A girl by the name of Sarah let an old man into her home, in exchange for her kindness he gave her a yellow raincoat that would change her life forever.
A girl named Sarah was very unlucky, she lived in dingy apartment with hole in the roof. Always struggling to scrounge up enough food, always being hungry. After letting an old man in out of the rain, he gifted her a yellow raincoat. In doing so sending her to another world, filled with a near constant hunger.
It was late at night, I was laying on the floor of my cheap apartment in a sleeping bag. I had several buckets to catch the water coming through the leaky roof, I hated this place but it was the only place I could afford. My stomach growled loudly as I sighed, I haven't had a decent meal in over a month, just what I could scrounge together and cook over the fireplace.
My self-pity party was interrupted by a knock on the door, I walked over to the door and opened revealing an old man with a bent back shivering outside. I smiled “Come in, it’s not much but it’s better than nothing.”
The man smiled as I let him in, he smiled “Thank you kindly young one, I have a gift for your kindness.” The man handed me a bright yellow raincoat, I put it on and suddenly my vision started to blur. My stomach started to burn as the world spun around me. Was this what it felt like to be starving?
I saw blurry pale yellow and pinkish-red thing moving towards me, I didn’t even hesitate. Driven by hunger, I grabbed the thing and bit into it. I heard some loud sounds, from around me. I felt two things nearby, I felt them in my grip but I ignored it as I continued to eat. My vision started to clear, the creature in front of me was a small pale yellow equine with pinkish red mane.
It was not moving, it had a wound pouring out blood. I looked around to see two other equines nearby also not moving, one was orange with a blond mane, the other was light blue with a rainbow mane that were larger than the one in front of me. I saw every other equine frozen in horror, I sighed (Well that’s a great way to scare the locals.) I burst into a run, I felt that my legs where far shorter than before but I didn’t have time to dwell on that. I needed to get out of town.
I found myself near a pool of water, I saw my my reflection. I was a little girl with black hair peaking from under the yellow raincoat that covered ended just above my legs, my feet were bare. I needed to keep moving, I had just killed and ate what I’d assumed was their equivalent of a child. I hated myself for it but I couldn’t stay here, they would send others to hunt me down.
I burst into a run, my body moving faster than I would expect for my body size. I don’t know how long I ran for but I was no longer in sightline of the town. I decided to lay underneath a tree, take a moment to rest and collect myself. I was in another world, filled with colourful ponies. That blue one even had wings, I groaned “I just had to eat a child on my first day in foreign world because I was starving didn’t I? My luck is always shit.”
I closed my eyes, I looked around me only to see the old man from earlier. He sighed “I apologise young Sarah, what happened was unfortunate. I was hoping you would end up in an unpopulated area.” I wanted to scream, I wanted to tear him part with my bare hands. He turned to me “Young Sarah, I wish I could restart it all again for you. Sadly I’m afraid I am not allowed to do that, it would be a breach of the rules that are set for me.”
I was about to yell at him when I heard another voice, I turned around to see the young equine child I had eaten. She was looked like she was about to run for the hills, the old man blinked “She isn't supposed to be in your soul.” I turned him, what was he on about. He clearly saw the confusion on my face “Oh yes, one of the powers you have is the power to steal the souls of others. If they are strong willed enough their consciousness will appear here. Doesn’t explain her though.”
I sat down with a warm smile “Come over here, I can’t hurt you here.”
The little equine child cried out “Why did ya eat me!”
I sighed “I was starving, I didn’t even see your face. The only thing that crossed my mind was the hunger, I needed to eat. Something, anything and you got too close. I’m sorry about that, I’m sure you family and friends miss you. I’m also sorry for what I did to the other two.”
The little equine nervousness vanished, she smiled “Well if that the case nice to meet ya, mah name is Apple Bloom. Who are you?”
I smiled “I’m Sarah.” Hmmm, I waved my hand the dark area around us turned into a forest full of Apple trees. I giggled as Apple Bloom ran around my soul space, kicking the trees. Apples rolled around the space. I frowned to see that the old man had dissapeared, I frowned as a blue blur barrelled right through me. I turned to see it was the rainbow maned Pegasus that I saw earlier.
Before Apple Bloom could be disturbed, I crafted a barrier that made it look lie nothing was happening. An orange mare with a blond growled at me “What did you do to Apple Bloom!”
I raised a hand “Nothing more than what you saw before. Now before you continue attacking me, I would like your names. My name is Sarah.”
Applejack’s eyes narrowed “Mah name is Applejack, and the mare behind ya is Rainbow Dash! Now Ah expect ya will tell us everything, or we will pulverise ya into dust!” I explained everything once again, by the time I was finished. Applejack frowned at me “Ah don’t trust ya, this story sounds very out there. Travelling between worlds sounds far fetched to me.”
I was about to reply when I winced, I grimaced “I need to do something about that. I’ll be back.” I awoke under the tree to see multiple ponies in golden armour pointing spears at me. (I need to be faster) I feel something surge within myself, I kick the spear of the closest opponent to me.
I dodge another spear only to her Rainbow’s voice in my head (Why am I glowing!) I grit my teeth as I am kicked into the tree.
I growled internally (I need more strength.) I catch the spear of one of the flying opponents and slam them into the ground.
I hear Apple Bloom’s voice (Sarah, why are Rainbow Dash and mah sister glowing?)
I frowned as I ducked a spear before kicking one of them into another (I’m not sure.)I rip the helmet off one of the largest of them and knock him out with a single punch. (I think I might be using the strength of your sister and the speed of Rainbow Dash to amplify my own.)
Apple Bloom begged (Please don’t kill any of the guards)
I nodded as I threw one guard into another (I’ll try my best. I am not trying to kill any of them, I can win without killing.) I frowned as the guards began retreating, a flash of golden light blurred my vision. I was kicked through the tree, I gritted my teeth as I pushed myself off the ground (think I broke a rib.)
I saw a tall white equine with wings and a horn land in front of me, an aurora like mane flowing from behind her golden helmet. She was also wearing heavy golden armour. Applejack’s voice (That is Princess Celestia, one of two Alicorns that rule the country. She has lead our nation for one thousand years by herself. She also raises the sun everyday.)
Celestia landed in front of me “You have killed three citizens of my nation. One was a child who you consumed in front everypony. I can’t allow you to continue on, surrender or I will be forced to destroy you.” I gritted my teeth, I was not sure how to handle a situation with a godlike being. Celestia tired of waiting, I was barely able to dodge the a blast of light that scorched where I stood.
I frowned (I’m starting to think the no-lethal option has just been thrown out the window.)
Rainbow Dash shouted (You can't kill her, she is one of the Princesses! Plus she is too powerful, even with that weird soul power that killed us won’t work on her! You couldn’t even control it last time, if you could we would be alive!)
I shouted back (If I don’t all of us going to die! You will cease to be!) I focused, trying to summon the power that I used subconsciously. I felt the power starting to come to the surface, as if in response to the threat I was facing. A blackish mist grabbed hold of Celestia, she struggled firing blasts of powerful solar magic in an attempt to escape my grip. She began to struggle, her form seemed to shift rapidly.
A huge flash of light erupted, I blinked several times before I could see. I saw the Princess on the ground, she was still standing but she was half her original height and her mane was no longer flowing. I also felt additional presence inside myself, before I could say another word I doubled over. I gritted my teeth as my vision started to blur, I roared at the Princess “Get yourself and those others out of here before I lose it!” The last thing I saw before my vision fully blurred completely was a flash of golden light.
I collapsed to the floor in the centre of the throne room, the Royal Guard elites laying on the ground around me. I smiled as my sister looked at me with worry “I’m fine, just a little tired.”
Luna frowned at me “Sister, we need to talk about this in private.” I turned to see several medical staff already running into the room. I let out a small sigh relief. (It’s good to know that my medical staff are reliable.) My sister and I left the throne room, the halls of the castle looks so much lager now. To think that encounter with that strange creature would cost me so much.
We entered my chambers, I sighed “I assume you want an explanation. Well, that creature tore something I had been hiding. I had a dark side like you did, while yours aided you in trying to bring Eternal Night. Mine wanted to subjugate the world, I sealed them away with a great deal of my power.”
Luna frowned “So what are we going do about this creature?”
I grimaced “I’m not sure, they already were able to move incredibly fast and were incredibly strong. Their hair had changed to a rainbow colour when they fought the guards, I think they channel the power of the souls they absorbed. They may even be able to channel my power. Our best bet would be to leave them alone for now.”
Luna’s eyes narrowed “Sister, you are going to let a threat this powerful roam free.”
I growled “This opponent is far more capable then your realise! What if she does the same thing to you, or worse kills you outright!” I took a deep breath “You are needed here, or our nation may crumble. I doubt the nobles will respect me in this state, you need to take over for me.” Luna’s face paled, I smiled “You can do it. I know you are capable of this. I don’t expect you to rule like me, I believe that in these trying times your harder stance will be needed.”
I trotted towards the window “I might make a small visit to see my student. She will need my help in these trying times.”
(Granny Smith POV)
I stand over two graves, this was indeed a tragedy but I can still feel my grandfoals out there. I may be old but I am no fool. This town needs me, as it has for generations. I turn to the town, strength flowing through my old bones as I gallop into town. I see everypony cowering, I see the student of the Sun Princess panicking. Rarity was carrying her sister who was crying, her face cold as stone. I smiled slightly, she was far stronger than many give her credit for.
I looked around the town “I understand that we have suffered a great tragedy, something dangerous came to our quiet little town. We can’t give into fear, we must keep on living for those who can’t. I lost both my granddaughters today, I am choosing to stand strong and I’m hoping you will all stand with me.”
Rarity stepped forward “I will, we need to come together. If you need help on the farm, just ask. Applejack was my friend and I will not hesitate to help you if you need it.” Many ponies stepped forward, I smiled as even even the three flower sisters were filled with resolve. This town will recover from this.
I frowned as Twilight was still shaking, I walked over to her and smacked her with my hoof “Get your head on straight young one. I understand this harder for you than it is for most of us but you are needed here. Focus on what needs to be done, not on what can't be fixed.”
(Applejack POV)
All I could see was blobs of colour, I could feel my insides tearing themselves apart. I felt the warmth of my tears flowing from my eyes. Something entered my mouth, I bit down on it desperate for anything to stop the pain. I felt more and more of it settling in my stomach, the pain easing as my vision returned. I turned to Rainbow who was also crying, Apple Bloom was curled up into a ball sobbing loudly.
Sarah’s voice echoed (I’m sorry about that but now you understand just how devastating the hunger is. I tried to blunt the worst of the effect fro you all.)
Rainbow shuddered “Was that what you experienced?”
Sarah’s voice echoed (Yes, but this one was much worse than the one that you saw.) Before she could say another word, we saw a creature that looked like Princess Celestia but it’s mane and tail were made of pure golden fire. It’s orange slitted eyes reminded me of Nightmare Moon. Sarah materialised in front of the being “Who are you?”
The mare laughed manically “I am Daybreaker and you will do what I...”
I watched as Daybreaker was slammed into the ground, Sarah’s ice cold glare sent a chill down my spine. Her words were just as icy “This is my soul, if I catch you even trying to do anything funny. I will dissolve your very existence. Do I make myself clear?” I laid down on the ground, trying not to draw her ire. Daybreaker was about to open her mouth when she was pinned to the ground with incredible force, Sarah’s voice was quiet but fury was bubbling under the surface “I did not give your permission to speak. You will do as I say or else.”
Rainbow flew over to me “Are you sure we are safe in here?’
I frowned “Ah think we are, providing why don’t try to impose our will over here the same way that Alicorn is.” I then turned to Sarah “I suggest we get moving, we can’t be sure if more guards will turn up.”
Sarah turned to me, she nodded letting Daybreaker stand “Very well. Do you know where there is a big bustling city.”
I nodded “Manehattan, why?”
Sarah chuckled “Well then Manehattan it is, we need to lay low. Out of sight of others, where we can easily hide out of the gaze of anyone who will care.” I watched as Sarah from the place as a beautiful Orchid formed, a cloud house forming anchored to a farmhouse.
It was quite along trip to Manehatten, using some enhanced speed from Rainbow I was able to get there in 4 days. Rainbow commented as we entered Manehatten (Are you sure we can really hide here, a scruffy looking biped would draw attention from the business ponies?)
I smirked as we darted into a dark alley (You really are sheltered, a city like this will definitely have a dark underbelly.) Before anyone in my mind could comment we found ourselves in a part of the city full of derelict buildings, a pony was pulling a cart with several other ponies in cages as well as few griffons and a single dragon. I saw a griffon down the street was selling some illicit substances.
I frowned as unicorn incarcerated another pony with no horn or wings. Applejack shouted (That Unicorn just killed an Earth Pony! Why would we stay here!)
I grinned (Because those who live here don’t really care about appearances. It’s also where it is easy to make money, after all theft and murder are the lay of the land here. Get used to it.) I saw a pegasus carrying a sword on their back and two saddle bags, they were casually strolling around. I ran over, pulled it out of the scabbard and cut their head off. (Arrogant fool, carelessness gets you killed.) I took their saddlebag, as I strapped their scabbard to my side.
I then ran away, hiding in an alcove. I checked the bag, there was sizeable bag of gold shaped objects. I asked (What are these golden things?)
Applejack answered full of fury (Those were that pony’s bits, and you killed him! How could you do such a horrid thing!)
I growled at her as I put the bag on my back (Do you really think those were all his? A good portion of it probably was stolen, and whatever of it wasn’t was some form of blood money. He was benefiting from slavery, or assassination. Possibly both.) I bolted out of the little alcove, heading for the nearest building. A large crimson stallion carrying an axe marched over, he smirked “Little thing. Hand over the money before I kill you.”
The black mist I used earlier grabbed him, draining the life out of him. I then began to feast on him, he did taste pretty good. I picked his skeleton clean, I stood up only to see many of the residents of the area looked at me with fear. I chuckled to myself as I looked for a place to rest. I grimaced as I looked at the mud covered streets. I growled as I saw the sewage flowing onto the streets where I was walking.
I kicked down one of the doors, my feet trailing mud and sewage into the house. A stallion ran out only for me to cut him in half with the sword. I found the bathroom, I used that to clean my feet and legs in the shower. I took the stallion's key as well as all of the belongings on his person, I then tossed his body out of the window. I entered the bedroom, locked the door and fell asleep.
I looked around my mind to see Apple Bloom playing with her sister, Daybreaker walked over “Forgive my earlier impertinence. I must admit I prefer you than Celestia, you are more vicious and ruthless than her. Able to do what is needed regardless of the cost.”
I frowned “Kindness and mercy do have their place but they are not always viable lessons. After all there is always someone stronger and if you seek to destroy all things they will eventually decide you are a threat. Don’t draw the ire of your betters.” I sighed as I turned to the empty space away from the others “To keep a balanced and functioning world sometimes you need monsters, not just heroes. I am one such monster.”
Daybreaker smirked “I am another, we aren’t too different are we. I am still Celestia, I just lack her restraint. I want the world to be better no matter how many lives I must extinguish.” I hated her logic, I don’t like to hurt people but she wasn’t wrong. I know that ideals without the conviction to do what needs to be done fulfills nothing.
Rainbow glared at me “Your a monsters, you kill without remorse! You show no mercy to your enemies!”
I glared back at her “Grow up, this is the real world Rainbow Dash! Sometimes there are those who can't be stopped with pretty words. You owe the good and innocent protection first, then yourself then those who do wrong. They have chosen to do wrong and sometimes you have take action for those who need protection.” I closed my eyes “Good and evil are relative, is a wolf, or a bear evil for hunting prey. Of course not, they kill for survival.”
Rainbow growled “We live in a society, you don’t need to do that to survive!”
Daybreaker stepped forward “I have watched this nation through Celestia’s eyes for one thousand years. This nation is far from peaceful, it is full or arrogant bigoted ponies. There are quite a few unicorns who wish to return to the days of unicorn supremacy. There are also Pegasi who wish to return to war with the Griffons, than there are the Earth Ponies who wish to leave the lands of Pegasi and Unicorns. To rule themselves without the influence of spellcasting and weather control, they don’t want to support the non Earth Ponies.”
Applejack joined the group, she sighed “Ah can’t deny that after seeing that Earth Pony immolated Ah started having doubts about how effective our leadership is. That such things like this get pushed into the background, ponies forgotten and abandoned by those who should guide us.” She frowned at Daybreaker and I “Ah don’t appreciate violence but Ah can’t deny that all of this is just too much.”
Rainbow looked between the three of us “You are okay with this? More importantly what are we even going to do?”
I frowned “We are going to take over but we will need to gain more power to change this world for the better. We will become the monsters the world needs to make it a better place, are you all with me?”
Daybreaker nodded “I have wanted this for a long time, to fix all of this. This is not the only city with people suffering like this.”
Applejack nodded “Ah will do what needs to be done to prevent atrocities like what I have seen here.”
Rainbow sighed “Well if Applejack is in then so am I. I am not the best at making good judgements, Applejack in the other hand always has it together.” She then nodded “I trust my friend’s judgement.”
Apple Bloom galloped over “Ah am here as well and there is no way that any of ya are leaving me out of this. Ah will help you weather ya like it or not, Ah will not abandon all of ya.”
I smiled at her strength of will “I admire your resolve, it shows great to courage to join in something like this at such a young age.” I stood up, seeing Applejack concerned but unwilling to stand in her sister’s way. I frowned “For now we need to start small, otherwise we will get caught.” We were prepared to change the world, one step at a time. To become the monsters the world needs.
I woke from the bed, I wanted to go outside but I didn’t want to walk through the filth barefoot. I focused some of them magical energy within to create a barrier around my feet and legs. Applejack frowned (So what is the plan?)
I grinned as I left the house (To start showing dominance, which means find one of the street gangs that live around here and take them over. By beating them to a pulp.) I smirked as I walked down the street, it wasn't hard to draw the attention of one of the stronger local gangs. I was walking through their turf.
They were a bulky group all of them wearing dark blue jackets, their four leaders were at the front. One was dark blue Griffon, the second was a silver Dragon, the third a dark brown Minotaur and the fourth a white Unicorn. Behind them was twenty Ponies, thirty Griffons and several Minotaurs. The Griffon stepped towards me “I am Gallion the griffon, the dragon is Ironside, the Minotaur is Morath and the Unicorn is Magenta.”
I grinned as Morath drew his axe moving towards me, I drew my sword and in one clean motion I cut his head off. My eyes glowed orange as I fired a ball of solar fire melting the dragon in slag. Gallion rushed at me as Magenta fired off magical spells. I grinned (Rainbow, your up.)
Rainbow’s cocky voice filled my mind (Let’s show them how awesome we are!) I dodged the spells with ease, I sent a blast of darkness at Gallion. He was consumed by the darkness, Magenta froze as I turned to her. She was shaking as their followers were watching horrified, I pointed at her. Gallion emerged from the shadows but now half of his skull was exposed his eye glowing a deep purple.
I watched as some of his organs spilled out as he marched towards her, he pounced on her. He pulled out her right eyes and dangled before her left, he then ripped her leg off and force fed it to her. He made a sharp incision and pulled out her liver, their her kidneys, then her stomach. He then ripped out her heart showing it to her face as the life left her remaining eye.
I turned to the gang “Now you work for me, you do as I say. I’m sure you understand the consequences.” Gallion decrepit body turned to them with a smirk that matched my own, I chuckled internally (Thanks Daybreaker, your knowledge of the necromantic arts were very useful. I have a feeling I will need more dark powers in the future.)
I could tell Daybreaker was smirking as she spoke (I’m glad I finally get to show the world what I am capable of.)
I commanded them “Take me to your hideout. I need to know exactly what you are capable of.” My new gang shivered as they guided me to their hideout. When we arrived I could see it was a dingy building made of scrap metal with Graffiti all over it, the neon sign read Gallion’s Raiders.I sighed, this was going to be a mess to clean up.
It was far worse inside, every surface that wasn't a chair or floor was covered in grease. Pizza stains covered the walls, Applejack commented (If Rarity saw all of this, she would have a fit!)
I growled “Okay, your first duty as members of my gang is to clean up this entire place from top to bottom! Now you all better start cleaning this place up, otherwise I will kill you!”
One of the members looked at us “But we have no cleaning supplies boss?”
I snarled “You idiots, then go and find some! It’s not that hard, use your brain!”I smirked as the entire gang bolted from the place, I decided to investigate the dorms. The undead Gallion following me up the stairs, the upper floors were just as filthy as were the rooms save four at the end. These must have belonged to the leaders, I walked into Gallion's room telling him to wait outside as I laid down in his bed. I had nothing to do but wait for them to return and clean up the place before any action is taken.
I heard Rainbow’s voice (So what do we do next?)
I grinned (We subjugate the rest of the gangs and then take over the city, but as of now I need to go and find food before the hunger overtakes me.) I exited the room, walking through the halls were several of my gang were cleaning the walls. “I’m just going out to get something to eat.” Gallion followed me, as I did so.
I exited the hideout, only to see few individuals skulking around. Two griffons were looking very appetising today, I ran over to them and grabbed them by their necks slamming them into the ground. I then dragged them back to the hideout, I carried them into the nearest bathroom cleaning the mud off them.
A few of the gang members turned to me “You said you were getting food” I smirked as I ripped into one of the griffon's side with my teeth ripping off flesh, their eyes widened in horror. I spat the feathers onto the floor. One of the griffons brought a pot over, putting the feathers I spat out in there.
I devoured my food, one of the griffons waking up mid way. He tried to escape, but I held him nice and still while I finished dining on his flesh. I looked at the pot full of feathers, I was about to stand up when I heard an unfamiliar voice in my head (I need your help. Chaos has awakened and you are the only one who can stop it from spreading.)
I frowned (Why should I listen to some random voice in my head? Explain yourself.)
The voice responded (I am the Tree of Harmony. My reasoning for contacting is the embodiment of chaos and disharmony Discord is about to return, without the elements active to seal him away due
to your actions he will cause disruption across the entire world. It starts off small but his actions become wilder and more destructive the longer he is free. He is in Canterlot as of now)
Applejack frowned (We need to something about this or this will ruin our plans.)
I nodded (Yes, besides this my responsibility. Don’t worry Harmony, I will handle this promptly Just don’t expect me to pull my punches.)
I stood up, turning to the gang “I have an errand to run. I expect you too keep this place clean while I’m gone, or else there will be trouble. Gallion will be watching all of you while I’m away.”
I grinned (Daybreaker, I need you to aide me in teleporting to Canterlot.)
Daybreaker chuckled (Sure, I have wanted to have a go at that chaos serpent for a long time.) With that thought we were in Canterlot but it was already in chaos.
Pink clouds floated around us raining down chocolate milk, the main path was made of butter and the sun and moon were flip flopping around. The ponies around us were mooing, meowing and barking. The entire castle was a rainbow of neon colours, I frowned as we ran towards the castle. Dodging flying book-bats, buildings hovering above us as we ran.
Daybreaker growled (This is annoying as fuck!) I agreed with statement wholeheartedly. I dodged incoming monkey that exploded, I saw bananas throwing explosive monkeys at us.
Rainbow grinned (Let’s go fast, my speed will help you get past them quickly.) I nodded with a grin, Rainbow was smarter than I thought. We rushed past the explosions, arriving in the castle grounds. Every one of the animals were much larger and more ferocious, thankfully I was able to sneak past undetected. Getting through the halls was much harder, the entire inside was made of of gello and that was not including the gravity which changed direction every couple of metres.
Eventually we made it to the throne room, Applejack grumbled (Finally! This Discord loves to make it hard to get to him!) I saw the being I assumed to be Discord sitting on a throne, a dark blue pony being used as his footstool while Celestia was strapped to a wall as he threw pies at her. The entire room was also coloured rainbow neon plaid.
I growled summoning the dark tendrils, wrapping them around Discord restraining him. Bringing him to me as I tried to drain his soul. Additional limbs popped out of every part of his body only to be restrained by my power, he laughed at me “What do you think you can do to me, little creature. I as far beyond what you can even fathom.”
I smirked “I will eat your soul, although your soul is taking a long time to consume.” His eyes winded in horror as summoning end millions of more limbs, his form mutating into a huge writhing abomination of limbs. Sadly for him my ability seemingly had no limit, I had idea no long of how long we had been standing there before his monstrous form gave in. What happened next though was unexpected, information flooded my mind. I screamed as it felt like my mind was being torn apart.
I felt the pain lessen more and more, Daybreaker’s strained voice echoed in my mind (You are not alone in this.) I smiled as I could feel all of the other in my mind helping to process the information. The information was strange, for example the square root of banana is tree and banana - popcorn = ninja. I was interrupted a huge presence in my soul, I closed my eyes.
Discord was fuming, he roared at everyone “Where am I!”
He was forced to the ground by my will, I saw Daybreaker rubbing her neck. I then turned to Discord “You are now in my soul, you are part of me now. I have complete control of you and your powers, I will not cause you grief if you don’t cause trouble. If you do though, well I can assimilate you completely.” Now with the ground rules established, I have more work to do.
I opened my eyes, drawing on Discord's power I clicked my fingers undoing all of the harm he had caused. I then teleported back to the hideout, Discord’s power was beyond anything I could possibly imagine. It gave me an idea (Everyone, I could manifest you physical forms using Discord abilities. I am also planning to give you all a more powerful state, although for Daybreaker I doubt you care about how you look if it makes you stronger.)
Daybreaker smirked (Of course, the more ferocious the better.)
I smirked as Discord’s power coursed through me once more, Daybreaker formed first, her jaw was filled with razor sharp teeth. Her white coat was thicker, her legs now had thick claws extending from her hooves. Applejack, Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash materialised next to me. I turned to them “Let’s see if your transformed states are in effect, focus on yourselves and fill the tug of power.”
I nodded to Applejack. She focused on herself, her coat thickened as her body grew three times larger. Huge claws black arms with hellish claws formed on her back, her eyes glowed golden. Apple Bloom followed, her form didn’t change her size. Instead fur vanished revealing the silver sheen of metal, two turrets opened out of her back cover din missiles. Her eyes glowed red firing powerful lasers.
I had to dissipate the blast before it destroyed the hideout, Rainbow Dash smirked as she changed her wings grew larger and thicker a did her body to the point which she almost filled the entire room. Fur vanished being replaced with scales, her eyes slitted and she belched fire which I also had to dissipate. I smirked at the huge sky blue dragon in front of me, rainbow spines down her back.
Rainbow looked over herself, she turned to me with a massive grin “This is awesome!”
I turned to our gang “These are my fellow leaders, if they tell you to do something then act as if I gave the order. As of right now, I wish for you to expand this entire building to allow a dragon to move through this place. Then we can take this city over in it’s entirety. In the meantime though I wish to stretch my powers.” I place a glowing point of energy on the ground to mar the base, I then clicked my fingers.
I reappeared in a dark void, I placed down another marker. I frowned (Discord?)
Discord grumbled (What do you want, you didn’t give me a body back there?)
I rolled my eyes (I will in the future once you prove that I can trust you. Be helpful and it won’t be too long. Now tell me have you ever tested the full extent of your power?)
Discord shook his head (No, I may have created a star tor two to see if I could but nothing major.) I frowned, I wan not going to be as lax as he was in testing his limits. I wonder if I could create something much bigger. I clicked my fingers, a huge swirling mass of gas materialised within billions of little lights glowed in the distance. Discord frowned (What did you do?)
I grinned (I’ll let you see through my eyes.)
I heard his shock (You created a galaxy.) I clicked my fingers, creating another five more. (How are you doing that so easily?)
I facepalmed (You have the power to bend literally reality, turn the universe inside out. You can create and destroy matter, you can break every fundamental law of the universe on a whim. Creating galaxies or even universes is nothing compared to that. The reason you are where you are is because you didn't try to be more.) I teleported back to the hideout to get the plans moving.
It had been a few days and the remodelling was finally finished, a huge sleeping area for Rainbow was established. I just had one little thing to resolve before we move, I frowned at the my gang “We need to change the name. Gallion is not your leader anymore, I am.”
One of the Griffons rubbed the back of his head “I’m not sure whats would be a good replacement name.”
Daybreaker grinned at me “Well you are a little hmm. We will strike fear into our enemies, so how about Little Nightmares.”
I smirked “Alright Daybreaker, that sounds like a good name.” I then turned to the gang “Where are the other large gangs?”
A Minotaur responded “There is the Ironsides to the north, led by Iron Titan a huge Minotaur and the Darksiders, led by twin Dragons Dark Night and Shadow Force to the west.”
I nodded “Alright gang you will change the sign. Rainbow, Applejack, Daybreaker and Apple Bloom you will attack the Darksiders. I meanwhile will attack the Ironsides. Now let’s get moving.” I smiled as Rainbow headed off with the others, I headed north through the streets as everyone looked at me with fear.
I saw the Ironsides hideout soon enough it was made of metal and steel. Minotaurs patrolled around the perimeter. I walked forward “Iron Titan, face me in combat!” The huge door opened, Iron Titan earned his name as he was as tall as his base. His dull silvery skin looked like iron, he was carrying a huge battleaxe. He chuckled “You wish to fight me?”
Before he could say another word I had already kicked him, bringing him to his knees as he clutched his stomach in pain. He tried to crush me with his hand, only for me to break his right arm. I then broke his legs, the sickening church was rather satisfying. I finally broke his other arm. He glared at me “What do you want from me!”
I grinned “I want your gang to work for me but also I’m hungry. Always hungry and it only gets worse, I have just learned to cope with the hunger. I haven’t eaten for a few days and I’m absolutely ravenous.” I starter tearing into his chest with my teeth, he roared in pain as I tore flesh out of him.
He roared at his gang “Help me you fucks!”
I looked up at them, I then put a barrier around us so they could not possibly interfere. I then looked down “I don’t want my meal to be interrupted.” The fear on his face was almost as satisfying as the taste of his flesh. I grinned as I consumed him. Once I had picked his bones clean, I dropped the barrier grinning at his Minotaur battalion “You now all work for me, unless you want to end up like him.” They all surrendered before my brutal display, it did make me wonder how Rainbow was doing.
(Rainbow POV)
I was trudging through the mud, flying required more space in this form I noticed so I had to stay on the ground, Applejack was on one side and Apple Bloom on the other with Daybreaker bringing up the rear. I frowned “Try to avoid killing if possible, we only need to kill the two leaders so spare as many of the others as you can.”
Applejack nodded “We don’t want to disappoint Sarah just after we got our bodies back. We will do our best.”
Daybreaker frowned “Don’t get cocky, dragons are no slouches and there will be a lot of them here. They are very dangerous, their can breath various elements.” I nodded taking note of that we soon arrived in front of the base. Hundreds of dragon took flight from their base, Dark Night and Shadow Force led their squad towards us. I opened my mouth firing bolts of lightning, stunning several of the dragons.
I frowned as they breathed a mix of frost and flame, thankfully my dragon scales protected us. Daybreaker fired powerful magic, knocking down several dragons only for Applejack and Apple Bloom to knock them out.
Soon it was Dark Night, Shadow Force left behind. I turned to the others “I want to face the two of them alone. Something tells me that I must fight them by myself.”
Dark Night and Shadow Force nodded “That’s the Dragon Spirit that exists within every dragon. It is the proof of a true adult dragon, it strengthens our resolve and give us power.” Applejack and Apple Bloom looked about ready to jump in anyway, but Daybreaker stopped them.
Dark Night rushed forward trying to attack my face, I deflected her with my claws. Only to wince as I felt something cut into my back, I swung my tail hitting Shadow Force who was clearly the aggressor. I then took to the air flying towards Dark Night biting her lower half off with my jaws, I swallowed her.
I turned around to see Shadow Force glaring at me, she rushed forward breathing ice. I rolled to the side and then grabbed her in my claws. I ripped her in half, tossing either side to opposite ends of the Darksiders’ grounds. I smiled as I landed “This was rather successful.”
Daybreaker grinned “You are taking to being a dragon well, your instincts are sharp and your ferocity is quite clear. Let those things drive you and you will be a fantastic dragon.” As the dragons started to awaken, I roared at them. The dragons looked at me then they saw the corpses of their two leaders. I needed no words, I turned around knowing that the dragons would follow me. Applejack, Apple Bloom and Daybreaker joined behind me.
We made our way back to the hideout, Sarah was standing there with the Minotaurs as well as our original gang. I smirked “We succeeded boss, now what is our next move.”
Sarah smiled at me “That is quite simple, Manehattan will be ours and from there Equestria in it’s entirety. We will move soon.” I nodded following our leader into a new age for the world that I call home.
I never thought I would ever accept subservience, I believed myself the superior being. But as I stare at little Sarah, her drive and endless determination as well as power make me glad to work under somepony greater. Sarah was standing on Rainbow’s head, I was flying near the Dragons and Griffons as part of the aerial division.
Discord was also floating nearby, she had given him a chance to prove himself. Applejack and Apple Bloom were leading two group of the ground forces. Apple Bloom is confident and driven for one so young. Sarah shouted giving the order, I dove down firing blasts solar fire across the ground.
I watched as the Royal Guard divisions started to mobilise. I blasted a group of unicorns as Rainbow blasted a group of Earth Ponies with her lightning. Sarah tore apart a pack of Pegasi as she soared through the skies. Meteors rained from the sky striking at specific places, Discord was proving useful destroying obstructions to the ground forces movements.
I crashed into a squad transporting supplies, I wipe the guards out allowing our Apple Bloom’s squad to claim the supplies. She gave me a quick hug before running off with her squad. I flew off into the distance, blowing up things was still fun but that hug bothered me. I always wanted to be a mother, but I never could as long as I was trapped in Celestia but now.
I could become a parent, raise a foal of my own. I may have a happy future ahead of me, that spurred me on. I crashed through blockade after blockade, fire and screaming guards filling the air. It wasn't long before the guards in the city were wiped out, we had complete control of the city. A stallion and a mare approached us both had oranges for cutie marks.
I watched as Applejack reverted back to normal and approached them, she started crying “Uncle and Aunt Orange.” Apple Bloom galloped over joining Applejack, Sarah gestured us to leave so they could have their reunion in peace.
I followed Sarah to our hideout, Discord and Rainbow flying alongside me. I frowned “So what’s our next move.”
Sarah turned to me “We need start recruiting more forces and fortifying our position. Our enemy is now aware of us and if we are to achieve victory we need trained soldiers. The gang members are strong but none of them have completed full military training. You are the best person for training such soldiers, you are the only person with combat experience.”
I nodded “Very well, I will begin by training the gang members.” In a couple of hours I got the entire gang in front of me, I stood in front of them. I growled “Form lines, row by row equal space apart. We will attempt this until you get it down!” I gritted my teeth, many of them couldn’t even stand in formation. The Minotaurs were able to stand in formation.
I frowned “Minotaurs, come closer and form ranks!” I frowned, they were all able to line up perfectly. I guess that is the benefit of all Minotaurs being trained in combat since they were calves, I glared at the others “I expect you to be able to do formations like that! If you can’t move as a unit then you will die, our enemy will outnumber us so formation will save your damn lives!”
I hated their incompetence, thankfully there were no complaints. They weren’t trained yet but their common sense worked at least. Sarah approached me “How fairs the training?’
I sighed “Most of them save the Minotaurs are useless, they can’t even hold formation. Still that was better than what I expected, there at least some who can help me whip them into shape. I will assure that by the time we move out that will be a cohesive unit even if I had to kill a few to make a point. War is a matter of life and death.”
Sarah nodded “I have sent Discord to discreetly sabotage their military, Applejack and Apple Bloom are trying to find more recruits. As for Rainbow she is patrolling the borders of the city while we await the construction of the fortifications to defend the city.”
I grinned “Well I better get back to training these losers otherwise nothing is going to get done. I promise you they will be ready.” Sarah gave me what she called a thumbs up and walked away, probably to check on the others.
(Discord POV)
I chuckled to myself, I was watching one of the Equestrian caravans which was full of weapons and armour. I clicked my claws, the ground under the caravan turned to quicksand. Several guards desperately tried to pull it out. I clicked my fingers again, swarms of flying piranhas descended on the guards eating them alive.
I then teleported the caravan back to the hideout, Sarah would sure enjoy that. I then teleported into a the main barracks in Canterlot. The bulk of the guards the nation had to offer were stationed here. I was about he size of a rat which made it easy to sneak around the barracks. I clicked my fingers summoning poisonous snakes and giant spiders all throughout the barracks.
I teleported into one of the trees, watching as guard were bitten and tied up in silk. Every time they killed one of the snake of spiders two lives version of each creature emerged from the corpse. Soon the entire barracks was empty save the corpses of guards, I clicked my fingers dispelling the creatures leaving the base in shambles.
I watched as several of castle guards, accompanying Princess Luna ran into the base. I giggled Luna tried to find any signs of life, she would not. This was the most interesting turn of events and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such chaos. This will cause such an uproar, I teleported away returning to the hideout only to see Sarah inspecting the weapons in the cart. She approached me “Good work Discord.”
I smirked “A pleasure, I even destroyed most of their forces in Canterlot. They will not be able to put up much resistance.”
Sarah gave me a thumbs up “Good job, Discord. This will aid in our efforts.” I giggled, this was going to be so much fun.
I was sitting in front of my desk, ever since that Discord fiasco I have been getting letter from the Princesses daily. She also been asking me to assist in filling out some paperwork, I am starting to under the struggles my mentor is under on a daily basis. I haven't left the library since the Discord incident.
My musing over paperwork was interrupted by Pinkie blasting through the door, that wasn’t abnormal. The fact that she closed all the blinds and locked the door was though. Her usually bouncy pink fell flat, she turned to she wiped under her eyes I could see that she black bags under eyes. She was shivering and shaking, she slowly made her way to the couch before collapsing down on it.
I walked over, Pinkie didn’t look well at all. I frowned “Pinkie, what is going on.”
Pinkie yawned “I’ll be fine after some shuteye, the town needs me to be my usually perky self.”
I frowned (I will talk to her about this after she wakes.) I smiled “Get some sleep Pinkie, we can talk once you wake.” I turned to the door to hear knocking, I trotted over to open the door. When I did to see Fluttershy staring at me with determination. She walked in and let out a sigh of relief. I frowned “Why are you so relieved?”
Fluttershy turned to me “Pinkie has been running herself ragged. She has not slept since Applejack, Apple Bloom and Rainbow vanished. I was the only person she told about it but as you can see it is having a negative effect on her health. She believe she has to work harder to keep the town happy, even if it kills her. I have been trying to get her to stop.”
Twilight turned to her desk and then to Pinkie, I frowned “The Princesses can wait. This is more important, I’m going to lose another friend. You stay here and make sure Pinkie stays put.” I walked out to the town hall, I knocked on the door. Mayor Mare walked out, I scowled “I need to arrange an emergency meeting today. I am not talking no for an answer.”
Mayor Mare looked at me before nodding “Very well, I’ll have ready within ten minutes.”
It didn’t take long before I was at the meeting stage, I looked over the entire town. I frowned “I am here to talk about Pinkie Pie who is currently collapsed on my couch.” The crowd let out a gasp, I nodded “Yes she had been working herself ragged since we lost Applejack, Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash. She hasn't slept since then and has been hiding from almost everyone. So before she hurts herself further we will have to let rest for a while. We will have to go on without her cheer for a time.”
The crowd looked at me before nodding. Granny Smith smiled ‘We here ya loud and clear Twilight, young Pinkie has done so much for us. We should repay the favour, we can go on without her. We show the world how strong we Ponyville ponies are.” I smiled, I made the right decision.
(Celestia POV)
I sighed “Luna, we both know that if we acted everything would be worse off. They dealt with Discord for us.”
Luna growled at me “Yes and now they have taken over an entire city. Not to mention of 90% of our guards have annihilated by such strange circumstances that only Discord could be responsible! Yet this feel targeted which means that he follows the orders of that yellow bipedal thing, how are we supposed to stop this.”
I frowned “We call all the guards back to Canterlot and prepare to hunker down.”
Luna glared at me “They have a large dragon, Discord and even an Alicorn on side. How can we beat that! At this point I am willing to sign a surrender, I know how this will turn out if we don’t surrender. Innocents will die, caught in the crossfire as both sides clash in the streets of the city.”
We were interrupted as Cadence entered the room from the balcony “Why is the capital in chaos, Nobles are outside the doors demanding answers from us. Now I have found the two of you are squabbling like children, it doesn't matter what has happened but what you two will do now.”
Luna turned away from me towards Cadence “I am going to surrender to them, they have crippled our defenses to the point where we will not be able to win a war and even if we did the casualties toward the innocents will be too great.”
Cadence nodded “I agree, with what happened to the main Barracks there will be too many more casualties if we try to oppose them.”I sighed, with the two of them in agreement I couldn’t do anything to stop them from carrying out their plans. I watched as they left the room.
(Luna POV)
I smiled at Cadence “I must thank you, if it wasn’t for you my sister would not stop arguing with me to prove that she was right.”
Cadence frowned “You are doing what needs to be done to preserve the safety of the nation. I am simply agreeing that you are doing what needs to be done. I don’t like but it’s what has to be done.”
The two of us walked in silence, the halls quiet. The guards as stoic as ever, I stepped onto the balcony “I understand that you are all concerned but now I am here to tell you that, for your safety, surrender will be the best option available to us.” The nobles started to shout loudly, I roared “Silence. The majority of our forces have been destroyed and what we have left will not be enough to oppose the threat.”
One of the nobles shouted “Are you telling us we just give in to this threat to our nation!”
Luna turned to him “If we don’t, our capital may be destroyed and everyone here to be killed. They have shown that they are willing kill thousands to get what they are seeking. Their leader was not just able to defeat my sister but stole a great deal of her power. I can’t stop her, neither can our army. So tell me if you wish to oppose such an overwhelming force.” The nobles were silent, I frowned “I will talk over the terms of our surrender but first we must send them a message.”
I jumped as Discord appeared in front of me, he grinned “I have already delivered your message. She is on her way here to discuss the terms of your surrender.” I took a deep breath, this was going to be complicated.
It was two hours since Discord had told us of their arrival, the little yellow thing was standing in front of us. It looked at us “My name is Sarah, it’s pleasure to make your acquaintance.” A sky blue dragon just landed behind her, two Earth Ponies stepping off the dragon’s back as an Alicorn that looked a lot like Celestia. The dragon then turned into a Pegasus.
Luna gasped “Rainbow Dash, Applejack. I thought you were dead!”
Rainbow Dash smirked “That’s partially true, partially not but that is story for another day. We are just here to make sure this goes smoothly. Now I know what Sarah has done has been quite drastic but if you felt what she has felt you would understand Princess.” Luna and I guided them through the castle into a large empty room with a single table in the middle.
They entered first taking a seat, we entered afterwards. Luna lead with the question “What do you want other than the obvious control of the nation?”
Sarah smiled “That was the main objective, although I would like your assistance in ruling the nation. I only have so much knowledge to work with but I will definitely be making some big changes. The arrogance of the noble class needs to be squashed, I also wish to bring the all pony races closer. That means being harsher against to those who go against that.”
Luna nodded “I see, I understand that you intend to use violence if necessary.”
Sarah nodded “I will put it into law that any of these things are punishable by death. I consider such things bordering on treason.”
I was appalled, I shouted “Do you know what you are suggesting!”
Sarah turned to me “I am here to make this nation better even if the rest of history will call me a monster, so be it! If the worlds hates me, then I will live with that. I not here to be the ruler you want but monster you need. Ideals alone can’t save the world, actions must be taken and I am the one to bare that burden.”
I didn't like what she was intending to do but I couldn’t really stop her, I sighed “Fine but the repercussions are on your head. I take no responsibility for any of the troubles that come from this.” I didn't wish to be in there anymore.
(Applejack POV)
This whole surrender discussion was going well, I didn’t pay much heed to the conversation. Apple Bloom was fidgeting, I did notice that Celestia did poke her face in but left rather promptly. She was smaller than I member although that was likely caused by losing Daybreaker. All of it was fine until we were interrupted by a knock at the door. Luna opened it only for a pink blur to fly in crashing into Rainbow.
I chuckled as Pinkie Pie was attached to Rainbow’s face. I smiled “We’ll handle this, Ah’ll make you are not disturbed further.” With that, Apple Bloom and I alongside Rainbow left the room. Twilight, Fluttershy and Rarity were also there. I smiled “It’s good to all of ya, how has everything been.”
Fluttershy frowned “That incident in town affected all of us quite badly. How are you here anyway if you don’t mind me asking?”
Rainbow pulled Pinkie Pie off her face “Well, we were stuck in Sarah’s mind. She was that little girl in the raincoat, she gave us new bodies and new powers. It is really awesome!”
Rarity raised an eyebrow “You forgive her for everything.”
I nodded “Imagine an insatiable hunger that consumes all reason and logic, leaving behind nothing but the hunger to drive you. We felt what she felt, the only thing that removes the hunger is the flesh of something. If the creature still alive when consumed, the hunger will be staved off for longer. Non-animal matter isn’t very effective at holding off the hunger.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow “Why didn’t you come back?”
Apple Bloom answered “Sarah needed our help, we helped her takeover Manehatten. Now she is going to be taking of control of Equestria, it just happened far faster than we expected. We were planning for a war. Ah’m glad Princess Luna saw the reasoning in this or else there would be a huge mess left behind.”
Fluttershy smiled “Well I hope I see you back in Ponyville soon, everypony will be happy to see you again. Your family will be happy to see you return home.”
I smiled “Sarah will be staying in Canterlot, so we could very easily return home. I’m sure she will understand our reasoning to wish to return to Ponyville.” I would be glad to return home after all of this chaos has settled down.
(Sarah POV)
I smiled at both Luna and Cadence “Thank you both, I’m hoping you too will both assist me in writing out the news laws that need to be passed. I also wish to see your sister as well when we have time.”
Luna frowned “Celestia didn’t approve of this, I doubt she would wish to see you.” She then turned to Daybreaker “Also I think the fact that you gave her dark side a body will definitely rub her the wrong way. I know if I met the person who brought Nightmare Moon into a physical from separate from me I would be quite upset.”
Daybreaker frowned “I can understand that, I am the representation of everything that Celestia repressed. She would hate me but if she wishes to have any say in the future of the nation then she must accept that I am going to be around.”
Cadence frowned “I’m surprised you didn’t put many terms.”
I frowned “When I am in charge, I will be able to make whatever changes I deem fit so asking for them is a moot point.” I smiled “Well let's get started, no point wasting time.” We exited the room only to see Rainbow, Applejack and Apple Bloom waiting outside.
Applejack looked to me “I wish to ask, is it okay for us to return to Ponyville.”
I smiled “Sure, I will contact your over the link if I need anything from you.” I nodded as the three of them heading in one direction while they headed towards the castle entrance.
I was glad to be back, Applejack and Rainbow Dash beside me. Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie followed behind. As soon as we entered town we were swarmed with ponies, I was dragged away by Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo was very eager “What happened! You have to tell us!”
I sighed “That is a long story. After what happened in town Ah was being suck in Sarah, the girl in the yellow raincoat’s, soul. Then well, Ah learned first hand about what happened, she had an insatiable hunger. When all three of us felt for the first time thought, it was unbearable. The hunger was the only thing on the mind, food was the only objective until Sarah found food.”
Sweetie Belle gasped “That’s horrible!”
I nodded, I then continued “Ah didn't do too much until after Discord’s defeat. After that, Ah helped take over a city. That was new, and not much else happened before Ah got here.”
Scootaloo grinned “You got to fought, that sounds awesome!”
I grimaced “It was fun at first, knocked through blockades. It’s not fun thought to look at the corpse of someone who you killed simply because they were doing their job. Ah was lucky to be only leading with the resource collection squad but I had to watch as quite a few guards died. It wasn't a pleasant feeling but Ah didn’t want to disappoint Sarah after she trusted me to help so Ah continued on.”
Sweetie Belle rubbed the back of her head “That’s quite an adventure you were on.” She then smiled “I’m glad you’re back.”
I smiled “Ah’m glad to be back, honestly Ah just want life to go back to normal for a little bit. Go to school, see our friends.” I rolled my eyes as I noticed Diamond Tiara was approaching us with Silver Spoon by her side.
Diamond Tiara taunted “I see you have returned to join your pathetic little blank flank squad.”
I turned to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle “They are not worth our time, let's go somewhere else.” I simply trotted away, my friends following behind. After what I have seen, a few little bullies are nothing more than fleas. It wasn’t long before we were back in our clubhouse, I pulled down the list of Cutie Mark Crusades we had done. “Have you two done any more since Ah sort of died?”
Scootaloo shook her head “No, we were still mourning.”
I frowned “Ah see, hmm we are being fairly haphazard. We should each crusade pick an activity that at least one us enjoys and then do that. We won’t found our special talents by just doing random activities. Ah mean do either you want a cutie mark in accounting because Ah don't, it’s all just math. Ah’m sure you two don’t like math.”
Sweetie Belle sighed “I don’t think doing maths for rest of your life is fun but I thought it might help us. It could be one of ours.”
I smiled “Cutie Marks can be anything, so we might as well attempt all the stuff we wish to have as our talent. After all Ah believe that there are multiple marks each of us do have within us, which emerges comes from our actions and choices. We should be seeking one of them that satisfies what we want from our lives.”
Scootaloo smiled “So when do we start?”
I grinned “Tomorrow the CMC will be back in action. Ah wish to spend the night with mah family Ah haven’t seen Big Mac or Granny Smith in a while.”
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle smiled “We’ll see you tomorrow after school.” I smiled as they left the clubhouse. I put the list back on the wall, I then leave the clubhouse. I trot towards the farmhouse, I knock on the door.
The door opened, Big Mac was standing there. He looked down and pulled me into a massive hug. I coughed “Big Mac, Ah can’t breath! BIG MAC!” He still wouldn't let go, I roared “BIG MAC, AH LOVE YOU BUT AH NEED YOU TO FUCKING LET GO OF ME!” Big Mac let go of me, he frowned silently at me. I sighed “Ah learnt some bad words from being stuck in Sarah’s head, but Ah won’t use them unless absolutely necessary.” I scowled “Like when my big brother is hugging me to death.”
Big Mac rubbed the back of his head “Sorry.”
I sighed “It’s fine, Ah can’t blame your for missing me.” I smiled as Granny Smith headed down the stairs and when she saw me she galloped over and gave me a much softer hug. I hugged her back “It’s good to see you too Grandma.”
Granny Smith smiled “It’s good to see you too, is you sister around anywhere?’
I smiled “Yes she is town with her friends. If Ah disappear it’s for something important but Ah promise Ah will be home soon. It’s just that Ah have made a few new friend and they may need mah help with stuff.”
Granny Smith nodded “I understand. It’s always important to help your friends, no matter who they are. Just make sure you don’t get into any trouble because of it.”
I frowned “Ah will try not but trouble will likely involve us in the future. Still Applejack will be with me so everything will turn out alright. She will keep me out of trouble if anything goes wrong. One of my other friends, Sarah will too. She is the leader of our little friend group.”
Big Mac smiled, Granny Smith nodded “We will ask your sister for some more details later. For now it’s good to have you back. I’ll bake an apple pie for you and your sister.” I smiled as Granny Smith started preparing the ingredients for an apple pie. The rest of the day passed smoothly, the next morning I woke up early. I head down the stairs and after a quick breakfast I headed out.
Applejack frowned “Where are ya going?”
I turned to my sister “Ah’m going to school, Ah’d like spend some time being normal for a bit. Ah’m assuming that mah enrollment hasn’t been cancelled yet.”
Granny Smith was smiling as she came down the stairs “It hasn’t Apple Bloom, they still haven’t removed your name from the rolls yet.” I smiled making my way to the Ponyville schoolhouse, I was waiting outside the schoolhouse. It wasn’t long before my most of my classmates were at the schoolhouse.
I smiled as my classmates looked shocked at my presence “Ah’m back everypony. Sorry Ah was gone for so long.” I rolled my eyes as most of my classmates were asking me question after question. It was only thanks who Miss Cheerilee who kept her composure in my presence.
She smiled “Every one, I suggest we give Apple Bloom some space. She has only just returned after all.” She turned to me “It’s a pleasure to see you again Apple Bloom.”
I smiled “I’m glad to be back, I could use some normalcy.” I smiled as I entered the school house taking my usual seat. This was going to be a good day.
I was wrong, today was not going to be a good day. Class was fine but recess was not. I was surrounded by my fellow students, Pipsqueak, Snips, Snails and Twist as well as a few others were shouting all these different questions. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo tired to stop them but there were too many of them.
It was too much, I changed forms my eyes glowing red “LEAVE ME ALONE!” Everyone stepped away as I blasted a part of the schoolyard fence into ash. I took a deep breath “Ah’m sorry.” I galloped away from the schoolhouse, I wasn’t exactly paying much attention to where I was going. I only realised where I was when I bumped into a tree.
I was in the Everfree Forest, I turned around as I hear the sound of howling. I felt the missile turrets emerge from my back. My eyes glowed red, melting the first wolf into a pile of slag. The other two growled at me, I growled back “Get lost you stupid wood scraps!” The two wolves looked at me and bolted, deciding that I was not good prey. Getting out of here would be a Nightmare, I had no idea where I was.
I decided to head forward, if I headed in one direction I would find an exit eventually. The forest was dark and foreboding, the tree seemed to glare at me as I moved through the forest. It was starting to get frustrating as the forest didn't seem to change, I had enough this shit. I began firing laser and missiles at everything is sight destroying hundreds of trees.
The trees regrew around me thicker and thicker. Their expressions getting angrier and angrier. My raging was interrupted by the sound of screams. I galloped in the direction only to see Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were being chased by an Ursa Major. How the fuck did they manage to piss one of them off I don’t know. I leapt towards them I felt my body grow and shift as I managed to skid past the Ursa Major.
I was suddenly forced to stand up, I head Sweetie Belle's voice in my head “Scootaloo don’t mess with that!”
I frowned (Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo you are in my head right now.) I looked over myself, I looked at giant version of whatever six was (Ah appear to have become a giant mechanical thing and you seem to be piloting me. Ah think Ah transformed from my desire to, protect you guys. Ah need you to work together with me to beat that Ursa Major.)
I winced as they shouted (Cutie Mark Crusaders Mech Warriors.) Where we always that loud, I owe everypony in Ponyville who ever heard us shout that an apology. The Ursa turned to us and roared, before charging. Sweetie Belle screamed (What do we do!)
My body moved out of the way on it’s own, Scootaloo growled (Sweetie Belle, when we attacked dodge or block and then counter!) a sword formed in my left uh hand I think. I think that was what Sarah called it at least, I spun around cutting into the Major’s back.
It roared in pain swinging at me. A shield formed on my right arm blocking a slash from it’s paws, the my right arm bashed it with the shield knocking the Ursa Major backwards. Sweetie Belle shouted (I did it!) The Ursa Major opened it’s mouth firing a beam of energy blasting a hole in the shield, knocking me backwards.
The creature then barrelled into me, knocking me onto my back. It then stomped on me, I screamed as pain shot through my entire body. The pain kept coming, the beast stomping on me over and over again. I cried out in desperation (Sarah, please help me!) I waited for the pain only to feel nothing, I opened my eyes to see floating above me holding the beast's legs above her head.
I winced as I opened up my chest allowing Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to emerged from my chest cavity. I then returned to my normal size, staggering to my hooves. I sighed s they looked at their flanks and then looked down “Aww.” I sat down on my flank, I was just glad to be alive. The Ursa Major crashed down in front of us, Sarah on it’s forehead. I rolled my eyes as Sarah began to eat.
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked visibly sick, they turned to me “How are you friends with someone who eats living creatures in that way?”
I frowned “Ah told you about her insatiable hunger did Ah not. That may hold her hunger back for a month or two at most.” They look at me like they looked at me like I’m crazy, I frowned “Ah now it may sound crazy but Ah’m telling you all the truth.” I turned to the Ursa Major skeleton “You all see how ravenous she can be when she starts eating.” I smiled as Sarah walked over “How did you know I was in trouble?”
Sarah smiled “I heard you cry for help in my mind. Besides this was a nice break from arguing with Celestia because I incinerated five nobles who were being racist. That will not be tolerated anymore.” I nodded with a smile as Sarah teleported us to Ponyville.
I turned around to see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo cowering behind me, I rolled my eyes “Relax, she is trying make Equestria a better place by getting rid of the bigots who have been running the show. She is trying to create a more unified Equestria and that means having to be more harsh of such behaviour.”
Sweetie Belle whimpered “That doesn't stop her from being scary.”
Scootaloo looked at me “I agree with her. I’m not sure how you, Applejack and Rainbow trust her.”
I’m not sure whether to be proud or irritated, while I think her fear is unfounded I am glad that she is not immediately siding with Rainbow. I shook my head “Let’s just get some milkshakes from Sugarcube Corner.” As we walked towards the cafe/bakery I sighed. It seems being back wasn’t as easy as I first thought.
I bucked a tree, apples dropping into the basket. I smiled looking over the farm, I have done quite a bit of work this morning. I frowned as I saw Fluttershy a couple of metres down from me, I wasn’t expecting to see her away from her cottage. I just realised she had a bucket next to her, she slammed her hooves into the tree dropping half of the apples into a basket. She delivered another dropping the rest. I trotted over to her “Ah’m surprised you are working on the farm?”
Fluttershy frowned “My family has quite a few Earth Ponies in the bloodline, on my mother’s side at least one foal of each generation must taking up dragon slaying to carry on the family legacy. My Aunt who took it up who had no offspring and knew my brother was useless talk me everything she knew about slaying dragons. She taught me every last technique she knew about killing dragons.”
I frowned “Why have you kept this a secret from all of us?”
Fluttershy grimaced “Dragon Slayers are property of the state, due to our capabilities we are not allowed agency by law. If I was discovered I could be forced to do anything that the nobles tell me or else I will be executed according to law. Most Dragon Slayers keep it a secret to their graves, only passing the knowledge down to their successor. My parents don’t even know.”
I nodded “Ah vow to keep it a secret. Ah won’t tell a soul.” I then grimaced “If you see a sky blue dragon with rainbow spines that is Rainbow. She gained the ability to turn into a dragon.”
Fluttershy smiled “Thanks for telling me Applejack, I would hate to kill my friend thinking she was an enemy. Now we should get back to work, this orchard won’t harvest itself.” I smiled as we returned to work, after a couple of hours of work we returned to the farmhouse.
We were sitting down at the table, various apple related products on the table. Fluttershy smiled as she sat next to Big Mac, I raised an eyebrow “Are you two doing something Ah am not aware of?” Fluttershy's face glowed red, and I could tell Big Mac was blushing too. I smirked “That’s fine just note, Ah don’t want to be an Auntie until after you two are married.”
I winced as I felt a sharp pain on the back of my head, Granny Smith was holding a stick “Stop teasing your brother and his marefriend.”
Fluttershy smiled “Well, if you don’t mind I think we should start eating. There is more work to be done.” We ate all we could, after thanking Granny Smith I stood up, trotting out of the farmhouse. I attached myself to the cart and pulled it into town.
After setting up the little stall in the market square, Pinkie Pie bounced over. I smiled “Hi Pinkie Pie.”
Pinkie Pie bounced up and down “Applejack, I have a new recipe I want to try! I need fifty apples and five jars of apple butter!” I got what she wanted out of the cart, placing in front of her. Before I could say another word, she dropped a small bag of bits on the table taking her order. She then turned around blowing steam out of ears making train noises as she zipped across town at breakneck speeds.
I blinked before shaking my head “Right, Pinkie Pie does that. Ah’m going to have to adjust to that again.” I watched as Rainbow flew over head clearing the skies at rapid speed, Bon trotted up to my stall. I smiled “How can Ah help ya Bon Bon.”
Bon Bon rolled her eyes “Lyra ate too many apples and I need several baskets to replenish the stock so I can make more candy apples.”
I frowned as I put the together several Apple baskets “Is Lyra the one who talks about humans all the time? I’ve heard her talk about humans multiple times, Sarah matches the description she gave quite well. A hairless ape like creature with the ability to use tools and incredible intelligence. I would like to know if I could get more details from her.”
Bon Bon whispered “Come to the store after work, you can discuss more with Lyra later.” I nodded as I took her bits, putting the apple baskets on the table. The day was fairly normal other than the three flower sisters fainting three times while they were trying to buy three jars of Zap Apple Jam. After dropping off the cart back at the farm, I returned to town.
I knocked on the door of Bon Bon’s shop, I wads ragged in the building by Lyra who had a huge smile rivalling Pinkie Pie’s largest smiles. I frowned “Lyra, this is serious business. Ah need you to explain what you know about humans in detail.”
Lyra pulled me into a backroom, she smiled “Humans are bipedal creatures with two long legs. They also have these shorter limbs called arms, the end in these things called hands with five noodles at the end called fingers. This allows them to grip objects without the use of any magical assistance. They are largely devoid of anything resembling fur save around their head and private areas.”
I frowned “That does match Sarah’s description for the most part.”
Lyra looked at me “You have met a human.”
I nodded “You saw them too, they were in town before. They were the reason Ah was gone for so long. Ah’m not sure she would like if if you got too excited and started doing weird things to her.” I shook my head “Can you explain anything else.”
Lyra nodded “Yes, human adult females have larger breasts than any other creature save maybe Cows and Minotaurs. They also where clothes all the time due to the fat that their skin is thinner and softer, their bodies are far more brittle than ponies. Some of the things that even a unicorn would shake off could kill a human.”
Applejack smiled “Maybe I could arrange a meeting with her but you must be careful. Don’t get too excited. Thank you for your time.” I smiled as I left the shop, hearing Lyra bouncing up down behind me as I did so.
I was laying on a cloud, I was about to take a nap when I heard Pinkie shout “Rainbow let’s go pranking!”
If there was one thing worth interrupting my nap it was to go and prank some ponies. I flew down and landed next to Pinkie “Alright. Let’s do it! So who should we do first, Pinkie?”
Pinkie smiled “Applejack, I have an idea.” We snuck to Sweet Apple Acres, together we painted all the apples on the farm yellow. We his behind a bush as Applejack looked at all the trees, I had to stifle my laughter “That was a good one Pinkie.” We tried to sneak away only to trip on a wire, a tub of green paint falling on us.
Applejack galloped over to us, she smirked “Ah knew you would try something like this so I set up tripwires in all the hiding places I could think of so I could catch you out. Besides you love good prank so I thought I would prank you back.” Pinkie and I smiled before laughing. Applejack grinned “Now you two better get cleaned up if you wish to do anymore pranking.”
Applejack got a hose and washed us down, after we dried off we decided to prank Twilight next. We snuck into the library. We grabbed some of the books and swapped their places on the bookshelves. We burst into laughter as Twilight screamed, I nudged Pinkie “It’s good to be back doing pranks again.”
Pinkie giggled “I agree Dashie, now let’s go do some more pranking.” We snuck up behind Rarity’s boutique, Pinkie looked at me with curiosity “What are you planning?” I smirked as I changed forms and let out a mighty roar. Pinkie bounced “You can turn into a dragon! That’s amazing!” I grinned as Rarity screamed running out of the boutique.
We turned around to see Fluttershy glaring at me “Rainbow, you should not use that power to scare people. Applejack told me about your little ability and I have been keeping an eye on you in case you try to do something stupid. Dragon Hunters do exist and they will come for you, I know because I am one of them. If Applejack didn’t tell me yesterday then you would be dead.”
I blinked “Wait your a Dragon Hunter! Why did you never tell me about it?”
Fluttershy frowned “You are not the best secret keeper and if anyone finds out I will become a puppet of the nobles. Dragon Slayers belong to the state because we are so dangerous, I would rather not become a slave to them if I can help it.” I rubbed the back of my head as did Pinkie, she sighed “Just didn't do again and neither of you tell anyone about me.”
We nodded as Fluttershy took off, I returned to normal. Pinkie and I headed to Sugarcube Corner, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were sitting at the counter. I took a seat next to them, “How are you three doing? I was expecting you to be going on a crusade right now.”
Apple Bloom frowned “We are currently having a break, we need to think about what we actually want to do in the future before going on any more crusades. We kind of just run around trying things willy nilly, we decided to take more time to think about it.”
I smiled “Well I’m glad you are finally putting some more thought into it.”
Scootaloo frowned “Why are you here Rainbow? Usually you would be sleeping on a cloud or pranking somepony?”
I rubbed the back of my head “Pinkie and I were pranking until Fluttershy took notice of us. She told us quite a bit, she also was also quite angry and made it pretty clear she didn't approve of our actions. I never thought that she would be so openly confident.”
Sweetie Belle nodded “She has been quite bold lately, after we saw Snips and Snails head into the Everfree Forest Scootaloo and I told Fluttershy. She went after them and two hours later she brought them back. After that when we to go to Zecora’s she escorted us there, even the Timberwolves didn’t want to get close.”
I blinked “Fluttershy toughened up a lot since we left.”
Sweetie Belle nodded “Granny Smith has been much more active, going into town and rallying the spirits of everyone. Rarity has been far less dramatic, often taking everything incredibly seriously. Whenever she is not working she has been going to the town hall to provide assistance there. I don’t see her very often.”
I frowned “Things will return to normal I’m sure, everyone is back and getting back into the groove of everyday life.” Before another word could be spoken, Pinkie bounced over placing milkshakes in front of us. Strawberry for Sweetie Belle, chocolate for Scootaloo, vanilla for Apple Bloom and mint for me. I smiled “Thanks Pinkie Pie.”
Pinkie Pie smiled “Your welcome Rainbow.” Pinkie Pie bounced away, I looked around as I drank my milkshake. Mr and Mrs Cake were busy baking. Diamond Tiara and Sliver Spoon were arguing in the corner about something before glaring towards us. I glared back cause them to shy away. Lyra bounced in to the shop with a huge smile she was unusually happy about something.
Lyra came over to us with a big grin “Applejack listened to me talk about humans!” I raised an eyebrow, I had no idea why Applejack would humour her. Lyra was nice enough but I didn’t believe her theories. Lyra continued on “She even told me that someone called Sarah matched my description of humans.”
Apple Bloom and I both turned to her, I thought back to some of the things that Lyra mentioned about humans. So many things about Sarah matched that description, it seems Applejack figured that out first and thus went to the expert on the topic. There does seem to be some secrets that are being kept about that. I wonder, maybe Sarah could find out more in her position.
I was reading through a book on laws, I was writing out a list of laws to scrap and laws to make. I also had a small book on humans that was in the restricted section, it was interesting that humans existed in this world at some point. I looked at my list and at the clock, three hours before midday court. I was not prepared for all the learning I would have to do to run a nation. I frowned as I picked up the book on humans.
I frowned as I read the book, is this what happened to humans. That humans mysteriously dissapeared during Discord’s reign, there is no time frame for how long that period was. I grimaced, the detail were sparse but the description of human body shape is pretty accurate. I might have to ask Discord for more details. I shook my head, not much in the book was more than hearsay and theories.
I frowned “Discord, I need you here.”
Discord teleported in with a huge grin. “How can I help you?’
I turned to him “I want you to tell me about what happened to the humans in this world. I would like to know what happened to my kind in this world.”
Discord’s face energetic manner shifted into a much more grave one “Humans were a much more dangerously chaotic race. I could feel what they could do if they started to innovate, destruction that would end the world as we know it. So I wiped most of them out, some fled from my destruction. They still far my existence, yet some still wish to take back the world from my influence. I would rather you don’t seek them out.”
I nodded “I have no intention of such things but should they cause harm to Equestria I intend to wipe them out. I have little care for those who threaten the nation that I lead.”
Discord smiled “I am glad you are taking this seriously, humans are quite dangerous. I will tell you if any of them turn up for any reason.” I nodded as he clicked his talons disappearing from sight. I frowned focusing on the paperwork, I blinked as I stared at a petition from a noble to demolish five pony’s homes because they are an eyesore and he wants to build a pool.
I grumbled burning it into ash, honestly I looked over several of these petitions from the nobles many of them were the same. Some were thinly veiled under something altruistic but demanded way too much money. Seriously, fifty thousand bits to fix a roof for a small part of the schoolhouse. You could build a new schoolhouse with that kind of money. The schoolhouse roof must be plated with gold to require even half of that.
Finally it was time for court, Luna and Daybreaker were by my side. Nobles were lined up as were commoners, I had some housekeeping to do first before any requests could be accepted. I frowned at the nobles “I have noticed that most of the petitions by the nobles were asking to demolish some of the commoners homes because they were I quote ‘eyesores’ or they asked me for fifty thousand bits to fix a small problem like a damaged school roof or some minor property damage for a small business.”
Luna and Daybreaker glared at them as well, I growled “Do you have any care for anyone other than yourselves. If you have any of those petitions, know they will automatically disregarded.” I smirked as nearly all of the nobles left. I then turned to those who remained “Now we can begin.”
A group of Pegasi approached “Somepony made a mistake and flooded part of the weather factory with rainbows. As such the factory is currently at half capacity but the boss hasn’t done anything about it.”
I frowned “I will organise an inspection team and determine the damages. I will the issue a formal request for him to fix the issue of else we will find someone who can. The weather factory is public service not a business. If he or she can’t perform the duty assigned then we will find another pony to replace them. Should he fire any of you, come to me and I will send an official team to bring him here for judgement.”
The Pegasi bowed “Thank you…” I raised an eyebrow, I raised my hand. One of them asked “What should we call you?”
I frowned “I never really thought about, call me what you wish. My same is Sarah but as for a title, it matters not.”
They bowed “Thank you for assistance Princess Sarah.” I nodded.
Princess huh, that is going to take some getting used to. I shook my head as one of the remaining nobles stepped forward. I smiled at the two ponies, they bowed the mare spoke first “I’m Twilight Velvet and this is my husband Night Light. I wish to ask where Princess Celestia is.”
I frowned “She is not here because we have a disagreement of how to lead. She believe I am too harsh and I believe she is too soft. Thus she doesn’t attend court with me, after all if we are constantly arguing in court no action can be taken.”
The both bowed “Sorry for bothering you, we will take our leave.”
I smiled “Don’t worry, I’d rather not hide secrets from the public. I want them to trust that I tell them the truth. Wish you too well.” The rest of court continued on a similar manner, they asked me to sort out simple problems as well as a few more complicated ones. Without the nobles slowing me down and wasting time I was able to get a lot done. I was finished an hour early, I had a few petitions that would need approving but nothing major.
I had just put the papers down on my desk when Discord teleported in front of me, I frowned at his grave expression “Have the humans turned up?”
He nodded “Yes, they are approaching Manehatten at speed.”
I frowned “I know what this means, they are after me. I will head to Manehatten immediately, tell Daybreaker that she is in charge while I am away. I need you to keep in constant communication with me.” This was not going to be a pleasant experience by any means, I could feel it but I would do what I must.
I was standing with several thousand armed guards, many wielding bows and arrows. I have wanted to fund weapons research but carefully so we haven’t developed anything yet. The ship arrived at the docks, gigantic grotesque obese humanoids with stubby limbs and misshapen heads emerged off the ship. I could feel fury building up in me at the sight of these creatures, a memory flashed before me of the horrid monstrosities chasing after me.
I rushed at them, this was not fury. I hated them with every fibre of my being. One saw me and barrelled towards me trying to grab me. I slammed into it’s face, it exploded in fire and ash. I slammed the next into the ground. I started to tear them into bloody pieces as boarded the dingy ship. More of these monstrosities surrounded me in the dark, I raised a hand burning them to ash.
I felt the ship starting to move, I knew I had to find the source of these monstrosities. I felt in my raincoat and pulled out a lighter, I frowned at it. How did this escape my notice for so long? I flicked it on, the light shining the area around me. My hunger was growing greater as if some force was enhancing it, by the time I had boarded the ship I was ravenous.
I saw these several of these monstrosities devouring huge slices of meat, the darkness inside me reaches out ripping their souls out as I devour their accursed flesh. I picked their bones clean, I continue across wooden floors and table. Consuming the souls of all these monstrous guests. I saw an incredibly tall slender female staring down at me, a white porcelain mask upon her face. She wore a brown kimono and her black hair was wrapped in a bun.
I teleported in front of her, her power and mine dancing around each other clashing. Memories of this woman flooded my mind as I flashed through my mind as well as a name, Six. I knew that name was not hers which meant it was mine, I am both Sarah and Six. Memories of crawling through this ship, the Maw filled my mind. I frowned “Who are you really?”
The Lady as my memories told me stared own at me before slumping to the floor “I was a very pretty woman once, I lived in what is now known as the Pale City. The city was pretty once, a bastion for the last of humanity. I even became the fifth ruler of the Maw, it was a proud vessel back then and I spent a lot of a time amongst so many others. Everything changed with the rise of the Black Tower, a weapon we devised to destroy the Lords of Chaos and restore peace to the world.”
I frowned “It sound like it went wrong.”
The Lady nodded “It corrupted it’s creator becoming the first Thin Man. The tower’s influence corrupted other’s turning them into twisted monstrosities. In an attempt to escape, my face was horribly scarred by those who were driven mad. I took a few of those unaffected, and took the Maw out to sea for the final time. I studied dark magic in order to block the influence of the Black Tower from corrupting the land of ponies. I have been feeding off the souls of those twisted souls below until a successor will slay me inheriting my powers and rule the Maw in my stead.”
I clenched my fists “Do you know where the Pale City is?’
The Lady nodded “I do, why do you wish to know?”
I growled “I will tear the city to the ground so you no longer have to stay here and watch over this derelict mess.”
The Lady paused before turning away “I will take you there but be careful. The Thin Man is more dangerous than I am.”
I frowned “Can I see your face?” The Lady turned to me apprehensively, I smiled “Relax, after what I have seen I doubt you could look that bad.” She took the mask off, her face was covered in vicious scars and part of her jaw was exposed. I gave her a hug with a smile “You look good.”
She smiled back “Thank you.”
I smiled “Your welcome, can you tell me your name?”
She nodded with a smile “Moonlight, a name that I was given by my parents. Because my eyes shone like moonlight when I was born. They don’t anymore sadly.” I nodded with a smile as well, I laid there as I head the sound of ancient gears moving. The ancient ship creaked as it finally moved, heading back to the ancient lands that it had once inhabited. I sat down looking upon myself, I have not had the time to test Discord power but could I fix this.
I focused the power of chaos on myself, the energy bounced back slamming into the wall. I groaned, figured that the power that transformed me dwarfs that of even Discord and his powers couldn’t fix my hunger. Now that I think about, that probably was a dumb idea, Chaos is unpredictable and it might deform me beyond recognition using that power on myself.
I teleported myself to the top of the ship, the Maw was moving across the ocean. In the distance I could see a city of darkness, I could feel an uneasy sense of dread washing over me, something was trying to eat away at my spirit but my power was protecting me from it’s destructive influence. I glared upon the darkness that was standing before me. Soon the ship docked in front of the city.
Moonlight walked up to me, she frowned “This is the Pale City. You will find no allys here, if anyone is no hostile they won’t have the power to help you. I can’t stay here long or the Thin Man will attack here directly.” I disembarked the Maw, my thoughts going back to how Daybreaker was running the nation without my help.
I grumbled “I have to fill out he paperwork and run court while she is away.”
I was interrupted as a messenger barged into the room “Regent Daybreaker, we are receiving multiple reports that Griffons Raiders have attacked the border towns killing hundreds of ponies. The guards have been stretched too thin.”
I gritted my teeth, it seems telling Discord to do all that damage was a bad idea. It made the Princesses surrender faster but now we have no forces to protect the borders. I guess Sarah was not exactly experienced in the long term ramifications of such actions. While she was here, that was enough to scare them off.
I would have to head out to reinforce the borders, Luna was standing at the door in full armour. Behind her were five hundred Thestrals, Luna smirked “You are really lucky that my Night Guard have a different barracks that is hidden from sight. We will head to the order to try and hold off the enemies. These are my elites, there another twenty thousand in the capital.”
I nodded “I will go with you I need to inspect the damage to the villages and count the bodies.”
Luna nodded “Very well, we will take a warship immediately to the border.” Luna and I as well as her elite guards flew out of the castle towards the docks. We landed in front of a large midnight blue warship with pitch black spikes all over it,magic cannons on every side. Luna smirked “Say hello to the Nightstrider, my personal warship.”
I grinned “Impressive, now let’s show those Griffons the might of the Night.”
Luna grinned as we boarded “I would have thought you would have hated me. You were Celestia’s dark side after all.”
I shook my head “Hardly, I may be her pride and ego having gone wild but I still was Celestia. You were still my sister, I was forced to bare all the hurt that Celestia hid away when you were banished. While she slept, I could gain control over her body. I stared at the moon, crying for you for one thousand years. I would have been willing to be locked in chains and used as your footstool if you had returned.”
Luna frowned “I wish you didn't, I like you. As much as I love my sister you seem to similar only without all the parts that annoy me and cause us to argue.”
I smirked as the ship started to move “I don’t know, you like to argue with your sister. You find it fund, don’t try to deny it. It’s why you try to get under her skin and make her argue with you.” Luna chuckled, we watched as the land passed beneath us. Forest, animals and towns passed underneath us.
It was not long before arrived at the ruins of the town, Griffons were feasting on the corpses of the ponies they had slain. The buildings were all burning, Luna’s Elite Guards swooped down killing every last Griffon. I looked over the bones as I landed, poor souls didn’t have to die like this. I sighed as I used my magic to put out the burning buildings. Luna frowned “What are you going to do to offset the issues involving the guard?”
I gritted my teeth “I’m going to militarise the guard, the Equestrian Combat Service. Advance weaponry for bringing down greater threats, Sarah already had those plans put into motion and I will make sure they are carried out. I will also have stern talking to her about abandoning the nation to chase another threat.”
Luna frowned “She is not an experienced leader, she is prone to rash and foolish actions. Maybe by the time she reaches our age she will be far less foolish but only time will tell.” I nodded, my horn glowing as I teleported to Canterlot. I was in the room where the messenger burst into, I began writing a new system of the guard. They needed to be combat ready and prepared for war, they needed to be highly disciplined rather than the glorified police force that we had before.
I frowned as I headed to the office of Captain Armour, I knocked on his door. He opened it and bowed as I entered “Regent Daybreaker, how may I assist you?”
I put down several plans on the table “We need to revamp the guard into a more militarised unit. From this day forward, you are in command of the military General Armour.” He was stunned, I frowned “We lost hundreds of ponies today across the borders towns, I only saw few but that was enough. The guard will not hit the number it was at for a long time, so we need to make them more dangerous and more lethal.”
Shining Armour looked at me, he frowned “Where do we start?”
I smirked “Well since the weapons aren’t ready, we are going to focus on the combat ability. I have no doubt you are strong but you need to be stronger. Come with me to the training grounds.” We arrive at the training grounds not long after. I turned to him “You will train with me until you are my equal. Don’t hold back or else you won’t last long.”
He frowned “I don’t think that’s a good idea, what if I hurt you?”
Was he mocking my power. I unleashed the full force of my power, I grinned as the new general was forced back by my power. I barrelled towards him knocking him into the wall, I was surprised that he was able to stand after that hit. He grit his teeth, rushing at me. I swung at him, he dodged my swing and slammed his hoof into my jaw. I winced, he was no slouch. I delivered multiple punches, I chuckled as I head a crack of something.
He coughed up blood, I avoided the blood and continued to swing at him. He actually was starting to dodge some my punches, I flew backwards firing powerful explosions of Solar Fire “Fight me with more or else you will die!” He was dodging them, he then fired a blast of magic force that hit me through my own attacks. I dodged out of the way only for him to appear in front of me, I wasn’t expecting to improve this much in a single fight.
We have only been fighting for ten minutes, is he some sort of combat genius. I am barely dodging his attacks. He delivered a rapid punch to my chest, I gritted my teeth as I swear he broke something. I winced “That’s enough, you improved so much in a single fight. How.”
The new General looked at me “I was the weakest, barely capable of running half of the marathon. I trained a lot to improve my physical strength but when we had the first fight that was when I discovered that under the intensity of combat I grew much stronger and faster. I had natural gift for fighting, the greater the gap between me and my opponent the faster I adapted to it.” I smirked, he might be a good sparring partner for Sarah when she returns, this would help push the guard to new heights.
The Pale City was seemingly empty, rubbish bounced along the streets. I leapt back as what I assumed was a human leapt off the roof. It’s head was connected to a long neck, it’s arms and legs were short. It’s jaw was overly large full of sharp protruding teeth. It’s eyes were shrunken, it sniffed as if trying to find my scent.
I leapt at the horrid human, turning it into dust with a single punch. I shivered knowing I had touched it’s disgusting face. The sound of gunfire interrupted me, as a man with a machine gun for a head and long bony elongated limbs chased me. I started to run, I was not sure how well my body would stand up to bullets.
As I ran through the streets I could see Televisions everywhere, a giant ten foot mutated humanoid leapt off a roof. It’s muscular frame smashed through a brick wall, I was sick of this shit. I took to the skies firing a ball of solar power blowing them all up. I saw the Black Tower in the distance, I flew towards it at speed.
I was stopped as a tall thin man, wearing a top hat and full suit glitched into existence before me. It spoke “I am Thin Man, guardian of the Black Tower. Turn back now or else I will be forced to act.” I formed a ball of fire throwing it at him, he glitched out of the way. He then teleported in front of me, he punched me in the jaw sending me flying backwards. I couldn’t track him as he glitched around me.
I closed my eyes drawing on the full might of Discord for the first time, I created a supernova compressed to the size of a basketball in my hand and threw it towards the tower. He teleported in front of it, taking the hit. I gritted my teeth as he stood up unscathed. He is powered by something built to counter Discord’s might, we rushed at each other, his punches and mine sending out powerful shockwaves. I created hundred of mini-galaxies flinging them at him.
He glitched a bunch of mini-galaxies into existence countering mine. He raised his hand “You stand no chance against me.” He duplicated himself into thousands of copies, was the tower’s power truly limitless. I focused creating thousands of copies of myself, our copies clashed in the skies around. Explosions of mini-galaxies and Supernovas clashing as the two of us stared each other down.
I panted as he glared at me “You are too dangerous to be allowed to live.” I was not going to lose to him, I focused every last inch of my power into one single attack. It was larger than the tower itself, even when I compressed it. I fired it towards the tower, the Thin Man desperately tried to stop the attack but the force was too great even for him. My vision started to blur before all turned black.
I opened my eyes to see myself in a bed, Midnight was smiling at me. Her scarred face was pretty, I groaned “Where am I?”
She smiled sadly “We are in one of the abandoned homes, with the Black Tower destroyed all who were twisted by it’s power have now passed on. Freed from the twisted influence at long last. That power though, it was felt across the whole planet. Your power is so great that it was capable of annihilating the tower to nothing.”
I frowned “How long have I been out.”
She frowned “A month, your body was so drained of energy I surprised you survived.”
I groaned “Daybreaker is going to kill me, I better get back to Equestria before she get any madder.” With that Midnight and I walked through the streets of the Pale City, the sun’s light now hitting it at long last.” We boarded the maw, it was now empty save us and the gnomes who ran around the ship keeping it running.
Thankfully the corpses on the ship provided plenty of sustenance for my ravenous hunger. When had disembarked from the Maw. We were greeted by guards carrying firearms, they let us through. I had finally arrived back in Canterlot.
Daybreaker was silent. I smiled “This is Midnight. She helped me while I was out there.”
Daybreaker turned to the guards “Escort Midnight to one of the guest rooms.” She smiled at Midnight as the guards escorted her into the castle, she then turned to me coldly. She then teleported us to my room. She shouted at me “Where the fuck have you been! We had a separate attack after you left and then dissapeared for a month without even a word of where you went! Discord even lost contact with you!”
I sighed “I’m sorry, I had to use all my power to defeat something that gave me a lot of trouble I could have died against this being. I only survived because I destroyed the source of their power, it was what caused that massive explosion.”
Daybreaker growled “Don’t do that again or there will be trouble! I won’t be left to take care of everything unless you tell me before you leave and maintain regular contact with me! We had a Griffon Assault on the border that cost the lives of so many ponies and I had to handle it because you weren’t there!”
I nodded “I understand, I’m sorry for putting you in that position Daybreaker. I have been too focused on what was in front of me. I’ll take full responsibility and take actions for my mistakes. I won’t intentionally leave for more than twenty-four hours without checking in.”
Day breaker nodded “Good, now note we have got basic firearms on every officer. As for you, you will be training with General Armour. He will benefit greatly from fighting an individual of your power. With his skill in combat, you won’t have to worry about going out to handle big threats as often.” I nodded, I wanted to train with him. Maybe I could focus on the politics more and let the general handle combat.
I was walking through the barracks, I sighed to think that I am Equestria's first general in centuries. I had been granted a new set of steel armour. I was interrupted by Daybreaker approaching, she was walking next to Sarah who was small and wearing a yellow raincoat. I bowed “Princess Sarah, how may I help you?”
Sarah looked at me “I am going to spar with you. Meet me at the training grounds.” She teleported away.
Daybreaker nodded “She is far stronger than I but you adapt quickly.” I bowed,I headed to the training grounds. Sarah was awaiting me there, she turned to me and didn’t even bother introductions. I wasn’t even able to see her move, she punched me into the ground. I forced myself to my hooves, I was able to actually see her kick coming and dodged to the side punching her into the wall.
Sarah pulled herself out of the wall, she gunned for me firing off a huge blast of solar energy. Okay, I think she trying to kill me. I dodge the blast which blows up part of the stands, I blocked a kick with a hoof. I then delivered an uppercut sending her skyward. I then teleported next to her hammering her into the ground. I landed, my legs easily withstanding the impact. Her movements seem slower, we swing our fists at each other.
Sarah smirked at me “In just a few minutes you have adapted to my strength but now I can stop holding back.” Her power skyrocketed further, my power continued to grow as I fought her. I felt though at a point my power capped, she started to to noticed this and stopped “What happened?”
I grimaced “It seems that my power has reached it’s peak, my body can’t grow any stronger.” I the smiled “Still I would like to continue to spar with you, it is a lot of fun.”
Sarah smiled “Sure I enjoyed this as well, we can do this again tomorrow. Take some time to adjust to your power.” I bowed as Sarah teleported away, I decided to visit my Cadence’s quarters. She has been away for a while I have been busy with work. When I entered the quarters I could tell something was wrong, Cadence was staring at me her eyes glowing green. I ducked as a black bug-like equine leapt from behind me. It was taller than Cadence with a long jagged horn, it’s green slitted eyes staring at me like I was piece of meat. Two other smaller version of the creature in front of me climbed off the walls.
Her green eyes glowed, I could feel her power prodding at the safeguards I had placed around my mind. I teleported in front of the bug, knocking it to the ground with a blast of magic. I placed a hoof on it;’s head, I then pushed down crushing it’s skull. The green glow in Cadence’s eyes faded as the other two black creatures eyes went white and they collapsed to the ground.
That day several similar creatures in Canterlot came forward. I sat at my desk as one of them explained themselves “General Armour, my name is Winter Howl. I am one of the few surviving members of the hive, all survivors are infiltrators. Unlike drones we are allows our on personalities so we can blend into pony society. With her gone, we can form a new hive in Canterlot. It will allow us to aid you, we also are quite capable warriors. We can assist in filling out ranks of the guards that you have lost.”
I frowned “You will have to discuss this with Princess Sarah. I am not an authority on such matters, she is the one in charge for all matters of state.” I sent one of the new guards to guide them to Princess Sarah.
I sat down, I had to fulfill our the requisition of practice weapons to train the new guard recruits. The new types of weapons are far more dangerous without proper training, all training weapons use rubber bullets. I filled out all the requisition details and signed it off. I then left the castle, I arrived at the guards training barracks.
There were several target dummies at the end of a fifty metre long range, with a five hundred metre long range next to it for longer range weapons. There was also a large arena, with hay bails to act as cover. It was for practising using cover, as well as how to hide from both ground and aerial opponents. There was also an area for close combat sparring as well.
I grimaced as I trotted over to one of the trainees, he was pointing the barrel at his face. I slapped him “What are you doing!”
He turned to me confused “I was cleaning my gun?”
I facehooved “You were pointing the barrel at your face.” I glared at him “If it was the real deal and it misfired, your brain would be on the pavement because you were using your weapon incorrectly. Would you point a sword tip first at your face while cleaning it because that is the equivalent, don’t be stupid! You have a family back home and they don’t want to hear that you died because you failed to follow basic training!”
I frowned as the commander bowed “Forgive me general but it can’t be that dangerous?”
I frowned “Bring me a melon, it will be a good indication of your skull.” A melon was brought before me and placed on a mound. I pulled out my handgun, it was standard issue gun. I shot the melon blowing a single hole clean through it. I turned to everyone “That would be the same effect on your head. Use your brains or you will lose them.” Running the new army was really difficult, it makes me realise how little the guard had to actually do before. At least we have some purpose I suppose, I have to see Cadence too. I have a wedding to plan, I was not planning to be this busy.
I was reading a letter from my aunt, she wanted me to join in a hunt for a great dragon that was due to awaken any day now. Apparently it was sealed away by Discord in ages past which means it would come here, she never told me about any of this unless it was important. It seems Big Mac will have to take care of the animals for a while. Angel Bunny was bouncing next to me, I approached my secret weapons cabinet. I pulled out an enchanted muffle bag, I put a battleaxe, a longsword, a halberd and a great bow with a quiver in my bag.
He saw the bag and nodded, he knew that what I was about to do and that he would not enjoy it. I left my quaint cottage, I galloped to Sweet Apple Acres. I saw Big Mac in the middle of doing farmwork, I smiled “Big Mac, I am gong to be out of town for a while. I’m not sure when I am going to return. Could you take care of the animals while I’m away.”
Big Mac smiled “Eeyup.”
I smiled “Thanks.” I left the farm, with that out of the way I trotted through town waving to ponies as I passed them. I bought a train ticket and got on the train. I frowned, a dragon sealed by Discord had to be an exceptional threat. I grimaced as I soon arrived in the northern train station, the last stop before the Frozen North. Not far from the train station was a small camp, I approached the camp only to see my Aunt Fire Fang standing there, a battle axe over her shoulder.
The first time we met I was terrified, her fiery orange and yellow coat scared me. Now though, it was good to see her. She nudged me “It’s good to see you Fluttershy, that brother of yours still causing your problems.”
I shrugged “Haven’t seem him in a while, better that way honestly. He is a lazy asshole.”
I frowned as a dark blue Griffon poked their head, they turned to my Aunt “Is she the other person who you recruited. She doesn’t look like much, I’ve seen more muscle on shrimp.” I pulled out my halberd, swung it around several times with one leg.
Fire Fang smiled “Hawk, this is my niece Fluttershy. She is the successor to me in our bloodline.”
Hawk grinned “Interesting name, now let’s go.”
I frowned as we left the camp “Are you sure the three of us will be enough?”
Fire Fang frowned “You two were the only two I could get, there aren’t as many of as there used to be. Many of our bloodlines died out over the centuries.” I frowned, this wasn’t going to end well. That feeling didn't leave me as we continued on, the frosty blizzard only grew stronger as we forced our way forward. Ice battered our faces, our feathers were frozen solid by the icy cold.
The blizzard suddenly cleared around two massive mountains, that did not fill me with confidence. Fire Fang grinned “The dragon should be around here somewhere, we just need to slay it and then we can return home.”
I frowned “If Discord sealed this dragon away, then they must be incredibly large. We should have seen them by now, if it wasn’t huge Discord wouldn’t fear this dragon.”
Hawk smirked “It can’t be that large, I think you are exaggerating.” The ground began to shake underneath us, the two huge mountains raised out of the ground as a huge dark blue dragon heads emerged from beneath them. Hawk gulped “How are we supposed to kill that!”
I pulled out my great bow and quiver, I quickly knocked an arrow and fired. The arrow glowed with magical power. The arrow hit the dragons face bouncing off. I grimaced “Well shit!” I turned to my fellow Dragon Slayers “Auntie, Hawk I think we are well and truly fucked. I don’t think any of our weapons are going to…”
The dragon turned to us as I pulled out my halberd, it charged towards. I readied my halberd, as my aunt readied her axe and Hawk drew his lance. The dragon roared “Feel the fury of the Articus, the God of Frost! Prepare to meet your…” I frowned as a Rainbow blur smashed into the Dragon’s side.
I facehooved as I saw Rainbow in her dragon form breathing rainbow fire against it’s scales, dodging the huge dragons swings. I groaned “That is my friend Rainbow Dash, she gained the ability to turn into a dragon recently. We better help her before she gets killed.” I took off bursting towards the dragon, I slammed my halberd into the side of it’s head cutting through it’s scales. Articus turned to me, it’s crimson slitted eyes focused on me.
I smirked as Two swift strikes cut into the Articus’ eyes, blinding the godly ice dragon. My Aunt and Hawk flew beside me, I frowned “Rainbow I have a plan, you send it skyward. Auntie, Hawk destroy the wings and I’ll finish the job.” I flew upwards as fast as I could, I shivered as the air got colder and colder. I started to see the stars glowing above me, I turned around to see a rainbow explosion followed by Articus flying upward towards me. I flew down as fast I could, my halberd at the ready.
I struck Articus’ neck with my halberd, pulling him down at massive speed toward the ground. We crashed into the ground at massive speed, I staggered to my hooves. Articus’ head was severed form his massive body, I panted as my Aunt staggered over to me. A bloody bandage was wrapped around a stump that was where her right wing should be. She smiled weakly “You did it.”
I turned to Rainbow who was holding a bloody lance, Rainbow nodded grimly “It was his last hunt. This should be given to his family.” I nodded taking the lance, Rainbow transformed into a dragon allowing us to climb onto her back. I collapsed, glad to be going home.
It has been so long since I have roamed these lands, I wonder if I remembered in anything more than legend. I looked around the city, Canterlot I believe. The buildings were much taller than I thought they would be, and the fact of seeing a changelings in the streets alongside ponies was odd. I was interrupted from my musings by a grey Earth Pony carrying a cello “Hello, who are you?”
I bowed “Grogar milady. I have been away from Equestria for some time, I was hoping to see how it had changed since I was last here.”
The mare bowed “My name is Octavia, I am a classical musician in Canterlot. I can show you around if you would like?”
I smiled “Well then Octavia, I will take you up on that offer.” She smiled at me and I smiled back. Still she reminded me of the Gusty the Great Sage of Wind, my greatest student. She alongside her fellow Great Sages, my other students tried to destroy me. I shook my head “I was just thinking about something but I want to see the city.”
Octavia guided us to a small little shop near the grandiose castle grounds, as we entered I looked around at the small little building. Ponies were eating round things of different colours with holes in the middle. I frowned “What is this place and what are they eating?”
Octavia raised an eyebrow “This a donut shop, they everywhere. I will say that Donut Joe’s is the best thought. I’m surprised you don’t know about them.”
I shook my head “I haven’t been in Equestria since my final magic student Starswirl decided to venture off on his own. To explore magic in his own way.” I wonder what happened to Starswirl, I turned to Octavia who was clearly stunned. I raised an eyebrow “Why are you so surprised?”
Octavia took a moment to regain her composure before frowning “At the parties with nobles that I have attended that speak of Starswirl as the master of all magic and the greater sorcerer to ever live.”
I rubbed my chin with a hoof “I suppose after Discord’s little chaos party I would be little more than a legend. He was the student I had taken on long before Starswirl, he became the strongest of my students event though he had little focus.” I conjured up a rubber chicken in my hoof “He liked fighting with these, challenging everyone to duels and hitting them with rubber chickens.”
I turned around slapping Discord through a wall with the rubber chicken. I then summoned a shield of cotton candy to block the Discord’s rubber chicken “Excuse me, Octavia but I must deal with this charlatan.” I knocked him out of the building once more, I leapt out “As silly as ever Discord.”
Discord grinned “You know it!”
I sighed, he was so getting spanked later. We moved through the streets of the city, exchanging blows of our rubber chickens. We are interrupted by a little human in a raincoat, Discord pouts as he teleported away. I bowed “My name is Grogar, master of magic for over ten millennia. Thought it seems that my talents have been forgotten because of my wayward student of Chaos.”
The little human nodded “I’m Sarah, you taught Discord about chaos. That sounds like a challenge.”
I smirked “It was. He is a terrible student, always late to private lessons. Tries to prank me at every opportunity and of course fighting everyone with rubber chickens. It’s the only way to get his attention is to hit him with a rubber chicken. I can give you one if you like?”
Sarah shook her head “No thanks, but I would like you to teach me more about magic. I have some knowledge but I would like to learn some more.”
I rubbed my chin before grinning “It’s been a while since I taught anyone magic, I could do that but I would like a room in the castle. Nothing fancy, just a plain room to sleep in. I haven’t slept in a proper bed in a little over a millennia.”
Sarah smiled “I can arrange that, follow me to the castle. I can get you settled in, when I’m not at at lessons you can do anything as long as it’s not illegal.” I followed towards Canterlot Castle, when we entered it was everything I expected it to be. I raised an eyebrow as we passed an Alicorn with a flaming mane, her Cutie Mark was that of the sun but it was orange and red, and the claws and thick fur were something that didn’t fit with what I knew of Alicorns.
I shook my head, I could ask about that later. I saw a dark blue Alicorn approaching us, she glared at me “Grogar!”
I bowed “I fear you have me at a disadvantage, may you at least tell me your name before trying to take my head.”
Luna glared at me “I am Princess Luna, I assist young Sarah in running Equestria. She has quite a bit to learn.” She scowled “Now what bring the Father of Monsters and Lord of Evil to our Equestria.”
I facehooved “Still believing in Gusty’s rhetoric, I taught Gusty everything she knows about magic. She likely told some story about how I was evil to promote the pony superiority was rife even back then. The ponies in that age are not any more perfect than the ones of this age, relying on old legends to dictate the future of the world will only end in failure.”
Luna’s face scrunched up before she sighed “I see your point.” She frowned “If your truly intended harm your would have caused it by now. Sarah has decided to trust you and that is enough for me, she can handle herself quite well.” I nodded as she trotted away, we continued through the castle to a simple room. The bed was plain but comfortable looking, a small wardrobe and bathroom were attached to the room. I was going to enjoy staying here.
I frowned as the old man that brought me here stood in front of me, I grimaced “I could use a name for you since you haven’t told me yours.”
The old man chuckled “You can just call me Sage.”
I grimaced “Well then Sage, why are you here anyway? I doubt you would turn up for a social call. What do you wish to tell me?”
Sage nodded “I am here to explain about Displaced, people like yourself that have been sent to another world in a different form. You are not the only one and through the use of special items called tokens one can be called to other worlds. I am here to assist your in making a token but you need a base object to facilitate the token. You will keep the original item.”
I pulled out my lighter “How does this work exactly?”
Sage smiled “You simply need force your will into an object along with a phrase.”
I glared at the object “Those of flesh and bone I suggest caution. My hunger is endless and the smell of fresh meat is something difficult to resist. Should you wish harm upon those who I hold dear, you may just become my next meal. Heed this warning for your own sake.” The lighter flipped open the fire glowing brighter than the sun before closing and separating from the lighter in my hand, disappearing out of sight.
Sage nodded to me “Not all Displaced are friendly, you should be prepared for hostility.”
I nodded as he vanished from my sight. I turned around to see Grogar standing in the entrance, he nodded “I figured you were one of those Displaced. When you reach my level of power you can see into alternate worlds and many versions of this world have them. When you go I will follow, I would like to see how other worlds are different from this one.”
I grimaced “Fine but in some worlds you may be as evil as the ponies in this world painted you as so you may meet some opposition. Also I am worried about how those who are linked to me will be affected if I left this world. Their bodies exist because of me.”
Grogar rubbed his chin before nodding “They will be fine, at worst they will be flung back into your body. The truth is your link to them is unbreakable, they are technically part of you but their strong presences prevented them from being fully assimilated.” He then shook his head “Right now I am here to teach you the basics of magic.”
I sat down, he summoned a small flame above one of his horns “Magic is within us, it is formulated from Arcanic Energy that exists everywhere in some shape or form. Magic in it’s most basic essence is understanding how to turn that energy into what you want. The more practice you have, the less energy it costs.”
I nodded “It seems I have long way to go.” I focused summoning a small ball of fire in my hand, I then dispelled it quickly.
Grogar nodded “You have a lot of work to do but I promise that by the end of this my teaching you will capable of matching me as I am now. That however could take thousands of years, it took me a long time to get to where I am and I’m still improving. The perfect magician doesn’t exist, you must keep improving.”
I raised an eyebrow “What about dark magic, isn’t that capable of corruption.”
Grogar frowned “If you go from try to go from one to one hundred, it is usually the last one to master. It requires intense control to make it work, for it too become second nature takes a very long time. In truth to become a master you need to be devote several mortal lifetimes. That is why it dives mortals insane, to safely become immortal would take longer than a mortal lifespan.”
I nodded “I see, thanks for the lesson but I have a great deal of paperwork I have still not caught up on. I have to attend to such things.”
Grogar bowed “How about I assist you, it would speed up the process.”
I smiled “I could use the company.” As we headed to my office, I turned to Grogar “I heard of your title as the father of monsters.”
Grogar smiled “I was the Father of Monsters yes but Griffons, Hippogriffs, Minotaurs, Dragons were born forth from my magic as monsters. I also established the fundamentals of Harmony, Order and Chaos. I wrote the basic principals on magic but all of my work was lost during the reign of Discord. I taught Starswirl a great deal and allowed to rediscover those principals, still the magic now pales in comparison to what once was. Gusty could could very easily create hurricanes that could destroy galaxies if she wished. I taught her everything I knew about wind magic.”
We entered the office, as I looked over the papers I turned to him “Did you have any family?”
Grogar rubbed his chin “I did have a twin brother but he didn’t want to devote the effort and hard work preferring to steal power from others using his magic. As far as I know he went to a group of universe to steal all the energy from them only to be defeated by a fat tubby guy and then several eons later was killed by a weird monkey man. I cared little for him, planning to upset the balance of multiple universes like that. Very shameful.”
I nudged him “Well I’m glad you’re not like your brother, you understand the value of hard work.”
He smirked as he looked over the paper “You don’t get to be like me without hard work.” He then looked back to the paperwork “These nobles are the absolute worst, honestly how do you handle it.”
I grinned “By telling them they are stupid when I see them. I’m far less diplomatic with them, if I wish for change I can’t let those who oppose change get in the way.” We continue working through the paperwork, getting a lot more done than I thought we would today. All of his work was on par with mine and I agreed with his decisions. I was excited for my next lesson with him.
Grogar and I were in the middle of our magic lesson when a strange bright yellow portal opened up and sucked me in. Grogar leapt in after me, Grogar frowned “So you were summoned by someone huh?”
I nodded “Seems like it.”
I frowned as Grogar’s form began to change, as we stepped through a huge white mechanoid shouted at us poiting what appeared to be a gun at us “FREEZE!” I raised an eyebrow, Grogar stepping forward. I doubt he liked being threatened by strangers.
The mechanoid shouted again “I SAID FREEZE!”
I sighed as Grogar deadpanned at the mechanoid “Put down the toy before I am forced to break it.”
I raised an eyebrow as the Mechanoid said to someone “Very well.” He then turned to me “I recognise him but who are you?”
I looked up at him “You can call me Sarah or Six, which ever one suits you best.”
He was quite large, at least compared to me. He introduced himself “I think I’ll go for Sarah. I’m Diego.”
He then paused for a moment before turning back to us “So, how did you two get here?” He then held up my token “And does it have something to with this?”
I nodded “Yes, that is my token. Tokens are tools for the Displaced to meet with others. The one who brought me to my world taught me how to make one and explained a lot of it to me. I’m surprised yours did not.”
He responded with confusion “Token. Dis...placed? I’m not sure what you mean. Also what do you mean by brought to this world?”
I took a deep breath “Alright. From what I was told Displaced are people who through being given an item by a powerful being that causes them to travel to a different world in a new form.” I hoped that was enough of a clue.
He seemed to understand from his explanation"Huh. Oh yeah. That fits the bill. Although, I wasn't given an item, I think I was… hypnotised into buying one. And then, from what I heard, I exploded. Wait a minute, Caulina didn't do any of that but she still ended up here. She just…, well, she got hit by a truck."
I frowned “It’s not an exact science, I’m only one example. I wonder how your world differs from mine and by how much. Well aside from our relationships with Grogar being different.”
I turned to Grogar, he was a muscular blue human wearing brown pants. His two large goat horns stuck out of his forehead, he was admiring himself “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a humanised world. I find it very interesting how this turns out when I go to new worlds.” He adjusted his pants to be more comfortable, probably good considering the world had humans.”
I focused back on Diego as he asked “Humanised? What do you mean?”
I noticed Grogar's smirk as he explained “Well, in our world everyone is an equine of some sort. Hooves, not hands and four of them. Everything is designed around a quadrupedal build which means for large Bipeds such as yourself it is hard to get around.”
He paused for moment before flinching, he shook his head and turned to us signalling for us to walk with him to leave the forest "Okay, ignoring that headache. Do you have Galra in your world?"
I shook my head “No, are they a threat or an ally?”
I groaned as he responded cheekily “Yes. It depends. Thanks to the efforts of the resistance, they’ve turned around for the better. Although, there are still a handful of “loyalists.” He boasted “They’re in shambles though. Barely a threat anymore.”
I grimaced “They are lucky to have you, Grogar and I as well as many of our allies would not have been anywhere near as merciful. We would wiped their entire race out in a matter of days.”
Diego explained as we neared the edge of the forest "Sheesh. I wouldn't go that far. Kolivan, the leader of the resistance, is a good friend of mine and he's a galran. And one of my other friends is half galran, half Mystacoran. His name is Shining Armour."
I raised an eyebrow “I know my world’s version of Shining Armour, he is really strong. He is the General of the military and stopped the former Changeling Queen from kidnapping Cadence. They have a new Queen now I think, she’s leading them well.”
Diego stopped “Really?"Huh. That's not how it happened here at all. Chrysalis showed up and kidnapped princess Luna. She even tried to impersonate her but I saw through it. Then, she forced me to come to her hive where I freed Luna. I would have attacked Chrysalis but Luna had a better idea. We're now in a strong truce with the changelings. They've started taking on jobs and hobbies and considering we found a way to feed their hunger, I'm quite sure the truce will last for a while."
I turned to Diego “How did you cure Changeling hunger?”
Diego chuckled “See these trees around us?” We looked around as he continued “See if you can break off one of their branches.” I grabbed one of the branches and with a slight flick of my wrist, I snapped it off. A new branch immediately regenerated.
I turned to him “Your changelings must work differently than ours, there is no love in these branches.”
Diego explained to us as we continued walking "That may be true but there is a wellspring of quintessence thanks to yours truly. Quintessence is basically life energy which is what changelings need to survive, at least in this world. So, a team of galra regularly harvest branches from the quintessence forest for the changelings. The branches, which are called quintessence roots, are basically used as batteries for changelings to carry around. With them, the changelings can happily live among people." He then changed the topic "Anyway, come on. We're almost out of the forest."
I blinked as we saw the huge technologically advanced outpost “You didn’t tell us the Galrans were Aliens!” Suddenly a dozen strange weapons were pointed at Grogar.
Diego shouted as he stepped forward “Woah! Men stand down.”
One of the aliens asked Diego while gesturing to Grogar “Sir Diego, why is he here?”
Diego tried to explain it to them "He isn't Grogar, he just… looks and sounds exactly like him." I deadpanned, I don’t blame them for being sceptical. That was a terrible explanation.
The alien activated what I guessed was a communicator, I didn’t really hear the message that he spoke into it. It wouldn't really matter, they couldn’t beat Grogar if they tried. Diego said as he looked up at the massive spaceship “Alright. He’ll be here in two doboshes.”
I frowned “What is a dobosh? Is that some weird Alien measure of time that I am unaware of.”
Diego explained "Oh right. Yeah, a dobosh more or less correlates to a minute."
I shrugged as the alien asked “Who is she?”
Diego responded “Oh, this is Sarah. She’s from… uh…” He tailed off, clearly he didn't know how to explain the situation.
I stepped forward, I pinched my nose. This shouldn’t be that hard to explain “I’m from another world that is the dimensional equivalent of this one but full of ponies. I came here because of my token which Diego has, I live in Equestria and the planet is called Equis. Now I’m going to sit next to my world’s version of Grogar.” I went over to him and sat down.
I watched as Grogar was juggling a few compressed universes. Each one was about the size of a basketball, I turned to see the man who I assumed was Kolivan “I assume you're the leader of the Aliens?”
He confirmed my suspicions as he introduced himself “I am Kolivan. Leader of the Blades of Marmora. I believe your name is Sarah?”
Sarah nodded “I am Sarah and this is Grogar. He is juggling a few compressed universes he made. It is something he does sometimes, it makes for good practice from what he has told me.”
Kolivan said "If you could explain how you arrived here, it would be very informative." He then gestured to his ship "Perhaps we can have some… tea? As the princesses are fond of doing."
I nodded “Sure, we can do that.”
Kolivan guided us onto the ship he arrived, it was far more advanced than anything I have seen. Grogar didn’t look surprised, he must have seen this before. After a minute Kolivan informed us as he piloted the ship “I've sent a message to the princesses. They'll be expecting us in the hangar.”
I raised an eyebrow as Diego asked “ETA?” I guess that mean estimated time of arrival.
Kolivan responded to him “Two doboshes.”
Diego called back to us "Don't get too comfy, we'll be there in about two minutes."Grogar was sitting there quietly. Diego turned to Grogar "So, have you ever seen anyone do something weird without using magic? Not counting Sarah?"
I frowned Grogar raised an eyebrow.“Define weird, I have travelled quite a few dimensions. I've seen giant entities who can eat planets, mortals who grow to the strength of gods. Worlds where people hunt vampires, worlds invaded by armies of the undead created by a biological contaminant. Weird has lost all meaning for me.”
Diego asked "You sure get around. Well, have you seen any worlds where people can absorb and emit things through genetic abilities?"
Grogar nodded “You refer to the superhumans known as Conduits. Yes but I didn’t think they would be present in any world that was not Earth. Your world is full of surprises.”
Diego replied "Conduits. Cool name. So, they exist on parallel earths? That's weird. Then again, so are we."
The three of us then heard Kolivan call from the cockpit "Coming in for landing."
Diego said as he made his way to the door "Well, time to face the music. I better go out first, just to be safe." The door automatically opened, Grogar summoned a lemonade from somewhere. I shrugged as Diego walked down the staircase that somehow extended from the ship.
Both of us heard Luna’s voice "Diego? Are you alright? You seem tense." This was an interesting day.
We heard Diego tell someone who we guessed was Luna "Fine, just… don't freak out." Given what this world’s version of Grogar was like I could understand that.
Luna responded before trailing off as she looked at us "Freak out? Why would I…"The guard escorting her and this world’s Celestia behind her pointed their weapons at Grogar.
Celestia exclaimed loudly “Grogar?!” I groaned, really Celestia. Great way to cause a panic.
I rubbed my forehead as Luna demanded "Diego… why is he here? And not in chains?"
Diego responded "That question has a valid but long answer which I would rather not discuss here. Can we go to your study?"Grogar didn’t seemed phased bay any of this, it made sense. He was a self made god, he had no reason to fear anyone here.
Luna ordered looking between us "Very well. I expect a detailedexplanation of why he is here. And who they are."
I shrugged as Diego responded "Of course. Let's go."We followed him, a lot of the technology was far more advanced than anything I could recognise. I couldn’t name any of them. Grogar got a lot of stares even as we entered the castle which did look different from the one I knew. The doors where definitely designed for humans, not ponies. We entered Luna's’ study, we all took seats at a circular table.
Luna wasn’t happy about Grogar from her tone “Explain. Now.”
Diego turned to us "Do… you want to explain it again or should I?"
I nodded to Diego “I will.” I then turned to Luna “We are from another version of this world but everyone from your nation are ponies.” I conjured up an image of my world’s Luna. She continued “Grogar is from my world and he has proven to be of good trust. Besides, if even half of what he says is true, he could destroy the entire planet before breakfast with a click of his fingers. If he wanted to cause harm he would have done so.” Luna looked to Diego for confirmation. He nodded to her.
Luna asked us "Very well. How did you arrive here?”
I frowned “Well I created an object that can be sent to others like me, Displaced. People who are sent to other worlds in a new form for one reason or another. This object allows other Displaced to summon us, this object can be anything but we must infuse our will into it. As for Grogar, he decided to tag along. Now I made mine using this.” I pulled out my lighter.
Luna held her hand out to me “May I see that?”
My eyes narrowed as I dropped it into Luna’s hand “I gained all the memories and feelings of the person who I became over time. This is very precious to me, so be gentle or I’m not sure that anyone other than Grogar could stop my rage.” I watched intently as Luna she studied the object, opening it up lighting it. I grimaced as her horn lit up, levitating my lighter into the air. I jumped a bit as my lighter vanished in a puff of fire, appearing right in front of me. I didn’t know it could do that. Another lighter then appeared with a bit of grass on it in front of Diego.
Diego exclaimed "Where the heck did this come from?” After a few moments he said as I picked up my lighter “I see.”
Luna said "That lighter is very strange. I do not wish to touch it again."
I smiled “That’s good, I prefer it that way.” I’m glad she didn't break it but that didn't mean I wanted her to handle it again.
I grimaced as I felt Daybreaker travelling along our link, suddenly Daybreaker materialised in front of everyone but she looked different from how she looked at home.She was wearing fiery orange armour and had claws coming out of her hands and feet. Her hair still appeared like it was made of fire which was good.
Daybreaker shouted at me “Where did you go?! I couldn’t find you anywhere!”
I sighed “I was summoned to another world, you didn’t even try to ping me over the link.”
Luna seemed to walk through shadows onto the table, she was standing between Daybreaker and this world’s Celestia. She shouted “Who is this?!”
Diego asked "Ditto. Sarah, who is this?"
I sighed. This was going to be a huge drag. “She is the embodiment of everything my version of Celestia repressed, similar to how Nightmare Moon was the embodiment of all of your bottled up resentments. She’s not bad, she is actually good company. Her name is Daybreaker by the way.”
I grumbled under my breath as Celestia’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks as he stared at Daybreaker, the Sun Princess proceeded tightly squeeze the armrests of her chair. I surprised the chair didn’t shatter to be honest. I also noticed Luna was staring at Daybreaker with trepidation. Luna hesitantly holding out her hand "V-very well. Greetings… Daybreaker."
Daybreaker smiled as she took Luna’s hand “Much like Nightmare Moon had the same goals as you, just had a different way of going about it. I’m Celestia with different ways of getting what she wants or denies that she wants. I’m the fun one unlike your boring sister who wouldn’t know fun if it hit her flank several times with a sledgehammer.”
Daybreaker shook her hand as Luna snorted at what Daybreaker said "While I do not agree with your statement, that is a humorous image." I smirked slightly, that eased the tension fast which was good. My smirk widened as Celestia pouted, Luna added as she sunk into what I guessed where shadow and reappeared in her seat "Oh come now sister, I am only joking."
Daybreaker grinned “That’s quite the ability, the Luna from our world can’t do anything like that.” She then frowned “She doesn't like me that much.” I grimaced, yeah because she rendered Celestia so weak. That is a point of contention.
Luna responded slowly "Well, I shall try to remain civil despite my… anxiety."
I did owe an explanation, at least in part. I grimaced “That is kind of my fault, I had an altercation with my Celestia and in trying to defend myself I tore Daybreaker out of Celestia. As such my worlds’ Celestia had her size and magical power drastically reduced. Despite this Luna puts most of the blame onto Daybreaker.”
Celestia stared at me for a moment before asking "Well, now that you are here, I must ask what you plan to do while you are here?"
I shrugged “Nothing much, I mean. Unless you have some otherworldly threat I’d rather just relax. I mean Grogar is already doing so.” I point to Grogar drinking out of coconut on a hammock. Honestly, he is very good at pulling off weird things silently.
Celestia stared at him before glaring at him “He reminds me of Discord.”
Diego then interjected “Speaking of. What is your Discord like?”
I sighed as Grogar pulled out a rubber chicken out of thin air “Well as the person who taught him everything he knows about Chaos, he likes hitting everyone with rubber chickens. He is also the reason I was forgotten. A good way to stop my Discord from annoying you is to him with a rubber chicken. If you beat him in the rubber chicken duel he will leave you alone for at least 24 hours while he goes to challenge others to chicken duels.”
Celestia explained to us "Our Discord is nothing like that. He is much more destructive than he is chaotic. Ours is also your- our Grogar's son. He shares his father's pension for manipulation."
Grogar rubbed his chin “I could deal with them if you want. It wouldn't be hard.”
I rubbed my forehead Grogar smirked clicking his fingers, suddenly this world's Discord and his father appear in a giant floating bubble above our heads. Just another day with Grogar. Discord exclaimed "Huh? Hah?! What are we doing here?!" He then noticed us "Father! I thought you said you weren't going to clone yourself!"
Their Grogar denied it "I-I-I wasn't! He isn't me! He's… some sort of imposter!"
My version of Grogar smirked “You are not unique, there are multiple versions of this world and each one has a version of you. Unlike you however I can see and travel to these other worlds as well as countless others. My powers far exceed yours, after all magic really can do anything if you have enough power and vision. I have studied magic for many millennia. I was my world’s first master of magic and the only reason I was defeated was because all of my students worked together. Still most of them were mortal and I wasn’t. The only student of mine left is my world’s version of Discord. Now then to get rid of you.”
He clicked his fingers and Discord was wrapped around Grogar. He then shrunk the bubble and put it in a jar. He then tapped it with a small bit of magic, which I could tell that he was using to strengthen the jar and seal it. Celestia asked looking at the jar Grogar had made "Is… is that it?"
Grogar nodded “I can create entire universes with what I have learned about magic, sealing away those two was like taking a walk. Magic can do anything with enough practice and power, don’t assume anything is impossible. Push the boundaries, it’s the only way to improve.”
Luna said as she took the jar in her shadows “Magic isn’t everything though. I shall make sure this is safely locked away.” She said teleporting the jar away a moment later.
Grogar smiled “So you are the Conduit. I would have noticed earlier but I was not very included in the conversation. I have seen worlds where they are commonplace.” He then sighed “In those worlds though, they are feared for their great power. I try not to interact with other worlds due to unbalancing them but considering this world is going to encounters other worlds anyway I was willing to help here.”
Luna thanked him, bowing her head "A Conduit? Is that the correct term? My sister and I were just considering calling us Absorbers but we can use that instead. And I thank you for your contribution. It is of great help to us."
Grogar frowned “It’s nothing, just be careful how much you show. It is possible to create conduits by force but it causes their mental faculties to become unstable.”
I grimaced as everyone from their world in the room exclaimed “What?!”
Luna demanded “How is that possible?!”
Grogar turned around and walked very close to us, he whispered “It’s called a Power Transfer Device. The people who gain the powers are often mentally unstable and not able to use all of the power in quite a few cases. If you ever discover someone has built such a device, find it and destroy it immediately otherwise it could be used to weaponise people.” Grogar conjured up an image of the device to show them. It had two metal dishes with cuffs, and a metal emplacement with a strange crystal on top.
Luna whispered "What kind of crystal is that? In the centre."
Grogar whispered “They are the catalyst for the effect. I would advise destroying any you find, it is too risky to keep them around.”
Celestia smiled "Alright. Thank you, Grogar. We shall keep an eye out."
Daybreaker frowned at us “We've got work to do, I doubt we should leave our Luna to handle all the paperwork. Come on.”
Don’t remind me, paperwork sucks. Sarah smiled “We have to go, it was a pleasure meeting you. Maybe you could visit us sometime.”
Diego asked "I'd like that. But, wait. How would we go to your world?"
I smirked “The same as I did, make a token. You need a phrase that represents you. That will be how to recognise others, by those phrases. If you need back up just ask.” He down, he started at the copy of my lighter before pulling out a strange object I didn’t recognise.
Celestia asked him “Are you sure?’ He nodded in response, this was interesting.
His voice echoed as that device glowed "My name is Diego. The warrior of white. I fight for freedom and to protect the innocent. If you seek aid in a time of need, call upon me. If you oppress others for your own gain, beware the barrel of my gun. When you seek the light of a star, call upon me. I am Super Voltron." The device dissapeared, one appeared in his hand and the other appeared on the table.
Sarah picked it up, causing it to transform into a yellow umbrella. She looked at me bewildered “What do I call this and why did it do that?”
Diego speculated "It's called a Bayard. It's basically a shapeshifting weapon. That umbrella is your form. Although, mine's never changed colour before. My token must change according to the person who holds it."
I smiled “Thank you, Diego. See you again another ti…” The portal opened sucking me in mid sentence, I see Grogar and Daybreaker jumping in after me. We fly into my room, Grogar slowing our momentum before we break anything. That was fun, I smile as I look at my umbrella. That was a good trip.