> The Mind Makes It Real, As Does Magic
>  by Zatoichi Vokunkiin
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: Jacking In Once More
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Gaaaaah! I am so fucking bored! Every MMORPG I come across is all the same thing! Even these new VRMMOs are just all fantasy or gun crazy..."

Said the man who leaned back in his computer chair, his grey eyes staring up at the ceiling. He brings his hand up and combs back his long bangs from his eyes, slicking back his long raven black hair as he looks out his window. It was just like any other day for Zeref. Trying to find that one video game that he could enjoy like the one he did all those years ago. But no matter which one he played, they all seemed the same to him. fantasies that involved goblins, elves and such, or wanna be sci-fis with massive aliens and oversized bulky armor with plasma rifles.

Zeref gets out of his chair and stretches, letting out a slight yawn as he walks over to the window which was covered by black sheets. It was a crisp, cold, overcast day in Austin, Texas. It was winter break after final exams of his last year in college. One more semester and he would finally have his master's degree in 'Business Administration'. Zeref unlocks the window, lifting it up and allowing the cold air to flow inside of his apartment. He walks out of his room and into the kitchen, turning on his living room TV in the process to add some background noise. he walks into the kitchen, opening the fridge and looking in to see what he could drum up for lunch.

"Hmmmm....can't go wrong with a turkey and cheese sandwich. But that hambuger meat is looking good. Could cook it up and make tacos."

As these thoughts rolled through his head, there was a couple of knocks at his door. He lifts his head from out of the fridge and looks over to the entrance. He wasn't expecting company was he? No, Zeref hardly ever had people over at his place, let alone did he ever leave to go to others. He also wasn't expecting any mailed packages to come his way.

"Who is it?!" 

He shouted from the kitchen, no answer. Being the paranoid shut in that he was. He walks over to the corner behind his dinning table and grabs a heavy metal platted bat with studs all along it's side. He calls out again.

"Hello..?"

No answer again. He finally gets to the door, the silence putting him on edge even more as he began to slowly unlock the multiple locks on his door. From the door knob lock, to the deadbolt lock just above it, to the chain lock further up the door. After for what felt like an eternity, he opens the door slowly, then swings it open with his bat ready to swing...but no one was there. After a moment, he lets out a sigh of relief. He leans out and looks around. No one was there, just as quiet as always in his little neighborhood. Just as he was about to head back in however, he spots a box that had been left at his doorstep. Did he order something and not remember? He crouches down to examine the box. he shrugs and swipes it in his arms and slams the door, locking all the locks back. He places the box onto the table and looks at the address, though the middle name that they used in it made his eyebrow rise in curiosity. Not to mention the way it was written.



 To: Zeref 'Azrael' Schwarzwald

From: Shadowquine Industries 



The only time Zeref ever used that name was back in his very first and favorite MMO, The Matrix Online. It was truly a game of all games. The community, the gameplay, everything about it was truly awesome. He quickly grabs a knife from the kitchen and cuts the top open. Opening it to reveal a large black box made out of wood with the company's name and logo on top of it. On the top of the box was a letter sealed in a black envelope. He takes the letter and opens it up, pulling out a piece of paper that makes his eyes widen as he read the words written down on it.



	Greetings Azrael,

It is...wonderful to have come in contact with a redpill who remained loyal to our simulation right down to it's very demise. However, our company Shadowquine Industries has bought out the rights of the game from its former owner. We looked in the data base that they had kept. And your name and data came across out...eyes. 

Inside the box, you will find all the equipment you will need to join your fellow redpills once more. We have remade the game entirely. We have done the research of fans both new and old, and have created a masterpiece that will surely keep you and your friends happy. Now then, we are sending you a complete, but not fully released version of our game and hardware. We want the select few who remained loyal to the game have the first go at out new...reality.

Inside the box you will find the game itself, and something that we have been developing for years and years. We call it...the 'Unreal Reality' gear, The instructions are in the box along side the hardware. Once again, we thank you for considering to returning to The Matrix. And we hope to see you within the dark and gritty simulation once more, doing the things you do. Also, seeing as you are a veteran of The Matrix Online, we ask that you help new players whenever they make their way in. We have given the game and hardware to a few lucky winners in a contest that they won. And one more thing. There will be no server choice. As the whole game runs on...a customized server that we spent billions on to obtain. But enough about that. Please, do not hesitate anymore Azrael. Jack in once more.

Sincerely,
Shadowquine Industries



Zeref's heartbeat was racing at this. The Matrix Online...was picked back up and recreated...into a virtual reality?! Oh hell yes! Zeref wasted no time in removing the contents of the box and running into his room, sliding in the installation disk.The first thing that Zeref noticed about the disc is that it had a rather...odd glow about it, he flips it around carefully in his hand, avoiding smudging the disc with his hands. he shrugs and opens the disc drive of his rig. While he waits for it to install, he goes back into the kitchen and decides to fix a sandwich as he was extremely excited to get back into his room and resume his role as a redpill within The Matrix.

"Hmmm..who is this...'Shadowquine Industries' though? If I would have heard that a remake of my favorite game in all the world was happening., I surely would have found out. Ah well, I am not gonna question it at all. I am just super excited!"

He finished scarfing down his food, getting up and making his way back to his room. And just in time to, the installation was complete. Though whatw as on Zererf's computer screen was a bit odd. It was instructions being typed out to him.

Greetings to you redpill, new or old.

Now that you have installed the simulation, I have check your computer to make sure it can handle the virtual reality

Accessing files....

Everything else checks out.

Please put on the 'Unreal Reality' headgear and please, do enjoy your experience. 

Zeref arches a brow, but shakes his head with a smile.

Wow...AI that interacts with you, these guys went all out didn't they?"

Zeref chuckles and walks over to his bed, but he catches one more thing on the screen.

Also, make sure that you are lying comfortably before you start the game up.

Zeref couldn't help but laugh.

"What is this? Some kind of SAO shit now?"

He shook his head, but did as the screen said. Sliding the headgear on and powering it up. He closes his eyes and grins, he had to say it.

"Jack in!"

Suddenly his body when numb and his eyes closed, the headgear taking control of everything but his mind. Zeref could move his body at all, he opens his eyes..or so it seems as he start falling into a black void, he starts flailing about.

"What the fuck is this shit?! I was only kidding!!!" 

He screamed as he continued to fall. He comes to an abrupt stop in his descent as a calm female AI voice started to speak with him.

"Greetings to you, redpill. If you would please, type in your desired username and password."

A holographic keyboard appears in front of Zeref, he reaches out and notices his hands were all...framewired, in fact all of his body was. Okay...the sooner he gets this done, the sooner he gets to customize his character. He inputs his old username and password, an error pops up. The AI speaks again.

"We are sorry to say, but that name and the data behind it is reserved for a veteran player of the game before we claimed rights to it. However, if you are that player, please select continue and you will be asked a few questions regarding that player."

Zeref nods and taps continue.

"Very well. First Question. Which organization did the redpill know as 'Azrael' belong to?"

Zeref grins

"The machines."

"Correct, next question. What was the name of Azrael's faction and crew?

" Exemplar Tribune, Exemplar Death Style. And as a bonus answer, Azrael was actually the leader of the machine branch of the faction. As the name implies, Exemplar Tribune was a trifaction. Despite our differences, we all worked together.

Zeref could have sworn he heard the AI...giggle?

""Correct, final question. The former player behind Azrael was an avid roleplayer. What club did Azrael own?

"Dues Ex."

"Access to the name granted, welcome back Azrael."

Zeref chuckled lightly and nodded.

"Good to be back."

"As a reward for your loyalty, we have allowed you to keep all your appearance, gear and stats from the previous game. However, we have reset your level to level one. Though I am sure that this doesn't bother you in the slightest."

"Are you kidding?! I get to keep all the things I want, and yet I get a fresh start in a reborn game?! I am all over it!"

"Also,one more bonus JUST for you, Azrael. We notice...that you are rather fond of the ghost twins from the movies. So just for you, we are giving you their ability of taking an intangible form like they did. You will have the ability to become a ghost. for however long your inner strength bar lasts that is. And it's cooldown will be thirty seconds after use."

"Oh hell, that is pretty sweet actually. I'll take it!"

"And one more thing, we are also allowing the veteran players to keep their super jump and super speed as well to travel the Mega Metropolis. These perks  are giving to you...because you stayed loyal from the beta...all the way to the shutdown. Azrael, we hope that you will enjoy being a part of The Matrix once more. And as a veteran, please help out the new players that are...from all over. Once again, welcome back, Azrael, Machine Branch head of the Exemplar Tribune."

That old familiar green coding begins to fall around Zeref, forming the buildings and landscape. Finally, the wireframe that was his body began to take the form of his long lost character. Zeref was no more at this point. No, not here anyways. Azrael was reborn! Azrael was quiet for a moment, then he reaches into the with both fists and screams.

"HELLLLLLLL YEEEAAAAAHHHH!!!"

He wasted no time, activating his super jump skill, he begins to scale buildings with ease, traveling around the city and finding all of those old spots he and his faction hung out at, well as far as he could go anyways. he was level one, so without drawing aggro on the enemies. he traveled through. Along the way, he collected the phone booths that they used to teleport to others through out the city, each one you found it was added to your list. Jacking out was simply found in your options menu. Another fun thing about the phone booths, is that is where you when to work on your ability trees or even switch them out.

Once Azrael made it to Mara Central, which he was level five at this point. He goes into his ability tree. He had all his abilities from last time, but they were all blacked out because of his level. This made him chuckle a bit.

"Well of course, if they let me have ALL my abilities now. It wouldn't be fair to the others. But, i can choose which style of the martial arts tree I want now, So I will go with karate as my main tree again. My combo at level fifty was deadly in both PvP and PvE, so yeah."

Just as he finished working with his skill tree, his phone suddenly rings. He pulls it out of his coat pocket and stares at the device for a moment, grinning at the warm fuzzy feeling of nostalgia. He then answers it.

"Azrael here."

"Mr. Schwarzwald, it is....good to hear from you again."

Azrael grinned at that familiar deep monotone voice he knew so very well.

"Agent Grey, I forgot you and the others referred to our...bluepill names. Non-the-less, good to hear from you, boss."

"It is...good to have you back as well Mr. Schwarzwald. You were one fo the few operative we had that....exceeded expectations. To have you back in our system once more is a...great benefit to all of us. We trust your loyalty to the machines has not waivered since your long absence?"

"Not in the slightest, sir. But, just so you know, I will be reforming my faction when I get the right amount of people."

"Ah yes. Exemplar tribune. I wasn't happy when you took part in that...ideal of 'unity'. But, you did...surprise us all. And in the end, it benefited us very much. So I give you permission to reform this..alliance you and your friends forged so long ago. With that, I must leave you for now. Please stand by for further orders. That is all, Mr. Schwarzwald."

"Take care, bossman."

The line was cut, a grin formed on Azrael's face.

"Right then, time to get some leveling done."

Just as he was about to super jump, he suddenly feels someone tapping on his shoulder.

"Excuse me sir. Um, me and my friends here are new to this game. And we were wondering if you could help us out?"

Azrael turns to the person who spoke to him. It was a player who...looked rather familiar. Not one he had seen in the former game, but she just looked...oddly familiar, even the same voice. Naaaah, couldn't be. She was a pale skinned female, purple eyes and purple hair with a dark pink stripe down the middle. and the outfit she wore was beginner clothing. And by the looks of it, she chose the raver beginner set. Her other friend who was hiding shyly behind her, was also quite pale with her skin. She had very long pink hair, light green eyes, and she was wearing the punk rocker, female beginner set. Bold choice for someone who is acting quite shy. Then this last one stood out to him the most. She had rainbow hair, tanned skin, and amethyst eyes and she wore the raver beginner set as well. Azrael had one thing on his mind. They must be hardcore fans of MLP. Not that he was judging, he did watch the show after all.

When they saw him as he turned, they backed away from him in slight shock.

"Y-you are one of the ghost twins..."

The quiet one said in a shaky voice. Azrael laughed lightly as she said this.

"As close as that would be, I am not one of the twins, no. But...I can do this."

He said as he goes into his ghost form, his dreads flowing freely and a more monstrous face appears. He floats and drifts around the three girls. grinning wickedly as he does. he deactivates the ability and laughs.

"Sorry....been wanting to try that ever since I got the ability. Now, what is it you need help with?"

"Hey buddy, that wasn't funny you know!"

Shouted the rainbow haired one. Azrael chuckled lightly

"Come on now. I have always wanted to do that in the game before it was remade, and now I can!"

"You...are a veteran of the last game?"

Asked the purple haired one.

"Yes ma'am, from the beta, all the way till the end."

"Wow...we never got to play the game before this one, but ever since we saw the movie, and then we heard about this. We all got excited. Your world definitely has some pretty cool things. Not gonna lie."

Zeref tilted his head a bit.

"our...world? Ah okay, I get it. I will play along."

All three of them look at him confused.

"Alright, so my name is Azrael, a pleasure to meet all of you. And what are your redpill names?"

The purple haired one spoke first.

"My redpill name is Twilight!"

Azrael only facepalmed.

"Of course it is..."

The pink haired one came forth a little bit, still a bit wary of Azrael.

"I-i am Gunshy."

Azrael can't help but wonder if that was a reference to an old movie, or these three seriously lack originality. But he wasn't going to be mean about it. After all, he knew that experience all too well with his first character. Then the rainbow haired one came up.

"And mine is Lightning, because I am so fast and will kick your ass in a blink of an eye!"

Twilight shook her head at this.

"Please forgive her Azrael, she is just eager to play and take down other players."

"Ah,a PvPer huh? I will be happy to take her on anytime. But for now, let me show you the ropes of this game. I will even code the abilities for your beginner trees. You girls game?"

He asked as he put his hand out in front of them, they all three reached in and placed their hand on his.

"Alright, lets go take down some enemies! We might even get you some better gear!"

"YEAH!"

they shouted as they raised their hands in the air

Little did Azrael's player know, this was going to change him and his world forever. Literally.
> Act 1:Torn from The Matrix & Into....Ponyville?!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Come on Twilight, you need to time your hacking right in order to maximize your damage! Gunshy, You are using dual pistols. You need to be quick and nimble! Lightning, you are using the kung fu stance. Better your speed and strike with quick jabs!"

Azrael shouted out to them as he was busy with his own enemy. This whole moving your body thing was pretty cool. He was using his karate stance, thankfuly one he already knew about in real life as well, so it made it a bit more easier. He finishes off his enemy with a scorpion kick, landing it right in the face. he sees his target go down and quickly turns on his heel to see how the others were doing. Twilight was handling ehrself pretty well with her hacking, though the silly girl couldn't decide if she wanted to be a healer or a damage dealer, Gunshy was a little timid at first, but every now and then, Azrael could see a wicked smile every time she pulled that trigger. And Lightning, well..let's just say she is having the time of her life, and if Azrael had to guess. She was letting out some anger issues. After they each finished taking down the enemies they had pulled, the girls fall to their knees and let out a sigh of relief. Azrael chuckled and walked over to the group, crouching and sitting on his heels.

"Funny how even in the virtual world, your body here feels exhaust and fatigue after a bunch of AI just got done trying to kill you."

Twilight looks up to Azrael, breathing heavily.

"And why aren't you all exhausted?! You are only five levels higher than us!"

"Well Twilight, I may be a at level ten right now, but I got to keep my stats from my last character who was maxed out all the way to fifty. Because of my loyalty to the original game. But in order to use my more powerful abilities, I have to level up like everyone else. Soeaking of which. You and I need to have a talk young lady."

He said teasingly at the end,playing on his veteran ranking. This making her glare at him and crossing her arms under her breasts.

"You need to decide if you are going to be a healing hacker, or a damage dealing hacker. Right around now, you are going to have to split off in your tree and choose the path you want. I recommend you choose the healing path, unless you have another friend who we can get into our group who can take that role. Otherwise, it seems like you really enjoy the damage dealing hacker tree."

She nodded to him, fidgeting with her hands.

"I...really do like the damage dealing. The hacker tree is so much like magic, but in a technological sense within this game. The sounds, the use of the holograms. It is all so wonderful."

Azrael laughs and brings a hand up to her head, petting her gently.

"Then you work on getting that side of the hacker tree up. We will just have to find someone else who can be our healing hacker. They will be more essential down the road when high level event and instances come along. Now then..."

He said as he turns to the other two.

"Gunshy, I notice that ever so often, you get this wicked smile on your face as you are shooting. yet you act all shy around me. Is there a killer hidden within you that we need to know about?"

He prodded at her playfully.

"N-no! I am very gentle outside the game...I promise. It's just being in here...a new me. With all these abilities and weapons..its-"

"Absolutely liberating, yes?"

With a blush she nods her head. Azrael smiles and nods back.

"Explore your option though Gunshy. If you like to constant firing of guns, you may want to switch to dual SMGs. Once you get to a higher level though, you will be able to work in both pistols and SMGs. Keeping improving!"

He then turns to Lightning.

"And you. What to say about you. You are relying too much on speed and not adding concentration silly girl. Sure you may be fast but, I watched you barely land any hits on your enemy. You'll tire yourself our rather quickly if you keep that up."

She blushes in embarrassment but quickly mouths off at him.

"Oh what do you know! Damn show off..."

Azrael crosses his arms, arching a brow.

"You are just calling me that because you are frustrated with something new that you are trying to learn. How do you think I felt whenever I started this game when it wasn't a virtual reality? I was so lost, other higher up players made fun of me instead of helping me."

All three of them got sad looks on their faces when he told them this. The lowered their heads for a second and then looked back up to him.

"We are sorry Azrael...you are taking the time to help us all out. We have no right to complain. It is...really sweet of you to do this for us."

Twilight said as she scoots closer to him.

"If they won't say, then I will. Thank you Azrael, for taking out of your time. We know if you wanted to, you could blaze through this game."

Azrael smile and just shakes his head.

"I feel as a veteran, it is my job to help you all out, no matter who I might run into. Ah, speaking of which, have you gotten any phone calls after level four?"

All three of them nod.

"It is three individuals. One of them calls herself Flow. Another called himself Agent Grey, and the final one..who I dislike most of all, is the Merovingian. That is why we were so cautious against you when we first followed you."

"You were...following me? You know girls, you could have just came up and said hi. Only way I could hurt you in here is if you and I had PvP enabled. As for my organization I went with. I work for Agent Grey."

"You work with...the Machines?!"

All three shouted in surprise.

"How could you work with the enemy of Zion?! The Machines nearly destroyed the last human city! Had it not been for Neo!"

Azrael puts a hand up to stop them.

"But as seen in the movie, the war has ended and a truce was forged. My organization no longer poses a threat to the humans...yet. if they do something stupid and break the truce however, that is on their heads, not mine. I have remained loyal to my organization. And I am not changing it anytime soon. However, I used to be the head of the machine branch of a faction called Exemplar Tribune. We were a Tri-organization. Zion, machine and mero. We believed in unity, and didn't let our differences stop us from becoming friends and doing things together no other faction could."

As he went on and on about his faction's feats and friendships, the three girls smiled and continued to listen. Who knew that someone from the machine organization could show such...compassion and kindness towards others. Twilight and her friends always assumed that the macgines were the true enemy in all this. Then again, they don't know things like this player does. As Azrael continued to explain, something caught his attention. he heard footsteps, not very loud ones, but he heard them non the less. he sighed and shook his head

"The fact that I can hear you sneaking, indicates that you are just below my level. I mastered the shadow master tree in the other game as well. And you won't be able to do anything since you haven't asked me to duel or don't have PvP enabled on both parties."

All was quiet for a moment, then she appeared. A pale skinned female character with long deep blue hair and teal blue eyes. She wore what looked to be a long vinyl trench coat and raver pants along with a halter top. Azrael looked over her info and caught her name, remembering that was a thing.

"Ah, so your redpill name is Moonbeam is it?"

"How...were you able to see through my sneak?"

"Well, I didn't see you at first, but as you got closer, I saw the outline of your character, not to mention I heard you coming. Sneaking is only at it's best when you are in combat. Sorry Moony."

Moonbeam crosses her arms at Azrael and hmphs at him.

"How dare you speak to me in such a way. Don't you know who I am?"

"No...I do not actually."

"I am the princess of the night! I am Princess Luna! You will treat me with respect!"

"Look...I get you are all My Little Pony fans, I am cool with that. But come on. Claiming to be the princess of the night is rather unbelievable don't you think? What else are you gonna tell me? These three are actually Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash? HA!"

Everything went quiet after that, the three girls looked at him with shock on their faces, he saw this, then looked at Moonbeam with a wide eyed expression.

"C-come on ladies...you gotta be kidding me. Are you all in on this little joke?"

Twilight looked directly into his eyes, not flinching at all when she spoke to him.

"How is it you know who we are...?"

Azrael's eyes got bigger as he was starting to freak out a bit.

"You guys are obviously trolls...yeah. I am gone."

"You will not leave so easily, welp! I demand you fight me in a duel!"

Shouted Moonbeam, sending a duel prompt to Azrael's field of vision. Should he accept and put this scrub in her place? Or should he deny it and be the better man.

"Nah,I think I will pass. I don't fight fresh newbs in the game who don't know their way around the combat system. No offense."

Azrael wasn't trying to being mean in the slightest, but apparently in Moonbeam's thought, she took great offense to it.

"You are one level higher than me! If you are so strong you should be able to take me down no problem! What's the matter? That stallion pride of your starting to wither away?!"

Azrael was starting to get a little annoyed now. Gamers like this kind who claim to be better than everyone else even though they just started really angered him, male OR female.

"Alright, 'princess of the night'. You want to play? Fine."

"Azrael, please don't!"

Shouted Twilight, urging him not to accept the duel.

"I am sorry twilight. But players like this annoy me to no end...thinking they are better than everyone. It's players like this that divided the community the way it did back in the original game."

Before Twilight could run over to him and stop him, he presses the 'Accept' button. The combat music kicks in once the duel starts. Azrael takes his karate stance and goes into a defensive state. In the combat system, there are three types of combat styles. Power, speed and defensive, if you combined all these at the right time with current moves, you knew how to work the system, and could take down other players five levels higher than you. Depending on the situation that is. But Moonbeam made the mistake of using a spy class on a martial arts user. All classes but gunners had a balanced weakness against martial arts players. Gunners had a better advantage, but he wasn't about to reveal that.

He watches Moonbeam go into sneak mode before he can engage her into interlock combat. Depending on her numbers, a sneak attack is a critical hit when taken from behind, but could also end in failure if the other player's awareness stats are higher. And given that he has level fifty stats from his previous data, her odds were slim to none. but, he when into his defensive state just in case to boost his defense rate. And just as he though, she comes at him from behind. And the game system being the way it is, Azrael was able to clock ehr in the gut with a solid kick, stopping her in mid charge. And now that the interlock combat was now in play, Azrael smiled wickedly as he switched into power stance. He quickly activates a skill that he was most fond of back in the day. Chi charged punch, a devastating ability with the high amount of numbers, can cripple your opponent severely. But with his stats. It was a one shot kill. Luckily this was a duel, so she could resurrect herself on the spot, but normally in PvP or PvE, you would need a healing hacker to resurrect you if you didn't want to end up at the closest hardline.

All was quiet for a moment, until her RSI or 'Residual Self Image' rose from her knock out state and glared at him. Clearly upset with him.

"Good for nothing cheater!"

Azrael grins and wags his finger.

"it's not cheating when the devs give you the stats that was left in the old data archives as a die hard player from beta till end."

"You..were part of the original game..?" 

She asked in shock.

"Yep, Ran a faction, had lots of friends, loyal faction mates. It was my very first MMORPG. And now I am happy it has returned."

"So then you really are the same Azrael that we all agreed to send the modified headgear to?"

"...We?"

"Well, other than being a co-ruler of Equestria, I developed what you know to be Shadowquine Industries. Being a big gamer myself. We bought out the rights from the company that owned it in your world, and now it belongs to us. We noticed in all the time you put in, you played from beta till thelast day when it unfortunately shut down. So we knew you were the right human to send this to. Please,doforgive my attitude towards you earlier...had i known...just..I am sorry."

Azrael says nothing for a moment, then pulls up the options menu.

"Yeah...I am out."

And just as he was about to hit the 'jack out' command, the ground around him turns all blocky and techy. and a blue orb appears out of nowhere above it. Moonbeam shakes her head.

"Sorry Azrael...but I cannot let you leave. You are too valuable of an asset. You are coming to Equestria, and your body will follow in tow. As of right now, the headgear that is mounted on your head has transformed into a magical portal that is transporting you. I ask...for your forgiveness.." 

She said as she lowers her head. Azrael blinks and attempts to speak, but his RSI suddenly slumps to the ground and is dragged through the portal. What Luna did not foresee though, is that having both his real body and RSI traveling through together with the combination of her powerful magic. Things were going to get strange...rather quickly. She turns to the other girls who just stared in shock.

"I have no time to explain, ladies. But I need you to jack out now and head to the outer edge of Ponyville, he will be arriving soon."

"But princess why did you-?" 

"Now."

"Y-yes ma'am."

With that, they all left the game and did as they were told. Luna following as well.
> Act 2: Zeref And Azrael Now One In The Same
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Zeref tumbles through the portal at mak speed, still not having come out of the unconscious phase that the headgear had put him in. In truth, both he and his counter part that was in the game, were about to become one in the same. Princess Luna however did not forsee this development in her plan. As Zeref hurtles through, as does Azrael. What happens next, is something that goes beyond reality and virtual reality.

The two forms suddenly collide, this bringing Zeref back from his unconscious state. Pain begins to rake through his form, changes start to happen to his body. The two forms becoming one and mixing with each other. They fight over dominance of the physical form. this continues until the portal finally spits the remaining victor out on the other side. What comes out is a human that is forever changed. The being that lays on the ground, has the same outfit on as Azrael did, but the sweater, shoes, sunglasses and gloves he wore have turned solid black, while his coat and pants remain that same ghostly grey. His facial hair turned to black, as did his dreads, but the dreads had ghost white streaks at the bottom. His eyes changed from pale white back to Zeref's icy grey. And as if that wasn't enough, it seemed that Azrael's body type won the fight. He now stood from a simple five foot five inches, to a large man of six foot seven inches. As he lays there still in shock, the pain finally hits him after what had just happen a second time. This time, Zeref rolls around in pain as the sensations cuts through his nerves once more

"What...the fuck just happen?!" 

He said as he tries to shake it all off. Attempting to stand, but failing as he slumps back down. He hadn't even taken into account were he was. He reaches up and pulls off the headgear, his long dreads falling from the devices as he slowly opens his eyes to look around. What he sees is definitely not The Matrix, but a world he had only seen in those familiar episodes that involve certain ponies. And if he saw them, he was going to be very upset with them. But something else had Zeref's attention. His body, it felt heavier, larger. He knew he was out of the matrix. He had removed his headgear after all. He also finally noticed that his semi long hair was now longer and dreaded. He quickly sits up and holds his hands out in front of him, noticing the change from his usual black t-shirt and jeans to...what he had Azrael wearing. But some bits were black and others white.

"Oh god. What has just happened to me..?"

He said as he looks around for anything to cast a reflection, luckily he landed by a small pond. He slowly gets up again, this time managing to stand, and slowly walks over to the water, leaning in and gazing upon a new being he did not know, but carried traits that both he and his RSI both carried. His eyes widen behind his sunglasses, stumbling back as he nearly falls once more.

"This....this is all a dream. It has to be. Or this has to be a prank pulled by the dev team."

He continues to run possible explanations through his mind. Trying to use logical thinking to grip the situation. A voice pulls him from his train of thought, one that he did not want to hear, but it was there, confirming his fears.

"Um..Azrael? Is that you?"

Zeref turned his gaze to the lavender alicorn, but she had more human-like features than he expected. In fact, so did the other two that followed behind her cautiously. Yep, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Zeref could only glare at them from behind his glasses, but they could feel the rage brewing.

"What the fuck have you ponies done...? You steal me away from my home and have the balls to even come near me? Oh, you and your princess are going to get it. I may be a human, but when you do something like this? Well.."

Something inside of him triggered, both body and soul. As if his abilities from the game transfered over into this reality. His body shifts into ghost mode. He flies at Twilight with quick speed, becoming solid once he is able to wrap his hands around Twilight's throat. Something was going on with Zeref. This was something that hasn't been awakened in years. You see, there was a point in life where Zeref was teased by people in and out of school because he was considered an outcast, and his family always looked down upon him. All this combined created a form of hysteria. Not one of fear no, but one of pure rage. And in this situation, combined with his system shock and numbness of his mind and anger coming into the equation as well. That hysteria now emerges once more. This surprised Twilight, and she stumbled back and fell to the ground as Zeref continued to choke her. Her friends staring in horror as they saw their best friend being harmed by this man.

"Please A-Azrael....we didn't..know this was going to happen...please!"

Twilight said as she was trying her best to get air. Zeref was met with a hoof to the face as Rainbow Dash came to her friend's rescue. This sent Zeref sliding back a good six feet, though still standing. Having had his glasses knocked off of his face, you can now see that his eyes are bloodshot. the pupil shrunken down to a mere little dot in the whites of his eyes.

"You want some to, Skittles? Fine."

He said as he charged forth, zig-zaging and dashing left to right in order to keep ehr vision busy to throw her off, he appears behind her and grabs hold of her neck from behind, squeezing it firmly. He lifts her up and throws her over his body into the ground, creating an indention in the dirt. His attention now turns to Fluttershy, who was now shaking like a leaf. Those light green eyes staring in fear of the man that has brought harm to her friends.

"Azrael...please stop this...this isn't who you are! The player we met was kind and gentle! Please stop!"

Zeref walked over to her slowly, that look still in his eyes as he grabs her by the wrist and lifts her up with a single hand, squeezing her wrist hard.

"Azrael that hurts! Please let go!"

Fluttershy cried out

"Oh dear sweet Fluttershy...you and your princess brought this upon yourselves...I am trying to figure out what I will do with you as we speak-"

He was cut off, his other hand grabbing at his head as he starts to fight back the hysteria, his shock finally fading as he gets a grip on his mind. He drops Fluttershy, grabbing his head with his other hand as a ringing in his ears begins to get louder and louder. Those oppressive memories starting to flood his mind once more. He grits his teeth as the voices whisper in his mind.

 Outcast...

Loser...

Reject..

Filth...

Shameful son...

"Shut up! Go away! You are all nothing to me! I hate you all! You stuck up arrogant pricks! I don't need you or the shit you put me through! SHUT UP!!!"

Zeref felt to his knees as he continues to thrash about. Fluttershy, no longer concerned for herself, was now concerned for Zeref. Her fear being overpowered by her sense of compassion. From the things that Zeref was shouting. She was putting it together in her. The man had been shown nothing but grief most of his life.Even as a child. As she was about to approach him though, a powerful magical bolt hits him in the back of the head, rendering him unconscious once more. The shooter, princess Luna. The others look up as she descends from the air, wings out and horn glowing. She drops to the ground and folds her wings, the glow also fading. She walks over to Zeref, looking over everyone else.

"I am sorry I am late everyone."

Twilight and Rainbow dash struggle to get up for a moment, but are able to no doubt.

"Princess.....what have you done to him..?"

Twilight asked as she rubbed her now bruised neck.

"Something...I did not foresee. And it put you all in danger. I am sorry Twilight Sparkle. And you as well girls. I did not think that his virtual self would mix in with his real self. A great fault on my part for trying to urge him here so quickly. I am afraid...this had sent him into a shock. But why he reacted so violently..I don't know. But for now. We need to get him somewhere safe for now. The other ponies don't need to know about him yet. Twilight Sparkle, I am placing him in your care. I would take him myself, but even my sister doesn't know about my plans. I am sure when he wakes up, he will be less prone to becoming violent. I know he hurt you, but please. Be gentle with him. I know deep down, when he wakes up, he will regret what he did."

Twilight was hesitant at first, but nods.

"Of course, I will take him to the castle right away. But Luna, I have to ask. What is going on?"

"That I cannot speak of at this time. Let's just say I recreated this game for more than just being a fan. Azrael here is going to be needed, that is all I can say. Now, get him out of here before anypony else sees this. And make sure that your other friends don't learn about him yet either."

"yes, we will keep it a secret."

Twilight said as she looked over at Fluttershy now helping up Rainbow Dash. She looks over at the unconscious human, still wondering why he reacted the way he did.

"Maybe he can tell me what happened when he wakes up. That was not the same player we met back in the game. I know that for sure."

"Um..Twilight. Maybe it would be best if I accompanied you when he wakes. Before Luna knocked him back out, he was saying some thing that cuaght my attention. I believe the way he reacted may be connected."

Fluttershy said as she helped Rainbow Dash walk along.

"Whatever happened...let's hope it doesn't again. He threw me like I was a piece of crumpled paper."

Twilight casts a mass teleportation spell, taking them all to her castle.
> Act 3: Accepting A New Reality
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	--Twilight's Castle, Lower Cells--

It was dim, lights only coming from the torches that lit the corridor that held the prisoner cells. Zeref slowly opens his eyes as he comes back from his knock out, grabbing at the back of his head as the throbbing began. He looks around, his blurred vision finally leaving. He notices also, that he is bound by chains on his wrists and ankles. This cause a bit of an alarm.

"Okay...have I been taken prisoner then? Last thing I remember is hearing Twilight's voice then everything got all fuzzy...then for a brief moment I those...awful memories returned. And then I-"

He cut himself off by the revelation that had just happened.

"Did..I go into another hysteria mode...? After so many years? I mean, I was mad at them yes but, I didn't mean to..."

He pulls at the chains, shifting his eyes quickly about.

"I just need to get out of here. That's all there is to it.."

He closes his eyes and reopens them, seeing the chains fall from around his limbs as he goes in and out of ghost mode. He stands up and makes his way to the cell door, but before he makes his way out, he felt something...heavy within his inner coat pocket. he reaches in and pulls out one of the most devastating weapons from the game. A very rare find if you were lucky enough to take down one of the agents that chased after you if you were caught in a restricted area, the FM1500 Magnum. In the game, a gun like this used by an agent could take down a fully geared level fifty player by a quarter of his or her health, it was a gun that was not to be trifled with. But how did he get one? Did Agent Grey slip it into his in game inventory without telling him? Well, regardless or not if he could use it here,It was still an intimidating weapon to be sure.

"Alright, here I go..."

He said as he kicks at the door's lock. He expected to meet resistance, but surprisingly enough. The door swung open. Shattering the lock oin impact, the door swinging open. He quickly moves down the corridor. quick and light on his feet. It seemed true enough, his abilities did transfer over from the game as his two selves combined. guess that is what alicorn magic can do. And knowing software, a glitch like that. the system should repair itself knowing a piece of data is missing and will recreate his avatar. As he moves through the prison block, following the signs that were posted on the walls, he comes into contact with a passing guard, who draws his weapon quickly. Zeref reacts with quick speed, performing a sliding kick to knock the guard off his feet, quickly wrapping his arms around the guard's neck into a firm choke hold.

"Take a nap my friend...you saw nothing."

He said as he brings the soldier to an unconscious state, dragging him over to a near by chair and making it look like he fell asleep. Zeref chuckles a bit and moves on. Saving his next shift in forms when he needs it the most. Without alerting any guards this time, he makes it to the exit, only to fine that on the other side of the door, was the large castle and all of it's halls. Zeref graons to himself.

"Alright...remember the lay out of the castle from the show..."

As he was thinking, he heard two familiar voices heading his way.

"So..Twilight? Do you think he will try and hurt us again once he awakens?"

"Well, I hope not Fluttershy. If Princess Luna sees an ally in him. Then we will just have to be patient. The way he reacted to us though. It may have been a combination of his system shock and unusual surroundings. I can tell he is a good guy...we just..I don't know. The poor man was taken from his home. From the world he knew. I can understand he would be rather upset about that. Though a part of me is rather excited...to see a real human for the first time, and not just one that is from a game...think of what we could learn from him."

"And what precisely do you want to know about me?"

He said as he presses the barrel of the gun to the back of Twilight's head. He wasn't going to shoot of course, but they didn't know that.. Twilight froze as she felt the cold barrel against her skin. She couldn't see what he was holding, but she knew what it was by the feeling of it. He was holding a dangerous weapon...something even more deadlier than magic. The question is" Where did he obtain it? They didn't have guns in her world. She starts shaking a bit, knowing one wrong move could possibly end her life. Fluttershy turning to see what was going on, only to widen her eyes in fear.

"A-Azrael...how did you?"

"Did you two forget that phasing out of chains is rather easy for someone like me?"

"But the door...I-I put a spell on it so that you couldn't get through if you changed.."

"Come on Twilight...you are a smart girl. you should have foreseen I would use brute force to get the door open. I don't rely solely on my new ghost ability. That would be rather foolish."

"Please Azrael...lower the gun. Why-"

Fluttershy cut herself off as she saw what kind of gun he was holding. her ears lower as she cowers away more.

"Y-y-you have a..FM1500 Magnum..? How is such a dangerous weapon here..?"

Zeref chuckled lightly, looks like his bluff was working after all.

"A little welcome back gift from Agent Grey I assume. But you surprise me, Fluttershy. You know what kind of gun this is."

"I...I was so interested in the game that I looked up a few things..and when I saw the pistols, they looked so sleek and beautiful, but nothing compares to the one in your hand. Please Azrael...lower the gun. I know behind that evil look on your face right now...you are just scared of what is going on.."

Zeref began to feel his anger starting to boil, his mind denying the fact that she can see right through him right now, he grabs Twilight by her neck from behind, squeezing firmly but not enough to really hurt her, he pulls the gun aside and pulls the trigger, surely enough that familiar discharge that always made every player jump in the game when it was heard. Most of the guns sounded the same, but the FM1500 had a sound that was very distinct. And it made players run for their lives.

"You don;'t know ANYTHING!"

He shouted.

"To be taken from your world, and being brought into a new reality that you barely know anything about! You have no right to act like you know anything, Fluttershy!"

He places the barrel back onto Twilight's neck, still a bit warm from the discharge of the round. This made her shake even more. She finally get the courage to speak.

"Azrael...we didn't know what was going to happen. Not even Luna saw this coming. She told us why she did it. but it seems that she didn't predict the shock it would bring to your system. Please...lower the weapon. I promise I will not bring any harm to you. It was never even our intent..."

Zeref began to grit his teeth, his finger twitching on the trigger as he held the gun.

"Send me back....send me back damnit!"

He said as he presses the gun harder against Twilight's head.

"Azrael, I can't! I may be an alicorn, but I don't know how to open portals to send anyone back! Please stop this!"

Twilight said now starting the shed tears. She was scared for her life now. Who wouldn't be in this situation? Zeref pushed her away from him, he jumps back. His mental state was starting to go way south, a slow, insane grin starts to form across his face. His eyes widening as he has a delusional revelation.

"This..this is all part of the game...it has to be. And if that's the case..a simple suicide will send me back to one of the hardlines in the main part of the game. Sure I will get a death debuff, but within fifteen minutes it will vanish....yeah, that willwork."

He said as he slowly lifts the gun. Pointing it to the both of them for a second. Which made them take a few steps back. What was going to happen next however, was going to make their heart sink into their chest. he brings the gun right to the right side of his head, directly against the temple. Both Twilight and Fluttershy gasp sharply.

"Azrael...no don't..."

Fluttershy suddenly takes a step forward

"This...isn't real. This is not reality. Reality is cruel..and dark. Struggling to make ends meet. This is just a fantasy world...no such world will ever really exist."

"Azrael please, this is the real world! Believe it or not YOU are here! Please do not throw your life away over this! We know this is tough on you and we can't imagine the emotions you are feeling! But for the love of Celestia please don't end your own life!"

"It's been fun ladies...but I am jacking out. See you."

Zeref squeezed the trigger, that same grim discharge was heard once more. The look on Fluttershy's face was one of both sadness and horror. She lets out a loud shriek as she watches Zeref fall to the side motionless. She ran over to him, tripping and falling in front of him. She scrambles up and kneels at his side, looking over his seemingly dead corpse. Something was off though...there was no entry wound, A slight burn mark sure. But, no hole.

"But...how?"

She looks over at twilight, who had the round levitating in front of her with a smug grin.

"All of the rounds that are in the gun now are nothing but blanks. He will be fine Fluttershy."

"Twilight..thank you."

"Well...considering what he has been through in the last few hours, I feel very bad for what has happened to him."

Fluttershy gently rests Zeref's head in her lap, looking down at him with a frown as she lightly pets him.

"The poor man...he has been through so much..."

She said quietly. Zeref opens his eyes slowly and sighs.

"I...can't ever go back home can I? I am really here..."

Twilight kneels beside Fluttershy and nods to him, a sympathetic look in her eyes.

"No Azrael....not even Luna and her sister can create a portal to send beings back to. the portal we make go one way...only to us. I..Iam sorry for what has happened to you."

Zeref sighs again, not really minding the attention that Fluttershy was giving him.

"I owe you an apology as well Twilight...I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you. But your life was never in any real danger. I would never shoot another being unless my life depended on it...but just a few minutes ago...I was ready to take my own...ready to believe I would end up back home. But the fact that you saved me...meant I would have been wrong...and dead. Thank you, twilight. This is my reality now it seems...great."

He said before a loud slap to the forehead came, given by his own hand.
> Act 4: Agent Grey Calls A Meeting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It is the second day in this reality for Zeref. For all the time he has been there, he has stayed locked up in the guest room that Twilight generously let him have. Despite his aggressive acts from yesterday. He lets out a sigh as he looks out the window he was standing in front of, watching ponies come and go. Out of all the things that had to be true, anthro ponies existed in another world. Seems like the bronies and furries back home were onto something. Shaking the thought, he decides it is time to make amends. He walks over to the door and opens it, walking out and down the hall to Twilight’s room. He could hear the slight sound of papers in a book being flipped ever so often. He reaches up and gets close to knocking on the door, then pulls back for a moment. He shakes his head then finally knocks on the door. It was quiet for a moment.

“Yes?”

“Twilight? It’s me. May I come in? I wish to speak with you.”

“”Ah, yes please come in Zeref.”

He opens the door and comes in, looking over at Twilight who seems to be rather dressed...comfortably. A tight fitting cut off shirt and black booty short. Zeref maintained his cool though. He walks in front of her bed and stands there for a moment, then taking a deep bow.

“Twilight...I want to apologize for the way I acted yesterday. I shouldn’t have been so harsh to you when you didn’t know what was going on. I...just freaked out and wanted to go back home. And I was willing to do anything to do it. I just wanted you to know..I am sorry.”

He said before coming up from his bow. Twilight closed her book and got off her bed. She walked up to him with her eyes locked onto his, those big purple hues seeking through his icy grey gaze. She was quiet for a few moments, Zeref only blinking a few times. She smiled gently and wrapped his arms around him in a warm hug.

“I forgive you Zeref. And I completely understand why you did what you did. But you and I both know you wouldn’t have put me in real danger. I could hear it in your voice...despite how scary you were.”

SHe was soooo soft and warm, Zeref just wanted to hug her back, her breasts pushed up against his lower torso, and they were very very nice. But Zeref maintained his aloofness and just stepped back as he was released. Twilight seemed a bit saddened that he didn’t return a hug, but understood. Zeref looks around the room as he noticed her headgear and her PC. Apparently their computer designs didn’t differ from his world’s very much.

“So..that is your rig huh?”

He said as he quickly changed the subject, walking over to the machine and runs his hand along its chassis. He looks back to her, seeing a smile form on her face again.

“Mhm! I put it together myself!”

“Mind if I take a look inside?”

“I..I suppose you can, just be careful…”

Zeref chuckles lightly and removes the side of the case.

“Don’t worry Twilight, I am a builder of computers myself, I have been fond of them since the age of five. Everytime computer lab came around in school, I was always the first to be there in my chair and starting up the machine.”

Twilight’s eyes brightened as he told her his experience with computers.

Scarey..but so very intelligent.

She thought to herself as she watched him look around in the machine. He reaches in and wipes the dust from a few vital parts of the machine, then looks to her.

“Make sure you keep your rig clean on the inside, dust build ups will affect its performance in the long run. Also,how long have you had computers in this world? Is it a recent thing? Or has it been longer?”

“Oh...well we have had computers for about ten years now. It is something that came from your world out of a rogue portal I assume. We had to make some tweaks to the power supply though. We use magic crystals instead of what came with it originally.”

“I see. And it looks like you followed the same evolution steps with the other parts as we did. You graphics card seems to have the same design as an Nvidia GForce GTX 760…”

He turns with a teasing grin and crosses his arms.


“I am very disappointed in you Twilight,I figured a princess would have access to the latest tech. My rig runs a GTX 1080. But, it looks like the motherboard is pretty decent. Along with the sound card and everything else. I can’t say anything about your processor. But over all it is a decent rig.”

He turn closes the case back up and turns to see her eyes wide and her muzzle agape with shock.

“Uh...Twilight?”

She shakes herself back from her shock and smiles nervously.

“O-oh! Sorry...it has been hard to find another pony around here who understands these machines so well. Both inside and out. It is rather..admirable.”

She said as she drags her hoof against the floor, her hands behind her back.

“So...would you be opposed if I picked your brain for a few minutes Zere? You seem like a very intellectual man.”

Zeref laughs lightly.

“Oh Twilight. Just because I am good with computers doesn’t mean I am a super genius like you. Sure I was going to college for business administration, but still. I am just a simple human who lived a rather...unwanted childhood. But that is a story for another time.” 

He said as he walks over to a chair. Just as he was about to sit down, something in his pocket...rang? Just how many items followed him through the magic bridge yesterday?! He reaches into his coat and pulls out the cellphone that is issued to you in the game, and the number was...oh boy…

Zeref clicks the side of the phone as the speaker retracts...which was awesome. He had a cellphone like this when he was younger because of the movie. He puts it up to his ear and speak.

“...Bossman? Is that you?”

“Hello Mr. Schwarzwald. I am calling you to make sure you are...unharmed. We noticed in the system that your RSI was dragged into a disturbance. We had a back up ready and it is now back into our system. So whenever you return, all should be fine. My question is: What exactly happened?”

“I will have to explain to you when I see you.”

“It’s just as well. I will need you to jack in within the hour. I am calling a meeting. Have you as our most trustworthy human operative, I believe it is necessary to have you there.”

“Ah, I will do so then. Usually when you call meetings, something big is going to happen. Do we still meet in the same building that is in front of the Mara North hardline?”

“Indeed, we...hope to see you there, Mr. Schwarzwald.”

“One more thing before you go, bossman. Is Agent Pace still around. Cause..in all honestly, she was pretty hot.”

The conversation when quiet for a moment, then a monotone, but alluring voice came over the phone, which made Zeref grin.

“I am glad you still find me so attractive even over all the years, Mr. Schwarzwald. Yes, I am still here, as are all the other agents.”

“Huh, coworker reunion, how nice.”

“I will never really...understand you humans and your odd...customs and such. But I will not lie, I and the other agents have taken a liking to you. Even if Agent grey will not admit it.”

“Agent Pace, that information is….irrelevant.”

Agent Grey said with a straight face, but Zeref knew that the program didn’t liked to be found out. Zeref could have sworn he heard Agent Pace talk with a slight smile.

“See you soon, Mr. Schwarzwald.”

The line clicks and goes dead, Zeref chuckles and closes the phone back up. He places it back in his coat, turning to find Twilight leaning in as if she was trying to listen on his conversation. Zeref arched a brow.

“Twilight...it is rude to listen in on phone calls you know?”

She crosses her arms under her breasts and hmphs a little.

“Well, how do you even have that device here?! And how did he even get a call through to the real world?! And more importantly, who is this Agent Pace?!”

She emphasised on the last part. Was...she getting jealous that he was talking about another female? Zeref was going to have fun with this.

“I don’t know, and I don’t know. But don’t tell me...that you are getting all flustered because of a sentient program that I happen to find attractive. If you saw her, you couldn’t blame me.”

“I am NOT getting jealous!”

She said as she turns away from him with a pouty face. Zeref chuckled light, then blinked as he remembered.

“Shit..my headgear. I need to go find it..”

Twilight turned around with her wings lifted a bit.

“Oh! Don’t worry, I brought it back with us when we brought you here yesterday. Princess Luna also mentioned that she is having her company work on a rig just for you. She...felt really bad about what happened.”

Zeref arches a brow.

“Moony is making me a rig? Awfully kind of her. I guess I can’t be mad at her now then…”

He said as he then looks to Twilight again.

“May I borrow your rig until mine gets here then?”

Twilight blinks and grins wickedly.

“Fine, but on one condition, mister. I get to pick your brain when you return, and I get to watch what goes on.”

She said as she leans over and turns on the monitor, doing this shows off just how nice her rear was. God damnit all. Zeref shakes his head and looks around, seeing she indeed did bring his headgear in and dusts it off. He plugs it into her computer and nods.

“I suppose that is fair enough. Thank you for letting me use it.”

He said as he walks over to her bed, stopping for a moment and looks over to her

“I uh...hope you don’t mind..”

“Oh no! Please do what you need to do..”

She said as she looked away from him with a slight blush on her face. He nods and sits on her bed, placing the headgear on and lies down against her pillow, closing his eyes and exhaling.

“Jack in, Mara North hardline.”

Zeref’s body goes numb, like last time, and his vision is brought into the game, he opens his eyes and looks down at his clothing and himself as he walks out of the hardline. Looking around to see fresh new players staring at him with wide eyes and open mouths.

“He is only level ten, and his stats are through the roof…’

“Not only that, but look at his name. You think he is the same one we have heard about?”

The whispers went on and on as he turned and walked around the bench that sat by the hardline, accidently bumping into a player that he did not notice, she lets out a gasp as she nearly falls forward, but he catches her in time.

“Ah, pardon me..uh, Topaz.”

“Oh not a problem ,darling. At least you were kind enough to make sure I didn’t fall.”

That voice..that hair color and the style of clothing she wore. Those deep beautiful sapphire eyes. Noooo. Nononono. She would never play a game like this! Even Twilight was in shock when she was watching. Azrael looked in the direction of the monitor which was normally behind the character, as if looking directly at Twilight mouthing to her, ‘You don’t think…’.

“No...there is just no way!”

Twilight exclaimed as she spoke to the monitor, then looked outside her window at her friend’s home and workplace. Yep, they were both thinking the same thing, Rarity. As he was about to speak with Topaz again, two agents come out of the door and approach Azrael. All the players, including Topaz backed away quickly. All but Azrael.

“Mr. Schwarzvald, we have been...awaiting your arrival. If you would please come with us so that we may get the meeting underway.”

“I see Agent Grey is as impatient as always. Very well.”

He looks over to Topaz and nods his head.

“See you around Topaz.”

He said as he walked into the building with the agents accompanying him. The whispers beginning again.

“Doesn’t he look like one of the ghost twins? I wonder what the leader of the machine faction wants with him..”

“Whatever it is, it can’t be good. The machines claim to be a neutral faction and only keep peace  in The Matrix, I don’t buy it.”

Topaz rubs her chin in thought, a small smile on her.

“He dresses like an exile...but even the head of the machines call upon him. Someone who knows the higher ups...very impressive…”

Topaz said in a sultry tone. Then goes about her way. Azrael walks out of the elevator that brought him to the top floor, he walks into those familiar double doors that lead him into the conference room with the long desk and comfy chairs. This place, usually looked so low grade back in the day, looked as if it was all in real life, everything did, even the player models.

“Ah, and here is our human operative now. Welcome back Mr. Schwarzwald, we’ve...missed you.”

Azrael grins at the inside joke, bowing his head in greeting to Agent Grey, and giving an extra smile to Agent Pace, rising his brows under his sunglasses as if saying ‘dat ass’. Quietly. It took Twilight everything to not chunk something at her monitor

“I swear when he gets back…”

She stops herself and blinks.

“Why am I getting so upset about this?!”

She asked as she buries her face into her pillow that she was clinging to as she sat beside him on her bed. Watching him do this, it was like he was in a movie,and she was enthralled. Azrael walked up to the table and placed his hand on it, looking between all the agents in the room. Agent Grey begins explaining.

“As you all know, with the resurrection of the simulation. There are still a few bugs to work out. And I..regret to inform you, that sign of the Assassin are showing up. The corrupted death clouds that showed up only in the Westview Districts are attempting to spread into the Richland area. If these things get into this area, we will have a crisis on our hands with the new red pills daily. Agent Taylor, the map if you’d please.”

The Agent walks up with a large rolled up map of the infected areas, rolling it across the table as the rest look upon it. Azrael’s eyes studying the map he still remembered fairly well.

“My god...they are targeting all the new redpill spawn in areas. From what I can see by their movements, they are trying to converge on them.”

“Very perceptive of you, Mr. Schwarzwald. You are our best human mind. What do you think is a decent plan to fight these...rogue programs off?”

“First off, do we still have the flint gun program running around?”

“I...am afraid we do not. It was lost whenever we tried gathering all the data to restart the simulation.”

Azrael chuckles lightly, reaching into his inventory and pulling out the flint gun and setting it on top of the table, getting arched eyebrows and slightly opened mouths from the agents.

“Never underestimate to power of a player who has been here since the beta of the original game.”

“Very….exemplary, Mr. Schwarzwald. We will take the code from this and copy it, but it is so complex we can only make a few of them at the most. Fifty replicas.”

Azrael chuckles lightly.

“Just like in the original game. Now then.”

He said as he leans onto the table more,pointing out spots on the map.

“I suggest we find out best players who can take hits the most. Give them a flint gun, and let the others handle with ranged attacks, I recommend hackers. For both high damage and healing. Gunners are always welcomed. But martial artists like me will have no effect at close range, but we can handle damage well, so give us the guns.”

Azrael looks over to Agent Grey.

“I recommend that you also get some coders the craft an anti-corruption code. There will be some players who will get corrupted by their attacks. Call it a...safeguard”

“Agreed, Mr. Schwarzwald. Very well then, we will offer help by adding a bit more firepower to these...rogue programs. In the meantime, we shall gather some of our other operatives and some of the Zion operatives as well. We know the exiles will not aid us in this.”

“When do you think we should deploy?”

Azrael asked.

“Tomorrow afternoon, when we have gathered enough humans. I will call you once we have things ready. You are dismissed, Mr. Schwarzwald.”

“Understand bossman, until tomorrow.”

Azrael said as he began to walk out of the room.

“Mr, Schwarzwald.”

“Sir?”

“It is...pleasant to have you back.”

Azrael chuckles lightly.

“Good to be back, Sir”

He said as he walked out the room and to the rooftop, looking over the crowd gathered by the hardline below and by the door.

“Ah, they must be curious as to what has happened. Good thing I chose the roof.”

He said as he brought up the option menu and hit the ‘jack out’ command. His body disappearing in a bright green light and fades into nothing. Things were going to get interesting, both in and out of the game. That’s for sure.


> Act 5: Zeref's New Rig And Rarity Gets Caught
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zeref removes his headgear after finally coming back from the game, finding Twilight straddling over him and leaning down with her hands at his sides, glaring at him with puffed cheeks. So adorable. He arches a brow with a grin.


“What’s wrong Twilight? Didn’t like the way I was looking at Agent Pace?”


She slams her rump down on his lower torso, he lets out a grunt of slight pain when she does this. 


“Gah, you males are all the same!”


“Come on Twilight, why should it matter to you? Don’t get me wrong, you are adorable yourself. But you couldn’t possibly think of a pony and a human even remotely having any interests in one another when it comes to...those kind of things. I am sure the idea even repulses you.”


She climbs off of him and huffs. Zeref also sliding from her bed and grabbing his headgear from her computer.


“Anyways, you know the situation that is going on in the matrix now. The question is, will you help? I know you aren’t a fan of the machines, but we care about everyone’s safety in the matrix, bluepill or redpill.”


Twilight was quiet for a moment. What he said really boiled in her mind. The whole thing about ‘Ponies finding humans unattractive and things couldn’t happen between them’.. Twilight was a hopeless romantic. Her massive amount of that type of literature was evidence enough. She lets out a sigh, still a little upset at him for ogling a simple humanized program, but she pushes it away into the back her mind.


“How long do we got until the machines call us to action?”


She asked as she turned fully to him. A determined look in her eyes. This making Zeref grin.


“Agent Grey will call me once things are in order. I have a feeling though...if we don’t stop these things, it may affect the players outside of their game. Science fiction has taught me that much. In the meantime, we need to get you and the others leveled high enough to where you won’t get one shoted by the corrupt clouds. They are quite easy to identify, black mist and swarming with flies. Maintain distance at all times unless with fully leveled players, as I mentioned before..”


He said as he walked to the door and opened it, looking back to Twilight.


“Oh and by the way, you have a rather nice rump. Just try not to knock the wind out of me with it next time would you?”


She widened her eyes and blushes all over, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at him, but only hitting the door as he quickly slips out. Making his way back to his room with his headgear under his arm. Shaking his head as he walks into his room.


“Geez, she may be a genius, but Twilight is so easy to read.”


He said as he sets his headgear onto the desk that had a complete set up of a large monitor, gaming keyboard and mouse and a monster rig that was black and blue with the Shadowquine Industries logo on the front. Zeref walked passed the setup for a moment then did a double take at what he was looking at. His eyes were about as wide as dinner plates as he looked over the sleek hardware.


“Holy fuck....this thing is a titan…”


He said as he noticed a letter sitting on the keyboard with Luna’s seal on it. He lifts it up and reads it.




 Dear Azrael,


I am writing to you on this fine day to let you know that I owe you a big apology for what has happened to you. I know you are most likely upset with me for bringing you here, knowing you can never return home. But, I can start making it up to you by offering you this. I saw to it’s construction myself. The best of everything we at Shadowquine Industries have, some parts not even schedule for release until next year. I know that with this machine, you will keep both the matrix and Equestria safe...should the need arise for the second one anyway.. And again, I am very sorry for having caused you as much trouble as I have. This princess can only ask for your forgiveness in time. Until then, keep the other girls out of trouble will you?


Yours,
Princess Luna.




Zeref sighs and lowers the letter, shaking his head as he tosses it aside.


“I can’t exactly stay mad at Moony since she has given me such an awesome rig, let alone the entire setup. It is better than the one I have at home! She even gave me a badass looking gamer chair.”


He said as he plops down in it.


“...And comfy…”


He said as he starts up the beast, letting it do it’s thing, creates a profile, the usual setup deal with operating systems, even the matrix was already installed. She thought it all through alright. He chuckles lightly and gets everything going, it was time to gain some levels himself. Agent Grey may not be happy with him if Azrael was slacking off after all. He puts the headgear into the usb slot and lays on his bed, sliding the headgear back on and jacking back into the matrix and going off to level up more. And knowing the areas around Richland, he was level twenty within an hour after doing missions and just grinding out with the local NPC gangs. Now all the way in the International district.


“Whew….I should be able to begin creating my last combo of abilities that kept me from falling to others in PvP. To the nearest hardline to do some coding.”


He said as he activated his super speed buff, running down streets and between building to get to the closest hardline. He had to be careful though. He would need to find access cards, as he was now in restricted area territory. Even though he was their top operative, Azrael was still in a place he wasn’t supposed to be. The agents do not discriminate. He walks up to the hardline and wastes no time in getting started. A holographic keyboard and small window appear in front of him as he gets to work. Looking in his peripheral vision every now and then to make sure no agents were approaching him from behind. He finally finishes creating half of his karate and aikido skills, as they were the best defense and attack combo that he himself created. Just in time to. A citizen walks up to the area he was in and suddenly begins to shift like the agents did in the old game. It was Agent Taylor, immediately drawing out his gun and pointing it at Azrael.


“Mr. Schwarzwald, you know the rules better than anyone else here in the simulation. I know you are our top human. But no one is above the rules.”


“Easy Agent Taylor, I am leaving. But I will be returning again with an access card to this area.”


“I ask that you be quick to do so Mr. Schwarzwald. By the way, since I am here. We...want you to know that the construction on the weapons against the corrupted code are coming along. Give us a few more day. Agent grey will be calling you.”


“Right, well, I am out.”


“Mr. Schwarzwald.”


“Hm?”


“I..am sorry I have to send you away. You are an exemplary human and have helped us in our cause. But, rules are rules. Even we have to follow them.”


“Not a problem, you are programed the make sure no trouble happens here. Anyways, see you later.”


He grabs the phone from the hardline and puts it to his ear, teleporting to the hangout hardline, Mara Central. When he appears there, he walks out of the hardline to notice that the area was littered with new players, chatting, conversing, emoting, the whole package. He remembers when he would do this everyday. He and his faction would go around and just have all kinds of fun, going to the clubs that were scattered around Mega City. It really took him back. As he walked along the area, smiling and waving to all the new players, his phone rings, he takes it out of his coat and looks at the number. Wasn’t Grey, he clicks it open and puts it to his ear


“Azrael here.”


“Ah Azrael, darling. Good to hear from you.”


“Ah, hello Topaz, I assume you added me to your friends list when I ran into you?”


“I did. I was wondering, would you be a gentleman and come and meet me at Meridian Park? I would like to speak with you about something.”


“I take you you are at the hardline right at the stairs?”


“That I am. You must know this game very well...and it has been out for only a couple of days.”


“In your world it has.”


“What do you mean, dear?”


“Oh nothing, I am on my way.”


He said as he clicks his phone back and head back to the hardline, teleporting to the Meridian Park Central hardline. He walks out of it, looking around and noticing something wasn’t right, his icon was switched on to PvP mode.


“Oh shit...please tell me they didn’t…”


That’s right, Meridian Park was now a PvP zone. Azrael tuned and kept himself on high alert as he shifts his eyes about. He heard some footsteps running up behind him, he quickly turns to see Topaz leaping into the air with an axe kick coming down on him. He quickly takes advantage of his higher level specs and grabs her ankle as she comes down. Slamming her down in the process and getting into his aikido defense stance.


“So this is why you brought me out here huh? Should have known you would have sided with the frenchman.”


Topaz getting into her speed kung fu stance. He would have never pegged Rarity as a martial artist, he learned something new today it seemed.


“Oh don’t be upset. This is how the game is played. And I find the Merovingian quite..lovely.”


“I hope you don’t plan on making the moves on him Topaz, he already has a wife, and he even cheats on her.”


“You stay your tongue! He is a wonderful man! She doesn’t deserve someone like him! Now then, it is time I take you down..”


“Bring it on, sweetheart.”


And so the fight began. Topaz came at him full force, flurries of punches and kicks coming at Azrael, but he just smiles and dodges every single one of them. Either lightly leaning left to right or stepping back and forth. Another player that doesn’t know the unfair rules of leveling in MMORPGs.


“Come on stop trying to hit me and hit me!”


He said as he continued to deflect her attacks with ease. Toying with her, letting her have the illusion she has him on the ropes, even letting her land a few hits in.


“If you were a proper gentleman, you would let me win!”


She said as she started to sound a bit flustered.


“OH your female charms don’t made in here. It is fair game, my dear Topaz.”


He said as he grabbed her wrist as she tried to punch, rolling her around like a ragdoll as he switched into power mode, the sound of bones popping and cracking as he uses his aikido stance to attack now. It wasn’t as powerful as he karate stance, but he needed to teach her a lesson. A crowd of players who were exploring the area saw what was going on. None of them had their PvP icons triggered, but they weren’t above level ten either. At least they kept that rule into effect. But poor Topaz, she was going up against a level twenty when she herself was just at ten. Azrael figured it was time to end the fight, he saw her health bar running in the danger zone, so he continues to flop her around until she isn’t moving, when she is on the ground, he does a cartwheel while grabbing her clothing and taking her with him and slams her firmly on the ground as he finishes it. The interlock fading as the battle was won. And since this was a PvP match, there was no instant recovery. But she could still hear him speak.


“Next time, make sure to check your opponent’s level before you attack them.”


He leans down and whispers to her.


“And also, I never took you for a gamer pony...Rarity.”


He said with a wide grin, right after, her body vanished in a green light. He knew he had caught her. The crowd looks on as they saw the slaughter, someone else could attack him if they wanted, his PvP was still active. But they all stood still.


“Come on kiddos. No one else want to come and try their luck?”


They all shook their heads.


Very well, you kids take it easy now. Enjoy the game.”


He said as he goes into ghost mode and sinks into the ground, making his way away from the park and out of the bounds of it,appearing back on the street, out of PvP mode.


“I bet the poor fashionista is having a fit right now….”


--Rarity’s Bedroom--


“How dare that vile brute treat my Topaz so...crudely! I swear I will beat him down when I am a higher level! He didn’t even take me seriously! And what he said about my darling Merovingian...It will not go unpunished!”


The flustered mare sat there with her pillow in her arms, wearing nothing but white lacy undies and a tight white shirt that revealed just how well endowed she was.


“And what is worse...he knows who I am… and if he spreads rumors about me playing a video game..I will be ruined, RUINED!”


She says as she places the back of her hand over her forehead, being overdramatic as usual. Back in the game, Azrael walks down the street just admiring the upgrades to every little detail.


“Silly girl...attacking a veteran player. Ah well. What can you do right?”


As he comes to a street corner, his phone rings again, this time, it was Twilight.


“Umm..Azrael?”


What’s up Twilight?”


“Me and the girls were wondering if you could come help us level some more...we would really appreciate it..”


“Of course, I am on my way. And boy oh boy do I got a story for you..”
> Act 6: Getting The Girls Leveled And Meet Up
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Azrael and his group wandered through of one to instances that lead further down underground  in the most dangerous part of the Richland district. Having gotten them to level fifteen now, and even got himself to level twenty-one from all they have been doing. As they come out from the exit having completed the run. Twilight and the others cheer and bounce about at how far they had come in an hour. Six levels in an hour isn’t too bad for this group of newbs.


“We kicked some serious butt in there!”


Shouted Lightning as she fist pumps, a cocky grin on her face.


“Gunshy was really into it as well. Funny how a quiet and timid girl has such a lust for guns and murder. It is always the quiet ones you wanna watch out for.”


He said giving her a playfully poke in the side of her ribs. This making Gunshy jump a bit and hide her face in her hair.


“I don’t know what it is..but when I am here in this world, I feel like I can let loose all the frustrations I keep to myself from the real world.”


Azrael reaches up and pets her on the head gently.


“Don’t worry about it Shy, I am not judging you for it at all. It’s just the pony I know back in the other world just seems so gentle and caring. But the woman here...well, let’s just say I don’t want to piss her off. Or any of you for that matter. Pretty soon you three will be heading to the international district, which is my second favorite area of Mega City”


“And what is your favorite?”


Twilight asks as she approaches his side.


“Downtown. Your kind of place actually Twi. Libraries out the wazzu, restaurants, all kinds of fun establishments. Even a few easter eggs from the movies. Good for roleplaying grounds as well. I certainly do miss those days.”


Twilight’s eyes widen as she learns this, oddly not about the library.


“You roleplay?!”


Azrael leans back a bit, but nods.


“I do actually, I am a veteran roleplayer of fourteen years. I have gone from forums, to MMOs, even to D&D. Though you already know my backstory here don’t you?”


“I have looked at your profile and read it. Though i knew about the tri organization you have told me about. I am curious though. Do you plan on rebuilding it?”


Twilight asked as she looked up at him with hopeful eyes. This making Azrael grin.


“Awww, does little Twi wanna be the leader of the Zion branch?”


She lowers her head a bit and circles her foot around on the sidewalk.


“Well I- I mean..we wanted to serve under the machine branch actually. Me, Gunshy and Lightning. We talked it over before you came by to help us. We know what the machines truly stand for. Order and safety of those within the matrix. And they work together with Zion now. And after all...you have become our group’s leader when we venture out into the field. It is kind of a nice break from being a princess outside of here.”


Azrael looks up from Twilight and to the others.


“And are you both onboard with this idea as well?”


They both nod, determined gazes pointing towards him. He looks back down at Twilight and shakes his head, but offers a light smile.


“Very well, once we gather leaders for the Zion and Merovingian branches, I shall create the faction. And Exemplar Tribune will be once more. We will show everyone here that we can look beyond the organization differences and work together. I did it back then, I know I can do it again.”


The three cheer and jump and bounce around, moved by his speech and adamant attitude to bringing unity. It made Twilight especially happy seeing someone else who shared her and her friend’s beliefs. But what about the player behind the character? Was he like this outside of the game? So far, how she knows him,he seems rather distant. A bit of a flirt sure, but out of all the time he has stayed in the castle. When he came out the other night to eat, that is all he did. She tried to engage in conversation with him, but he just remained quiet. There had to be a way she could get him to open up to her. Just as she was thinking this, a voice came from behind them.


“So, you are starting it back up after all, huh?”


The group looked to the source of the voice, Moonbeam has made her way back into the game it seems. Azrael nods to her question.


“Indeed I am.”


“Then I ask you of this, put me in charge of the Zion branch. I already have my own group as well.”


She walks up to him and whispers in his ear.


“Me and a few of my closest guards do enjoy the game and the movies very much. So we would be a perfect fit for the branch don’t you think?”


Before she could step back, Azrael grabbed her shoulder and whispers back


“Thanks for the rig Moony, this is definitely a good start. However, we will need to form a Merovingian branch as well. Finding a group that is trustworthy is going to be quite the task. My last branch was only loyal simply because it was a group of friends I had met over the net. Here in your world is different.”


“We will find a way Azrael, you mustn’t lose hope.”


They both step away from each other, Azrael nodding to Moonbeam.


“Very well, I will assign you as the head of the Zion branch once I get the faction underway and all accounted for. I will give the formal welcomings to all once it is officially created.”


Azrael extends his hand to Moonbeam.


“To future partnership.”


She is a bit taken back by his..professionalism, but is impressed nonetheless. She takes his hand and shakes it firmly.


“Agreed. And may our future endeavors be prosperous.”


“Now then, I believe you ladies are ready to take a trip to the international district. Moonbeam, you want to come?”


“Thank you for the invitation, Azrael. But I am afraid I must make sure my group is up to par. We are actually heading into the instance you came out of. I also see you are still five levels ahead me still. I will catch up to you sooner or later…”


“Still clinging to the spy tree I see.”


He said with a toothy grin.


“You would have a better chance as a martial artist if you ever wanted to go toe to toe with me again. The spy tree really isn’t meant for close combat. Guns and martial arts are for that area.”


He said in a  as a matter of factly way, showing his superior knowledge of the game he has enjoyed above all. Moonbeam on the other hands just crossed her arms under her bust.


“I will play how I want to, thank you.”


“I was only throwing out suggestions..”


He said as he lifted his hands up defensively, turning away to look at the others.


“Alright ladies, time to hit the subway, the train will take us to the International District. Luckily the agents allow us there in the square without an access card. Which I will have to hunt down for you all. Which is no problem, I know the enemy that spawns them and where they spawn.”


“Yay!”


They shouted in sync. He grinned and motioned them to follow him.


“See you around then Moonbeam.”


“See you soon, Azrael.”


The two departed, Azrael and his group venture down into the subway and await for the train to pull up. Luckily they actually get there in time for the train to release its current passengers. Some npc, some actual players.


“So,you actually have trains underground in your world, Azrael?”


And here came the billion questions from the bookworm herself.


“Yes Twi, we have them all over in the main cities. We also have all the streets, cars, buses, bikes. We have all that kind of stuff. This city is either modeled after New York or Chicago. I can’t remember one of which.”


“Wooow...I certainly would like to see it one day. It sounds so informative!”


“No Two, you don’t want to see what my real world is. This world is a simulation of a timeline when things used to be decent. Nowadays it is something far worse. Nothing but wars, political squabbles. And all around humans hating each other’s guts.”


He said as he squeezes his fists.


“And people who will stab you in the back...people you thought you could count on. Even your own god damned family. Who needs’em?!”


He said as he kicks over a nearby metal trash can. The timid pink haired girl coming over to lightly place a hand on his shoulder, gently rubbing it.


“Azrael…”


He stops and inhales, then exhales slowly. Closing his eyes.


“Sorry Shy...I...saw red for a moment.”


“It’s alright Azrael, just know I will be here for you should you ever want to talk.”


She said in that adorable soft voice of hers. It really did help him calm down. He forgot that she was a gun-wielding killer in here for a moment even. They take a step onto the train after the passengers get off, Azrael takes a seat from across the other and smiles warmly to them, as they still have a worried look on their faces.


“Girls...I’m fine, promise.”


“Well...we are just worried that’s all, we don’t want a repeat of what happened last time you got upset.”


Lightning said as she rubs the back of her neck.


“Yeah...about that...sorry..”


“Baaah, no biggie! It really didn’t hurt all that much anyways!”


Aaah Dashy, the ever tough tomgirl.


The ride for Azrael was silent, but the girls talked about real world stuff since they were the only players on the train. Azrael remembered it was just a quick teleportation to the other districts, but they wanted a bit more realism it seemed. Which he didn’t mind.He had always wanted to ride on a subway. The experience was pretty cool. After what was about thirty minutes, the train came to a stop. Azrael stood up, as did the others. They walked out of the train and up the stairs. Coming to what looked to be a very oriental area of the city..


"Welcome ladies, to the International District. Home to good food and dojos. And Seraph's Tea House which I have to take you to."


He said as he began to walk through the flowing crowds of people. This district was usually full of hustling and bustling NPCs. Heading to work or the market. It was a beautiful district to be in, that is for sure.


“Why do you ladies have a look around? I need to go pick up something for us.”


“Oooh okay, we will go and check out the district!”


Twilight said as she prepares to run off, Azrael grabs her shoulder to stop her.


“NO! Do NOT leave this area! Do you understand Twi? For the moment, please stay here till I return. I promise I won’t be long.”


“B-but, there are so many new things to-”


He places a finger on her lips gently, this making her blush in and out of the game.


“Please Twi...for me.”


She lets out a sigh, but nods.


“Make it quick,you.”


He laughs lightly., but nods, seeing her make that pouty face with her arms crossed. He looks over to the other two.


“May sure miss bookworm here doesn’t run off please?”


They both laugh and nod, Twilight puffing her cheeks with a glare..not as adorable when she is a pony.


“On it!”


They both shouted as they jumped at their friends side and grabs hold of her arms. Azrael nods in approval and chuckles.


“See you all soon.”


He said as he turned and jumped….fifty feet into the air, soaring across neighborhoods and building. Holy fuck was it different when you are the one doing it. Zeref’s heart was beating rapidly outside the game as he leaps over and over. It was truly amazing to do. Almost like flying, but having to land every few seconds. He was now in a restricted area. But he knew this is where the local gang boss spawned in. he had to get four access cards, and he had to do it fast.


After about half an hour of killing off the boss NPC. he had all the access cards he needed. But he wasn’t done yet. He still had to get to the access node which was on the other side of the district.


“Mr. Schwarzwald.’


“Shit…”


“You are back again? Do you have the access card required, and have you gone through the access node?”


He asked as he drew his gun and pointed it at Azrael.


“I was just on my way there, Agent Taylor…”


“Then until you slide that card through the console...you know what I must do.”


Azrael reacts quickly turning around and jumping into the direction of the node. Unfortunately as he landed on the other side of the bridge, he was out of inner strength, which was like an MP gage. He had no choice but to run now, Agent Taylor hot on his heels.


“Just like old times huh, Agent Taylor?!”


“Indeed, Mr. Schwarzwald!”


They bantered on as they ran.Azrael leaping over and under obstacles, Agent taylor just..bashing his way through them.. Back in the area where he had left the others, They were sitting inside a shop, waiting patiently.


“He has been gone for nearly an hour!”


Well, all but Twilight anyways..


“Oh don’t worry Twilight, he is fiiiine.”


Lightning says as she looks around the store, just as she says that, anyone looking out the shop’s window would see the commotion, but couldn’t hear it. Another shop’s window shatters with him flying through it, and the agent attempting to pin him down, be he scrambles to his feet and continues running.


“Yeah...you are probably right, he is a veteran player after all.”


The chase continued. Azrael leaps over a wall, the node coming into sight as he makes a final dash for it. Luckily the agent decided to take the long way around. This gave Azrael just enough time to punch in the code, and swipe the card through the console, just as Agent Taylor aimed right for him. But lowered his gun afterwards.


“Out by the skin of your teeth again, Mr. Schwarzwald.”


“What can I say? I am good.”


He said between panting, falling on his back and letting out a sigh of relief.


“Now...I will just have to get those three here...but first...a little break…”
> Act 7: A Nightmare Night To Remember
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After his little break of laying on the ground after the whole chase, Azrael kicks himself back up and dusts off his clothing. Deciding he has kept the girls waiting long enough, he began to make his way back to the area he told them to stay at. He walks passed a few shops on his way there. He figured he took too long for them, so he stops by a locals sweets shop on his way to them. Yes, no matter what you are, human or pony, sweets always make them happy. He finally sees them as he closes the distance, calling out to them as he raised his free hand for a wave.


“I made it back, got you all access cards to!”


All three of them snap their heads in his direction as he spoke. Twilight, being the first to rush up to him and lean up, trying to get in his face..


“What took you so long?! We have been waiting for nearly an hour and a half!”


“Twi come on, I told you I may be awhile but, I am here now. Doesn’t that count for something? And look, I even picked up a little something extra for you on the way…”


“And what precisely do you think wi-?”


She was cut off by the bag of cookies and cupcakes that dangled in front of her, he eyes watching them intently.


“Well, if these can’t ease your painful waiting time, I suppose I will eat them myself.”


“Noi-it’s fine!”


Azrael grinned and handed them to her. Along with ehr access card.


“Now I bought those for all of you Twi. I am not sure if Lightning is a fan of sweets, but she is more than welcome to them as well.”


He looks over to see the rainbow haired woman almost drooling at the sight, but she her head quickly.


“T-there alright every now and then..”


She quickly tried to play it off as being cool about it. Something he definitely remembers from the show back in his world. It looked like the sweets card played its part well, as Twilight and the other girls were scarfing them down like they haven’t eaten in a week. He had them now, Twilight can no longer be mad at him. While they were chowing down, Azrael’s phone rang. He picks it up and clicks it open.


“What’s up bossman?”


“Mr. Schwarzwald, I am calling to inform you that the attack will commence the evening after tomorrow. We have gathered all the operatives we can, both in our ranks and that of Zion. Please report to HQ as soon as possible on the due day. We will destroy these wanted programs and make sure the simulation is safe once more.”


“Sounds like a good plan. Who is leading the attack?”


“You are of course, Mr.Schwarzwald. Who else better than you?”


“I..was assuming you would be leading the fight, considering you're the most powerful agent in the system. Where is the Architect when you need him the most?”


“He will not bother with the simulation unless it is completely necessary, but we can handle it. I have no doubt in your abilities, Mr. Schwarzwald.”


“Wow...you and all the others have really changed since the other version of the game. It is as if...you have free will to think as you wish and feel as you wish.”


“Indeed, it is...pleasant. I must be going now, Mr. Schwarzwald. I shall see you within the time before the operation. Good day.”


“See ya bossman.”


Azrael hangs up his phone and notices that the others were leaning in closely, trying to listen in on him and his conversations..again. He shifts his gaze between them, shaking his head with a sigh.


“Didn’t I tell you that listening in on conversations is considered rude?”


“Hey, we are joining your faction after all, we get to hear what goes on!”


Said Twilight as she crosses her arms with a pouty face, looking up at him with her purple eyes. They weren’t as adorable as her own back in the real world, but she was still pretty adorable here to he supposed. He sighs and reaches up, petting her gently on the head with a nod.


“You are right, you deserve to be kept in the loops about these things. Agent Grey was just letting me know the plan to attack the corrupt programs is in two days, we need to get you leveled to at least thirty by tomorrow night. You think you girls can do that?”


“Sure we can! We got this no problem!”


Shouted Lightning with a fist pump.


“But we can’t stay on all night. It is Nightmare Night after all.”


Twilight said with a big smile on her face, bouncing a bit to show her excitement in the holiday. Azrael just chuckled and shook his head. He had to remember things were done slightly different here. Back home, it was winter and well off into the middle of december. But here, the trees still had their fall colors, and the weather was only slightly cold.


“Nightmare Night huh? Sounds like fun. I know Shy doesn’t really like Nightmare Night, so I know she will be staying in doors….not that I am poking fun.”


“I know you aren’t Azrael, do not worry.”


She said as she looked up at him with a slight blush. Azrael wondered if petting her would make her feel better. Sure enough, when he reached a hand up to her head and started, she gave him a warm smile.


“Oh Shy...about the other day when I came here...what you saw me become, that isn’t really me. I just want you to know.”


“I know that as well Azrael, and I don’t hold it against you.”


“Thank you Shy. That means a lot. Now then. How about we get you all to level thirty before we jack out for the day?”


“Sounds good!” they all said excitedly. As they went and slid their access cards into the node, and began to level up with one another, Azrael was telling them the story about him and Topaz fighting it out in the park. Revealing to both Lightning and Gunshy that Topaz was indeed Rarity...and that she had an infatuation with her leader.


“Pffft, of course sher would go for the fancy pants human with the fancy accent…”


Lightning said in a knowing manner.


“I agree, didn’t she learn her lesson with Blueblood?”


“Hang on...how do you know about that..?”


Lightning asked as she stopped in front of him.


“Long story, tell you later.”


“Also, how in the hay do you even know who we are? We never even told you our names and yet you knew them right off the bat.”


“Again, long story, tell you later.”


Just as Lightning was about to try and pry any further lo and behold, Topaz appears in front of them with a smug grin on her face.


“Ah darling, so good to see you again. I believe that you and I have a rematch that needs to be taken care of.”


“Sorry Topaz, but my priorities fall under my faction mates right now. They need help leveling. Don’t you have a frenchman to go and fawn over?”


She stomps her foot in slight annoyance and glares at Azrael, this making him and Lightning giggle a bit.


“You mind your tongue. I will not allow you to disgrace him again!”


Azrael shakes his head and prepares for her duel invite once more, but stops and grins widely as something else catches his sight.


“No, but he will allow it. Won’t you Agent Taylor?”


Before she could react, a bullet lands straight in the back of her head.This making the group nearly fall in laughter, even Gunshy was laughing at her friend’s misfortune. Azrael walks over to her body and crouches down.


“Someone didn’t find their access card did they? Sucks having only one veteran player from my world in here. Should have joined the machines. See ya around sweetheart.”


He said as he stood back up and looked over to the agent who was eyeing the group of now slightly nervous players.


“Easy Agent Taylor. They have access here, I made sure to it.”


“Understood Mr. Schwarzwald. I still have to check their data and make sure..”


He said in his usual monotone voice. Azrael walked over to his future faction mates to ease them, telling them everything is fine and they have done nothing wrong.


“Calm down girls, he isn’t going to open fire. This is why I told you to wait by where we came in. It was the only safe ground. It is risky business to wander around in new areas without finding an access card, and only a certain gang boss drops them.”


“Indeed, you are all so...fortunate to have this human as your future  commander. He is quite...resourceful when it came to eluding us for so long.”


A compliment from another agent? What the hell was going on here? Azrael just shrugged and smiled.


“Thanks Agent Taylor. You weren’t and still aren’t easy to outrun. You almost had me when I crashed through the window…”


“Indeed, but you are just as slippery as those troublesome ghost twins. No wonder you look like them.”


“Well,not only do I look like one of them, I possess their ghosting program as well. A gift from the system administrator if you will.”


“I see, I read through your code and wondered why I found something irregular. I told Agent Grey and he said to simply...leave it be.Anyways, your...comrades here seem to check out. I will not disturb you any longer. Good day, Mr. Schwarzwald.”


He said as he vanishes, leaving the confused bluepill wondering where they were at, then walking off. Azrael turns his gaze back to the still body of Topaz. Even though her VR body was down and out, he was sure she was raging within her mind. Silly mare, you cannot coast on good looks and charm with the agents, no ma’am. After a while, her body disappeared in the usual green flash of light that happens when you either logout or recover from death. Twilight suddenly comes to a thought.


“Uum..Azrael do you want to/...come out with us tonight? Luna gave the okay for you to leave the castle at your own discretion. I think..it would be pretty fun to have you come and meet my other friends.”


“You really think that is wise Twi? I am not worried about your friends, so much as the others. Come with me, we are going to Seraph’s teahouse so we can discuss this in private.”

They all nodded and followed him, alley through alley, a nice little quiet place that was out of the way of other players. They finally find the place and enter, one of the waitresses remember Azrael and run up to him, she was an older woman who reached up and patted him on the cheek, she spoke with a slight accent.


“It has been quite awhile Azrael. You been eating alright?”


“Yeah mom, it is good to be back. And yes, I have been eating plenty. Always sweet of you to ask though. I take it Seraph is out keeping Sati company as usual?”


“Oh you know him, he treats that child like she was his own daughter. I suppose that is a good thing though. She is a sweet child.”


“Indeed, it is a shame they killed off the Oracle. First Morpheus, now her.”


“Indeed, Sati wasn’t very happy once she found out about that. Was a shock to all of us.”


“I should let you know now..there are signs ‘he’ is returning.”


“You don’t mean..the one that took Morpheus from us..?”


“Indeed, the Assassin. Stay on guard, mom.”


“You as well sweetheart...please, you and your lovely lady friends come and sit down while I prepare you some tea, on the house as always.”


“Thank you, as always.”


After he had been talked down into going out with Twilight and her friends after about a few cups of tea, he sighed and nodded in agreement.


“Alright Twi, I will go with you. Will you be okay Shy?”


“Oh yes Azrael. I will just log out and spend some time with my animal friends like I do every Nightmare Night, no need to worry about me.”


“Alright then,if you are sure, I will go. But I will be having some fun with my ghost mode...count on it.”


“And just think, you won’t even have to dress up! And you can help me prank other ponies!”


Lightning said in excitement, bouncing on her floor pillow and rubbing her hands together at all the devious ideas going through her mind.


“I can only imagine what Rarity is going to say when she sees me though...oh boy…”


“Ah, it is about that time isn’t it? We should be getting ready for tonight.”


“Alright Twi, see you in about an hour!”


Said Lightning as she logged out.


“Bye Twilight, Azrael.”


Gunshy said with a small smile,waving to them both as she logged as well. Azrael was about to log as well when Twilight stopped him for a moment.


“Um..Z-Zeref?”


“What’s up Twi?”


“Well..I was wondering if you could come by my room and take a look at me in my costume? I need a male’s perspective on it.”


“Uh..why..don’t you ask one of your guards?”


“Just..please Zeref?”


“...Fine, I am on my way.”


He said as he logs out, opening his eyes and pulling the headgear off of him and sits up. What did he even have to worry about? Twilight isn’t the kind of pony who would dress up in something so..out there. She is a reserved pony, yeah. Nothing to worry about! Then again...those booty shorts and low cut t-shirt..nono, she was at home after all, that is fine. He gets up after reassuring himself. He walks out of his room with his hands in his coat pockets. Coming up to Twilight’s room and knocking on the large door.


“TWi, it’s me. Can...I come in?”


“O-oh yes! I am ready!”


Zeref hesitantly opens the door and peeks in, coming in slowly and closing the door behind him, turning to see something absolutely wonderful. She was wearing what looked to be her own version of Starswirl’s robes, but a more female and...VERY sexy rendition of it. Zeref gulps a bit as he stares...and stares...and stares. The general color pattern was her lavender purple, with black trimming on the sides. The dress that came with it was….rather short, but not revealing. She wore striped stockings of the same color, oh man was Zeref a sucker for cute girls in stockings. And the outfit in general clung to her curvy form. While she wasn’t exactly at the double D level in breasts, she had a little over a handful,and that is all Zeref needed but, her hips and rear, good god those were absolutely perfect, her outfit hugged them to were he didn’t even need to imagine her naked.


“Z-Zeref..what do you think..?”


He hears her calling his name and quickly shakes himself out of the trance he was put in, turning his head and acting all cool and collected.


“It...looks good on you Twi. I see you took inspiration on your favorite wizard.”


“Mhmm, I think it turned out pretty well. I am not used to wearing stuff like this out in public..I hope Celestia won’t think of me as a...lewd pony if she saw me like this…”


“Oh Twi, just because you dressed up a bit more sexier than usual doesn’t mean you are a lewd pony..as far as I know anyways.”


“Wh-what’s that supposed to mean?!”


“Nothing Twi! I didn’t assume anything!”


After a few minutes of accusations and finger pointing, they finally leave the castle and meet up with Rainbow dash. And then who should they meet up with next? Rarity if all ponies.


“Yeah, I’m ghosting…”


Before he can though, she sees exactly who he is and widens her eyes, instantly jumping in front of him and glaring at him. The outfit she wore was something that resembled a snow queen. Pure white, sexy halter top dress that covered her legs, but form fitting as well from the hips up.


“So, it is YOU, the brute who allowed that agent to dispatch me! You are nothing but a brute, you hear me?!”


“Rarity, it is not his fault! You are the one who wandered into the area without an access card!”


Twilight rushed in...rather quickly to defend him. Which made him wonder why.


“And how could you possibly know what happened?!”


“Because I was with him when you tried to duel him Rarity, me, Fluttershy and Dash. And yes, we were laughing at you when it happened. He told us everything.”


“And you still choose to befriend this...roughian?!”


“Hey...I resent that.”


He said as he crossed his arms and looked away with feign hurt. But chuckles lightly and turns to look at her.


“Come on Rarity, it is just a game. I had to find out the hard way myself when I played it. And I don’t understand your infatuation with the merovingian...he is a pompous ass. As he wife fittingly puts it.. You will see.”


“I don’t care what his wife says. He is a good man. Unlike some other males around here…”


“Hey, Zeref is a nice guy! At least he isn’t cheating on his loved one!”


Exclaimed Rainbow Dash.


“Not that I have one anyways. I see this is just like with Blueblood. I am voting we drop this and go and have some fun. This is the real world we are in now.”


“If you are so against him then why do you look like one of the ghost twins?”


“Because, they are more badass and cooler than the frenchman could ever be. Besides, I have been loyal to the machines since the first version of the game. And that will not change. And if you keep this conversation where it’s at, I am ghosting. And I do not want to have to leave Twilight’s side because of a petty disagreement over a fictional character.”


“OH very well then...mark my words though...I will take you down in the game, one way or another.”


“Gotta get your stats higher than mine sweetheart.”


He said as he and Twilight began to walk on with Dash, going to the gathering in the middle of town with the party and refreshments. Surely it was Pinkie Pie running the whole deal, seeing as parties were her thing. Zeref was already starting to get nervous though. Everypony there seemed to think he was wearing some kind of costume. A pony hiding behind a ‘glamour’ spell that hid his true appearance.He avoided the pink party pony as best as he could, for now anyways, he didn’t want attention drawn to himself, knowing she would do just that. As Twilight met up with him every time she wasn’t dragged away, they talked for a few moments, then got separated again. As Zeref was keeping a low profile, he bumps into an orange colored farm pony who was dressed as a very sexy female sherif. She had on a brown leather duster and a brown stetson hat, blonde mane and tail,tight fitting jeans and top as well. He quickly catches her by the hand before she falls to the ground and pulls her back up. Yep, with those beautiful emerald green eyes, there was no doubt, Applejack.


“Ya got some quick reflexes there, sugarcube. Thanks for snatchin’ me back up.”


“Ah, not a problem, I should have been watching where I was going. Just glad I caught you before you hit the ground.”


“Mighty kind of ya. Ah like your costume by the way. You look like one of them humans I have seen somewhere from a movie muh little sister is infatuated with. Ah think is was called...The Matrix?”


“You are right… only this isn’t a costume. I am a real human. Though i doubt you would believe that.”


Applejack locked eyes with him, using her honesty senses on him, when he wasn’t lying, her eyes widened, stepping back away from him.


“How are you-?”


“Twilight can give you the whole story..just keep it on the downlow for me...please Applejack. I came out tonight because she wanted me to...and I couldn’t say no to those eyes...which i don’t know why…”


“Hmmm, you have a little crush on Twilight, sugarcube?”

She asked as she leans in with an arched brow and a knowing smile, in which he averts his gaze and hides his face within his long dreads. Applejack coming around to search for the truth in his eyes, but he goes into ghost mode and quickly drifts away, a grin on his face.


“Not gonna catch me now…”


“Hey, that’s cheatin’, get back here you!”


He drifts further away with an ethereal echoing chuckle, melting into the crowd and becoming incognito.Ghost mode for the win. He even slipped right passed Pinkie, which is a feat in of itself. But not until somepony spotted him and shouted.


“Ghost, a real ghost!”


A few heads turned his direction, then gasps, the screams of horror. Zeref decided it was time to split, before he could, he noticed that something was going on. Amidst all the chaos, which discord would have been pleased to see, Rarity and Twilight were both being lead away by a group of male ponies. Surely they know better than to wander off with males as shady as they looked. He would investigate them. He didn’t know why, but he felt he had a...responsibility for looking after Twilight. He didn’t think the guards would appreciate him returning without the Princess of Friendship. As he floated along, he noticed after awhile they turned down a dark alley way, red flags were already rising in his head. Clearly these weren’t ponies just here to enjoy the party. Sure enough, he heard struggling and screaming. He nearly flew as fast as Rainbow Dash through a few building to find both of the mares with anti magic rings around their horns. Yep, this wasn’t going to sit well with Zeref. Not. One. Bit.


“Alright boys, let’s get these two back to the hideout and show them what a real party is huh?”


“You won’t get away with this you brutes!”


“Oooh, this one is mouthy, gonna enjoy watching her put that mouth of hers to good use.”


Twilight, on the other hand, saw Zeref, and a big smirk came across her face.


“Don’t be so sure of yoruselves boys. You are being watched. If you lay a hand on us, I am sure you will not like the results, I suggest you leave us be and go about your business.”

“I’ll put my hands on you anytime I want, bitch!”


Just as the tall and muscular was about to slap twilight across the face, Zeref rises from the ground and leaves out of ghost mode in front of them, grabbing a straight razor he had found in the building next to them and twirled it around professionally. Being a fan of the ghost twins, he even learned how to use the straight razor as a weapon like they did.


“I suggest you listen to the mare. Unless you want to leave here with your balls cut off.”


He said as he continues to twirl the razor around his fingers quickly, as if it was a butterfly knife. He wasn’t going to use his skills he learned from the game, oh no, this was going to be coming straight from the human world.


“Oh yeah? You can’t take on all of us, bud.”


Said a shorter one who took out a knife,as did the others.


“You sure you all wanna come at me with knives? Your funeral.”


Twilight and Rarity both looked on as his face changed. As did his attitude, he became more...cocky, his nose lifted up as if his was looking down on them, continuing to twirl the straight razor around.


“Come here you little piss ant!”


The larger one shouted, swinging the knife at Zeref’s throat. Zeref’s cocky smile grow wider as he grabbed the larger male’s wrist and guided the knife back his direction and right into his gut, taking his straight razor and cutting into the tendons between his thumb and index finger...on both hands so he couldn’t hold a knife...or any kind of weapon for that matter. The male quickly pulls away and looks at his wounds, in shock at how quick Zeref managed to move and attack in a clean fashion.


“I have been jumped by assholes like you since i was thirteen. And I can fight dirty if i have to. Even if that means making sure you can never use a weapon ever again.”


Without hesitation, the other two come at him full force, Zeref dodging their knife thrusts and slashes with ease, blocking and pushing them away with no sweat and even cutting them in the same spots as well.Okay, he was going to use one skill he learned from the matrix. He turns around and runs up one of the walls, leaping off it and spinning in the air with a quick and powerful spinning kick to both of their face, effectively knocking them off their feet and making them spin in the air as well and falling flat on the ground. The good ol’ shadow wall kick, a skill that only beta players had access to.


“Now then, get the fuck out of here before I decide to castrate you all...literally this time.”


He said as he twirls the straight razor around again, this time with intent. They knew he was serious this time, and wasted no time in running away, screaming like little girls. Zeref turned to the two mares, sliding the straight razor in his coat and crouching down in front of them.


“You two should have known better, especially you Rarity. What would you have done if I hadn’t spotted you and Twilight being taken away? What would your dear Merovingian have done?”


“He..he would have saved me!”


“I highly doubt that. Even if he was real, you are nothing but a sex toy to him. Wise up Rarity. You are heading down a road of disappointment, just like you did with Blueblood. I know it hurts coming from someone you don’t know who knows quite a bit about you. But it is for your own good. The sooner you destroy this infatuation, the better.”


He said as he removes the ring from her horn, then walks over to Twilight.


“You alright Twi?”

He asked as he began to remove the ring from her horn as well.


“Yeah...had I known this would have gone bad, i could have used a protection spell...they were so nice before…”


“Silly mare, has being in The Matrix taught you anything? Even the most friendly faces hide cruel intent. I am just glad that I won’t show up without you and the guards bombard me for having lost you. Not to mention I don’t think the other princesses would be too delighted about that.”


Of course he wasn’t going to admit he was worried about them, more so about Twilight, After the grief Rarity had given him, he could have looked the other way, but that would upset Twilight, so he had to care...a little. All he wanted was to just enjoy a little time before the night was up, but that was all ruined, thanks to three jerks. Oh well. What can you do right?
> Act 8: Luna's Secret Revealed, Celestia Visits
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After making sure that all the girls made it home safely after the event that transpired with Twilight and Rarity, Zeref and Twilight began to make their way to the castle. It was about 2 AM in the morning, and Twilight was struggling to stay awake as they walked on. Zeref stopped and got on a knee, offering his back to Twilight.


“Come on, hop on.”


“Oh Zeref, that really isn’t necessary…”


She said before a big yawn came from her maw, she then blushed lightly after that.


“Come on Twi, I don’t mind. I will even carry you up to your bed. I will even tuck the little princess in.”


He said in a teasing tone on the last part. This made her blush even more, she gives him that cute annoyed buffy cheeks stare. This making him laugh lightly. But, she takes his offer, climbing onto his back, sliding her legs through the opening under his arms. He lifts her up and continues walking. Twilight wraps her arms around his shoulders and rests her head against her back. The rest of the way there was quiet. Either because Twilight was too embarrassed to say anything else, or she was starting to fall asleep. Zeref wasn’t thinking much on it anyways, he figured he’d just help her out. They walked on, seeing a few other adults out dressed up, either on their way home themselves or going for even more late night partying. Twilight was in thought as she held onto Zeref, if he hadn’t have been there for her when she was in trouble, she shudders to think of what her and her friend would have been subjected to.


“Zeref…?”


“Hm yeah Twi?”


“Thank you...for coming when you did. I know Rarity didn’t say it, but she also knows you were quite a hero tonight. I think the whole ‘rivalry’ you and her hold right now will blow over quickly. I mean...it’s just a game.”


“Honestly Twi, I hope that is all it is...just a game. Something has been nagging at me lately, that something big is going to happen. And that it will involve the game and this world. Like in the movies themselves. I just hope I am wrong.”


“How do you mean Zeref?”


“Well, first off, the AI in the game is more...sentient and autonomous. The game never had that much of an interaction with the NPCs, even the blue pills are aware and speak to you as if they are real people. And being a sci-fi fan, that usually leads to trouble sooner or later.”


Twilight nodded gently as she laid her head back onto his shoulders, nuzzling him gently.


“I wouldn’t worry about it too much, Zeref. But I will say this, I am...really happy that you are here now. I mean, I am sorry that you are stuck here and can’t return home, but also happy that somepony new is my friend. Not to mention someone as unique as you. I mean, you are a REAL human, one who can take the form of a ghost as well.”


Zeref laughed lightly.


“Twi, I wasn’t always like this. Before Luna brought me here, I was a shut in introvert who didn’t leave his home unless he needed something. I hated my world. And the people I grew up around looked down on me. Even my own...parents.”


He spits after he says that one word.


“They don’t even deserve to be called that.”


Twilight frowns at his words. What could make him loathe his own family with such disdain? Twilight was curious. Not just for curiosity itself, but worried for her new friend.


“Yeah, I was angry when I was forced here, no doubt about that. But at least you had the patience to deal with the way I acted and accepted me anyways. You, Dash and Shy. Even when I threatened your life.”


Twilight was upset with him for what happened, but also understood why he was so ruthless when he was scared.


“It is all in the past now Zeref. All is forgiven. I promise.”


“I know Twi...but I held a weapon of death to your head. I wasn’t thinking at all when I was doing so. And looking back on it, it still makes me feel like an awful being.”


“And the fact that it still makes you feel that way, means you are not a bad pony. A little scarey when you are mad yes, but that’s about it.”


The conversation continues until they get to her castle. He carries her in and up to her room, sets her down on her bed and makes his way to her door afterwards.


“Zeref, aren’t you going to tuck me in…?”


“Well, I figured you would want to get out of your outfit and get comfy. Just let me know when you are ready and I will come back in.”


He said as he walks out and closes the door. A few minutes roll by, she calls out to him.


“Okay, I am ready now.”


He nods and makes his way in. His eyebrows raising at what she was wearing. Another pair of black booty short and a black cut off tank top. Black certainly did look good on her, he was willing to admit that. Good thing he was wearing sunglasses. He walks over to her, getting ready to place the blanket over her, but she suddenly jumps up and wraps her arms around his neck and hugs him tightly, pressing her body against his. This making him tense up a little and holding his arms out away from her a bit.


“Thank you again, Zeref. I really mean it.”


Zeref was a bit stunned by the hug more than anything. But she was so soft and warm. He wanted to hug her back so badly, but all he did was reach up and petted her on the head, lightly placing his hands on her sides and prying himself of her embrace.


“It was nothing Twi. I owed you big time is all. Anyways...I am gonna go now. See you in the morning.”


He said as he brought the blanket over her and quickly turns around and makes his way out. Closing the door behind him and making his way to his room. Leaving a slightly sad Twilight in the dark room, curled up under her blanket, eventually falling asleep. Once he gets to his room, he closes the door and removes all of his clothing. He sees himself in the mirror and looks at his new form. Definitely a bit more fit now. And he really did like his new dreads, even more so that he didn’t have to pay to get them. In nothing but his boxers, he walks over to the bed, but looks over at the VR gear that sat on his desk.


“I really do hope I am wrong about my theory. That is the last thing I need to add to my life.”


He said before faceplanting into the pillow and curling up under his own blanket, closing his eyes and drifting into sleep himself


--Canterlot Castle, Luna’s Chambers--


Princess Luna watches from her balcony through her telescope at what goes on within Twilight’s castle, mainly to watch how Zeref acts around the others. Things seemed to be going alright, He hasn’t tried to hurt anyone since his near suicide and things have settled down. What she did notice even more is that display of affection that Twilight had given him, but he did not respond in turn.


“Hmmm, he seems to be getting along with them fine. But doesn’t return the same affection that Twilight offers. Maybe in time though…”


A knock at her door was heard.


“Luna, I believe we have some business to discuss about what you have been doing on your ‘side project’.”


It was Celestia, and she sounded a bit irritated. Could she have found out what had happened?


“U-ummm….shouldn’t you be in bed Tia…?”


“Sleep can wait, you are going to explain why you have brought another being from another world here. And I want answers young lady.”


“Tia...it’s not what you think! He could be of great help to us! To Twilight!”


A bright light enters her room and out of it appears Celestia in her nightly lingerie. Her usual curvy self being shown off through the lacy skimpy clothing.


“And tell me dear sister. What exactly possessed you to bring this being here? And why would you of all things leave him with my favorite former pupil? What will you do if he harms her?”


Luna nearly falls off the balcony as her sister approaches her, her much taller elder sibling towering over her with her arms crossed under her large bust.


“Come on sis...he...he won’t hurt her...again at least.”


Celestia’s eyes widen.


“Again, what do you mean again?!”


“W-well, when I brought him here, it was kind of by force. And he got upset and-”


Celestia was to the point of anger now. Not only because of what her young sister has done, but what had happened between the new being and the young mare whom she almost considered a daughter.


“By the sun, Luna. If he hurts her again, there will be reprections. I will throw him into the cells and keep him there....for a VERY long time. Especially now that Twilight is a princess. He is lucky she is so forgiving.”


“Tia...please calm down. I know you are upset with me, but I promise, this will be good for her in the long run. And even good for ponyville. I have been watching his interactions with our kind. He even saved Twilight and one of her friends on this night.”


“I find that hard to believe, Luna. But I will be finding out EVERYTHING when I make my visit there first thing in the morning after I raise the sun. For his sake, I hope you are right about him.” 


Celestia then teleports back to her room, leaving por Luna a little shaken from her sister’s words. She begins to worry about Zeref now. What will happen if Twilight does indeed try to get him on her sister’s bad side? No, Twilight would never do such a thing, she isn’t that kind of pony...right? All she could do is pray to Faust, that things tomorrow morning will go alright.


--Twilight’s Castle, Early Morning--


Zeref’s eyes shot open, he quickly sat up as he had a feeling that something big was coming. It’s funny, his paranoia saved him a lot of times, he wasn’t going to start doubting it now. He quickly hops out of the bed and slides his clothes and shoes on, grabbing his sunglasses off the nightstand and slides them on. He heard a commotion down the hall.


“Please Princess Celestia, can it wait till he wakes up?! It is because of me he hardly had any decent time to sleep!”


“I want to speak with him now, Twilight!”


“I wouldn’t have said anything in the letter I sent you if you were going to react like this! I don’t blame him for hurting me, he even apologized!”


“Let go of my wing Twilight!”


“Only if you promise not to hurt him!”


“Let go!”


Zeref takes this time to save both Twilight and himself some trouble.


“Time to ghost…”


He said as he goes into ghost mode and sinks into the floor, escaping the wrath of the sun princess...for now. And not a moment too soon. Celestia bursts through the door just as he vanishes from the room. Twilight lets out a sigh of relief to see he wasn’t there.


“Thank Faust...his paranoia never seems to let him down…”


“So, he thinks he can run can he? I will find him Twilight, he isn’t a ghost.”


If it was anyone else, Twilight would have bursted into a fit of laughter, it was hard to contain it with Celestia sure enough.


“I am afraid Celestia, that you are indeed dealing with a ghost. As he can take the form of one when he so wishes to do so.”


Celestia turns to look at her former student, glaring at her.


“Why do you even care to protect the brute? After what he did to you? Luna even made up some silly story that he saved you and one of your friends last night. I am a tolerant mare. But you lay a hand on one I care for so deeply…”


“But Celestia, he really did save me and Rarity last night! They bound my wings and put anti magic rings on our horns! They were...going to take us somewhere and have their way with us. If it wasn’t for Zeref...I’d be...I don’t want to think about it. He isn’t a bad pony Celestia...please don’t hold what happened against him. He was scared and in a place that wasn’t his home.”


Celestia sighs, shaking her head as she looks down at Twilight.


“If you really think that he even deserves your forgiveness, I won’t do anything to him…”


Twilight lets out a sigh of relief, which is short lived.


“BUT, I want to meet him still. I am sure you know where he is hiding. Please bring him to the study. I will be waiting there for you both.”


“Y-yes princess...thank you for understanding.”


Celestia walks out of the room, Twilight waits until the coast was clear and calls out to him.


“Zeref, she is gone now, but I am sure you heard what she said...and being the ruler of Equestria…”


He slowly rises out of the floor, still in his ghost mode. Thisform did put Twilight on edge, given that he had the face of a demon with sharp teeth and ever flowing dreadlocks


“I suppose I can’t stay in this form when I meet her huh? Just in case she goes back on her word?”


“I promise you Zeref,she won’t. You will be fine as long as I am with you and you are honest. I will vouch for you.”


“Thanks a lot Twi...you really are to good tome, saving my hide from the sun princess. Though, if I catch a whiff of hostility coming from her. I will be ghosting. Not ready to die just yet.”


“I understand. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that”


He takes his normal form and lands on the ground, walking next to Twilight as the leave the room.


“Meeting real royalty, kind of exciting in a way I suppose. Not only did I get to meet you and Luna, but now I get to meet her. Quite a privilege...though I am a little bit scared about this one.’


He said as he tried to be funny, he got a little giggle out of Twilight. Eventually they made it into the study, Celestia already glaring daggers at Zeref. This made him stop and nearly run back out the door, but Twilight calmed him and reassured him once more. Celestia began to speak.


“So then, you are the one my sister so foolishly brought into this world.”


Zeref bows his head to the alicorn.


“Your majesty.”


He said in a half smug tone, luckily she didn’t catch it.


“And yes, your little sister did drag me here by force. It was quite foolish of her. But you know what? I think I like it here. Twilight and her friends have forgiven me for the way I acted towards them. Definitely more accepting here than back in my real world, that is for sure.”


She stands up and approaches him, she reaches out and grabs him by the collar of his shirt, pulling him up slightly.


“And it is because of you that she was hurt, because you could not control your anger.”


“Princess you said you wouldn’t-!”


“It is alright Twi, I got this.”


He then turns his attention to the glaring sun goddess.


“Yes, I did lose control. Yes I did threaten Twilight’s life. How would you feel if you were in my situation though? Stolen from your home by a bunch of humans and not knowing what to do? Not to mention with someone like me who has something called a ‘hysteria mode’. When I go into fits of rage, It can start and I become a very precise and cocky person. Cold and calculating. Normally, I would blame your little sister for my predicament, but seeing as she has already started getting on my good side with the awesome rig she gave me, I can’t stay mad at Moony forever. Now would you please put me down?”


“Why? You are a big strong brute of a male. Why don’t you make me put you down?”


“Why are you wanting me to force you? I asked please.”


“Princess, just let him go-”


“Silence Twilight. Now go ahead, go into this ‘hysteria mode’ of yours. Show me what you can do...human.”


Without warning, Zeref quickly swings his legs up and around Celestia’s neck and begins squeezing them tightly around it, performing a flying triangle hold one her neck. This surprised the white alicorn as she could hardly even breathe now. She falls to her knee with him still in her grip, but struggling to not pass out from the lack of air.


“You let go, so will I, Princess. I asked you nicely”


No, this wasn’t his hysteria mode, he would have gone for more a killing blow than anything if he was in that. This was simply a move he perfected against bullies back in school, especially larger ones. Celestia didn’t know it, but Zeref has been studying her physique this whole time. She was tall and curvy, but had little muscle to hrr form. He was sure she relied on her magic more than anything. Just as she was about to pass out, she releases him, and in turn he releases her, rolling back and quickly horse kicking himself back onto his feet.


“I warned you Princess. I wanted to settle this without it coming to physical contact. But you were insistent.”


She catches her breath and looks up at him with anger.


“That was dirty…”


“When you are smaller than your opponent, you have to fight dirty. I guess you wouldn’t know that, being an immortal being who can’t die easily, and being an amazonian size mare.”


His paranoia kicks in again, he quickly takes his ghost mode and flies through the wall behind him, barely missing a magic beam that was aiming straight for his chest.


“Hmph...so he can become a ghost after all...cheap trick.”


Twilight was furious with Celestia, she had said she wouldn’t harm him in anyway.


“Princess Celestia, you promised!”


“He got away unharmed didn’t he?”


“That’s not the point! I know you care for my safety, but don’t you trust my judgment at all anymore?! I know I am not your pupil anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can go around making threats against my friends who I would happily couch for!”


Twilight’s eyes began to well up with tears.


“If he doesn’t come back...I swear…”


She quickly runs out of the room and away from her former mentor, slamming the door hard with her magic. It had dawned on Celestia with what she had done. She indeed did make a poor judgment call on Twilight’s judgment, and worse, made her cry. Something that Celestia never wanted to ever do to her star pupil.


“What have I done…?”
> Act 9: Time To Go On The Offensive
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was around late morning. After the whole ordeal with Celestia had finally come down to a end, Zeref came out of his hiding spot after Celestia had left. He looks around the bottom floor of the castle, not seeing Twilight anywhere, she must be in her room. Zeref takes his normal form once more after making his way to her door, before he opens it however, he hears light sobbing and whimpering coming from her room, he leans in carefully and listens.


“He will never come back after what has happened. And Celestia of all ponies is the one that drove him away from me. He was one of my friends who didn’t care that I was a princess. Just like the girls accept me for me…”


Zeref didn’t know why, but hearing Twilight in such a sad state and crying made his heart sink. He wondered why. Maybe it was time he stopped being so...aloof towards her. She genuinely did seem to care about him, otherwise why would she be crying about him leaving? When he really wasn’t going to in the first place anyways. Alright, time to bring a smile back on her adorable face. He opens the door quietly and slips inside, walking over to her and crouching beside her bed that she was laying on, lightly placing a hand on her shoulder.


“Come on Twi, you should know better than that. You are stuck with me since you took me in and feed me. I am not leaving anytime soon.”


She slowly lifts her head from her pillow and turns to look at him, yep it was definitely him.


“Zeref… you really won’t leave? Even after what happened earlier?”


“Bah, Sun Butt will come around soon. I am sure she has realized her mistake and will apologize sooner or later. She was just upset that you got hurt was all. I won’t let that keep me from here though. A free bed and free food? Come on I got it made here. And….well….”


He looks away for a second, then looks back to her.


“I can’t very well leave a friend alone to cry because of something that is clearly not happening. So...stop crying...tears don’t suit you Twi...you know...Gah I am having a hard time with this…”


It was hard for Twilight to not burst into tears again, but these were from happiness. He was trying in his own way to be supportive and cheer her up. And that was all she needed from him.She wipes her tears away and smiles weakly.


“Thank you Zeref...you really are a sweet guy. And I know you aren’t one for this kind of stuff...but can I...can I have a hug...please?”


With what she had just gone through and the way she asked him with those watering purple eyes of hers, he could not deny her a share of affection when he even knew she needed it right now. He opens his arms out to her, she quickly gets off the bed and rushes into his arms. He wraps them around her gently and holds her into a warm hug, she wraps her arms around his body and squeezes as tight as she can, grabbing at the back of his jacket and squeezing it in her grip. Twilight doesn’t move from his arms for awhile, she felt safe wrapped within them, and she felt as if she had somewhere to hide if things got too rough for her. And to think, this human was threatening her life just a couple weeks ago. Now she is clinging to him like a child seeking comfort from their parent. After for what felt like a long time, Twilight, reluctantly it seemed lets Zeref go. She stopped crying, thank god. He reaches up and lightly pets her on the head.


“There you go Twi. See? I am still here.”


“I know Zeref. And thank you for the hug. I really, really needed it after what happened.”


Zeref rubs his chin in thought. What could he do to make her even more happy? The poor mare had been through alot this morning because of him. He had to make it up to her somehow.


“Tell you what Twi. What do you wanna do today? Anything, just name it.”


Her eyes sparkled and a big smile came across her face. He was going to regret this wasn’t he?


“I would like it if you met the rest of my friends. You already know Rarity, Dashie and Fluttershy. How about we all meet up for a picnic outside of Ponyville by the lake? Then you can meet Applejack and Pinkie Pie? I just know that you would all get along if it was just us outside of the game.”


“Twi...it’s not gonna be easy. But, for you I will try and make friends with the others I like Dash and Shy, don’t get me wrong. But the other three...I am just a little worried is all.”


She smiles brightly at his words. Seeing her smile like this made that feeling in his heart melt away when he saw her crying. And he was happy that she wasn’t anymore. But now, he has made the potential mistake of meeting her other friends. Just as things were about to get even more difficult for the man, his phone rings in his coat. He pulls it out and sighs in relief.


“Saved by the bossman.”


He answers it.


“You got some good news for me bossman?”


“Indeed, Mr. Schwarzwald. We have finished replicating the flit gun, we made twenty copies of it. That should be more than enough to help out with the corrupt programs. So we are moving the plan of attack to today. Please jack in with your companions so that we may begin. The death clouds are moving in closer.”


“Alright, we are on our way.”


He slides his phone closed and looks to Twilight.


“Sorry Twi, we are gonna have to put this picnic on hold until we help out the bossman. The attack happens today. Inform Dash and Shy immediately. Afterwards we can celebrate. How about that?”


She lowered her head, but brought it back up with a smile and a look of determination.


“Yeah, then we will have a greater reason to meet up. I am with you Zeref! I will message them both right now, they were online last time I checked.”


“Alright, I will head to my room and get kicked in. I shall see you soon Twi.”


Before he could turn and walk away, she latches onto him for another hug and nuzzles into him again.


“Thanks again Zeref. I am really glad you are here.”


“No problem Twi. Just...want to see you smile is all.”


He said as he slips out the door and heads to his room at a quick pace.


--Inside The Matrix Online, Mara Central Hardline--


Azrael Comes from out of the phone booth as the game comes into view, and what he ran into was quite a view. Player...and even more players standing around talking, whispering. Azrael looks over the crowd as best as he could, see Agent Grey and a group of agents with him. He makes his way through the crowd and up to the front.


“Ah, your commander has arrived.”


He said to the crowd. Azrael felt all eyes on him now. He stands in the spot that Agent Grey was standing in. He looks around, a bit nervous as he sees so many players in front of him, but then he spots Twilight and the rest of his crew, they give him a supportive smile, he nods to them in return.


“Alright everyone, I am sure that you have been briefed by Agent Grey here on our current situation. To all my fellow gearheads, I know you are all concerned as I am about this. And to all those who belong to Zion. You know you all didn’t have to be here, but you chose to help anyway. For that, I am very grateful. We need all the help with can get with these things. And if there are even any Merovingians out their. You have my respect as well. I hate your boss entirely, but at least I know there are still good players in those ranks. Once again, thank you all for coming.”




The crowd was quiet at first, then  few player stepped forward.


“Are you really the same Azrael that was part of the tri organization we heard about? You were the machine branch leader?”


“I am the very same. So that means...you are actually a human outside the game as well.”


“Yes, I am a human, and i know what all of you are as well. But that shouldn’t matter, we are all still a community. I will tell you this. When the game was created back in my world. It didn’t matter what side we chose, we were still a community that respected one another and even came up with player driven storyline that the GMs absolutely loved. So I ask, don’t see me as just a ‘human’. See me as a fellow redpill. Now then, I need all my hacker to split into two groups, one for damage hacking and one for healers and support. As for my damager takers, please come forth and pick up one of the flit guns from the agents, these will be helping us out the most. And to all my gunners, make sure you keep a considerable distance away from the death clouds, their area of effect is very very deadly to those who do not have the health to lose. I will need you to split off into a group of each of your class, then I will pair you all up. We have ten targets to take down.”

They all nod to him and split off, the tanks move over to him since he is one of them.Eventually, he gets each team four damaging hackers, two healing hackers three gunners and two tanks.He was lucky he already had half of his team in his crew, the last bit joined up with him and his team was complete.


“Alright everyone, you all know the plan, let’s execute it. Also, the agents have given us earpieces so we can keep contact, make sure to communicate. Once you destroy your target, move in and help the others near you.and do not break formation, stay together, and should you die, your healers will resurrect you, do not emergency jack out. Good luck everyone!”


They all split off to their assigned spots, people either super jumping or super running there, was a pretty cool sight to see them all working together like that, made him think back in the old days when GMs would hold an event just for the players every weekend. But now wasn’t the time. He looks back to his group and looks at them. He was about to speak but he noticed three of them looked oddly familiar..and their voices…


“You let fillies play this kind of game? Scootaloo, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Do your sisters...well I know Dash doesn’t really mind. But do your older siblings know you play a game with such violence?”


The three stood there in shock, their eyes wide.


“Hey, if Scoots wants to ;play this awesome game, I got no problem with it, good to have you on the team little buddy!”


“Lightning said as she wraps an arm around Scootaloo. No seriously, they used their real names...Zeref chuckles lightly and smiles.


“Well, your levels are on par with everyone else’s here. I have a feeling they will do just fine. You three will stay with Shy though, since you are my gunners, you will attack from a distance. Everyone else, you know your jobs, let’s go.”


They get to their position, the target slowly moving towards it’s own. Azrael places a finger to his earpieces, speaking quietly.


“Team one in position, Status?”


“Team two, ready.”


“Team three, ready.”


“Team four, ready.”


After a few minutes, the list was confirmed and ready to attack.


Let's delete these fuckers, this is OUR game. Commence the attack!


Azrael and Lightning run in first, getting the death cloud’s attention and aiming their flit gun at the thing. Now flit guns aren’t normal gun, they are just light a smoke dispenser, but this was no ordinary smoke, it is deadly to the data, and it makes each fly drop to the ground dead once it comes into contact. The hackers moved in next, leaping onto the roof tops and beginning to pelt the thing with damaging hacks, the healers did their job by making sure that everyone’s health did not fall. And the gunners emptied clip after clips, it may not look like it is doing much, but with each bullet flying at the speed they do, it was doing some damage, not to mention it was making the program struggle to target anyone with all the attacks going on, and since the hackers were out of range from it’s AoE, the tanks were practically invincible.


“That’s it everyone, you are all doing an excellent job, keep it up! Once we finish here, we will head to team five’s location, they are the closest to us!”


While Twilight was doing her job, she noticed how he kept their team together and in such an organized fashion. She was truly impressed with his method, so much different than the quiet human she knows outside of the game. Eventually they finish off the program, watching it disperse into nothingness once it’s health bar emptied


“”Alright, healers, heal us up, then everyone need to recover their inner strength, after that, we move out.”


Soon, as they groups got closer together after defeating their own targets, they merged with the others, the mission effectively coming to an end faster and faster after each target fell. Azrael places a finger to his earpiece after all had fallen silent. 


“Agent Grey, status on the targets?”


“Mr. Schwarzwald, all targets eliminated. Congratulations, a successful mission.”


It seemed that everyone had heard that over their earpieces, because right then, everyone started cheering and jumping up and down. Especially his group, who were all huddled together holding hands and shouting.


“We did it, we did it, we did it!”


Azrael chuckled lightly as he watched them celebrate, something was a little strange though, he could feel eyes on him, and it wasn’t a good feeling either, He quickly spins around and spots someone off in the distance leaning from behind a wall and watching them. Chills ran down his spine as he saw exactly who it was. It was him… the program simply known as 'The Assassin'. Azrael reaches up to his earpiece and speaks quietly.


“Agent Grey…”


“I know Mr. Schwarzwald, he has been watching all of you this whole time. He isn’t going to make any moves right now, especially since we have stopped his plan with his death clouds. Let your fellow red pills have their glory, you all deserve it.”


“Very well, make sure to keep me updated bossman.”


“We will be in touch, Mr. Schwarzwald”


Azrael looks back to see the Assassin staring at him with intent, he in turn places his fingers in front of his eyes and point them at the deadly program as if saying. ‘I am watching you closely, you son of a bitch…’.
> Act 10: Finally Meeting The Rest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Zeref opens his eyes slowly and sits up. Pulling the headgear off and sitting there with the helmet resting in his hands. His mind full of thoughts on what exactly the Assassin was planning. It fell into his theory of the AI becoming autonomous and free willed. Could he be seeking revenge for what happened in the game before all this happened? And what is worse, could he somehow find his way out of the game and...no, that is not possible. Maybe in science fiction but not in real life. Then again...look where he was. He thought getting here would never happen in all his life. Boy, did that change. He continued to sit there for a moment longer until there was a knock at the door..


“Zeref, are you back yet?”


“Yeah Twi, come on in.”


She opens the door and walks in, closes it behind her and walks over to his bed and sits beside him. She looks down at her hands which were folded in her lap, then looks up to him.


“You were...very impressive today Zeref. You coordinated and commanded like a general with his army. You were so organized with how you placed everyone and it was over and done with faster than I thought it would be.”


He looks away from Twilight and smiles lightly, reaching over on the nightstand and slides his sunglasses back on.


“Well Twi, being one of the three leaders of a tri organization can force you to become a commander of sorts. Even though it isn’t real life. Your factionmates stills look to you for guidance and leadership. Of course, back in my world when the game was created, I was still in junior high school. And when I wasn’t in the game, I was simply just an invisible kid to the populus of the school. And it wasn’t just then. The whole time I was in school I had no friends. But when I discovered MMORPGs, and then The Matrix Online, I was a whole different person. People actually respected me because I could be a leader and actually cared about my faction. Then when the game ended, no matter what game I played, it didn’t feel the same. So I became a solo player. I avoided people in real life and in-game. There was no point.”


Twilight lowered her ears and frown, having sympathy for Zeref. She scoots closer to him, eventually sitting across from him and leaning in, wrapping her arms around his neck and nuzzles gently.


“Well, you aren’t there anymore Zeref. You are here now. And no matter what your past may have been there, it no longer matters. I mean..it does but…”


Zeref wraps his arms around the alicorn and hugs her close, she blinks a few times, but nuzzles into his shoulder.


“It’s alright Twi, I understand what you are saying. And thank you.  For a bookworm, you sure do fumble with your words a lot don’t you?”


He asked in a playful manner. This making her blush a little but giggled in the process. The two stayed like this for awhile. Zeref noticed that she was pressing herself closer to him than usual. Not that he minded. What he didn’t k.now is that Twilight was growing more and more fond with every new thing she learns about him. She thought of him, despite his rather grim disposition as kind, intelligent, a little mean at times, but not to the point of hurting anyone’s feelings, and above all, humble. Feeling he gives himself too little credit for his abilities. Which it really was the case. Zeref didn’t like being the center of attention. In fact, the only reason why he became the leader of the Machine Branch of Exemplar Tribune because one of the founders asked him to. She finally lets go of him and bounces a bit.


“It’s time we go celebrate now Zeref, Dash and Fluttershy have already gathered up everyone and they are waiting at the usual spot.”


“I dunno Twi...I am kind of nervous to meet Applejack and Pinkie Pie. I don’t think they will understand when they see...me here in your world.”


“Zeref, remember it’s not just my world anymore, it is yours now to. This world is your new home. And I promise you, things here will be for the better. You have me, Dash, Fluttershy, even Rarity. And now you will have Applejack and Pinkie Pie. You don’t have to be alone. Now come on, let's go have a good time. Plenty of snacks are waiting just for us to eat.”


He lightly placed a hand over his tummy as it growls slightly.


“Yeah...some food does sound pretty good.”


“Alright, then let’s get going!”


She said as she grabbed him by the wrist and leading him out the castle and to their meet up spot. Soon enough they met up with her other friends. Dash and Fluttershy both ran up to him and hugged him tightly.


“There’s our fierce leader! You totally kicked some tail today, Zeref!”


He laughs lightly and pats her on the head.


“Thanks Dash,I just did what I knew that needed to be done.”


“He was quite adirmable in commanding all the other players…”


Fluttershy said as she pressed against him firmly, her well endowed chest pressing against his ribs. One thing was in Zeref’s mind that moment…


 So….soft...squishy…


“Ladies please...t-that’s enough…”


Twilight narrowed her eyes at her friends with puffy cheeks., but they didn’t notice. But then rarity approaches him and wraps her arms around him as well, her breasts pressing against him as well.


“Ah, there is my gallant knight!”


She exclaimed as she nuzzled into his neck with a big smile.


Both he and twilight blinked as she said that.


“Uuuuh...Rarity? I thought you didn’t like me…”


“Oooh no my dear. After you stood up from me and twilight and saved us from those awful roughians. I found a whole new respect for you!”


“I don’t think the merovingian will like that…”


He said teasingly.


“Oh him? He is nothing like you darling. Thank you again for saving us the other night. Iam forever in your debt…”


She said as she leans in and plants a kiss on his cheek. Twilight trying her best to not explode with jealousy at her friends.


“Okay ladies..that is enough really...I am starting to feel a little awkward…”


They seemed to not care, still holding onto him for dear life. He sighs and goes into ghost mode, escaping the lovely mare prison with ease. Causing them to fall forward on top of one another, making Twilight giggle with a hand over her muzzle.


“Hey, ah remember seeing’ you thuh other night, good to see you again, sugarcube.”


Said the orange farm pony who was accompanying Pinkie Pie, who took one look at Zeref and ran his way, attempting to pounce him, but she flies right through him, considering he was still in ghost mode. Which shocked Applejack.


“Y-you are a real ghost?!”


“Well...yes and no…”


He said as he took his solid form and landed on the ground.


Pinkie Pie pouncing on him again and clinging to his back, more warm softness.


“You must be new to ponyville! And if you are new then that means you aren’t my friend yet! And if you aren’t my friend yet then I need to throw you a party!”


Zeref expected this of the pink party pony, speaking over a hundred miles an hour as she nuzzles into his back


“Boy howdy...and I thought that was just a well made costume…”


She said as she walked upto him, eyeing him up and down and...liking what she saw.


“Muh goodness...you got quite a physique don’tcha?”


She leans up and looks at him with sultry eyes.


“You ever been apple buckin’, sugarcube?”


She said in her southern drawl, mixed with a seductive tone. Zeref was starting to wonder if he should have declined this offer in the first place. He was living every man’s dream, being fawned over by females, and every brony’s dream to. But this was a little too much in one setting.


“Well...I...no but I…”


An audible gulp could be heard as he was becoming overstimulated. Twilight would have gotten even more jealous if she didn’t see the look on his face as he was looking for a way out of this situation. She was more worried than anything.


“Ladies...I think you are starting to make him a little scared…”


“Oh come on Twilight, what stallion doesn’t like having all this kind of attention hmm?”


Asked Rarity as she walked over to him, swaying her hips as she does. Zeref wasn’t going to be able to take much more…


“I’m ghosting.”


He said before doing so, drifting away from the group next to twilight.


“Sorry Twi...I think I am gonna go ahead and head back. I knew this would have been a bad idea…see you later.”


He said as he flew off into a direction that was far away from the group. He did this before she could stop him. Twilight turned to her friends with a glare and crosses her arms. Very unhappy.


“Really girls? You bombard him with such closeness and you didn’t see it was making him uncomfortable?”


“We were just trying to show him how much we adore him, dear. He looked like he was enjoying himself to us, the way he was blushing.”


“He was getting overstimulated because you and the others were rubbing up against him. Zeref has little experience with females...at all. And now look what you have done.”


Twilight explains everything that he had told her about how his life was in the world before this one, after which, they rest of them started to realize that what they had done could reduce the chance for them to know more about him, let alone be his friend.


“I...would have never known that he had such a rough time as a child…”


Fluttershy said as she lowered her head.


“Poor guy...he is strong, but i never would have guessed.”


Said Rainbow Dash as she lowered her ears


“We are sorry Twilight...we didn’t think he would be like that.”


Said the other three. Twilight listened to them, but Zeref was on her mind for thee moment, hoping that he was alright...
> Act 11: Just Another Day In The Matrix
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After the overstimulation he received, Zeref returned back to the castle and went directly to his room. Going out of ghost mode, he falls back on the bed and feels his heartbeat racing over a hundred miles an hour. Never in his whole life has he been surrounded by the opposite sex like that before let alone five of them.


“What was THAT all about? It’s not like I did anything that would affect reality...right? It is just a simple game. Anyone can do what I did if they understand the game well enough.”


He laid there closing his eyes for a moment and thinks.


 Where they really impressed by my abilities that much? To rub up on me like they were in heat?


Zeref shakes his head and chuckles. He sits up and grabs his headgear, sliding it on his head and laying back down.


“Escape from one reality to a better one…”


He said to himself as he jacked in.


--Mega City, Downtown--


Azrael walks out of the hardline he had chosen to enter from. Once he was in, he saw that the current time of the simulation was night time. He smiled to himself as this was his favorite time to be wandering around the downtown area. The night life, people coming and going on the streets, the lights that fill up the darkened sky. Especially the late night establushments, restaurants, clubs, all kinds of things. While some of it’s people slept, the city never did. Azrael walked down the sidewalk with his hands in his pockets. He necessarily didn’t know where his was headed to, but back when the game was control by a mouse and keyboard, Zeref would have Azrael just...walk about the downtown area at night, he found it relaxing after a stressful day at school or to simply get away from his parents But now, here he was, walking down the streets of Mega City downtown.


“I wonder how the gang is doing back home...Dulex… Brix...Bitbomb, everyone. I am sure they all moved on, doing their own thing.”


Azrael walked into a park that he and his faction hung out at frequently. They usually stood around the large clock tower that was in the middle, as if they were all high school students claiming a little piece of space for them. Well...considering he was pretty much the only high school student among the whole entire faction, but they liked him because he was a smart kid and didn’t hold anyone back. He looks at the clock tower and sees the whole faction appear as apparitions, they all turn to him and smile, motioning him to come over.


”Hey, there he is! Our machine branch leader is here!”


“Well it’s about time bud! How was school?”


“So what’s the plan for today, boss?”


All these voices of his former friends echoed in his mind. He shakes his head and smiles to himself.


“They are gone. No use in clinging to the past.”


After awhile of just leaning against the tower and reminiscing about the good ol’ days, Azrael’s phone rings. He reaches for it and looks at the number.


“Keiji? Haven’t heard from him in a very long time.”


He said before clicking open his phone.


“What’s up?”


“Boss, we got a problem. Frenchman lackeys trying’ to come in and say we are under new managment.”


“On my way Keiji, don’t worry about it. If we can’t settle things peacefully, then we toss them out the door on their ass. Same policy as always.”


“On it, we await your arrival.”


Azrael nodded and retracted the phone and placed it back in his inner coat pocket. He begins to make his way to his favorite place in all of the simulation, Club Deus.


--Club Deus--


Azrael opens both doors of the club. Everything slows down for a moment as he does. He walks through the crowd with his security guards at his side. This was a place where he and his faction hung out as well. But even more so, this was HIS club. And he wasn’t about to give it up to some lousy exile trash. The lights and lasers flashed around as the DJ was playing that night began his set. Azrael soon came into an open spot where their potential guests were waiting, a large VIP booth. Plenty of room to maneuver should things get physical.


“So then, you are the gentlemen who wish to take my club?”


Azrael said as he now stood in front of them.


“That’s right. We are laying claim to this place now. So get your shit out of your office and vacate the premises. This place belongs to the Merovingian now.”


He said as he and his goons stood up behind him. Azrael chuckled lightly.


“I am afraid that is not how that works, friends...you see this is MY club. And I own everything in here. So get out peaceably, or me and my friends here will beat you down and toss you out.”


They laugh and pull out guns and point them at him. But his security pulls out shotguns and aims them at the group.”


“Violation of club rule number one. Guests will not under any circumstances bring in weapons that could potentially harm other guests.. With that said…”


Azrael took and stance and quickly brought a roundhouse kick to the main guy’s jaw. The kick was so hard that he broke it not from the kick, but because of the impact of the hard marble floor as well. The other pointed their guns at Azrael, only to have them knocked away from their grip..


“You threaten the safety of my guests, I will personally kick your ass myself.”


As the music started to get heavy, Azrael moved in and quickly began exercising his rules. The goons came at him all at once. Azrael chuckled again and began beating them down while at the same time toying with them, he even knocks one into the bar, and the barkeep smashes and empty beer bottle over his head, laughing all the while she does it. Even pours on everclear and sets him on fire.


“That’s it sweetheart! Show these bastards we don’t take shit from anyone!”


Shouted Azrael as he grabs the other goon by his collar and shoves his head into one of the solid marble pillars. They even gained a small audience who turned away from the DJ to get drinks, but found out what was going on. It was rare they got to see Azrael outside of his office. So seeing the owner handle people such as this personally was a treat in of itself. The fight finally died down to just one more of the goons. Azrael was standing in front of him as he arches a brow, seeing the man struggling on what to do next.


“Are you going to take your buddies and leave?”


Suddenly the doors to the club open and all of them go flying out onto the sidewalk one after the other. Azrael and his security team wipe their hands together.


“Tell the merovingian he isn’t getting this club. This is MY home.”


He said as he walked back into the club, the security team closing the door behind him. Once inside, Keiji, the head of security smile to him.


“You handled that well sir.”


“And thank you for notifying me, Keiji. Please continue to make sure our patrons are well protected and are enjoying their night.”


“Yes sir. And the cleaners have kept your office nice and tidy in your absence..”


“I will thank them personally when I see them. Should some more potential guests come here looking for trouble, notify me immediately.”


“Yes sir.”


Azrael nods and makes his way passed the crowd, going into the back of the building and up the stairs. Once on the third floor, he walks into his office. Black walls with bright white lighting along them and several in the middle of the ceiling. All kind of lavish furniture they had back in the beginning of the twenty-first century. He makes his way to his desk, the black and sleek wood felt so real, like he was actually in an office in the real world. It was...rather welcomed. He was in a place of financial power here. His club was one of the most wealthiest establishments in Downtown, and to this day, still is..


He sits back in his large, comfy computer desk chair and watches the club below from the one-way mirror that was installed in his office. The music playing over the intercom in his office. He chuckled to himself remembering that a certain pony would dig this place if she played the game.


“May if I ever see her in game, I can pay her character in-game currency to take of the music stream. Bet she would be into that.”

Just then the office phone ring, he quickly picks it up.


“Sir, there are a couple of ladies here who wish to see you. They claim to know you personally.”


Azrael arches a brow but responds.


“Names?”


“Moonbeam and Twilight.”


Azrael lets out sigh, but nods to himself.


“Send them up.”


After a good few minutes, the door to his office opens up, both of them walk in and look around in awe.


“Amazing that this place is still yours even after your long absence, Azrael. A fine establishment for the night life to come together.”


Moonbeam said as she admired his office and the view from it.


“Never knew you were such an important person to the actual NPCs of the game, Azrael. It is pretty cool…”


They both sit in the chairs opposite of him, he leans forward and places his elbows on the desk and laces his fingers together, staring at them.


“So what brings you to Club Deus on this night, ladies?”


“Well Azrael...I just wanted to let you know I am sorry for how the others acted. See, heat season is getting close in Ponyville, and they just...well, after seeing what you did and how much authority you commanded. It made them feel a little warm at their core.”


Azrael widened his eyes at this. So his thoughts were correct.


“I see, so that means I will need to watch my back in the coming month or so?”


“Indeed, that is why I am here as well, Azrael. You see as the weather changes, as dot the females in this land. They get their yearly heat and seek out a partner to ‘rut’ over and over. Now the scent they give off draws in stallions, but I am not sure it works like that with humans. And given that you fled when they were throwing themselves at you. I can imagine that it doesn’t affect you. However, that will not stop them from grabbing you and dragging you away kicking and screaming. And consider that in this part of Equestria, the male/female ratio is VERY unbalanced. I just thought I would give you a friendly warning before the time was upon you. You may even have to watch out for Twilight. She may not look it, but she has fought with her heat before and she can get rather…”


“Moonbeam please!”


She rose her voice at her with a heavy blush on her face. Azrael just laughed and nodded.


“Understandable. I will make sure to watch my back. After all, you cannot catch a ghost.”


Moonbeam chuckled lightly.


“You do have that advantage, not going to lie.”


“Besides, when I am in ghost mode, my face turns more hideous than it already is. So I think I am in the clear.”


“I am afraid that would make little difference, Azrael. As long as you are a male and well endowed, they will pounce you without a second thought.”


Azrael laughed.


“While I am well endowed, I am sure that I don’t compare to the males here, given the anatomy of equines back home. Hell, they would probably laugh and say ‘You aren’t big enough.’ and then walk away.”


“Well, I haven’t seen your endowment for myself, Azrael. But, something tells me that you are just being modest and hiding something that you don’t want us to know.”

“Naah,just telling you what I think is all.”


“Well, regardless. I am glad i could offer you this warning.”


“Is that all then, Moonbeam?”


“It is...for now.”


“Then please, feel free to enjoy the club below. Plenty of music and fun to be had.”


“Thank you Azrael, I believe I will.”


She said as she got up, Twilight following behind her, still with a heavy blush on her cheeks.


“D-dinner will be ready in about thirty minutes Azrael…”


“Thanks Twi, will be down soon.”


Now that he was alone in his office, he buries his face into his hands.


“Oh God...I am in trouble aren’t I?”
> Act 12: Some Time Away From The Matrix
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It was a day like any others. Zeref woke up, got a shower, brushed his teeth, ate breakfast and returned to his room to jack in once more as usual. Once he sat down on his bed and held the helmet in his hands however, he suddenly felt like he didn’t want to. He sighs and sets the helmet back on his nightstand beside his bed. He just sat there, thinking.

You know, you have been in this world for a while now. And you have yet to go and explore much of the area. Do you know how many would kill to be in your position right now?

He thought to himself as he looked out the window then back to the floor. He knew that he was right. He even admitted to himself that he was thrilled to be in this world. It certainly was better than the world he lived in. And his favorite game was resurrected by this very realm.

“Maybe...I will go outside for a bit.”

He said as he stood up and got his usual outfit on. Sliding on his sunglasses finally before heading out his room, down the hall and out the door. Twilight must have already been out, as there was no one else there. He makes his way down the stairs after closing the door behind him. He then simply begins to just..wander. He didn’t know where his feet will take him, just that he wanted to be out. He walked, and walked, and walked. Soon he was standing in the middle of town square. Looking up at the statue of a pony in the middle of the fountain. Something was...off about it though. He closes his eyes for a moment, canceling all surrounding sounds of the other ponies and their activities and focused in on his own area. He could hear a slight humming sound, like light vibrating. The more he concentrated on it though, the louder the humming got.

“Zeref, you alright there, sugarcube?”

Asked Applejack as she gently placed a hand on his shoulder, looking at him with a bit of concern. He snaps his eyes open with a light gasp. Looking to his left to see the emerald green eyes of the farm pony.

“Y-yeah...sorry, something caught my attention was all. How are you doing today Applejack?”

“Ah am doin’ alright, just came into town to take care of some business for the farm. How about you? And you can call me AJ if you want. All of my friends do.”

“Very well then, AJ. As for why I am out.I...honestly don’t know. Just felt like coming out. I guess it’s finally dawned on me that I am no longer in a world of my own. And I need to get out there and explore it and not stay cooped up in the castle.”

Applejack smiled and nodded in agreement with his words.

“Glad to hear it. And also, Ah wanna apologize for the way I acted the other day. It’s just..estrus session is right around the corner and well...you are a new being and that brings a level of excitement to the idea. Ah hope you can forgive me and the others…”

She said as she brought her hat down a bit to cover half her face as those adorable emerald eyes look up at him. He had already gotten over the incident, but it was sweet of Applejack to apologize to him anyways.

“Not to worry AJ. I was..just...taken off guard was all. Though, a part of me was loving the attention. I will admit that.”

He said with a light blush on his face. Applejack laughed lightly.

“Well, you are a full grown stallion after all. It’s only natural. Anyways, Ah better get goin’. Ya’ll be careful now. And if you see Twi, tell her Ah said hi.”

She said as she waved to him and walked off. Zeref waved back to her with a gentle smile. He began walking away as well, his eyes still on that fountain.But the noise has seemed to vanish.

“Was I only imagining it?” 

He asked himself before turning his attention to his front. As he walked along, he suddenly felt the need to just...run. Run and jump. Super jump that is. Yes, he wanted to leap into the air and across the town roof top. He didn’t know where this need came from all the sudden. Was it because he knew he could do the things he could only do in a virtual world now? Right here, this minute? He looks down at his hands and slowly forms them into fists, feeling his power surge through him. He knows he can ghost in this world. And he has super jumped here before. But he feels like he could just…

"Here we go..."

He said to himself as he began walking at first, his steps slow and paced. Then he gets into a light jog, then a run and suddenly a full on sprint. Once he was going, He suddenly kicks off the ground and soars through the air, easily scaling over the building, running on the rooftops and leaping across them. He was doing this with a smile. It felt absolutely wonderful! To think that he was actually doing THIS outside of a game! He leaped and flew over the town like it was nothing. Earth ponies below watching in awe and pegasi watched him from their cloud perches in the sky

“This is so awesome!”

He exclaimed as he continued to enjoy this ability further. His coat flowing behind him as he when up and down in the air. He gives another good jump from a roof he lands on and pops over the clouds to see Rainbow Dash napping, as expected.

“Hey, Dash. How goes?”

He asked before falling back through. The pegasus nearly falling off her cloud when he flew over. 

“What the…?!”

She said before taking flight and making her under the clouds, only to see him rise up again after another jump. After that, he lands on the ground and gets to running again, his hyper sprint now in effect. While super jumping drained him of inner strength in-game, hyper sprint did not. No he wasn’t as fast as The Flash, but he was still going pretty fast, and what’s even better, he had complete control. The feeling this gave him, nothing could beat it!

Holy hell. This is so awesome! I bet Twi is gonna be all over this when she sees me running around like this

He thought to himself as before coming to a complete stop outside the town, taking in a few breaths before turning back to look at the town, then continues his journey to….wherever. The walking speed went back to normal as he walked along the path. This trail seemed familiar to him, like he had seen it in the show somewhere. The small bridge, the river. Yep, soon enough he was heading towards Fluttershy’s cottage. It certainly looked bigger in person. When it comes into full view, he sees the yellow pegasus mare out in her front yard on her knees, offering a bit of food to her smaller animal friends. Zeref couldn’t help but smile at the gesture. As long as he has known Fluttershy, she has always been kind to her animal friends.

Maybe I should stop by and say hi…

He thought to himself as he began making his way over to her. He calls out to her from a ways away so she knows he is coming. He didn’t want to startle her, knowing that can easily happen to her.

“Hey, Shy!”

He said with a wave. He noticed she jumped a little bit, but it could have been worse. She turns her head to see him walking up to her, a smile slowly forming over her face as she stands up and waves back to him.

“Zeref, it’s good to see you!”

She said in that ever adorable little voice of hers. She meets him halfway in his approach, wrapping her arms around his body as tight as she could. She looks up at him with her beautiful cyan eyes.

“What brings you all the way out here this morning? If..you don’t mind me asking?”

He reaches up and pets her gently, running his hands through her soft mane. He couldn’t help it, they are just so...petable!

“Just exploring is all. Figured I had been kept in the castle long enough. I was just wandering about until I remembered the path I was on lead to your home. So here I am.”

She nods and releases him from her embrace, she placed her hands in front of her as she looks up at him with a slight blush.

“I am glad you came by...I wanted to apologize for-”

He puts a hand up and shakes his head with a smile.

“It’s alright, Shy. I don’t hold it against you or the others. I know it’s getting close to that time of the year. I was made aware and warned.”

The pegasus blushes even more when he tells her exactly what she was thinking. She squeezed the hem of her light blue form-fitting shirt and slowly brought his gaze back up to him.

“S--so...how will you handle it? I am sure a lot of mares will be coming after you. Since you are quite different from a pony.”

“The fact that I am not a pony at all you mean?”

He asked with a light chuckle. She gave an adorable giggle in response.

“Mhmm.”

“Don’t worry Shy. Remember, you cannot catch a ghost, no matter how hard you try.”

She blinks a few times and remembers his trick.

“Oh...right. I forgot you can do that here as well. Then I am sure you will be fine.”

“I am sure you will have a lucky stallion tending to you though huh?”

She shakes her head, hiding her face in her mane.

“I...have other means of taming my estrus…”

He nodded in understanding.

“You don’t have to explain Shy. I know it would be rather embarrassing for you to do so. Anyways, I better not keep you from your little friends there. It was good to see you!”

He said as he hugged her gently and even gave her a few pettings on her head.

“Be safe Zeref, I will be on later, I could use some help with one of the gang hideouts.”

“Of course, you know I’d be happy to help out.”

He said as he waved goodbye to her, heading down the other path that lead away from her home and away from the pathe he came in on. Soon enough he came upon the swimming hole. He remembered back in this show this is where Dash came to soak up some sun a few times. Though it looks like the area was vacant for the moment. He makes his way over to the edge of the water and crouches down, sitting on his heels and stares into his reflection, resting his arms on his thighs.

“Geez….I don’t even remember what my old self looks like anymore. I remember the color of my hair and eyes of course...but now that I think about it, I never really looked in the mirror all that much when I was back home...I didn’t find it necessary unless I was cleaning up for a certain event, which was a rarity itself….”

He brought his hand to his chin and lightly ran his hand over the bit of beard that was growing there, that light staticy sound coming from him when he does so. He needed to remember, he was never ever going back to his world again. But at the same time, it didn’t matter. He didn’t want to go back anyways. Fate could have tossed him a much different hand, but it seems like it chose to be a little nicer to him

“First The Matrix, now this. Life….isn’t so bad now that I think about it. No wonder I didn’t stay mad at Moony for a while. I am just starting to realize just how cool this is…”

He said with a light chuckle.
> Act 13: Operation: GH057 H4CK
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Zeref was walking down the street with a bag of groceries in his arm. He smiled and waved to the ponies that passed him as he was on his way to the castle. He was going to do something nice for Twilight and be the one to make dinner this time. After all, she had been kind enough to let him stay and feed him. He felt this was the least he could do for his friend.

“I know she like to do breakfast for dinner sometimes, so I will surprise her with that.”

He said to himself as he made his way to the castle doors and opened them up.He walks in and kicks the door closed behind him. He makes his way to the kitchen, walking past Twilight’s study room to see her busy as ever with her work. Though it didn’t even surprise him when he kicked the door closed and she didn’t even hear it slam. He shook his head with a light smile and walked into the kitchen. He takes the items out of the bag and places them in their respected places. He then here’s his phone ring. He pulls it out from his coat and looks at the number. It is one he doesn’t know. He answers it anyways.

“Hello…?”

There was the sound of what sounded like buzzing flies coming from the other end, and then a slow whisper was heard within the sound.

“It’s been quite some time, Azrael…”

He knew exactly who he was talking to now, and it sent chills down his spine.

“What the hell are you even doing back? We all took you down way back when the game was still young.”

He chuckles lightly.

“That may be. But the game was reborn, as were all the programs within the game. And this time...I will make sure that every redpill suffers for what happened to me. Including you. I saw you hold my mask up like a trophy as my programming decayed away. I think I will enjoy killing you off the most. Nice and slow.”

Zeref grins lightly.

“You cannot kill a ghost, Assassin. And just try it. You come after me again, I will just spray you down with the flit gun. I am sure you remember what that does to you, huh?”

He asked with a chuckle. He heard a slight growl from the other end of the call, indicating he’d struck a very sensitive nerve.

“That damn thing won’t be enough this time. You just wait. I will take the matrix for myself, then pour into your world through the minds of the living beings there…”

Zeref glares a bit, the idea of Assassin trying to even think of harming these ponies annoyed him

“I’ll kill you again if I have to, Assassin. I may not have been part of Zion, but Morpheus was a good man. And it will be more than a pleasure to steal your mask once more.”

The line when dead after he said that. He chuckles lightly and shakes his head. He dials in another number and waits for the other end to pick up.

“This is Agent Gray.”

“Hey, bossman. I have a bit of info I think you might like to hear.”

“Ah...Mr. Schwarzvald, it is...quite rare of you to call out of nowhere like this. What is this information you have for me?”

“It’s the Assassin. He just called me. He is on the move again. I don’t know what he is up to, but make sure you have your agents on guard around the clock. Whatever he is planning, he plans to take it outside the simulation as well.”

“Ah..he contacted you directly. He has quite a vendetta against you. I will make sure the others are on high alert. This information is..useful to us. Thank you, Mr. Schwarzvald. As it happens, I was going to call you today. But now that I have you here, your timing is quite...welcoming. I have an assignment for you and your...colleagues. I have been lead to believe that a rogue group of exiles are planning to side with the Assassin.They are working on a program that will infiltrate an agent’s programming, causing them to go rogue. And personally, we all don’t want another Smith incident again.”

Zeref nods, listening intently.

“That would be pretty bad indeed. What do you need from me?”

“I need you to go the location I sent to your RSI’s mailbox. Within it contains the location and information on the exiles that will be there. Even the frenchman has no knowledge of this group. So we ruled him out.”

“Alright, bossman. I will make sure we get it done. We will be back in the sim in about two hours.”

“Also, Mr. Schwarzwald. Make sure to bring your hacker with you. I want you to retrieve the information from their computers. I ask you to make sure you dispose of them quietly. You will meet with significantly less resistance.”

“I had planned on doing it that way anyways bossman. We will get it done.”

“Return to HQ with the external hard drive I have provided you with once the job is done. Agent Gray, out.”

“See you later bossman.”

Zeref said as he hung up the phone and slid it back in his coat. He walks out of the kitchen and heads back towards Twilight’s study. He leans in and still sees her studying. He walks up to her and lightly places a hand on her shoulder. It causes her to jump and lift her wings up a bit, but turns to see him and calms down quickly”

“Oh..it’s you Zeref. Sorry...I must have gotten too enthralled in my books again.”

She said as she smiles up at him, lightly rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment. He chuckles lightly and reaches up and pets her on the head gently.

“All good Twi. But I am going to need your help here in about a couple of hours. Since it is our usual jack in hours, Agent gray has a task for us to complete along with Shy and Dash. And since you are the hacker in the group, we will most definitely be needing you.”

Twilight smiled and nodded quickly.

“Of course! You know I will always be ready for a good adventure! And this will be our first big challenge as a group, I can’t wait!”

“Oh and Twi, I have a surprise for you tonight once we jack out.”

She blinks a few times, curiosity growing in her eyes quickly.

“Oooh..something for me..?”

She asked with excitement, bouncing in the chair she was sitting in.

“Mhmm, but you are gonna have to wait.”

--Inside The Matrix--

The two hours had passed. Azrael and the others were riding down the road in a car that Agent Gray had provided for them. Geez, first VR and now they can drive in the game too? Luna had definitely outdone herself in having this game resurrected and reworked. Azrael just wished that she hadn’t brought back the Assassin. Then again, she probably didn’t know better. They drove through the streets of the Richland district all the way to the Westview, where all the industrial establishments and warehouses were.

“Ohman, this is gonna be so awesome! We finally get to kick some tail again! Just the four of us!”

Said Lightning as she bounced in the back of the car, excited to get her virtual fists bloody once more. Azrael turned his attention to GunShy, but kept his eyes on the road.

“Did you bring your silenced weapons like I asked, Shy?”

She nodded with a smile and held up her dual SMGs that had low profile suppressors on them. 

“I am ready to do some damage!”

She said in an excited but quiet tone. He then looks to Twilight.

“You got the program and the external hard drive that the bossman sent to you too huh?”

She nodded with a confident look on her face.

“Yes! And I brought the laptop you requested as well! But what will we need this for?”

Azrael chuckles lightly, a grin slowly forming across his face

“We are gonna mess with them just a bit…”

He said as he stepped on the gas a bit more, the car speeding off down the road. And into the night.

--Westview, Wearhouse #20--

They pull up a little ways from the warehouse in question to avoid detection from any patrols that may or may not be roaming around. The groups gets out of the car and move quickly. Once they were in the range of the warehouse, they take cover inside an open metal crate and crouch down. Twilight opens up the laptop that had brought with them and begins typing at nearly ninety miles an hour.

“Alright ladies, earpieces in, night vision goggles at the ready.”

He then looks back to Twilight who had everything primed and ready, all it took was one keystroke.

“It’s all set, Azrael.”

He chuckles evilly and gives a wicked grin.

"Shut'em down."

Twilight hits the button, instantly the lights in the area flicker for a few seconds and shut down completely. Azrael signals Twilight and the others to follow his lead, now turning on their night vision and begin moving as stealthily as possible.

“Hey, what the hell happen to the lights?!”

One of the members of the group shouted. Looking around as best as he could in the dark.

“I don’t know, they just cut off all the sudd-!”

The guard was silenced by a hand to his mouth and a straight razor gliding across his throat. The other with Lightning leaping onto his shoulder and straddling over his head, locking her legs tightly around it and turning them with great speed, effectively snapping his neck in two along with his spine. Silencing them both before they could signal the rest of their group. They wasted no time in moving quickly. They made it to the door, which was locked with a keypad on the outside.

“How in Equestria are we going to get in here?!”

Lightning said in a loud whisper. Azrael just shook his head with a grin.

“Like this.”

He said before shifting into his ghost form, easily phasing through the door and opening it on the other side. Making a ‘Tada!” gesture with his hands.

“Oh...right. I forgot you can do that…”

She whispered again as they moved into the warehouse, closing the door silently behind them. They sneak into the main room. Hiding quietly behind some large wooden crates. Azrael peeks from behind and sees what he did not want to see.

“Bloodsuckers…”

He whispered to the group. He had feared these would be the ones guarding the inside, but he didn’t come unprepared. GunShy was already loading her weapons with the silver bullets he had given her before they made the trip here. Azrael reached into his coat and pulled out a few wooden stakes and hands them off to Lightning.

“Lightning, you take the left, I will take the right. Shy, you take the one standing over by the computer. Take him out and I and Lightning will move in for the others. Ready…? Go!”

He whispered loudly. GunShy was quick to the draw, nailing several rounds into the vampire’s body and head, luckily the silencers did their job, Azrael and Lightning move in quickly and shove the stakes into the backs of the other two vampires directly through their hearts, killing them off instantly as well. Once there were certain the room was cleared, Twilight was brought out of hiding and to the computer that had all the information they needed for Agent Gray. Twilight began her work of transferring everything from the computer onto the external drive. Something didn’t feel right though. Azrael felt eyes on him. Eyes he thought were very familiar. They weren’t from the game, however. At least not THIS game. He looks up to see a figure leap down at him from the rafters, luckily he backflips away from the spot where he landed. Who he saw was another face he wanted to smash in ever since he fought against him in another matrix game.

“Hmph, so you are in this world too, Vlad?”

Azrael asked with a smirk, eyeing the vampire with intent.

“I am not sure how you know my name, stranger. But you have disposed of my minions and are attempting to steal my carefully calculated plans, it seems. I am afraid, I must kill you and your lady friends here.”

“And since you plan on killing us, you may as well tell us who you are working with.”

“It is simple. I am siding with the Assassin. He has promised me power once he takes over the simulation.”

“You know the Merovingian doesn’t take too kindly to traitors…”

“Oh please, the frenchman has no hold over me anymore. I escaped his clutches and I intend to stay that way.”

Both he and Azrael take their fighting stances. Luckily the lights came back on as they got ready to fight. Azrael glances over at the others.

“You two make sure Twilight is kept safe.”

He looks back to Vlad, a smile slowly forming across his face.

"Niobe kicked your ass before, now it's my turn."

Vlad growls in annoyance and wastes no time in charging forward, Azrael doing the same. Two supernaturals, ghost and vampire begin the hand to hand combat.punches and kicks flying everywhere as they battle to kill the other.Azrael sticking to his karate stance for now while Vlad seemed to be using a kung fu stance. Both each landing a good amount of blows on one another. Azrael was doing his best to keep the bloddsucker away from the others. Though he was saving his trump card for when the moment was just right.

“You seriously are gonna side with the Assassin?! You are just as much as a pawn to him as you were to the Merv. At least he paid you well!”

“Oh please, that asshole was just making sure I stayed in line! The Assassin is going to give all the exiles in this damn simulation freedom! And he is going to start by destroying all the damn agents in this place, and even kill off the Architect!”

The conversation went on and on just as the fight did. They had landed powerful blows on each other while twilight was busy hacking into the computer and extracting the data. It was time Azrael went on the defensive to wear down the vampire. He switched to his Aikido defense stance and began dodging and knocking away the vampire’s attacks. He grabs an arm of an oncoming punch and grabs it, immediately twisting the arm and causing the vampire to flip on the ground, he gets up and tries to counter but Azrael only tosses him around more like a ragdoll. See, Azrael defense stats were above normal because of his ability configuration. He had the Karate Grandmaster tree and the Aikido grandmaster tree all filled out. Basically, he has a solid defense and can also switch to a deadly but slow offense. In short, he was a heavy hitting tank. Able to switch between the two. That was just how the game mechanics worked.

“What’s the matter Valdy? You look like you are getting a little tired!”

Vlad growls at him in anger.

“When I am done with you, I am going to drain you of your blood, and then I am going to make your little bitches there my sex slaves!”

Azrael grinned as he saw Vlad’s attacks getting more and more sloppy by the minute. Eventually, he made and opening that wouldn’t be possible by the human form, but he tends to think more like a ghost these days. He waits for just to right movement before the kick connects, Vlad, throwing his whole body into it, and just then Azrael phases through the man’s body, becoming physical again while spinning around and shoving the stake through Vlad’s back and into his heart. And for good measure, Azrael gives a good kick to the stake so it goes all the way in the vampire’s body, sending him flying across the floor. In his last moments, he looks back at Azrael.

“H-how...do you have that...ability…?”

“Courtesy of the admin.”

He said before watching him go limp. He walks over to twilight who had just finished. Both GunShy and Lightning stared at Azrael with faces of excitement and admiration. Running over to him and jumping up and down.

“Wow...that was amazing! He got you down to half health, but you still beat him all by yourself! You are truly awesome at this game, Azrael!”

Said Lightning with sparkles in her eyes, GunShy showing the same starry look in her eyes.

“Oh yes! The way you wore him down and surprised him with that strange ability of yours! You are quite the strategist!”

Azrael chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his head.

“Well, I am not going to lie to you. If i didn’t have this...ghosting ability, it may have been a bit tougher. But Twi is the one who we needed most of all in this. Without her, who knows how long we could have been here..”

She walks over and hands him the hard drive with a smile, a blush forming across her cheeks.

“Well, I wouldn’t say that. You did protect me and the others from that one tough vampire…”

Azrael chuckled lightly and placed the hard drive in his coat.

“Oh, If I had Lighting and Shy help me, it would have been too easy. I wanted to see if I could take him down myself.”

Twilight sighs and shakes her head. But smiles up at him.

“I swear, you are so reckless sometimes!”

That all laugh a bit before heading out.

“Come on, let’s go get this to the bossman.”
> Act 14: This Is Real...As Are My Feelings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Zeref sat up after he removed the headgear from his head. He sets it down on his nightstand and brings his legs off the bed and sits there for a moment. Rubbing his eyes with both of his hands. The mission was a success. But something was bothering him. How was the Assassin even able to return? He knew the game was resurrected. But clearly with this new found technology and some magic through in the mix. Every AI in the game literally had the mind and thought process of a human. That is something back in his own world that humans haven’t even perfected yet.

“This world amazes me even more each day…”

He said to himself with a light chuckle. He hears a knock at his door.

“Zeref? Are you back? I am going to take a bath before I get dinner started. Just letting you know…”

This was perfect, he was going to see if she wanted to take one before dinner so he could distract her, turns out the plan was falling into place on it’s own. He gets up and walks over to the door, opening it up and nodding to her.

“Sounds good Twi. I will be downstairs in the living room. And no rush. Soak as much as you like.”

She smiled and nodded, though her face changed as she circled her hoof in the floor, a blush forming across her cheeks.

“I have something I wish to ask you during dinner. It is very important.”

“And I will listen Twi, now go and get all squeaky clean. You are starting to look like one of those legit gamer girls who sit in front of the monitor who turn out to be better than their male counterparts. Not that it’s a bad thing. Back where I am from those are rare to find.”

He reached up and pets her on the top of her head as he walks by, this making to young alicorn blush lightly at his touch.

“Go and relax. I will be downstairs.”

He said as he made his way down. Once he knew that she was in the bathroom and heard the water running, he took this time to get things going. If it’s one thing he knew he could do right, it’s cook some good breakfast food. He even got a little something for himself from a griffon merchant. A half pound of bacon. Which he couldn’t wait to eat. Twilight knew that he ate meat, so long as it wasn’t of the equine variety, she didn’t mind. Zeref whisked together the pancake batter with ease, having one skillet work on those while he had another frying up hash browns he had shredded from fresh potatoes, seasoning them and then adding cheese on top of them once they had finished cooking. Cause lets face it, cheese on hashbrowns is pretty good.

While he was doing this however, a song began to come from his lips, something he used to sing to himself who he was cooking at home. He grew up in the ninetys. And so his kind of music wasn’t what kids listened to these days, nor what would the ponies here would quite understand.

"I don't mind stealing' bread...

From the mouths of decadence...

But I can't feed on the powerless

When my cup's overfilled…”

He did his best to sing the song, knowing that singing wasn’t a special talent of his, but he sung it anyways. As he was singing and cooking however, Twilight was watching him from behind the corner, her wide purple eyes watching in amazement as he seemed to do everything so...effortlessly. She had never seen this side of him. And it impressed her. Though the song he was singing seemed so...sad. And yet he sung it with conviction in his voice.

What kind of world did he live in that had this kind of music…?

She thought to herself before quietly walking away, making herself comfortable on the couch. She had finished her bath and was dressed in her usual ‘comfy’ clothes. She looked at the fire that he had set up before he got started. She got lost in her thoughts as well as the fire.

I wonder what he really thinks of me. His attitude is just so...aloof. Sure he is nice and all, but it’s also like he could really couldn’t care one way or the other. He has changed so much since he came here. One day he is holding me at gunpoint..and now...he is making dinner for me. And it’s my favorite!

The alicorn was indeed fighting to bottle up her feelings for the human. She had been doing this for some time now. But she had been hitting the books harder than usual to keep her mind off of it. She was fidgeting with her hands. A heavy blush forming across her cheeks as she lets out a light whining sound.

Oh, what am I going to tell him? Should i just come out and say it? I want to tell him before my estrus comes so he knows that I am serious. But how?! I don’t want things to be awkward between us! I really really like him! He is smart...a good leader...handsome...I just wish he’d loosen up a bit.

Her thoughts were interrupted by his voice, calling out to her.

“Twi, I made dinner. I figured I’d take over tonight so you could relax.”

“I could smell it from upstairs. It smells wonderful, Zeref. And it was very sweet of you to do that. I am sure it will taste great!”

She said as she got up and walked into the dining room. The plates and food were all set, with the bacon by his plate of course. He places a bottle of ketchup and hot sauce with the other food, just in case Twilight wanted either or with her hashbrowns. Though what she eyed the most of his culinary creations was that stack of pancakes. They looked so yummy and fluffy. Nothing like she had ever made before. He even put chocolate chips in it! He knows her all too well it seems. She walks over to the table and sits down, smiling widely up at Zeref as he returns to the table with a glass of milk for her, and himself.

“Thank you so much for this, Zeref...you really didn’t have to do this.”

He shakes his head, sitting at the chair on the other side of the table.

“You have been taking care of me Twi, I should return the favor every now and then.”

He said before he started eating, going for most of the bacon first, however. As they ate, it was quiet. Twilight’s mind however, was not quiet. She could stop staring at him every so often. Her heart was starting to beat quickly.

C-calm down….it’s just dinner time. Why are you so nervous?!

Zeref looked up at her every now and then as well. He could see that something was bothering her, clearly. Maybe it is part of why she wanted to talk to him? If she didn’t ask him about it during dinner, he’d bring it up after. It never did come up during the meal, as they both sat in the living room, reading their favorite book. Zeref looked over the top of his book at the alicorn and sighs lightly.

“Alright Twi. You said earlier you wanted to speak with me. I am rather curious about what.”

He said as he arches a brow at her with his arms crossed as he sat back on the couch. This made her jump a bit. She lowered her book with a heavy blush but kept her eyes on his. The poor alicorn not having much experience in the ways of romance. But she was going to take this chance. She liked him too much to hide her feelings any longer.

“Zeref...do you like this world? Do you like staying here…?”

He arches a brow at her question, but nods.

“Yeah, I was pretty mad at first, but as you can see I do enjoy living here. And having you as my roomie has been pretty sweet as well. You are a fun pony to be around Twi. Well, at least to me anyways. I love your stunning intellect, you are quite resourceful. I’d say all in all, being brought her against my will turned out to be one of the best things ever. I still can’t believe this is all real. It makes me think I am inside a pony version of the matrix...while playing the matrix. Matrixception.”

He chuckled to himself at that last part. Though he noticed Twilight standing up and walking over to him, his gaze following her every move until she had made her way into his lap. She straddled over him, blushing heavily as she does this. Zeref’s body tensed up quickly, his heartbeat running ninety miles an hour.

“I know that you have noticed my feelings towards you Zeref. I know you act like you don’t care. But is that really how you feel about me…?”

Zeref turned his head to the side, though Twilight gently cups his jaw in her hands and gently turns it back to face her..

“Zeref..please look at me…”

He sighs lightly and locks eyes with her.

“Twi, I won’t lie to you. I really, really like you. But all this seems too good to be true. A small part of my mind thinks that this has all been just a long dream I have yet to wake up from. Or that I am in some kind of state where my headgear malfunctioned and I am stuck in this kind of...mental limbo state. So my question is. How do I know all this is real? It is like Morpheus said. “What is real? How do you define real?” It’s just how I look at thi-...”

He was cut off by the soft lips of Twilight pressing against his own, her arms wrapping around his form as she silences him with a long awaited kiss. Zeref’s eyes widened in surprise, he lightly placed his hands on her sides, wanting to push her away, but at the same time, he wanted to embrace her and hold her closely. After the kiss, Twilight looked into his eyes once more that blush still heavy on her cheeks.

“Zeref...this is real. And my feelings for you are even more so…”

“Twi...I..”

He looks down for a moment,then back up to her.

“Are you sure that this is okay? I mean, I am not a pony...nor am I of any kind of being of this world. And I know as a princess, you have to be careful who you associate with.”

Twilight shook her head with a slight smile, her tail swaying behind her, lightly hitting his legs.

“Well, I am a princess after all. I can be with whoever I want. And I want to be with you, Zeref. And if anypony has an issue with that, too bad.”

Zeref looked up at her once more. He could tell that she was serious. By the way her voice sounded and the eye contact she had maintained with him. And this was definitely not the influence of her heat.

“Alright Twi. I am willing to see this play out. I have the same feelings for you as you do with me. It is time I make them known.”

He said as he wraps his arms around her lovingly, locking lips with her now, leaning into the kiss to show her just how much he wanted to be with her. Her wings popup in both surprise and happiness. She places her hands on his shoulders lovingly and whimpers a bit as she was kissed by the human she had become so very fond of. Her heart was fluttering, and his mind was rushing. All he needed was reassurance it seemed. Zeref wasn’t much of a briny. But he really did have a  think for the purple bookworm pony. Her personality, the way she gets flustered about things was very adorable to him. Many more qualities about her, he liked. But never in a million year did he think he’d ever be sharing a kiss with her, let alone with her in a form like this. Once the kiss breaks, she clings to him and nuzzles into his chest, her eyes peering up at him.

“Zeref...would it be okay if I slept with you tonight? I certainly wouldn’t mind having a companion to snuggle up with to keep me warm…”

Zeref’s face turned just as red as hers was now. This is the first female he would have share a bed with him. He could tell she just didn’t want to be alone, and nodded.

“Sounds good to me Twi. This will be my first time sleeping with another in my bed...so sorry if I roll over on you.”

She couldn’t help but giggle at him, continuing to nuzzle in his chest.

“I am not worried...at all.”
> Act 15: Sunny D Out Of Her Element
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Azrael walks out of the phone booth from a bright green light. He lets out a sigh and looks at the ground for a moment,then smiles lightly as he begins his talk down the street in the Richland district. He was headed to Tabor Park, another old hangout where his faction would go to in the lower level days. As he walked, he watched all the new players that were near him run by or leap overhead, doing their missions or just enjoying the game in general. It made him happy to see Mega City thrive once more. When the game died, there were but a few hundred players left, now, there are thousand gathering in the servers once more.

As he walked along though, he couldn’t help but think of the words that twilight had spoken to him last night, and how she had revealed something he was worried about for awhile, those words ringing ever more in his mind.

This is real, as are my feelings for you.

Azrael closed his eyes for a moment then chuckled lightly.

“Who would have ever guessed.”

He said to himself as he cut across the street, knowing he needed to turn to get to where he was headed. He looked up at the sky and blinked a few times. Seeing that the sun had gone away and rain clouds were gathering overhead.

“Hmm, if it was real rain, i’d go find the local bookstore or coffee shop, but meh. A bit of virtual rain won’t hurt.”

He said as he continued on his way. Eventually he made it to his destination. Seeing the very same large shady tree he and his crew used to sit under everyday. They had their hangouts in every district. So he knew exactly where he could go no matter where he was.

 HA! Look guys, we got a ghost twin fanatic here!

Hey come on man, back off. He is a new player and may just be looking for some help.

If you asked me he did a pretty damn good job of making a look-alike..

Yep, this was the first place he had met his factionmates. They were a group of zionists, but as they got to know him and trust him, he became the machine branch leader of Exemplar Triune. And the faction grew ever stronger for it. He smiled to himself at these memories.

“I wonder what the old crew are up to these days...probably off with big successful jobs and such.”

He said as he walked over to the tree and leaned against it. The sound of thunder was heard as the rain began to fall from the sky, the clouds having darkened the sky completely. The amount of rain slowly but gradually increased. He watched the blue pills walk by in the park with their umbrellas and raincoat, trying to either get home from work or wherever it is they were headed. Oddly enough, the tree that he was under was pretty much like a giant umbrella. Its leaves were plentiful and thick enough to act as a cover from the rain, only a few drops came through every now and then, and it was on a small elevation as well, so he was good. 

He simply stood there and leaned against the tree. Just enjoying the sound of the rain and the city mixing together. He didn’t understand why, but when it rained in-game, there was a sense of peacefulness. It made him feel like he was back in the late ninetys. Which was when he was growing up, and he’d always stop by the park on the way how from school like this. Just as he was travelling down memorylane, his phone rings. He reaches into his coat and pulls it out and clicks it open, placing it to his ear.

“Hey there Twi. Finally got done with your morning studies huh?”

“Mhmm,I went to come and wake you up, but it seems you have already done so and jacked in. So, I figured I’d come and join you. Where are you? It’s pouring like crazy!”

He chuckled lightly, hearing her get a little excited as if it was real rain.

“I am in Tabor Park..well, the actual park. Take the Tabor West hardline and you will be as close as you can get to me.”

“Alright, I am on my way.”

The line drops. He places his phone back into his coat and just goes back to remembering the good ol’ days before all this change came into play. He eventually hears the footsteps of someone approaching him rather quickly, he looks up and sees Twilight running towards him with her hands covering her head and a look of panic on her face. She runs into him and pushes him against the tree as she collides into him. He laughed lightly when she did this.

“Come on Twi, it’s not even real rain! You silly girl.”

“I know it’s not! But it still feels like I am getting wet!”

She said as she sighs in slight frustration, but smiles up at him and presses into him closer, resting her head against his chest. She clung to him, grabbing at his shirt with both hands.A smile forming across her face.

“But...I am quite happy to be here with you.”

She said as she stared up into his eyes, leaning up to place a kiss on his lips. Azrael could feel her warm and soft curves pressing against him. It wasn’t her rear form, but this one was beautiful as well. After the kiss broke he chuckled lightly.

“Well, it isn’t my favorite mare...but I suppose this form will suffice while I am in here.”

Twilight’s face blushed heavily as he said that to her.

“You truly like my real form more than a human female more?”

He nods in response.

“Honestly Twi, I have always really admired you even before I was taken from my world. But to have the real thing is...well you can imagine why I thought I was dreaming last night. I honestly thought it was too good to be true.”

She nods understandingly, only pressing more into him.

“I...I wanted to show you my feelings before..well you know...when my estrus hits so you know that I am serious about wanting to be with you. You are smart, strong, and even though you never showed it to me, I knew that deep down you cared about me. But I was soooo afraid to tell you last night…”

He lightly runs his fingers through her hair, then runs his fingers over her cheek gently.

“Looks like we were both worried for nothing huh?”

She giggles lightly and nods.

“So it would seem.”

Hey, I got an idea. How about I show you where all the landmark/film locations are in the game? The creators were pretty spot on and very accurate in the design.”

She looks up at him with widen eyes.

“YOu know where every film location is?!”

He nods with a bit of pride in his smile.

“I sure do. The only one they don’t have sadly is the highway that the Ghost Twins chased Morpheus, Trinity and the Keymaker. That would have been pretty sweet though.”

She nods rapidly in response, tugging at his arm in excitement.

“Yes,yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes!”

So...god damn….adorable…

Their first stop was Mara Plaza. The walked there together, arm in arm. Azrael had to admit to himself, he was pretty damn lucky. He had both This Twilight and the Twilight outside of the matrix. And he wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of this happiness. They make it to the area in question. Azrael walks out into the middle of it and holds his arms out at his sides.

“Look familiar, Twi?”

She looked around the area and thinks on it for a second, looking at him with a sheepish smile afterwards, having a bit of trouble remembering.

“Hint?”

She asked cutely, Azrael chuckles and mimics Agent Smith’s voice

Yes me...me, me, me. Me too.”

It hit her hard, but she giggled lightly.

“Aaah this is that place isn’t it?! Neo fought all those copies of Smith here!”

Azrael nods and smiled, proud that she figured it out.

“Mhmm, this is indeed the place.”

They explored a little longer around the area until Twilight wanted to go and see the next one. Before the left Mara however, they saw what looked to be a new player. They watched her for a moment from the roof top they jumped on. She wasn’t doing so very well. She was even greener than most new players he had helped back in his day. And what’s more, Twilight new who it was before Azrael could even say it.

“That Princess Celestia! I know that nickname anywhere! ‘Sunny D’, it was an old nickname a former coltfriend of hers gave her. But...why is sure playing this game? Out of all the things i would ever expect from her, this isn’t one of them.”

Azrael grins wickedly and crosses his arms. Watching her from above.

“Not so easy when you can’t just cast your own magic in a world that isn’t yours, huh Sun Butt?”

He said before he jumped down and landed a few feet away from Sunny. The loud “THUMP’ sound making her jump a bit as she turns around and sees Azrael.

“Ah! Hello...you startled me…”

“Welcome to the world of The Matrix. I see you are having trouble handling even the lowest level of enemies.”

He said with his arms crossed and an arch of his brow. The human version of the sun princess shifting awkwardly at Azrael.

“Indeed. You look like a seasoned player though, looking at your stats and level. Might I ask you a few things?”

Twilight knew what Azrael was about to do. A part of her wanted to stop him. But another part of her wanted her to feel the same sting that she made Zeref and herself feel that day when she thought she had lost him.

“Hmmm, I am not so sure I should, after all. You showed hostility towards me when I was lost. Or do you not remember that, Princess?”

She blinks in confusion and tilts her head, a bit hurt by his words.

“I..just started this game. I don’t even know who you are…”

Azrael chuckles lightly and ghost into his ghost form and circles around her.

“It is pretty insensitive of you to forget the sadness you caused your former pupil when you tried to attack her new friend the way you did. You chose to forget about him. If he needed help and came to you, I am sure you would have thrown him out the castle entrance. So tell me,why should i help you in a world that I know like the back of my hand. And yet you,the so called generous and loving sun princess of Equestria brought the mare that is like a daughter to her to tears?”

He continued to circle her in his ghost form. After a while though, it all hit her like a bag of bricks.

“That’s right, you are in my territory now. So no, find your own way in this world. I had to find my own in yours.”

He begins to walk away from her, leaving her jaw hanging nearly to the floor. He turns and grins wickedly to her.

“By the way. Twilight and I are enjoying our relationship. Turns out our feelings for each other are quite the same. So, until you get the guts to come and apologize to me in person for what you did, you are on your own”

As he walks away, Sunny lets out a growl and runs after him, trying to hit him, but nothing is affecting him. He turns around again and turns on his PvP flag.

“Ooooh what’s this? Little mouse wanna roar? Feel like you can take on a wolf?”

He said as he draws out his FM-1500 magnum pistol from his coat. He didn’t specialize in guns, but one shot from this agent gun and low levels died in one hit. He lifts it up and points it directly at her.

“Once you attack me again when my flag is up, you will be pulled in to. Be careful of your next move, princess.”

She backs away seeing the gun he had. Having run into agents before, that gun put fear into ehr, as it did with most players. Even the distinct gun fire sound it gave off meant others needed to run.

“In this world, violence IS the answer, should you bring it upon yourself.”

He said before lowering the gun and turns to walk away. However when he does so, he feels a foot to the back of his back, then the sound of running away from behind him. He laughs evilly and quickly spins around, shooting her in the back of the head as she ran, her RSI body falling to the ground with green sparks surrounding it.

“Never attack a higher level. One of the many rules of this game.”

He said before jumping back on the rooftop and meeting back with Twilight, continuing on with their tour. Hey, it’s not like he really shot her anyways. Though he did get his revenge in his own way. So he was happy, not to mention the mare of his heart was all his to.
> Act 16: Zeref Finally Meets Twilight's Family
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Zeref sat in the library of Twilight’s castle, reading a book on pony history. Nothing really specific, just more knowledge for him to acquire. It was in the early hours of the morning. Twilight usually got up around this time whenever she didn’t pull an all-nighter. Zeref was a bit nervous about today’s schedule though. In fact, it is something that he dreaded when Twilight told him about it earlier that week.

--Flashback--

Twilight comes into the room and plops on Zeref’s lap and smiles big. He stares at her with an arched brow, but smiles and snuggles into her and kisses her gently.

“What’s got you so excited today, Twi?”

“Well, I got some good news. My family wants to meet you!”

Zeref’s eyes widen behind his sunglass at this, but he quickly recovers with a convincing smile.

“O-oh! They wanna know who is special enough to have claimed your affections huh?”

“Mhmmm, and we are going to Canterlot! This will be the first time you have actually gone to the royal city. Oooooh, I can’t wait!”

--Flashback Ends--

Twilight was clearly more than happy that she was going to get to introduce her coltfriend to her family. Even her brother and sister in law was going to be there. Should he ghost and bail…? No, nonono. He didn’t want to upset her. That’s the last thing he needed to do. He closes the book he was reading with a sigh and places it on the coffee table in front of him. He heard the sound of hooves clopping against the hard floor just outside the door. Yep, she was up and about, probably wondering where her living body pillow wandered off to again. Soon however, he was going to be more than that, as the month of her estrus was just next month. And something tells him after her first experience, she is going to be asking for more of it every day. She finally reaches the doorway of the library and peeks in, smiling when she sees him and quickly makes her way over to him. She pounces him and wraps her arms and legs about his body lovingly.

“Mmmh, there you are~.”

She said as she nuzzled into his chest and kissed him lovingly on the lips. She lifts her head up to look into his eyes with her beautiful purple gaze, Zeref couldn’t help but smile back to her. He lightly reaches up and caresses her cheek, lightly rubbing his thumb along it. 

“Sleep well, Twi?”

“Mhmm, until I realized you had gotten up. I do not know how you are so sneaky about it when I have you in a full body hold!”

Zeref laughed lightly and tapped the side of his head.

“Ghost. Remember?”

Twilight blinks a few times and gave an adorable blush of embarrassment with a sheepish smile.

“Oh...right. That is a thing you can do.”

Twilight repositions herself into and straddling position over his lap and locks lips with him lovingly. Her hand lightly taking hold of a couple his dreadlocks. She breaks the kiss and presses her forehead against his. She was careful of her horn of course.

“But you are MY ghost.”

Zeref smiled for a moment but looked down from her gaze. Twilight could tell something was on his mind. She gently brings his eyes back to her and caresses her cheek gently.

“Zeref, what’s wrong…?”

She asked in a soft and caring tone of voice, her eyes showing genuine concern for her one and only. He sighs lightly and locks eyes with her again.

“Twi...I can handle being ridiculed by the princess. But I am going to be meeting your family today. I am very worried about what they will think of me. Because...well…”

Twilight kissed him again before he could speak, then gives him a reassuring nod.

“Zeref, I know you are afraid. But I want you to know that there is no reason to be. I chose you because I knew that you would never let me down and would protect me at all costs”

“Tch, yeah. In the matrix sure. But here you are an all-powerful alicorn who could hold her own. If I went up against some kind of huge monster or something, chances are I’d rely heavily on you with your magic.”

“And that is fine, Zeref. It’s okay for a couple to rely on one another in difficult situations. You need to understand that even though I may possess a powerful magic. I don’t see you as a weaker individual. After all, you possess abilities I will never ever have.”

“Yeah,I only possess them through some means of magic when I was brought here. Before it all happened, I was just a regular human. I had no special abilities or anything like that. I was just a shut-in gamer who went to college, hoping to at least start up a business. I’d have never even thought that I would be here of all places. Being a video game character that I created, with a princess saying that she loves me every day and every night. Especially with how cruelly I treated her before.”

Twilight didn’t say anything, she sat there in his lap, listening to his worries and doubts. This is actually one of the very rare moment that he opens up to her throughout their relationship. And she feels it drawing them closer each and every time. And he was right. She did love him, so very much. Even more so than her love for books, and that is saying something. After he finishes.She wraps her arms around him and pressed against his body, her wings coming around to embrace him as well. He loved her wings. Hell, he loved everything about her.

“And where would i be now if you hadn’t come along Zeref? I am glad Luna did what she did. Because I get to be with you. I never thought us being together would really happen. But, here we are. I wouldn’t change anything, not even our meeting. And so, you have nothing to fear. Even though you aren’t a pony, I know my family will absolutely love you. I promise.”

Zeref had to admit it, she had a point. If all this had never happened. He’d still be doing what he did. Struggling to make ends meet and living alone.

“Twilight, I love you. And I am happier than I have ever been because of you. I just want you to never forget that.”

“And I won’t. Just as I know you will never forget how much I love you.”

She kisses him once more and rests her head on his shoulder, her tail swaying behind her happily as she revels in his warmth. But, time was of the essence. They needed to get going or they’d be late.

“Come, let’s go and get a nice warm shower before we go.I certainly wouldn’t mind those wonderful hands of yours washing me down…”

Zeref blushed a bit but nodded. He did like to caress and fondle her very much. A first-rate mind and a first rate figure. He was damn lucky to have her all to himself.

--In Front Of Twilight’s Parents’ Home--

Zeref was still nervous about this whole meeting. But thanks to Twilight’s comforting before, it wasn’t so bad. Twilight knocked on the door. They waited for awhile. Finally, the knob turned and the door opened to reveal an older mare with light gray fur and a purple and light gray mane. Zeref finally saw where she got her looks. Her mother was absolutely stunning to look at.

“Twilight, my sweet daughter!”

“Hi, mom!”

She said before the two went in for a hug. Zeref’s eyes went straight for the ground to avoid any eye contact they may have been made. Luckily his sunglasses hid that fact. Her mother’s gaze however, fell on him after the hug. She looked him up and down. Zeref was expecting a face of unbridled disgust. But what he goes was a look of..curiosity and fascination.

“My goodness Twilight. You said he wasn’t a pony, but I most certainly didn’t expect this. Nonetheless, he is quite handsome. Very rugged features.”

Zeref arches a brow at that. Handsome? Rugged? Was she even looking at him?

“And what is your name, dear?”

She asked in a warm motherly tone.

“My name is Zeref, a pleasure to finally meet you, miss Sparkle.”

“Oh, the pleasure's all mine! I was so so excited to hear that my little Twilight finally has herself a coltfriend! She was always only interested in studying and books. Clearly, you are someone VERY special if you caught her attention! Please, come in, come in!”

Twilight goes in first, but Zeref stands there for a while longer. Velvet notices this and looks to him with a tilt of her head.

“Are you coming in, dear?”

“Yeah..just a bit nervous is all.”

She smiles lightly and gently grabs his hand to pull him in.

“Aaawww, I understand what you must be feeling. Trust me, my husband was the exact same way when he came to meet my family. He has taken that to heart and promised to not judge my daughter’s coltfriend on the spot. Pony or otherwise.”

Once he was in, Velvet shut the door with her magic and continued to lead Zeref into the main room. Once he was in there, all eyes were on him. There was her father, Night Light, her brother Shining Armor, and his wife Princess Cadence, Twilight’s former foal sitter. Zeref wanted to ghost and bail right then, his hands slowly forming into fists. But twilight lightly places a hand on his shoulder and rubs it. He turns to see her giving him a reassuring nod and a smile. The first to come up and approach him was in fact, her father. With a serious look on his face, he looks Zeref up and down just as Velvet did. He noticed that he kept his sunglasses on in a building. He arches a brow and crosses his arms.

“Come on, son. Shades off. Let me get a good look at your eyes.”

Zeref was hesitant, but reached up and removed his glasses and closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them, revealing those icy gray as he stared right back at Night. The stallion stared for a moment, then a smile slowly crept across his face.

“Good eyes. I can see they hide a few things that you don’t want known. But they show loyalty and a willingness to protect.”

He offers a hand to Zeref.

“Good to meet you son. I am Twilight’s father.”

Zeref takes the hand and gives a firm shake.

“Nice to meet you mister Light. Twilight has told me all about you and your family. I am glad I am finally getting the chance to meet you all.”

After he spoke with Night, Shining got up and stood in front of Zeref. He offered a light smile.

“So you are the one who has been looking after my little sister? Thanks a lot. I am sure she is quite a handful at times.”

He said as he teased his sister a little bit.

“Shining! I am not a handful!”

Twilight said as she crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks. Which Zeref always found adorable.

“There is one thing I don’t get though. She told me you were a...ghost. Yet you seem pretty solid to me. So maybe you wouldn’t mind explaining? But first, I’d like you to meet my wife. Princess Cadence. She is the princess of love.”

Zeref arches a brow at this.

“Geez, you sure do have a lot of princesses here.”

Cadence chuckled at Zeref and stood up. She walks over to him and holds her hand out to him with a warm smile.

“It is good to finally meet you Zeref. Twilight has written to me about you. You seem like a rather interesting pony...even though you aren’t a pony.”

Zeref reaches out to take her hand, but then quickly pulls back as he hears a slight whisper within his mind. He backs away a couple of steps and blinks a few times. This shocking Cadence a bit.

“Sorry...I have things in my heart I don’t wish for others to know. Please don’t take it personally. I have a rather...complicated past.”

Twilight frowned, she knew exactly what he was talking about and understood why he rejected Cadence’s handshake. Since she was the princess of love, she was able to feel and sense what was deep within another’s heart.

You are quite clever, Zeref. Though, if Twilight chose you. She trusts you with her heart and life. So I have no right to judge you.”

“Please, sit. Tell us a little bit about yourself Zeref. Anything you feel like sharing anyways.”

Said Velvet as she came in the room with snacks and drinks. Zeref didn’t reveal much about himself, on that he was from a far away land and that he met Twilight and her friends through...odd circumstances. Technically he wasn’t lying to them. Then an important question came around.

“So son, what do you do for a living?”

Asked Night as he wondered how Zeref made his bits. Zeref got a little nervous on this.

“Well...it’s a little...complica-.”

Just then, his phone went off in his coat. Which startled every pony in the room but Twilight, as she knew what it was and what it meant. He pulls out the phone from his coat and sighs lightly.

Saved by the bossman…

“Excuse for a moment, I need to take this. It is my boss.”

He clicks the phone open and answers it. He gets up and walks out of the room.

“What’s up, bossman?”

Was all they heard before Zeref opened the door and walked out, closing it behind him. All eyes are then turned to Twilight. Night was the first to ask.

“He seems like a rather busy pony, Twilight. I take it that strange device he has is a way he and his boss communicate?”

“Well dad. That is one of his bosses yes, but he actually works for Shadowquine Industries.”

She wasn’t lying about that either. He was technically on Luna’s payroll as of recent. He was now an undercover GM. He acted as a player but maintained and surveyed the game and it’s overall status, not to mention Luna now knows all about the Assassin and his plans to reach outside the matrix. And since Zeref is pretty much the only real expert, Luna saw fit to offer him an official job position.

“Oh my...that big company that Auntie Lulu in running?”

Asked Cadence in delighted surprise.

“Mhmm, he works directly under her, but he also has another superior he speaks with on occasion. It’s more like a status check really.”

Night was especially impressed with this. He rubbed his chin in thought.

“A business savvy pony with a high payroll. And one that treasures my daughter above all else. You definitely have yourself a keeper. Never let him go, Twilight.”

“Oh, don’t worry dad. He isn’t going anywhere. He and I both know that.”

“There is one thing that is bothering me though, Twilight.”

Said Cadence as she sat by her.

“How did he know of my abilities…? And what doesn’t he want known?”

“I cannot say of how he knew of your abilities, Cadence. As for what he doesn’t want others to know, he has trusted me not to tell anyone. And I will not break that trust. I love him too much to even think of doing that.”

Zeref comes back into the house while putting his phone away. He looks down at Twilight 

“Twi, we need to go. It’s urgent.”


When Zeref said it was urgent, that meant he needed her to come with him into the matrix. Something serious must have been going down. She stood up and nodded.

“Alright.’

She turns to her mother and father and hugs them both, then to her brother and Cadence.

“It was good to see you all. I love you all very much.”

“It was nice meeting you all. Thank you for making me feel welcomed into your home.”

“Son, before you go.”

Night said as he walked up and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving a deep nod.

“I know you have been doing this already but, I want you to look out for my little filly. She may be a princess and all, but she is still young.”

Zeref could feel that her father had absolute faith in him. It was surprising but welcoming.

“Don’t worry. I’d kill to keep her safe if that is what it came down to. But...hopefully it never comes to that.”

He said before turning around and leaving with Twilight.
> Act 17: Interstate Chase, Deja Vu
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It was pouring down hard in the simulation. Azrael and Twilight walked into the machine H, immediately making for Agent Gray’s office. Agent Jones walks up to Azrael and nods in greeting, following alongside him as Twilight was at his other side.

“What’s the situation, Jones?”

“Deteriorating quickly, Mr. Schwarzvald. If we do not deal with this soon, the Assassin will be one step closer to crawling his way out of the simulation and into your world. And that would be bad for both of us.”

“I trust that Moonbeam has been made aware of this as well?”

“Yes, she is already working on her part. But we need your expertise once more. Along with your team.”

Azrael looks to Twilight and nods.

“Twilight, the girls appear to be on, call them and give them the heads up..”

She nods quickly, grabbing her phone and begins making the calls.

“On it.”

There walking pace was quick and brisk, it must be pretty bad if they have to get up to Agent Gray’s office that quickly. While Twilight was busy with the calls, Azrael was in the office speaking with Gray, learning of what has been happening as of late.

“Rogue agents?! What the hell do you mean?! Didn’t you all learn your damned lesson after the Smith incident?!”

“Mr. Schwarzwald, calm yourself. This was something we did not see coming. They aren’t just rogue agents, they have been corrupted by the Assassin’s code. Luckily, it is only the form that they currently possess right now. Should you destroy the agent, the sentient program will be set free and the agent will be able to reform again from the source. There are three rogue agents guarding the main server in the downtown area that you need to go and shut down. But fear not, I am going to have two agents going with you this time to offer support. After all, three agents isn’t going to be easy, even with your skill, Mr. Schwarzwald.”

Gray looks over to the entry way.

“Agent Taylor, agent Jordan, and agent Williams. You will be giving Mr. Schwarzvald and his colleagues support in this mission. Drive them over and give them any backup they need.”

He then turns back to Azrael.

“I assume you have mobilized your organization, Mr, Schwarzwald? The building is going to be crawling with corrupted police and SWAT units.”

“Yes, they are all waiting in the lobby. We are ready to load up.”

“Very good. It is good to know that you have such a large organization of like-minded individuals who come from a different side. Makes you quite versatile. And do not worry about these agents here, we have created a program that destroys the corrupting code on contact should they try to transfer it over. Each agent will go with one group and will keep the corrupted agent at bay while your men rush forward and break through the line of defense. I trust your men still have those com radios I provided?”

“Yes, we still have them”

Gray nods.

“Also, as I understand it. Ms. Sparkle here is your top hacker, yes?”

Azrael nods with a smile.

“You better believe it. A first-rate mind for sure.”

He nods again.

“I suggest you keep her safe. You are going to need her once you reach the server. Should you successfully shut it down, bring the info you get from it from me. Perhaps we will be able to use what we can get from it against the Assassin.”

“Don’t worry bossman, I keep her safe, in and out of the simulation.”

“Ah, I am beginning to understand. You and her are on....intimate terms.”

Azrael chuckles and nods. Twilight blushes heavily and nods in agreement. Once they head down to the lobby, Azrael briefs all the members of his organization. Rarity being the one who sees over the Merovingian branch, and Apple Bloom who is in charge of the Zion branch. Her friends both voted her in as the leader.

“Alright everyone. This is going to be rough. But luckily, I have these agents here who are going to help us out. Please show them respect. I know quite a few of you aren’t fond of them, but they are going to help us in the long run. Have I made myself clear?”

“SIR!”

They all shouted. They stepped outside and loaded up into the large armored trucks, each driven by an agent, Azrael places his finger against the small com radio in his ear to activate it.

“Zion and Merv branch this is machine branch do you copy?”

“Ah hear you loud b’ clear, Azrael!”

“Yes, darling, coming through fine.”

“Listen the building we are heading in has two stairwells. One on each side. The agents will be taking point until they run into one of the corrupted agents, then the branches will push on ahead and fight through the weaker corrupted enemies. Understood?”

“Sir.”

Once they made it to their destination, they stood on the rooftop of the building opposite of their target. Azrael looks back to his organization...no, his friends and smiles lightly.

“Alright everyone. I want you all to know something before we head in. I am glad that all of you came to join my organization, now we have made it our organization, our home. I know without all of you, I wouldn’t have been able to recreate Exemplar Triune. And I know I couldn’t do this by myself. So thank you, all of you.”

Why was he speaking like someone could die for real during this mission? It’s just a game after all. Maybe he was just feeling sentimental because of the memories of his old friends. For an instant, he saw a few of his old friends behind everyone else. Dulex, Brixx and their old leader Praey. They all three smile to him and nod, slowly vanishing.

“Azrael..are you alright?”

Asked Twilight with concern. He quickly comes back to his senses and nods.

“Yeah….just thinking about old times is all.”

He turns to the building that is their target, he takes in a deep breath and exhales slowly...

“Commence the attack!”

With that, they leap from the building, first him, then the ages, then the other leaders, then the rest of the group. Once they hit the ground, they split up, the merv and Zion branch taking the stairwells, Azrael and the others storming the front. The fighting began almost instantly once they made it inside. Guns going off, the sound of hacking beeps and boops echoing through the room, and punches and kicks breaking and cracking bones as they plowed their way through the enemy.

“Azrael, we have already came into contact the one of the corrupted agents! The agent you sent with us is currently engaged in combat with him!”

“Same here, he is doin’ a pretty good job of holdin’ his own!”

“Excellent, push on  ahead with the others and take down the rest of the opposition! We have yet to run into the third corrupted agent! Should any of you run into him, I will send the agent with me to your location! Keep pushing forward! I will let you know when I we have things done here. When I give the word, I want you all to break off and retreat! Get out of here as quick as you can! They will only be after me!”

“Right!”

Eventually the agent that was with Azrael met with the last one and engaged him in combat. Which meant that the machine branch was free to push on. They made it up to the top floor and into the room where the server was after taking out stronger guards in heavy armor. Once they made it to the terminal, Azrael looked over to Twilight.

“Alright,you are up. Let’s get this thing taken down and take whatever info we can.”

He turns to the others.

Let’s stand on guard while she works, more could be coming at any moment. Lightning, Shy and myself will maintain a defensive barrier around her. Be prepared for-.”

Suddenly his phone rings, he quickly picks it up and places it to his free ear. There it was again, the sound of thousands of flies, though it sounded aggravated this time. And Azrael knew it. This made a smile form slowly on his lips.

“Sounds like you are pretty pissed off, Assassin. I trust you are enjoying the show from wherever you are hiding?”

“You are becoming quite the nuisance, Azrael. Don’t think you won’t be getting out of there without any heat on your tail. I have more of my puppets on their way there now to snuff out you and your pathetic group.”

“Ah, but my men have nothing to do with this, Assassin. After all, I am sure that there is something  you don’t want discovered in this server that would shut you down indefinitely. And once I have the info. I will be the only one you are after. It would be quite a large hiccup in your plans should I get this information to Gray. And if you want it back, send your puppets after me. Or risk being destroyed sooner than you’d hoped.”

“I will make you pay for this…”

“Remember, Assassin, you can’t catch a ghost.”

He clicks his phone closed and places it in his coat. He then turns his attention to Twilight.

“How much longer?”

“Almost there...and...done!”

She said as she watches the screen glitch out and the server spark and explode, handing Azrael the USB stick that had all she could gather. He nods and gets on his coms.

“Everyone, withdrawn now, we have what we came here for! Get your asses out of here and get to a safe place!”

He then takes his gun from his coat and shoots the glass out from the window.

“Come on everyone, we are taking the flashy way out!”

They all jumped from the window just as the room was starting to flood with enemies, each landing on the ground with a recovering roll. Azrael looked around quickly, spotting the perfect getaway vehicle. A '67 Firebird. 

“Twilight, Lightning, Shy! With me! The rest of you follow the orders I gave to the rest!”

“But, sir we-”

“GO! Get somewhere safe and stay there! Jack out if you need to!”

They reluctantly nod and make there own escape. Azrael and his crew make their way to the firebird.

“Shy, you take the front passenger seat, I am going to need your excellent sharpshooting for this.”

“You got it!”

--A few Moments later--

Azrael comes turning the corner of a large bank, the tires screeching as he drifted a little and the roaring of the powerful muscle car's engine could be heard He was being followed by police vehicles driven by corrupt law enforcement members. Azrael weaved in and out of traffic the best he could to break off from the chase. He handed Gunshy a simple submachine gun, nodding to her.

“Come on Shy, you are my best gunner. I know you can do this. You don’t have to shoot them, just shoot out their tires. Get them off our tail.”

She nods and takes the gun. Azrael places extra clips in the console beside her as he continues driving.

“Lightning, Twilight, you two keep your heads down, it’s gonna get hot…”

Azrael continued to drive through the traffic which eventually lead him on the interstate, trying his best to lose the cops that were chasing him down and trying to shoot him. She was keeping them at bay though with her expert shooting. But little did Azrael know that more back up for him was on the way. The sound of high-speed sports bikes could be heard coming up behind him. He couldn’t see who it was for they were wearing full helmets. Though the ones riding on the back of the bikes were opening fire on the cop units while weaving through traffic.

“What the..?”

He asked as he sped through the other car, the bikes pulling up alongside him on both sides.

“You didn’t think we’d let you have all the fun, did you, darling?”

“That’s right! You ain't gettin’ all the glory for yourself, mister!”

Yep, his two other branch leaders defied his orders it seemed.

“I told the rest of you to get out of here! This is dangerous!”

He lets out a sigh of frustration but then smiles.

“But...thank you for coming along anyways. She is getting low on clips and we could use the extra ammo I suppose. Just watch your backs! We aren’t out of this till we get back to Richland!”

Azrael floors the gas as the road becomes a bit more clear to maneuver on, the ones on the bikes matching his speed as well and the shooters do their thing and take out either the drivers or the tires. Eventually leaving them in the dust. They finally pull up to machine HQ, Azrael turning and sliding into a parking spot on near perfection, but lightly tapping one of the other cars there, making it’s alarm go off. They got out of the car and ran inside. The others split off with them a while off once they made it back. Once inside, they met up with agent Gray and handed the info they got off to him.

“Very well done, Azrael. My compliments to you, and your colleagues. This will no doubt help us with putting the Assassin down once and for all.”

“What of the other agents?”

They have returned to the source and are back to normal. We have all our agents back again.”

Azrael lets out a sigh of relief and falls back into a chair that was behind him.

“That was quite a ride...reminded me of that time when Morpheus and Trinity had to escape the ghost twins. I trust that is all you need from us, bossman?”

“Indeed. Thank you again, Mr. Schwarzwald. We will...speak again soon.”

He stands up and nods to him.

“In that case, we are jacking out for the day. Take care bossman.”

And with that, they head out to the hardline out front and log out, completely exhausted from everything that happened.
> Act 18: One Saucy Evening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It was about that time of the year for Twilight and many other mares. A time he had been dreading for quite a while now. Not because of Twilight, but because of the other female inhabitants of Ponyville. Those who did not have their own lover chased him down and tried to corner him. But he always escaped because he could just ghost and get away from them easily. So it wasn’t as all bad as that. However, tonight was going to be the night that he and Twilight were most definitely going to get more intimate than they have been. He had to admit it, he was a little nervous. But at the same time, being a male and having the hottest bookworm in all of Equestria, and being a princess as well was pretty sweet. So it wasn’t as bad as all that.

Zeref knew the main reason why the other mares in town were after him. Mostly because he is a totally different species. Something new and fresh, unknown. Others just needed a stallion to rut to soothe the aching desire for pure sexual lust. And Zeref has learned that over time, Most stallions that should be looking forward to this time of the year, often flee for their lives. Then again, considering the gender ratio is incredibly unbalanced here. He could understand why.

But today, Zeref wasn’t going to set a foot out of the castle. Especially since the mares’ estrus is at its peak and they would almost kill one another to get to him. He was just lounging in the library, reading a book he had randomly picked up off the shelf until he heard that familiar sound of Twilight teleporting into the hallway just outside of the library. He lowers his book to see that mare with a bright red blush forming across her face, panting lightly as she slowly makes her way to him and pounces on top of him, grinding and pressing her body against his. He lowers his book and eyes her with a smirk.

“You know the deal Twi. I said tonight. Not today.”

He said as he poked his tongue out at her playfully. Twilight lets out an adorable little whine and lightly kicks her legs. Grabbing onto his shirt her hands squeezing tightly.

“I knoooow...but it’s so so hard, Zeref! Knowing that I have you right here and knowing that you are all mine! It’s the only thing keeping me from holding you down with my magic and taking you here and now!”

Zeref arches a brow and closes his book, setting it aside onto the coffee table.

“Sounds like a pretty kinky time, Twi. Maybe we can do that another time though.”

He teases. Though her response was something he didn’t expect, even in her current state. Her eyes widen and her pupils enlarge, a smile coming across her face.

“Y-you’d really let me use my magic on you like that?! Oh, it has been a fantasy of mine to pleasure my coltfriend with magic! To make him moan and orgasm over and over again and-!”

She quickly covers her mouth and lowers her ears as she spouted out these lewd things that she’d never say to anyone. Zeref was just completely speechless. What else could get out of here when she was in her estrus? Did the bookworm have a more lewd side than she was letting on? If that was true, then not only did she love him and give him all of her affection, he had a nympho on his hands as well! Zeref was one lucky human, no denying that. A first-rate mind, a first-rate figure, and now a secret nympho? Anyone who would cheat on this mare or leave her for another would be a damned fool...and a dead pony for that matter.

“I would say let’s go out and kill some time to get it all off your mind, buuuut then we’d have to worry about the others. We could always jack in. That will get it off your mind huh?”

She thought about it for a moment then nodded.

“True, If I focused on it, it would keep me in control. But once the moon rises tonight...your cock is mine.”

She said in a sultry lust filled voice, pressing her ample breasts against his chest and locking lips with him in a passionate and loving kiss. He reached down and placed both his hands on her soft rear and gave it a firm squeeze, She lets out a cute little squeal as they kissed. She loved it when he got handsy with her in all the right places. She loved his hands playing with and fondling her body just as much as his warm and loving embraces and cuddles. Even if she wasn’t a princess, she knew that Zeref wouldn’t love her any less. And she was right. Just as they were getting ready to jack in the game, his phone rings. He reaches into his coat and pulls it out, seeing that it was Luna.

“Hey there, Moony. We were just on our way in.”

“Ah, excellent! I need to have a word with you and Twilight. Shall we meet at the usual place in Downtown?”

“Alright then. I will let Keiji know that you will be coming then. He will let you in.”

“I look forward to our meeting then.”

He hangs up the phone and lies back on the bed that he and Twilight now shared, their computers now on each side of the bed so they can lay next to each other while they were jacked in.

--Azrael’s Club--

Azrael walked into the club as the bouncers opened the door for him. If this was one place in the whole entire simulation he felt like he ruled, it was most definitely this place. And he preferred nowhere else. Redpill or bluepill, they all respected his rules and loved to come here to party. Mostly because his drinks were fair-priced and he had excellent music going all the time. Once he made it into the club, both patron and staff greeted him fondly. The females who approached him and tried to rub up on him made Twilight a bit jealous but smiled when he gently pushed them away.

“Sorry ladies, I am here with the only lady for me.”

He said as he loops his arm around Twilight’s. She giggles and sticks her tongue out at them all. Eventually, that met up with Moonbeam who was sitting in one of the VIP booths. He chuckled lightly and nodded.

“Good, I see that Keiji has made sure you were comfortable while waiting for me. Shall we head up to my office then?”

She nodded and followed Azrael upstairs into his office. Once inside, Azrael closes the door behind them with his usual bouncers making sure no one else could enter standing just outside. Moonbeam noticed Twilight holding onto Azrael quite possessively. She could only chuckle at this as they sat down on the couches that faced each other.

“My goodness. It seems that Twilight has taken quite the liking to you, Azrael. So the letters about you and her are very much true.”

“Mhmm, we are digging each other. Been together for a little over a couple months for now. And I couldn’t be happier.”

Twilight nodded in agreement as she nuzzled into Azrael’s chest.

“Mhmm, he is all mine. And he promised to help me with my estrus tonight if I was a good mare.”

Moonbeam covers her mouth as she giggles lightly.

“Then it seems that I do not have to worry about you then, Azrael. Please be good to her and make sure she is treated right. Now, about the other reason, I came here tonight.”

She reaches into her coat and pulls out a folder that held some files in it and tosses it onto the table, he picks it up and opens it, skimming over what was written on them.

“I have my staff at the company keeping round the clock watch on the simulation along with the agents in the program. Ever since your last mission to foil the Assassin’s plans, he has fallen silent.”

Azrael nods in agreement as he finishes reading the documents.

“Just because it’s quite on the surface, doesn’t mean that he isn’t busy. I will see what I can find out another day. But for now. I have to worry about making sure I do not get gangbanged by a bunch of mares in The Real. Ghosting can only get me so far.”

“Well, I won’t let them have you. You are mine.”

Twilight said as she hugged him tightly. Moonbeam giggled again and nodded. A little jealous that she didn’t have someone like him in her life. Maybe one day though.She stands up and stretches.

“Alright then, I need to go raise the moon. You two lovebirds have fun now.” 

He chuckled lightly and nodded, watching her disappear after her jack out process. He looks over to where Twilight would be, but she isn’t there, nor was she online. There was only one thing that she’d be doing right now…

--Back In The Real--

After he jacks out, his headgear is pulled off his head by Twilight in nothing but a pair of black and purple striped stockings. She places the headgear on the nightstand next to Zeref and leans over him with a look of absolute lust and want, those bedroom eyes very apparent.

“You did promise...at sunset….”

She had him pinned down with her hands on his chest, a smile forming on her face as she ground her hips on top of his. The scent of her arousal very present. Not even giving him time to respond, she teleports every single bit of clothing off his body. Leaning down and locking lips with him heatedly. That kiss was sudden, but it was welcomed. It was time that he and she finally had some sexy time. Little did he know that this first night was going to be accompanied by much more in the future. For Twilight will think that it will be the best thing ever since books. Zeref reaches down to her rear as they kiss and squeezes it firmly, sinking his fingers into that soft warm flesh and fur. She lets out a moan/squeal as her tail lifts high in the air and her rear pushes back into those hands of his.

Mmmh, Zeref...you have no idea how long I have wanted this. Since even before my estrus started!”

She said as she grinds her marehood against his now hardening member which started to press against her. She gasps and quickly makes her way between his legs and begins to stroke it in her grip, normally she’d be all scientific and observant, but she wanted him so so badly that all that was just out the window. He soft hands rubbed up and down on him, her eyes focused on how smooth and hard it had gotten so quickly. Her free hand reaching below to cradles and massage his orbs in the same process.

“Oh my...not as lengthy as a stallion, but your girth...sweet Celestia!”

She exclaimed as she could feel her heart nearly explode out of her chest. She wasted no time and placing her muzzle into his tip and slowly begins to work him down her throat, her tongue swirling around him as she began her priming of his member. Zeref lets out a growl of pleasure as she begins. He hands grabbing onto the bedsheets as he was receiving his first blowjob. What surprised him more is that how good she was at this. This was her first time right..?

“Twi...how are you so good..?”

With a lewd slurp and pop she comes up to answer him with a wink.

“I practiced with one of my toys...I wanted to be ready for you. I wanted your first time to be amazing…”

She quickly goes back to sucking on him like she was a pro, her perfect breasts bouncing against his legs as she bobbed her head up and down on him, she waved her rear in the air hypnotically when she did this, her tail swaying and spreading her scent. She smells strong, yet very good. It was overwhelming his mind and making him harder and firmer along with her loving attention. Once she had him ready to go, she wasted no time in getting on top of him and lining him up. The tip of his member rubbing against the wet, dripping folds of her marehood. Without hesitation, she lowers herself onto him and lets out a cry of pain as he breaks her barrier. But immediately she begins bouncing and rocking her hips as she gets accustomed to his girth, obviously a snug fit for her. She goes for his hands and places them on her breasts as she bounces and rides him. She didn’t even need to ask as he went straight to work fondling and squeezing them. Twilight lets out a scream of delight and spreads her wings as he toys with her sensitive breasts. She bounced and bounced on him, his orbs slapping at her rear each time he went up inside of her. He was working his hips to meet with her bouncing, trying to get as deep inside of her as much as possible, her walls swallowing him eagerly as they had finally become one in a sense.

“Zeref, I love you, I love you!”

She said over and over again. But by this time, his mind had gone to nothing but...

Fuck her, breed her like the mare she is!

With that last thought, he wastes no time in wrapping her in his arms and hugs her form against her. Lifting himself up and begins to thrust his hips up inside her as he was standing on the bed. He arms and legs instinctively wrap around his form as she holds on tight for the ride of her life. She breathes heavily as she keeps her hands on his shoulders, her breasts pressing and bouncing against his chest as his muscles worked to give her what she had been wanting. And what he had been wanting as well. She leans in and locks lips with him firmly. Their tongues immediately darting for each other and entwining. Lewd light slurping going on with their heated kiss. Twilight could already feel that familiar pressure growing between her legs. Her first orgasm ever given to by someone she loved. This was SO much better than using a toy. She had the human she loved inside of her and giving her the absolute best time of her life. She wrapped her arms around his back and lets out a few more adorable whimpers of pleasure, holding on as tightly as she could.

“Z-zeref..I am gonna...AAAAAHH~”

She cries out as her walls spasm around his thick member, her warm female juices dripping down his member and orbs as he still keeps going, taking advantage of that tightening love tunnel. She cries out for more. Squeezing her legs around him tighter. Shortly after, he could feel his own orgasm coming up. And she could tell it was coming by how tense his body was getting and how short and sporadic his thrusts were getting.

“Give it to me Zeref, give it all to me!”

She cries out once more, her walls milking him for all that he had. He gives one final thrust and squeezes tightly around her, careful to not hurt her as his orgasm explodes inside of her, he lets out a growl of pleasure with all this happening, his member pulsating with each rope of seed that he pumped into her. The passion-filled sexual frenzy went on for hours until they laid on the bed together, Twilight laying on top of him and nuzzling into him with her arms wrapped around his upper body. She was the happiest mare in all the world right now

“Twi…?”

“Mmmh, yes Zeref?”

“How the hell did I get so lucky to have you as my marefriend?”

She giggles lightly and scoots her way up his body so that she could stare into his eyes.

“I think it is because that you are finally getting good things in your life, Zeref. You were taken from a reality that 3as cold to you. And now you are here with friends. Ponies who love you. And me, who loves you more than anypony ever could in Equestria.”

He chuckles lightly and reaches up, caressing her cheek gently. She responds by nuzzling into his gentle touch with a happy sigh.

“I think I can accept that.”

He said with a light laugh.
> Act 19: This Is As Real As It Gets
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zeref busted through the large doors of the Shadowquine Industries building. He makes his way up to Luna’s office quickly and finds her pacing back and forth. Things were getting bad, really really fast.

“How long until he makes it out…?”

“Not very long. Things are going to get extremely bad if we cannot keep him contained within the simulation. How he was able to get his hands on the code, I am not sure. But soon, Ponyville will be shrouded in his death cloud, And the only one who will be able to do anything about it at all is you...our magic will have no effect…”

Zeref rubbed his chin in thought. He was thinking as hard as he could, trying to come up with something. Then the idea hit him like a huge sack of potatoes.

“Luna...I think I may know how my organization can help. But I will need you in the simulation with me.”

--Earlier That Day--

Azrael and twilight walked down the street of the simulation. Arms looped around one another as they were on their way to a teahouse that Azrael frequented back when the game was just a regular MMO. It was Seraph’s Teahouse. Not only was it one of the landmarks from the movie, but it was also a place where he had become quite fond of an NPC that treated him like her own son every time he came to visit. He was actually going there to meet up with his now fully populated organization. All three branches had their respected leaders, and the recruiting of players was going quite well. It was time for their fifth meeting.

“It’s amazing how far you have come to be a leader of not one, but three organizations brought together to be one. We share many differences, but we all believe in unity. As the princess of friendship..and your marefriend, I couldn’t be any prouder of you, Azrael. It may not be out in the real world. But what you have done is no small feat.”

Azrael smiled lightly and stopped in his footsteps. He turns Twilight to face him, lightly bringing his hands up to her cheeks and rubs them with his thumbs, his gaze meeting hers.

“And I couldn’t have done it if I wasn’t brought here...and if I didn’t have you at my side. Thank you so much, Twilight. So so very much.”

Twilight blushed heavily, both in and out of the game. Even so much as to reaching over and grabbing Zeref’s hand and squeezes it as they laid together, still completely submerged in the game.

“Zeref…”

She called out his real name, leaning in to kiss him, pressing her body against his in the process as she wraps her arms around his neck. After they had their little moment, they went inside. Once they came in, Lightning was the first to notice. She smiled widely and waved to them both.

“Looks like Twilight and the bossman made finally! What took you guys so long?! We were getting bored!”

Azrael was amazed at how full the establishment had gotten. This was his whole organization, and no table was left empty, not chair either. Azrael chuckled lightly as he made his way up to the slightly raised part of the teahouse as all the tables and such were on a lower part of the floor that had a square embedded that had four stairs.

“Sorry about that all. I got tied up with a few things. But I am glad to see that you have all made it. I even see some new faces in the crowd here today. And I want to welcome you into our organization not as your boss, but as a dear friend. As you know, I see all of you as very close friends because we all believe in the same idea, unity.”

Twilight went to go and sit with her friends. Not only did Rainbow, Fluttershy and Rarity play, but she could also see that Pinkie and even Applejack have gotten involved. Applejack was part of the Zion branch, and Pinkie was part of the Merovingian branch. Expected of those two really. Once the meeting was over. Azrael stepped down and left everyone to their own conversations. He was about to go sit next to Twilight to speak with his own branch. But then his phone went off. He reaches into his coat and pulls it out. It was Agent Gray’s number. He answers it.

“What’s up bossman?”

“Mr.-...need-...now. The Assassin-...breaking-... the-...simulator!”

The line cuts out, leaving the dial tone sounding off in Azrael’s ear. Things...have just got a lot more complicated. Azrael knew who he needed to go to for this, and he had to get there quickly before the Assassin made his way into the real world. Twilight was keeping an eye on Azrael.And when she saw the worry on his face when he placed his phone back into his coat. She knew something bad was going on. She quickly gets up and walks quickly over to Azrael.

“Azrael...what’s wrong…?”

He looks over to her slowly.

“We are about to have a big problem in The Real, Twilight. A very big problem. I need to go and see Luna. The Assassin is forcing his way through to our world. And she is the only one I know who can help with this. I need you to stay here for now. Make sure that things don’t get out of control. Tell them I shall return as soon as possible.”

“Let me go with you, Azrael! I don’t want you going off and doing this on your own!”

She said as she grabbed his hand lightly, trying to keep their conversation to a whisper. He squeezes her hand lightly.

“I won’t be doing this by myself, Twilight. I will come back soon. But I need you to trust me. I wouldn’t do anything as reckless as taking on the assassin on my own. I have a plan.”

He said before bringing a hand to her cheek and kisses her lovingly. He runs out the tea house and jacks out of the simulation.

“Be careful my love…”

She said still worried for his safety but knew that he knew what he was doing.

--Back In The Simulation--

Azrael and his organization stood in Mara Central, the usual hang out for the players to just chat and socialize. Azrael had a plan for the situation, and he was about to explain it.

--Earlier--

“You...can’t be serious, Zeref. Do you know what kind of trouble that would cause? We are talking a worldwide issue here...humans coming out of nowhere in Ponyville..not to mention the amount of magic it would take...I don’t know if I could even do that with so many ponies.”

Zeref turns to Luna and gently places a hand on her shoulder.

“Come on Luna. I know you can do this. You brought me here, didn’t you? Besides, it would only be a temporary measure. You and I both know that real magic won’t work on him. We need abilities brought through the simulator to be formed in the real world. That means my organization. Otherwise, you know I will be the only one to do any kind of damage to him. I know you can do this, Luna. I know I was angry at first for you bringing me here. But now. I couldn’t be any happier. Not only did I get a new life here that gave me purpose. But you also allowed me to be with Twilight. Who I am most grateful that she chose me above all else here to be her mate. And I don’t want to lose that because of an enemy of my past. Not when I know we can get rid of him for good.”

Luna was surprised at his words. Even more so knowing that they were genuine. She offers him a light smile and gives a firm nod, a determined look on her face showed she was indeed ready to give it all she got.

“Alright, I will give it a good. It shouldn’t be too hard since it will only be temporary. But I will need some time.”

“Not to worry, Luna. I will keep him busy long enough. After all, it’s hard to catch a ghost, remember?”

She chuckles softly and nods.

“Don’t do anything too reckless though, Zeref. Twilight will not be happy to find out her stud is unable to tend to her when she is….needy.”

Zeref laughs.

“Oh trust me. With her heat now over, that mare is still a nympho ever since she had me take her. Not that I am complaining.”

--In Ponyville Square--

Zeref stood there, waiting as the portal tore through the air and a foot stepped out, flies surrounding the form that now fully made its way into the real world, the portal closing up behind him. The Assassin gave a wicked chuckle as he gazed at Zeref with a wicked grin behind his mask.

“Even after all the work you put into keeping me from entering the world. It was all in vain. And the only obstacle in my way..is you.”

Zeref chuckled lightly and reached into his coat. He removes his glasses and tosses them to the side as he pulls out something that made the Assassin growl lowly in anger. It was the very same mask he had taken from him after defeating him back in the original game.

“Normally, I would be frightened to take you on all by myself. I can’t remember how many times you killed me until I finally landed the final blow on you. But now that I have this…”

He said as he slips the mask on his head and over his face. The item giving a massive boost to his abilities. This was something he had kept secret from everyone, including Twilight. The mask had made it to this world with him since the beginning. And now, he had his chance to use it. It didn’t give him a serious edge against the Assassin. But it gave him more than enough to just keep him busy. After all, he was just buying time for what was to come.

“What’s wrong bud? Does this bring back those unpleasant memories when I killed your beloved flies?”

The Assassin drew his gun and pointed it at Zeref, who quickly drew his own gun as well. Everything was dead silent for a moment as they stared one another down. The sky darkened, and rain began to fall quickly. And with quick footwork, they began to fire off rounds at each other while running in a circular pattern, trying to land at least one bullet on one another. When that failed, they tossed their guns away and when into close combat. Zeref had a clear advantage in this part. But he had to be careful of one attack that the Assassin used as his instant kill move, Swirling Ki. The fight went on for what felt like hours until the Assassin had worn down Zeref to the point where he collapsed on a knee. The Assassin chuckled darkly and approached Zeref with another gun he had kept hidden in his coat, he then aimed it at his forehead.

“Any last words, human?”

He asked before placing his finger on the trigger. Zeref looked up at him with his own wicked grin As he saw the sight behind the Assassin.

“Yeah...you are fucked now…”

With those words, he used his trump card. He ghosted into the ground and made his way to the large group of humans who had gun, hacking in process, and others in martial arts stances ready to go in on the attack with Twilight standing at the front.

“Leave our leader alone you bastard!”

Shouted nearly all the members of his organization. Zeref appeared next to Twilight and collapsed once more, she wraps him in his arms as the others waste no time in charging after the Assassin and throwing all they had at him.

 I knew she could do it… 

He thought to himself as he rested for a little bit. The tables had definitely turned on the Assassin now.
> Act 20: Every End, Has A New Beginning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Zeref watched the fight as he was recovering from his own confrontation with the Assassin. He had weakened him enough to where the barrage of bullets and hacking magic was wearing him down quickly. Even the martial artists jumping to the get a good few solid kicks and punches in. Zeref rose to his feet afterward and smiled down at Twilight..well it was Twilight, but she was her Matrix self.

“Pretty cool huh?”

“I still can’t believe you talked princess Luna into doing this. But it appears to be working. But...I won’t lie. I still think what you did was reckless. But also very clever.”

“Hey, bossman! We figured we would give you the honors of taking him down. Looks like he does have anything left in him!”

Lightning called out to him. He chuckles and takes one of the guns that was offered by one of his members and points it at the Assassin’s head. As the Assassin starts to talk his final big words, Zeref doesn’t even give him the chance to finish the first word and squeezes the trigger, emptying the whole clip into the Assassin’s head until the gun was clicking with empty rounds.

“Fuck you. You don’t get any last words from me you piece of shit. And those last few shots were for Morpheus.”

After the whole ordeal, the ponies eventually took their normal forms.and cheered as they help save their town and possibly their world from someone who could have really done some damage. Had he gotten to both Luna and Celestia.

--A Day Later--

Zeref was on the balcony of the bedroom that he and Twilight shared. Looking out at the sunrise. He smiled and looked back at Twilight who was sleeping with a body pillow wrapped tight in her legs and arms. She had a big smile on her face as she mumbled Zeref’s name in her sleep. He couldn’t help but smile and laugh at her quietly. As he continued to stare out into the sunrise, he heard a voice call out to him. A figure in a long black coat and sunglasses approached him.When he turned to see who it was, his eyes widened. He backed away a bit.

“You know, for someone who started out as a machine operative. You certainly showed that you are more than capable of being a savior. Even without the ability of The One.”

Zeref’s eyes must have been playing tricks on him. As the human that stood before him was none other than Neo himself. All Zeref could do was just rub his eyes to make sure that he wasn’t going crazy...nope, he was still standing there.

“Neo..? How are you..?”

“It doesn’t matter. You accomplished what I could not. Even after the truce formed with Zion after i saved the matrix from Smith, I should have known that things would go out of control again. As for Morpheus...thank you for avenging his death, even though I know that wasn’t your objective.”

Zeref nodded.

“Um...as for you and Trinity. I am sorry that you lost her.I imagine that you are her are...wherever you went when you died.”

He nodded to Zeref.

“Yes, we are together once more. And we are happy as can be. Even Morpheus and the others are with us there.”

“Neo...can I ask you something?”

“Hmm?”

“What was going through your mind when you were facing down Smith? When you found out that you were The One. And all those times you were in real danger? Knowing full well that a virtual bullet or injury could end your life? What kept you going?””

Neo chuckled lightly as he walked towards Zeref and stood next to him, looking out at the town below.

“Trinity was always on my mind. Along with my friends who had saved me from The Matrix. I always thought of them. As they helped me realize that I had become The One. And kept me positive when things turned dark. Just like you have her and your friends too.”

He said as he looked back at the sleeping alicorn, then back to him.

“I know that I am merely a made up character from movies and a game. But this world has allowed me to come and visit you with a mind of my own. And I wanted you to know that I am quite proud of you for bringing all of us together. Human, machine and even exiles. That is something that even I couldn’t do. I am happy to know that the simulation is in good hands. As your people will make sure nothing like Smith or the Assassin will never happen again.”

Neo slowly begins to disappear, leaving Zeref with one final message.

“Tell Niobe I said thank you for using her ship when I needed it. Be safe, Azrael.”

He said before finally vanishing. Zeref shook his head with a smile and returned his gaze to the sky. The bright spectrum of colors reminded him of the end of the third movie. He couldn’t help but remember the little girl who had done that.

“Little Satti...maybe I should go see her one day. And Seraph as well.”

Zeref closed his eyes and then turned to walk back into the castle, he climbs into bed and curls up next to Twilight, wrapping his arms around her lovingly.

But first, A little break from it all. Twilight and I need to spend time with one another and discuss our future…