alf dare dig up a bone
The days have marched, the world re written
The sins of the past they must atone

Twilight sat still a cold shiver had run up her spine, she could not tell if it was the rather intimidating nature of the man in front of her, the context to the tale, or the cold night air of the desert that had caused the feeling. The one in question had shown up right after the three of them had taken down the snake like monster Najarala. He introduced himself as Vaga, he was on his way from the north heading toward Shana. The route to the main capital happened to pass right through Titan Lake and the girls could not be in better luck. He had already agreed to lead them there and as they set up camp for the night they had told him of their predicament. Twilight was going to leave out the part about their otherworldly nature but it turned out the meeting was not completely fates encounter.

He was a Kai hunter that had been contacted by Mogas Elder, it would seem he was still looking out for us. Vaga was asked to meet with us as Titan Lake on his way to a hunters meeting regarding the Dragon of Night. His knowledge of kai and hunting would be a great asset for the group to learn from. When night had settled and the fire began he had started regaling them with legends. The first of which they had just heard which was called 'A Path to Tread' and with what Twilight had known already about the 'Legend of The Black Dragon' she could already make out most of the meaning and something told her that one day she would wind up at that destroyed kingdom. It had seemed that this world had a knack for casting them into the fire.

"I have a question." Twilight had spoke. Vaga was across from her on the other side of the fire. His full body cloak, which was a dark tan color covered everything and even his face was bandaged up. The only thing she could see was his dark red eyes. He gave a brief nod for her to continue. "' The one' that had set the place in stone is referring to Fatalis correct?" He gave a brief nod once more. "Then who are the other Gods?"

A moment of silence was held at the question the fire crackling silently in the night, Sweetie and Silver sat to Twilight's left both leaning on one another and sharing a blanket underneath to keep the sand away. They looked from Twilight to Vaga wondering what the man could be taking so long to think about.

Clearing his throat first he then sighed. "It is sad and based on that letter you found you probably already know. The alfs had thought themselves as better then the monsters sure, but by the end they had began to believe they were even more. The Wyvern Machine Soldier you had come across, what they did to achieve such a disgusting feet. There are lines that no one should cross, researches have gone to where you found the one and have determined it should not be able to escape under its own means. The frightening thing is they believe we cannot destroy it if we uncover it from the ruble. That is the power those ancient people were capable of and the reason the Fatalis destroyed them. They may have been Gods but only in their own image."

He looked to Twilight she was strong and had a tough journey ahead of her, he was hesitant to help her though. Natural talent can be easily led astray, they have seen the darkness monsters can bring but not what other people were capable of. Knowing better then to shun her he instead decided to guide her.

"The power you have wielded is a taste of kai that all duel blade users feel, it's a bond that some say is the spirits coming back to lend a hand in battle. Your own strength has yet to take shape and I need you to understand that as you grow in body you must also grow in mind and soul."

"I understand." Twilight putting her hand on the handle of her blade. "I want to use my strength to explore and help my friends but first I need to train so that I can stop this dragon."

"That goes for you two as well, any can wield power but they also need to choose how to use it."

"I want to be useful to my friends." Said Sweetie a smirk on her face.

"Me two, we need to get stronger." Silver chimed in.

"Then let me tell you all something, kai is very special." He paused for a moment and let his inner power build and flow. "It is not only something for combat but instead an expression of your very soul." Silence fell once again but only for a moment, power slowly crept from him and seemed to merge with the fire. Images began to appear in the flames and a melody began to flow from it with it in a soft and slow harmony he sang. With each line a new image.

Dark clouds on the horizon
Thunder as the rain falls
Breaking the silence
Roads ever weaving
Soul ever seeking
The hunter's mark

Face the wind's bitter fingers
Shadows as the night falls
Fear in the darkness
Roads ever weaving
Soul ever seeking
The hunter's mark

Wilderness wild and perilous be
Deep in the heart of danger
Wilderness wild and perilous be
Filling your heart with fire

Mountains rise in the distance
Stalwart as the stars fall
Fading forever
Roads ever weaving
Soul ever seeking
The hunter's mark

Face the world as the hero
Fearless as your blade falls
Striking the heart
Roads ever weaving
Soul ever seeking
The hunter's mark

As the music came to an end his power returned to him, the girls sat in awe. "You can do many things with what I can teach, do not only think of violence but also prosperity."

After his song he returned to his seat and the night carried on. The stars shone bright over the desert and the calm wind barely made a sound. Twilight had shared some stories from her own world and Sweetie and Silver had chimed in their own misadventures from Ponyville. Her duel blades at her hip she could hardly believe at this point that her main goal had just been to visit Equestria. Now her in the wilds hunting to survive and adventuring with unlikely friends her mind was made up. She would beat this dragon and make a new life for herself. Twilight would be a name that would go down in history just like these tales of old that Vaga told them.

"I have one more and then we should all get some sleep." Vaga said stocking the fire as he waited for their attention. "There are many monsters in this world, some more powerful then others. New species appear all the time and with each one our understanding of nature grows. One such creature is very famous and soon you'll know why."

The girls leaned in ears eager to hear another story. "There was once a fisherman who live alone on the coast, the village he called home further inland was precious to him despite his solitary nature. Many of his younger years he spent there but now he had a new ambition. Through his fishing he helped the village grow and stay prosperous and for it they adored him. It was like this for many years until one day the fish disappeared."

"Where could they have gone?" Sweetie asked confusion on her face.

"The man wondered the same thing. So with his small boat he set out to deeper waters in hopes of finding the fish and for miles he sailed until he spotted a strange island. Its jagged shores and dark peaks winded high into the air and almost seemed to wind into themselves. He was puzzled for he could not recall and island anywhere near his home and in his confusion he pressed fourth to explore. Pulling along his boat he found a jagged rock to anchor at and headed ashore. He walked for what seamed like hours to reach the top and his curiosity only grew as he climbed. The path was almost like a road, sometimes it would cut off and he would have to climb but it would only lead to another road. Sides lined with jagged rocks leading him higher and higher. It was not until he reached the top that he had realized his mistake. The last road ended and was blocked by a gigantic boulder. Getting closer the boulder started to take on features and with growing horror he made out what it was. The head of what he assumed was the worlds largest snake sat along the road, but that is when he realized it was not a road but the body of the creature. Covered in rock and sentiment the snake had taken on the appearance of and island."

"Did he make it out alive?" Silver questioned her childlike worry very precedent.

"Oh he did, as quietly as he could he returned to his boat and set sail for home. He warned he village and hunters were brought in, that is how the people learned a Dalamadur one of the most powerful known Elder Dragons has set up home off shore. With the help of one of the largest fleets of hunters and anti Elder ships they were able to drive off the snake and the man learned that even in a world of monsters you can still be surprised."

With plenty new stories and information to mule over the group retired to bed. Taking turns at watch Twilight was the first to stand guard. She decided to spend her time training as she waited for the moon to reach its peak. Her only lesson so far on hot to channel her kai had been a brief explanation that Vaga had given her on how despite being similar in nature all kai was different and that by reaching a certain physical state and mental state one could bring it forth. The actual strengthening and refining of the power was achieved through more physical training and using the power as if it were its own muscle. Reaching in Twilight grabbed hold of her inner strength and pulled it fourth unsheathing it in her mind like a sword. In her minds eye she was surprised that she saw two more auras shining next to her. The duel blades seemed to have a soul of there own, their calm power radiating outward and reaching for each other. Two partners in an eternal dance, she had heard that all weapons had a soul but never knew that it was true.

Focusing back onto her own soul she looked at the sword in her hand and she tried to think of how to make it stronger, thinking of the qualities she looked for in a sword. She tried to work on those first and apply them to her soul. Balance, the key to any good weapon. She had to find its center. Flexible but strong like a great tree in a storm. Well built and made of the right materials, she had to forge herself. Finally she had to be sharp, able to cut her way forward on her path. But a sword cannot just become sharp through forging, it took meticulous grinding and patience to get that way.

As the others slept she trained her blade, the moon rose and she turned in Vaga swapping with her his only comment being a slight nod in her direction before taking his position. As she went to sleep she couldn't help but smile at the progress she had made.

As morning came the group made breakfast, Silver and Sweetie having already been awake after taking third watch. They had gathered almost everything from the cart. With a little engineering they made a make shift sled out of the broken parts and tethered a rope long enough for two to comfortably pull. This would allow the other two to guard the group from the sides. Their morning meal was a soup made with pieces of the Najarala they had slain the previous day, stock cubes with a bit of water a few herbs and a couple large mountain potatoes.

After eating he went over the basics of kai with the girls once more before they set out. There plan was to exit the desert and while they made their way there Silver and Sweetie were to try and get an image of there power and an idea of what they wanted from it. Once they arrived it would be time for practical training.

Or so they thought, not long after they set out a large bird swooped down. It almost looked like a cross between a vulture and an eagle. The strange creature got closer and closer coming right at Vaga. Sweetie was going to call out but Vaga held out his arm in the ready and before anyone could react the large bird landed on his extended limb. He reached onto its leg and opened what seemed to be a tube. From it he pulled a scroll, closing the tube once more the bird took off almost immediately. The three waited for him to read the parchment, once he had finished it he tucked it away under his robe and sighed.

"It looks like I'm needed in the east. It seems they cannot decide what they want to do with me." He turned to them bowed. "I am sorry but it seems you must take the next step on your own. Be confident in yourself's and trust in your journey." They said there goodbyes and away he left. Leaving the three to continue on through the desert, alone again but now with a direction.

They had been walking for awhile, Sweetie pulled the supplies alone now but didn't seem to mind. Here unusual stamina and strength seemed to come from nowhere. Silver thought to herself that it might have been a compensation for her lack of magical talent back in Equestria. Her mind turned away from Sweetie and back onto her kai training. Painting a picture of what she wanted was easy, the issue lay in her confidence. She didn't believe she could do it. As an earth pony through and through she had always dreamed of what it would be like to wield magic. Dreamed so much in fact that a dream was all she believed it to be.

Sombra's words broke through to her. "As for me saving you you can thank me by working hard so I don't have to do it again." She paused for a moment before shaking her head. This was something she had to do. Sombra had probably already passed them. If he was really the fearsome King that all of Equestria feared then he would take this world by storm to. Monster Vs King, the ultimate showdown. She would be there by his side no matter what it took. With new resolve she took aim in her mind. A target painted on her goal not in sight but not out of reach and next to her, floating in her soul was an arrow. She planted her feet and the arrow fired. Taking off she ran at its side, to the far off target. Who would make it there first.

Sweetie pulled the sled. Step after step she built up energy. From within and around her, from the very beginning she sensed it. There was something she could do! She was not useless, her own magic was this. A shield tall and proud took shape to her right. Her friends smiling faces reflected from it. She would do anything to protect those smiles. To her left a fearsome lance. It's deadly gleam reflected a part of her she didn't want to except but she needed it. This world was dangerous, this was no game and she new it. Her happy exterior wasn't a facade but that wasn't all she was. She had desires. Sombra was one of those, what she did back in the cave was not only a challenge but something to draw them all together. A single point, Twilight may be the leader but he was on everyone's mind. Here in a new world her heart had chosen someone. Glances taken hastily led to fluttering butterflies in her stomach. So with everyone on her mind she took another step. Strong, Powerful, Building, Forward, Forward!, Forward!!, Forward!!! With every step she would build her power until nothing could stop her in her tracks!

Twilight's mind was calm, her thoughts organized. So why couldn't she stop thinking about him? After everything had calmed down she had started to remember the cave. Everyone chose to fight over Sombra, he was definitely important to her but did she think of him that way? If she had to describe her feeling she would say they were similar to how she felt about Sunset... A blush graced her cheeks but soon was washed over by a smile. All that could wait for later. She was the leader, the commander and captain of a new group of hunters. They needed to make it back to one another, tomorrow they would start training. Waiting till they were out of the desert would take to long. Once they were out they would reconstruct the wagon for land travel and train on the way. She had an idea on how to do that but it would require some work tomorrow to get going. It was time to put her role to work.

Night had fallen once more, the calm wind rolling across the desert dunes. Camp was simple with the back of the sled acting as seats for the girls. A fire in front of them for warmth. Twilight was in the middle Silver to her right and Sweetie to her left. It was the later that broke the silence.

"So Twilight I've been meaning to ask, your from a parallel world right?" She looked to the studious girl turned monster slayer the tilt of her head reminding Twilight of a cute kitten.

"Yeah I guess you could say that. Supposedly everyone at my school and around the city had a counterpart in your world. From Sunset's research it seems the further you go away from the portal the lesser the similarities get." She replied in her teacher like manner.

"Wouldn't that mean the portals making copies or something?" Silver asked confusion on her face.

"Not rely, at least I don't think so. I think its more like since things there are so close together or even overlapping in a weird sort of way the chances of things happening similarly are much higher." She looked to her companions both seemed to be deep in thought.

Almost simultaneously they replied. "What's my other self like?" Glancing at one another they blushed and then started to laugh. Twilight admiring the scene let them settle before replying thinking about how to answer as she did.

"Well I don't rely know you both very well in my old world. Silver I see in the cafeteria with Diamond all the time, they both are popular in there grade and seem to draw a lot of attention. They don't really do much though almost like just average teenage girls. Then there's the other Sweetie, I know her a bit more because of Rarity. The girls quite air headed and tends to say the wrong things all the time. Bumping into stuff and running around with her friends. Quite honestly its hard to believe their anything like the two of you outside of names. Even your human forms are different, that might be from coming to this world first though. Not completely but just enough to throw me off, not that that's a bad thing though! I think your both much cute and attractiv......." Her ramble came to an end with the realization of what she had said. Turning her head back and forth she quickly took in their smug grins.

"So Twilight..." Sweetie said leaning in closely. Pushing her chest against the nerdy girls arm.

Silver did the same following Sweetie's lead before continuing for her. ".... you think were attractive huh."

The blush on the girls face could probably have been a beacon for any nearby monsters with how bright she turned. Her embarrassment got only worse when Silver put her hand on her thigh. The feeling was like a sugar rush and a work out all at once making her quiver. Sweeties arm quickly made its way around her waste and at this point there was no part of her that wasn't being immersed in her friends grasp. "G-girls! P-p-please..!" She gasped out all of her former composer gone.

"You here that Silver? She wants us to stop. Or was that a plead to continue?" Her evil grin grew wider as she grasped Twilight's rear. She let out an audible gasp and a slight moan came with it.

"That sounded pretty convincing to me Sweetie it would be cruel to stop now." Silver brought her hand up Twilight's leg making the girl squirm, this was beginning to be to much fun for the pair. There leader was giving them to many opening but nodding to one another they let up.

Twilight collapsed back onto the sled panting and gasping for air, her face red as an apples. When she caught her breath she looked at them with teary eyes. "Y-you two are cruel..." Both of there smiles fell.

"Twilight I'm so sorry!" Sweetie started.

"Yeah I've never done anything like that before I got carried away!" Silver said panic in her voice.

"Me either I was just caught up in the moment I swear I didn't mean to make you feel bad." Sweetie was almost on the verge of tears and Silver wasn't far behind.

Twilight pulled herself together and sat up. Rubbing her eyes she reached out and pulled them into a hug. "L-look.... i'm not mad... I j-just was surprised okay. I actually kinda sorta.... liked it." She froze up for a second but continued anyway trying to get control of her shaky voice. "I never though I would do anything like that in my life......."

"Y-yeah me to..." Silver said a light sniffle from making Twilight sad. "I'm sorry Twi..... can you forgive me?"

The girl in question only hugged them tighter. "I said I'm not made okay. I.... well I like you both......" They both leaned back to look at her, all three of them had become wrecks at this point. "I thought we were all fighting for Sombra though?" She looked to Sweetie. "To be honest I was having feelings for Sunset before.... please don't tell her I said that! but I wasn't going to lie to myself and say I wasn't interested in Sombra to so I joined in. Honestly I've been really confused about the whole thing."

Sweetie wiped her eyes before smiling. "I started liking him after I noticed Silver's crush on him." The bow user blushed and tried to look away but Twilights arm brought her back. "The idea was put in my head and I started looking at him differently, but I was also worried about everyone else. The more I thought about it the more our group of misfits couldn't handle a couple in the middle of it. So I got an idea..."

"Truth or dare..." Twilight whispered.

"Exactly! If I could get everyone's feeling's out in the open or get everyone to start having those sorts of feeling's then maybe it could drive us all girls together for a common goal!"

"Sombra's that goal?" Silver asked.

"Well yes and no." She stood up proudly before them. "He is the object of everyone's affection but it seems to me like all of us had similar feeling for one another as our friendships grew stronger!" Silver quickly thought about her thoughts on Diamond as Twilight did the same for Sunset. "So if we can merge all these feelings together toward's the one all of us are looking at the most then we could grow even closer as a group!"

"But how do you know hes the one everyone's looking at Sombra more?" Twilight was confused as to how Sweetie had come to such a conclusion even if she wasn't really wrong in the case of the ones present.

"Are you kidding me Twilight?" She merely cocked her head unsure how to respond to that. "Sombra's fucking hot as shit! Have you seen him? and on top of that every one of you is constantly ogling him when you think no ones looking! The guys caring as hell and so amazingly cool, I cannot believe no ones tried to jump him yet. For fucks sake he saved Tiara and Spoons lives! They have like no judgment from anyone if they tried to go for him!"

Silver and Twilight only blushed at being called out like this. Silver tried to speak up but couldn't think of anything to say.

"So are you to on board or not?"

The two paused and looked to one another, Twilight shrugged and Silver did the same. Neither could deny anything she was saying so why not. "I'm in, but are you sure this won't just lead to everyone fighting over attention?" Silver said unsure of herself. She wasn't the jealous type and she did plan on following Diamond if she could anyway.

Sweetie put her hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about it I don't think any of us cares about one person more then another, besides I had always wanted a heard relationship! A big family to call my own hehe."

"A heard?" Twilight asked.

"It's a big group of lovers with usually a stallion at the center! Since male population is low in Equestria there pretty common, although it's becoming less so because the new generation has a lot more lesbians." Sweetie stated as a matter of fact before sitting back down.

"Huh interesting...." she thought to herself a moment before stealing her nerves. "I care about all of you so much, I wanted us to all to be together long after this battle is over anyway. How could I say no?"

Sweetie let out a loud Squee before tackling the two of them onto the sled. With that the three of them had decided to turn into bed, the long day of walking and the emotional events that had just transpired taking a toll on them. They took turns at watch as usual except the person keeping watch now also being used as a lap pillow for the others. Twilight was up first and as she looked down at the two of them she couldn't help but feel that she could get use to this.

They made there way out the desert, a strong sense of kinship now with them and a few new goals to meet when they returned. As they made there way threw the desert Twilight had hatched her new plan for training. With one pulling the sled and one taking watch the third would train atop the sled. Taking turned using different methods of training including meditation, combat forms, and none stop sit ups squats and push ups. Twilight was determined to get the two of them and herself ready for the up and coming battles. Finally having mad it to grassland once more they took some nearby trees and with a bit of Twilight's ever growing random knowledge of things managed to construct new wheels for their transport.

With there goal ever closer they decided to rest for the day, having fixed the cart and the combination of none stop training and walking the needed to take a break and recharge their batteries so to speak. Having come across a river not to far away the trio set up camp near the shore.

"Hey Twi?" Silver called out, she was knee deep in the water wearing a pair of white shorts and a brown tee. She stood still above the water with her hands at the ready.

"Yeah Spoon?" Twilight called over from a small cloth on the shore, she was still getting use to saying her name more casually. She wasn't use to being this close to others on an emotional level yet but the two insisted she was still being to stiff with them.

"What kind of fish would even be in this river? Would they be safe to eat?" She wiped her forehead an resumed her hunting position. Sweetie from further down steam who was in a similar stance called back.

"I hope whatever we catch is tasty!"

Twilight thought for a moment trying to piece together here mental map. "Hmm this should be the central region of this continent so it could be a lot of things, but from what I know there aren't any poisonous fresh water fish native to this area."

"Leave it to you to know something like that, you really study up." Silver chuckled at the somewhat downcast look on Twilight's face, the ever studious one that she was she had always been made fun of or outcasted for her love of reading and studying. Noticing her friends discomfort she added. "It's one of the things I admire about you."

Twilight blushed at the comment letting out a quite "thanks" before going back to a book about moss she was reading. The exact title was 'Moss, and other moist things' but she wouldn't tell them that in fear of the teasing it would get her.

As she lay there enjoying the nice day she couldn't help but wonder what the others were up to.

Chapter Twenty Five Omens Showing

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Sombra's day could be going a lot better but of course it was him so it wasn't. Him and Sol had ridden the Elder to the mountain pass where they could leap from it. If they didn't get off high the climb to the top of the mountain pass could be potentially fatal. While getting off in between the two ridges would create almost a straight shot east toward Titan Lake. Climbing itself wasn't that dangerous but the monsters Sol had mentioned belonged to this region were tough and smart. They used the Elders presence as a sort of post, staying along the edge of its home leaving only one side of their territory to guard from invading monsters and because of the sort of aura it put off smaller weaker monsters tended to stray far away from here leaving only the stronger ones to reside.

They had managed the jump and had long since said goodbye to the Dire Miralis. The path between the peaks was quit beautiful, covered in green grass and wild plants it was a stark contrast from the snowy mountains from before. Walking along the path Sol had started up a conversation asking about his past once more specifically what he looked like. A small smirk crossed his face. "I was a stallion, but nothing like the horses you have here in this world. Specifically I was a unicorn one of the three pony races and the one that could directly wield magic. Similar to the thing I've heard you call a Kirin I suppose although those exist in our world too."

She paused and looked at him in thought. "How do you mean nothing like here? and really? Kirin's in your world?" Her head tilted with each question, he honestly couldn't tell if she was trying to act cute or was just naturally like this.

"We'll you see the best comparison I could give would be between humans and monkeys, sure they have the same appendages aside from a tail but in truth they aren't comparable in looks past that. I'd say us ponies are much more attractive then your horses." He added a eyebrow wiggle to accentuate his words at which he was awarded with chuckle and a shove from his much smaller companion, one that surprisingly budged him a bit. Girl was strong he supposed. "As for the kirins, they are almost completely different in appearance except for the equine shape. Their also sentient and speak the same language as the Equestrians."

"I guess I'll just have to see what you look like in that form with my own eyes one day won't I?" He was going to respond when the shock wave hit. A bolt of lighting that was way to big to imagine sent the two flying back. When the dust cleared the source was revealed. Coated in electricity was a giant wolf like beast.

"Zinorge, get ready!" Sol drew here weapons and rushed to the side drawing it's attention. Sombra readied his hammer and went the opposite direction.

Using the wind from her shield she launched herself in the air, putting it behind her she once again launched herself this time directly at the monster her sword thrusting forward. Just as she was almost in reach it released a wave of electricity. She managed to bring her shield in front just in time to only get knocked back. As she landed she noticed the electricity begin to disperse. That's when Sombra made his move, the shotgun like noise of his body lunging all the way from it's tail to it's head made it seem like he just materialized there. Just at the creature made eye contact another loud blast followed by a second one being Sombra's body, the other being the sound of his gun hammer clicking into action. The fiery explosion that followed sent Zinorge reeling back and snapped one of it's horn's.

Not letting up the attack he lunged forward aiming for an upper cut on its jaw but before the blow landed the wolf spun his head avoiding the attack and with its momentum it leapt up into the air bringing it's body down directly next to Sombra. The lightning blast that followed hit him square on sending him flying back into a nearby rock, his harden body cracking the stone on impact but not without knocking the wind out of him. Looking up he saw the monster charging him and was about to prepare to dodge when Sol joined the fray. She had been off to the side charging up a massive amount of wind in her shield. Waiting for the right moment she released all of it sending herself flying faster then the beast could react. The moment her sword made contact with it's neck it was over, piecing through she brought it down with one strike.

The two dusted off and took a look at their pray. Sol had noticed something strange about it during the fight and brought it up to Sombra. "Your right" He said "There was this black like mist when I hit it's mouth, didn't seem normal."

She flinched at the new information. "I have bad news Sombra." She cleaned her blade before returning both her weapons to their holstered position. "We've got a Gore Magala on are hands."

The day had passed smoothly, they had harvested as much as the could from the Zinorge and strayed from the main path. The mountain's were much bigger than Sombra had expected and almost seem'd to contain several smaller ecosystems within them. The misty peaks they had started at gave way to much more dense forest. From here they would make their way along the mountain ridge and eventually make there way down crossing more lakes and hills until they made it to the rendezvous point. Taking this way instead of the highest point of the path would allow them to spot tracks and marking's either letting them get the drop on or avoid Gore. Setting up camp inside a small cave they made themselves comfortable for the night. Moss, vines, a few logs and the entrance was hidden. A small smokeless fire came courtesy of some woody mushrooms that grew in the area called "False Firewood Fungi" the name of which gave the king a good chuckle.

As they cooked up some of their last matches meat Sombra question'd Sol on the their new threat. "So what type of monster is Gore Magala?"

Taking a piece of meat off the fire with her carving knife she blew on it before taking a quick bite. With her mouth full she answered "nwat shure" he gave her an amused smirk but she swallowed and continued. "It's not really common you see."

"Then how did you know what it was right away?" He took his own piece and dug in.

"Well it's pretty well know, the thing shows up in ecosystems and infects monster's those monster's go berserk attack more monsters and spread it's virus. If the one affected doesn't overcome it they die. Then along comes Gore ready to eat it's easy meal. It's technically an elder but I think that's just because they couldn't figure out what it was related to. Probably came from the far off reaches of the world or something and started making nest's here. After all it's a pretty recently discovered species.

They idly ate as the night carried further on, clouds carried over and rain began to fall. The smell of wet moss and dirt carried in through the hidden entrance. A brief sigh of content came from Sombra, Sol looked at him in wonder before voicing her thoughts. "What are your companions like?" Her question seemed to reach deaf ears as the silence continued but before she could ask again he answered.

"They are strange, I told you of my past life but they are only stories to you. To all but one of them those stories are a cruel reality. Who I was, what I did, all of it left a real mark on the history of our world. I am sure that my rise and downfall shall be passed down in books for centuries all without them knowing the whole story." He sighed again no different from earlier and it made her puzzle.

"Doesn't that make you mad?" The thought of all those people hating such a kind man made her furious.

"Not really, my life and decisions were not always the right ones. Besides that's my point, those girls believed me despite what I've done being so real to them. The reality unlike a story is less likely to be ignored or forgotten. So when I say they are strange I mean they are unique. Each of them is very brave, Silver, Diamond, Sweetie, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Twilight, and Sunset. Despite such unbelievable odds they all took up there weapons and began this journey, unlike you or me who have become accustomed to fighting to survive they have all lived mostly comfortable lives until now. Although they themselves were not comfortable, all realizing in their hearts that the lives they lived were surrounded by those that despite having a friendly demeanor were in reality cruel and selfish. Putting up a mask until now where they are putting themselves through hardship happily knowing they can be true to each other."

"Sounds like you found good companions..." Sol who had been alone for so long now felt a pain of jealously in her heart and was mad at herself for it. Thoughts of her missing father passed through her mind.

"And now so do you." She looked to him confused only to be met with the kind smile that she was beginning to love. "When this journey is over and when we've defeated that bastard you are more than welcome to continue to travel with us."

Cheering up she smirked back at him, "Is that your way of asking me out big guy?" She chuckled to herself.

"You'll have some competition with that it would seem..." Noticing her confusion he decided to tell her about what he overheard before being separated.

After finishing the story with a newly drained mind he gestured to her. "And there you have it, apparently i'm more popular then I thought."

Sol thought for a moment in a daze a mix of feelings spreading through her, sure she hadn't been with him long but he had done so much for her. Never in her life had she met a guy like him and never had she even considered dating before or even looked at men. But in just this short while he had her full undivided attention. So with a quick resolve and a newly forged confidence she put on a smile.

Standing up and making her way over to Sombra who wasn't paying attention she straddled him. "What are you..." His questioning was quickly cut off by by a lip lock that lasted for what seemed like forever to his dazed mind. "huh?"

"Let's just say I've taken the lead and leave it at that hmmm?" Her devilish smile was both scary and thrilling to him and just like that his world had become even more complicated.

Chapter Twenty Six An Awaited Meeting

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To find the edge of the world one must become very lost.
To become lost one must never lose themselves
To never lose oneself they must be strong
To have strength means little to some but everything to others
but never to the ones that have it

" If only if only the hammer could strike the sky as the sword cuts the coal~ If only if only the hunters could forge onward as the craftsmen did charge ~ Now if only if only as the children did cry this mother could fall as the fathers did mourn~"

He would weep if he could as he recited the painful words the widow sang at her husbands funeral. The harsh time they had faced long before he had grown strong enough to end the strife.

A black dragon never truly slumbers, they only wait. Time means nothing as the power will never dim. Truths untold for fear would arise. Three species exist. Fatalis, Alatreon, Dire Miralis. Long ago a hero slew one of these to save his people. A horrific truth was brought forth by doing so. Yet the world would never know....... until now.

A crack formed somewhere unseen, but it was felt. As all powers in the world at once grew somber. 'Times come it would seem'

A breath was taken, the world seemed to lean into it and three portals opened.

It was not the same as the beast of the night, one moment there was no one and the next nine people appeared.

The dim light from the night sky above shown down into the abyss. Sombra still with Sol on his lap still dazed from the kiss she had just given him was now met with the furious eyes of his companions.

"H-hello everyone."

Silver was the first up to bat, "Sombra! Were we not enough for you?!"

"Wait I can explain..." He was cut off by another kiss from Sol.

Sunset was holding back an angry Diamond, ready to defend her best friends feelings with violence. They were all upset but they knew Silver had to hurt the most.

Twilight knew it was strange to be upset after all they all were biding for him, they were ready to accept one another or even if he just picked one of them. This was different though, as the leader she would scold him later.

She pulled back and put a finger on his lips giving the other girls a winning grin. "There's no need to explain." She said before swinging herself around him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She quickly whispered in his ear "I'm fine if you have feelings for them but if you will accept me to don't push me away here."

He gave a curt nod and stood up Sol still latched to his back, "Now's not the time everyone" They looked like they were going to appose but he raised his hand. "I already know about all your feelings I overheard at the cave but now is not the time to discuss it." He looked up and sighed, he seemed to be sighing a lot recently for a lot of different reasons. "After all it appears were making someone wait."

"Quite observant it would seem" the voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once. Out of the darkness came the head of a dragon. White and grey, its horns split like wicked blades. Course hair grew along it overtaking patches of scales. Most importantly it was huge.

Sol and Twilight both gasped fear stricken the leader managed to choke out a single name. "Fatalis...."

"Well studied" The dragon lowered its head resting it on the ground in front of them. It body hidden from site and its long neck vanishing into the void they could only study its face. The most shocking feature being it's very human eyes, a deep blue that reminded Sombra of the ocean. "I brought you all here to the forgotten lands. Originally I had planed to wait and let you reach here on your own but time is of the essence. The dragon of night had made its move."

Twilight walked forward steadying her nerves "I am Twilight leader of this group, who are you? Why have you brought us here? How can a monster speak?" She spoke the last part out in what meant to be a strong tone but came out completely baffled. 'This shouldn't be possible' she thought to herself.

Silence rang as the dragon collected his thought. "You all have been quite entertaining to watch, and let me apologize right away for the great unjust task I have placed upon you all." He somewhat nodded his head down appearing like a bow as his closed his eyes.

"Ya say that like it'was you who brought us here?" Applebloom stated.

He looked to her his eyes full of remorse, "I was, young one." The group was taken aback but he continued. "Let me explain, do you know of the tail of the dragon of night?"

Twilight spoke up "It was when the monster that's been causing these portals was wounded by a hunter from long ago who wielded weapons made from fa....." She stopped herself and stared at him.

"You are correct brave Twilight. I was that same hunter, a cruel fate belongs to any that would wield a fatalis's power. It overcomes the hunter encasing them. I did not only make weapons but armor as well, crafted by my own hand. At the time I was the son of a smith and new something had to be done. Training in secret I made my move and found the black dragon. The fight was fierce and it wasn't until later that I would realize the price it is to take such power." A somber sigh escaped him.

Twilight had so many questions but one was prominent "What about me? I killed an Alatreon, will the same thing happen to me if I keep using my gear?"

"No, only the Fatalis posses such power. Born from their hatred of mankind, normally my mind would have been taken to but I overcame it in the last moments of my transition." Twilight's relief was short lived when he laid his eyes squarely on her. "Don't relax just yet, the black dragons soul still dwells within that gear. You may soon still face it's wrath if it deems you unworthy, a dragons soul is a strange one. They are not all sentient and some live long enough to develop an understanding. Who knows what the one you have slain was like."

Scootaloo was the next to speak up "So wait, why did you bring us here? If you know what's going on why don't you finish that guy off? It's not like we were warriors in our world"

"Don't get me wrong I would like nothing more then to stop all of this, but unfortunately I no longer posses the ability to do so."

"Ability?" Sol asked.

He breathed deep and released, in a moment the entirety of the darkness was covered in stars. "This is what I have managed to do with the full knowledge of Fatalis's connection to the dragon element. I can interact with space itself, an attempt I made after witnessing the same Fatalis I fought rip open the sky during our battle."

Another breath and the stars disappeared leaving everyone in awe.

"This power allowed me to seek out those that not only had similar souls to my own but also to one another. The soul of a 'human' so to speak in your cases, but souls that took shape of dragons. When the dragon of night opened its portals I found you all and manipulating it's power I drew you here in hopes that you would take up the call."

Twilight stepped forward "but why call us? why bring us here now? why do our souls matter?"

"The beast has made a large crack in space itself, it must be stopped before all three worlds that its power has reached collide. For that I needed similar souls to give my power to, a dragon lacks kai and without kai or the power of the mortals soul one could never hope to beat such a monster. Hunters take up weapons made from monsters to wield a piece of their strength by taking it from them in death. I offer you all my power, the power of the most powerful black dragon in history, with no curse attached. All in hopes of you stopping the beast."

As everyone processed what was happening it was Sombra's turn to speak up. "The most powerful black dragon in history, the legend of the black dragon?"

Twilight and Sol quickly looked to Sombra realization striking them like a lightning bolt and once more silence came.

"Yes, my greatest regret." The pain in his voice spoke of centuries of remorse. "To end the suffering of many I had to act, I would gladly have given my mind as well to the curse if it meant never having brought such destruction."

As the group let his words sink in it was Sweetie that walked up to the dragon, not more than five feet in front of him her eyes met his. "You've got no one to explain yourself to, I can tell in your eyes that you mean it."

Her words cut him down, how many years has it been since someone looked at him like he was still human. "Your words are to kind to me, now time is of the essence. Will you all accept this quest?"

"Wait a moment, won't giving us your power kill you?" Sunset asked worry on her face.

"....Yes I will die, but worry not I have lived more life than could have ever been promised to me. I want more then nothing else to save everyone and for all of you to continue on happily." An almost grin appeared on his scaled maw. "Happily ever after it would seem." His gaze met Sombras who could only grin back the kings confidence returning to him he turned to Twilight.

"Alright leader, I say we help but its your decision." His attitude rubbed on on the rest of pretty quickly.

"Me too." Diamond and Silver chimed in together.

A chorus of agreements went through the group all waiting on their leaders choice.

She smiled at her friends knowing what whatever she said they would follow her to the end, the Fatalis waited for her answer patiently. "We accept your quest." Turning to him he couldn't help but feel her almost glow with pride.

"Then without further adou." He began but was cut off by Sol.

"Should I leave?" She didn't want to get in the way of the group but before she could think anymore the dragons laugh rang out.

"No no dear child , among all the humans and the alfs of this world you were the only one to share the soul of a dragon. I did after all affect Sombras drop to put him in your path. You are as much a part of this as the rest of them."

Her heart pounded as she wrapped tighter around Sombras neck, a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders knowing she would not fall behind both in combat and in other things...

"Now for one last goodbye, may all of you succeed. Fight well and believe in one another. I have no idea how my power will affect all of you or what you'll be capable of but I have faith that you will slay the dragon of night...... farewell."

The room shone like stars and then it all went dark.

In the darkness Sombra existed, he could see the soul of the hunter in front of him. Not knowing how he knew but he could tell that's what it was. The soul was vanishing only leaving behind the power. 'One last word only for you mighty king. A tip for taking down the monster, I'm sure you will figure out how to do what I could not. It is weakest in the realm between. Your soul knows that magic best, when I wounded it the beast was more then halfway still inside that place. The only time it seemed to feel pain and the strike that drove it to the moon. I leave you with this final warning, goodbye.....'

It was night when they all appeared on the lakeside, all their gear and supplies stood next to them. Sombra still had Sol around his neck and he was shaken from his thoughts by a powerful double punch to the stomach from Diamond and Silver. Dropping to his knees Sol released him, and made her way between him and the two girls. Everyone else waited in suspense to see what would happen next before Twilight made an observation known.

"Sunset wheres your groups stuff?" It was at this that her, Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Diamond all froze. "We got dropped in the desert, what about you guys?"

"I-in a forest near the Dire Miralis that we rode part way back." Twilight look was a mix of baffled and confused. "Long story... tell you later." He pulled himself to his feet.

"Okay so that's to groups, Sunset?" Her innocent question made Sunset and the other girls sweat.

"W-well um.... You see Twi..." Sunset pointed over her should and in the distance down the lake side a large waterside hotel that made way into a town with a huge wooden sign that read 'Titan Lake' on it. "We landed here......"

"Your telling me that we all had to sleep outside in the dirt and sand and fight for our lives while you four ate at an inn and used the hot tub!!!!!!"

We had all made it back to the inn/house stead that the group had been using as their base of operations during the separation. Everyone had explained what happened to them Twilight telling them about Vaga and the information they had gathered, Sombra explaining his training and his trip on the elder dragons back. A tale that left the group in awe, and finally it was now Sunsets turn to explain their almost perfect circumstances.

"Hey we've been training!" Scootaloo called out in rebuttal.

"And coming home to feasts! This was so unfair!" Sunset had never heard Twilight so outspoken and it got her curious.

"Jeez Twi did something happen, what's got you so flustered?" Sunset said waving her hand in a teasing manner laughing at her friends frustration. That is until she noticed Twilight's suddenly very nervous look. "Wait what? Did something happen."

Suddenly Twilight ran away up stairs. Yelling out as she did so "Nothing happened!!!!!!!"

Sunset chased after her. "Twi tell me what happened!!"

Sweetie and Silver shared a smug look and chuckled which gave Diamond a chill. Getting Silvers attention she asked "What did happen?"

Silver suddenly turned beat red and following Twilight's example, she ran. Diamond chased after and everyone burst into laughter all happy to be back together.

Chapter Twenty Seven 10th

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It was early morning, the sun had only just began to shine its light over the horizon. Framed by the ever green hills and mountains that surrounded them. Sombra sat on a log down by the waters edge. The lake was calm and peaceful, not even a ripple. It was as if the creatures underneath had an agreement not to disturb the beautiful morning, if only for the brief time. He hummed a song to himself , one that reminded him of his time back home. As the sun finally began to rise he heard footsteps approach. Not bothering to turn around as his eight companions made their way in front of him.

"Morning all" He gave a faint gesture. The sky silhouetting them creating a beautiful view of the future. Sighing at the thought but knowing better.

It was Twilight that started, taking to her leader role with gusto. "We talked this over and before we head out for our group training this evening we want to discuss this situation, you know about our position on everything but we don't know yours."

Standing to his full height towering over them he turned away. With a cocky grin he smiled back at them. "Only after the dragons dead will I tell you. Let that be your motivation, and for the sake of that I will see you all tonight. Enjoy your training." In a flash he was gone a faint crackling noise could be heard to the trained ear but nothing more. His inner power had grown much thanks to the Fatalis's gift to them.

Eight very Displeased girl's stood on the beach.

Sombra sat in the middle of the lake, a small raft and a simple rod. Fishing was peaceful, an art of survival that has been passed down for who knows how long. The girls were set to train in the nearby mountains. Hopefully thing's went well, he thought to himself as his bobber floated along. Suddenly the water began to ripple where his line sat. At first it wasn't much but not a moment later a giant fish like dragon irrupted from the water. It flung itself into the air high above him. "Plesioth?" Was the only thing he got out before the creature turned it's side toward him, it seemed unusually large for how high it got. Plummeting down with it's hip popped out with Sombra's name on it. Sombra decided it was this moment he would test himself. Man vs Monster the final challenge to see if he was ready for the showdown to come. Both of their eyes locked onto one another shimmering with intensity. Taking a deep stance he awaited the beasts collision. Electricity grew between the two opponents his fists at his side until the last moment. One massive shotgun like pop burst from his body as his fists vanished and reappeared above him making contact with the beast. Or they would have it it weren't for at that moment an even more comically large Azur Rathalos plucked it out of the air and carried it away.

A moment passed and all was still again.

"There's always a bigger fish."

Sighing to himself he returned to his fishing. Strange thing's seemed to always follow the King.

In the mountains the echo of a pop could be heard. Eight pairs of eyes looked into the direction it had come from in confusion. Nothing happened for several moment's so they all just shrugged.

"Was that?" Applebloom started.

Twilight replied "Probably Sombra."

Everyone believing he was hard at training decided to work even harder.

Meanwhile at the menacing shores of the land of the gods....

A dark shadow cracked the skies crossing above the land but it dare not pass the water. At the furthest island a bolt of lightning struck the sea. A declaration of war or perhaps just a threat, either way it could be seen all the way across the land by the ones who lived by the wall. Everyone there new that the end was near.

Down by the lake side sat the nine members of what could be the only hope left for this and every world. The mood was hanging low and no one new what to say, despite the raging festival going on in town. Sombras bounty of fish which was as ridiculously large as the monsters he had seen earlier that day, sat next to them. As they roasted the first batch they nursed their mead and ale. The plesioth in question had been mentioned to the local guild, the town itself had been in uproar over the first sighting of Titan since the town was founded. Several others had seen the Rath carry off the giant so his word was taken for the incident. The party going on was to celebrate the event and would become an annual thing.

"Come on everyone." Sweetie spoke up. "I know everything's a bit grim but we can't let it get to us."

Twilight nodded her head "Sweetie Belle is right, we won't lose I know it."

"A've got an idea." Apple Bloom ran back into town disappearing into the crowd. Everyone looked to one another but no one knew what the farm girl was up to. They sat in wait until she returned running down the lake side with a guitar in hand.

She pulled around to Sombra's side offering the instrument to him "I saw this by tha stage earlier, Sombra you sing a lot can ya play?"

He nodded taking the guitar from her and inspecting it, the design was a bit off. Could be cultural or maybe not everything added up so well between their worlds. That was still a constant confusion to all of them. What thing's were the same and what were different here in this strange monster crazy world.

Strumming it a few times he thought of all the song's he had heard on his travels. A king was what everyone remembered him as but so much more happened before that. The light of the fire reminded him of one in particular

Watch that old fire as it flickers and dies
That once blessed the household and lit up our lives
It shone for the friends and the clinking of glasses
I'll tend to the flame; you can worship the ashes

The fire took shape to Sombra's will. It showed a small version of himself when he was a pony, stood on a boat during a raging storm.

Capture the wild things and bring them in line
And own what was never your right to confine
The lives and the loves and the songs are what matters
I'll tend to the flame; you can worship the ashes

Do you feel heavy? Your eyes drop with grief
Your spirit is wild and your suffering is brief
So never you buckle and bend to the masses
I'll tend to the flame; you can worship the ashes

The storm broke and a island appeared, once ashore he was greeted by a cheerful crowd.

Get round the fire with a glass of strong ale
And tell us a story from beyond the pale
Bury some seeds and expect some strong branches
I'll tend to the flame; you can worship the ashes

Now it showed him sleeping but suddenly the ones who had greeted him broke down the door. They grabbed him and tied him up.

Now show me a man that can meet all his needs
For what we need most now is unity's seed
A covered old song for all creeds and all classes
I'll tend to the flame; you can worship the ashes
I'll tend to the flame

He was put on a post around a raging fire. Among the image of the flame ponies one grew brighter. It ran and knocked the post over freeing him.

What will we do when the world it is ending
And time it is halted for friend and for foe?
Try to hold on to the time as it passes
I'll tend to the flame; you can worship the ashes

The final seen showed the two on Sombras boat sailing away as the crowd raged on the shore.

As the song came to an end there were a few including Silver and Scootaloo with tears in their eyes.

"Now that might seem like a sad tale." Sombra spoke inspecting the instrument and idly tuning it. "But in the end I made a great friend on that island. Everyone had been convinced by the chief that I was a demon while I slept. One brave soul stepped in to help me, at that time who knows if I could have gotten out of their alone. We traveled together for awhile before they made their home at one of our stop's." A found look graced his features, with a gentle breeze passing over the water's everything seemed to take on a new feeling of piece.

"When did you learn to do that with the fire?" Sweetie asked her memory of the strange hunter from the desert still in mind.

"I used to do something similar with my magic back in the day. Just applied what we have now in the same way." He sent another image to the fire forging what looked to be a scene of the Crystal Empire. It reverted back to a normal fire and smiled at that his skills hadn't become dull.

"How about another song?" Sunset smiled at him, she herself had been unsure of her feelings for awhile. Twilight kept growing and her list of true friends had grown with her. It was after the meeting with the ancient dragon that she had started to feel like this was her family. With the end in sight the idea of losing them drove her need to get stronger.

A another nod from the Sombra and he began playing.......

They had all sung, ate and drank their way through the evening. Sunset taking the guitar a few times herself and even Sol surprising everyone with a local song. As they all returned to their logging it felt like they had gotten even closer. Twilight looked back to see Sombra lagging behind, he eventually turned from the water and for a brief moment the look of his eyes terrified her. Rage, almost green flashed and then was gone. She shook her head and excused it as the alcohol getting to her.

All eight girls shared a massive room with mattresses embedded in the walls. Sombra had a private room and took full advantage of the silence to get some much needed sleep. His dreams however would not be peaceful as visions of darkness and the abyssal magics he new all to well lurked. His own soul responded in kind burning the shadows away. He would show no mercy to even the universe, for it was not his way.

The day had arrived for Sombra to pick up his armor. The local smith had worked on the materials until their arrival and had taken Sombra's measurements one last time before he began to construct the set. All the girls waited anxiously in the smithies front room, excited to see what armor could possibly have taken so long to prepare. The smith himself was rather short, probably no taller then two maybe 3 feet. His hammer that he carried over his shoulder was massive, probably double his own size and it made them wonder how he could hit anything accurately. Everything in the shop looked top quality despite that, his weapons and armor seemed to only be made of high tear monsters. Their curiosity only grew more until the curtain finally pulled away and out stood the king.

Golden and regal. "Rajang......" Came from Sol as she stepped forward putting her hand on his stomach only to feel scales. Stepping back she looked closer, she had never seen such gold and black scales before. The fur around his chest, arms and legs was all Rajang for sure, but the scales that made up the under mail were strange.

"Gore Magala." Sombra's words pulled her out of her thoughts.

"But how?" She looked bewildered.

"I'll tell'ya missy." The smith waddled over and swung his hammer straight into Sombra's gut. His strike only bounced off the hard scales. "These scales her were donated to your mission by the Hunters Comity. Only a few of these beasts have been slain but their scales have been studied intently. This one in particular is a Shagaru Magala the adult form of Gore Magala. Two of the most powerful and angry monsters combined into one set, it's flexibility and defensive capabilities are only enhanced by the monster's energy that still reside within. And the other part should be just about finished." He walked over to the fire pit and grabbed hold of a handle. With one mighty swing he pulled it out and slammed it down on an anvil on his other side. The strike was so fierce and quick that in a moment the red hot steel cooled. It was the same gun hammer that he had before but now it seemed most of the mechanism was a mix of metal and dark rock like scales and spikes. He walked over and handed the hammer to Sombra who lifted it with so much ease that it might as well have been a feather. He inspected it up and down appreciating the craftsmanship.

"It's an even stronger metal then before forged around parts from Akantor, the beast is pretty strong and hardly any hunters of even the highest ranks like fighting the buggers. These parts are leftover from a trade I made long ago, use them for all our sake's."

Sombra and the girls thanked the smith and had all their own gear checked before departing. Everyone spent the next few days gathering supplies and getting ready for the journey ahead. Word had gotten to them about the Dragon of Night setting up shop far to the East. Sol and Sombra had shared a look but steeled themselves for what lie ahead. The time had arrived and as they stood at the edge of the town with a new cart in tow and one additional member since they had first departed. It felt like a new dawn greeted them that morning as they took their first steps toward hell.

They headed straight East, winding through the woods and valleys, the sun shined bright up above and the sounds of various woodland creatures echoed through the trees. Each road that traveled from town to town was mostly just worn down dirt. Sometimes they would have to stop to clear the path of a fallen tree or fill in a crater from some monsters havoc.
After a full day of traveling had left them in need of rest, everyone was quite surprised at the lack of monster encounters.

"It's kinda strange we haven't even seen even a bird wyvern, there super common." Scootaloo said as they pulled into a clearing by the path. Much to the groups curiosity she received a few looks. "What I studied like everyone else!"

Diamond gave her a pat on the back and a soft smile. "We Know."

Scoots blushed in embarrassment but was happy none the less. "You know I think my favorite thing about coming here is how close we've all gotten. After all we were pretty much enemies before dropping in."

"Enemies?" Sol asked curious.

Apple Bloom chuckled "Yea we did't get along real well before. Even say me Scoot's and Sweetie fought with Diamond and Silver every day for years."

"I was unaware of this as well." Spoke Sombra who was currently busy setting up a fire pit with Twilight and Sunset.

"How much does Sol know about all of us anyway? We haven't had much time to chat." Said Sunset walking over and putting her arm around the tiny warrior, their size difference made Sunset feel like an amazonian in comparison.

Sombra put a log in place for a bench of sorts. "I told her pretty much everything when we were training."

"You and Twilight are from a different world from the rest of them correct?" Sol asked from under Sunsets arm.

"Well I'm technically from their world to but I live in the same world as Twilight, long story trust me." Sunset let go and went over to their bag's pulling out her Journal.

"You still have that?" Twilight asked through a chuckle.

"Of course I do, I mean it still holds a lot of memories." Gesturing the book to Sol. "This here is a Journal that allowed me to communicate with the Twilight from the other world, we were going to go through the portal to see her when me and our fearless leader first ended up here." She chuckled as said leader through a nearby stick at her.

"Did you want to sleep with that Twilight too?" There was a long pause. Sol's question caught everyone off guard except for Sweetie who just laughed. (Lance guard to strong)

After recovering everyone looked to their resident nerd who in turn had become redder then a rathalos. Sunset's response only drove the nail in and carting the poor girl. "Nope, the other Twi isn't as cool."

The night came with a chill and the group had dug into a warm stew dinner. With not a cloud in site the stars up above were full and bright. Almost like a blanket of cosmos wrapping itself around the sky. Silver Spoon and Diamond were both maintaining their equipment. Being the only two in the group who used range weapons meant they had to rely on what they had learned so far and shared ideas between each other. Special ammo could be made on the go with the right techniques and certain applications could even be used as support for the others during the fight. This along with preemptive strikes from a distance gave them a special role among the group. Silver's bow, Diamond's bowgun, Scoot's long sword, Applebloom's Switch Axe, Sweetie's lance, Sombra's hammer, Sunset's greatsword, Twilight's dual blades, and now Sol's sword and shield were all unique and had their own advantage's and synergies. As they traveled they would be able to test all of the possibilities and train to get stronger.

"Hey since we only got a bit of training in before we left how about the group that landed at Titan Lake take's on the first monster we encounter on the way?" This was Twilight's suggestion and as the leader no one really argued but Sunset was curious.

"We did train while waiting Twi, any particular reason for this?" Came the redhead's response.

A pause while Twilight swallowed a chunk of stew meat. "Well I'm mostly curious how you all fight together. You had a normal four man party with mostly cutting weapons and one ranged. If were going to all fight as one large group I think it's best we see each smaller group fight first. We'll take turns and I was most interested in you four." The nerdy girl was a tactful as ever despite their interaction earlier. The thought of which gave her an idea. "Hey Sunny."

Sunny? She thought, this can't be good. "Yeah Twi?"

"Since we've been singing a lot recently how about you give the group a taste of one of your husky song's you were singing to me at our sleepover?" Her and Sunset were spending a lot of time together with just the two of them and she had learned to love the former bad girls love for music.

"Oh come on that's embarrassing." She hid herself behind her great sword that she was busy oiling.

"I'd like to hear it." Sol said from her seat between Bloom and Scoots. "The more I hear about your world the more I want to see it for myself, the music is especially interesting."

Scootaloo chimed in "Yeah Sunset give us a song."

"Better not keep them waiting." Was Sombra's two cent's from behind his mug of ale that just barely hid his smirk. Barely.

"Fine fine if you all insist." They had packed a few instrument's to keep everyone entertained. Weirdly enough they were made by the same smith that made Sombra's armor. When questioned about the duel passion he simply responded by saying he was a man of many talents. He even gave them a discount out of kindness.

"It's not ganna be as intense with just a guitar but whatever, by the way Twi this song is one thousand percent your fault."

With that the night carried on with lots laughs and even more drinks.

As they continued east the group would pass through the port town of Gana before heading north again to group up at the safest entrance to The Land of The Gods. The frozen terrain and snow covered land would allow them to get far in without being noticed by to many powerful monsters. After all if they took to much damage before they reached the Dragon of Night the fight could be over before it ever began.

"On the road again, I can't wait to get on the road again....." Sunset hummed as they walked along the side of the cart, her and Twi took up the right as Sombra pushed the cart up front with Sol by his side. Diamond and Applebloom were on the left with Sweetie and Scootaloo in the back. Silver was perched on top of the cart in a somewhat makeshift watch tower.

Twi smirked at Sunset who raised her fist in anger back at her. "What's that about?" Asked Scoot from the back. The quiet of the road made it easy for all of them to hear one another.

"Twi had me binge watch these damn movies a couple weeks before we left and I haven't been able to get them out of my head since we've been here!" Twi cackled with mischief as Sunset raised her great sword in mock threat before dropping it back onto her back and crossing her arms pouting.

"What's a movie?" Sol asked turning to Sombra. Sombra shrugged, which earned both of them a brief explanation from Silver Spoon.

"It's not my fault you got so engrossed after the first Shre......." Twilight was caught off by sound of an explosion up ahead.

Pulling up slowly the group rounded a corner to find....... not what they expected. It seemed to be a giant boar, a monster called bulldrome Twilight informed and the explosion they heard was soon revealed as another came running out of no where and slammed into the first. Their tusks made such a powerful bang when they collided that the grass underneath was blown away. The group stood in awe at the crazy power that these two semi normal monsters were putting out.

"Well they may be tough but they also look good to eat." Was Blooms drool filled comment before everyone heard her switch axe lock into sword mode. The scene that happened next was so dark and brutal that the entire group agreed to never speak of it again.

That night Sombra and Sol sat down and spoke to the group about where the Dragon of Night has gone. Sol told them about her father and her hopes of finding him there. They had mentioned the elders that lived past the land and Thunder himself.

"So were heading into unknown dangerous territory where everything could possibly kill us?" Sunset asked to which Sol nodded.

"Sounds like a Tuesday."

"What she means to say is we're use to this kind of thing." Twilight butted in sitting next to Sol. "We'll try are best to help you as long as you trust us."

"I'd like that." She said before turning to Sunset. "What's a Tuesday?"

Another explanation and they moved on. Sombra was butchering the boar's that Apple Bloom had slain. He made easy work of them keeping the leg's in tack to give everyone one for dinner. He cut the rest of the meat mincing and dicing certain cuts while leaving other in tack for nicer meals. Finally salting and preserving it all for later.

He put the leg's over the fire and say with the rest of the group, tending to them occasionally. The group could kill certain monster's as long as the area had a regulation to use said monsters as food. Twi had given the thumbs up as Bloom went for the kill and had kept them in the know on what they were and were not allowed to actively hunt. This being said if they were attacked they were suppose to defend with the intent to kill whatever came at them. Later they would report to the guild about what they had slain and give proof of kill. In turn certain rewards could be given based on what the guild had already potentially needed.

The logistics of it all were only known by Sombra, Silver, and Twi. Since the three of them were the only one's bothered enough to read all the legal jargon.

Later on Scootaloo spoke up through a mouth full of leg meat. "So I gotta ask, what happens when this is all over."

Bloom raised her eyebrow. "Wad'ya mean?"

She scratched her head. "Well like do we just keep hunting? Do we end up getting sent back to our own world through cosmic nonsense? What should I expect is what I'm getting at I guess."

"We won't get sent back to our world. At least not by force. I have already ran by that with Sunset, she could exist in the human world even if the portal wasn't a thing so we can be here without any sort of issue as well. There is plenty enough room in the universe for a couple world jumpers and I doubt there's anything or anyone that would care." Was Twilight's educational response. Which also came from around a mouth full of leg. The group just worked out most of the gibberish and smacking.

Diamond tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean 'at least not by force'?"

"Well potentially we have the same powers of dimensional manipulation as the Fatalis did right? So we should be able to work out a way to travel freely between this world and our other two. And from what me and Sunset have deduced even if we go to the human world the lack of magic should not inhibit us because we will keep our form from this world. The gate in Equestria was responsible for changing me and Sunset and that same gate's link was probably used to move the rest of you here as well even if it was not by direct entrance. So if we just go around that figurative gate the magic that transforms you won't change us. And even if it did the power we have now is internal not external. It doesn't rely on the magic of the world to work like Equestria magic does, it's part of our very soul." Her rambling was fast and still full of munching but the group managed to make since of it once again.

"So what do we want to do?" Scoot's asked again. "I want to be with all of you know matter where we go."

"It's all up to our leader right?" Was surprising to everyone Sol's voice that spoke up. "I still am working my way in but Sombra is someone I care for. You all are part of his family and I want to prove that I am a part of that to, I will follow as well if you'll let me."

"Of course we will!" Sweetie shouted before running over and wrapping her arms around Sol. "Your one of us." She turned to the rest of the group. "Right?"

Everyone nodded and Silver walked up and joined in on the hug and repeating Sweetie. "Right."

Afterward the two returned to there seat's, Sol was smiling ear to ear which made Sombra relieved.

Diamond spoke up. "So were are we going captain?"

Twilight had everyone's eyes on her and gave it some thought. They had options, lot's of options.

She stood speaking to the group. "We have to defeat the final boss so to speak first. But once we do I still want to see Equestria. Well stop there, see the sites, then go back to the human world to do the same. After we take a break we can decide one of two options."

Everyone seemed confused but Sombra spoke up knowing full well what she had in mind. Smiling he spoke. "Uncharted lands here or uncharted lands in Equestria?"

"Your damn right!" She raised her leg in cheer. Sombra standing and doing the same.

"To adventure?" He said. Everyone standing and joining in.

They all cheered. "To adventure!"

The sun had risen over the horizon. Silver and Sol who had taken last watch roused the group from their slumber. Twilight muttered something about battle tactics before opening her eyes and almost immediately rising to her feet. She continued to amaze the group with her ability to be fully active right after waking up. Straight to the center of the camp she started up a fire and began brewing some coffee.

Sombra had also woken and began to do a perimeter check for small monster tracks. This would let the group know if anything had scoped them out in the night and might possibly be following their trail. A tendency of smaller monsters that hunt in packs. Some Bird Wyvern species liked to alert larger monster and come back later. It was not a hard task to do so the fact that little came from it wasn't a matter. It helped him wake up and focus.

Sweetie and Diamond got to work digging out rations for breakfast, making short work preparing enough food for everyone to get a belly full. It was going to be a long day after all. After eating, the group set out. Sunset, Apple Bloom, Diamond and Scootaloo took front. Twilight and Sweetie to one side each of the carriage, Sombra pulling away, with Silver Spoon at the watch on top of the cart and Sol sitting with her. The two of them had really started to get along which took Sombra by surprise. After all she was the one he thought would be the most at odds with a new girl chasing after him.

Sunset's group was at the ready to engage anything that came their way. Formation wise they had her great sword at the front with Scoots long sword to the right and Blooms switch axe to the left. Diamond stood behind Sunset at the ready to provide ranged support.

As they traveled down the dirt path there was a sudden explosion in front on them. Dirt and dust filled the air and the group prepared for battle.

Deep in the unknown, chaos. That was all that existed here. Darkness and chaos.

But what was chaos?

What none could understand, the beginning of the end and the end of the beginning. If an end could exist that is. For chaos broke the rules of a ruleless existence. One could begin to question it and be driven mad at the concept. God's had stared it down and fallen to their knees. This place hidden in plane site everywhere and nowhere at once.

The realm between some have called it, for to travel the cosmos and what some call the dimensions one must pass through it. Paths have been made safe to take but one must never step into chaos. For if they did chaos would take them.

In this realm that nothing could possibly exist in that had destroyed even the bravest warrior, if you listened closely you could almost here a beat. A glint of purple flashed in the dark. A lost soul that didn't even know it was lost.

Can you here me young one.

"Ya whats'up? What's going on?" The voice spoke brashly. "You're the one that brought me here right?"

This was not where you were to end up. Nothing can exist here.

"I dunno I'm pretty existy right about now." The music continued to play like it was emanating from the girl.

It could be your soul is keeping the dark at bay. It does not know music. Here in this place your rhythm seems to bring a level of peace.

"A place without music? That sucks. Anything I can do to help?"

I do not know. All that I do know is that nothing changes here, normally once inside one vanishes. Everything they bring, just like your song would normally not exist.

"Hmm maybe if I leave my rhythm here this place can enjoy it."

Silence was all that was present for awhile as the voice contemplated.

Most likely you will parish if you give that part of you. This place with see you as separate from the thing it is curious of and destroy you but I have and idea. In the last moments of my life I gave away most of myself. I reserved my body and a large portion of my power to save you from here. I was the one who summoned you it is my responsibility. So I will clad you in armor made of my body and give the rest of my power to you. If you so wish to leave a piece of you behind I will honor that wish. You will be protected until you make it out.

"Woh that's a lot to take in." She thought for a bit. "But what will happen to you?"

Do not worry. My life is over, I have left it behind with you and the others.

"Who are the other?"

I will show you, when my power joins you my memories will join you as well. Take them and my power, you were the only one I was able to ask if they would come for the crack had grown strong enough for me to reach out. For agreeing to help save your world, mine, and every other I give you this gift.

For a moment nothing happened. Then the girl was consumed in light. A bright warm light, like the fireplace during a winter storm. She took that piece of her and left it there. The memories pouring in her and almost making her laugh. This was crazier than she could have ever imagined. She liked crazy though. Her body shifted and changed shape and when it was done she fell. As she did the energy she felt began to grow around her and in her hand a shining light began to glow bright. The voice spoke once more to her and told her what to do before it vanished for the last time.

She followed suit and imagined armor around her and used the voic.... the hunters memories. To conjure a weapon in her hand. Soon enough a light shined ahead of her. She plunged through it and a moment later collided with the ground. Her knew armor protecting her amazingly well. Standing up she used her free hand to dust herself off.

The dust cleared in front of the group and in front of them stood the strangest site they had ever scene, and that was saying a lot for this crowd. Clad in horn lined white scaled electric blue striped armor stood a hunter wielding a white guitar shaped hunting horn. It crackled with red lightning and seemed to have other gizmos on it that sure didn't belong to this world.

'Huh looks like I've got a helmet on.' The girl thought for a moment. His memories were still here, all his training and skill. It almost felt like she was two people now. At least that's how it would be if she didn't know he was gone. It was different but the same after all her personality was still there. There was just more to it now.

The group stared at her for awhile neither side saying anything. 'Oh I bet he'd like this' She thought before an evil smirk graced her hidden face. She raised the horn like she would any other guitar. A turn of a knob and the electricity grew in intensity. Testing her new toy out she plucked a string, a shockwave of red lightning burst out with a wailing cord following it. The group in front of her stepped back and took a defensive stance.

"I don't know who you are." Spoke Twilight to the stranger. "But if your here for a fight we'll give you one!"

"We will?" Twi was confident and the smile on her face was definitely not what Sunset was expecting.

"You will actually." She sheathed her duel blades and climbed to the top of the cart taking a seat for the show. "After all it's your group's turn."

"If you say so." Sunset turned to their patiently waiting opponent. "Alright girl form up." They clustered close with Diamond to their back right.

"What's the plan?" Asked Scootaloo from her spot to Sunset's right.

"Ssad then follow up with Assd" The girls nodded and a moment later they were off.

'Oh this should be fun' The stranger thought. She began to strum a melody pressing another hidden button like scale in as she did. As she strummed a stream of lightning crashed down all around her chasing forward toward the group.

Sunset brought down her sword from above and the pressure cut a path forward through the electricity creating a vacuum. Right through the vacuum came the blur that was Scoots. She unsheathed her sword at the moment of contact but as she collided the stranger simply had moved to the side and the one she slashed faded away. As she went to strum another cord Apple bloom came crashing down from above her axe mode bringing a ferocious blast. Her target just barely backing away as the ground under her cracked. As she fell off balance Diamond took her shot a cluster round that detonated upon impact and sending the hunter back.

Staggering she stood her ground the Fatalis's memories helping her through the pain. The adrenaline really helped to. Before she could recover Apple Bloom was rushing her, sword mode at the ready she did a wide swing across. Her blade met the heavy end of the guitar and was bashed away. The shockwave that followed sent her with her weapon. Head over feet she rolled across the ground until she was brought to an abrupt stop by a very sneaky and cunning..... tree.

Sunset and Scoot were coming from both sides now, great sword from above and longsword coming across. The hunting horn user repressed the button from earlier the same rift she played at the beginning began again and she swung it in a circle around her spinning the meaty weapon around her body like a big meaty baton and as she did she was sending out wave after wave of lightning and sound that blasted the two hunter back. Just as she was about to come to an end another cluster round collided with her helmet. "Shi..." The blast knocked her back hard. Landing on her ass five feet back and her horn left her hand, sliding away from her.

The four she was fighting walked up to her at the ready. Shaking her head she stood, she was still a bit woozy and had a massive headache to boot. A crack formed its way down the helmet and it split in two falling to the ground. Electric striped blue hair and purple shades met the group. Everyone but Sombra and Sol gasped. "VIYNL?!"

"Ha ha hey dudes. Mind not yelling, heads sorta throbbing here." Was her weak reply as she walked over picking up her horn. Swinging it over her shoulder she walked back to the group. "How you guys been?" She chuckled at their dumbfounded expressions.

"Wait wait wait wait." Sweetie cut in. "Which world are you from? Human or pony?"

"Pony, and before a ton of follow up questions get asked I'll just spill the beans." She breathed in and in a way that would make Pinkie proud managed out a single long explanation. "The fatalis that brought everyone here wasn't able to bring me here at the same time as you all and when he did manage to reach me he was able to ask me personally, with no time to decide and his brief explanation I made the quick choice to help you all out but then I got trapped in this super weird place on the way here. He saved me by giving me the last of his power and turned his body into armor for me and the only reason I'm not super super confused right now is because he gave me all of his memories." She gasped for air as everyone stared on processing the information.

After an awkward silence Diamond spoke up. "Wait but why did you attack us all?"

Several nods turned into expectant stare's at the DJ.

"Ha heh um ya funny story, I sorta got the idea from the memories he gave me. Thought testing all your skills vs what I had picked up from him was a fun idea." She rubbed the back of her head with her free hand chuckling uncomfortably as she looked down in shame.

"Tell that ta ma backside!" Bloom said. "I think ah still got bark in places it shouldn't be!"

Twilight walked up and slapped the angry farm girl on the back. "Come on Bloom that was probably the best training any of us have gotten. Besides can't really turn down a lesson from such a strong hunter even if it's indirectly."

She grumbled but ended up sighing in defeat.

"Good now let's all find a place to set up camp we can talk more then. No point in continuing on today with everyone hurt and sore."

"I'm still a bit upset about being thrown into a tree an all" Vinyl put her hands together in a plead for forgiveness. "Ah know ah know, I aint ganna hold it against ya. Just wanted to ask what the heck is up with your huntin horn, aint look like it's from around here if ya know what ah mean."

"It is really interesting." Twilight added as she and Sweetie tended to all five of them and their wounds.

She put a hand on the weapon in question. "So like, when I got his memories and power he kinda told me to create what I could with his body. Still freaks me out thinking I'm wearing another persons hide. Anyway I saw something like it in his past and used my amazing skillful knowledge of my DJ equipment to make this baby."

She looked awfully proud of herself and the rest had to give it to her that it was rather ingenious.

Sombra spoke to the new arrival his tone neutral. The last thing he needed was them thinking he was hitting on her. "So how much did he know about our travels so far? Do we need to fill you in? I won't bother asking about your resolve as you were the one to decide to come, but be warned our lives are very much on the line here."

"Ya I know, honestly this was not something I was planning on doing today, like wake up, brush my mane, save the world. But if the world could end anyway I might as well try to stop it. At least if die I could say I tried. Besides I'm from Ponyville! Crazy stuff happens all the time there, it was a matter of time until I had my own adventure."

The five that also called Ponyville their home could only nod in exasperated agreement at the chaos that constantly unfolded there.

"And as far as what I know..... ya pretty much everything. It's pretty awkward I guess, like I feel like I have a connection to you all but this is the first time I'm really meeting most of you. Almost like a character in a TV series you get waaaaaay to attached to, heheh." She rubbed the back of her head avoiding eye contact with Twilight, Silver and Sweetie. The memory she saw of the three of them was pretty steamy.

Twilight must have caught on to what she was thinking because her cheeks lit up bright red. "A-anyway!" The leader squeaked out trying to change the subject. "That makes thing's easier on us, no explanation needed for anything really." She walked over and held out her hand. "If you know everything and still want to help then your more than welcome to join."

Vinyl took her hand and was pulled to her feet in a quick hug.

Twilight stepped back and addressed the group. "Everyone, let's welcome our tenth member!" A round of cheers went up and Twilight clapped her on the back. Whispering to the DJ. "Not a soul."

She got the message and mimed zipping her mouth closed. Quickly enough the two broke into laughter.

Author's Notes:

Hello hunter's I am so excited for the new game and can't wait. In the meantime have some fanfiction.

Let me state something about the music in my stories. I like to share my favorite artist's and songs and think they boost the reading experience. I started reading fanfiction at the end of season two of MLP and one of the first stories I read was Griffin the Griffin. That story along with many others had music in them and I think I'll carry on the torch so to speak. Please if you enjoy the song's give the artist's a follow.

Note 1: None in the group wear full helmets. All of their headgear in ornamental variants or none at all, all of which show their faces.

Note 2: Carting means dying in Monster Hunter. Or losing one of 3 lives during a hunt. If that hunt allows the normal three that is.

https://discord.gg/hjFfBss Discord server for the story and MH fans.

Thank's for reading and happy hunting!

~GreenEyesWithAGreatsword.

Equestria Girls: Hunting Season

by greeneyeswithagreatsword

Chapter One Silver Wings

Chapter Two Discoveries "Edited"

Chapter Three The Dimensional Beast "Edited"

Chapter Four Discussion "Edited"

Chapter Five Two Steps Back "Edited"

Chapter Six Three Steps Forward "Edited"

Chapter Seven Within The Tale Lies The Truth "Edited"

Chapter Eight This Heat "Edited"

Chapter Nine Working Hard "Edited"

Chapter (Eleventyten) Eleven A Quest

Chapter Twelve A Tale

Chapter Thirteen A Fishermen's Tale

Chapter Fourteen The Great Ocean

Chapter Fifteen Rainy Day

Chapter Sixteen Silver Lining

Chapter Seventeen A Rivalry Begins

Chapter Eighteen Truth or ****

Chapter Nineteen Surrounded By Dreams

Chapter Twenty A Serpents Bite

Chapter Twenty One Breaking Your Limits

Chapter Twenty Two The Reasons To The Why

Chapter Twenty Three Thunder God

Twenty Four More Legends

Chapter Twenty Five Omens Showing

Chapter Twenty Six An Awaited Meeting

Chapter Twenty Seven 10th